11-13-2000
Agenda/eRA
. 11-13 -00
AGENDA
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting
November 13, 2000 - 9:00 A.M.
1 . Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes: 9/18/00
3. Request Commission award contract to Dames & Moore, additional soil remediation,
901-927 Cleveland Street (Parcel B) owned by CRA, $89,500
4. Consider & make recommendation to City Commission re PSTA request to amend the
Clearwater Downtown' Redevelopment Plan from Low Density and Medium/High
Residential Districts to Public/Government Category re 100 N. Greenwood Ave. to
allow construction of a bus terminal
5. Executive Director (Assistant City Manager) Verbal Reports
6. Other Business
7. Adjourn
:
,;A
Clearwater Community
Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Cover Memorandum
Item #
'3
Meeting Date:
11/13/00
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: "Request the City Commission award a contract for "Additional Soil
Remediation at 901-927 Cleveland Street (Parcel B)" owned by the Community Redevelopment Agency,
for the sum of $89,500.00 to Dames & Moore,
00 and thaI the ,1ppropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
SUl\Ii\IARY:
. On June 3. 1999. the City Commission approved the purchase by the CRA of two parcels ofland along Clevcland Strcct (SR 60),
Thesc parcels are commonly addressed as Parcels A & B.
. On June I, 2000, the City Commission awarded a contract to Dames and Moore in the amount of 594,133,00 to remove twenty-
one (21) hydraulic lifts and two (2) below-ground storage tanks and associatcd contaminated soils from Property B, Additional
studies and assessment activities required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) werc also completed
under this contract.
. As a result of these activities additional contaminated soils have been discovered in the areas of two of the hydraulic lifts. These
contaminated soils will require excavation, treatment and disposal. Additional assessment and confirmatory samples will be
required to prepare the property for redevclopment.
. It is considercd impractical to bid this work as per section 2.564(1 )(e) Code of City Ordinances, due to the knowledge Dames and
Moore has gained on this site regarding the vertical and horizontal extent of contamination, Dames and Moore's knowledge of
this site is from the recent tank and lift removals, Supplemental Environmental Assessments, and the development of a FDEP.
approved Monitoring Plan for these parcels. Furthermore, Dames & Moore has represented the City in cooperation with the
City's environmental legal counsel during negotiations with FDEP regarding the assessment and remediation of this site, The
entire cost of this contract will be paid for with State Brownfields Appropriations. ll1is project will start immediately aftcr award
and execution of contract, and will be completed within 30 calendar days,
. Further. all appropriations from State Agreement # SP 530, which are unencumbcred as of 12/31/2000, will be rcquired to be
returned to FDEP. An approximate total of $252,584.00 of State and Federal Browntields Funds have becn expended on
asscssment. remediation and demolition activities to date. Currcntly an additional $89,500,00 required for soil rcmediation and
an estimated forthcoming expenditure of approximately $20,000 is anticipated for demolition activitics for one additional
structurc required to complete the project. The tOlal estimated Brownfields expenditure for this project is estimated at
$362,084,00 for all assessment, remediation and demolition activities to prepare the site for devclopment,
Reviewed by: Originating Dept:
Legal Info SVc N/A ft:onomlc Develo
e? M. Ball
Budget , ~ User Dept.
tt Public Works
Purchasing DCM/ACM Economic Development
Risk Mgmt N/A Other N/A Attachments
Costs $89,500.00
Total
Current FY
Funding Source:
CI
01'
Other
9.Jbmitted by:
City Manager
o None
Appropriation Code:
181-99801-530100-559-000
181-99976-530100-559-000
1)-&1 ~___--"~_
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Printed on recycled p~er
Dimmitt Soil Remediation
Community Redevelopment
Agency
Agenda Cover Memorandum
Item It
~
Meeting Date:
Nov. 13. 2000
SU B J ECT /RECOMM EN DATION:
Consider and make a recommendation to the City Commission on the request of the Pinellas Suncoast
Transit Authority to amend the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan from Low Density and
Medium/High Residential Districts to PublidGovernment Category at 100 North Greenwood Avenue to
allow the construction of a bus terminal.
and that the ilppropriate oificials be authorized to execute same.
