07-13-1998
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7-13-98
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C I T Y 0 FC LEA R W ATE R
POST OFFICE Box 4748, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33758.4748
CITY HALL, 112 SOUTH OSCEOlA AVENUE, ClEAR~'ATER, FWRJDA 33756
TELEPHOr-.c (813) 562-4040 FAX (813) 562-4052
C01\1MUN11Y REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY'
AGENDA
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
(eRA)
Monday, July 13, 1998
1 :00 p.m.
Commission Chambers
1. Call to Order
2. Approve Minutes for the meeting of June 15, 1998 and the special meeting of June
18,1998.
3. New Business
a. Authorize submittal of an application to the Main Street Program of the Florida
Department of State, Division of Historial Resources, Bureau of Historic
Preservation.
4. Assistant City Manager Verbal Reports
5. Other Business
6. Adjournment
*
"EQLIAL E~PLO't1.IE:-;T A."ID AFFIR.\t\TlVE ACTION E~1PLOYER"
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Clearwater
Community Redevelopment
Agency
Agenda Cover Memorandum
Worksession Item II:
Final Agenda Item 1#
Meeting Date:
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDA liON:
Authorize submittal of an application to the Main Street Program of the Florida Department of State,
Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Historic Preservation.
r&J and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
SUMMARY:
· The Main Street application is an immediate action item identified in One City. One Future. to help
meet the challenges that face the City in bringing economic revitalization to downtown.
· The Main Street Program provides training and technical assistance to communities for downtown
revitalization.
· The program has a four point approach to revitalization which are designated as: Design,
Organization, Economic Restructuring and Promotion.
. The Main Street program will provide the vehicle for the Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA), Do~ntown Development Board (DDB), the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Central
Area Council, the Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association (DCMA) and the Clearwater
Beautification and Development Association (CBDA) to work together to achieve the goals for
downtown.
Reviewed by:
Legal ~ Info Srvc NA
Budget NA Public Works NA
Purchasing NA DCMlACM NA
--
Risk Mgmt NA Other NA
Originating A ept:
CRA 'ti
\
User Dept.
Costs 2
Total
Current FY
Funding Source:
CRA
CI
OP
Other
Attachments
Main Street Application
Submitted by:
City Manager
o Printed on recycled paper
o None
Appropriation Code:
Rev. 2/98
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; Clearwater
o
To:
Mayor and City Commissioners
Through:
Bob Keller, Assistant City Manager
cc:
Mike Roberto, City Manager; Rick Hedrick, Deputy City Manager; Pam Akin,
City Attorney; Cyndie Goudeau, City Clerk
Diane E. Smith, Downtown Manag~ ~
July 6, 1998
From:
Date:
RE:
Main Street Appl ication
The Florida Secretary of State puts out a request for Main Street applications to be submitted
by the last Friday each July. The State evaluates its applicants based on the City's commitment
to incorporate the Main Street program principles. The City of Clearwater's Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is proposing to submit an application this year.
The Main Street Program is a valuable tool in assisting the City in revitalization of its Historic
commercial center. The Main Street approach stresses publidprivate partnerships. The
program consists of a four point approach: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic
Restructuring.
The following paragraphs summarize the types of types of information included in the
application which consists of four sections. The sections are:
1. The Local Commun ity
2. Local Organizations
3. The Local Program Area
4. Overall Need and Potential
The local Community Section
The information provided in this section is a historical overview of our city along with the
demographic and economic information.
The demographic data is a comparison of the 1980 and 1990 Census data for the City, County
and State. This data enables one to see how the city's demographic trends compare with the
County and State trends.
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Mayor & City Commissioners
Re: Main Street Application
July 6, 1998
Page Two
The economic data focuses on the economic anchors in the city. The major employers, the
regional malls, the strip shopping areas and the transportation facilities are some of the data
identified. This data will help serve as a basis for the municipal resources to promote the
redevelopment goals of downtown.
This section also requires the identification of local organizations that function in downtown.
Local Organizations
This section requires the City to demonstrate that it has an organization in place and ready
to move forward with the Main Street Program. The State wants to support communities
that have funding available to support programs under the four points important to Main
Street.
The Community Redevelopment Area is the program area identified in the application.
Due to the size of the area, the recommended approach is to apply the Main Street
Program in three phases within the program area. The first phase will concentrate on our
historic area of Cleveland Street. The boundaries are Myrtle Avenue serving as the eastern
boundary, Osceola Avenue as the western boundary, Jones Street as the northerly
boundary and Chestnut Street as the southerly boundary. A portion of the CRA budget is
necessary in order to implement the Main Street program. The Main Street budget also
includes the contribution of in-kind services our downtown groups. The last factor this
section deals with is the Program Manager.
The Local Program Area
This section evaluates the bui Iding stock, the uses, characteristics such as the historical
nature of the buildings, and the economic environment in the program area.
Needs and Potential
This section evaluates what downtown Clearwater's assets and liabilities are. It requires
identification of how the Main Street Program can help us build on the assets and to
address the liabilities. The program resources will assist the City in strengthen the
economy, to improve community design through preservation and revital ization efforts and
assist us with a marketing and promotion campaign for the downtown area.
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SECTION l. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Clearwater is pleased to submit this application for Main Street designation.
Clearwater, with a population of just over 100,000 citizens, contains a downtown urban core that
ex-perienccd abandonment in the early 1970's as businesses fled to the suburbs, While over the
time there were many attempts to modemize and update the buildings in the urban core, a clearly
defined area with historic structures remains in the business district. The potential for historic
revitalization of the "once modernized" properties will provide the charm and character old
Cleanvater once had. The Main Street program is an excellent means to ignite public/private
partnerships within the City that will stimulate historic improvements and effectively market the
community's many assets. We believe Clearwater has the potential to serve as the model Florida
Main Street Community for cities of our size.
The Main Street Program also dovetails with a new approach Clearwater recently adopted to
confront the challenges and opportunities it faces within the entire City, This blueprint for
Clcanvater's future is entitled" Cleanvater Oue City. One Future." The focus of this vision is to
bring together members of different communities to ensure a cooperative and united Citywide
redevelopment effort, Downtown revitalization is an integral part of the vision. The Main Street
approach is key to helping the urban core to link itself with the neighborhoods and beach
communities so it is able to grow into a downtown district of distinction. The community buy.in to
the "One City. One Future, .. vision is resulting in emerging public/private partnerships. The
strength of the commitment from the private sector to successfully carrying out redevelopment
strategies is very important to this vision as well as to the Main Street Program, The value of the
Main Street Program to the downtown urban core is the expertise, assistance and recognition that
will result from CICc'lrwater's designation as a "Main Street" community, It will also build a
renewed sense of pride and place within the Clearwater community. The rebuilding of assets in
the downtO\\l1 urban core one step at a time wiIJ enable it to become a viable and vibrant
downtown.
A. CATEGORY APPLYING UNDER: Urban District (traditional neighborhood commercial
district within a city with a population> 50,000.
B. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW:
1. When the Cleanvatcr area was known only to native Indians, mostly Timucuan, Calusa and
Apalachee tribes, clear springs bubbled from high bluffs into the bay. Thus the Indians named
the area "Pocotopaug" which means Clear Water. Spanish explorers, inlcuding Panfilo de
Narvaez and Hernando DeSoto, explored the Tampa Bay region in the 1500's but left no
specific descriptions of the Clean\'ater area.
The First Seminole War occurred between the Americans and Seminole Indians in 1818. The
Second Seminole War began in 1835 after Florida became a territory in 1822. Fort Harrison
was established on April 2, 1841 in Clearwater to serve as a recuperation center for army
soldiers, The Fort was named after General William Henry Harrison and was abandoned in
1841. In 1842, the federal government ended the war by withdrawing troops from Florida.
The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 opened Florida up to homesteading, The first
homesteader, James Stevens, known as the "Father of Clearwater," received his land title in
1842. The land grant included Fort Harrison and hundreds of acres surrounding the fort that
induded much of today's downtown Clean\'ater.
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During this period Cleanvatcr was known as Clear Water Harbor. an agricultural and fishing
community, Samuel Stephenson initiated dtms production in the 1840's by planting the first
orange grove, only to see it destroyed by the "Gale of' 48". Commercialization of Clear Water
Harbor began around 1858 when William Campbell erected the first commercial building in
Cleanvater. The construction of the Clear Water Harbor Post Office followed in 1859, In 1873,
e.S. Reynolds, a Baptist minister published the first newspaper, the Clear Water Times. He
constructed a log building for the church. The church served as the first public school on the
Pinellas peninsula in 1873.
The end of the Civil War brought many Southerners to the Clearwater area seeking new
homes, In addition, wcallhy Northerners sought vacation homes in warmer climates.
Cle.1nvater's tourism industry began in the early 1880's with the constmction of the Orange
Bluff Hotel and a few years later thc Sca View Hotel. In April 1885, Doctor W.C, Van Bibber
of Baltimore publicly recognized the Pinellas Peninsula as one of the healthiest spots on earth.
The Orange Belt Railway arrived in Cleanvater in 1888, when there were only 18 families
living in the area. Henry B. Plant, the foremost Central and West Florida developer of the time
converted the railroad from a narrow gauge to a standard gauge, To boost passenger business
to the area, he built numerous resort hotels in the area. including the Belleview Hotcl in 1896.
The hotel, located south of Clearwater overlooking the Harbor, succeeded in bringing
prosperity to Clearwater.
The incorporation of Clear Water Harbor occurred in 1891 and received ils charter in 1897
(Dunn 1973:22). In 1895 the Post Office changed the designation to Clearwater Harbor and in
1906 the Post Office dropped the word "harbor".
Cleam'ater grew steadily throughout the early part of the century. Tourists and settlers were
drawn to the area because of the climate and the toutings of carly devclopers and speculators.
