Dear Members of Tampa City Council and Staff,
On behalf of the nearly 40 regional business and non-profit leaders who compose the Tampa
Bay Partnership, I request your support of REZ 22-114, the Gas Worx master plan.
Regional success requires strategic scaling of infrastructure to improve transportation, connec-
tivity, business resources, and housing. The Gas Worx project offers a transit-oriented multi-use plan addressing these essential factors.
As you know, Tampa Bay is experiencing an acute housing crisis. In February 2020, the average
home cost was $254,000; by April 2022, that number had increased to $406,000. Therefore, it is
crucial to construct additional housing options at diverse price points to help mitigate limited
supply and high demand. REZ 22-114 will provide nearly 5,000 new residences, 300 designated
for affordable housing.
In addition to housing, Gas Worx will add 500,000 square feet of office space and 140,000
square feet of retail, as well as walking and biking infrastructure and a new streetcar stop near
Tampa’s downtown.
Currently, the proposed development sits on mostly vacant or industrial property. However, with
the approval of the Gas Worx master plan, this area will one day serve as a vital and vibrant
neighborhood connecting Ybor City to the Channel and Downtown districts. Well-planned and designed development projects within our region’s urban cores are crucial to keeping and attracting the best companies and talent to Tampa Bay.
This project is a critical step in increasing housing, retail, and transit infrastructure to help
sustain the region’s economic growth.
The investors of the Tampa Bay Partnership represent approximately 80,000 jobs and have a
vested interest in initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents in the Tampa Bay
region, such as the Gas Worx project. We appreciate your consideration and strongly request
you support Rez 22-114.
Thank you,
Bemetra Simmons
President and CEO
Tampa Bay Partnership