CRA ANNUAL REPORT FY2005-2006
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community redevelopment agency
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FY 2005-2006
Clearwater moves forward with brownfields redevelopment
; Clearwater
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Prepared for:
Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
March 2007
Prepared by:
CRA Staff/Economic Development and Housing Department
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A. Introduction
The Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (Florida Statutes: Title XI,
Chapter 163, Part III) provides a vehicle for local communities to form a Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and create a Redevelopment Trust Fund through Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) for financing improvements within a target area. The City of
Clearwater established its CRA in FY 81-82. The CRA was expanded in 2004 and a new
redevelopment plan was approved in 2004.
Pursuant to Chapter 163.356(3)(c) of the Florida Statutes, a progress report of the year's
redevelopment activities, including a complete financial statement of assets, liabilities,
income and expenses, is due March 31st of each year. This annual report briefly
summarizes the redevelopment activities conducted by the CRA in FY 05-06 and
includes the year's financial statements.
In FY 05-06, the CRA concentrated on several major new projects for the
redevelopment area including facilitating the development of new urban housing into
the downtown core, overseeing construction of the Cleveland Street Streetscape project,
and the completion of several analyses and studies.
The CRA worked closely with developers, the Downtown Development Board (DDB),
Main Street Program, property owners, Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce,
and other stakeholders to coordinate projects that impact the Downtown and spur
catalytic development within the CRA district.
The CRA's budget for FY 05-06 was $1,716,096.
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B. New Activity
Downtown Boat Slips
The DDB and the CRA, recognizing the economic impact that boat slips would bring
to Clearwater, agreed to contribute a total of $1,000,000, over the next 10 years, to fund
the capital expenses necessary for construction and maintenance of as many as 140 boat
slips, docks, boardwalk, promenade and related facilities on the downtown waterfront
near Coachman Park.
On March 13,2007, Clearwater residents will have the opportunity to vote on the
boat slips. If approved the city of Clearwater will move forward with this very
important project.
East Gateway Task Force and Steering Committee
The CRA was expanded to include the East Gateway in 2003. Bounded by Drew Street
to the north, Highland Avenue to the east, Missouri Avenue to the west and Court
Street to the south, this 175-acre "gateway" represents 32% of the downtown area and
includes residential, strip shopping centers and offices.
A key effort in the revitalization of the CRA area is a focus on making improvements
and identifying redevelopment opportunities in the East Gateway area. A City Task
Force and Steering Committee was formed in December 2005 to look at a series of
strategies to stabilize, improve and develop the area. Since that time, staff has been
reviewing our existing strategies, evaluating if they are still applicable and identifying
new areas of improvement.
The next step is to develop a comprehensive five-year action work program for the area.
The first goal for the East Gateway is to stabilize the area. The major strategies address
the key issues that plague the area to include crime, code issues, homeless ness, and high
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rental rates. A second goal is to bring an identity to the area and increase the business
vitality of the neighborhood and engage the neighborhood and business community in
the area's improvement.
The CRA identified the need for assistance
in collecting business and resident input
with a key focus on business development.
Additionally, staff needed a bilingual
person that could facilitate meetings in
both English and Spanish. Staff developed
a Request For Proposal for Professional
Services and one response was received from
ALC Development Group. The consultant
presented her credentials at the August 15,
2006 CRA Meeting.
MAYOR HIBBARD
A block party, three focus groups and a community meeting are planned in the fall to
gather feedback from businesses and residents, address their issues and offer potential
solutions to their concerns. The Economic Development and Housing Department
allocated $20,000 from its Professional Services line item for these consulting services.
Fa~ade Design Analysis For Cleveland Street
The CRA approved the scope of work for the team of Wallis Murphey Boyington
Architects, Wilson Miller, and Swan Development Advisors in response to RFP #13-05
Cleveland Street Fa~ade Design Analysis at the April 18, 2005 CRA meeting. The three
goals that were outlined were: 1) Identify opportunities for fa~ade improvements along
Cleveland Street, from Osceola Ave to Myrtle Ave in downtown Clearwater, 2) Prepare
illustrative concepts of fa~ade improvements to selected buildings, and 3) Establish a
vision for building design and character, reflective of Clearwater's unique character.
