04/17/2023Monday, April 17, 2023
8:00 AM
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Agenda
April 17, 2023Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda
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1. Call To Order
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the February 13, 2023 CRA Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business Items
4.2 Recommend approval of amendments to the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan.
4.3 Approve allocating remaining White Box Grant funds to the Business
Renovation Grant Program.
5. Director's Report
6. Adjourn
Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/5/2023
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#23-0165
Agenda Date: 4/17/2023 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: MinutesIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 2.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the February 13, 2023 CRA Meeting as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk.
SUMMARY:
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/5/2023
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 1 City of Clearwater
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 13, 2023
1:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 2 City of Clearwater
Roll Call
Present 4 - Chair Frank Hibbard, Trustee Kathleen Beckman, Trustee David
Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira
Absent 1 - Trustee Mark Bunker
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier – Interim City Manager, Michael Delk – Assistant City
Manager, David Margolis – City Attorney, Rosemarie Call – City Clerk,
Nicole Sprague – Deputy City Clerk, and Dr. Jaye Matthews – CRA Executive Director.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Unapproved 1. Call to Order – Chair Hibbard
The meeting was called to order at 2:36 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the January 9, 2023 CRA meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the January
9, 2023 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the
City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda
Lisa Lanza expressed concerns with an ex-officio member of the DDB
advocating funding for a specific community group.
CRA Executive Director Jaye Matthews said CRA staff's
recommendation to the DDB was within the Board's policy, which was
established at $10,000 the month prior.
In response to a comment, the City Attorney said ethics questions related
to DDB should be directed to the DDB's attorney. From an ethics
standpoint, he did not see anything wrong from the City's side. 4. New Business Items Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 3 City of Clearwater
4.1 Amend the Loan to Grant Agreement with 949 Cleveland Street, LLC for the property at
943 Cleveland Street, to extend the agreement to September 1, 2023, for building
improvements to implement the CRA Food and Drink Grant Program and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
At the October 29, 2018, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting,
the CRA Trustees approved a time limited, grant program for property owners
to support the establishment of new food and drink businesses that are open on
nights and weekends in the Downtown Core and Prospect Lake districts in the
CRA area. Under this program, property owners must commit, at a minimum,
to matching the CRA’s grant funding, dollar for dollar, for building improvements
that will be maintained for a minimum of five years. The owner must also
maintain a lease with a business that serves food and/or drinks on nights and
weekends for a minimum of five years.
On February 18, 2020, the CRA Trustees determined that the applicant’s
proposal met the program requirements and approved a loan to grant in the
amount of $187,632.50 for 949 Cleveland LLC to build out a vacant storefront
and establish a coffee and dessert shop that will serve hot and cold drinks along
with a wide selection of desserts. The total project cost is $375,265.00. The
applicant planned to complete construction by February 18, 2021. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, construction was delayed. The CRA Trustees approved
an extension to March 1, 2022.
On February 14, 2022, the CRA Trustees approved a second extension to
March 1, 2023, due to the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic delaying
progress as well as the applicant not being able to secure a general contractor
until late 2021. They received a building permit and are nearing construction
completion.
The space requires a roof replacement including structural engineered
drawings, permitting, procurement and the subsequent installation.
Furthermore, the materials needed are expected to be received in the next few
weeks allowing construction to be completed on the roof by the end of April.
Upon completion, the HVAC systems will be installed along with fixtures,
equipment, and finishes. Separate from the construction, the space originally
intended for a café is being modified to restaurant to ensure meeting the intent
of the space with the requirement of being open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. This
results in required permit modifications before final build out. As such, the
applicant is not able to meet the March 1, 2023, deadline. They have requested
a third amendment to extend the grant agreement to the end of the current year
to complete the project and open the new businesses.
Staff recommends amending the grant for six months to allow a new
completion date of September 1, 2023. This site is critical to serving existing
residents and attracting new residents to apartment developments in this area
and, in turn, generating a favorable market to encourage new housing Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 4 City of Clearwater
developments in the downtown core. It will also fill a persistently vacant site on
Cleveland Street. The original grant agreement incorporates the property
owner’s full application and financial documents to secure the loan to grant
agreement over a five-year period. Those documents will remain unchanged.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this grant are available in 3887552-R2003 Economic
Development-City
In response to questions, CRA Business Associate Administrator Howard
Smith said, originally, the grant agreement was written for a specific
use; restaurant that operated from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Wednesday
through Sunday. The applicant knew of the requirement to operate in
the evening. Development Manager Brittany Eveler said the cafe is
located in a separate building. The original intention was for it to be a
cafe space as the market area would have more of an afternoon and
evening feel. Due to the nighttime operation requirement, it was decided
to change the vendor. She said the main reason for the request was to
address the structural issues that must be resolved prior to completing the
buildout. There is an indoor ramp, which was approved and permitted with
the original building permits. She said the structural issues were a result
of the previous owner; the issues were discovered during the HVAC
installation, which required to pause the project, Mr. Smith said the CRA
has provided funding for the permanent structure improvements; the
CRA is not funding any of the exterior improvements. He said staff has
recommended a 6-month extension, which is consistent with previously
approved extensions.
