Tampa should start over with Rome Yard project | Editorial
West Tampa redevelopment needs to be free of improper appearances.
Â
Â
Looking southeast at the downtown Tampa skyline from an area known as the Rome Yard on April 16, 2021. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Published May 13
The city of Tampa should throw out the bids to redevelop the Rome Yard. The selection of a developer has been tainted, and thereâs no sense in allowing bad appearances to discredit a project that will transform West Tampa. Starting over will cost the city time, and thereâs no guarantee what developers or proposals might come forward. But thereâs every reason to believe that developers will remain interested in the site, especially if a do-over affirms public confidence in the cityâs procurement process.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says Related deal doesnât contain personal conflicts.
The mayor told the Tampa Bay Times Wednesday that her partnerâs lobbying firmâs involvement and her nephewâs job with the developer wonât result in any family benefits, financial or otherwise.
Â
Â
Ana Cruz, on left, and Seely Bevan, look on as Tampa Mayor Jane Castor holds up her I Voted sticker in front of the Stanley Cup, after she cast her ballot in person during early voting at Amalie Arena, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 in Tampa. Cruz is Mayor Castor s partner and Bevan is Castor s son. The mayor told the Tampa Bay Times Wednesday that her partnerâs lobbying firm and her nephewâs job with the developer wonât result in any family benefits, financial or otherwise. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]