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FLD2015-10040 - Letters of Support Promoting Tourism and the Business Community EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Frank Dame Clearwater Marine Aquarium Chairman of the Board Jason Gibertoni Florida Free Rides January 13, 2016 Vice Chairman/Government Affairs Trisha Rodriguez The Tropics Boat Tours Treasurer/Parking/Golf Chair Jason Zelenak To: Community Development Board Members: Crabby Bill’s Seafood Restaurant Secretary Louis Stavropoulos RE: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Application Publix Supermarket Past Chairman Case number FLD2015-10040 Darlene Kole Clearwater Beach Chamber President/CEO The Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce supports the Clearwater Marine CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS Philippe Beau Aquarium’s application for its expansion on Island Estates. We believe that CMA Beau Institute is a community asset for Clearwater, Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region. Education and Market Research Chair The two movies have promoted tourism in Clearwater and showcased our Darlene Cagle Flower Market Florist beautiful Clearwater Beach. Membership Chair Julia Cassino Crabby’s Bar & Grill Their project will help reduce vehicle and pedestrian traffic congestion on Island Tourism Marketing/Chalk Walk Chair Estates, provide an expanded facility to fulfill their mission of animal rescue and Bob Griffin Griffin Productions inspiration of disabled veterans and children while improving their guests’ Redevelopment/Business experience. It will enhance their ability to educate the public in the conservation Economic Development Chair Juli Norberg and preservation of our marine environment, and provide additional classrooms Pier House 60 Marina Hotel for after school programs and summer camp participation as well as improve Special Events Chair Rick Norberg research capabilities, and allow for future modest growth. Jimmy’s Fish House Restaurant Week Chair The Chamber works with visitors every day seeking information about CMA. We DIRECTORS recommend approval of this project. Paul Andrews Shephard’s Beach Resort Atif Awan Thank you for your consideration, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Steve Chandler Barefoot Beach House Kristi Cheatham Clearwater Gas System Theresa Crane Darlene Kole Duke Energy President/CEO Billy Day East Shore Resort Nickolas Ekonomides Nickolas C. Ekonomides, P.A. Sharmaine Giorigo Sharmaine’s Salon & Day Spa Sheri Heilman Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Rest. Tara Mollick Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill Carol Mears Cooters Restaurant & Bar Manny Oliver Quality Inn Beach Resort Mary Reischmann Hilton Clearwater Beach Jim Jenkins Sandpearl Resort P.O. Box 3573 * Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 * (727) 447.7600 Fax (727) 443. 7812 * U.S. Toll Free (888) 799.3199 Zitouni, Trish From:Watkins, Sherry Sent:Friday, January 15, 2016 2:44 PM To:Chase, Susan; Kuligowski, Patricia; Sprague, Nicole; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Albritton, David; Amen, Bonita; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Christopher Anuszkiewicz; DuPont, Kimberly; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; John Quattrocki; Mary A. Lau; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo Subject:FW: Support CMAS Expansion Thank you, Sherry Watkins Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727-562-4582 sherry.watkins@myclearwater.com From: Bob Roperti \[mailto:roperti@jiffyreprographics.com\] Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 9:56 AM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: Support CMAS Expansion Sherry, As a business owner in Clearwater, want to voice my support for the expansion program proposed by CMA of their current facilities. I ask CDB get behind this program and make it happen. Thank you Bob Roperti Regards, Robert J. Roperti 411 South Garden Avenue Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone 727-442-7125 1 Email: roperti@jiffyreprographics.com Website: www.jiffyreprographics.com “Your referral is our best advertisement“ 2 Zitouni, Trish