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06/02/2003 (2) I" I~'~' '+ l \ .' . . " ~J j ." ' .'. ' ~ " , . ACTION AGENDA - COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING Monday, June 2,2003 - Commission Chambers Item #1 - Call to Order - 9:00 a.m. Item #2 - Approval of Minutes - 5-12-03 regular meeting ACTION: Approved as amended re "Other Business," to read UTrustee Jonson said at a recent meeting in Washington DC, Robert Melnick, from the University of Oregon, had stated that landscapes should be scenic and meaningful." ITEM #3 - Approve the conceptual desk." for the downtown waterfront and Station Square Park , ACTION: Approved c~nceptual design for Downtown waterfront and Station Square Park ITEM #4 - Authorize Aqreement with Bellomo-Herbert and Co., Inc. to prepare Wavfindina and Sianage construction documents in the amount of $27,380 for installation of directional and informational signs throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. ACTION: Approved. ,ITEM #5 <- Recap of West Palm Beach trip ACTION: Given. .. <, , . Community Redevelopment 'Agency Action Agenda 2003-0602 1 ' / . , " , ' ~ . ,\ . '~ .~. ' . ,,' \,' ) , . COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER June 2t 2003 ' Present: Brian J. Aungst Whitney Gray Hoyt P. Hamilton William C. Jonson Frank Hibbard Glen Warren Chair/CRA Trustee CRA Trustee CRA Trustee CRA Trustee CRA Trustee Ex-Officio Also present: William B. Horne II Garry Brumback Ralph Stone Pamela K. Akin Cynthia E. Goudeau Dwight Matheny Patricia O. Sullivan City Manager Assistant City Manager CRA Executive Directar/Asst. City Manager City Attorney , City Clerk DDB (Downtown Development Board) Member Board Reporter' , The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. . ITEM #2 - Approval af Minutes In reference to "Other Business/' on page 3, Trustee Jonson requested his ' comment read "Trustee Jonson said at a recent meeting in Washington, D.C.t Robert Melnick. from the University of Oregon, had stated that landscapes should be scenic and meaningful." , Trustee Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 12, 2003, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously ITEM #3 - Approve the conceptual desiQn for the downtown waterfront and Station Square Park Downtown Waterfront Frank Bellomo, of Bellomo-Herbert & Associates, reviewed the conceptual design. On March 24. 2003, his firm had presented two design concepts for the downtown 18-acre waterfront park. The two design concepts primarily differed in circulation patterns, amount of green open space. configuration of Marina slips. use of a restaurant on the water, and community facility/meeting space. At this meeting, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) reached consensus on ~verall concepts forthe park: 1) closing Cleveland Street in favor of a pedestrian pathway; 2) an interactive fountain; 3) a "Great Lawn"; 4) 'a waterfront promenade that extends to Pierce 100; 5) a . Community Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02 1 , ' , , , . , . , ... '. '. . , ' " \ . I""" . , ' I . " ~' ". ' ' . parking garage on the base of the Bluff, and parking under the new Bridge; and 6) a new location for the Amphitheater with Drew Street access. . After discussion of the two concept plans, the Administration was directed to consolidate the preferred points from the two designs into one final Master Plan design for the park. This final design incorporates elements: 1) existing Harborview Center, delineating access points and parking; 2) parking garage enlarged to accommodate 450 spaces with 4 tennis courts on the top floor; 3) Pierce Street as the main circulation road ending in a turnaround at the Marina; 4) Drew Street ending in parking spaces to access the Amphitheater; 5) IlGreat Lawn" extends to the waterfront; 6) restaurant with possible meeting space on land next to Ha'rbormaster building; 7) marina slips to be accessed off a main pier; 8) additional surface parking for restaurant and Marina; and 9) Cleveland Street with pedestrian terraces leadingto an interactive fountain and kids play area. This final conceptual design will remain fluid, so that design adjustments can be made to reflect the ultimate design of the Bluff redevelopment sites and the Marina. Bellomo-Herbert & Associates also prepared a conceptual design plan for Station Square Park on Cleveland Street as part of their overall contract. The Station Square Park plan is designed to integrate into the overall streetscape design approved by the CRA in January 2003. Additional design features: 1) security measures include arched entry with security gates to lock the park at night; 2) decorative fence and entries; 3) , elevated stage with terrace/plaza seating for Downtown events; 4) open forum for events such as the Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market; 5) areas for vendorearts; 6) curved bench seating along plantings; and 7) existing trees. The Station Square Park design also will interface with the proposed Station Square Parking Lot Redevelopment Site adjacent to the