COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ANNUAL REPORT FY 2009-2010community redevelopment agency
CITY OF CLEARWATER
Annual Reoo4
FY 2009-2010
Prepared for:
Pinellas County Board of Commissioners
March 2011
Prepared by:
CRA Staff/ Economic Development 8 Housing Department
°_ Clearwater
U
A. Introduction
The Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (Florida Statutes: Title
XI, Chapter 163, Part III) provides a vehicle for local communities to form a
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and create a Redevelopment Trust
Fund through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for financing improvements within a
target area. The City of Clearwater established its CRA in FY 81-82. The CRA was
expanded in 2004 and a new redevelopment plan was approved in February 2004.
Pursuant to Chapter 163.356(3)(c) of the Florida Statutes, a progress report of the
year's redevelopment activities, including a complete financial statement of assets,
liabilities, income and expenses, is due March 31 of each year. This annual report
briefly summarizes the redevelopment activities conducted by the CRA in FY 09-10
and includes the year's financial statements.
In FY 09-10, the CRA concentrated on the planning of the Cleveland Street
Streetscape Phase II project, the purchase of strategic parcels of land for
redevelopment, the expansion of two successful restaurants in the Downtown
District and the enhancement of Downtown events.
The CRA worked closely with developers, the DDB, property owners, the
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders to coordinate
projects that impact Downtown and spur catalytic development within the CRA
district. The CRA's budget for FY 09-10 was $3,368,139.
B. New Activity
Purchase of Real Property -1359 Cleveland Street [CarPro)
In December 2009, the CRA identified the Car Pro Site as a candidate for
participation in the City's Brownfields Program given the site's environmental
issues, the non-conforming land use, the potential future redevelopment, and the
availability of funding for environmental remediation.
At least four different phases of environmental site assessments were conducted
prior to May 2007. The investigations identified adverse environmental conditions
within the property boundaries of the site and two adjacent properties to the west.
Based on these previous environmental assessments, the City's consultant estimated
the general cost for implementing the preferred remediation strategy to be from
$595,000 to $680,000. The assessment portion of the estimate, up to $190,000,
will be covered by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
W Z ?,?
assessment funds and existing Brownfields grants. The remediation portion of
the estimate, up to $492,000, will be funded through the Brownfields Cleanup
Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) and the sale of the City's Voluntary Cleanup
Tax Credits.
Given the location and redevelopment opportunities for the site, the CRA
purchased the property on Aug. 5, 2010 after performing Phase I and Phase
II Environmental Site Assessments. Demolition of Car Pro was completed
in September 2010. Assessment of the site continues with the placement of
monitoring wells to delineate the extent of the groundwater contamination.
The CRA established the Car Pro Site line item to accept $325,000 from the
Redevelopment line item already established to cover the property purchase,
closing costs and demolition of the site.
Car Pro Site
Purchase of Real Property -1274 Cleveland Street (Economy Inn) and
Surrounding Parcels
On Sept. 7, 2010, the CRA approved the purchase of real property comprising the
bulk of the East Gateway block bounded by Cleveland Street, North Betty Lane,
Grove Street and North Lincoln Avenue. The parcels include the Economy Inn;
former Royal Palm Motel; Viva Mexico restaurant; two duplexes; and one owner-
occupied single family residence for a total of 2.2 acres. Prior to the purchase of the
property, Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments were completed.
The properties had become a major, continuing source of blight and magnet for
inappropriate activity. The magnitude of the issues far exceeded other properties
in the East Gateway area. Police records indicated that calls for service/complaints
to the Economy Inn alone during the last twelve months of the reporting period
totaled 421, more than one call per day.
It is the intention of the CRA to fence the property, demolish the structures, and
market the site as a potential redevelopment opportunity.
\/? 3 \,?
The CRA established the Economy Inn/MNEK line item to accept a $1,900,000 loan
from the City's Central Insurance Fund to cover the acquisition, closing costs and
demolition/stabilization of the site. The loan is interest only for FY 2011 and 2012
and principal and interest through FY 2018. If the property is sold prior to the loan
being satisfied, the sale proceeds will go to pay off the loan.