From:Watkins, Sherry Sent:Friday, January 15, 2016 2:45 PM To:Chase, Susan; Kuligowski, Patricia; Sprague, Nicole; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Albritton, David; Amen, Bonita; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Christopher Anuszkiewicz; DuPont, Kimberly; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; John Quattrocki; Mary A. Lau; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo Subject:FW: CMA Proposal of Growth Thank you, Sherry Watkins Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727-562-4582 sherry.watkins@myclearwater.com From: Tom McClain \[mailto:tom@apinn.net\] Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 10:09 AM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: CMA Proposal of Growth Dear Ms. Watkins; My name is Tom McClain. I am a resident of the Village on Island Estates. As you may know, we are located directly across the street from the CMA. I have been quite happy with the success they have enjoyed since the release of the two movies. The thought that they have been able to help in a much greater degree in rescue, rehab and preservation of wildlife is very gratifying to me. I must let you know, however, that as a resident directly impacted by this future growth, I believe much as been decided without any input from us. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, I have to be out of state on Tuesday, but I do hope you will give great consideration to local attendees requests for a short delay in a decision so we can learn more and address any concerns. Thank you 1 2 Zitouni, Trish From:Watkins, Sherry Sent:Friday, January 15, 2016 2:46 PM To:Chase, Susan; Kuligowski, Patricia; Sprague, Nicole; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Albritton, David; Amen, Bonita; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Christopher Anuszkiewicz; DuPont, Kimberly; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; John Quattrocki; Mary A. Lau; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo Subject:FW: We support CMA! Thank you, Sherry Watkins Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727-562-4582 sherry.watkins@myclearwater.com From: Dan Harlacher \[mailto:dan_harlacher@valpak.com\] Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 10:59 AM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: We support CMA! Dear Sherry, As a member both the business and family community of our greater Tampa Bay area we support the expansion 100%! The impact to our community economically, to our environment and to the education is priceless. Expansion of the Aquarium will allow and afford the ability to expand on this success. We are all in for CMA! Thank you Dan Harlacher - Owner Valpak of Tampa Bay 132 10th Avenue N. Suite 101 Safety Harbor, Fl 34695 (727)287-0200 dan_harlacher@valpak.com 1 �GLG�` R�I(?A€A1. �HA�BEA &:�.�=t�ax�i�s°c> f:'�c>�}tsati42:e�e �... ��;€-i�:,. t\un�_Y, �'z• �,e3;srd t 7.r.fa :�ie:-: €:i;<ze3ek��a:,;�z r �.'1�: xir F.,i�u:; Ni.�l: I:�:C r.�:lic ;rs_r=��;iiiste Xc<sP �'tx�;. . �.� �..;�n:,z� �r1-c�r.:,.u=.t,,.. �, :;��- c:��r�.� �-,�•�= c��z�s�� y'6�s�i�.�:7 C3i'7'Sii.tjl <7f. 2'C'�tGj::.F?'s.C'..�' €��,,i� c>�:•�� i ;'ce L'7:zz:, .i �i't24 „y`vPtt. ..`�Y<'S11C«' �.A�'Cl.E;.'=f.'S"��i i� i:i'f,' f.,tS(?'.`�1�. 2"t:er.=. s�t:ctsa .e3.Tif.}s�1 T�'If#E7312 I':£'.e C;.;liCtYt�. .t:;z?��ra�;, �?; ;il.fi�s•n<,�itara s�µ�;z,<;�,#� :;�t��:,;��: i =e-e r. 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K%'8.5 }'IJfpa ��,t1"a21 �' Ii'Ll^y' �)U�t�;7,'�, si�I�I�1'�7 F.£:�3EE.i1 $.��ti' „S:3"." �x :i'.j31i3't. =>�;r �>,,,:�,�,-��z�., ��-.xz: �:..;�;��,�a ,? a:axxa �r; :�.. R�.<x,. xTE:`%3a:.f>.:�Ie•� FZ,k'.X7�.�I`�.'bYh' �?£}Gt �{.lJ�.SE?1"ti4 i?:i�.11 .T`iliY3.�:d,�s +-;";`.i9ii�'w. �>;l:i .�A�E,i'ti: iZE :`.'iF1iR,%'�Y �.'L;1�+:E �.�€A2:7"E°%. -!'.O�A�[1"¢ ��'e'. zH:[I7e?;'`'xc� z:..:^. ;�f,3Yi �:'iY�:�'Ll1�' e2iC'+:. i:T�i'3i<tE'.k' � b s� T:•7��.:;siS,7.� �LEAR�'VAT'ER�=°�.