The first ice factory was built in 1900. In 1902 the first pub I ic dock was constructed followed
by the Telephone Exchange in 19tH. The establishment of tile main business section occurred
on Cleveland Street from Osceola Avenue to Garden Avenue in 1908,
In 1910 a deadly fire raged through the downtown, on the north side of Cleveland Strcet,
destroying all the buildings from Fort Harrison Avenue to Osceola Avenuc. Brick buildings
then replaced the destroyed wooden structures. The first City Hall was built in 1911 at 29 Fort
Harrison Avenue. In 1917, a five-story brick building known as the Coachman Building,
located on the southeast corner of Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison, was constructed.
Cleanvater improved roads. watenvorks and sanitary sewerage systems during the decade
following the fire. The rcsident population in 1917 stood at approximately 3,000 and doubled
during the tourist season, The Florida real estate boom began in c.1rncst in 1921, which
contributed further to the growth of the Clearwater area.
Construction began in 1939 on the St. Petersburg! Cleanvnter International Airport bringing
, easy access to Cleanvater. The city's population increased from 10.136 in 1940 to 15,58 I in
1950. The introduction orthe automobile in the 50's changcd thc face of downtown from
diagonal parking to parallel parking along with the constmction of parking lots. Automobile
travel equated to inexpensive travel for the American public. The Cleanvater Chamber wanted
to attract the tourist trade to the area and initiated the first FUll 'N SUIl Parade in 1954.
Constmction in Clearwnter tolaled to more than $1 million in 1956. Today Clearwater is a
progressive city of 100,517 that attracts year-round visitors, rctirees, families, businesses and
industry,
2
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C. DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC INFORMATION
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1. Population
City:
1980 85.450
1990 98,669
Current 100,517
Seasonal Peak 121.705
County:
1980 728,409
1990 851.659
Current 870,816
Seasonal Peak 911.737
State:
1980 9.746.324
1990 12,438,071
Current 14.635.945
2. Median Age
City:
1980 44.0
1990 42.1
County:
1980 45.9
1990 43.0
State:
1980 34.7
1990 38.1
3. City - Persons by Race (percentage of pOllulation total may exceed 1000/11)
White:
1980 90.7%
1990 89.5%
African-American:
1980 8.49%
1990 8.68%
Asian/Pacific Islands:
1980 .38%
1990 .98%
American Indian
1980
1990
Hispanic:
1980
1990
Other:
1980
1990
.11%
.33%
1.57%
2.79%
.31%
.52%
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4. County - Persons by Race (percentage of population total may exceed 100%)
White:
1980 91.55%
1990 90.53%
African-American:
1980 7.79%
1990 7.64%
AsianlPacific Islands:
1980 ' .43%
1990 1.19%
Native American:
1980
1990
Hispanic:
1980
1990
Other:
1980
1990
.14%
.29%
1.45%
2.23%
.31%
.36%
5. State - Persons by Race (percentage of Ilopulation total may exceed 100%)
White:
1980 84.00%
1990 83.13%
African-American:
1980 13.80%
1990 13.57%
AsianIPacific Islands:
1980 .60%
1990 1.16%
Native American:
1980
1990
Hispanic:
1980
1990
Other:
1980
1990
,..
.20%
.33%
8.80%
12.02%
1.50%
1.88%
4
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6. Median Household Income Mean Household Income
City: City:
1980 S14,497 1980 $18,651
1990 $26,473 1990 $33,676
County: County:
1980 S16,707 1980 $17,236
1990 $26,296 1990 $33,015
Slate: State:
1980 S17,280 1980 $18,696
1990 S27,483 1990 $34,162
7. Persons Below Poverty Level
City:
1980
1990
County:
1980
1990
State:
1980
1990
# of persons
11, 107
10.203
# of persons
105.793
78.994
# of persons
1,143,147
1,604,186
% of population
13.3%
10.7%
% ofpopulation
14.7%
9.5%
% of population
14.2%
12.7%
8. Unemployment Rate as comllilcd by thc Florida DCfl~lrtmel1t of Labor and Emllloymcnt
Security ( at t\Vo points in a YC.lr to show any SC~lson v~lriations)
March 1990 AUf,nlst 1990 March 1997 August 1997
City: 4.3% 4.7% 3.5% 3.5%
County: 6,0% 4.4% 3.3% 3.5%
Slate: 5.5% 6.2% 4.6% 4.9%
9. Whatis the nClucst Metrollolitan Statistical Area (MSA)'! Tampa/St. Petersburg! Cleanvater
to.What t)'pes of regiollal trllnSllortation facilities .lrc located in )'our community?
a) Commercia! Airport - The Clcanvater Air Park is located within 2,5 miles of the
progmm mea. This park is a facility for private airplane. The Tampa International
Airport (TIA) - 20 miles and the SI. Petersburg/Cleanvater Airport -10 miles are the
regional fhcilitics sen'ing our community.
b) Airlines:
TIA: Air Aruba, Air Canada, American West, American, British Ainvays, Carnival
Airlines, Cayman Ainvays. Condo Flugdienst, Continental, Delta. Martinar Holland,
Midway, Midwcst Express, Northwest. Southwest Airlincs, TW A, United, US Air
St. Petc/ ClcalWater: American Trans Air, Canada 3000. Reno Air, Royal, SeaCoast
Airlines, Sun Jet Intcmational
c,) Passenger Rc'1i1roads: nonc
d.) Freight R.c'lilroads: CSX
e.) Bus Service: Pil1ellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PST A) public transportation system,
Greyhound line
f,) Taxi Service: Clearwater YeHow Cab
g.) Interstates and highwavs: U.S. 19 and State Road 60
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Provide a brief assessment of the state transportation resources~
Clcanvatcr is in the central part of the Pinellas County peninsula. Pinellas County is
connected by three State owned causeways across Tampa Bay. State Road 60 provides the
most direct access to CIC<lnvatcr via Interstate 275 and Interstate 4 to the cast. U.S. 19 is a
fcdeml road providing north/south access to and through Clearwater. Cleveland Street the
major state east/west road in downtown Clearwater provides direct access to Cleanvater Beach.
11. What newspapers, radio, tclcvision stations and cablc s)'stcms scn'ice the area?
Newspapers: St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Tribune have regional circulation with
Clearwater Sections. The Clearwater Belich Views and the Beacon Leader are weekly
community papers,
Radio: WTAN is located in the program area and the City has a weekly radio feature. There
arc approximately 33 radio stations that broadcast into the Cleanvater market.
Television Stations: ABC-28 WITS, Channel 8 NBC-WFLA, Bayview News 9, WEDU
Educational Public TV Channel 3, WWB TV WB 32,WTOG- TV UPN 44, WTSP-TV
Channel 10 CBS, City own TV station C~View TV and Pinellas County Public Access
Station,
Cable System: Time Warner and GTE Americast.
12. Is tourism a m~,jor industry in your community? Are there major resorts or attractions
nearby? If so identify them. Are there major events held nearby? If so identify them.
Yes. tourism is a major industry and Clean\'ater has one of the finest beaches in Florida.
Maior Resorts:
Innisbrook Rcsort - located approximately 20 minutes north of downtown and home
of the J.C. Penny Classic Golf Tournament
Bcllcview Biltmorc - this resort. built by Henry B. Plant between 1896 and 1898, is
located one mile south of Clcanvater. It is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places and is famous for being the largest occupied wooden structure still used for its
original purpose in the world.
Maior Attractions:
The region has many museums.
Ruth Eckerd Hall, located in Cleanvater, is the venue for the performing arts offering New
York Broadway Plays, ballet and major musical acts.
Located in nearby Belleair is the Florida Gulf Coast Art Center, which otTers visual art
exhibition and education,
The Museum affine Arts, Museum of History, Florida International Museum ,the Salvador
Dali Museum. and the Mahaffey Theater arc located in St. Petersburg.
Across the bay in the City of Tampa there is the Museum of Science and Industry and the
Tampa Perfonning Arts Center.
6
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The Florida Aquarium in Tampa and the Cleanvater Marine Aquarium both ofTer educational
exhibits and displays of Florida ecosystems and marine life.
Professiollnl Vollc:/ballloCc1ted on Clcarwnter Beach is on the tournament circuit. In addition,
the region has all the major professional sport temus,
Major Events:
The.Jazz Holiday is held in October each year. It started in 1980 and has
successfully grown into a major ja72 festival that now attracts 100,000 people to
Cleanvater over the four-day event.
In tIle early Spring, the annual Fun 'N' Sun Festival is another f,worite Clearwater
event. It offers waterfront activities. concerts, sports competitions, arts and crafts and
the illuminated Fun 'N' Sun Night parade.
The Outback Bo,vl - collegiate football bowl game held in Tampa each year witb a
special team beach challenge on Clearwater Beach.
The Florida Orchestra offers classical. pops and educational music programs for the
residents of the Tampa Bay area. Concerts include free evcnts in Coachman Park in
downtown Cleanvater in coordination with the annual fourth of July festivities.
13. Is there a marked llc.lsonall>ollUlation fluctuation due to tourism, winter residency,
cducatiomll facilities, ctc.? If so, CXIJlain wh~'.
The Clearwater population increases by an annual monthly average of approximately
5,737 seasonal residents. In addition. visitors include an annllalmonthly average of
18.365 tourists. for a total of220,380 tourists each year. These visitors come to enjoy
the Florida Slln, miles of beaches and fine recreational facilities, including the
Philadelphia Pllillies Spring Training complex. There arc approximately 8.000 beds
available for tourists, Also contributing to the area's popularity as a tourism
destination is the fact that it is known as OIle of the safest cities in the United States.
14. List tbe five largest emlJloycrs in )'our community.
Emplo,'cr Name
Pinellas County
Morton Plant Mease Hospital
City of Clearwater
Instnuuellt Transformers, Inc.
