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09-28-1993 . . . . :,' . , "', .. ., ,.. '''.' . ,; . . . . . . Agenda/C 9-28-93 . ! Jr:J'13 ,!", " " :)~ , , . .\,-,;>:"i.t;:.. '.':~.~.:, ~ l.hl ".\..,f.~~ >_ > .,.;",,,,,'..........,.-. AGENDA Community Redevelopment Agency September 28, 1993 9:30 A.M. \ ~I, l f f I f t ~ ~ S ~ ~, i l 5 ~ ~ <' ~ J. Call to order II. Welcome Peter Gozza, Executive Director ~ ~ t ~ i ~ III. Provide direction to Mr. Gozza IV. Purcell letter - welcoming new businesses V. Adjournment CITY CLE.Ri~ ~ ..... ~.~ ..~ .>,.....<""".. . ."> September 20. 1993 ~.....: .i.~; ~~~; (' [Jr. ;!i\'; l"~ I 01\' \.. ''''''' ".)V' r-.f....~~~' \- ,;i..0.:': Clearwater City CommIssion PO Box 4748 Clearwater, FL 34618-4748 ~t'" [J ~. . D~tf: .., r- - Dear Sirs, I am wnting in response to the 9/13/93 St. Petersburg Times article on Pat Lokey's relocation to downtown Clearwater. "Business and civic leaders are hailing Lokey as a heroine for her commitment to downtown. City Commissioner Fred Thomas sent her a potted tree as congratulations," the article stated. A year ago, Beth Purcell bought a dilapidated house in the ailing Clearwater area on north Ft. Harrison. Against the advice of almost everyone she knew, she turned this eyesore Into Nicholson House, something special that has enhanced this stricken area. She believes this area has potential, and believes in the North Ft. Harrison Business Association and their efforts to make the area a prosperous and viable business center. Upon purchasing the property, Purcell set about to obtain the appropriate permits to begin her renovations. Of course the city would help anyone willing to invest in this forgotten area. It was, after all, a major thoroughfare to the bustling beaches, Surely the city would like to see the prostitutes and crack dealers replaced by tax-paying citizens- bringing revenue and business profits to the area. Maybe the city would even lower some of tIle impact fees as an incentive to other investors. Unfortunately, Purcell and the city did not have the same views on downtown revitalization. However, after seven months of paying for permits and piling up bills, Purcell finally began her renovations without the city's help. After almost a year of doing business in the Clearwater downtown area, it is a slap in the face to the North Ft, Harrison Business Association to read of the "heroic" efforts of Pat Lokey to bring business back to Clearwater, I wonder if Lokey would have moved if her Clearwater Beach location was not being torn down? Would Lokey have chosen the downtown area had she not had a built-in clientele? And where is Beth Purcell's potted tree? Sincer~cdl- Melissa Purcell a. \ ?, N. '\= -\- . \-\ 0"..: ~o \.l \\ ~ 34-~l s