12/01/1999CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSHOP
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 1, 1999
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hart Commissioner
Absent: J. B. Johnson Commissioner
Also present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager
Patricia Sullivan Board Reporter
The Special Workshop was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center for the purpose of discussing the Mandalay Avenue Streetscape and the JMC development
(also referred to as Cheezem development) on Clearwater beach.
JMC Project
Planning Director Ralph Stone reviewed the JMC project with its 157 residential units. The developer has requested the vacation of Gulfview as it controls all property on either side
of the street. The development agreement will be presented to the CDB (Community Development Board) for approval in January 2000, and then to the City Commission. City obligations
relate to previously planned infrastructure items. Staff feels the project will provide a good mix of commercial and residential uses in this tourist section of the beach and improve
land values.
Opposition to the project was expressed. In response to a question, Mr. Stone indicated the development will not include the upgrade of Mandalay Avenue businesses. Development amenities
for residents’ use will be constructed east of the project’s lot line. Concern was expressed the number of public hearings had been insufficient to gather input before the City Commission
approved the transfer of development rights to the project. It was felt the project should be limited to 100 feet. The view corridors resulting from the two proposed towers will not
be at street level as a 2 story-parking garage is planned. No change to the level of service on Mandalay Avenue is anticipated. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the
development will pay all impact fees.
Mandalay Streetscape Project
The City Manager said the Mandalay Avenue streetscape project will be funded by Penny for Pinellas funds and serve both residential and commercial needs. Both proposed designs have
4 lanes of traffic. Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reviewed problems with the road’s current design. In response to a question, he said parking removed for streetscape design
will be relocated to side streets.
In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City has begun trial efforts to remove unpleasant odors from the Baymont Street area. Concern was expressed the yacht basin
complex currently has inadequate parking. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the 15-foot sidewalks proposed include landscaping. Traffic calming is necessary to facilitate pedestrian
crossings. It was suggested benches made of metal would be uncomfortable in summer’s sun. New pedestrian signs will be erected to discourage jay-walking.
It was recommended that signage be consolidated. The City Manager said the grand-opening for the roundabout is scheduled for December 21, 1999. In response to a question, the City
Manager said staff is discussing bus stop and shelter locations with PSTA. In response to a question, he said the roundabout has 3 pedestrian crossings. The City is considering burying
utilities along Mandalay as far north as Baymont. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the JMC project will take less than 3 years to complete.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.