PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Petersburg city leaders have postponed the second meeting focusing on the new stadium agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays.

That could push final votes on the proposal to July, about a month later than expected.


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According to the city, the second meeting is being pushed back so city council members can have more time to consider what's in front of them. Officials did not release a date yet for the second meeting.

City officials released a statement, reading in part:

"These are complex agreements, and the additional time will allow the team to complete the meeting documents and allow city council ample time to review the agreements prior to their discussion."

Here’s a recap of what was discussed Thursday:

The latest plan between the Rays and the Hines development group includes more than 5,000 residential units, 600 of them for seniors and over 1,200 would be affordable and workforce housing.

Plans also include 750,000 square-feet for retail space, including spots for small businesses, a grocery store, and a 4,000 to 6,000-seat entertainment venue.

That’s in addition to the office, conference and meeting space and 750 hotel rooms.

This rendering shows St. Petersburg's proposed $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District development, including a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. (Hines/Rays rendering)

The Rays and Hines group will also pay $50 million for the Woodson African-American Museum, minority business development and workforce training.

There was a bit of back and forth during yesterday's meeting, which was only the second time the council has met publicly on the project.

Some council members raised concerns about whether the amount of affordable housing was too low.

Council members also asked for more specific details and recommended some adjustments, which is why the city said they need more time before they hold another meeting, which was supposed to happen on May 23.

“We appreciate all of the time and effort Mayor Welch, his administration and the City Council have devoted to this agreement, and we look forward to making a positive impact in the city we love, our home,” said Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld. “The approach to placemaking, to community gathering, to the environment, to workforce development and job creation, to intentional equity are all best in class; the product of some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and caring people in the world working together to do something special.”