GTE Communications
Tvpe of Business
Government
Health Care
GovenUllent
Manufacturer
Telephone
Number of Employees
3.140
2.077
1,544
480
400
15. How many industriall)~lrks are in your community? Identify them and the approximate
number of business and CmlJloyecll in cacho
Park Name
Clearwater Industrial Park
# of Businesses
46
#of Employecs Distance from Program Area
2,230 3 miles
7
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,'.,1;'
16. How many stril) shopping centers serve )'our community? Identify them and
approximate number of businesses in e;lch. Indicnte the distallce of each from the Local
Program Area.
Clearwater is a very urban city, The number of shopping centers located in Clcanvater are too
numerous to provide. Listed arc tbe shopping center located within a 3 mile radius of the
Local Program Area from the Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue intersection,
NAME OF CENTER
Hercules Center
Time Place
Sunset Square
Highland Square
Highland Center
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
Iron's TV
Connell's Plaza
Smart & Final
Unnamed Center
Clearwater Bagels
Einstein Bagels
Morritt Shopping Cntr.
Cyranos Bake Shop
Bilgore Groves
Highland Plaza
Unnamed Center
La Belle Plaza
Clearwater Plaza
Sunshine Oaks
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
U-Save
Smart Stop
Unnamed Center
Viewpoint Video
Skycrest Pharmacy Plaza
Mirrorland Plaza
Kid's Connection
Country Quilts
The Front Porch
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
French Quarter
Antique Mall
Unnamed Center
Unnamed Center
Cleveland Plaza
Island Estate Plaza
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ADDRESS
#OF
BUSINESSES
14
16
14
7
6
3
5
5
7
3
8
11
4
3
4
7
4
5
22
3
30
24
8
4
3
5
3
3
4
4
4
3
3
7
6
2
14
3
3
17
3
14
11
1710 N. Hercules Ave.
1969 Sunset Point Rd.
1861 N. Highland Ave.
1815 N. Highland Ave.
1601 N. Highland Ave
1327-1331 N. Highland Ave.
1383-1391 Gulf to Bay
1440 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
1472 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
1602-1606 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
1621 Gulf to Bay Blvd
1645-1685 Gulf to Bay Blvd
1857 to 1865 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
1867-1875Gulf to Bay Blvd.
1900-1916 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
2001 -2021 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
808-814 Court Street
805-807C Court Street
1224-1262 Highland Ave. S.
1264 Highland Ave, S.
1527 Highland Ave. S.
1219-1293 S. Missouri Ave.
1106-1126 S. Myrtle Ave.
1500 N. Garden Avenue
1403-1405 N. Myrtle Ave.
1704-1712 N. Ft. Harrison Ave.
1208-1212 N. Ft. Harrison Ave.
1711-1713 Drew St.
1735-1747 Drew St.
1738 Drew St.
1740 Drew St.
1989-1993 Drew St.
1983 Drew St.
1808-1820 Drew St.
1834-1852 Drew St.
1864-1866 Drew St.
1901-1913 Drew St.
1969-1975 Drew St.
1400-1408 Cleveland 51.
1401-1417 Cleveland 51.
1230-1238 Cleveland 51.
1201-1235 Cleveland 51.
122-200 Island Way
8
Distance
miles
2.8
2.5
2.0
2.0
1.75
1.50
.75
.75
.75
1.59
1.75
1.75
2.0
2.25
2.25
2.50
.40
.40
1.75
1.75
2.25
1.50
.75
1.00
1.00
1.20
.75
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.50
2.50
2.25
2,25
2.35
2.50
2.50
1.14
1.14
.50
.50
1.60
/ ' I . ~ .1 . \ \ "I i . " , ''; , ' ,~ .' \ " I ~,~. \" \, '. , I \ ! . \ '\ '
,>
Total Businesses
329
17. How many enclosed regional malls ser\'e you community? Identify them and
approximately the number of businesses in each mall. Indicate the distance of each mall
from the Local Program Area.
Mall Name
Cleanvater Mall
Countryside Mall
# of Businesses
110
180
Distance from Local Program Area
4 miles
6 miles
18. Summarize the current develoJ)ment, demographic and economic trends in your city.
Development Trends:
The City of Cleanvater is experiencing a very healthy economy. The City has an all time high
in building pennit dollar values as people invest in the community through new buildings and
rehabilitation of existing buildings. Cleanvater is working to get more investmcnt in the Local
Program Area. The City has thc first statc designated Brownfield area. Most of that same area
is also a state-designated cnterprise zone. Thcse two programs will give the city an attractive
incentive package to encourage the development and reinvestment in the community, Both
prognun are.1S arc within the Local Program Area. Presently, the Local Program Area has
many undenltilizcd properties with a concentration of automotive related uses such as repair
shops, new car sales, abandoned car dealerships and a junkyard, These uses are not what the
center urban core should be, The challenge is to attract the right type of development to the
area. The aforementioned programs arc to be the catalyst to convert these uses. Cleanvater
recently achieved this goal by receiving a commitment from Information Management
Resources to build their global headquarters on a 14 acre Brownfield site. This project will
bring 400 to 700 jobs into the Local Program Area. This is a start however there arc numerous
sites that contribute to an ugly visual image, The City must also try to blend the new with the
limited historical character located in the City core.
Clearwater is tl)'ing to improve its image in the central business district. The challenge is to
encourage more retailers and restaurants to locate in the area.
Demographic Trends:
The City of Clearwater population increased by 13% from the 1980 to 1990 census. The city is
an urban community with vel)' little developable land remaining. Due to the scarcity of vacant
land, it is projected that the growth ralc over the next decade will decrease.
The population is getting younger, The median age went from 44 in 1980 to 42. I in 1990.
Families are choosing to live in Clearwater. Clearwater's job market is offering more
employment opportunities for young people, If the city continues to be successful with its
business recruitment efforts and job training programs. there should be an increase in the
diversity of the populntion ns well.
Economic Trends:
The Local Program Area e'~perienccd a growth in property values of 10,9% in the past year;
this is the second year in a row that property values increased from a previous downward trend.
The mean and median household incomes increased over the past decade, During the same
time period the percent of the population below the poverty level has decreased. All these
factors indicate that
Clearwater's economy is strong.
9
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D. EXISTING PLANS FOR REDEVELOPMENT
1.) Pro\'ide a brief list of goals/objective for any organization(s) currently overseeing
redevelopment efforts in your community (i.e. Regional Development Agencies,
sllecial municipal task forces, etc.)
The Community Redcvclopment Agcncy has a vision for downtown as a tmditional town
centcr to meet the necds of CIc..'llWatcr as the government center, with support of
commercial and retail uses; an entertainment district; a new residential focus and an
amenity structure built around a new interior lake and park. The eRA adopted five goals
to reach their vision for redevelopment. The goals of the organization focus on five
spheres: people, movement, activity, amcnity and opportunity.
PEOPLE GOAL
To redevelop downtown Clearwater into a successful "peoplc place" that attracts, retains,
and inspires those of all agcs and incomes to use and enjoy the community town center.
Obiectives:
Create a community gathering place for all Clcanv~Jter residents that supports the
traditional town center concept.
Re(lJize the Tradition Town Center by introducing new residents to downtown.
Provide cmployment opportunities and expand goods and services for currcnt employees.
Become a destination for beach residents and visitors.
Recognize the expanding roles of the Harborview center and church attendees as a viable
markets.
MOVEMENT GOAL
To redevclop downto\\TI Clearwater with an efficient, high quality, multi-modal movement
S)'stem with supponivc and visually positive terminal and transition facilities for all
modes.
Obiectives:
Develop a roadway system that reinforces the Town Center function while meeting
through-traffic needs,
Expand the role of transit downtown by linking the regional and local serving system as
a means of reducing tot~ll reliance on the automobile.
Evaluate the parking system to emphasize central location, linkage to other modes,
directional signagc and visibility and mixed uses,
Sidewalks are fundamental to re-establishing pedestrian activity downtown.
ACTIVITY GOAL
To redevelop downtowll Clearwater to provide a broad and diverse set of activity centers
that accommodate, stimulate and reinforce residing. working, visiting and purchasing in a
great waterfront town setting,
Obiectives:
Enliven downtown by providing new in-town rcsidential opportunities, built around
traditional neighborhood principles,
Offer a variety of commercial centers to meet needs of workers. visitors and local
residents.
AMENITY GOAL
To redevelop downtown Cleanvater to create and enhance a small town centcr "quality of
life" that attmcts and sustains a diversity of visual and use clements for cultural,
entertainment. recreation and environmental cxperiences.
Obiectives:
Open space shall be used to provide interest. promincnce and continuity within the town
center.
Facilities and evcnts shall be accommodated in key locations downtown.
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Urban design initiatives shall be undertaken downtown to include:
I} new streetscapc assessment and program
2} guidelines for public buildings
3} specific guidelines specific to the downtown district, based on height,
4) character, theme materials and open space.
OPPORTUNITY GOAL
To redevelop downtown Clcmwater to create and continue a process of value creation
action that invests time, dollars, resources and creativity to enhance the value, tax base,
image and quality of life for Clearwater
Objectives:
A positive economic environment shall be created to expand existing business, cultivate
new, local business and attract outside investment.
Downtown marketing and management should be consolidated into a single entity, while
coordinating multiple facets.\
Street private ownership and implementation as fundamental to the plan.
E. MUNICIPAL RESOURCES
t.} What is your form of local government?
City manager/ City Commission One elected mayor and four elected commissioners
2.) Does your local government have: (answer Yes or No. Explain briefly if
appropriate.)
a) A comprehensive plan as defined under Chapter 163, F.S.? Yes.
b) An historic preservation clement in that plan? Yes,
c) A downtown revitalization clement in that plan?
d) A zoning ordinance? Yes.
e) A sign control ordinance? Yes.
t) An historic preservation ordinance? No.
g) An historic district ordinance? No.
h) A design review ordinance? Yes. This for the Local Program Area only.
i) A minimum maintenance ordinance? No. the City is working on incorporating a
minimum maintenance standard as part of its new Land Development Codes.
j) A central business district plan? Yes.
k) A planning and zoning commission? Yes.