The team determined that the city provide grants and loans to property owners whose
intended renovations and improvements contributed to the Cafe Society, limit the
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Other recommendations included utilizing tools in place
like the Downtown Design Guidelines, Standards and
Ordinances, provide incentives that will encourage the
vision, modify the existing Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance to
encourage building owner buy-in and utilize the Secretar< ri...-
of Interior Standards for Historic Restoration as outlined
within the Downtown Design Development Guidelines
for all historic resources seeking restoration.
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program to Cleveland Street from Osceola to Myrtle Avenues and adjacent properties
north and south one block and require all recipients to agree to a set of covenants
that assure their ongoing support and participation in the "Cafe Society" or Sidewalk
Cafe District.
The team presented their findings to the CRA on January 30,2006. The DDB allocated
$50,000 for the Fa~ade Design Analysis.
The Fa~ade Design Analysis received the 2006 Out of the Box Award from the Florida
Redevelopment Association on October 17,2006 at the Florida Redevelopment
Association Annual Meeting in Miami.
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey
of the Downtown Core
One of the implementation strategies set forth in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan
was to evaluate the potential for a National Register oflocal historic district in several
areas of the Downtown. Janus Research was hired to conduct a historic resource survey
of the Downtown Core.
The consultant determined that historic buildings are not concentrated enough in
Clearwater's Downtown to form a cohesive district. Seven properties were found to
be eligible for listing on the Local Register. An evaluation is needed to determine the
feasibility of 27 structures, which may have reversible alterations.
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The Planning Department presented the results of the study to the CRA at their January
30, 2006 meeting.
TI F Analysis/Projections
On April 18, 2005 the CRA approved the Scope of Work for Swan Development
Advisors to undertake an analytical review of the factors affecting tax increment in the
CRA and review the original projections made in 2003. The consultant also examined
the taxable nature of all anticipated projects in the CRA to determine an accurate
projection of the future tax increment. The consultant prepared a schedule of tax
increment projections that will enable the CRA to make informed decisions and plan
for upcoming projects and developments.
In an effort to provide the CRA with more than just a brief written analysis, the
consultant developed a Microsoft Excel based spreadsheet for the CRA staff to use in
the future to 1) estimate future tax increment revenue from the property value growth
in the district and 2) to estimate the potential tax increment revenue from planned or
future projects.
The consultant presented his findings to the CRA at their April 3, 2006 meeting. The
CRA allocated $7,750 from Professional Services line item for the nF Analysis.
Proposed and Completed Residential & Hotel Units in the CRA
The primary strategy for downtown revitalization is the
attraction of quality, new urban market-rate housing and
hotel units. The attraction of residents and tourists into our~
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downtown acts as a catalyst for increased retail, restaurant ~ u;;
and entertainment venues. The CRA and the city have
been working with developers as they progress through
the development process. The three development projects
MARRIOTT RESIDENCE INN
approved in the CRA in FY 05-06 were Clearwater Centre
with 88 residential units and 21,000 square feet of retail space, Fedora Townhomes with
24 residential units and Marriott Residence Inn with 115 motel units.
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Due to the downturn in the real estate market during the fiscal year, many projects that
were approved for development were put on hold so the Developers could rethink if the
approved project would still be financially feasible during this time.
CRA and DDB Intergovernmental Relationship
The CRA, the DDB and City of Clearwater Economic Development and Housing
Department staff has worked well together through an Interlocal Agreement currently
in its eighth year. Embracing the same mission and goals, the DDB and the CRA
have provided for a process that strengthens communication, leading to many
downtown development projects, infrastructure improvements, design guidelines and a
redevelopment plan that has enticed the private sector to invest.
In a spirit of cooperation with the CRA, the DDB has invested in the future of
downtown by providing funding for several research studies currently being
implemented to create the framework for a destination downtown.
The DDB allocated $35,000 to fund a Downtown Computer Model, which will provide
a visual interpretation of the downtown core, as it is today, and how it would emerge as
new projects are incorporated. As the city moves forward with the completion of the
Cleveland Streetscape Construction Project, leading to a new destination downtown,
this computer model will serve as an invaluable tool in recruiting upscale retail stores
and restaurants into the downtown.
The DDB is also active in supporting Clearwater's annual events
in Coachman Park and at the Harborview Center. The 53rd Annual
Fun 'n Sun Parade on Cleveland Street, the world renowned
Clearwater Jazz Holiday, the yearly Festival of Trees fundraiser for
the Upper Pinellas County Association for Retarded Citizens, the
Fourth ofJuly Clearwater Celebrates America three-day event in
the park, the Hispanic Heritage Festival and the State of Florida
Chili Championship are just a few of the many events celebrated
and enjoyed by our residents and visitors from around the world.
