05/18/1999 - Public Input Meeting Beach Parking and Mandalay AvenuePUBLIC INPUT MEETING
BEACH PARKING AND MANDALAY AVENUE
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 18, 1999
Present: J. B. Johnson Commissioner – departed 8:30 p.m.
Robert Clark Commissioner – departed 8:30 p.m.
Ed Hart Commissioner
Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager
Richard L. Hedrick Deputy City Manager
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center.
The City Manager reviewed constraints and opportunities related to beach parking. At least 400 additional spaces are needed to meet peak demands. Parking must be self-supporting.
Location of a parking garage should be concurrent with development. Recommended options are: 1) Rockaway Beach; 2) Pelican Walk; 3) North Hilton parking lot; 4) South Hilton parking
lot; 5) Marina; 6) Pier 60; 7) Pier 60 + Days Inn property; 8) Coronado/Hamden et al; and 9) South Beach/Inlet. According to staff analysis, the Pier 60+ location meets more criteria
than other options.
Three residents opposed the Pier 60 location. One supported and one opposed the Coronado location. One recommended the McKay Field site, another said to do nothing, and another said
to do nothing to East Shore. A request was made for a model of the proposed structure. Requirements for the proposed development on Mandalay were questioned and a recommendation was
made for a shuttle between the mainland and beach. The number of planned beach garages was questioned. It was felt people would walk a distance to park. By a show of hands, approximately
half of those present supported a parking garage by Pier 60.
The City Manager reviewed existing conditions on Mandalay Avenue and objectives related to change. Five options were presented. One speaker supported Option #1 – do nothing. Four
supported Option #2 – 2 lanes each direction, no parking. Two suggested 2 lanes South and 1 lane North with on-street parking. One noted the new pool will add traffic. One supported
either 3 or 4 lanes. By show of hands, the majority supported 4 lanes of traffic on Mandalay Avenue.
Concerns were expressed regarding eminent domain issues, presumed problems related to the roundabout, and evacuation plans.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.