I) A public housing authority? Yes.
m) A building inspector? Yes.
n) A staff person responsible solely for downtown revitalization? How many hours
per week? What is the source offunding? Yes. One stalfperson for 40 hours per
week: Thc Community Redevclopment Agency funds the position.
3.) Has the city received grants or tr~msfers of funds form other governmental
units,(e.g.,Community De"elopment Block Grant) in the past three years? How have
they been used? Hal'e any of these activities occurred in the Local Program Area?
Yes, The CDBG funds are used for in-fill housing developmcnt, code enforcement.
economic dcvelopment. employment training, fair housing, home ownership and training.
public scrviccs, rental housing development, pubtic facilities and housing rehabilitation.
The employment training was given by Career Options which is located in the Local
Program Area. They trained 22 youths between the ages of 14-17. Career Options
received $75,000 a year for 3 years to train and place residents in the community just north
of the program area. The program is to place 25 residents wit businesses in the area and
the local program area. This is an cxcellent cxample of the public/private partnerships that
the City is trying to achievc.
11
The City received a Federal Brownfields Pilot Designation and a $100,000 federal grant
to remove the environmental impediments to redevelopment. A large portion of this area is
also located within the Local Program Area. The majority of the federal Brownficlds
funding is utilized to provide Phase I and II environmcntal assessments for properties
located within the Clearwater Brownlields Area (CBA). The City has also received a
designation as the first State BrownJiclds Area and an additional $500,000 in State
funding to provide assessments and additional redevelopment incentives including loan
guarantees and payment of impact fees in the CBA. Many properties within the Local
Program Area qualify for these Brownlields incentives. Brownfields sites are also eligible
for State and Federal Tax incentivcs available for the redcvelopment of Brownfield sitcs.
4.) Are there unobligated CDBG or othcr funds that could be used for redevelopment in
the Local Program Area? If so dcscribe.
Brownfields funding can be used for the redcvelopment of potentially contaminated sites
within a large portion of the local program area.
5.) Docs your community have a designated enterprise zone are? If yes, is the Local
Program Area included in this zone.
The City anticipates a large portion of the Local Program Area will be a designated
Enterprise Zone by September 1998.
6.) Has )'our city partici,)ated in any othcr federal, shlte or local economic developmcnt
programs(i.c., Small Business Administration (SBA) Jlrogl'ams, Florida Community
Contribution Tax Incentive, etc.)? Yes.
Grow Clearwater Fund is the local operating affiliate of the Grow America Fund, a
national Small Business Lending Company and Community Development Financial
Institution licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Treasury
Department to make SBA 7 A commercial loans to small businesses for real estate,
equipment. and working capital finance purposes. The Clearwater City Commission has
make available $1 million for loans to small businesses wishing to expand in the City.
The City has also committed participation in the Office to Tourism. Trade and Economic
Development (OTTED) Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program (QTO and the
Brownfield Redc\'elopment Bonus Refund Program. Both of these programs are
administered by Enterprise Florida, OTTED reccntly approved an $3.7 miIlion award to a
company locating to the Local Program Area. The City and the County each have
committed $236.500 to this recent award.
The City has participated in both Federal and State Brownfields Redevclopment activilies,
as described above.
7.) Docs tbe city h.n'e any bonds or other ~ll'Clilable funds that could be uscd for Local
Program Area redevelol)ment? If so, describc.
Yes. The CRA can bond for infrastmcture improvements. The CRA is the Local Program
Area, The city can bond for major redevelopment projects.
F .ECONOl\'IIC INDICA TORS
1.) Whut are the annual sales tClX receipts (shared rc\'cnue) for the cit:r? For the county.
The city's tax receipts for Fiscal Year 97/98 are $4.913.920. The county's tax receipts
were $10 billion,
2.) How many Idlowatt-hours of electricity wcre sold within the city? Within a related
sen-ice area? $1,399,733,161. The kilowatt hours in service area is not available.
3.) What is the numbcr of and dollar volume of building permits issued by the city in the
lust year? 6,033 building permits issucd with a dollar volumc of $10 1.685.000.
12
4.) How many financial institutions arc in the city'! How many are in the Local Program
Area? Have they indicated a willingness to SUllllort the Local Pr(}gram Area? If yes,
in what way?
Thcre are 9 institutions with 4 in the Local Program Area.. There are numerous branches
in the city, One institution relocated its headquarters to the program area and built a ncw
building,
5.) Within the county what were the Commcrcial Bnnlil Savings lInd Loan dcposits for
the most recent year available?
Based on 249 banks thcre was $11.617,207,000 in deposits.
Based on 39 ~1vings and loans there was $1,820,722,000 in deposits.
6.) What is the volume of commercial loan activity among the fimlDcial institutions in
your city and county for the most recent ycar available?
Pinellas County had $933,834,136 in 1997collul1ercialloan activity, The dollar value was
not available for Clearwater.
7.) Has a commercial revitalization loan Ilrogram been establishcd in your city? If so,
briefly describe the program, indicate participating agencies or institutions and
include tbe dollar \'alue of loans Ilrocessed to date. Is there a design review
committee to review loam Ullplicutions?
Gulfcoast Certified Development Corporation, the local CDe authorized by SBA to
participate in the 504 loan program. This has generated $2,9 million of new investmcnt
and created 37 new jobs in Clearwater. 13 new jobs and one million of new investment
were in the Local Program Area.
A Facade Improvement Grant Program has been established with seed money of
$40,000 that was given to the Community Redevelopment Agency by the Downtown
Development Board to provide a 50/50 match up to a $5.000 maximum award. An
additional $28.000 was added to the fund by the CRA, The amount awarded so far is
$48,000. The Downtown Development Board approved at its July budget meeting to
provide $15.000 for a Historic Fac;ade 1I11provement Grant program, The City has a
Design Rcview Board. The grant review committee usually concurs with the Design
Review Boards decision.
In addition. the City established a Historic Preservation Board on October 14, 1985 per
code ordinancc, This five-mcmber committee, consisting of citizens and professionals
with expertise in historic preservation issues. participates in site review and
recommendation with the goal of preselving the historical character of downtown.
G. ORGANIZATIONS
1.) COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
a.) Dllte established: 1981
Make-up of Board: The City Commission is the CRA Tmstees. there is a Mayor. and four
commissioners.
b.) Is there ~m ;lllllrovcd CRA ,)Ian? Yes,
c.) Has a TIF Fund been established? If so when? The fund was established in 1981
when the CRA was formed, The funds are what make up the eRA budget.
d.) Is the Local Program Area included in the CRA plan? The Community
Redevelopment Area is the local program area. Since the size of the CRA is quite large
the prognllll arc" will be composed of three phases.
e.) Wh.lt sUIlPort activities has this organization provided the Local Pr(}gram to
date?
.. Purchase of the property for the constmction of a downtown office complex and
built two downtown parking garages,
13
d.) Is the Local Program Area included in the CRA plan? The Community
Redevelopment Arc.1 is the local program area. Since the size of the CRA is quite
large the program area will be composed of three phases,
e.) What support activities has this organization providcdthc Local Program to date?
. Purchase of the property for the constmction of a downtown office complex and
built two downtown parking garages,
· Provided funding for the Cleveland Street streetscape
· Reimburses the City parking system so that there is frec pnrking in two city lots and
on the weckends.
· Subsidizes a non-profit trolley system so it can provide service between the program
area and beaches at a reduced rate.
· Subsidized parking for a major corporation to remain in office spacc within the
program area.
· Purchased land from the city resulted in thc developmcnt of a global hcadquarters,
which will employ 400 to 700 people.
g.) Within the last five years, what have been the major activities and
accomplishments of the eRA?
The CRA bought 14 acres from the City to encourage development in the area. A
contract to sell the property for $1.5 million on July 31, 1998 to Information
Managemcnt Rcsources to develop lhe site as its global headquarters and to bring 400-
700 jobs, The cmployee's average wage is $45,000 per year. This is the biggest
business dcal in the history of Clearwatcr and "major" accomplishmcnt in Clearwater.
The CRA purchased the Kravas Parking Lot to provide public parking for retailers
along Cleveland. Also, this lot provides parking for people Clttending events held in
Station Square Park loce-lted west on the west side of the lot.
The CRA purchased the former Maas Brother building in 1991. This building was
converted to provide a small conference and meeting space and has a Stein Mart as a
retail anchor tenant in the building,
h) Budget eXJlcnditurcs (previous two )'e~lrs)
Fiscal Ye.1r 1995/96 $408,356,74 with $68,120.32 going into a special account.
Fiscal Year 1996/97 $1,558,183.96, This includes the paying off of the debt
service in the amount of $1,288,848.61.
2.) Chamber of Commerce
a.) Name of Organization: Greater CleClrwatcr Chamber of Commerce
b.) Date Established: June, 1923
c.) Make-up of Board:
. 9 Executive Committee
. 22 Elected Board Member
. 4 Chairman Appointees
. 10 Past Chairman of the Board
. 3 Area Council Representativcs
. 3 Ex-officio: Coalition of Homeowncrs, Legal Council, CEO
d.) Sourccs of funding: Membership dues. special events, advertisement dollars for ads in
the Chamber guides and merchandise sells.
c.) Budget expenditures (previolls two years) $1, JOO,OOO
f.) Size of mcmbership (previous two years): 1,700 each year
g.) What support activities has the Chamber provided within the Local Program Area?
