Approved - New Rays Stadium, St. Pete Council says YES 5 to 3

Colleen Wright journalist of TampaBay.com discusses St. Pete Council approval of new Tampa Bay Rays stadium & the long journey to get thereCouncil Votes & ReactionsRecent council decisions were expected, with minor changes to environmental & sustainability language The council vote went as expected, with a 5-3 split Strengthened language in the contract aimed to ensure implementation of standards, not just aspirationsMat watched the council meeting & acknowledged the valid concerns raised Contract Language & ConcernsTweaks were made to tighten the deal, particularly concerning the resale of publicly owned land Concerns about "Rays or Hines affiliates" receiving property without clear definitions Council member, pushed for clearer contract terms & transparency Development TimelineStadium completion targeted by 2028 300 affordable housing units are expected by 2030Full development build-out will span 30 years The stadium will remain county-owned, with the Rays controlling broadcasting, naming rights, concessions, & ticket revenues Discussion on the financial benefits for Rays' owner, Stu Sternberg, including the potential increase in team valuation with the new stadium Community Impact & Long-Term VisionThe deal has mixed reactions, with some community members & groups wanting a more equitable deal Concerns over future enforceability of contract terms Importance of written contracts for ensuring commitments are met over time The development will include a fresh food market, though its completion is not legally required until 2045 The project is subject to various permits & zoning changes, with groundbreaking expected in 2025 The importance of timely development to avoid losing the Rays as a key part of the project The project is expected to significantly impact the area, with phased developments over 30 years Continued scrutiny & clear contractual terms are crucial for the project's success & community satisfaction Kudos to Colleen Wright & St Pete Times team for their coverage of the RaysStu Sternberg’s longstanding commitment to St. Pete Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_    Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.comSubscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and SpotifySpecial thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"