CRA

Mayor Jane Castor says council members have been kept informed and explains her frustration was over last week's votes, but remains optimistic a deal can be done that maintains Tampa's role in the project.

Members of Tampa's CRA board have said they may have sought alternatives to using CRA funds if they had been involved earlier in negotiations over the stadium financing package.

In the wake of two city council votes that could set back the project, the Rays brought out illustrations to reinforce their view that the venue is a year-round "economic engine" that goes beyond baseball.

CEO Ken Babby meets with councilman Bill Carlson a day after two contentious decisions by the council and CRA board. Meantime, Mayor Jane Castor rebuked council members, eliciting a sharp response from Carlson.

Council members removed a key vote from an August meeting on using $100 million from the Drew Park CRA for the stadium project, then halted a procedural transmission of land-use changes for state review.

The privately financed development, key to a plan to use revenue from the Drew Park CRA, will include office space that Rays CEO Ken Babby said has drawn early interest from Fortune 500 companies.

Ken Hagan, chair of the Hillsborough County Commission, says negotiations have included a way to transfer at least part of the city's $180 million investment to the county.

The Bucs' plans include a shading structure to protect fans from the elements. Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin says that's an example of a desire — not a lease obligation — as far as taxpayers are concerned.

The initiative is designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.

A letter from a local attorney calls for four members of the board to resign because of properties they own. Meantime, a key vote on the stadium plan was postponed at least two months by Tampa's CRA board.

Board members of the redevelopment agency told Ken Babby they don't want all the future money going to the team. He said the larger community would benefit from what is called the "halo effect."

A CRA board vote scheduled for Thursday could be pushed back to July 23. Meantime, the Rays will meet with Drew Park residents on Wednesday, who have complained about being left out of the discussions.