02/12/1997 - Community MeetingCOMMUNITY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 12, 1997
Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Karen Seel Commissioner
Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager
Richard Baier Engineering Director
Scott Shuford Central Permitting Director
Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director
Mashid Arasteh Civil Engineer III
Don McCarty Central Permitting Design Planner
Mark Roether Nursery Superintendent
Gwen Legters Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Best Western Sea Stone Resort. The purpose of the meeting was to present to the public the City’s proposed Mandalay Avenue Streetscape
improvements.
Assistant City Manager Bob Keller explained the project’s general principles and how staff gathered information from the public to prepare the plan. He narrated a slide presentation
outlining the route between Baymont Drive and Pier 60. The project is designed to: 1) showcase the street; 2) encourage a pro-business atmosphere; 3) create a people friendly ambiance;
and 4) provide a catalyst for redevelopment. He explained the mechanisms designed to maintain communications with the public and minimize disruptions during construction.
Civil Engineer Mashid Arasteh highlighted engineering aspects of the project designed to enhance public enjoyment of the beach and encourage pedestrians and motorists to seek the area
as a destination point. She presented aerial photographs, artists’ renderings, and slides to demonstrate current and conceptual views of the proposed road pattern, traffic circulation,
parking configuration, sidewalks, drainage, utilities, buried power lines, mast arm traffic signals, street lights, and street signs.
Design Planner Don McCarty illustrated the major design components of a successful streetscape using computer enhanced photographs of conceptual aesthetic improvements. He demonstrated
how a people friendly atmosphere can be created with: 1) lush landscaping; 2) extensive use of brick pavers in wide curving sidewalks and crosswalks; 3) color and design coordinated
streetscape furnishings; and 4) directory kiosks.
Some business owners and residents expressed a variety of concerns related to: 1) restrictions to traffic flow if the road is narrowed to one lane in each direction; 2) angled street
parking could aggravate traffic flow; and 3) reduced parking. Some praised the project for its beauty and potential to enhance tourism. It was felt a center turn lane would enhance
traffic flow. Supporters encouraged the City to move forward, stating the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, and problems can be addressed after streetscape improvements are in place.
Staff responded to questions regarding landscaping and infrastructure maintenance, bus stops, shelters, and handicapped parking spaces. Reclaimed water irrigation was encouraged.
Merchants, property owners, and residents were urged to keep the communication lines open with City staff, as their ideas will be incorporated in the construction drawings, wherever
possible.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.