SUMMARY:
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PST A) has requested an amendment to the Clear.vater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan to allow the construction of a bus terminal. The proposed location is on a city
block of approximately 3.4 acres bounded by Greenwood Avenue on the east, Booth Avenue on the
west, Grove Avenue on the north and Laura Street on the south. PSTA proposes this bus terminal to
replace the existing terminal located at the northwest corner of Pierce Street and Garden Avenue. A bus
terminal is defined as a public transportation facility which requires a PublidGovernmental use category
in the Redevelopment Plan. The Greenwood Avenue site is currently designated as Low and Medium/
High residential categories and, therefore, does not permit the development of a bus terminal.
The Redevelopment Plan was adopted in 1995 and it established five districts of the redevelopment area,
designated land use categories for all property within the redevelopment area, proposed catalyst projects
to leverage private investment and prescribed five general goals for downtown redevelopment. The
proposed bus terminal location is inconsistent with all of these major elements of the Redevelopment
Plan (refer to the attached staff analysis).
In summary, the Planning Department finds that the proposed amendment is inconsistent with the
Redevelopment Plan for the following major reasons:
. The proposed location is central to an existing and planned residential neighborhood and a bus
terminal will intrude into this neighborhood with its traffic, noise, pollution and expected
secondary impacts such as crime.
. Should a bus terminal be located on the proposed site, the characteristics of the terminal will
discourage new residential development and eliminate a major residential block from
redevelopment. There is a townhouse project under construction within a block from the proposed
site and the proposed Balk townhouse development around town pond is located two blocks to the
south. Introducing a commercial use with negative operational characteristics is inconsistent with
B udgct
Purchasing
NA
Origin.lting Dept: ~fcS/
Community Redeve :J
A enc .
User Dept. (7 ~
Community RedefelOpment
A enc
Costs
N/A
Reviewed by:
Legal
ttY
Police Dcpt.
NA
Totill
NA
Public Works
DC,\-\! AC/\ \
Funding Source:
C,lf';l.1llmptO\"rm""1
Current Fiscal Yei!r
Risk '\'\gmt NA
Other
NA
Op"'dling
Olh",
Suhmitted by: ~ M..a.-'t~"-
Appropriation Code:
Printed on recycled p~per
Rev. 2/98
."~' " - " _, '_..r,. .',,:":. .r.
this residential area.
· The proposed location is not conveniently located for major employers and their customers and
will likely result in a longer walk for passengers or additional transfers. In addition, the distant
peripheral location does not promote the expanded use of transit for new customers nor does it
encourage the linkages between downtown, the beach and other parts of the City. The ability to
link downtown activities and downtown parking for transfer to the beach is eliminated through this
distant location.
· The Redevelopment Plan anticipates public investment to leverage private investment. While
PSTA does propose a new terminal and a co-location with Greyhound Bus Lines, the choice of
location creates more disincentives than the positive circumstances of the new facility.
The Community Development Board heard this request at their public hearing of October 17, 2000.
There was substantial public testimony by residents and property owners in opposition to the proposed
amendment. There were no speakers in favor of the proposal. Reasons for the opposition to the terminal
included the potential decline in property values, a decline in the quality of life for residents, the noise
and pollution and their effect on the children at a nearby school, the potential crime associated with the
terminal in close proximity to residents and inconsistency of the proposed use with the Redevelopment
Plan. The Community Development Board unanimously recommended denial of the proposed
amendment.
In a related action at the same meeting, the Community Development Board reviewed the flexible site
plan for the terminal and denied the site plan application. The Board's decision on the site plan is final
unless the PST A requests an appeal which would be heard by a hearing officer hired through the
Department of Administrative Hearings.
2
J
CDB Meeting Date:
Case Number:
Agenda Item:
October 17, 2000
CRA 00-09-0 I
D6
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
STAFF REPORT
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
OWNERS:
Tmst for Rehabilitation and Nurturing Youth and Families, Inc.