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JAZZ H 0 LI DAY
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Downtown Marketing and Implementation Plan
The DDB solicited proposals for a public relations and marketing firm, who would
work on a project basis, specifically to promote downtown and its businesses during the
estimated 12 to 18 month construction of the Cleveland Streets cape Project. Vaughn
Wedeen Creative, Inc., based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was selected to develop
and implement a comprehensive marketing plan for downtown Clearwater, including
consulting with downtown businesses, developing a media strategy to coordinate a
marketing campaign and to establish a clear identity for downtown and the DDB.
After assessing opportunities and challenges for the merchants and stakeholders
and examining programs and initiatives, Vaughn Wedeen Creative, Inc. provided
recommendations to communicate the vision and benefits of the construction project,
promote the future of downtown Clearwater as a destination, develop an ongoing public
relations program and create a brand identity for Cleveland Street.
The DDB allocated $20,000 for professional services to undertake this project. A draft
report was developed outlining a preliminary strategy, message, budget, implementation
plan and timeline and was presented to the DDB at a special meeting on August 30,
2006. Vaughn Wedeen Creative, Inc., with direction from the board, finalized the
report including draft designs of proposed materials, budget for material development,
printing and fabrication in late September 2006.
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Holiday Lighting
The DDB is actively involved with Main Street activities
and financially supports the Main Street Program. The
official lighting ceremony is one of the festive events
sponsored, in part, by the DDB in cooperation with the
Main Street Program and the City of Clearwater. This year, ,
the holiday lighting on Cleveland Street was installed along ,
building rooftops in order to show holiday spirit while
accommodating the streetscape construction. Attendees
at this year's Holiday Tree lighting enjoyed music from
the Clearwater High School Tornado Marching Band, the
Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church Peace Band and
the Skycrest Elementary School Chorus followed by the
screening of a holiday movie classic at Peace Memorial's H 0 LID A Y L I G H TIN G
Roebling Hall.
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C. Multi-year Projects and
Commitments
Clearwater Automotive Salvage Yard
Long an impediment to the future redevelopment around the Town Lake area, an
automotive junkyard was acquired by the city in October 2003 through an exchange
of real property between the City and Clearwater Mall, LLC. The land value of the
exchange was $1.2 million. This exchange contract resulted in a remnant parcel
(Miller Property) that the CRA acquired (with a $48,000 loan from the DDB) which
consolidates the block into a potential redevelopment site.
Given the prior uses of the site as a foundry
and an automotive scrap yard, the City hired
Tampa Bay Engineering (TBE) to assess the
environmental issues at the site. TBE prepared
the Brownfields Site Rehabilitation Agreement ,:
(BSRA) for the city and submitted to the Florida .~
Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP). After approval was received by
the FDEP, the unsafe houses located on the
Washington Avenue parcels were demolished. C LEA R W ATE R A U TO MOT I V E
The City also conducted a pre-demolition
asbestos survey.
In order to prepare the site for an official groundbreaking and cleanup, a fence was
installed and the property was cleared of vegetation. A contract to demolish six
commercial structures was awarded to Cross Environmental Services on February 15,
2006 in the amount of $52,875.00. The structures were removed and a Waste Disposal
and Volume Summary Report was sent to EPA.
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The Groundbreaking Demolition Party was held on March 1,2006. The celebration
marked the beginning of a new face for this downtown eyesore. The city removed the
structures, and will clean up the contaminated land and put the property to better use.
In attendance were residents, businesses, city, state, county and federal governmental
officials. The program covered the importance of brownfields redevelopment
in downtown, acquisition of the property, the brownfields process, funding for
remediation, environmental issues and next steps for the site.
In order to continue to prepare the site for redevelopment, the CRA accepted title from
the City of Clearwater for the Clearwater Automotive Salvage Yard and the former
Miller property on July 18, 2006. A partnership between the City and the CRA was
established to jointly complete the environmental remediation. This was accomplished
on July 18,2006 through an Interlocal Agreement between the CRA and the City
of Clearwater, which outlined responsibilities for the environmental cleanup of site.
