Local business owners to gather in protest of corporate chain encroachment
A social media campaign against corporate chain encroachment in downtown St. Petersburg is raging through Facebook and Instagram as local business owners and concerned citizens throughout St. Pete have posted and reposted the above image.
Which reads: “St. Petersburg needs you. The City has received a request to allow a drive-thru restaurant at 913 1st Ave N. (Old Verizon building at corner of MLK & 1st Ave N). The City’s development review commission will hear the matter at city hall and decide whether to grant the request on March 7th at 2pm. You may be wondering why this is such a big deal. Well, if the request is granted, that drive-thru has the potential to set a precedent in our city for an increased corporate presence resulting in the disruption of what makes this city so great: our independent business, artistry, and culture. Make your voice heard by showing up at City Hall & becoming part of our collected community effort to stop this from happening.”
As previously reported, many local business owners in the EDGE and Grand Central districts, and other districts throughout St. Pete are banding together to fight corporate encroachment into downtown St. Pete and throughout its historic districts. Businesses and organizations including Black Crow Coffee, Bandit Coffee, Keep St. Pete Local, and many others have shared the image and voiced their opposition to the proposed Dunkin’ Donuts.
Last month, the St. Petersburg City Council said “no thanks” to a 23-story, 28-unit condo tower, Bezu, planned for downtown St. Pete. This came after a nearly six hour public hearing with speakers on both sides of the issue. Many opponents argued that the proposed building was too monstrous for its proposed site, changing the landscape that is mostly covered with smaller townhomes.
This decision was the latest in a string of conversations throughout the St. Petersburg about its development, the risks and rewards associated with allowing large luxury condominiums and chain businesses into the city, and how to keep St. Pete growing sustainably. Until now. Many locals argue that what attracts people to St. Pete is its focus on small business and its independent flair, which give the city an early-stage Austin or Portland feel. The city is at a crux that will have major implications for its future.
What can you do?
Whatever side you take on this issue, to make your voice heard, attend the meeting at 2pm on March 7th.
If you wish to submit written comments in lieu of attending, please email Corey.Malyszka@stpete.org