LOCATION:
100 North Greenwood Avenue
REQUEST:
An :lmendment to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan
from Low Density Residential and MediumIHigh Density
Residential Categories to Public/Government Category,
PLANS REVIEWED:
Site plan submitted by Florida Design Consultants, Inc,
SITE rNFO~IA TION:
PROPERTY SIZE:
3.48 acres
DIMENSIONS OF SITE:
594 feet deep by 255 feet wide
PROPERTY USE:
Current uses:
Proposed use:
Vacant
Public Transportation Facility
ZONING DISTRICT:
D, Downtown District
PLAN CATEGORY:
CBD, Central Business District Category
Page 1
ADJACENT LAND USES: North: Ofl1ce and single-family residential
South: OtTice. retail and multi-family residential
East: OtTice. retail and residential
West: Vacant lot and residential development under construction
CHARACTER OF THE
IMMEDIA TE VICINITY: The immediate vicinity is a mixture of residential. office and retail
lIses.
ANALYSIS:
The purpose of this request is to amend the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan to allow
the development of a bus terminal at 100 North Greenwood Avenue for the use of Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority (PST A), A bus terminal is defined as a public transportation facility by
the Community Development Code, A public transportation facility requires the site to be
designated with the Public/Governmental use category of the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan, The site proposed as a bus terminal by PST A is currently designated as Low
and Medium/High Residential land use categories by the Redevelopment Plan and, therefore, does
not permit the development of a bus terminal. PST A proposes a bus terminal on Greenwood
Avenue to replace the existing terminal located at the northwest corner of Pierce Street and South
Garden Avenue. There is a companion case which requests site plan approval of a proposed
Flexible Development application as a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project (Case FL 00-
08-34), Accordingly, this staff report evaluates the amendment to the Redevelopment Plan and
the site plan issues are evaluated fully in the companion Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment
Project staff report.
The Countywide Plan Rules establish a plan category of "Central Business District" which allows
cities to designate the boundaries of their urban center, prepare a specific CSD plan and allow
downtown development with mixed uses at densities and intensities greater than in other parts of
the City, Since at least 1976 when the first downtown plan was created, the City of Clearwater
has identified the downtown as an urban center and the City's principal activity center, Over the
years, there have been many downtown plans created with the most recent plan adopted in 1995
entitled "Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan," This Redevelopment Plan is the plan
currently in effect and the plan for which an amendment is sought by PST A,
The Redevelopment Plan establishes five general goals for the redevelopment of downtown,
Within each goal, the Plan also establishes objectives and policies as detailed in Section VI. The
proposal is evaluated against each goal, as follows:
Page 2
1. People Goal: To redevelop downtown Cleanvater into a successful "peollle place" that
attracts, retains, and inspires those of all ages and incomes to use and enjoy the
community town center.
Analysis: The objectives and policies of this goal highlight the need to encourage new
residents to downtown, to encourage employment downtown through convenient transportation
and parking, and to become the link among downtown, the City at large and the beach. The
proposed PST A bus terminal location is in the middle of an area with existing and planned
residential homes and the terminal will intrude into this residential neighborhood by using three
local residential streets. The secondary impacts rclated to the proposed use (e.g, crime, noise,
pollution, etc.) will detract from the residential redcvelopmcnt potential of the site and
surrounding area. This is evidenced, in particular, by police reports for thc existing downtown
bus terminal which include an average of 27 calls for service per month (this year) for criminal
activity (9-1-1, drunkenness, theft, battery, domestic violence, trespassing, fighting, etc,).
The proposed bus terminal is located a substantial distance from the major downtown
employers, thereby increasing the travel distance for most bus passengers or requiring a transfer at
the terminal. The proposed location is a substantial distance from the center of downtown and
available parking garages which could facilitate linkages between the City at large and other
destinations such as the beach,
. In summary, the proposed amendment will allow a bus terminal in a location that will
negatively affect existing residential owners and discourage new residential development.
Further, the amendment will allow a terminal in a location that is not convenient for its passengers
and will create a disincentive for bus travel due to its substantial distance from major employers.
The proposed amendment is inconsistent with the People Goal of the Redevelopment Plan,
2. Movement Goal: To redevelop downtown Clearwater with an efficient, high quality,
multi-modal movement system with supportive and visually positive terminal and
trnnsition facilities for all modes.
