Rays’ uncertain future affects plans for historic Black neighborhood [Video]

The team’s president made that clear in a letter made public over the weekend. Now, it’s up to the county to decide how to proceed on the massive project that not only would have brought in a new stadium but also a full revamp of the Historic Gas Plant District.

A new Tampa Bay Rays stadium is supposed to be the centerpiece for the redeveloped Historic Gas Plant District, but some like Jabaar Edmond believe the focus should be elsewhere.

“I think the community is an afterthought to this whole development. When we should be the first thought,” Edmond said.

Edmond remembers watching Tropicana Field be built. He said where it sits now is in the middle of what was once a thriving Black community.

“A lot of people …