Discussion ensued with support expressed to extend the agreement to
December 31, 2023.
Trustee Beckman moved to amend the Loan to Grant Agreement
with 949 Cleveland Street, LLC for the property at 943 Cleveland
Street, to extend the agreement to December 31, 2023, for
building improvements to implement the CRA Food and Drink
Grant Program and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.2 Amend the Loan to Grant Agreement with 949 Cleveland Street, LLC for the property at
1011 Cleveland Street, to extend the agreement to September 1, 2023, for building
improvements to implement the CRA Food and Drink Grant Program and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 5 City of Clearwater
At the October 29, 2018 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting,
the CRA Trustees approved a time limited, grant program for property owners
to support the establishment of new food and drink businesses that are open on
nights and weekends in the Downtown Core and Prospect Lake districts in the
CRA area. Under this program, property owners must commit, at a minimum,
to matching the CRA’s grant funding, dollar for dollar, for building improvements
that will be maintained for a minimum of five years. The owner must also
maintain a lease with a business that serves food and/or drinks on nights and
weekends for a minimum of five years.
On February 18, 2020, the CRA Trustees determined that the applicant’s
proposal met the program requirements and approved a loan to grant in the
amount of $250,000 for 949 Cleveland LLC to build out a vacant storefront and
establish a self-serve beer and wine bar with indoor and outdoor lounge areas.
The total project cost is $610,438.00. The applicant planned to complete
construction by February 18, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
construction was delayed. The CRA Trustees approved an extension to March
1, 2022.
On February 14, 2022, the CRA Trustees approved a second extension to
March 1, 2023, due to the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic delaying
progress as well as the applicant not being able to secure a general contractor
until late 2021. They received a building permit and are nearing construction
completion.
Due to supply chain issues related to permanent power and the inability to
complete certain timeline items related to finishing of the space until the air
conditioning went live, they are not able to meet the March 1, 2023, deadline.
They have requested a third amendment to extend the grant agreement to the
end of the current year to complete the project and open the new businesses.
Staff recommends amending the grant to allow a new completion date of
September 1, 2023. This site is critical to serving existing residents and
attracting new residents to apartment developments in this area and, in turn,
generating a favorable market to encourage new housing developments in the
downtown core. It will also fill a persistently vacant site on Cleveland Street. The
original grant agreement incorporates the property owner’s full application and
financial documents to secure the loan to grant agreement over a five-year
period. Those documents will remain unchanged.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this grant are available in 3887552- R2003 Economic Development-
City
In response to questions, Development Manager Brittany Eveler said
permanent electrical power was not received until first quarter or 2023. CRA
Executive Director Jaye Matthews said the Trustees historically have
provided 6-month extensions and directed CRA staff to recommend a
6-month extension. Mr. Smith said staff was provided photographs of the Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 6 City of Clearwater
work completed this far.
Trustee Teixeira moved to amend the Loan to Grant Agreement
with 949 Cleveland Street, LLC for the property at 1011 Cleveland
Street, to extend the agreement to December 31, 2023, for
building improvements to implement the CRA Food and Drink
Grant Program and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.3 Amend a Loan to Grant Agreement with 949 Cleveland Street, LLC for the properties at
1017, 1023 and 1029 Cleveland Street, to extend the agreement to September 1, 2023,
for building improvements to implement the CRA Food and Drink Grant Program and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
At the October 29, 2018 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting,
the CRA Trustees approved a time limited, grant program for property owners
to support the establishment of new food and drink businesses that are open on
nights and weekends in the Downtown Core and Prospect Lake districts in the
CRA area. Under this program, property owners must commit, at a minimum,
to matching the CRA’s grant funding, dollar for dollar, for building improvements
that will be maintained for a minimum of five years. The owner must also
maintain a lease with a business that serves food and/or drinks on nights and
weekends for a minimum of five years.