The ovcralJ goal of the Chamber is to address the many and dh'erse issues of the
Clearwater community through focusing efforts on tourism, membership, community
1.J
III
-
events. communiry rclations, business developmcnt. Icgislative atTnirs and cconomic
developmcnt Within the Chamber. the Ccntral Area Council is the voice for
downtown issucs. This Council concentrates on enhancing the coalition building and
communication among downtown organizations: promoting downtown concerts and
other special events.; and providing mcmbership nctworking opportunities,
In addition. a Busincss Rcsource Center located ill the Chamber provides acccss to
business infonnation, as well as business counseling. Other activities include
relo~1tion infonnation. tourism promotion, purchascd property within thc progmm
area, job search. cooperative bidding program. power lunches, speakers bureau, fax
alert, Small Business President's Fonnn and a fonll11 for businesses to market their
products and services.
h.) Within the last five years. what have been the major activities and accomplislunent of
the Chamber?
· Developed 24 new programs and initiatives,
· Support the Philadelphia Phillics with an annual visit to Philadelphia.
· Assisted with over 200,000 anmml visitor inquires,
· Purchased and rcnovated a building to serve as the Chamber Headquarters that is
located in the Local Program Area. This has resulted in closer rcl<ltionships
between the Chamber (l/ld downtown busincss owners,
3.) McrclumtslProfessional Association
a.) Name of organi7.<ltion: Downtown Clearwater Association (DCA) recently merged
into the Downtown Cleanvater Merchants Association (DCMA)
b.) Date established: 1976 merged in 1998
c.) Make-up of Board: President. Vice Presidcnt. Trcasurer, Secretary and four board
mcmbcrs
d,) Sources of Funding: Membcr fees and Downtown Development Board
e.) Budget expenditures (previous two years): $10,000.00
f.) Size of membership (previous two years ): 60 members
g.) What support activities has this orgaJliz<'ltion provided with the Local Program Area
to date? Assisted in funding and planning for thc Lunch concert series, Friday night
concert series. and street festivals.
11.) Within the last five YC1rs, what have bcen the major activities and accomplishment of
the organi7..1tion? Same as the abo\'e
Business Association
a.) Name of organization: Clearwater Beautification and Dcvclopment Association
(CBDA)
b.) Date established: October, 1997
c,) Make-up of Board: Chair pcrson. Treasurer, and Secretary
d,} Sources of Funding: MClllbership fces
e.) Budget expenditures (previous two years): Nt A
f.) Size of membership (previous two years ):Currently 40 mcmbers
g.) What support activities has this organization provided with the Local Program Area
to datc'! Assisted in funding and planning for thc Lunch concert series, Friday night
concert series. many volunteer hours at the cvcnts, Jazz -up Clearwater Clean-up Day
. 14 mcmbcrs were block captains, creative layout and art work for the ads,
h,) Within the last five years, what have been the major activities and accomplishment of
the organization? Provided $10,000 for the IllLlral projecl along the recreational trail
located in the Local Program Area. Sponsored thc COllcert at thc Trailfest Grand
Opcning Event. Assisted with obtaining llle lighting and installing the lighting on
buildings in the Program Area for the Jingle Minglc a holiday event lighting up
downtown,
15
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~,.-
4. Downtown Development Authority ( or Special Assessment District)
a.) Name of the organiz..1Iion: Downtown Development Board (DDB)
b.) Date established: 1971
c.) Make-up of Board: Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, 4 board members
and 2 ex-officio members from the CRA
d.) Source of Funding: One mil tax on assessed property values and tangible property
c.) Budget expenditures (previous two years)
f.) What support activities has Ihe DDB provided with in the Local Program Area to
date?
. Produced promotional materials - downtown shopping guide and monthly
newspaper
. Provided and sponsored the afternoon lunch concert scries, Friday night concert
series, strcet festivals, Jazz Holiday cvcnt
. Downtown Clean-up event and a Charrette to idcnlify aesthetic problems in
downtown
. Annual design awards presented 10 property owncrs within the Local Program
Area
. Established Zero Vacancy Committee to encourage propcrty managers to lease
space in the program area and provided a $100 prize.
. Assisted Ihe City in the writing of design guidelines which the City incorporate.
g.) Within the last five years, what have becn the m:tior activities .md accomplishments of
the DDS?
. Provided financial assistance to the CRA to support a major rcdevclopment
project in the Local Program Area.
. Provided a Architectural Assistance Grant, a Facadc Improvcment Grant -
$40,000
. Initiated Ihe Mural Project along the trail and provided $10,000
5. Local Historic Preservntion Organization
a.) Name of the Organization: Clearwater Historical Society
b.) Date established: 1978
c.) Make-up of Board: President, Vice President. Treasurer, Secrctary. imll1cdiate past
prcsident and staff liaison
d.) Source of funding: Mcmbcrship dues and two annual fund raisers
e,) Budgct expenditure (previous two years): $5,000.00
f.) Size of membership (previous two years): approximately 275 mcmbers
g,) What support activitics has the organization provided with in the Local Program Area
to date?
. Provided ycars of support work in reviewing archivcd photographic and other
historical material necded by the City for historic stmcturc surveys,
. Researched the history of Clearwatcr in the Local Program Area.
. Highlighted the awareness of the importance of historic preservation for the Local
Program Area.
h.) Within the last fivc years, what have becn thc major activities and accomplishments of
the organization?
. Assisted in saving scveral historic structures, built up its membership and
broaden community support for its fund raisers,
. Provided a muscum to highlight the history of the program area.
6. Are there any cultural or recrentional organiz~lti()ns th&tt h~l\'e programs or activities
that directly affect the Local Program Area? If so, describe them, their actj,.ities and
programs. (Include festivals, thenters, arts councils, schools, etc.)
16
--
The City hosts a variety of programs directly affecting the Local Program Area. Each year the
City has a Welcome Phillics Spring Training event in the Harborvicw Center. It schedules two
parades- the Fun N Sun in MarchI April and the Christmas Parade. Both parnde rOlltes arc
directly through thc program area on Cleveland Street. These parades arc well attcndcd.
The Clearwater Public Library System, along with several major community sponsors, hosts a
two-day Folks Art Festival, featuring storytellers. artisans and folk musicians. in the
Harborview Center and in Coachman Park. Last November the inaugural evcnt attractcd
5,000 individuals, This year, the second annual Folk Arts Festival will feature major folk
music entertainment in addition to national and regional stor)'tellers. The evcnt promises to
grow into another popular annual cultural cvent.
Memorial Day and Fourth of July arc major events held by the City in Coachman Park and
bring thou&1nds of people into the program area.
The Jazz Holiday Foundation hosts thc annual Jazz Holiday Festival, a major activity that
dircctly affects the downtown. The Jazz Holiday Festival is held in October each year. Started
in 1980. it has successfully grown into a major event. It relies on community sponsorships to
raise the dollars to put the program on. It was originally held for three days and expanded to a
four-day event. In the beginning it attracted 20-30,000 pcoplc. It is now known as a major
jazz festival and attracts approximately 100,000 people to the program area over the four-day
period, The program otTers not only top namc entertainers, but also a children's education
program to expose them to jazz, The foundation is looking to expand its programming. The
eRA Manager asked if the Foundation would support the Brown Bag Lunch Concert series in
the downtown urban park - Station Square Park This year the month of October will be
declared Jazz month, A big street festival in downtown is planncd for October 30 to celebrate
the end of jazz month.
Thc Family Services Ccnter holds a Festival of Trees event Thanksgiving Week eveI)' ycar in
November. A display of decorated trees and Christmas accessories to be sold to raise public to
raise funds to support children programs at the Ccnter. This cvent unites Pinellas County in
the joys of the holiday season bringing 20,000 into the downtown. The merchants capitalized
on the event by holding a Jingle Mingle downtown the Friday after Thanksgiving to encourage
people to participate in both events.
The Calvary Baptist Church holds the Singing Christmas Tree in December. This program
brings 16,000 people from within the community and outside the community to hear the
performance ofthcir choir, full orchestra and drama cast Therc arc cight performances with
250 people participating in each performance,
The Church of Scientology holds a Winter Wonderland fcstival to raise funds for needy
children in the community. The attendance is between 5,000 to 10,000 pcople, This event is
very child oriented with lots of games and child activities so children can enjoy Christmas in a
winter wonderland scene.
17
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II. LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
A. Organizational Readiness
1. Name of organization or agency to administer the Locul Prognun: The Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
2. .Date established: 1981 Size of current membership: 5\
3. What were the budget expenditures for the Local Progmm organization or agency for
the preceding two )'ears?
a.) 19956/96 Budget Expenditures: $-108,356.74 with $68,120,32 going into a special
account.
b.) 1996/97 Budget Expenditures: $1,558,183.96. This includes the paying off ofthe
debt service in the amount of $1,288,848.61,
4. Federal Emplo)'ment Number:
5. Taxing Status (i.e.. 501(c) (3): CRA is a state and federal tax exempt government entity
6. List the current officers of the Orgcll1iz41tion, indic.,te their terms of office, and
affiliation, such as rel)resentative of Chamber of Commerce, merchllllt, etc. (If the
applicant is a municipality, indicate N/A or indic.,tc the membel'shil) of the Local
Program Advisory Board if such a hmlrd has been cstablished.) The CRA Trustees are
the officers of the organi:t..ation, It is composed of a mayor and four commissioners. The
tenns of office are:The Program Manager will recommend to the CRA Tmstees that a
Main Street Advisory Board be established with mcmbers of the various downtown
organiz.1tions.
7. What is thc comllosition of the board that will dctcl'mine policy for thc Local
Program? Same as above.
8. How arc the members of the BO~lrd selected'! They arc elccted officials voted by the
residents of the City of Clearwater. The are elected to three terms,
9. What commitment do you rcquirc from Board members. (Job description, hours per
month, membership dues, attendnnce at FMS training sessions, etc.) The CRA Board
members are committed to serve their term of office, attend monthly meetings and to
abide by the Sunshine Laws. They serve on a pro bono basis and all meetings follow
parliamentary procedure aud use Roberts Rules.