Also, on July 18, 2006, the City awarded Jameson Environmental the contract for
the excavation and offsite disposal of building foundations and sub-grade structures
(including tanks/sumps), excavation, staging and offsite disposal of contaminated debris
for the sum of $218,491.26. These funds came from the City's Brownfields Revolving
Loan Cleanup Fund as a loan to the CRA. These loan funds will need to be returned
once the redevelopment/disposal of the site occurs.
Multi-plex Movie Theatre in Downtown Clearwater
On February 13, 2004, the CRA released a RFPQ to select a qualified developer to
develop a multi-plex movie theatre in downtown Clearwater. Two developers 1) The
Beck Group and 2) Clearwater Development, LLC submitted proposals on June 30,
2004. Beck Development was eliminated due to being non-responsive. Clearwater
Development, LLC was short-listed and selected for an interview. The Selection
Committee met again August 27, 2004 to interview Clearwater Development, LLC and
their identified movie theatre operator, AmStar Entertainment, LLC. The Community
Development Board approved the project November 22, 2005.
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The CRA has been negotiating the terms and conditions of a Development Agreement
for developing the movie theatre complex in conjunction with the approved mixed-
use development on their site. Due to the current market conditions, the Developer is
reviewing the design and construction costs of the project. The Developer is scheduled
to make a presentation concerning going forward with the project before the CRA in
December 2006.
Station Square Parking Lot Redevelopment Project
In order to spur catalytic redevelopment in the downtown core, the CRA made one of
its prime real estate sites, the Station Square Parking Lot site, available for mixed-use
redevelopment to include new urban housing and retail in the Downtown core.
The CRA owned the 35,968+/- square-foot site, which was used as a public surface
parking lot. The CRA issued a RFPQ in May 2003 for the redevelopment of the
Station Square Parking Lot Site on Cleveland Street as an office/retail/residential
infill development. In July 2003, the CRA selected Beck, LLC as the developer for the
project and authorized the negotiation of a Development Agreement, approved in
February 2004. The project contains 126 residential condominiums, 10,000 square feet
of restaurant/retail space and 326 parking spaces, of which, 100 will be public. The
developer, once financing was obtained, paid fair market value for the Station Square
Parking Lot property for $720,000 plus accrued interest at 4%.
The Developer also agreed to sell to the CRA 100 parking spaces, which will be made
available to the public. The CRA and City will assume responsibility to purchase these
spaces for $12,500 per space for a total of $1,250,000.
The CRA also agreed to pay for the developer's impact fees once the building is
completed. The CRA allocated $460,000 from the City's portion of the nF generated by
the project to pay for the impact fees over a two-year period, one year after the project
receives its Certificate of Completion.
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On May 2, 2005, the CRA agreed to amendments to the Development Agreement
which: changed the name to properly reflect the new Owner/Developer, revised
the square footage of retail required to 10,000 square feet, amended the number of
parking spaces to 296, reflected the actual closing date of August 25, 2004, requested
an extension of time to commence construction, and requested an extension of 540
days after closing before the CRA can exercise its option to repurchase the site if the
Developer did not commence construction on time.
The Development Agreement allowed the use of
Station Square Park, a passive urban park to the
west of the project, as a construction staging area.
It was the original intent of the agreement that
the construction on the improvements to the park
would begin once the Station Square Condominium
project was completed. This would coincide with
the completion of the Cleveland Street Streetscape
Project. When the streetscape project bids were
received for the Streetscape Construction Project,
the City chose to delete the Station Square Park
improvements from the Scope of Work and schedule
this project for a future fiscal year.
STATION SQUARE
CONDOMINIUMS
In March 2006, Station Square Park demolition began with the removal of tables,
seating and trees deemed substandard by the City's Arborist. During the first week of
April 2006, City Staff demolished the planters, walls and the performance stage area.
Two Station Square Park food vendors were relocated to the western edge of the park
and Biltmore Construction fenced in the staging area.
This project has suffered delays due to a change in the owner/developer, as well as
changes in the residential condominium market. Although construction was expected
to begin in May of 2006, construction is anticipated to commence in December 2006.
