As I have stated in the past, the selection of who takes over the Bunker Ramp will likely be a usual suspect, and probably already in the hopper. But all assumptions aside, the mayor has sponsored a resolution (Item #59) to put framework in place BEFORE the developer has been chosen. Cough, snicker, laugh, cough;
Background & Objective: This Resolution outlines the City Council support to consider both a lease and/or sale of the property at 140 E 10th Street (Parking Ramp site). It outlines the goals and expectations of any proposals that will be received through the Negotiated Sale process.
It seems this time around they are trying to get ahead of any questions about who is chosen. I look at this as a good thing, besides who is negotiating this sale, likely behind closed doors.
They still struggle with the concept of transparency, and if used the first time around (they had three bites at the apple) we wouldn’t be in this place.
There has been a lot of discussion about what went wrong with the original project, just like how did a slaughterhouse get approved without conditional use permits, why is homelessness and violent crime exploding and musical chair rotating video lottery casinos.
It seems this administration and council have learned very little from the past, but they are trying really, really, really hard (not to blow out the candles during their meetings).
Who in the hell would want to buy this puppy? It makes the Edsel look stunning. It gives mafioso cement work a bad name. The Russians are laughing. Walls are so 1961. (Someone should tell Trump.). Although, you could fit more Soviet Ladas in it, then Crown Victorias. Maybe that’s the plan. Like Smithfield, the communists might be the answer. They’re into propaganda and murals…. Corn hole anyone?…. What, a demonstration sport for the 2032 St. Petersburg Games?…. Are you kidding me? Then, perhaps, the sandbags could have embedded microfilm in them, huh? …
A conditional use permit is not required for uses that are already included/listed under the permitted uses section of the standard zoning. And that’s “how”. Follow the laws as written. Can’t invent or apply new and/or different processes ad hoc.