News Summary
The City of St. Petersburg has initiated a 30-day proposal window for land in the Historic Gas Plant District to address the affordable housing crisis, particularly for seniors. This initiative comes as a response to a proposal from a developer for a new affordable housing community designed for low-income seniors. The city plans to honor community commitments while enhancing local living conditions and preserving the district’s historical significance.
St. Petersburg has announced the opening of a 30-day proposal window for land in the Historic Gas Plant District, aiming to address ongoing concerns regarding affordable housing. This move follows a new proposal from a developer for a portion of the 95.5-acre district, which has historical significance as it once housed a predominantly Black neighborhood that was lost to urban development.
The City of St. Petersburg’s initiative comes in light of a severe shortage of affordable senior housing, which disproportionately impacts older residents who are on fixed incomes. Currently, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority operates two senior housing facilities where residents pay 30% of their income toward rent. This has raised concerns among residents, particularly voiced by local community member Langdon Lytle, who expressed excitement about potential developments near Tropicana Field, while also emphasizing the need to prevent the displacement of lower-income residents.
Key Developments in Affordable Housing
In response to this pressing housing issue, the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) has proposed a plan to redevelop a city-owned parking lot into a seven-story, 80-unit affordable housing community specifically designed for lower-income seniors. This new housing development will provide direct access to the Pinellas Trail, aiming to enhance foot traffic in the area and enrich the community’s landscape.
Furthermore, the proposal includes a commitment to giving preference for housing units to seniors who previously lived in the Historic Gas Plant District. Lytle highlighted his aspirations for the area, voicing hope that other development initiatives in the Gas Plant site would also address diverse community needs, including support for small businesses and local workers.
Public Notice and Community Involvement
The city plans to publish a notice for alternative proposals in mid-November, aligning its actions with state laws that require public notification before the disposal of properties within redevelopment areas. Mayor Kenneth Welch has stressed the importance of adhering to community promises while considering impactful developments that meet the needs of residents.
Future Planning and Collaboration
The PCHA’s proposal aims to set a benchmark for affordable housing development by transforming underutilized city property into much-needed living spaces for low-income seniors. The initiative targets those earning less than 80% of the area median income. The housing authority is collaborating with Ascension Real Estate Partners and STORYN Studio for Architecture on this proposal, leveraging their expertise to deliver a thoughtful and sustainable project.
Furthermore, the city is currently considering the inclusion of a master plan developer for the district, which could pave the way for additional transformational projects in the Historic Gas Plant area. The unsolicited $6.8 billion redevelopment proposal submitted by Ark Ellison Horus also includes an extensive plan focusing on affordable housing, promising thousands of new homes and various income-based housing units.
Conclusion
The action taken by the City of St. Petersburg signifies a proactive approach to addressing the critical shortage of affordable senior housing within the community. As the proposal window opens, it offers an opportunity for developers to contribute to a project that could reshape the landscape of the Historic Gas Plant District, all while honoring the rich history and community concerns surrounding this historically significant area.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Fox 13 News
- Business Observer
- Wikipedia: Affordable housing
- Google Search: affordable housing St. Petersburg

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.