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Midtown spruces up to lure business
By JON WILSON, Times Staff Writer ST. PETERSBURG -- The first signs of what officials hope will be a new industrial neighborhood are emerging on 22nd Street S, and ideas from potential developers are expected soon. Sidewalks are being installed in an area the city has targeted as a "pilot project" for the Dome Industrial District, an effort designed to boost Midtown's economic strength by attracting companies with jobs to offer. The city will seek bids from potential investors starting in two to three weeks, said Cindy Margiotta, economic development manager. "We're expecting to get proposals from both developers and businesses," Margiotta said. Companies might buy or lease parts of about 16 acres, or one developer could buy the whole tract, she said. No one is publicly naming interested companies, but Margiotta said there are suitors. "I would just say we've had interest from national firms, and a lot of interest from some local firms," she said. "A lot of businesses are looking to expand, and there isn't a lot of land left." Meanwhile, the sidewalk work -- to be followed by street lights and new trees -- is the most visible among several initiatives on what has long been considered one of the city's most depressed corridors. Other developments include: -- Groundbreaking for a business, education and family center is scheduled Oct. 23 in the 1000 block of 22nd Street S, across the street from the Boys and Girls Club and near the Jordan Park public housing complex being renovated. The 10,000-square-foot building will contain a computer laboratory, job training classes, home ownership programs, a family resource center and child care center for people using the other facilities. City government, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and the federal Housing and Urban Development Department are collaborating. The building will be called the Center for Achievement. "It's not only for Jordan Park, but the surrounding community," said Mike Marshall, the housing authority's planning and development director. -- A dual-credit class at the 22nd Street S Main Street office has attracted about 20 youngsters earning both high school and college credit. "The kids really seem to love it. They're responding well and turning out," said Michele Geigle, the Main Street manager who pushed for the program. St. Petersburg College will likely expand its offering for next semester's classes, Geigle said. Courses in freshman English composition, African-American history and college success skills are expected to be available. They would be taught at the Main Street office, 1027 22nd St. S. The Center for Achievement is expected to be finished next summer and subsequent courses could be offered there, Marshall said. -- The housing authority is exploring the possibility of establishing an African-American museum somewhere in the historically rich 22nd Street-Jordan Park-Wildwood neighborhood. In the pilot project area, the city has purchased $4-million worth of property, Margiotta said. Heavier infrastructure improvements, such as water lines, won't happen until it's clear what kind of companies will set up shop. A few buildings remain to be demolished and the city has helped relocate all the people from what was once a closely knit residential neighborhood. Joe and Ruby Lindsey, who raised eight children during their 37 years at 2117 Sixth Ave. S, were the last to leave about three weeks ago. They moved into a house near Lake Maggiore. "They love it," said Isabel Adams, a daughter.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks Letters |
