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FLD2014-05013 - EMAILS From: Watkins, Sherry Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 11:05 AM To: Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Donald van Weezel; DuPont, Kimberly; Frank Dame; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; Kurt R Hinrichs; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo; Stutz, Stephanie; Kuligowski, Patricia; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish Subject: FW: My view of the Traffic Impact Study Good morning, Below is a email received for Community Development Board Item H -1 Case : FLD2014- 05013, 483 Mandalay Avenue. Thank you, Sherry Watkins, Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727 - 562 -4582 sherry.watkins @myclearwater.com From: Nurnberger, Kevin Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 10:52 AM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: FW: My view of the Traffic Impact Study From: Don J [mailto: 3don0earthlink. net] Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 2:39 PM To: 'Gwen Douse'; Nurnberger, Kevin Cc: BillyCa)Billyday.net; Trago Charlie'; 'Steinle Diane'; 'Brendel, Al'; 'Selvidge William'; 'Beckers Hilmer'; 'Waltz Eric'; 'Funk John'; 'Plisko Alex'; 'Urino Frank'; 'Dentice Joe'; 'Chiavatti Danny'; 'Deletioglu Ismet [Matt]'; 'Morton Bob'; Torlini Paul'; 'Johnson Annette'; 'Teijido Dan'; 'Bongo Jane'; 'Ackerly, Bill'; 'Augello Micheal'; 'Kahler, Perry'; 'Aleccia, Joseph'; 'Zuravle Joe'; 'Lynch, Jeff'; 'Klein, Bill'; 'Heilman Bobby'; 'Arnold Randy'; 'Roberts Lynn'; 'Doran John'; 'Mitchell Dick'; 'Shimek Jeanette'; 'Ewerling Carsten'; 'Young Trudy'; 'Rowe Bobby'; 'Gonzalez Joyce'; 'Garris Anne' Subject: RE: My view of the Traffic Impact Study OIL so I can't step from aking fun of the Traffic Impact Study's narrow assumptions to reach a forgone conclusion. If you believe the Traffic Study's assumption that, "The retail portion of this development would be the only part that generates new traffic on the area roadways" Then we have the following result during peak season /traffic times; Twenty or 30 cars per hour will visit the new retail shops (maybe) and the garage is full. With no other new traffic then there will be 450 to 500 empty parking places out on the street and existing parking areas. Or conversely, the street parking will be full and the garage empty if the garage /retail generates no more than 20 or 30 cars per hour of new traffic on the area roadways. So why build the garage at all? I wish I could be at the City Council meeting, or at least could someone ask about the Traffic Report assumptions at the City Council meeting? Cheers, Don Johnson On Jul 10, 2014, at 11:57 AM, "Don J" <3don o,earthlink.net> wrote: There are lots of pretty maps and graphics in the Traffic Impact Study. There are "LOS" numbers to prove the garage has only positive impact on traffic flow. But the Traffic Study is based on very narrow assumptions. First, "The retail portion of this development would be the only part that generates new traffic on the area roadways ". This statement says no additional people are coming to the Beach because of the parking garage. My LOS (Lots Of Shit) numbers tell me this rules out 75% of the traffic that will come to the garage Second, "Parking garages do not actually generate new vehicle trip(s) ". This statement says the garage will attract no new business for the existing retail shops. My LOS numbers tell me that 100% of the retail shops hope and expect this is wrong. Looking at traffic from only a commercial standpoint completely ignores new traffic coming to the Beach, and only for the Beach. Third, the pretty graphics and LOS numbers deal only with existing 4 -way stop signs and one existing signal. This is the side show. MISSING is the impact of NEW traffic on the traffic circle where Poinsettia and East Shore will feed more cars into the already busy traffic circle. This is, and will be, a real problem as many CWB residents have previously pointed out. So it should be ignored in a "pretty" , "no- problem" Study. Lots of LOS numbers, narrow assumptions, and pretty formatting can justify anything. Cheers, Don Johnson From: Bill Day [mailto:billy @billyday.net] Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 5:15 AM To: Frago Charlie; Steinle Diane; Brendel, Al; Selvidge William; Beckers Hilmer; Waltz Eric; Funk John; Plisko Alex; Urino Frank; Dentice Joe; Chiavatti Danny; Chiavatti Linda; Deletioglu Ismet [Matt]; Morton Bob; Forlini Paul; Johnson Annette; Douse, Gwen & Rob; Teijido Dan; Bongo Jane; Ackerly, Bill; Johnson, Don; Augello Micheal; Kahler, Perry; Aleccia, Joseph; Zuravle Joe; Lynch, Jeff; Klein, Bill; Heilman Bobby; Arnold Randy; Roberts Lynn; Doran John; Mitchell Dick; Shimek Jeanette; Ewerling Carsten; Young Trudy; Rowe Bobby; Gonzalez Joyce; Garris Anne Subject: Copy of new traffic study for Parking Garage - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kevin.Nurnber er o,MyClearwater.com [mailto: Kevin. Nurnber er o,MyClearwater.com] Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 07:45 AM To: Billy gB illyday. net Subject: RE: 483 Mandalay parking garage ll Attached is the Traffic Impact Study for your review. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Bennett Elbo in the Traffic Engineering Department at (727)562 -4775. Hours of Operation MonLLIN_- P]C'V6LINl : Smii - 410pni Customer Service Hours onLLiy, TuOSLLiv, Thx:>- S&IN /r SM— n-- 4:10pr WOLIu1oSLLIN/ Sm -n--1 0pr From: Bill Day [mailto:billy(abillyday.net] Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 5:13 PM To: Nurnberger, Kevin Subject: Re: 483 Mandalay parking garage Thank you Kevin: The City Council had stated that a traffic study would be required before this issue went in front of the CDB. Have you seen a copy or the results of a traffic study? Billy - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kevin.Nurnber er o,MyClearwater.com [mailto: Kevin. Nurnber er o,MyClearwater.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 03:50 PM To: Billy gB illyday. net Subject: RE: 483 Mandalay parking garage lm� The requested information is not on-line or was not given to staff electronically. You will need to contact Ms. Sherry Watkins ((727)562-4582 or sherry.watkins@mvcleawater.com) to request copies from the file. You can come into the Planning & Development Department during hours of operation to review the case file. The department is located on the 2 A floor of the Municipal Services Building at 100 South Myrtle Avenue. Hours of Operation MonLLIN. -P ILLIN': Smii - 4 10pni Customer Service Hours MonLLiy, TuOSLLiv, Thw_Sd0N/, P�ILLIN/:80M-4:10prn From: Bill Day [mailto:billy(abillyday.ne Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 1:56 PM To: Nurnberger, Kevin Subject: 483 Mandalay parking garage Hi Kevin: I'm hoping that I may get [via email] a copy of the official application for the flexible development permit for the parking garage & retail space. Also, do you have a completed impact traffic study available for this site? I will request party status at the hearing as an immediate abutter @ 475 Poinsettia Ave. Thanks for your help. Billy Day PS: Can you please email copies of the staff reports and recommendations when they are available. From: Watkins, Sherry Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 11:06 AM To: Kuligowski, Patricia; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Donald van Weezel; DuPont, Kimberly; Frank Dame; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; Kurt R Hinrichs; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo Subject: FW: Pelican Walk Parking Garage Importance: High Good morning, Below is a email received for Community Development Board Item H -1 Case : FLD2014- 05013, 483 Mandalay Avenue. Thank you, Sherry Watkins, Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727 - 562 -4582 sherry.watkins @myclearwater.com From: Nurnberger, Kevin Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 10:52 AM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: FW: Pelican Walk Parking Garage Importance: High From: Gwen Douse [mailto:adouseCa)comcast.net] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 11:31 AM To: Delk, Michael; Nurnberger, Kevin Cc: brassfieldCa)tampabay.com Subject: Re: Pelican Walk Parking Garage Importance: High Dear Mr. Delk and Mr. Nurnberger, Please add this email to the previous email that I sent on July 10th (below) and include it with discussion at Tuesday' public hearing for the Pelican Walk Parking Garage. I want to take this opportunity to reiterate that many residents request that your vote is delayed until all concerns and questions are addressed, and, as a result, a better site for the parking garage is agreed upon. According to the recently released Traffic Study: The retail portion of this development would be the only part that generates new traffic on the area roadways. The new 642 parking spaces will divert existing traffic to Poinsettia Avenue to and from the garage. From a practical viewpoint, it seems unrealistic to say that it is just the shoppers who will be utilizing this parking garage. Once the volume of beach goers learn of this new parking garage, there will absolutely be more people turning right from the round about, entering our residential area, into our already traffic - clogged roads in search of this parking garage. And just like the feasibility study for the Hyatt Parking Garage indicated, people will be idling in their cars, causing more traffic problems, waiting for cars to exit the full garage, so they can enter. And these beach goers will not have easy