Economy Inn
Contract for Purchase of Real Property -1015 Cleveland Street (St.
Vincent de Paul Thrift Store)
On Sept. 20, 2010, the CRA approved a contract to purchase a 1.03 acre property
located at 1015 Cleveland Street and abutting the CRA-owned redevelopment site
known as the Prospect Lake Parcel. Prior to the purchase of the property, Phase I
and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments will be completed.
With the acquisition of this parcel, the Prospect Lake Parcel abutting to the west
materially increases the likelihood that the site will realize the development
objectives of the CRA and the City.
St. Vincent de Paol Thrift Store
\/? 4 \??
Because St. Vincent de Paul needs to relocate the thrift store, a companion lease
will allow the property to be leased back to St. Vincent de Paul, holding the CRA
completely harmless, for up to one year. An additional lease period of six months
could be exercised, at the option of St. Vincent de Paul, if relocation space has not
been located. The CRA does not anticipate the need to occupy the site over the next
eighteen months.
The CRA established the St. Vincent de Paul Property Acquisition line item to
accept $625,000 from the Redevelopment line item already established to cover the
acquisition, closing costs and related expenses.
Mainstreet Clearwater Development, LLC - 426-428 Cleveland Street
[Tony's Pizzeria Restaurant) Development Agreement
On July 13, 2010, a Development Agreement was approved between the CRA and
Mainstreet Clearwater Development, LLC concerning Tony's Pizzeria Restaurant
located on Cleveland Street. The project is a build-out of the existing structure,
with outdoor dining, to create a full-service, 3,750 square foot pizzeria and dining
restaurant.
The Development Agreement
outlines the general terms and
incentives for the project. The
CRA has agreed to reimburse
$50,000 for restaurant build-out
which provides for incentive
reimbursement funding of $1 for
every $1 expended. The loan is
a five-year forgivable loan, 20%
forgivable per year as long as the
property continues to be used as
a full-service restaurant. If the
property ceases to be operated as a
full-service restaurant during the -No
five-year period, the owner would
have to reimburse the CRA for the
outstanding balance.
The CRA allocated $50,000 from its Retail Attraction/Assistance line item.
* 5 \W
Tony's Pizzeria Restaurant
Mainstreet Clearwater Development, LLC - 422-424 Cleveland Street
[Peter Gillham's Nutrition Center] Development Agreement
On Sept. 20, 2010, a Development
Agreement was approved
between the CRA and Mainstreet
Clearwater Development, LLC
concerning Peter Gillham's
Nutrition Center located on
Cleveland Street. The project is a
build-out of the existing structure,
with outdoor dining, to create
a 3,900 square foot health food
store and restaurant.
The Development Agreement
outlines the general terms and
incentives for this project. The
CRA has agreed to a five-year
forgivable loan, 20% forgivable
Peter Gillham's Nutrition Center
per year as long as the property continues to be used as a full-service restaurant. If
the property ceases to be operated as a full-service restaurant during the five-year
period, the owner would have to reimburse the CRA for the outstanding balance.
The CRA allocated $50,000 from its Retail Attraction/Assistance line item.
Clearwater Downtown Events, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement
On July 13, 2010, the CRA approved a Memorandum
of Agreement with Clearwater Downtown Events,
Inc. for the provision of an expanded and enhanced
schedule of Blast Friday events in the Cleveland Street
District.
The CRA's objectives are to support existing businesses
in a period of economic downturn by drawing larger
crowds to the District; provide a better customer base
to encourage new retailers and restaurants to locate
into the District; and "expose" potential investors to the
District through events.
The Blast Friday Volunteer Group created a not-for-
profit organization, Downtown Events, Inc., to receive/
\'? h
manage funds and administer the program. The $75,000 seed money is to partially
fund the $250,000 Business Plan. It is anticipated that the seed money will only be
needed during the first one or two years of the process.
