The surrogate
It begins with a woman who yearns for a baby and another who is willing and able to give her one. You can imagine the motives of the prospective parents. But what about the woman willing to carry a baby, give birth and then walk away?
Friday Night Rewind It doesn't matter which team you cheer for. We've got video previews of every high school football program in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando County.
ST. PETERSBURG — A proposal to develop Tropicana Field's parking lots while leaving the dome intact was killed by the City Council without a vote on Thursday, after council members questioned if the prospect was appropriate or even feasible.
City Council member Leslie Curran suggested the modified development, saying it may be an alternative to the Tampa Bay Rays' plan to redevelop the entire site and move to the waterfront.
Curran proposed the city ask the three developers bidding to purchase Tropicana Field to present renditions excluding the dome site.
"Everything is still up in the air. Nothing is solidified," Curran said of the Rays' stadium and redevelopment proposal, which would require a referendum. "What is the harm in hearing what those proposals would be?"
Curran withdrew the idea after council members said the hybrid concept may complicate an already complex situation. Developers, they said, have already signaled they would be interested in a smaller redevelopment.
What else is there to know, council members asked.
"You have to let this thing run its course," said council member Wengay Newton.
Under Curran's scenario, the city would be responsible for building 7,000 replacement parking spaces for the Rays, senior development administrator Rick Mussett said.
At $14,000 a space, according to Mussett, the cost would reach $98-million.
The Rays also would have to agree to the proposal, Mussett said, citing a lease agreement between the city and the team.
[Last modified: Apr 07, 2008 05:00 PM]
Comments on this article
by Glen
Apr 7, 2008 2:58 PM
This idea by Leslie Curran makes no sense. I'm disappointed in her, to be frank. Why muddy the waters and complicate the issue? The City Council made the right decision in rejecting this notion that clearly was not well thought out.
by stpete
Apr 7, 2008 2:56 PM
I think this would be a great idea. The revenue generated by selling off many of the lots would definitely fund the construction of several large garages in the area and save the waterfront.
by My Town
Apr 4, 2008 12:16 PM
The Rays are moving to Orlando anyway. They will buy out their contract (chump change for them) and the city will redevelop the site without the parking garage requirement to pay for. Good riddance Yankee carpetbaggers.
by Warren
Apr 4, 2008 6:05 AM
I am so glad that this was shot down. It is ridiculous. 1/2 the revenue generated, 100M to build a parking garage that would be impossible to get in and out of, keeping a down trodden stadium. Wengay said it best, let it run its course
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