Kathleen Ford bases Pier policy on the facts - Tampa Bay Times LTE

[HooptieWagon]

2. The pyramid would still require an operating subsidy,

More than double the maintainence costs of a new pier. When the pyramid was built, there were no resturants downtown, the Vinoy was an empty shell, and there were no museums, etc. Only green benches. Something was needed to draw people downtown. That was 40 years ago. Now there are plenty of resturants, museums, shops, the reopened Vinoy, etc to draw people downtown. Its no longer necessary for the city to subsidize a couple resturants and tourist gift shops in the pyramid. It is functionaly obsolete. What to replace it with is a good question. While I don't think The Lens is ugly, I also don't think its the best fit for St Pete. It could be the location is even no longer the best fit. Certainly there should be more discussion and study.
Ford has long been a divisive force. When on the City Council she was a loose cannon, and regularly made all kinds of unreasonable demands of city employees. Definitely, imo, she should not be leading the charge on any major decisions the city faces.