The CRA allocated $75,000 from its Redevelopment line item. The DDB allocated
$50,000 from their Blast Friday line item and the remaining $125,000 will come
from private fund raising efforts.
Cleveland Street District and Marketing Website
On March 12, 2010, the CRA released a RFP for development of a Cleveland Street
District website. The new website will support the overall strategy for downtown
revitalization and bolster the Downtown's image as a destination.
On July 13, 2010, the CRA retained Blenderbox, Inc. of New York to design,
copyright and train staff in developing the website.
The website marketing strategy will be developed during the discovery phase of the
project, but will eventually feature heavy marketing to local and regional markets
through multiple media sources. The tracking/analytics feature of the site will allow
for continuous monitoring and adjustment. It is anticipated that the website will be
on-line by the first quarter of 2011.
The CRA allocated $100,000 from its Retail Attraction/Assistance line item.
C. Multi-year Projects 6 Commitments
East Gateway District Five-Year Action Program
The CRA concluded the second year of the East Gateway District Five-Year Action
Program. The following highlights progress and accomplishments:
• Held regular meetings of the East Gateway Task Force for collaboration on
neighborhood issues and opportunities
Expanded community policing that has improved safety and security in the
neighborhood and building of public trust
• Coordinated meetings of the East Gateway Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG)
and participated in the East Gateway Business & Neighbors Association (BNA)
meetings that have provided greater opportunities for community engagement
and grassroots problem solving
0 Coordinated, in conjunction with the Pinellas Opportunity Council (POC),
Talento 2010, A Celebration of Pinellas County's Hispanic Art & Culture
• Initiated the development of a community-based vision
Finalized concept and design for the Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Highland
Avenue Intersection Improvement Project Identified and completed
construction of six sidewalk projects
Community Engagement
Community engagement and empowerment continues in the East Gateway District
with active stakeholder meetings and projects. The SAG met monthly to provide
guidance on Action Program implementation.
The BNA, a grassroots organization, met monthly to discuss neighborhood
concerns and updates. The Police Department and a Neighborhood Services staff
member attended meetings and provided updates.
The CRA initiative to stabilize the East
Gateway District employs community
events as opportunities for community-
building among area residents and
businesses, many of which are Hispanic.
To this end, the CRA co-sponsored
and assisted in organizing, with the
POC, Talento 2010, A Celebration of
Pinellas County's Hispanic Art & Culture
Program. The event was held over a six
month period, with four weekend events,
to bring people together in a festive social
environment.
The CRA allocated $5,000 from its East Gateway Project line item.
East Gateway Community Policing Innovation
Talento 2010
Community concerns regarding illegal drug activity, prostitution, and street
crimes continued to be addressed through a CRA/Police Department Interlocal
Agreement that provides for an increased police presence. The agreement enables
two additional police officers to patrol the East Gateway District, particularly during
peak crime periods and at peak crime locations. The CRA approved the interlocal
agreement on Aug. 31, 2009. The term of the agreement was from Oct. 1, 2009
through Sept. 30, 2010.
The CRA allocated $130,376.59 from its East Gateway Project line.
East Gateway District Facade and Building Lot Improvement Program
In March 2009, the East Gateway District Facade & Building Lot Improvement
Program was approved. The program provides incentives for private reinvestment
within aging commercial corridors in the District.
Program objectives are to: 1) stabilize existing businesses and stimulate new
business activity by improving the overall visual quality of existing buildings; 2)
improve the view from the street by focusing on improvements most visible to
customers, neighboring merchants, residents, and pass-by traffic; 3) establish a
positive neighborhood image and a "sense of place" that are vital to the economic
revitalization of the area; 4) promote Green Building and Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques applicable to building facade and site
design; and 5) leverage city funds for neighborhood revitalization and economic
development by encouraging private investment in facade and building lot
improvements.
Design services up to $5,000 and construction funding up to $35,000 are available
to eligible commercial property owners. Funding for design services up to $20,000
is allocated from the CRA East Gateway line item. A total of $180,000 in U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development
Block Grant - Recovery (CDBG-R) funds is allocated for project construction.
