Kathleen Ford bases Pier policy on the facts - Tampa Bay Times LTE [View all]

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Re: Save the Pier? That's fiscal foolery June 28, editorial

Base Pier policy on the facts

Parsons Brinkerhoff analyzed the Pier. In 2005, the City Council amended the Intown Redevelopment Plan to include the Pier project: replacement of Pier approach ($22.2 million); replacement of Pier head structure ($12 million); replacement of Pier head retail ($6.1 million); restoration of structurally sound inverted pyramid structure ($4.3 million); and design/permitting administration of $5.4 million, totaling $50 million. This is where the $50 million Pier project originated. (The 2011 council deleted the specific line-items from the redevelopment plan.)

The Pier Task Force suggested widening the bridge from 100 feet to 150 feet. Neither the Southwest Florida Water Management District nor the Army Corps of Engineers would approve of this because they limit reconstruction to the footprint to protect the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve. The city's $87 million estimate was derived from this never-to-be-allowed widening of the bridge.

The inverted pyramid is a significant city real estate asset. It is structurally sound. Furthermore, independent engineers have estimated that the bridge can be replaced and the inverted pyramid building renovated within the $50 million budget. Moreover, a newly replaced bridge and renovated building would reduce or eliminate the subsidy. City staff had advised the City Council that the city made a profit from the Pier leases when the costs associated with maintaining the bridge were removed.

Facts should be the basis for all city decision making. Here, the citizens of St. Petersburg have a significant investment in their Pier. They should have all the facts and have a vote on whether their Pier should be demolished or renovated. Of course, I thought it would be fiscally prudent to obtain voter approval prior to spending millions of dollars on the controversial Lens design. A year ago I asked for this vote. So now we find ourselves facing the Aug. 27 vote where we will see whether Mayor Bill Foster and City Council wasted $3.8 million on Maltzan's Lens.

Kathleen Ford, candidate for mayor, St. Petersburg

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/wednesdays-letters-educating-the-voters-would-help/2129640