08/05/2003CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 5, 2003
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Whitney Gray Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Frank Hibbard Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order to at 12:04 p.m. at City Hall for the purpose of discussing the Downtown Plan.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Discussion ensued regarding the August 4, 2003 Work Session that was cancelled.
Commissioner Gray moved to not reschedule the August 4, 2003 Work Session and to finalize the agenda for Thursday night. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
History of Downtown Planning
Clearwater has been active in its pursuit of downtown revitalization since the 1970s. The first planning study for Downtown Clearwater was released in 1977. In 1981, the City established
a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and created the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) that stretched from Clearwater Harbor to east of Missouri Avenue. At this time, the City’s
also approved Downtown’s first plan known as the Redevelopment Plan.
In 1995, the City Commission approved a major revision to this plan and created the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan. This Plan retained the original boundaries of the CRA established
in 1981 and established five overall goals for Downtown. Because Downtown had a Future Land Use Plan designation of Central Business District (CBD), the Plan included a land use plan
map, which specified the location of residential, commercial, mixed use, public/governmental, religious and open space/recreation land uses. It also established sub districts that regulated
the maximum development potential and height for uses within each area. The major portion of this Plan, however, was devoted to public and private redevelopment projects.
In 1993, prior to the adoption of the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the Clearwater City Commission approved the Downtown Clearwater Periphery Plan, which evolved
from extensive revisions being made to the Redevelopment Plan. The Periphery Plan addressed the development potential of four areas located on the edges of Downtown identified as important
to the success of overall downtown redevelopment. These four areas were known as the Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast Expansion Areas and are depicted on the attached Downtown
Plan Boundaries Map.
At the time the original Downtown Clearwater Periphery Plan was approved, the Commission also adopted ordinances that changed the Future Land Use Map designation of each expansion area
to Central Business District (CBD). Two of the four areas (Northeast and Southeast) were also rezoned later that year to one of the Downtown zoning districts in effect at that time.
In 2001, the City approved a major update to the Downtown Clearwater Periphery Plan and rezoned the other two areas to the Downtown District. The update better defined the land use
plan and development potential for each expansion area and provided recommendations to guide redevelopment.
Plan Update Rationale
Plan updates usually are conducted when a plan’s timeframe concludes, when conditions have changed or when there is a desire to change policy. In the case of Clearwater, the construction
of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge was the catalyst for rethinking the form and function of Downtown. The realignment of the new bridge will re-distribute through-traffic utilizing
Cleveland Street to the Court/Chestnut Streets one-way pairs. The designation of State Route 60 will also shift from Cleveland Street to Court and Chestnut Streets. Cleveland Street
will terminate in the vicinity of Osceola Avenue.
The new bridge, which started construction in February 2002, will dramatically improve traffic circulation, however, there are concerns about potential traffic bypassing Downtown.
Based on these changing traffic patterns, clearly a much greater emphasis will be placed on the area east of the historical Downtown. The important eastern gateway into Downtown will
be at the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Court Street and Highland Avenue intersection. In recognition of the important relationship between this gateway and Downtown, as well as concerns about
the area’s decline, the City prepared a Findings and Declaration of Necessity Analysis in the fall of 2002 which documents existing conditions and challenges in the area. Based on this
study, the City concluded there are slum and blighting conditions here and approved the expansion of the Downtown CRA (see Downtown Plan Boundaries Map). Two of the four Periphery
Plan areas are included in the expansion. The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners agreed with the Findings of Necessity and authorized the City to create a redevelopment plan for
this area. Based on the above, it was concluded that the Downtown Plan should be updated and govern land within the original CRA, the newly expanded CRA and the Downtown Clearwater
Periphery Plan.