access to beaches, showers, or public rest room s- creating more problems. There was no recommendation for mitigation in this study. Please describe what improvements in traffic flow you expect as a result of this garage if more volume of traffic is, in reality, added. Thank you for your consideration and care of the residents of Clearwater Beach. Gwen Douse From: Gwen Douse Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 9:11 PM To: Michael Delk ; Kevin.Nurnberaer MyClearwater.com Subject: Re: Pelican Walk Parking Garage Dear Community Development Board, I am in receipt of the letter concerning Tuesday's public hearing for the Pelican Walk Parking Garage. I am unable to attend the meeting, so I request that my comments be included in your consideration. Since Beach by Design, written in 2001 and amended in 2014, is the rationale for the building of Pelican Walk Parking Garage, I again reviewed the document to try to understand this decision and I have generated questions /comments based on certain passages -(my comments are in red). I also added a comment concerning the recently commissioned Feasibility Study. I request that BEFORE any vote is taken to approve Pelican Walk Parking Garage, that there is a thorough vetting /implementation in the improvement of traffic flow, (Mandalay, Poinsettia and East Bay are narrow roads -not designed to handle high volume traffic and the high volume of traffic from these roads feed into the congested Circle) and an investigation to determine if another site for the parking garage might be better -such as the site of Clearwater Beach's Recreation Center's parking lot -which would take the pressure off the residential area adjacent to the proposed garage and move it to a commercial area. This area would have easy beach access, public rest rooms, and restaurants. Another consideration could be remote parking in downtown Clearwater. After all, how many parking garages can Clearwater Beach support -it is a small geographic area with limited space and narrow roads? (This solution would help develop downtown Clearwater) with a tie -into a monorail system attached to the structure of the bridge (designers of Disney's monorail could be consulted) or high speed ferries and boats. Fees for this public transportation must be affordable to provide incentive to use it. Thank you, Gwen Douse Resident, Clearwater Beach COMMENTS ON BEACH BY DESIGN Taken from Beach by Design, 2001, amended 111612014 The Destination Resort District represents a unique opportunity for quality beachfront redevelopment which would serve as a catalyst for the revitalization and redevelopment of Clearwater Beach to the north of the Pier 60 Park. Two of the stronger destinations on Clearwater Beach -- the Hilton and the Clearwater Beach Hotel -- are located at opposite ends of the District, bracketing the blocks between Papaya and Baymont. This area is currently improved with modest one and two story motels and retail shops which clearly show their age, with frequent tenant turnovers and frequent vacancies. Sidewalks within the area are dilapidated or non - existent and road pavement is broken and uneven.... Clearwater Beach is both a world famous tourist destination but also home to more than 8, 000 families. Also is that number of 8,000 families residing in Clearwater Beach still accurate -does it take into account the addition of our 3 major condominiums and others built in the last 10 years? 2. The City of Clearwater is committed to the revitalization of Clearwater Beach as a "great "place to live and visit. ....Inherent to "Strategies for Revitalization" is the recognition of need to find a balance between residents and tourists. 3. Clearwater Beach is both a world famous tourist destination but also home to more than 8,000 families. Beach by Design assumes that there is considerable market support for residential, hotel, time share and retail uses on a revitalized Clearwater Beach if the negative aspects of character and quality of the public realm,including traffic circulation and traffic. Again, refreshing to read about quality of life, proper traffic circulation -but where is commitment to that? 4. ..Transformation of North Mandalay into an attractive, pedestrian friendly street which provides a high quality address for retail and restaurant uses For many years, the City has contemplated the beautification of North Mandalay in the hope of creating a more vibrant tourism -based specialty retail district like that found in other tourist destinations like Sarasota and Naples. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - - -\ Feasibility Study, 2014 According to the Feasibility study recently completed. During peak hours, Lot 31 is closed and vehicles are not permitted to enter the full lot. We observed motorists slowly driving /idling near the entry when a vehicle was observed exiting the facility. This practice causes increased traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions near this parking area. We understand the parking rates at this lot are the highest on the beach, but based on the observed demand, we recommend implementing a higher rate during peak times to distribute the parking demand to other facilities and reduce the traffic congestion immediately adjacent to this lot... While the Hyatt and Surf Style garage are mostly vacant during the week, they were both filled to capacity during the weekend hours and required an attendant to direct traffic. As one vehicle would exit, the attendant would allow a single vehicle to enter, otherwise all vehicles were directed to continue south along Coronado Drive. From: Watkins, Sherry Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 11:06 AM To: Kuligowski, Patricia; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Donald van Weezel; DuPont, Kimberly; Frank Dame; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; Kurt R Hinrichs; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo Subject: FW: Pelican Walk Parking Garage - follow up Importance: High Good morning, Below is a email received for Community Development Board Item H -1 Case : FLD2014- 05013, 483 Mandalay Avenue. Thank you, Sherry Watkins, Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727 - 562 -4582 sherry.watkins @myclearwater.com From: Nurnberger, Kevin Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 10:51 AM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: FW: Pelican Walk Parking Garage - follow up Importance: High From: Gwen Douse [mailto:adouseCa)comcast.net] Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 9:36 PM To: Delk, Michael; Nurnberger, Kevin Cc: brassfieldCa)tampabay.com Subject: Re: Pelican Walk Parking Garage - follow up Importance: High As one follow -up question, why is tax payer money allowed to be used to subsidize a private enterprise if garage is only for Sand Pearl and shoppers? We need the traffic flow to be improved first - changes to round about, better roads, one way streets, etc. Thank you again, Gwen Douse From: Gwen Douse Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 11:30 AM To: Michael Delk ; Kevin.Nurnberaer MyClearwater.com Cc: brassfieldCa)tampabay.com Subject: Re: Pelican Walk Parking Garage Dear Mr. Delk and Mr. Nurnberger, Please add this email to the previous email that I sent on July 10th (below) and include it with discussion at Tuesday' public hearing for the Pelican Walk Parking Garage. I want to take this opportunity to reiterate that many residents request that your vote is delayed until all concerns and questions are addressed, and, as a result, a better site for the parking garage is agreed upon. According to the recently released Traffic Study: The retail portion of this development would be the only part that generates new traffic on the area roadways. The new 642 parking spaces will divert existing traffic to Poinsettia Avenue to and from the garage. From a practical viewpoint, it seems unrealistic to say that it is just the shoppers who will be utilizing this parking garage. Once the volume of beach goers learn of this new parking garage, there will absolutely be more people turning right from the round about, entering our residential area, into our already traffic - clogged roads in search of this parking garage. And just like the feasibility study for the Hyatt Parking Garage indicated, people will be idling in their cars, causing more traffic problems, waiting for cars to exit the full garage, so they can enter. And these beach goers will not have easy access to beaches, showers, or public rest room s- creating more problems. There was no recommendation for mitigation in this study. Please describe what improvements in traffic flow you expect as a result of this garage if more volume of traffic is, in reality, added. Thank you for your consideration and care of the residents of Clearwater Beach. Gwen Douse From: Gwen Douse Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 9:11 PM To: Michael Delk ; Kevin.Nurnberaer MyClearwater.com Subject: Re: Pelican Walk Parking Garage Dear Community Development Board, I am in receipt of the letter concerning Tuesday's public hearing for the Pelican Walk Parking Garage. I am unable to attend the meeting, so I request that my comments be included in your consideration. Since Beach by Design, written in 2001 and amended in 2014, is the rationale for the building of Pelican Walk Parking Garage, I again reviewed the document to try to understand this decision and I have generated questions /comments based on certain passages -(my comments are in red). I also added a comment concerning the recently commissioned Feasibility Study. I request that