Although the candidates running for office in St. Petersburg insist there are a plethora of neighborhood issues that haven't received much attention in the nascent campaign, the Pier remains a priority topic going into the Aug. 27 primary election.
This morning in front of City Hall, mayoral candidate Rick Kriseman reaffirmed his opposition to the Lens, as well as presented his own plan for what should happen if the Michael Maltzan plan goes down to defeat later this summer.
"The first step is easy," Kriseman told reporters. "We should reopen the pier to pedestrian traffic while the inverted pyramid structure is closed. Residents and visitors should be able to utilize the surrounding area for sightseeing, fitness, or fishing until construction on the next pier begins."
The Pier officially closed on Friday, May 31. Demolition is scheduled to begin this fall.
This article appears in Jun 13-19, 2013.