During this reporting period, two program applications were accepted and four
loan-to-grant commitments were issued.
1454 Gulf to Bay Blvd
Highland Avenue and Gulf to Bay Boulevard Intersection Improvements
The community continued to express concern about decreased traffic volumes and
business activity in the East Gateway associated with the relocation of State Road
60 and Gulf to Bay Boulevard. In an effort to mitigate this condition and address
the lack of pedestrian walkways in this intersection, an attention grabbing entryway
feature at the intersection of Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Highland Avenue and Court
Street was proposed. The feature will cue motorists, pedestrians and cyclists that
something special lays ahead. The intersection improvements will maximize views
and vistas into the district from State Road 60, reinforce community identity, and
?I/ ?I/
increase safety at this large-scale, five-legged intersection.
Construction drawings are being prepared by the City's Engineering Department
with follow-up by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). It is
anticipated that the drawings will be completed by the first half of 2011.
The City Council allocated $1,000,000 in Penny for Pinellas II funds.
Country Club Townhomes
To increase the supply of owner-occupied, workforce-housing units in the East
Gateway District, the City provided a $700,000 loan utilizing CDBG funds for the
purchase of the property to construct a 31-unit townhouse project located at Drew
Street and North Betty Lane.
The loan has a three-percent interest rate on the outstanding principal balance
with deferred payment of principal and interest for five years. If the developer fails
to reach certain timelines for site plan submittal and construction, upon written
demand by the City, the Developer will convey the property to the City by Special
Warranty Deed in lieu of foreclosure. Given economic conditions and the state of
the housing market, the Developer was unable to meet the agreed upon timelines
and requested an extension.
Country Club Townhomes
Economic Development and Housing staff recommended a mortgage modification
to extend the timeframes for an additional five years. The City Council approved the
loan modification on Nov 17, 2009. This extension allowed the Developer time to
complete the site plan approval process.
On July 20, 2010, the Community Development Board (CDB) approved the site
East Gateway Intersection Improvement Rendering
plan with eleven conditions. After discussions took place with Progress Energy to
satisfy a condition of the approval, the burying of overhead lines, it was determined
by Progress Energy to be impractical to accomplish. The Developer is scheduled to
go before the CDB on Nov. 16, 2010 to request permission to delete this condition
of the approved site plan.
The City is working with the Developer to fund a portion of the construction
with HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2) funds. Construction is
scheduled to commence in 2011.
Authorize Issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) - Parcel Bounded
By Chestnut Street and Prospect Avenue
The City has received numerous inquiries over the years regarding the city-owned
parcels on Court Street and Prospect Avenue. The adjacent, privately-owned site
at 915 Court Street, a former Texaco station, is under environmental remediation
and monitoring. Because of the environmental concerns, it has been the City's
preference to wait until the site was "clean" before pursuing any development
options. However, staff has indicated to interested parties that should a desirable
development proposal for the site come forward before the scheduled remediation
is completed, the City would consider disposition of the property.
Given the strategic location of the site where Court and Chestnut Streets merge, the
site is ideal for redevelopment because of its "Gateway" to the Downtown Core and
Clearwater Beach. With continued interest in the development of the parcel, the
CRA approved the issuance of a RFP at their Sept. 28, 2009 meeting.
A Boundary Survey and an appraisal were completed in November 2009. In
February 2010 a decision was made not to issue the RFP considering all the
economic factors involved. The CRA will work with the adjacent property owner if
another opportunity for redevelopment arises.
Cleveland Street Streetscape - Phase II
Phase II of the Cleveland Street Streetscape project is the next phase of the
streetscape program developed by Bellomo-Herbert and Company in August 2002.
With the development of The Strand at Clearwater Centre and the availability of the
Prospect Lake Redevelopment Site, Phase II is a critical infrastructure project that
will continue to encourage and facilitate the City and CRA's redevelopment goals.