BEFORE any vote is taken to approve Pelican Walk Parking Garage, that there is a thorough vetting /implementation in the improvement of traffic flow, (Mandalay, Poinsettia and East Bay are narrow roads -not designed to handle high volume traffic and the high volume of traffic from these roads feed into the congested Circle) and an investigation to determine if another site for the parking garage might be better -such as the site of Clearwater Beach's Recreation Center's parking lot -which would take the pressure off the residential area adjacent to the proposed garage and move it to a commercial area. This area would have easy beach access, public rest rooms, and restaurants. Another consideration could be remote parking in downtown Clearwater. After all, how many parking garages can Clearwater Beach support -it is a small geographic area with limited space and narrow roads? (This solution would help develop downtown Clearwater) with a tie -into a monorail system attached to the structure of the bridge (designers of Disney's monorail could be consulted) or high speed ferries and boats. Fees for this public transportation must be affordable to provide incentive to use it. Thank you, Gwen Douse Resident, Clearwater Beach COMMENTS ON BEACH BY DESIGN Taken from Beach by Design, 2001, amended 111612014 The Destination Resort District represents a unique opportunity for quality beachfront redevelopment which would serve as a catalyst for the revitalization and redevelopment of Clearwater Beach to the north of the Pier 60 Park. Two of the stronger destinations on Clearwater Beach -- the Hilton and the Clearwater Beach Hotel -- are located at opposite ends of the District, bracketing the blocks between Papaya and Baymont. This area is currently improved with modest one and two story motels and retail shops which clearly show their age, with frequent tenant turnovers and frequent vacancies. Sidewalks within the area are dilapidated or non - existent and road pavement is broken and uneven.... Clearwater Beach is both a world famous tourist destination but also home to more than 8, 000 families. Also is that number of 8,000 families residing in Clearwater Beach still accurate -aloes it take into account the addition of our 3 major condominiums and others built in the last 10 years? 2. The City of Clearwater is committed to the revitalization of Clearwater Beach as a "great "place to live and visit. ....Inherent to "Strategies for Revitalization" is the recognition of need to find a balance between residents and tourists. 3. Clearwater Beach is both a world famous tourist destination but also home to more than 8,000 families. Beach by Design assumes that there is considerable market support for residential, hotel, time share and retail uses on a revitalized Clearwater Beach if the negative aspects of character and quality of the public realm,including traffic circulation and traffic. Again, refreshing to read about quality of life, proper traffic circulation -but where is commitment to that? 4. ..Transformation of North Mandalay into an attractive, pedestrian friendly street which provides a high quality address for retail and restaurant uses For many years, the City has contemplated the beautification of North Mandalay in the hope of creating a more vibrant tourism -based specialty retail district like that found in other tourist destinations like Sarasota and Naples. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - - -\ Feasibility Study, 2014 According to the Feasibility study recently completed. During peak hours, Lot 31 is closed and vehicles are not permitted to enter the full lot. We observed motorists slowly driving /idling near the entry when a vehicle was observed exiting the facility. This practice causes increased traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions near this parking area. We understand the parking rates at this lot are the highest on the beach, but based on the observed demand, we recommend implementing a higher rate during peak times to distribute the parking demand to other facilities and reduce the traffic congestion immediately adjacent to this lot... While the Hyatt and Surf Style garage are mostly vacant during the week, they were both filled to capacity during the weekend hours and required an attendant to direct traffic. As one vehicle would exit, the attendant would allow a single vehicle to enter, otherwise all vehicles were directed to continue south along Coronado Drive. Looks like more problems as there will be limited spots at Parking Garage (Sand Pearl and retail parking will take awayfrom public parking)with a high demand as drivers turn right at the circle in search of the parking garage so we could have people idling in front of Pelican Parking Garage, waiting for a space, causing increased traffic problems!