ANALYSIS
Purpose of Plan
The 2003 Downtown Clearwater Plan has two purposes. It serves as a Special Area Plan in accordance with the Countywide Rules of Pinellas County and a Community Redevelopment Plan for
the 449 acres contained in the original and expanded CRA. As a
Special Area Plan, it will guide development through goals, objectives and policies and will regulate uses and development potential of six unique character districts. As a Community
Redevelopment Plan, it establishes policies that guide future actions and projects of the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency.
The Community Development Board is reviewing the Plan in its capacity as the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and should make a recommendation regarding the new Plan to the City Commission.
The CRA should make a recommendation to the City Commission regarding this document as the Redevelopment Plan for the existing and expanded CRA. Once the City Commission approves the
Plan, it will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval as the Redevelopment Plan for the existing and newly expanded CRA. The Plan will also be submitted to the
Pinellas Planning Council and the Countywide Planning Authority for review and approval as the Special Area Plan governing Downtown.
Plan Contents
The Downtown Clearwater Plan contains the following four sections:
Introduction
Existing Conditions
Land Use Plan/Redevelopment Plan
Plan Implementation
The Introduction Chapter provides a history of planning in Clearwater and in the Downtown and identifies the purpose of the Plan. The Existing Conditions Chapter provides information
on existing land use, future land use and zoning within the Downtown area. It also provides information about historic resources, demographics, infrastructure, public recreation facilities,
existing Downtown redevelopment programs and investment that has occurred in Downtown in recent years.
Land Use Plan/Redevelopment Plan
The Land Use Plan/Redevelopment Plan Chapter establishes the goals, objectives and policies for downtown. There are three overriding goals identified in this Plan, which evolved
from the five goals contained in the 1995 Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan and are as follows:
People Goal: Downtown shall be a place that attracts people for living, employment and recreation. The City shall encourage redevelopment that will attract residents and visitors to
Downtown as a recreation, entertainment and shopping destination.
Movement Goal: Create an environment where both people and cars can circulate throughout Downtown safely and effectively.
Amenity Goal: Create Downtown as a memorable place to be enjoyed by residents and visitors that capitalizes on Clearwater’s waterfront location, natural resources, built environment
and history.
In order to attain these goals, objectives and policies are included to guide private and public actions. For example, when a site plan is submitted, the project will be reviewed for
compliance with the goals, objectives and policies of this Plan. Also public actions must comply.
As stated above, the 1995 Plan controlled development by a land use map that designated allowable uses on a parcel-by-parcel basis. In order to deviate from the map, a Plan amendment
would be required. In an attempt to provide the flexibility needed to support redevelopment, the Downtown Clearwater Plan establishes six character districts to govern development (see
Downtown Character Districts Map). These districts were determined based on existing and desired future development patterns, concentration of uses, street patterns, number of lanes
and natural and manmade boundaries. Recently constructed or soon to be constructed capital projects were also considered.
Each District includes a vision for future development. The vision includes a description of uses, function, development patterns, prohibited uses and policies that are specific to
implementing the vision of each District. Design guidelines, which are currently being developed, will also be included for each District and will be presented to the CDB on September
16, 2003. Each district specifies the amount of floor area ratio or density that can be built, as well as any height restrictions. The Plan has made some changes in permitted density
and intensity when compared to the existing CRA plan to reflect history of development, today’s market, and the City Commission’s vision that the most intensive development should occur
in the core and become less intensive to the north, south and east. Below please find a brief description of the vision for each character district.
Downtown Core District
The Downtown Core District is envisioned to be the most dense and intense district and should continue to be a center for government and office uses. The Plan permits a floor area
ratio of 4.0 or a density of 70 dwelling units per acre or 95 hotel units per acre. The 1995 Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan allowed a FAR ranging from 2.0 – 5.0 and density
from 42 units per acre to 70 units per acre depending on location within the plan (see Comparison Map). No height regulations are imposed in the Downtown Core, except that along Cleveland
Street height should be consistent with the historic building patterns, consistent with the design guidelines, which are currently being prepared. The 1995 Plan allowed heights ranging
from 6 stories to 15 stories depending on location.
