Wonder how Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia restaurant is feeling right now?!!!!

The "elephant in the room" that not many speak about with the LENS fiasco is, simply, why not put it up to a vote? If it is such a good idea and the right way to spend 50 plus million dollars and so many people are in favor of it, why do the Mayor and City Council have such fierce opposition to simply letting the citizens vote yes or no. I think we know the answer: it would bet votted down. So if that is the case, why do the mayor and city council (most) want, so badly, to do something that the citizens of St. Petersburg probably would say to not do? Strange isn't it?

I understand that the city has figured out a way to come up with $50 Million that is not from residential taxpayers.
The opponents don't like the lens. Do they have a plan that they do like that costs $50 Million (or less)?
I am one of the 90% that doesn't really care as long as they get rid of the upside-down pyramid, so I am ambivalent as long as I don't get a higher tax bill.
So exactly what would we be voting for (or against) if there is a referendum?

This is like PSTA and their light rail scheme - they want us to up the sales tax 1% so they get $130 Million a year but they aren't sure how much a train to Clearwater will cost. They want to buy more buses so we have more empty buses. That is ALL taxpayer money right out of our pockets every time we buy anything.

so what was the big announcement? is there a follow-up to this article that I missed?

The petition only fires the current architect. It doesn't stop demolition and doesn't let you vote on options.