On February 18, 2020, the CRA Trustees determined that the applicant’s
proposal met the program requirements and approved a loan to grant in the
amount of $250,000 for 949 Cleveland LLC to build out a vacant storefront and
establish a “micro” market, food hall concept with space for 8 vendors. The total
project cost is $570,655.48. The applicant planned to complete construction by
February 18, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, construction was delayed.
The CRA Trustees approved an extension to March 1, 2022.
On February 14, 2022, the CRA Trustees approved a second extension to
March 1, 2023, due to the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic delaying
progress as well as the applicant not being able to secure a general contractor
until late 2021. They received a building permit and are nearing construction
completion.
Due to supply chain issues related to permanent power and the inability to
complete certain timeline items related to finishing of the space until the air
conditioning went live, they are not able to meet the March 1, 2023, deadline.
They have requested a third amendment to extend the grant agreement through
the end of the current year to complete this project and open the new
businesses. Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 7 City of Clearwater
Staff recommends amending the grant agreement for six months to allow a new
completion date of September 1, 2023. This site is critical to serving existing
residents and attracting new residents to apartment developments in this area
and, in turn, generating a favorable market to encourage new housing
developments in the downtown core. It will also fill a persistently vacant site on
Cleveland Street. The original grant agreement incorporates the property
owner’s full application and financial documents to secure the loan to grant
agreement over a five-year period. Those documents will remain unchanged.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this grant are available in 3887552-R2003 Economic
Development-City
Trustee Allbritton moved to amend a Loan to Grant Agreement
with 949 Cleveland Street, LLC for the properties at 1017, 1023
and 1029 Cleveland Street, to extend the agreement to December
31, 2023, for building improvements to implement the CRA Food
and Drink Grant Program and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
5. Director's Report
CRA Executive Director Jaye Matthews reviewed recent and upcoming
events. She said information shared with the Trustees during the last
meeting related to active grants was not accurate. Staff is currently
reviewing and auditing grant files; an update will be provided at the April
meeting.
In response to questions, Dr. Matthews said staff is working on improving
communications with businesses that are opening. Mr. Smith said the
Captain's Lounge has a soft opening planned this Friday; the business
is working with Amplify Clearwater for the grand opening on the 23rd. The
Market Marie's agreement with the Downtown Development Board ends
in April; another grant request would be needed in order to extend the
market. He said businesses do not have to join Amplify to schedule a
grand opening; there may be a required fee to coordinate a ribbon-cutting
ceremony. Dr. Matthews said a list of the vacant properties is available;
staff is augmenting the list with additional information. In conducting the
vacancy assessment, several business owners have raised concerns with
their landlord. She said staff is looking at how the CRA could facilitate with
business expansion opportunities. She said she toured the East Gateway
with the citizen who has raised concerns with overflowing trash Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 13, 2023
Page 8 City of Clearwater
receptacles; no overflowing trash was observed but several trash bins were
missing lids. The pictures being emailed are old. She said many of the bins
are located near the street and unable to be enclosed. 6. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Chair Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest
City Clerk Draft
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#23-0373
Agenda Date: 4/17/2023 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.2
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend approval of amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
SUMMARY:
The City established the Public Amenities Incentive Pool (Pool) in the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan when it was amended in 2004. The Pool is intended to support private
sector efforts to redevelop Downtown by providing the ability to request increases in density
and/or intensity in excess of the established maximum development potential when certain
public amenities are incorporated into the project, thereby providing benefits to both parties and
furthering the City’s goals for Downtown.
Proposed Ordinance No. 9663-23 is the first amendment to the Pool since it was established
and is the first step in modifying the allocation process of units and floor area from the Pool to
address previous direction from the City Council. This amendment would allow the Community
Development Director to approve such allocations through the Development Review
Committee (DRC) process, the details of which will be established in the Community
Development Code through a separate Ordinance. Additionally, the list of eligible amenities is
proposed to be expanded to encourage the construction of Class A office space in the
Downtown Core and Prospect Lake Character Districts and hotel and residential rental projects
throughout Downtown, as well as to support the inclusion of sustainable development
technologies in new development.
The Community Redevelopment Agency has the authority and responsibility to make a
recommendation on the proposed amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment
Plan to the City Council.
The Community Development Board, in its capacity as the Local Planning Agency (LPA), will
review the proposed amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan at its
meeting on April 18, 2023, and make a recommendation to City Council. The Council has the
authority for the final decision on the amendments.
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/5/2023
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 18, 2023
AGENDA ITEM: E.1.