10. Indicate what projects are planned under the I-our Points of the Mnin Strcet
Approach: Organization, Design, Promotion, alld Economic Restructuring and what
project money hns been budgeted (hcyond opcrating funds)
Organization:
Create a Main Street Advisory Board to incorporate the various downtown organizations.
Proposed composition of the Board: a member from the CRA, Downtown Development
Board, Greatcr Clcarwntcr Chnmber of ComJllerce Central Area Council, Clenrwater
Historical Society, Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association, Clearwater
Beautification and Development Association and one resident at large.
This wiII ensure that the groups arc working together to achieve a unified goal.
No project money has been budgeted,
Design:
Establish a historic education photogmph e,'\hibit to be hung in selected storefront
windows It will be a moving exhibit as storefronts become occupied. The exhibit will be
a way to improve the image of downtown and provide an additional activity to promote,
18
.;,,:
Historic Museum Gnlnt application was submitted to fund the $20,000 project along with
in-kind services,
Improve the quality of the sandwich boards in the program area. Purchase standardize
sandwich board frames that have artistic design to improve the visual image on the
sidewalk.
Funds budgeted for FY 98/99 is $3,000.
Evaluate design recommendations for street sign poles, street lighting and street furniture.
Assist in lobbying for the State Road designation to be removed from Cleveland Street in
theprogrnm area so the CRA would have control over streetscape design policy for the
road.
Promotion:
Many of tIle downtown organizations arc working together on promoting downtown events
such as lunch and evening concerts, Saturday's Farmers Market. Winter Holiday festivities
and street festivals to downtown workers and the residents of Clearwater.
Cr~lte a new shopping guide and promotional piece for downtown.
Develop cooperative advertising campaigns for downtown merchants.
Investigate opportunities to promote downtown in the City's quarterly magazine
Funds budgeted for FY 98/99 is $20,000
Economic Restructuring:
Conduct a retail market survey to assist in retail recruitment and to detennine a market
niche.
Conduct a housing survey
Participate in the Illulti -modal garage project.
Funds budgeted for FY 98/99 is $55,000
11. Describe )'our long-term funding strategy, describing ~lIlticillated grants, contracts
for sCn'iccs, fund raisin~ e\'cnts, membcr.~hip dues, etc.
The CRA long-term funding strategy is based on the tax increment funding that will be
available as various redevelopment projects occur by the private sector in the CRA, In five
years it will see an increase in funds from the Information Management Resources Global
Headquarters, There arc a variety of vacant and/or llndemtilized tracts ofland that are
being marketed for development.
12. Completc the form on the next page regtlrding income and expenses for at least thrce
years of thc localllrogrnm.
The CRA is 260 acres in area. The proposal is to divide the eRA in phases to focus on the
Main Street program initiatives in certain areas. A three -year commitment is being made
to Phase 1 and anticipate to have a three year commitment to Phase 2 and Phase 3 areas.
These budget numbers do not reflect the total anticipated eRA revenues since money may
have to be spent on other areas outside Phase 1.
19
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B. Public and Private Sector Involvement
1. How will both municillalllnd county ~o"ernments Ilarticillute in the Local Program?
Be specific regarding responsibilities and roles.
The City and County have facilities in the program area and are major stakeholders in the
redevelopment of downtown.
The city is committed to implementing redevelopment plans and has hired a master design
planner to assist in the phasing of development activities. This master planner wiI) be
making recommcndations for the CRA to consider, The City Commission voted to replace
the Memorial Causeway Bridge connecting downtown with the beach, This project wi!l
have a significant impact on Phase 1 of the program area. The Cleveland Street corridor
will no longer be the main tlloroughfare to access the beach. This is going to present great
opportunities and challenges for the downtown core, It will provide an opportunity to
create a more pedestrian friendly retail district. The challenge is to create the mass of
activity in downtown so people wiII not bypass the City.
The City is working with the County on its building expansion plans in the program area.
This communication betwcen entities wiII result in good design. The county is supporting
the program area's mural project by committing to work with a mural artist in designing
the remodeling of the building in order to serve as a showcase backdrop for the mural.
The County is also an active playcr in the constmction of the proposed multi-modal
facility, It promised to deed its land to the transit authority so it can expand its facility.
City staff from various departments provide staff support in the local program area. They
make sure the park is maintaincd. garbage is collected. streets arc cleaned, provide
technical assistance to new business owners to gct open. This assislancc gives the
Prognull Manager lime to concentrate on the Main Street Program
The City Information Services Staff assists the program l11nnager by getting press releases
written and distributed. They provide graphic SUPPOJ1 and printing services.
The City Parks and Recreation statT assisls the Program Manager by handling the
technical details of the event programming. The department books the talent, provides the
sound systcm support. set up and clcan-up crcws.
2, What SUI)port acti\:ities will be provided hy the or~anizations listed in Section I-G
nnd how will these organizations intenlct with the Local Program? Be specific
regarding resllonsihilities and I'oles.
Community Rcdcvelopment Agency (eRA) - The CRA trustees arc the policy makers
for thc activities in the local program area.. The CRA is considcring forming an alliance
with the DDB so that both entities would work as one group. The Downtown Alliance will
provide more coordinated use of thc dollars for programs wilhin the program area.
Downtown Development Board (DDB)- This Board is an clcctcd board by the property
freeholders. The boundaries arc the samc boundaries as the CRA or Local Program Area.
The DDB's responsibilities arc to support the development activities of the CRA and to
promote the downtown businesses and relaiIers. The Board's budget is spent for
advertising of special events. dcvclopmcnt of supplcmcntal pieccs sllch as the Downtown
Shopping Guide and the monthly "Right Downtown" newspaper, and sponsoring major
events, The rolcs and functions of the Board Membcrs may change if the Alliance is
formed because they will be part of the policy making role.
20
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~
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Central Area Council- This council
represcnts the business owners located within the program area. The council will
recommend actions that the Chamber should be taking a position on redcvclopmcnt
activities in the Local Program Area. The Chamber will continue to promote downtown
with the support of events and programs that it feels will best utilize its resources, They
will assist in promoting downtown activities (0 the largcr business community through
their newslctter. The Chamber will use its membership to obtain sponsorship for
Downtown Chamber events,
Downtown Clcanvatcr Merchants Association. This group is the voicc for the retailers
and restaurateurs. The group has limited funds but is interested in activities that will
bring foot traffic into the downtown. It will continue to sponsor and support these
activities. This group's role is to continllc with promotional activities. This group could
assist the Main Street Program in the dcvelopment of promotional pieces and cooperative
advertising campaigns.
Clcanvater Beautification and Devclopment Association- This is a group of
professional business pcople who are intcrested in making downtown a vibrant and
exciting place to be. They are a group that commits not only financial support but many
volunteer man hours to be sure that thc events can take place, The role of this group
would be to continue working with the Merchants Association and thc DDB. The group is
composed of very highly skilled profcssionals. Their talents can be utilized in graphic
layout and support. recmitment efforts and organiz~llion. They rccently put together a
forum for downtown community to find out about aJJ the downtown organiz:ltions and how
to get involved,
Clcanvatcr Historic Prcscn'ation Board - This group. establishcd by City code
ordinance in 1985, consists of five professionals and citizcns who work to prescn'c the
historical character of downtown Clearwater. The role of t his group will be to influence
and oversee the creation of downtown that has a main street ambience and an "old town"
look of yesteryear.
Clcanvatcr Historical Society - This group will provide thc technical assistancc and
recommendations on historic rchabilitation / building preservation. A mcmber of this
group committed 50 hours of in. kind servicc towards the Historic Photograph Education
Museum Grant. The group can pIny a bigger role in thc Local Program Area by
developing additional historic promotionallileraturc on downtown,
3 How wilJ any other community groups or service organizations participate in the Local
Program?
Other local groups like the Rotary Clubs. Kiwanis. Jaycees can participatc by volunteering
for special events, Sell the beer and wine at the special evcnts for a fund raiscr. Promote
the downtown activities among their organization at thc meetings and through new letters,
The Saturday in the City, Inc. is thc non.profit group which nms the Farmers Market in
the downtown park. This give other organi:t.at ions an opportunity to spring board off this
activity and to have coopcrative advertising program.
The Jazz Holiday Foundation is agreeing to sponsor thc J:lusical entertainment for the
October Brown Bag serics. This opens up opportunities for the other groups to tap into
some of this organization's sponsors to promote the Local Program.
21
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, " /, " '\"",' . ' I ': - \ \' I, \ " \ '\' ',I 'F\" ,~' <", ' " . . : ' " I' / .",; I ' ~ ' \' ,I ,- ' , / - \
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4. How will you continuc to gcncr~ltc I>ublic uwnrencss of, inyoh'cmcnt in and financial
support (or the Loc(11 Program?
The eRA will continue to havc financial support as long as it is successful ill its
rcdevelopment activities. The economic base will increase to give the CRA more money to
look al design features, promotional activities and incentives for locating in the area.
The CRA can take advantage of all frce mcdia contacts such as tapping into the City's
existing resources: the City's Website, the City's Telc\'ision Station C- View TV, the City
Magazine and Economic Dcvelopment Newsletter, notify thc Counly Public Affairs Office
to emaiI its employees about program arc.1 activities, Seek oul opportunities to talk to
organizations about the program arca, Continue advertising in local newspapers. Assign
the Promotions Group to continue to ask othcr Cities what they do to promote their
program area. Network and attend professional training sessions.
c. UNDERSTANDING THE MAIN STREET APPROACH
1. What does your community cXlled to achicyc by participating in thc Florida Main
Street Program? Bc sllccific mId identify the outcome or results expected from each
of the four Iloints of the Main Street Allproach.
