ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Plans for a new pier in St. Petersburg have been in the works for years and on Thursday morning, city leaders got a better idea of what it is going to look like and how much it is going to cost.
The old pier was demolished last year and plans are now taking shape to re-develop the 26-acre area into “Pier Park”. The project includes two different components: the actual over water pier and the pier approach.
“I am more convinced than ever that the right decision was made here…this design, unlike any of the others, compliments our iconic waterfront park system better than anything else,” said Mayor Rick Kriseman, in front of city council members.
Design plans include an education center and wet classroom, boathouse and kayak launch and a transportation hub, which connects downtown to the pier.
The original budget for the new pier stands at $46 million dollars, but at Thursday’s meeting, Mayor Kriseman said he wants to use up to $14 million of the city’s TIF funds to further enhance the pier district with additional upgrades.
It’s a budget bump some council members are in favor of.
“The mayor promised a pier when he was elected…We need a pier. These enhancements would make our pier a very attractive destination for everyone,” said Council member Lisa Wheeler-Bowman.
Planners and developers hope to come back to city council in February with more information on how much it will cost to operate the pier every year once it is built.
For more information on the new pier project, visit newstpetepier.com.