(:} t'�I i:>c� a�RG f�ra� Cleti��i�rncl Stre��t T� �"%?'7�) 4��-cac�r� C'l�at•w��t�,r, �'L. 3;3��.i E (7�7) ��i-��8y Dear Community Development Board members, The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce is writing to ask for your support for the development plan submitted by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) for the proposed expansion of the property located at 249 Windward Passage. In 1972, CMA was established as a permanent marine biology learning center. In the decades since, it has grown into the invaluable community asset and economic driver that we enjoy today. The impact that CMA has had on the region cannot be understated. The continuing success of the Dolphin Tale movies coupled with their existing programs has helped raise the profile of Clearwater to an international audience and has had an estimated economic impact of 2 billion dollars since 2011. Under the current conditions, CMA is unable to accept any additional dolphins, therefore any possibility of expanding their mission of rescue, rehab and release for dolphins like Winter and Hope depends on the proposed construction of 6 new tanks that will be interconnected and provide guests an opportunity for much more interaction with the animals. The Traffic Impact Study demonstrates that the proposal will actually reduce traffic on Windward Way and will remove any issues related to traffic congestion in the Island Estates neighborhood by routing inbound traffic through Windward Way. Outbound traffic will exit the parking garage through Island Way Grill onto Island Way. A very similar plan was approved by your board in 2011 and due to state funding expiring later this year, it is clear that time is of the essence if CMA is to further their incredible story and continue to drive tourism and visitation of which the City as a whole benefits. The current site of the aquarium was in fact a former water treatment plant which only goes to show that with proper planning and stewardship, modification can be a catalyst for great things. The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce has full faith in the leadership and vision of CMA and we urge the members of the Community Development Board to approve the proposed plans which will ensure that CMA continues to be a leader in research and rescue for years to come. We appreciate your time and consideration in this matter. r� t � ! Carol Hague President and CEO Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce C`I.��'��1''I�.TEi�. R�GICiI'v'Z�L C�I1�1�'�I��F� f�I'' �Ql'�'Il�'i��.e� Zitouni, Trish From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Follow Up Flag Flag Status: Watkins, Sherry Tuesday, January 19, 2016 9:02 AM Chase, Susan; Kuligowski, Patricia; Sprague, Nicole; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wiils, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Albritton, David; Amen, Bonita; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Christopher Anuszkiewicz; DuPont, Kimberly; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; John Quattrocki; Mary A. Lau; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo Jackson, Matthew; Tefft, Robert; Clayton, Gina; Delk, Michael FW: In Support of CMA Follow up Flagged From: Vickee Walthall [mailto:vickeesellshomesCc�gmail.com] Sent: Monday, January 18, 2016 2:42 PM To: Watkins, Sherry Subject: In Support of CMA I live in the Island and I am a Realtor. CMA brings buyers business and helps to increase property values. I fully support this project:) Vickee Walthall � 727.282.3605 t��[I��o��.�� , :. � y0, � �,.,� ,� �. � � , �.,,�„�� _ �..,.... . _.. ....;e PROPERTifS GROUP 1NTERNATk4NAL CiE#2kt+k.3�l1' AiA&6NE �ac�u,a�rut�� I t�olunteer Here! C�I�I S'I' IE'S ItVTERNATiONAL REAL ESTATE Zitouni, Trish From Sent: To: Subject: Watkins, Sherry Tuesday, January 19, 2016 9:19 AM Jackson, Matthew; Chase, Susan; Kuligowski, Patricia; Sprague, Nicole; Stutz, Stephanie; Sullivan, Patricia; Wills, Anne; Zitouni, Trish; Aja, Audra; Akin, Pam; Albritton, David; Amen, Bonita; Banacki, Ariel; Brian Barker; Christopher Anuszkiewicz; DuPont, Kimberly; Jay Daigneault Attorney; Jennifer Ditro; John Funk; John Quattrocki; Mary A. Lau; Michael Boutzoukas; Richard Adelson; Soto, Camilo FW: Expansion project of CMA , Clearwater - Island Estates Email received for CMA. Thank you, Sherry Watkins Administrative Analyst Planning and Development Department 727-562-4582 sherry.watkins(�mvclearwater.com -----Original Message----- From: Jonson, Bill