Following a promising 20,000-signature petition urging city officials to let voters decide on the future of the Pier, the St. Petersburg City Council has voted against this idea and will move forward with their original construction plans for a new Pier.
On Thursday, St. Petersburg City Council members voted 6-2 in favor of going forward with their original plans of demolishing the old Pier structure and building a new, futuristic structure deemed "The Lens" by its architects.
This $50 million project will eliminate the near-40 year old, deteriorating, inverted pyramid structure at the end of the pyramid for "The Lens", a massive oval structure complete with looping bridges, a surrounded dock, and canopy.
There are also talks of additional features being added to "The Lens" including an amphitheatre and garage. Analysts say the entire project could cost up to $160 million.
"The Lens" was voted as the best future Pier design in a contest back in January commissioned by the St. Petersburg City Council.
Many said the possibility of the city axing its plans and letting the voters decide was a legitimate possibility, but as yesterday's vote proves, you can't always trust what you hear.
What do you think of the city's plans for the Pier? Let us know in the comments below.
