11/20/2000ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 20, 2000
Present: John Connelly Chair
Lt. Don Hall Board Member/Police Department
Ralph Linn Board Member
Cheryl Wade Board Member
Rick Rosa Board Member/Community Response Team
Absent: Bob Kinney Vice-Chair
Rev. Mack Sigmon Board Member
Steve Bell Board Member
Linda Winfrey Board Member
Also Present: Miles Ballogg Economic Development Programs Manager
Anne Green Economic Development Program Coordinator
Diane Hufford Economic Development Program Coordinator
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce building, followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #2 – Tour of the Gateway Area
The Gateway area, between Court Street, Highland Avenue, Drew Street, and Missouri Avenue, features more than 600 parcels. The economic development strategy proposed will positively
impact the community’s finances, tax structure, and economy. The area is part of the Brownfields area, the Clearwater Enterprise Zone, and Clearwater Weed and Seed. Staff is working
on an economic development strategy to improve this downtown Gateway.
During the past two decades, community property values, jobs, and businesses have declined. Most properties are rentals, with many for rent and for sale. Many area businesses have
closed or relocated. The area’s Hispanic population has increased significantly. Some small Hispanic stores have opened, along with three day-labor firms, and a check-cashing service.
These two types of business serve the large day labor pools created by the nearby Hispanic and homeless population.
The City has invested many resources in the area to resolve some problems. The neighborhood CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project) shelter was constructed to deal with the
increasing number of homeless persons in Clearwater. The CHIP center also
features a police substation with a community police bicycle team, which increases area security. The CRT (Community Response Team) has begun an intensive door-to-door inspection of
area commercial properties and has documented 80 problems to date.
Staff distributed demographic information on the population and median income. Following discussion, board members toured the Gateway area.
Tour finished at 10:56 a.m.
ITEM #3 – Brainstorming Session
Economic Development Program Coordinator Anne Green requested board members offer input regarding the Gateway’s assets. Suggestions included good traffic flow, free parking, a diversity
of businesses, building sizes good for businesses, deep lots important for redevelopment, many redevelopment opportunities, picturesque topography, low rents, and underground utilities.
It was suggested after the state road designation transfers to Court Street, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard could be narrowed in this area with streetscaping installed to be more pedestrian
friendly and attractive. It was suggested the area could feature a small town look with lush landscaping, and businesses such as restaurants, a bagel shop, antique malls, bookstore,
coffee shop, a movie theater, etc. The area could cater to after hours entertainment. A decorative medium and enlarged sidewalks would attract pedestrians.
It was stated local residents will continue to drive this route. Ms. Green said staff will work to recruit businesses to the area. It was felt the area could be a buffer to downtown.
Concern was expressed regarding the area around the intersection of Evergreen Avenue and SR60, noting the bar, pay telephones, Wanna Save grocer selling beer, and motel attract problems.
It was felt replacing these businesses would improve the area dramatically. The owner of PJ’s Auto has offered to help clean up the area.
Area liabilities include old buildings nearing the end of their life expectancy, day labor businesses, language barrier, homelessness, absentee owners, infrastructure needs upgrading,
facades need improvement, and area lacks trees and landscaping. Concern was expressed property owners would increase the price of their properties once they are aware of City redevelopment
efforts. In response to a question, Member Lt. Don Hall said area crime is related to homeless problems and drugs, not violence. Economic Development Programs Manager Miles Ballogg
said the City’s permitting program should improve the area’s appearance as properties must meet code before they are rented. Ms. Green said staff has encouraged area businesses to organize
a business association.
It was recommended area businesses be educated regarding economic development opportunities. It was suggested pots of flowers outside businesses would provide a more welcoming entrance.
It was recommended the City offer incentives for redevelopment. It was felt the area should be named after Crest Lake Park or another nearby feature. It was suggested street pavers
could designate the area as the entry to downtown. The intersection of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Court, and Highland will require reconfiguring. It was felt design guidelines will help
attract business. It was stated façade requirements will have to be strict if the City wants the area to be picturesque.
It was felt the entryway to downtown should welcome people.
ITEM #4 – Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.