Tampa schedules special workshop with Rays, CRA and stakeholders for May 5

The Tampa City Council voted to hold a special-called workshop at Tampa City Hall on May 5 at 5 p.m. to review a stadium/transportation proposal and related studies.

Chair Alan Clendenin outlined a format for the meeting: a 30-minute presentation by the Rays organization, a combined 30-minute presentation from city/CRA staff, stakeholder presentations, timed Q&A and public comment. Council agreed to limit stakeholder speaking times and to hold Q&A after presentations.

Clendenin and other council members discussed which stakeholders to invite; the council named several expected participants including representatives they identified as Scott Steady, John Bennett and Morris Massey, along with CRA staff and others. Council members also noted that county and TSA representatives might not attend in person; the council asked TSA to provide written input if it could not appear. Clendenin emphasized the distinct roles of county and city authorities and said information should be public for the workshop.

Councilmember Naya Young also moved that Relate Group return on May 21 to report on the community benefit agreement and to specify the contractors and companies working on the project. The council approved that request.

Why it matters: The workshop is intended to consolidate presentations and public input on a high-profile project involving the professional baseball organization, the CRA, county partners and transportation entities. City councilors asked for clear, public information and targeted stakeholder time to help them evaluate potential impacts before taking further action.

Next steps: The council will hold the special workshop May 5 at 5 p.m. at Tampa City Hall and will hear a community benefit agreement report from Relate Group on May 21.