The construction drawings for Phase II continue the look and feel of the first phase
of the Cleveland Street Streetscape project, but with a less intense, and therefore
less expensive, treatment. The features include earthwork, grading, paving,
underground utilities, lighting, site furnishings, mast arms, and public art.
The CRA approved the conceptual plan at their Nov 3, 2008 meeting. Certified
letters were sent to property owners and tenants discussing the project and inviting
them to one of two public meetings that were held on May 13, 2010 and May 21,
2010. The City Council approved the final conceptual design on May 17, 2010.
Construction documents were finalized in September 2010 with the Engineering
Department scheduled to release the documents for bid in October 2010. It is
anticipated that construction will commence in February 2011.
The CRA allocated $1,799,927.37 from its Cleveland Street Phase II Construction
line item.
Streetscape Phase II
Downtown Boat Slips
On March 13, 2007, Clearwater residents approved, by referendum, the Downtown
Boat Slips project. The project consists of 126 boat slips, docks, a boardwalk,
a promenade and related facilities located on the downtown waterfront near
Coachman Park.
A RFP was released on Dec. 19, 2007 for design build services. On Feb. 8, 2008 bids
were received, and on April 17, 2008 the City Council approved Misener Marine
Construction, Inc. as the preferred contractor. A Notice to Proceed was issued on
May 23, 2008.
Downtown Boat Slips
The CRA established the Downtown Boat Slips line item to accept a $1,500,000 loan
from the City's Central Insurance Fund to cover the capital expenses necessary for
construction and maintenance. The loan was paid back over a three year period.
W 12 \/?
The DDB also allocated $500,000, $50,000 a year over a ten year period, from its
Downtown Boat Slips line item.
The project was completed in August 2010 with a Grand Opening celebration
taking place on Sept. 2, 2010.
Cleveland Street and Prospect Lake Park Site [Brownfields]
On March 7, 2002, the City Commission approved an interlocal agreement between
the City and the CRA regarding the Brownfields site initially known as Dimmitt
Chevrolet Property B to facilitate the proposed redevelopment of the site. The City
committed to certain environmental remediation on the property pursuant to the
Brownfields Site Rehabilitation Agreement (BSRA) entered into between the City
and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on July 26, 2001. The
City completed the environmental remediation of the property in August 2004.
In June 2004, FDEP approved a Groundwater Monitoring Plan (MOP). Wells were
installed and groundwater monitoring continued until four quarterly monitoring
events showed that Residential Groundwater Cleanup Target levels (GCTL's) were
acceptable.
On Aug. 15, 2005, the CRA accepted title to a 2,317.46-square-foot portion of the
former south half right-of-way of Park Street, vacated by the City on Aug. 4, 2005.
The City requested a letter from the FDEP confirming that the City had completed
rehabilitation of contaminated soils at the site and would address the site's
remaining groundwater contamination through an approved plan for natural
attenuation with monitoring. A memo dated May 25, 2005 stated that the FDEP
Department Office of Counsel had the Restrictive Covenant Agreement for
groundwater under review. However, the timeframe to obtain this document from
FDEP involved many months and involved the City's legal counsel. A Restrictive
Covenant agreement was approved by FDEP on Aug. 29, 2006 to prevent the
use of groundwater at the site, to reduce or eliminate the risk of exposure to the
environment, to users or occupants of the property, and to reduce or eliminate the
threat of migration of the contaminants. The City received the Comfort Letter on
Sept. 6, 2006.
Cleveland Street and Prospect Lake Site
In September 2009, monitoring activities were completed and indicated that soil
and groundwater contaminant concentrations were below the applicable Soil
Cleanup Target Levels and Maximum Concentration Limits or Groundwater
Cleanup Target Levels as adopted in Chapter 62-777, F.A.C., effective April 17, 2005.
Therefore, site rehabilitation requirements have been satisfied from any further
obligations. A request for a Site Rehabilitation Completion Order (SRCO), without
conditions, was sent to FDEP Southwest District in September 2009. FDEP issued a
SRCO on Dec. 18, 2009.
It is the intention of the CRA to release a RFP to interested developers once the
economic climate improves.