park. Mr. Bellomo said at the last meeting the biggest issue was vehicular access to the waterfront and the park. Now proposed is vehicular access to various points throughout with no access through the open space. He reviewed ingress and egress into the various facilities and parking areas. He said a promenade would be a big feature of the overall plan and generator of pedestrian traffic. There would be parking at the library, Harborview and in between the buildings. Parking has been expanded over the previous plan. . Tennis courts will be located at the top deck of the garage and will sit at the same elevation as the top of the bluff. He said adding a secondary road to the parking garage had been consideredt but it was determined that a roadway would have a negative impact on pedestrian use of the park. Concern was expressed heavy traffic will back up when an event is over and Pierce 100 residents must share the road with vehicles, as , they ingress/egress the parking garage. It was noted the residents of Pierce 100 probably would not be exiting 'at the sam,e time as the event's traffic. CRA Executive Director Ralph Stone said the proposed garage is similar in size to the Municipal Services Building parking garage. The large parking structure at Baywalk in 8t. Petersburg has only one egress. He said Pierce Street has adequate capacity to allow the parking structure to unload. City Engineer Mike Quillen said if the. 'City Hall and Calvary Baptist Church sites are consolidated and Pierce Street is moved to the south, an opportunity may exist to add a full or stacking lane to Pierce Street to Community Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02 2 , , ... '1'" . " , ", . ., _ ' , , '. '.., , ,;. , . I ~ . . , , '. /,.' ,,' " I' . " ...' . increase capacity. He stated a comfort level with the site, indicating an additional egresslingress would be detrimental to'the park. Concern was expressed people will not come and enjoy the park if access is difficult. Economic Development & Housing Director Reg Owens said staff has discussed with several developers plans to redevelop the Calvary Baptist Church and City Hall site. Conceptual designs include underground parking below City Hall. Additional egress may be availablet once the redevelopment occurs. He said staff will work with future developers of the site to improveingress/egress to the parking garage. It was felt when big events occurt police officers can direct traffic and alleviate parking garage access problems. Peak periods will occur. It was recommended having a trolley/train station at the top of the parking garage for beach access. A drawing of a transportation link from the parking garage to the bridge was requested. Mr. Stone said staff is working to solicit public comment on the plan. In response to questions related to backstage facilities and food vendor locationt Mr. Bellomo said those issues will be designed in the future as part of the architectural drawings process. Initial conversations with staff reviewed needs for dressing facility size and catering kitchens. A large parking area at the Drew Street fishing pier will allow parking for vendors close to special events. Power requirements will need to be installed. He assumed vendors will line the promenade, surrounding the, great lawn. . In response to a questiont Mr. Bellomo said access will remain 'open to the Harborview Center roof parking deck. Concern was expressed regarding the distance between the parking garage and the Harborview Centert especially during inclement weather. Mr. Bellomo said another parking facility may be constructed across Osceola Avenue to serve overall Downtown development parking. In response to the possibility that the entry to the Harborview Center may need to be relocated, Mr. Bellomo said it would be easier to cover the parking access way. Mr. Stone said the plan accommodates Harborview Center as it currently functions. If that site is redeveloped, many modifications will be required. Staff is looking at alternative parking locations Downtown. Mr. Bellomo said the plan needs to be flexible regarding possible development of the Harborview Center, Calvary Baptist Church, and City Hail sites. It was suggested valet parking could be offered at the parking garage below City Hall for Harborview Center patrons. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the idea of a road traversing the park had been discarded as staff had concern traffic would interrupt many pieces of the park, which is being planned for pedestrians, not vehicles. Mr. Bellomo said the road accomplished little. The design will encourage people to park their cars and walk in the park. Mr. Dunbar said the plan is conceptual and will need many refinements as the plan matures. . In response to a concern, Mr. Bellomo agreed closer parking is needed for Pickles Plus. It was felt placing the tennis courts on top of the parking garage is the best use for that space. It was recommended parking garage be designed to allow additional levels of parking to be added in the future. He suggested a walkway could be created