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10/03/1997 - Downtown Focus GroupDOWNTOWN FOCUS GROUP MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 3, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Diane Smith Administrative Support Manager II Tracey Bruch Parking Facilities Manager Anne Green Administrative Support Manager I Gwen Legters Board Reporter Members of the Public The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m. in the Clearwater Main Library. Assistant City Manager Bob Keller welcomed downtown retailers. He stated City Manager Michael Roberto cannot be present due to a schedule conflict, but is eager to respond to their comments. Members of the public were invited to introduce themselves and highlight their businesses. Mr. Keller stated all should take pride in downtown and its variety. He encouraged the public to watch and comment on a half-hour television program he recently taped with C-View Production Specialist Carrie Beem, demonstrating business life downtown. It is hoped to edit the tape for use in future retail recruitment. He introduced Economic Development’s downtown manager, Diane Smith, whom he praised for her ability to solve and prevent problems, her energy, talent, and willingness to help the public. Ms. Smith reported recent and future efforts by the City, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), and DDB (Downtown Development Board) to improve and promote downtown. She mentioned the City cleaned the Cleveland Street sidewalks and made landscaping improvements during the summer months. She noted the DDB recruited 400 volunteers to finish cleaning downtown before Jazz Holiday on October 17. She invited retailers to prepare their promotional materials for display at the City/DDB Jazz Holiday booth. A parade on October 30 will feature unveiling a 100 day clock counting down to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She has obtained permission from Central Permitting for merchants to hold sidewalk sales during the event. November 25 is the kick-off of the Festival of Trees which will feature their banners throughout the City. She asked downtown property owners to contact her if they had concerns with delaying Christmas decorations until after the first of December, due to the banners. A scavenger hunt will be held November 25 through December 6 to get employees out of the offices and visiting shops. December 6 will mark the Pinellas Trail’s grand opening event. Exhibitors wishing to have booths or to display promotional materials in the City’s booth were asked to call Ms. Smith at 5624022. She added the DDB plans to sponsor a mural project along Pinellas Trail. It was reported the City will be doing a major parking analysis to look at current inventory, future needs, and how a customer- and retailer-friendly parking plan can be created. Mr. Keller noted the relationship between the DDB and City has improved. He gave DDB members credit and thanks for their hard work and leadership. Mr. Keller reviewed the meeting’s focus as follows: What is one good thing about downtown? Tremendous potential – space to expand retail activity Recent Cleveland street resurfacing & added parking Great location to maximize waterfront Upgraded appearance with brick pavers Variety of businesses Inexpensive real estate encourages new businesses activity Small enough to be friendly Untapped growth potential to optimize East End Clean and safe environment at night Spectacular demographics – 71,000 people with half-billion dollar spending potential within a three mile radius Potential to promote later common business hours and cooperative valet parking to increase destination traffic What can we all do to make our downtown a better place? Encourage public and private sector to work together to bring events downtown Create a theme to capture downtown’s identity Establish a relationship between downtown and Clearwater beach. Build a major downtown hotel Build a waterfront marina Develop the entire bayfront with a “Bayside” or “Coco Walk” atmosphere Elect downtown property owners to the DDB Form small committees of beach and downtown representatives, including realtors and bankers Increase advance planning to make events successful Having retailers agree not to park in front of their stores Use land designated for public parking for its intended purpose Put a crosswalk in the center of Cleveland Street Long term planning with specific goals and strategies and a leader to bring it to fruition Working toward the City’s rather than individuals’ best interests Replace small time “free” events with more upscale, quality “paid” events to lend a feeling of value; events can be charitable Bring in a national-name retailer for another anchor Adding restaurants and movie theaters to draw attendance will attract small then large businesses Extend the Jolley Trolley route to Cleveland Plaza Define downtown boundaries Add luxury apartments and condominiums to increase downtown living Improve pedestrian access downtown Add police protection at night Encourage window design in vacant storefronts to disguise vacant appearance Address the vagrant problem Create a job bank for homeless Address illicit activities to improve the appearance of the area from eastern Cleveland Street to Crest Lake Park Establish working relationship and common goals between City government and retailers with each doing its respective part Address situation of lost parking due to daily parking lot closing during homeless feeding program Future parking garage expansion Address internally and avoid advertising the parking problem so the public will not avoid coming downtown. Improve customer friendliness of building inspections Promote cooperative advertising among retailers Retailers meet then come to the City with input Look for opportunities to create parking spaces quickly Commissioner Hooper supported cooperation between downtown and Clearwater beach. He stressed the need for a movie theater complex downtown, as the nearest theater for beach residents is in Clearwater Mall. While he shared concerns with past actions under a different administration, he stated the City Commission is committed to improve, continue dialog, and follow through in addressing public concerns. Commissioner Seel mentioned plans to expand the Garden Avenue parking garage. She stated the Commission is making a commitment and working with the Police Department to address the prostitution problem. She offered her personal help in retail recruitment efforts. Commissioner Johnson supported developing upscale luxury apartments and condominiums, so new business will follow, encouraging people to live and shop downtown. He stated such a plan should start with a major magnet on the East End. Commissioner Clark said today is the first of many meetings. He stressed the need for retailers and the Commission to be allowed to do their respective jobs. Mayor Garvey thanked all who attended. She said the City Commission is committed to economic development She noted Mr. Keller and Ms. Smith were hired specifically because of their economic development and redevelopment backgrounds. She stressed the importance of getting beyond disagreements, building common ground, and working together to strengthen the City. Mr. Keller said the Economic Development team will select three of today’s ideas that can be accomplished quickly. He will report which ideas were chosen, and begin implementation on Monday, to demonstrate credibility. Consensus was to continue holding Downtown Focus Group meetings quarterly, starting at 7:30 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 a.m.