A key component of the redevelopment strategy is to attract residential development to the Downtown Core. The Plan supports the redevelopment of the Calvary Baptist Church and City
Hall site with a mixed project containing residential and retail uses. The Plan also supports redevelopment in the Harborview building footprint with retail/restaurant/hotel and entertainment
uses.
Old Bay District
The Old Bay District, which essentially has the same boundaries as the Northwest Periphery Plan Area, is considered to be a mixed-use neighborhood supporting the Downtown employment
base with residential uses, limited neighborhood commercial uses and office uses. The District supports 25 units per acre for development west of Osceola Avenue along the waterfront.
The Plan provides a density bonus of an additional 25 units per acre in the event
over two acres of land are consolidated for a total of 50 units per acre. Lower density, in keeping with the existing character of development, is permitted in the balance of the district,
unless an acre of land is consolidated. In that instance, density can be increased from 7.5 units per acre to 25 units per acre. The preferred housing styles in this area will be single-family
detached and townhouses. Commercial development is limited to a FAR of 0.5.
The allowable development potential is not proposed to change from that currently allowed in the Downtown Clearwater Periphery Plan. It should be noted the area between Drew and Jones
Streets was regulated by the 1995 Plan and development potential is being reduced in this area. The Plan does not limit maximum height in this District while the Periphery Plan deferred
to the heights permitted in the Downtown zoning district.
South Gateway District
The South Gateway District, formerly known as the Southwest Periphery Plan Expansion Area, is Downtown’s primary gateway from the south. This District anticipates development of new
housing and limited retail uses along South Fort Harrison, while existing offices are encouraged to remain. The balance of the District’s vacant land is envisioned to redevelop with
residential uses at an urban scale. The Plan provides for a FAR of 1.0 for commercial and office uses. The allowable density is 25 units per acre, 35 units per acre if over two acres
are consolidated and 50 units per acre if over two acres are consolidated and developed with a mixed-use project including retail and residential uses.
Under the previous Downtown Clearwater Periphery Plan, it permitted 50 units per acre for stand-alone residential development on more than two acres of land. The maximum permissible
height proposed for the South Gateway is 50 feet. The Periphery Plan deferred to the heights permitted in the Downtown zoning district.
Town Lake Residential District
The Town Lake Residential District surrounds the newly constructed Town Lake and extends north to Drew Street. This district encompasses land that was governed by the 1995 Plan, the
Northeast and a portion of the Southeast Periphery Plan Expansion Areas, as well as areas zoned Medium Density Residential, Commercial and Office. A small area fronting Drew Street
and another located on the west side of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue is part of the newly expanded CRA.
This District is primarily reserved for new residential construction at a maximum of 30 units per acre. Hotel construction is allowed fronting on Cleveland Street at 40 units per acre.
It is anticipated that new residents in the area will enliven Downtown and provide a market for new retail and restaurant uses. The Plan requires that development within this District
be at a lower scale and density than that allowed in the Downtown Core and limits maximum height to 50 feet. The District supports the addition of neighborhood commercial uses to serve
the new residences and allows community commercial uses along the major streets within the District at a maximum FAR of 1.0. The development pattern north of Cleveland Street must be
mindful of the existing single-family development along Grove Street and generally heights should be lower than that south of Cleveland Street. Renovation of the small historic single-family
dwellings along Grove Street is encouraged.
The proposed Downtown Clearwater Plan changes the allowable development potential permitted in the 1995 Plan and the Periphery Plan. Those plans permitted a FAR of 0.3 along Drew Street
but up to 2.0 and 3.0 in other areas within the District. Density along Drew Street was limited to 28 units per acre while in other areas it was as high as 50 – 70 units per acre.