Analysis: The objectives and policies of this goal establish the need for expanding the role
of transit in the downtown, SpecificalIy, objective 2 and its related policy is stated as follows on
page VI-3 of the Redevelopment Plan:
"Expand the role of transit downtown by linking the regional and local serving system as a
means of reducing total reliance on the automobile,
Improve the urban design qualities of the PST A facility to more positively relate to .
downtown. "
The proposed amendment to relocate the PST A facility to this site is not consistent with
the goal of expanding the use of transit by new passengers, The proposed location is not central
to downtown and will require a longer walk by passengers from their employment to the terminal
or require a transfer at the facility, The proposed location is physically unconnectcd with the
Page ~
balance of downtown and will not contribute to the positive synergistic benetits of a downtown
activity center. Although the proposal introduces a linkage with the Greyhound Bus SelVice and
would create a new transit facility. the choice of location creates relatively larger disincentives for
the general downtown area when balanced against the positive circumstances of a new facility and
transit partner. The proposed amendment is inconsistent with the Movement Goal of the
Redevelopment Plan.
3. Activity Goal: To redevelop downtown 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.
Analysis: The objectives and policies of this goal establish the need for diverse activities
encouraging a 24-hour downtown. \Vith new residential development located immediately to the
west of this property and new townhouses planned two blocks to the south around town pond,
t his site's location and size of approximately 3.4 acres make it a prime location for additional
residential uses. This site is in the center of several potential residential parcels and could be a
part of the northern residential anchor of the downtown. This amendment would eliminate a
major potential site for residential development and replace it with a bus terminal. The proposed
amendment would introduce a commercial use with negative impacts into the center of a
residential redevelopment area thereby discouraging other residential development from locating
on the adjacent parcels. In addition to losing the residential potential, the proposed amendment
would introduce a commercial use with external impacts into the center of a residential area, The
use, design, operational characteristics and secondary impacts of the bus terminal are inconsistent
with the residential character of the area and inconsistent with the Activity Goal of the
Redevelopment Plan,
4. Amenity Goal: To redevelop downtown Clearwater to create and enhance a small town
center "quality of life" that attracts and sustains a diversity of visual and use elements
for cultural, entertainment, recreation and environmental experiences.
Analysis: The objectives and policies of this goal establish the' need to create the town
pond to function both as a stormwater retention facility and as a park and to specifically act as a
catalyst for residential development in its vicinity, As described above, the proposed amendment
would remove a prime development parcel from residential development at a location that is
within walking distance of the town pond with its proposed passive park features. The proposed
amendment is inconsistent with the Amenity Goal of the Redevelopment Plan,
5. Opportunity Goal: To redevelop downtown Clearwater to attract 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 Clean\'ater.
Analysis: The objectives and policies of this goal establish the need for key development
parcels through the private market system while also encouraging public invcstments in
amenities for the downtown. As described above, the proposed amcndment would remove
from the market a key residential development parcel. In addition, thc public investments
Page 4
proposed by PST A do not encourage an active vibrant downtown and do not add value to
the downtown amenities, The secondary impacts related to this use (crime, loitering, etc.)
will negatively impact the quality of life for residents and business owners. The proposed
amendment is inconsistent with the Opportunity Goal of the Redevelopment Plan,
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
An amendment to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan is a significant issue and has
impacts beyond the borders of the proposed amendment site. In particular, the location of a bus
terminal can have a positive effect on a downtown given a location that is integrated with the
downtown land llses, is close to its passcngers, minimizes the off-site impacts and minimizes noise
and air pollution. However, the proposed location is not related to the downtown land use
pattern and does not provide the synergistic effects that a transit facility can provide for major
downtown employers. In addition, the proposed location is internal to an existing and planned
residential neighborhood and utilizes three residential streets for access. The proposed location
rcmoves from devclopment potential a prime residential development parcel in close proximity to
the town pond and its park amenity, When evaluated with the five goals of the Redevelopment
Plan, the proposed amendment is inconsistent with all five goals of the Plan.
The application and supporting materials were reviewed by the Development Review Committee
on September 7, 2000, Planning StatTrecommends DENIAL of the request for an amendment to
the Clearwater Redevelopment Plan from Low Density Residential and MediumlHigh Density
Residential Categories to Public/Government Category, for the property located at 100 North
Greenwood Avenue.
Prepared by: Cyndi Hardin, Assistant Planning Director:
~~'1 \~1 Ckrr
A TT ACHMENTS:
Aerial Photograph of Site and Vicinity
Location Map
Future Land Use Map
Zoning Atlas Map
Application
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CR.PA,doc
Page 5