from the roof of the parking garage to the bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. Concern was expressed the parking garage not block views of the waterfront from the Harborview Center. Commu8ity Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-0.2 3 . It was stated the Downtown plan needs to incorporate a transportation component. It was felt a trolley/train station on the parking garage would provide an opportunity for people to park and ride to the beach. Mr. Stone said the proposed guideway system is so preliminary, it is difficult to design around it. He suggested the station might be more conveniently located near the Court House and County complex or on Cleveland Street. It was stated the City may have an opportunity to receive federal and state funding for a transportation system jf the right plan is developed. It was suggested the top of the parking garage may>be too small an area for a station handling transfers to another light rail system. It was indicated guideway stations provide economic development opportunities that could be part of redevelopment. It was felt a station on top of the parking garage may be a good fallback but likely would not maximize the station's economic development potential. Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said staff will consider various locations. The guideway could cross Cleaivvater Harbor in the middle of the new bridge or on a separate structure. . It was suggested space for parking between the new main library and the Harborview Center could better be used for retail space if parking can be accommodated . across Osceola Avenue. It was felt staff had done a good job regarding the plan. It was felt the ingress/egress proposed for the parking garage will be adequate. The proposed location for the interactive fountain was complimented. It was felt the fountain amenity is important. It was felt locating the restaurant on the bluff may provide a better view for diners that placing it under the bridge. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the distance to the parking garage from the Harborview Center is similar to the distance to the far end of the current parking lot. Parking for Pickles and day-to-day Harborview Center operations are of concern. It was recommended the station be located where it can provide a growth engine for retail uses, not on the parking garage. It was suggested the station be near shopping or the entertainment district. The waterfront should be dedicated to the publict not to transportation. Downtown merchants want development east of the bluff. It was felt any plan must be supported by the public. In response to a suggestion that soccer fields could be included in the waterfront park, Mr. Dunbar said the park will not have room for structured soccer activities or for the 70-foot light poles necessary to illuminate play. . In response to a question, Mr. Bellomo said the proposed marina does not quite protrude into the channel. The marina consultants will consider slip location during the design phase. In response to a question. Mr. Bellomo said small restrooms are planned near the interactive fountain and by the stage. He said it is impossible to provide adequate permanent restroom facilities when more than 10,000 visitors are in the park. Mr. Dunbar said during major events, portable restrooms will be scattered on hard surface areas throughout the park and near vending areas. Opposition was stated to locating portable bathr':loms along the waterfront. . In response to a suggestion, Ms. Arasteh said a new pump station is planned for City owned property north of Pierce Street. In response to a recommendation, Mr. Stone Community Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02 4' I,. ' . '~ .'. .' ,J, 'I, ".' , . ' '.,.. : :,' . ; ,'., ; " . : ' . , ,~ " ' .. . said staff will review commitments to Pickles Plus and Stein Mart before design details are planned. Station Square Park Mr. Bellomo said Station Square Park would become an extension of the streetscape creating a safe and secure space and increase visibility. He said the park. as planned. will feature a variety of scales of spaces where public groups can gather. Seating will be moveable, which will encourage use. The ability to secure the park is critical. The entry will be formalized with increased landscaping on each side. A rolling gate will be shut at night. A restaurant. proposed for retail space, will feature outdoor seating. A number of trees will be retained to provide a thin canopy. Proposed kiosk sites will have additional vendors. Fixed seating will be on curved benches. A long trellis will form an arch above a series of steps into a separate area with an elevated stage, that would hold over 100 if standing. Extensive landscaping in the back will shield the parking garage. . . Concern was expressed the park not be upgraded for use by the homeless. Economic Development and Housing Director Reg Owens said capital improvement planning has allocated approximately 51-million to improve the park which is adjacent to proposed development that