Maximum permitted heights ranged from 30 feet to 8 stories depending on location. Based on the philosophy that the most intensive development patterns should occur in the core of Downtown
and intensity should be lower away from the Core, and the fact that this density and intensity has been in place since at least 1995 and no recent development has occurred at these intensive
levels, the Plan supports these changes.
Town Lake Business Park District
The Town Lake Business Park District is comprised of a portion of the Southeast Periphery Plan Expansion Area, land within the boundaries of the 1995 Plan and land within the newly
expanded CRA. It is envisioned to be a place for business park development consisting of corporate and professional offices and those that conduct research or light assembly not exceeding
a total FAR of 1.0. Accessory commercial uses are encouraged and an incentive is provided that excludes that floor area in FAR calculations. The character of development in this District
is anticipated to be more typical of suburban development than that envisioned for the other character districts. Residential development may only occur in Town Lake Business Park if
a minimum of four acres is consolidated and the density does not exceed 30 units per acre. The maximum allowable height for all development is 50 feet.
The 1995 Plan allowed height up to 8 stories and a FAR of 3.0. The Periphery Plan allowed a FAR of 3.0 and the height was governed by the zoning code. Residential development was
allowed in both areas at 70 units per acre. It should be noted that this density and intensity has been in place since at least 1995 and no recent development has occurred at these
intensive levels.
East Gateway
The East Gateway District is primarily comprised of land located within the newly expanded CRA. It is envisioned to be a stable and diverse neighborhood defined by its unique Hispanic
cultural base. It should continue to be a medium density neighborhood supported with neighborhood commercial and professional offices. The District will become the primary entrance
from the east into the Downtown Core, therefore, its redevelopment and improved infrastructure is essential. The existing residential areas should retain their scale and development
patterns and any infill development should maintain the existing low-rise scale. It is intended that new commercial development provides employment opportunities for District residents,
as well as serve the daily commercial and personal service needs of the neighborhood. The area is governed by nine Future Land Use Plan categories ranging from Residential Urban, which
allows 7.5 units per acre to Commercial General, which allows a FAR of .55 and a density of 24 units per acre. A portion of this District is part of the original CRA and has historically
had a very high allowable FAR of 2.0 and a density of 70 units acres. The Downtown Clearwater Plan proposes to reduce this potential to be consistent with the Commercial General designation
located in the newly expanded CRA.
Housing and Neighborhood Element
Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes requires that a residential use and neighborhood assessment be conducted for any CRA. The Housing and Neighborhood Element contains a residential
use section, which details existing residential conditions within the Downtown Plan area, as well as by character district. It also explores the homeless issues that face Clearwater
and the particular impact they have on Downtown. The residential use analysis confirms that Downtown does not lack land available for residential purposes nor does it have a housing
shortage. In fact, it is projected that Downtown could absorb 1000 new housing units. The analysis indicates, however, that there are issues impacting Downtown’s desirability as a
place to live such as high rental occupancies, absentee landlords, overcrowding in certain areas, older housing stock, deferred housing maintenance and a disproportionate number of low-moderate
income residents. Policies related to housing and the homeless are established to support improving the condition of the existing housing stock, constructing new housing and improving
the situation for the homeless.
The neighborhood impact assessment is required for a redevelopment plan if the CRA contains low - moderate income housing. At the time the original CRA was approved this requirement
did not exist; therefore the analysis was conducted for the expanded CRA. The statutes require that six elements be evaluated as part of the neighborhood assessment and include the
following:
Relocation;
Traffic Circulation;
Environmental Quality;
Availability of Community Facilities and Services;
Effect on School Population; and
Other matters affecting the physical and social quality of the neighborhood.
The assessment found that the Plan would not have a detrimental impact on any of the above listed element. The Plan specifies that in the event low-moderate income residents are relocated
due any project within the CRA, the Redevelopment Agency will comply with the Tenant Relocation Plan provisions of the Pinellas County Code. Furthermore in the event federal funds are
used for a project that displaces low-moderate income residents, the project must comply with the federal Uniform Relocation Act of 1970. It should be noted, however, that the Plan
does not contemplate the use of these funds.