Sent: Monday, January 18, 2016 7:22 PM To: Kuligowski, Patricia Cc: Watkins, Sherry Subject: FW: Expansion project of CMA Bill Jonson Clearwater City Councilmember Clearwater - Island Estates Please note that e-mails sent by or received by City Councilmembers are public records and are made available to all Councilmembers, City staff and the press. They are also available to the public upon request. -----Original Message----- From: Jan Willem A Smeulers [mailto:iwsmeulers(�aol.com] Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 3:13 PM To: Doreen.Hock-Polito(a)myclearwater.com; Jonson, Bill; Cc: Cretekos, George; mlau�alaulane.com Subject: Expansion project of CMA , Clearwater - Island Dear City Council members, Hamilton, Hoyt; Polglaze, 7ay Estates Only this last week did i find out that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has put forward an entirely different expansion plan for their facilities on Island Estates than what they originally proposed in 2015. This new plan now incorporates a garage for 400+ cars, a four story set of levels, the wall/frontage of which will run along Windward Passage like the wall of Berlin. � The sheer magnitude of the proposed development stuns me, but more importantly the way this expansion project was presented to the community and in particular to the Island Estates residents is shocking and beyond belief. Careful planning on the part of CMA was certainly done, but all behind a screen of smoke and mirrors and only at the last moment were residents of Island Estates made aware of the final and definite plans through a meeting called for last Monday while the city will have an approval meeting scheduled for next Tue 19 7an 2016. No city representatives, that I could notice, were present at the meeting of IECA and the CMA at the Brandon Church last Monday so you could not have been informed of the voracious and loudly voiced opposition to the proposed CMA expansion, the process that they went through and the sheer idiotic arguments used to convince the local community that this expansion would be a good thing for Island Estates residents. In addition it became very clear that CMA had made various agreements with Island Way Grill and the City to make the expansion possible, a fact that is perhaps good business for CMA but not for the community as the traffic flows proposed are incredibly dangerous to begin with. The traffic flow studies that were commissioned in my eyes are flawed and do not incorporate the future traffic patterns of Island Way and Windward Passage. The exit of the garage through the parking lot of the Island Way Grill is asking for problems in the long run, especially on Island Way where current back-ups and movements already generate dangerous situations when cars pull up from the traffic lights on Island Way and Windward Passage. I call that a project being rammed down the throats of the community and you as Council members of this city should not stand for such a process, besides possible conflicts of interest and political wheeling and dealing. I thus call on you to inform the Planning commission to postpone any approval process till the community has been fully and timely informed, you and the City have heard all the arguments and counter-proposals available. And in addition take a good look at the possible conflicts of interest at play in the Planning Commission (engineering done by a member of the Commission?). I certainly hope that the press will show an interest in how the City is trying to shift a project which was planned for downtown Clearwater and is now being pushed into a residential community without any real input from that community nor any solid research of the impact of that community. All variances were approved by the City for a solid 60 foot wall on Windward Passage. Where do we live, in Berlin of the 1970's? I call on you ALL to demand a reconsideration of the project and input from the community before this commercial venture of the CMA becomes an embarrassment for the City of Clearwater. The meeting process of Tue 19 7an needs to be postponed for a minimum of one month if not 2 months. Sincerely, ]an Willem A. Smeulers 240 Windward Passage unit 401 Clearwater, FL 33767 2