might come forward this month. He said the Cleveland Street streetscape is critical to the development of offices and Downtown condominiums. The City Manager said the development community has expressed interest in Downtown development. despite their awareness of City homeless issues. Concern was expressed Downtown workers do not use Station Square Park due to homeless people congregating there. Mr. Stone said the Police Department is responding to homeless issues by locating a Police Officer in a golf cart at the park during the day. Staff is preparing design and cost estimates to secure the park even if improvements are not made. Concern was expressed some zero tolerance should be enforced to reduce problems related to the homeless. Support was expressed to secure the park at night. In response to a question, Mr. Bellomo said the archway would feature a sign. Most of the proposed fencing will be constructed of aluminum but resemble historic wrought iron. Concern was expressed the back end of the park not attract homeless when other activity is low. Mr. Bellomo reviewed how the environmental design results in crime prevention. He said a similar design works well in Downtown Orlando. This design will encourage a turnover of people to visit the park. A suggestion was made for a round European fountain with cascading water be located near the front of the park to provide an anchor point, draw attention, and attra'ct patrons to the restaurant. The DDS (Downtown Development Board) and Main Street groups will be encouraged to use the stage for events. Activities will attract people. Trustee Gray moved to approve the conceptual design for the Downtown waterfront and Station Square Park. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. . Community Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02 5 , ,':" fl. " . l, ,~ , ",' ,l' ~' , . I "i " ::. ,( , ' . ' ' _ ' " " I,,: ,." " " "Ii " '. I .' ,4," . ITEM #4 - Authorize Aqreement with Bellomo-Herbert and Co., Inc. to prepare Wavfindina and Si~na~e construction documents in the amount of $27,380 for installation of directional and informational signs throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. The City retained Bellomo-Herbert and Company, Landscape Architects, in August 2002, to develop a Master Streetscape and Wayfinding Program for Downtown (including the expanded CRA area). The CRA approved the Master Streetscape and Wayfinding Program on January 27, 2003. Due'to the fact that the Memorial Causeway Bridge is schedule to be opened in the early part of 2004, it has been determined that it would be advantageous to implement in advance the Gateway Wayfinding segment of the overall streetscape program. Staff requests the CRA to approve a work order in the amount of S27,~80 with Bellomo-Herbert and Co., Inc. to prepare necessary construction documents and specifications in preparation of bidding the Wayfinding and Signage program in late 2003. Mr. Owns said the designs will be presented to the City Commission for approval before they are sent to the fabricators in early Fall. In response to a question, he reviewed the scope of the project and types of signs covered by the project. The directional signs will be fixed to monuments, and temporary and existing poles. As ,streetscaping projects progress, the signs will be relocated onto permanent poles. .' Trustee Jonson moved to authorize the agreement with Bellomo-Herbert and Co., Inc; to prepare Wayfinding and Signage construction documents in the amount of $27,380 for installation of directional and informational signs throughout the Community Redevelopment Area, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #5 - Recap of West Palm Beach trip Mr. Stone reviewed his May 29, 2003, memorandum, regarding the full-day visit to West Palm Beach on May 22, 2003. Staff observations: 1) the market for Downtown redevelopment in Clearwater for residential, retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses is as strong as existed in West Palm Beach, prior to the City Place and Clematis Street development; 2) the Downtown Clearwater market can support the amount, quality, and mix of uses in Misner Park; 3} commitment to Downtown redevelopment must be strong, . bold, and have community support; 4} strong commitment(s)from elected official(s) is a' requirement of success;.5} City staff and' the process must be user friendly, fast, flexible, and'willing to pursue new ideas; 6} a commitment to quality design and construction is absolutely necessary; 7) restaurants and entertainment uses "carry" desirable retail uses; 8} residential uses must be integrated into the mix of uses to aChieye a urealt! Downtown neighborhood; and 9} local government must participate financially in a . significant way related to key public improvements such as streetscape programs, public parking, park improvements, public works. reinvestment of tax increment, etc. ' . Community Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02 6 . .' . As related to current Downtown Clearwater opportunities, Mr. Stone said: 1) this is a unique time