The Strand at Clearwater Centre, LLC Development Agreement
On Jan. 16, 2007, a Development Agreement was approved between the CRA and
Clearwater Centre, LLC concerning the Strand at Clearwater Centre located on
Cleveland Street. The Strand at Clearwater Centre will have 71 tower residences, 17
city homes and 21,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space.
The Development Agreement outlines the general terms and incentives for this
project. The CRA will reimburse impact fees not to exceed $425,000 as they become
due and certain water and utility relocation costs not to exceed $260,000. The CRA
also agreed to make streetscape and landscape improvements in a total amount not
to exceed the lesser of $500,000, or the amount of funds remaining in the project
account after payment of the impact fees and utility relocation. The total payments
by the CRA shall not exceed $1,040,000.
On May 15, 2007, the CRA approved an assignment of the Development Agreement
from the original Developer, Clearwater Centre, LLC to Clearwater Espacio
Development, LLC.
\0 14
The Strand at Clearwater Centre
In early 2010, the General Contractor left the project. A new General Contractor
was hired in September 2010. The CRA approved an extension of the required
completion date to Oct. 31, 2012 and a change in the form of the Security for
Developer's Performance from a Performance Mortgage to a Letter of Credit.
Cleveland Street District Facade Improvement Program
On Sept. 4, 2007, the CRA approved the Cleveland Street District Facade
Improvement Program. The program provides architectural design assistance, to be
provided by the CRA and funded by the DDB via contracts with local architects and
two financial incentives. The financial incentives are a $10,000 matching grant and
a $25,000 zero interest loan.
No property owners took advantage of the grant during this fiscal year. As new
business owners relocate to downtown, staff informs them of the program and
meetings are held with those who express an interest.
Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant Program
On Jan. 14, 2008, the CRA approved the
Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant Program. The
grant provides financial assistance to eligible
applicants seeking to furnish an approved
sidewalk cafe area within the Cleveland Street
District. This one-time grant funds up to 75
percent of the total project cost, to a maximum
of $2,500 per grant award. This program is
funded by the DDB and administered by the
CRA. During this reporting period Cafe 421,
located at 421 Cleveland Street, received a
$793.03 grant.
Retail Recruitment and Marketing Services
Cafe 421
In August 2008, the Retail Strategy and Implementation Program was adopted by
the CRA. The program guides CRA staff in recruiting unique, destination retail and
restaurants. The program's philosophy is to provide a unique merchandise/dining
mix, with one-of-a-kind retailers and restaurants. The approach to accomplishing
this is through a dedicated retail recruiter whose primary responsibility is
generating retail/restaurant prospects.
The Downtown Manager acts as the retail/restaurant recruiter. The approach
is hands-on with more emphasis on action, on-the-ground recruitment. The
recruiter has been actively recruiting since adoption of the program. More than
400 establishments have been visited with 150 qualified as potential prospects.
Continually managing a relationship with prospects and engaging them with new
information about the District is an ongoing process.
Nine months into the recruitment program, the first full-service restaurant was
recruited to the District. La Cachette, a fine dining restaurant serving French
cuisine, opened in November 2009. That same month, WareHaus Boutique, which
carries an artistic display of unique treasured objects and wearable art, moved from
just off Cleveland Street to be directly located on it.
Recent restaurant advancements include a new cafe that relocated in May of 2010
from a popular nearby community. On the same block, a unique boutique opened
in the summer of 2010 that offers clothing, home decor, one-of-a-kind furnishings,
natural spa products, botanical designs and jewelry.
Retail and Restaurant Recruitment Grant Program
The Retail and Restaurant Recruitment Grant Program, funded by the DDB, is
offered to established retailers and restaurants relocating from outside the Cleveland
Street District to, or opening new locations on, the street level of that portion
of Cleveland Street located between Osceola and Myrtle Avenues. It is believed
that once Cleveland Street is healthy, success will radiate outward. To advance
recruitment and marketability, the grant provides an incentive to improve the
interior appearance and utility of street level storefronts. The premise is that an
attractive interior building design will attract retail and restaurant owners and draw
customers. The grant offers a maximum cumulative amount not to exceed $35,000
for retail tenants and $50,000 for restaurant tenants.
Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market
The Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market celebrated their fourteenth year
in operation. Located on the 500 block of Cleveland Street, the market had a
successful year with increased pedestrian traffic and an increase in the number of
vendors that participated.
The market continues to operate on Wednesdays from October through May. The
season was so successful that market managers requested, and were approved, to
run the market one Saturday per month from June thru September 2010.
The Farmer's Market continues to be known as a green market and holds several
special events during the season. It attracts weekly visitors to the area and creates
a unique place to visit for downtown workers, city residents and area tourists. This
year, volunteers assisted the market with their 14th Anniversary celebration.
The CRA allocated $6,000 and the DDB allocated $15,000 from its Downtown
Market line item.
CRA and DDB Intergovernmental Relationship
The CRA, the DDB and City of Clearwater Economic Development and Housing
Department staff work well together through an interlocal agreement, currently in
its tenth year. The CRA's administration fee for the fiscal year was $59,779.
Embracing the same mission
and goals, the DDB and
the CRA have provided for
a process that strengthens
communication leading to many
downtown development projects,
infrastructure improvements,
merchant retail promotion and
a redevelopment plan that has
enticed the private sector to invest.
In the spirit of cooperation with
the CRA, the DDB has invested
in the future of downtown by
providing funding for several
research studies currently being
implemented to create the framework for a
destination downtown.
Book 6 Wine Festival
The DDB continues to support the boat slips by agreeing to a 10-year funding
schedule in the amount of $50,000 per year for construction and maintenance. The
DDB funded patriotic banners for the light poles in the District and the inserts for
the Streetscape Directory Kiosks.
The DDB is active in supporting Clearwater's annual events in Coachman Park
to include the Fun `n Sun Festival, the Sea Blues Festival, the world renowned
Clearwater Jazz Holiday Festival and Art Walk, the Miles for Hope and Relay
for Life events, the Fourth of July Clearwater Celebrates America event, the
Clearwater Film Festival, the Super Power Boat Championships. The DDB funded
its own events to include the Pet Festival, Spring and Fall Lunchtime Concerts, a
Wreath Decorating Contest, Capitol Theatre Movie Night screening of JAWS, and
the inaugural Book and Wine Festival.
?,? 17 \,?
The DDB financially supports the labor and materials to light the trees and
building rooftops on Cleveland Street from Osceola to Myrtle Avenues. The official
lighting ceremony is sponsored, in part, by the DDB in cooperation with the City
of Clearwater. A lighting ceremony, with elected officials, was held as part of the
Clearwater Downtown Partnership's Miracle on Cleveland Street event.
Attendees enjoyed participating in the People's Choice portion of the 2nd Annual
DDB Wreath Decorating Contest, hearing live music performed by the Clearwater
Academy's children's choir, a toboggan run with 20 tons of snow and visits with
Santa Claus. The DDB funded participation of Radio Disney gave the opportunity
for children to participate in the interactive games organized by the Radio Disney
staff.
The DDB continues its leadership role in funding $42,700 for Blast Friday, a
monthly event coordinated by the Clearwater Downtown Partnership (CDP). These
events are just a few of the many events celebrated and enjoyed by our residents and
visitors from around the world.
DDB Promotion and Business Visitation Committee
When the DDB established the Business Visitation Committee and the Promotion
Committee in 2009, staff realized the crossover of duties between the two. Staff
recommended that the committees merge into one with a DDB member to serve as
a co-chairperson. The DDB agreed and voted to combine the two committees.
Committee members act as merchant liaisons to new and existing businesses.
Members distribute event materials, promote the Parking Validation Program and
solicit information on issues and needs to report back to the DDB and staff.