Cleanvater has a lot going for it. It has resources. it has commitment from the Board and
the community. What is lacks is the technical expertise on how to address the local
program needs in getting more volunteers, improving recmitmcnt efforts, identify ways to
make programs self sustaining. how to create a sense of place and to encourage historic
preservation and restoration of buildings. What Clean\'nter hopes to accomplish through
participation in the Main Street program is the repositioning of the program area to the
forefront of the Pincllas County population and tourist industry.
Organization: Downtown Clearwater has five groups with similar missions but very
differclltlllemberships and resources. The Main Street Program providcs the eRA with
the opportunity to bring everyone to the S~lll1e table to work together. The creation of a
Main Street Advisory Board would allow the groups to maximize its resources and
contacts to bring economic revitalization to the downtown area. The group would open
the line of communication to focus on a cohesive work plan to establish goals and targets
each should reach to make this a reality.
Design: M:my arc.1S of downtown Clearwater lack character and a sense of place. The
Main Street Program can provide the tcchnical assistance on helping the community to
determine the visual image it wants to convey. The involvement in the Main Street
program may create an interest in the historic features of its buildings and encourage
rehabilitation if the awareness of the Fedcral Invcstment l<lX credit program and other
incentives were made available to building owners, Clearwater needs to look at its
streetscape to determine how it can impro\'e the design to be a morc pedestrian friendly
with street level and dimensional activities. The outcomc Clcarwater hopes to achieve is a
community known for its pleasing dcsign and preservation of its historic character.
Promotion: Downtown Clearwater does 1I0t promote itself except for special events and
011 going programming. The Main Street Program can provide technical assistance on
how to market itself as a unique cOllllllunity to get shoppers, investors, tourists interested
in the program area. Clearwater needs the technical assistance in positive image building
ofthe community.
22
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Economic Restructuring: Downtown has a major problem with its retail floor space.
There are a number of first floor retail spaces being used for office and religious purposes.
The ar~1 lacks boutiques. fine restaurants and the arts, The CRA needs assistance in this
area. It is planning to conduct a retail and housing study, The Main Street program can
provide us with the training on how to recruit new business to provide a good mix and on
how to create a demand for space so that non-service oriented office use not remain in the
street level space.
2. How have you informed other community groulls and citizens nbout your Local
Program and the Main Street AIIIHomlch?
The City Manager, Michael Roberto, spoke to almost every volunteer and community
organization on its "One City. One Future." blueprint plan for Clearwater's future. Tl1is
plan is the City's strategy and identifies specific action items; one being the City applying
for the Main Street Program. The City featured this plan in its quarterly magazine that is
mailed to every resident and business owner in Clearwater.
The Main Street program was publicly announced and discllssed at the CRA and DDB
meetings which are televised on the city TV station.
A press relCc1se and letters were sent out to volunteer groups to infonn them about a Main
Street Infonnatiol1 Program meeting on April 22, 1998. The program featured three Main
Street Managers: Karen Slevin from Kissimmee, David Pierce from Venice and Gail
Hamilton from Dade City. This gave the public the opportunity to hear how the program
works, the benefits derived and what to expect.
A public fonlln was held 011 June 24. 1998. Represcntativcs from thc five major downtown
organizations spoke to busincss mcmbers and downtown owners on what it is doing to
assist in economic reviWlil41tion mId how to get involved. A presentation on the City's
Main Street Program was givcn at this meeting.
3. How many ycars do you anticilllltc Ilarticillating in the Main Strcet Program?
The program area will be divided up into three phases with a least three years per phase
this equate to nine YCc1rs.
4. Did you apllly to the Florida Main Street Program in prc\'ious :years? No.
D. ,PLANS FOR PROGRAM MANAGER
1. Will the Program Manager be a s.daried or contrnct cmplo)'cc? Bricny describe the
Program Manager selcction process that WflS or will be used. If )'ou have already
hired a Progrnm Manager attach n resume which indicates all the rele"ant work
experience of the person chosen.
The Program Manager is a salaried City employec, The City Managemcnt and City
Commission decided about two and a half years ago that they wanted thc eRA Dircctor
and employees to report directly to them, As a result, an Assistant City Manager for
Economic Dcvelopment was hircd. He felt that there was a need in thc City for someone
to focus on economic development in the CRA arca. The Human Resources Department
posted the position in the local newspapers. The Department accepted and screened the
applicants they felt met the minimum qualifications. The Assistant City Manager
conducted the interviews. The Program Manager was selected based on her combination
of private sector and public sector experience and her understanding of community needs,
23
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She bas an undergraduate degree in Geography and a Masters in Public Administration
with course work in Public Policy, Public Finance and Budget, and Benefit! Cost Analysis.
Her resume is included in the appendices,
2. What is the title of the individual to provide day to day supervision of the Program
Manager? What is the relationship between this indh'idunl nnd the Bonrd that will
determine policy for the Local Progrcmr?
The Assistant City Manager for Economic Dcvclopment and CRA Director are the titles of
the individual who will be supervising the Program Mannger. The CRA Director reports
to the Board who detennincs policy.
3. How many hours per week will the Program M~lDger lVorl< on the Local Program?
The Progrnm Manager is committed to spend at Icast 40 hours a week.
4. What paylbenefits package will you offer the Program Manger? How does that
package compare to that of an Assistant City Mnnager, City Planner, Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director or other simihlr Ilfofessionalllositions?
The Program Manager is a city employee with the standard City employee benefit package.
The $36,400 plus life, health, dental. vacation and sick leave and deferred compensation.
The position is in the broad band operational managemcnt classification. The
classification includes the Assistnnt Housing and Urban Development Dircctor, the
Planning Administrator. nnd Special Assistant to the City Manager. The range is from
$35.000 to 70.000
24
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III. THE LOCAL PROGRAM AREA
A. Built Environment
1. What is the allllroxilnate age of the existing building stock in the local program area?
Prc - 1900: 0% 1930-1945: 4.1 %
1901-1920: 6,3% 1946-1980: 70,96%
1920-1930: 8,5% Post 1980 : 10,14%
2. Discuss the characteristics that malic the local program ~lrell a small, cohesive and
recognizable district having clearly defined boundaries ~,"d architectund character.
The eRA is a large district. It is clearly defined because it is the central business district.
The area directly to the north and south of the arc.) is residential and has historical
character. Tl1C area to the east starts the transition from the commcrcial use activity to
residential us, Phase 1 of the program is the concentration of tI1C historic buildings. One
of the buildings in the phase 1 arca is listed in the National Historic Register: the U.s. Post
Office. Therc arc five buildings ill the program area dctermined eligible for listing in the
National Register: Calvary Baptist Church. the Guaranty Title and Tmst building, the
Coachman Building. the Fort Harrison Hotel and the Pcace Mcmorial Church. There arc
seven buildings identified in the Historic Preservation survey thnt ure good candidates for
Historic revitnlization. Cleveland Street is the major shopping area which has the
concentration of thc historic stnlctures.
3. \Vhat federal, statc~ county and loc~lI govcrnment agcncies are located in or adjacent
to your local program are~l?
The FBI and Mcdicmc program have offices in thc dowlltown office towers. The Unitcd
States Post Office is located ill a Nntional Register building.
The State has most of its assistance and training programs housed ill one office building in the
program arca.
The City is the COUllty scat. The cOllnty has some of its buildings in and adjaccnt to the
program area. Thc county has its court facilities. all the coullty administrative and support
services, MPO and Pine))as COllnty Planning Council, Pincllas County Housing Authority,
The City has its Technical Services and utility departmcnt hOllsed in the Municipal Scrvices
Building, the Main Police Station, Main Fire Station. City Hall. Main Library and the
Harborview Center a meeting/convention facility,
4. Does the city ha,'e one or more districts listed in the National Rcgistcr of Historic
Placcs or designated undcr a loc~lI historic prescn:lltion ordin~mce? Is all or part of
the Loctll Program Area located in such It district'! Arc there propcrties within the
Local Program Area which ua'c listed indi"idu~lll)' in thc National Register 01'
designated as landmarlis under u local histol'ic ilrcscn'~'tion ordinance? Are thcre
any indi\'iduld Ilrollcrties or district which ure pending Nationlll Register Listing? If
so~ briefly describe e~lch.
The city has one district. Harbor Oaks. listed in the Natiollal Rcgister of Historic Places
since March 1988.
25
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The program area has olle building listed in the National Historic Register: the U.S. Post
Office. There arc five buildings in the program area determined eligible for listing in the
National Register:
Calvary Baptist Church is a Mcditerrnnean Rcvival style church with an octagonal dome
constntctcd in 1926 at the southwest corner of Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue.
The church appears to be NR eligible as a fine e'xample of a boom period religious
structure,
The Guaranty Title and Trust building is located at 411 Cleveland Street. The building is a
modest neoclassical revival st)'le commercial building with a simple, S)'nullctrical three-
bay fa~de and four full height Tuscan columns. It was constructed around 1925, but did
have alterations to the windows and doors after the 1950's. The original use was the
Guaranty Title & trust Company from 1925 to 1930. The Cleanvater Chamber of
Commerce used the building betwecn 1935 and 1964. It is presently being renovated for
retail use.
The Coac1umm Building is located on the southeast comer of Clevcland Street and Fort
Harrison Avenlle. It is a brick building with multi-colored brick comices with layered.
pointed arches and corbellcd ends~ cast stone decorative band with continuous pattem of
open squares. The building was constmcted in 1917 with retail use on the first floor and
offices on floors 2 through 5, At the time of its constmction. it was the t:1Uest building in
Pinellas County, As such. it is a contributing structure to the developmcnt of the City of
Cleanvater and rcpresents the achievemcnts of onc pcrson, 5.5. Coachman, who was
involved in the early growth and developmcnt of the arca. Thc stmctme is a finc example
of an carly 20th celllul)' high-risc officc building in n small Florida city,
The Fort Harrison Hotel is located at 210 S. Fort Harrison Avcnllc and was constructed
around 1925, It is a prominent landmark on the Clearwater skyline with its Italian
Rcnaissance Revival architecture. The hotcl was a focal point in the social and business
lifc oftbe city in its carly days, During World War II the U.S. Army leased the hotel.