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Cleveland Streetscape - Phase 1 Construction
Creating a pedestrian-friendly downtown environment,
coupled with significant entrance and directional signage is
a key element of the Downtown revitalization strategy. The
city retained Bellomo- Herbert and Company, Landscape
Architects in August 2002 to develop a Master Streets cape
and Wayfinding Program for Downtown (including the
expanded CRA area). The firm prepared a Streetscape and
Wayfinding Master Plan as well as conceptual plans for the
expansion of Coachman Park and the redevelopment of
Station Square Park.
CLEVELAND STREETSCAPE
The firm finalized construction drawings for the streetscape improvements on
Cleveland Street between Osceola and Myrtle Avenues and Station Square Park.
Bellomo- Herbert received a construction cost estimate from an independent
streetscape contractor. The City of Clearwater exercised due diligence by exploring a
contracting measure used by the state whereby a common state contractor could be
used. It was determined that the City could not use this mechanism and the contract
went out for bid. David Nelson Construction, Inc. and Gibbs and Register, Inc.
responded with both bids coming in at a considerable amount over budget.
Bellomo- Herbert representatives, along with CRA and Engineering Department staff,
reviewed the construction documents and agreed on a value engineering strategy
that kept the essence of the design and proposed other deductions to the scope of the
contract that would reduce the construction cost. One of the items delayed was the
construction of Station Square Park. The CRA agreed to let the Developers of the
Station Square Condominium Project use the park as a staging area.
The contract was awarded to Gibbs & Register on April 17, 2006, a Winter Haven firm,
and construction began June 12, 2006. The $9 million construction cost will be funded
from Penny for Pinellas ($3.42 million), from the CRA ($1.332 million), from a FDOT
Grant ($280 thousand) and the remainder will come from Utility funds.
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Mediterranean Village
On March 7, 2002, the City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement between
the city and CRA regarding the Brownfields site initially known as Dimmitt Chevrolet
Property B to facilitate the proposed redevelopment of the site (now called the
Mediterranean Village in the Park Townhomes). The CRA purchased the land and is
paying impact fees, permit fees, utility connections fees and stormwater fees for this
100-unit residential project estimated at $18 million. The city has committed to certain
environmental remediation on the property pursuant to the BSRA entered into between
the city and FDEP on July 26,2001. The city completed the environmental remediation
of the property in August 2004.
On August 15,2005, the CRA accepted title to a 2,317.46-square-foot portion of the
former south half right-of-way of Park Street, vacated by the city on August 4,2005.
This parcel is necessary to convey the entirety of the property for Stage II to
the Developer.
The CRA in FY 05-06 covered some additional legal fees to complete the required
actions of the Agreement ($9,354.15 for ongoing environmental legal advice). The
CRA also covered the maintenance of the property ($2,072 for landscaping services and
$4,456 for fencing).
The City requested a letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) confirming that the City had completed rehabilitation of contaminated soils
at the site and will address the Site's remaining groundwater contamination through
an approved plan for natural attenuation with monitoring. A memo dated May 25,
2005 stated that the FDEP Department Office of Counsel had the Restrictive Covenant
Agreement for groundwater under review. However, the timeframe to obtain this
document from FDEP involved many months and involved the City's legal counsel.
A Restrictive Covenant agreement was approved by FDEP on August 29, 2006 to
prevent the use of groundwater at the site, to reduce or eliminate the risk of exposure of
the contaminants to the environment and to users or occupants of the property, and to
reduce or eliminate the threat of migration of the contaminants.
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The only environmental issue remaining is the monitoring of the groundwater. FDEP
approved a Groundwater Monitoring Plan (MOP) for this site in June 2004. Monitoring
wells will be installed once construction is completed or no more than 2 years from
the date of the Comfort Letter, whichever is sooner. Following well installation,
groundwater monitoring will continue until four quarterly monitoring events show that
Residential Groundwater Cleanup Target levels (GCTLs) are acceptable.
The City received the Comfort Letter, dated August 29, 2006, on September 6, 2006.
Notice was given to the Developer on September 13, 2006 of the CRA's intent to close on
Stage II in 30 days.
IMR/CRUM Site 11- 1180 Cleveland Street
The CRA approved the original Development Agreement with Information Management
Resources, Inc. (IMR) on October 27, 1998 for the purchase of 1.23-acre site in the
amount of $131,770. IMR sold the site on March 10, 2000 to Paul Simone or assignees
for a proposed hotel development. The Development Agreement was amended to allow
construction of 55 hotel rooms. In order to have the CRA reimburse the project's impact
fees, the project was required to commence by October 2003. Additionally, if the project
did not commence by October 2003, the Developer would be required to pay $35,000 to
the CRA. The $35,000 represents the difference between the Purchase Price of the site
and the Estimated Fair Market Value of the site.