in the history of Downtown, due to major public investment such as the new bridge, library, Town Lake, and Ft. Harrison Avenue and Myrtle Avenue improvements; 2) unusual redevelopment opportunities exist for public and private land (Specifically, the Calvary/City Hall site, AmSouth property, Lee Arnold property, Harbarview Center, Coachman Park, and Cleveland Street sites can serve to anchor future development); 3) an integrated strategy for the development of these properties must be generated to define a public "visiontJ for the redevelopment of Downtown; and 4) a key component af a successful Downtown strategy must address the referendum requirement for reuse of City Hall and Harborview Center and redevelopment of Coachman Park. Mr. Stone said significant work is required to achieve the desired vision for Downtown. Many initiatives are well on the way. Downtown must continue to be among the highest priorities for the community, City Commission, and administration, for the City to fully succeed with work that must be done. It was stated photographs of the trip are available in the City Manager's office for City Commission review. Mr. Stone reviewed photographs of the 800.000 square~foot City Place development in West Palm Beach which features a great plaza, interactive fountain. upscale streetscape, outdoor space and seating, informational boots, a wide open plaza, fountains, street art, flexible signage allowing icons and three-dimensional signs. a mix of retail and residences. a Mediterranean revival color pallet and design with flower boxes and balconies, a 20-screen movie theater that provides child-care. on street parking. and covered walkways with ceiling fans. The second floor walkway also is covered, and allows access to structured parking. restaurants, and stores. without going out into the inclement weather. All 3.500 parking spaces are free. The City and management company provide security. Boca Raton's Mizner Park uses simHar concepts and features significant brick work, plazas, shelters, fountains, covered walkways, information booths. outdoor cafes adjacent to urban living, public art, an amphitheater, etc. It was felt the trip was productive, giving the City Commission an opportunity to see different designs and talk to City leaders who made development happen through a unity of vision and a master plan. It was stated the developments were possible due to construction of a master plan and were not piecemeal. It was felt the geography of neither one of these developments was as spectacular as the City's location overlooking Clearwater Harbor. The importance of free parl<ing and a commitment to arts a~d culture was stated. It was stated the amphitheater allowed companies to sponsor movies and almost daily activities, such as high-end concerts. ' , It was stated the Church of Scientology is a presence Downtown that cannot be ignored. It was stated it is time for other residents to get over that stigma and realize that Downtown improvements will benefit the entire community. ' It was stated West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale had been willing to borrow money and purchase properties at foreclosures to accomplish their goals. It was stated Conlmunity Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02 . 7 , \ I" '\ ,. ,~, . : " ' ." _' . l I . ' .~ . ,~ ' n' 11 . . + ; : l" 1. I', . l ,,' . ' ~ ' " ,: 'I' r, ,I . I . ": I . . .. the City needs to decide how far it willing to go to take the lead role in Downtown redevelopment and determine if it is willing to bond necessary infrastructure projects. It, ,was stated public participation in the process is important. It was suggested public communications be improved to obtain feedback from a broader range of residents. It was felt the City could adopt the best ideas from the developments. It was noted Clearwater is not close to a major interstate like the other developments are. The importance of a public transportation piece was noted. Concern was expressed Charlie Siemon's comments were inappropriate related to difficulties in attracting a developer to Clearwater due to the required referendum. Mr. Stone said the City has received a strong response to its marketing brochure. Difficulties in involving and educating the public in the referendum process was noted. It was felt redevelopment of Coachman Park would attract a major developer to , the Downtown. It was noted Mr. Siemon had recommended locating two key restaurants to get people to come Downtown. Discussion ensued in regard to no movie theaters in Clearwater and it was indicated there is a market for one. The movie theater does not have to be large and could feature 8!rt movies. ' ITEM #6 - Executive Director (Assistant City Manaqer) Verbal Reports - None. ITEM #7 - Other Business.. None ,ITEM #6.. Adiournment Attest: , . The meeting adjourned at 11 :22 a.m. , Chair Community Red ,? '>'Z:~ :-.! /' , ' " . . ! ~ .,.; . ,'''7 -.J.- L //1 a:. . h~ / .rd.:?',- . i I .,1. ' , -I . " , .~. 1"... / .' '1-(..., /(,:':' City Clerk , i , " ;! " , Community Redevelopment Agency 2003-06-02' 8 'l