Furthermore, the assessment finds Plan implementation will improve traffic circulation patterns with the Downtown and the Master Streetscape Plan will improve the transition between
several streets and will not negatively impact the expansion area. Potable water, wastewater and stormwater management will not be affected in this area and no negative impacts are
anticipated with regard to environmental quality. The Plan recognizes the importance of community facilities and services to residents and supports the retention of these facilities
within Downtown. The redevelopment plan will not have a detrimental effect on providing school facilities to the anticipated new students in the area and lastly, proposed redevelopment
activities will have a positive impact on the physical and social quality of the area.
Plan Implementation
Chapter 4, Plan Implementation, details the public strategies or actions that will be undertaken to implement the goals, objectives and policies. It provides a Capital Improvement Plan
that establishes the major improvements needed in Downtown ranging from street repaving projects to public uses. This Chapter also lists the existing redevelopment incentives that are
currently available to property owners and the development community. The final section of this Chapter is the Tax Increment Revenue projections for the CRA. Projections are included
for the existing CRA because the City intends to request the use of tax increment financing in this newly expanded CRA.
Downtown Strategies
The Downtown Plan identifies 35 strategies that the City will pursue to implement the Plan. Some are very specific while others require study and analysis. Many City Departments will
have a role in implementing the Plan including the following: Planning, Economic Development, Neighborhood Services, Community Response Team, Development Services, the Public Works Administration,
Parks and Recreation and Police. A list of selected strategies follows:
Amend Community Development Code, Downtown District to allow certain uses to be minimum standard development;
Amend the Community Development Code to establish the Public Amenities Incentives Pool;
Amend Community Development Code regarding transfer of development rights to be consistent with the plan;
Evaluate the potential and owner interest for a National Register or local historic district in three areas: Cleveland Street from Myrtle to Osceola Avenues; Old Bay character district;
and Grove Street in Town Lake Residential character district;
Prepare a traffic analysis to evaluate traffic operations and make intersection improvements subject to that evaluation, after the new bridge opens;
Continue to market redevelopment sites and develop targeted markets or sites within each character district to encourage their redevelopment;
Coordinate with the Salvation Army to ensure that the future redevelopment of the site located in the Old Bay District is compatible with surrounding areas and at an appropriate scale;
Evaluate the ability to amortize problematic uses, develop and implement an amortization schedule within the legal framework in the East Gateway;
Provide a more visible community policing presence in the East Gateway; and
Establish partnership with local banks to facilitate conventional loans to businesses in the East Gateway area.
Capital Improvement Plan
The Capital Improvement Plan identifies 28 projects in five categories to implement the Downtown Clearwater Plan. The types of projects include street repaving/resurfacing, utilities
and infrastructure, streetscape improvements/landscaping, parks and recreation facilities and public uses. The cost of these projects range between $144 - 148 million over the next
15-20 years. Some projects will be funded by the Florida Department of Transportation; however, the City must fund the majority.
The Capital Improvement Plan includes several key projects, one of which is the Master Streetscape and Wayfinding Plan. Due to cost and construction reasons this project has been broken
into nine specific projects. Implementation begins as soon as 2004 continuing to 2010. Overall, the projects include a variety of streetscape improvements including new street trees,
landscaping, pavers, decorative lighting, and street furniture throughout Downtown. It also includes an extensive signage plan to provide direction to Downtown and to parking facilities,
parks, and government facilities and the character districts. The Wayfinding component is critical due to the changing traffic patterns that will occur once the new Memorial Causeway
Bridge is open. Bellomo-Herbert, the landscape architecture firm that prepared the concept plan has been hired to develop construction drawings for the signage. It is anticipated that
the new directional and informational signs will be in place in early 2004.
