ST. PETERSBURG -- City Council Chairman Jeff Danner said today that he wasn't sure whether there would be enough votes to approve giving the public sidewalk in front of BayWalk to the ailing complex's owners Thursday.

Speaking to the St. Petersburg Times editorial board, Danner said he thought it was arrogant to blame protesters for the downtown entertainment complex's failure. He said he wondered whether BayWalk's mall-like orientation was to blame and whether putting the storefronts facing the street would help.

The City Council will vote Thursday on whether to surrender the sidewalk and spend $700,000 on security and cosmetic improvements around the complex.

Danner said the decision on the sidewalk will be "difficult. My concern is the precedent."

If they approve the sidewalk giveaway, he said he could see Parkshore Grill or Bella Brava come to the city for help with panhandlers or protesters in front of their businesses, saying, "We want what you gave BayWalk."

Heather Urquides, Times Staff Writer

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