Arollnd 1958 the windows were replaced and air conditioning window units werc added.
The Philadelphia Pbillics called the hotel hOlllc during the spring training season in the
early 1960's.
The Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church is located at 110 S. Fort Harrison Avenue. This
structure is an e'xample of the Mediterranean Revival style and ,,;as built in 1922 as a
mcmorial to World War I casualties. The church, with its outstanding TitIany stained
glass \\;ndows. has played a significant role in the religious and social life of tile
Cleanvater corlllllunit)" Current renovations to the building arc aimcd at retaining its
quality fc..1tures, '
5. lias a historic resources survey been conductcd within thc community? Has this
sun'cy include thc Local PrOgFfl>>1 Area? Arc thcre plans for additional survey work
in the Local Program Area?
A sUIVey of the local program are~l and the residential community inunediately north of
the program area was completcd in FebnIary 1998. There is no immediate need to have
additional survcy work done.
6. How m~my bloclis .Ire in the Local Program Area'! Thcre are a total of 72 blocks in
the Local Prognlm Ar.ca. The Main Str'cet prognlm pdnciplcs will be .11)Jllicd to the
:tre~l in il phased ullproach.. Therc will he threc phascs to co"cr.1 span or ninc ye~,rs.
Phase 1 - 26 blocks with the City and County facilities comprising a large portion of the
phase one area,
7. How many buildings ilrc in the Local Program Area?
There are 306 buildings
26
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B. Economic Environment
1. How many businesses are in the Local Program Area? 625
2. What is the appraised value of real prollerty within the Local Program Area?
(includes Ilroperty-tax exempt sites) $288,623,100
3. What is the appraised value of real property within the city? $5,466,197,100
4. What is the assessed tax base of the LOC(11 Program Area? $107,343,880
5. What is the assessed tal base of the city? $3,999,483,399
6. How many workers are employed in the Local Program Area?
a.) Office: 4,947
b.) Commercial: 2.275
c.) Industrial: 832
The commercial workers include retail and personal service employees,
7. What percentage of the buildings in the Local Program Area is:
a)Owner occupied: 40.0%
b)Renter occupied: 55.4%
c)Vacant: 4,6%
8. What Ilcrcentagc of the buildings in the Local Program Area is:
a.) Privatclyowned: 96.7%
l.)Local owner: 90,2%
2) Absentee landlord: 6.5%
b.) Publicly owned: 3.3 %
9. What are the current rents I)er square foot for commerchll sp~lce in the Local
Program Area?
a.) Average: $ 9.00 per sq. ft./ year
b.) Lowest: $ 3.50 per sq. ft./ year
c.) Highest: $16.50 per sq. ft./ year
10. Estimate the number of square feet of first floor vacancies in the local program area:
First Floor vacancies: 45,000 sq. feet.
11. Estimate the number of parking spilces ill the Local Program Area:
Total parking spaces: 6,770
On-street Parking: 359
Off-street Parking: 6,411
12. Estimate the percentngc of Local Program Area building space devoted to the
following uses:
Retail
Professional Offices
Govcmment Offices
RestaurantslEn tertai Ilmcnt
Housing
Industry
Warehouse
Other
Vacant
TOTAL
8.48%
26.66%
18.63%
1.61%
17.92%
5.81%
1.85%
20.90%
4.60%
100.00%
27
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13. How many of the following tYlles of economic nnchors are located in the Local
Program Area?
Chain Independent
Department Stores 1
Discount Stores 0 8
Food Markets 0 4
Tourist Businesses 0 4
Service Businesses
Professional & Business 3 182
Personal 5 57
Specialty Shops 1 39
Restaurants & Clubs 0 26
Banks 6
T11eaters 0 1- vacant
Hospitals 0 Located a mile south of program area
City Facilities 0 4
County Facilities 0 9
State Facilities 0 1
Fedcral Facilities 0 0
Courthouses 0 I
Libraries 0 2
Post Offices 0 1
Schools 0 2 private
2 public elementary schools just north and south of the program area
Other 3 22
14. Are properties in the Local Program Area subject to the IU'o\'isions of a local historic
presen'ation ordinance? If so, bricfl)' describe the liey Ilro\'isions of the ordinance.
No.
15. Are there any I)arks or crention are~lS in the Local Program Area? If yes, indicate the
acreage of each and describe briefly.
Station Square Park is a small urban park located in the center of the program area. The
park is .5 acres it has a stagc with a watcr fountain and picnic tables, It is located between
a public parking lot and a major office building. The park is thc venuc for the various
downtown organiL1tions cvents,
Coachman Park is located on the bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor. It has 3.5 acres. It
is the location for the m:uor City and private cvcnts, The band shell is called the Charles
Wharton Pavilion who donated thc money and the community raised $150,000 for it.
16. \Vhat cultural, social, ethnic fC~ltures or other spccial clualitics does thc Local
Progrllnt Area or surrounding :area possess?
Thc Francis Wilson Playhouse is located approximately a Y:z mile north of the program
area. It provides livc thcater and scats about 200.
North and South Grecnwood Communitics arc composed mostly of minolity individuals-
these communities arc located immediatcly to the north and south of the program area.
28
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17. Describe the housing stock with the Local Progrtlm Area and the housing issues ll'ithin
the Local Program Area and/or adjacent nreas. How many dwelling units arc there in
thc local Program Area?
The Program area has four eldcrly housing projects. two apartmcnt complexes and one
market price condominium.
There are 706 elderly housing units that include subsidized housing in addition there are
108 beds in the health care centcr of two buildings.
TIle apartments in the program area have 96 units and thc condominium has ll3units.
There is one additional subsidized elderly project located across the street from the
program which has 54 units.
The arcas on the western end of the program area to the north and south are composed ,of
single family homes with housing values between $400,000 and in the millions. These
homes arc outside the program area, The neighborhoods to the east of the program area,
to both the north and the south, have the most depressed housing market values. '
c. Describe previous revitalization and preservation activities.
1. How ha,'c public and Ilrivate scctor groulls shown their SUIJlJort for downtown
revitalization in the past? Identify the groups and spccific activities and programs.
The CRA with the help of the DDB purchased a site for office dcvclopment and
constructed a parking garage.
Purchase ofthe building housing the Harborview Center.
2. \Vithin thc last 10 yenrs, what major landscaping, infrnstructure irllllro\'ements and
Imblie or private sector rehabilit~ttion's h:n'c t.tkc phlCC within the Local Program
Area and what wel'C the sources of funding for these projects'! Identify any such
IJrojccts cUI'rently IllannctJ for the !.()clIl Program Area.
Cleveland Streelscape
Purchase of Kravas lot-CRA trust funds
Pinellas Trail - Penny for Pincllas
Ncw bridge - Penny for Pinellas and bonds
New Main Library - Penny for Pine lias and bonds
Fonner Maas Brother Building- city general funds
Asymmetrical Pairing - FDOT funds
PST A multi-modal garagc - FDOT funding. capital outlay funds from Fed, Highway
Town Center Pond- private buy-in and utility fees
Fonncr Bank of Clearwater Building -rehabilitation by the Church of Scicntology private
funds
County Courthouse Facility- rehabilitation with County building funds
Two new city buildings - general funds.
29
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IV. OVERALL NEED AND POTENTIAL
A. Need for Downtown Revitalization
1. What are the three major assets and the three major linbilitics of the 10Cltll)rogram
area as it exists today?
Three major assets arc:
a.) The beautiful bayfront /bluff area, which is currently being under utilized.
b.) Access to the beach, a major tourist attraction, which positions downtown as a
tourism link to these visitors,
c.) The f.1ct that CIc.1nvater is the County SC:lt, which brings lawyers, professionals and
general public to the downtown,
Three major liabilities arc:
a.) Limited retail mix- Clearwater has limited retail shopping opportunities. In
particular, the downtown does not have any ladies sItoe stores or specialty boutiques to
capitalize on the female office worker population.
b.) Limited residential housing in the program area, There is no night life because no
one lives in the downtown area.
c.) Concentrated number of automotive rCI)nir, parts and auto body shops. Just
outside of phase one of the program area is a concentration of automotive enterprises.
These are not attractive cntities to greet pcople coming into Clearwater,
2. Why docs your community need the Florida Mnin Strect Pl'ogrmn?
The Main Street Program will provide the training and technical assistance necessm)' to
help the community rediscover its assets and how to rebuild on them to make Clearwater a
community with a distinct sense of place. Official designntion will unitc the various groups
in Cleanvater who arc currently working on preservation and rcdcvelopment planning,
and will give them a focus, as well as expertise to drnw upon. The community will also
benefit greatly from the networking opportunities available with other cities that are
working on downtown development. Mostly, it will help the community dcvelop a viable
work plan to focus its efforts on successful revitalization projects that will make
Clearwater a place of pride and distinction for residents and visitors alike,
B. Potential for Success
Community Support- Two public forums held recently demonstrated that the public is
genuinely excited at the prospect of Main Street designation nud is committed to helping with
the program by volunteering their time and expertisc. Now that the momcntum is built among
the community, there should be no reason why we cannot succeed,
CRA und Cit}' Support. The eRA and the City will be spending significant amounts of
money ovcr the next five years on projects and activities within the program on infrastructure
and capital projects, This should encourage private scctor investment in the area as well. The
City has a great incentivc package for thc private sector to invest and locatc in downtown.
30
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