Another key project is the redevelopment of Coachman Park which is estimated to cost $14.5 million and is programmed to start construction in 2005. Due to the complexity of redeveloping
this park, the design allows improvements to be phased. Proposed improvements to the park include:
New amphitheater in a new location at the north end of the park;
Great lawn that can be used for events and as passive recreation space (parking must be removed to fully develop this area);
Interactive play fountain;
Water feature;
Children’s play area;
Restrooms; and
Marina
The other major redevelopment project is the renovation of Station Square Park. This improvement is scheduled for construction in 2005/2006 at a cost of $1 million. Improvements to
the park will enhance its appearance and versatility making it a more desirable place for casual and programmed gatherings. The following improvements are proposed:
Elimination of existing water feature;
Construction of elevated stage for entertainment;
Creation of a plaza;
Terrace seating;
New pavers;
Removable chairs;
New stand-along and built-in benches; and
Significant plantings.
Tax Increment Revenue Projects
Pursuant to Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes the County is authorized to approve the use of tax increment financing (TIF) in the CRA. The original Downtown CRA TIF commenced
in 1983. Over the past 20 years, the tax increment roll has experienced an average annual increase of 3.21 percent. With regard to the newly expanded CRA, the County must first approve
the Redevelopment Plan and upon adoption of this Plan by the City and County, the City will request that the County create a Redevelopment Trust Fund and authorize the use of TIF in
this new CRA.
Eight potential key locations have been identified in the Plan as major redevelopment opportunities. They include the Calvary Baptist Church site; City Hall; the Lee Arnold parcel
at Drew Street/Ft. Harrison and Osceola Avenues; the AmSouth Block between Osceola and Ft. Harrison Avenues and Cleveland Street; the Harborview Parcel; Station Square Parking Lot; the
Town Lake Residential and Business character districts; and some infill parcels in the East Gateway District. Tax increment financing projections have been calculated for both the original
and expanded CRA. Based on conservative projections which assumed City and County millage rates would remain constant, it is projected that the original CRA could generate approximately
$64 million in tax increment over the next 30 years. The expanded CRA is projected to generate a cumulative tax increase of over $37.9 million over the next 30 years. If the expansion
is approved the total estimated TIF revenue over the next 30 years is $7 million.
CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Below is a selected list of goals, objectives and policies from the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by the Downtown Clearwater Plan 2003 Update.
Goal 2 – The City of Clearwater shall utilize innovative and flexible planning and engineering practices, and urban design standards in order to protect historic resources, ensure neighborhood
preservation, redevelop blighted areas, and encourage infill development.
Objective 2.1 – The redevelopment of blighted areas shall be a high priority and promoted through the implementation of redevelopment plans and projects and continued emphasis on property
maintenance standards.
Policy 2.1.1 – Redevelopment shall be encouraged, where appropriate, by providing development incentives such as density bonuses for significant lot consolidation and /or catalytic projects,
as well as the use of transfer of development rights pursuant to approved special area plans and redevelopment plans.
Policy 2.1.6 - Land use decisions in Clearwater shall support the expansion of economic opportunity, the creation of jobs, and maintenance of existing industries through the
establishment of enterprise zones, activity centers and redevelopment areas and by coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Development Council.
Policy 2.1.7 - Downtown Clearwater, shall be designated a regional activity center suitable for increased threshold intensity for development consistent with the boundaries of the Central
Business District as indicated in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan approved in 1995.
Policy 2.1.8 – The City shall continue to support and implement approved community redevelopment plans, such as the Downtown Redevelopment Plan adopted in 1995.
Policy 2.1.9 – The City shall continue to review the boundaries of the downtown redevelopment district to determine whether boundary adjustments are needed.
Policy 2.1.10 – Clearwater will continue to support the tax increment financing program and redevelopment efforts of the downtown area through activities of the economic development.
Objective 2.2 – The City of Clearwater shall continue to support innovative planned development and mixed land use development techniques in order to promote infill development that
is consistent and compatible with the surrounding environment.