Committee members were involved in a host of activities during this reporting
period to include coordinating the Spring Clean-up in conjunction with Keep
Pinellas Beautiful, the holiday lighting of the buildings and landscaping, the Holiday
Lighting Ceremony, the 5th Annual Spring Pet Festival, Spring and Fall Lunchtime
Concerts, Wreath Decorating Contest, Capitol Theatre Movie Night screening of
JAWS, and the inaugural Book and Wine Festival.
The Downtown Programs Coordinator alerted downtown merchants about
marketing opportunities through the Clearwater City Employees Vendor Discount
Program and Healthy Choices for a Healthy Clearwater Program, assisted
merchants with various issues, questions and concerns and attended the Florida
Main Street Annual Conference.
Downtown Coordination Committee
Created in 2010, the Downtown Coordination Committee is made up of the
Executive Director of the CRA, the President/CEO of the Clearwater Regional
Chamber of Commerce, the Chair of the DDB, and the Chair of the CDP. The
committee met monthly to discuss current/future activities, programs and issues
and how these impact Downtown.
Facade Improvement Grant
The Fagade/Storefront Improvement Grant is offered to new and existing businesses
that are located outside of the Cleveland Street District boundaries, but within th
existing CRA boundaries. The grant encourages aesthetic
Cleveland Street Maintenance
The CRA provided for the general maintenance of planters, bricks, street furniture,
and the updating of planter flowers twice this reporting period. Parks and
Beautification staff handled daily trash removal on the sidewalks. The CRA and
DDB alternately fund the pressure washing of the sidewalks every six months
or as needed.
The CRA allocated $10,000 from its Cleveland Street Maintenance line item.
\W 19 *1
City of Clearwater, Florida
Community Redevelopment Agency
Governmental Balance Sheet
for the year ended September 30, 2010
General Capital Total
Projects Govemnmental
Funds
Assets
Cash on Hand and in Banks
Interest Receivable
Other Receivables
Land Held for Resale
Total Assets
$ 659,562 $ 6,417,472 $ 7,077,034
46,685 - 46,685
31,394 - 31,394
1,914,050 - 1,914,050
$ 2,651,691 $ 6,417,472 $ 9,069,163
Liabilities
Accounts and Contracts Payable $ 1,662 $ 56,771 $ 58,433
Due to Other Government Entities 48,000 - 48,000
Advances from Other Funds 648,827 - 648,827
Deferred Revenue 31,393 - 31,393
Fund Balances
Reserved for Encumbrances
Reserved for Land Held for Resale
Unreserved, Reported in Capital
Proiects Fund
$ 7,759 $ - $ 7,759
1,914,050 - 1,914,050
- 6,360,701 6,360,701
W 20 \/?
City of Clearwater, Florida
Community Redevelopment Agency
Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance-
Budgetary Comparison Schedule - General Fund
for the year ended September 30, 2010
Original Final GAAP Variancewith
Basis Actual Final Budget
Amounts Positive
(Negative)
Revenues
Intergovernmental - Local $ 1,352,719 $ 1,322,680 $ 1,322,681 $ 1
Investment Earnings 30,000 200,000 258,299 58,299
Miscellaneous 67,627 67,627 67,627 -
Total Revenues ., 1,450,346 1,590,307 1,648,607 58,300
Expenditures
Current - Economic
Environment
Excess of Revenues of
Expenditures
Other Financing Sources (Uses)
Transfers In
Transfers Out
Total Other Financing
Sources (Uses)
Net Change in Fund Balances
$ 326,267 $ 323,989 $ 232,549 $ 91,440
1,124,079 1,266,318 1,416,058 149,740
$ 1,217,557 $ 1,777,832 $ 1,829,005 $ 51,173
(2,341,636) (3,044,150) (3,237,304) (193,154)
(1,124,079) (1,266,318) (1,408,299) (141,981)
7,759 7,759
\,? 21 \P
?? 22 ?,?
Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Frank Hibbard, Mayor
George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
John Doran, Councilmember
Paul F. Gibson, Councilmember
Bill Jonson, Councilmember
Executive Director of the Community Redevelopment Agency
and Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin
Director of Economic Development and Housing
Geraldine Campos Lopez
*0 13 W1