02/29/1997 - Community Meeting
@
COMMUNITY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 29, 1997
Present:
Rita Garvey
J. B. Johnson
Robert Clark
Ed Hooper
Karen See I
Elizabeth M. Deptula
Bob Keller
Richard Baier
Scott Shuford
Ream Wilson
Mashid Arasteh
Don McCarty
Mark Roether
Gwen Legters
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice-M ayor /Comm issioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Engineering Director
Central Permitting Director
Parks and Recreation Director
Civil Engineer III
Central Permitting Design Planner
Nursery Superintendent
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.
mcm02b.97
1
02/29/97
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: 1 0 p.m.
mcm02b.97
2
02/29/97