Objective 2.3. – The City shall encourage the implementation of historic overlay districts, the maintenance of existing historic properties, and the preservation of existing neighborhoods
through the use of design guidelines and the implementation of then City’s Community Development Code.
Policy 2.3.3 – The City of Clearwater shall continue to implement the Design Guidelines, adopted in 1995, for all development within the Downtown District.
Goal 16 – An affordable variety of standard housing units in decent and safe neighborhoods to meet the needs of current and future residents regardless of race, nationality, age, martial
status, handicap, or religion.
Objective 16.1 – Objective for Adequate Housing – Assure an adequate supply of housing in Clearwater by providing for additional new dwelling units in a variety of types, costs, and
locations to meet the needs of the residents of the City of Clearwater.
Objective 16.2 – Objective for Affordable Housing – The City of Clearwater shall continue to provide assistance and incentives for the development of housing that is affordable to Very
Low, Low, and Moderate Income households, including those with special needs, consistent with the level of growth in these income categories.
Policy 16.2.1 – Continue to utilize Community Development Block Grant funds for the construction and/or rehabilitation of housing units that will be affordable to very low and low-income,
households consistent with Federal income guidelines.
Objective 16.3 - Objective for Housing Conditions – The City of Clearwater shall encourage the elimination of substandard housing units through demolition, upgrades, renovation and
preservation efforts.
Policy 16.3.5 – Encourage ongoing maintenance through programs that foster pride in ownership and individual efforts.
The Downtown Clearwater Plan is consistent with the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan as evidenced by the numerous goals, objectives and policies identified above. The Plan establishes
objectives and policies (and design guidelines that will be added at a later date) that set standards that will ensure neighborhood preservation, redevelop blighted areas and protect
historic resources. The Plan provides a redevelopment strategy for the expanded CRA that supports the elimination of blighting influences in the neighborhood through strategies and
capital projects. It also supports a variety of housing in Downtown including market rate and affordable units. The Plan provides for assisting neighborhoods to organize, as well as
educating property owners about Clearwater’s property maintenance standards. Redevelopment incentives are contained in the Plan and include increased density for lot consolidation,
transfer of development rights and the creation of the Public Amenities Incentives Pool.
The proposed Downtown Clearwater Plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. It provides goals, objectives and policies to guide redevelopment and city actions. The Plan establishes
six character districts that regulate land use, density and intensity and design. It also provides a housing and neighborhood element to meet the requirements of Florida Community Redevelopment
Act. Furthermore it provides a detailed implementation schedule that outlines public strategies and investment and TIF projections.
Long Range Planning Manager Gina Clayton highlighted the aspects of the Plan related to development potential, strategies and major policy issues. She said the Downtown Plan covers
539 acres in area. The Plan will serve two functions: a special area plan for Downtown regulating land use and a redevelopment plan for the original CRA and the newly expanded CRA.
In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said City consultant Frank Bellemo was directed to amend the drawings of the Downtown Plan to provide additional parking
for Pickles Plus.
Ms. Clayton reviewed the character districts and focused on policy issues. She showed photographs of existing development and noted what development would not have been allowed to
be built under the proposed plan. She used graphics to illustrate the FAR and height of developments that would occur under the 1995 plan. She said there are small reductions between
the 1995 plan and now, but a lot of opportunity for redevelopment exists.
Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani reviewed recommendations/comments received regarding the plan from reviewing agencies. She said staff agrees with the Downtown Development Board’s
recommendations of having design flexibility to accommodate the preservation of significant trees and adding adult uses to the list of prohibited uses in all character districts and
with the Community Development Board’s recommendations adding language that ties light rail to economic development of the beach and downtown and a policy change that prohibits the rehabilitation
of existing motels into residential apartments. A question was raised if this change would prohibit transitional housing and Ms. Tarapani indicated not if
the structure is torn down and rebuilt as transitional. Mr. Owens said staff would not support the concept of turning existing motels into transitional housing.
