Study re-emerges on Albert Whitted Airport’s future
The previously planned controversial evaluation on determining the future use of the Albert Whitted Airport site is back on the table – but this time, the city will select a sole consultant to lead the study.
With only a handful of city procurement and airport representatives inside the Municipal Services Building Monday afternoon, the evaluation committee members returned to the drawing board to review two new consultants vying to study non-aviation and aviation uses at the 100-acre waterfront airport site.
The meeting comes as the city restarted its request for qualifications (RFQ). The RFQ was issued Dec. 22 and closed Feb. 9.
The competing consultants include New York-based HR&A Advisors, which would study the non-aviation uses at the airfield site, and South Florida-based DK&P (Dover, Kohl and Partners), which would tackle the study on the future economic impact based on aviation uses.
Rather than select a consultant to study the two different aspects, the city will only select one consultant for the study, said St. Petersburg Economic and Workforce Development Director Brian Caper, a member of the committee.
During the meeting, there was limited information provided about both firms; however, the two consultant groups will present their full proposed scope of work, capabilities and terms at the end of the month. The presentation component of the meeting will not be open to the public.
Following the 15-minute presentations, the committee members will ask questions to each respective group.
After a preferred firm has been selected by the committee, the city will begin drafting an agreement, a full scope of services and council documents. Upon completion of negotiations, the agreement will be reviewed by the St. Petersburg City Council for final approval.
A budget has not been identified as part of the solicitation.
The early talks
The city canceled the initial RFQ process six months ago as it garnered very few responses, and the scope could be further refined.
HR&A was one of the original proposers along with Kimley-Horn, the sole respondent proposing to study future aviation-based uses.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch floated the concept of re-evaluating the current and future use of the airport during his first year as mayor to identify the best uses for the site through the lens of equity, business and the needs of the community.
The announcement caused uproar in the local aviation community as the airport has operated for 100 years and houses numerous aviation businesses, including charter flight operators to flight training schools.
The airport’s runway also serves as the Firestone Grand Prix’s final straightaway and finish line, a major sporting event drawing thousands of fans to the city.
The start/finish line and the main straightway for the 2023 Grand Prix race. Photo provided by Walt Driggers.
However, those who are pro-development and may not directly utilize the airport, have commented that the downtown waterfront site could serve a greater use.
Albert Whitted Airport Advisory Committee member Walt Driggers, among other members, has previously reminded the committee that the city is still bounded by a federal agreement. In 2021, the city received grant funds from the Federal Aviation Authority, and the FAA’s language for the grant included the stipulation that the City of St. Petersburg must maintain the airport for at least 20 years – regardless of the results from the proposed study.
Hugh J. Hazeltine
March 14, 2023at1:46 pm
Like the Federal Grant, the city also signed a Grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in 2021 for monies received to rehab runway 18/36. This state grant also carries the 20 year requirement to maintain the airport. Both the FDOT and FAA see Albert Whitted Airport as an essential element of transportation system.
Harold Dean
March 13, 2023at12:10 pm
How stupid to do a study now for 2041 when whatever happens will be determined by referendum as was the case many years ago when the airport prevailed 80 to 20 percent.
Harold Dean.
March 11, 2023at2:18 pm
The airport continues the openess of our waterfront parks adding to the beauty of our city instead of condos jamming our waterfront as on the East Coast . Since the destruction of Chicagos Meigs field which was illegally bulldozed we are the only major city with a downtown airport. Albert Whitted and aviation is an lmportant part of the rich history of our city which is why it is referenced in so many places all over town.
Bill Herrmann
March 9, 2023at12:15 am
Agree with the comments posted above.
Donna Kostreva
March 8, 2023at9:25 pm
Bravo to both letter writers above!
Bob Sullivan
March 8, 2023at6:33 pm
Voters already spoke!
78% to keep the airport open!
22% to develop condos.
Stop wasting our time and money!
Keith Bucklew
March 8, 2023at5:08 pm
Myr. Mayor leave our airport alone!
Page Obenshain
March 8, 2023at4:12 pm
Any study will conclude the airport is not the highest and best use of the land for the masses. We do not need to pay for that study. However, for many reasons it is a great asset, such as airport hanger fees, Flying lessons, FAA assistance income, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and helicopter support for our hospitals. it produces a lot of good and should always remain an airport. Does the Williams Park property, produce the highest and best use of the land? I think not, but should it remain as a park, I think so.
Joshua Streeter
March 7, 2023at10:52 pm
By far the stupidest project the mayor could conceive. If you sat around a table with a group of consultants in an attempt to identify the biggest can of worms; the most convoluted, far-fetched, complicated project in the city…
You couldn’t find any worse distraction for the next two decades. Federal funds, a twenty year commitment, a historical use, and waterfront property requiring a citizen approved referendum???
Mayor, how about you first get the Rays on board with the 86 acres that you gave them right before they said they may or may not keep the team here. After that, consider starting a new project.