Two extensions were granted, one in October 2003 for 12 months and one in October
2004 for 6 months. The extensions were granted, in most part, because of the downturn
in the tourism economy due to the events of September 11,2001 and the fact that IMR
was purchased by CGI.
A third extension, for a 12-month time frame was requested on March 2, 2005. The
CRA, at their April 18, 2005, meeting denied this request. The CRA saw no benefit in
extending the commencement date for the project. The CRA is not obligated to pay for
impact fees and received the $35,000 reimbursement on November 17,2005.
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IMR/CGI Landscaping Fund
According to the IMRlCGI Development Agreement, the CRA made a multi-year
commitment to allocate the nF generated from this project in a project fund to pay for
streetscape or landscaping improvements around the immediate site. The CRA made
its final commitment in FY 02-03. The CRA's goal is to use these funds in later years as
part of a Phase 2 for the Cleveland Street Streets cape Project between Myrtle Avenue
and Missouri Avenue. There has been no activity in this fund this year.
Jolley Trolley
The Jolley Trolley has two routes covering Clearwater Beach and downtown and is a
great way for visitors, residents and employees to get around. In many communities,
throughout Florida, public transportation is a key component of economic growth and
community development and is often publically funded. The CRA currently subsidizes
the Jolley Trolley, a non profit trolley-car system, to provide reduced rate service
between downtown and Clearwater Beach. The CRA's annual contribution is $50,000.
Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market
In 2006 the Farmer's Market celebrated its 11 th year in downtown Clearwater and its
second year at a new location in front of City Hall. The market operates annually from
November through April and has evolved into a green market where several special
events attract weekly visitors, downtown workers, tourists and residents. This year, the
Main Street Program participated in the 11 th Anniversary Celebration, the Ice Cream
Social and the Annual Super Soups Event, making.' .
the Farmer's Market and downtown Clearwater an
exciting place to visit.
The CRA provides $6,000 and the DDB provides
$10,000 annually to the Farmer's Market.
FARMER'S MARKET
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D. eRA Programs
Main Street Program
The Economic Development and Housing Department administers the City's Main
Street Program through a full-time Main Street Coordinator and four standing
committees - the Joint Venture Committee, the Promotion Committee, the Design
Committee, and the Economic Development Committee. The Economic Development
Director, as CRA Representative, chairs the Joint Venture Committee containing
representatives from each of the Main Street committees, the DDB, and the
City Council.
For the second year, the Clearwater Main Street Program has been recognized by the
State of Florida Main Street Program at the Main Street Annual Conference held in
Naples, Florida in November 2006. Presented was an Honor Award for Outstanding
Image Campaign or Promotional Material for the Cleveland Street Streets cape
Construction Tool Kit and three Merit Awards for Outstanding Local Florida Main
Street Program Supporter for the partnership with the Clearwater Community
Volunteers, Outstanding Special Event for the Spring Pet Fair and Outstanding Retail
Sales Event for the Luck of the Irish merchant event.
The committees were involved in a host of activities during the year including revising
the Downtown Clearwater Dining & Shopping Guide, coordinating the
Fall & Spring Cleanups in conjunction with Keep Pinellas Beautiful,
assisting with the Holiday Lighting along Cleveland Street, the Holiday
Tree lighting ceremony and coordinating the 4th Annual Downtown
Clearwater Fall Arts Stroll that included a plein air art competition and
storefront art installations. Additionally, the committies were involved
in finalizing and distributing the Cleveland Street Construction Toolkit,
a binder full of resource information to assist merchants during the
Cleveland Street Streetscape construction period, developing the 2005-
2006 schedule of Main Street merchant events to enhance awareness of
(L~mND \ ~m
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downtown businesses during the streetscape construction project, and coordinating the
DDB Design Awards to recognize property owners investing in their storefronts.
The Main Street Business Enhancement and Awareness Team (BEAT) marketed the
DDB's Alternative Entrance Improvement Grant Program and Business Identification
Signs to merchants. A Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was held on August 29, 2005.