In response to a question regarding the Downtown Business Forum comments, Ms. Clayton said this was in reaction to the Balk project regarding the blank walls facing Cleveland Street
She indicated this has been addressed in the draft of the design guidelines.
Discussion ensued in regard to the timing for preparation and repaving of SR 60 and City Manager Bill Horne said there is an ongoing effort to find funding for this project. City Manager
Garry Brumback said the City would determine how FDOT’s (Florida Department of Transportation) plans for Court and Chestnut Streets would affect the City’s streetscaping design. He said
the City will be assuming a lot of costs and responsibilities associated with taking over Cleveland Street when SR 60 shifts over and it was felt part of this burden should be borne
by the FDOT. In response to a question, Ms. Tarapani said there are no plans at this time for extending the Pinellas Trail to Crest Lake Park.
Consensus was to support the DDB’s two recommendations.
Discussion ensued in regard to height restrictions in Old Bay and it was the CDB’s recommendation that the height for the property west of Osceola be limited to 150 feet and recommended
that staff develop the height for the property east of Osceola Avenue. Staff is recommending 40 feet east of Osceola Avenue.
Discussion ensued regarding density and heights and how they affect development potential in some districts. In response to a question, Economic Development Director Reg Owens said
staff is not in favor of transitional housing in some corridors. Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said he felt adding transitional districts within each district would limit the redevelopment
potential in all districts. There are rules in place to allow the appropriate entities to review individual development proposals that border each district to ensure the proper transition
of appropriate heights and densities in each district.
Ms. Tarapani highlighted the three major transitional zones. It was suggested that staff consider the transitional proposal recommended by the CDB. Ms. Tarapani said the CDB felt
there should be transitions between districts that are dissimilar. It was felt a transition needs to be determined at the north end of the Clearwater Bay area.
Discussion ensued and it was felt that as Cleveland Street would be more intense than the area north of Laura Street, preference would be to increase the heights in the Town Lake area
and leave Downtown as is. In response to a question, Ms. Tarapani said proposed amenities in that area include day care and affordable housing facilities. She said the code provision
for the incentive pool would need to be approved by the Commission.
Commissioner Gray moved to change the maximum height in the Town Lake residential and Town Lake Business Park to 75 feet with no change in the FAR. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
In response to a question, Ms. Tarapani said staff is comfortable with 75 feet as a maximum height, however it does not mean that every proposal for the maximum 75 feet height
would be approved. She said the Code allows staff to evaluate each project individually to determine how they fit into the City’s vision and goals for each district.
Discussion ensued regarding the north boundary of the downtown core.
Commissioner Hibbard moved that everything east of Ft. Harrison Avenue remain in the Old Bay area at a height of 40 feet or less and that Jones Street to Osceola Avenue and west of
Ft. Harrison Avenue be moved into the Downtown Core District. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ms. Tarapani said the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowners had no specific recommendations. She reviewed the additional staff recommendations/comments.
Discussion ensued regarding adding language that ties light rail to economic development of the beach and downtown. Staff is to add language reflecting that the transit station could
be located at the current PSTA terminal location or an appropriate Downtown location determined by the City and PSTA. Ms. Tarapani said there would be some changes recommended by the
PPC and the Pinellas Planning Department.
Two persons spoke regarding the height and density restrictions in Town Lake Residential and Business Park areas.
Discussion ensued regarding allowing higher education facilities in the Downtown and it was felt such facilities would be better located in other areas of Clearwater.
Staff was requested to notify property owners of the upcoming meetings regarding the Downtown Plan.
Commissioners reviewed and discussed a list of suggested changes to the language and content of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Ms. Tarapani said staff would provide a list of the
proposed changes to each Commissioner prior to the first reading of the Plan on August 21, 2003.
Staff was commended on the incredible work and effort that went into this document.
The meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.