The Spring Pet fair was highlighted in an edition of the Florida Main Street newsletter,
the Main Street Minute. The Main Street Program Coordinator attended the Florida
Main Street quarterly meetings, the Annual Conference and the International Council of
Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference in August 2006.
FaGade Improvement Grants Program
The CRA offers a Fa~ade/Storefront Improvement Grant to attract new businesses and
to retain existing businesses within the district. The fa~ade improvement program
encourages aesthetic improvements and retention of character in the urban design
district. The grant currently offers up to a maximum amount of $5,000 per building
owner or tenant. The funding formula is a 50/50 split between the applicant and CRA.
Scott Mortgage received a $5,000 grant for landscaping and irrigation and Akiva's
Mediterranean Restaurant received a $5,000 grant for new windows, doors and an
awning. As part of the Design Fa~ade Analysis, we will he reviewing this program to
reflect the consultant's recommendations.
Cleveland Street Maintenance
The CRA has committed $10,000 per year for the general
maintenance of planters, bricks, street furniture, etc. on
Cleveland Street and has included items such as bench
replacement, planter rebuilding, and updating the planter
flowers twice a year. Staff coordinated improvements to lighting
and continued preventative maintenance considerations with
Parks & Beautification staff.
C JB
1
GASLIGHT ALLEY
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Planter boxes on Cleveland Street are filled seasonally with a variety of colorful flowers.
Replacement and maintenance of the wide assortment of vegetation is funded by the
DDB who assists the CRA in providing for a cheerful array of color on the downtown
walkways. This was done for a portion of the year due to removal of the planters for
construction of the new streets cape.
Downtown Strategic Action Program
The Downtown Strategic Action Program began in February 2002 as a partnership
between the CRA, Main Street Program, DDB, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of
Commerce, property owners and tenants to identify specific actions for improving
downtown Clearwater. Through a strategy meeting and tour of the area, the group
identified the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for Downtown as well as short-
term action items to be accomplished in one to three years. From these meetings, a
matrix was developed defining projects, programs, and costs by year as well as priorities
for the future redevelopment of Downtown. The Downtown Strategic Action Program
is reviewed on a yearly basis.
19_
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CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
BAlJ\NCE SHEET
FORTHEYEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER30,2006
Assets
Cash on Hand and in Banks $ 518,572
Receivables:
Other 62,786
Land Held for Resale 1,914,050
2,495,408
Liabilities and Fund Balances:
Liabilities
Accounts and Contracts Payable $ 171
Due to Other Government Entities 48,000
Due to Other Funds 120,401
Advances from Other Funds 350,00
Deferred Revenue 62,786
Total Liabilities 581,358
Fund Balance
Reserved for Land Held for Resale 1,914,050
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 2,495,408
110
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CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
~'RCY > ': ~
SCHEDULE OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES
AND CHANGES IN FUND BAlANCE - BUDGET AND ACTUAL [GMP BASIS)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER30, 2006
Budgeted Amounts
Variance
Actual Positive
Original Final Amounts (Negative)
Revenues:
Intergovernmental S 903,594 $ 898,895 $ 898,896 $ 1
Interest Income 15,000 15,000 115,719 100,719
Miscellaneous 58,947 58,947 61,820 2,873
Total Revenues 977,541 972,842 1,076,435 103,593
Expenditures:
Current - Economic Environment 386,770 385,986 247,366 138,620
Excess of Revenues
Over Expenditures 590,771 586,856 829,069 242,213
Other Financing Sources (Uses):
Transfers In 738,555 1,084,887 1,174,988 90,101
Transfers Out (1,329,326) (1,671,743) (2,034,015) (362,272)
Land Donations from General
Government - resale 1,000.410 1,000,410
Total other financing sources (uses) (590,771) (586,856) 141,383 728,239
Excess of Revenues and Other Financing'
Source Over Expenditures
and Other Financing Uses 970,452 970,452
Fund Balance, Beginning of Year 943,598 943,598 943,598
Fund Balance, End of Year
$ 943,598
$ 943,598 $ 1,914,050
$ 970,452
21_
l
~ Clearwater
-~
o~
Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Frank Hibbard, Mayor
Carlen A. Petersen, Vice-Mayor
John Doran, Councilmember
Hoyt Hamilton, Councilmember
Bill Jonson, Councilmember
Executive Director of the
Community Redevelopment Agency
and Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin
Director of
Economic Oevelopment & Housing
Geraldine Campos
r- _22
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