ORDINANCE NO.: 9663-23
REQUEST: Review and recommendation to the City Council on amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan to revise the Public Amenities Incentive Pool eligible amenities and pool allocation process.
INITIATED BY: City of Clearwater, Planning and Development Department
BACKGROUND:
The city established the Public Amenities Incentive Pool (Pool) in 2004 as part of a major update
to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Plan). At the time, various constraints
affecting redevelopment had been identified, and the Pool was one means of supporting the
private sector in their efforts to redevelop Downtown which concurrently provided benefits to
the public when utilized.
The Plan establishes the Pool, the allocation process, and qualifying amenities, while the
Community Development Code references the Pool and is the implementing tool. Units and
square feet of floor area within the Pool may be allocated for additional development potential in
Downtown until the Pool is depleted. Developers may request increases in density and/or
intensity in excess of the established maximum development potential, based on the provision of
and/or payment of fees in-lieu of certain public amenities through a negotiated process approved
by the Community Development Board. Currently there are 2,079 dwelling units and 2,095,667
square feet of floor area available for allocation from the Public Amenities Incentive Pool which
may be requested for projects anywhere within in the Downtown District.
The 2018 update to the Plan reaffirmed the vision for Downtown as the urban core and heart of
the City. Generally, the 2018 Plan’s updated goals, objectives, policies and development
potential support a multimodal Downtown, preservation of neighborhood character, allow for
greater development opportunities for existing lots, and encourage a variety of housing types. No
Planning & Development Department Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan Amendment Long Range Planning Division
Community Development Board – April 18, 2023 Ordinance No. 9663-23 – Page 2
changes were made to the Public Amenities Incentive Pool process or eligible amenities at that
time.
More recently, Planning and Development Department staff have been evaluating the Public
Amenities Incentive Pool program to identify ways to further increase development in the
Downtown Core. One recommendation, which was discussed with City Council at its April 17,
2021 Work Session, is to establish a two-tier approach to allocating units and floor area from the
existing Pool. Because the Plan establishes the allocation process, it must be amended to allow
for such a change (proposed Ordinance No. 9663-23). Additionally, to implement these changes,
amendments to Appendix C. Downtown District and Development Standards will also be
required (see companion case TA2023-01001, proposed Ordinance No. 9664-23).
ANALYSIS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 9663-23 amends two components of the Public Amenities Incentive
Pool subsection located in Chapter 4. Plan Implementation of the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan (page 132 of the Plan).
First, the eligible amenities list is proposed to be reorganized and expanded. New Class A office
space in the Downtown Core and Prospect Lake Character Districts is desired and supported
through Plan policies. Residential rental projects bring full-time residents to Downtown,
consistent with the Integrated Variety Guiding Principle and helping meet the Plan’s People
Goal. Similarly, hotels are another means of bringing people and generating activity and are
therefore a desired in all Character Districts. The inclusion of sustainable development options
such as achieving green building certifications (e.g., LEED) and providing electric vehicle
charging stations furthers the Plan’s Environment Guiding Principle.
Second, amendments to the Pool Allocation Process would allow the Community Development
Coordinator to approve allocations from the Pool. The allocation process will continue to be
defined in the Community Development Code, but these changes enable a streamlined process
through the Development Review Committee (DRC) for future requests.
CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A review of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan identified the following Objectives and Policies
which will be furthered by the proposed amendments to the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan:
Planning & Development Department Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan Amendment Long Range Planning Division
Community Development Board – April 18, 2023 Ordinance No. 9663-23 – Page 3
Policy A.5.5.5 Update Beach by Design: A Preliminary Design for Clearwater Beach and
Design Guidelines, and the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan,
as needed.
Objective A.6.1 The redevelopment of blighted, substandard, inefficient and/or obsolete
areas shall be a high priority and promoted through the implementation of
redevelopment and special area plans, the construction of catalytic private
projects, city investment, and continued emphasis on property
maintenance standards.
Policy A.6.1.8 The City shall continue to support and implement approved community
redevelopment area plans, such as the Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan adopted in 2004 and Beach by Design adopted in
2001.
Policy A.6.1.10 Clearwater will continue to support the tax increment financing program
and redevelopment efforts of the downtown area through activities of the
economic development office and actions of the City Council as the
Community Redevelopment Agency.
Objective A.6.8 Identify those areas of the City that are appropriate for redevelopment as
livable communities and require that specific sustainable elements be used
in the redevelopment of these areas.
Objective C.1.1 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 C.1.10 Recognizing that sustainable building techniques contribute to keeping
housing units affordable over the long term by reducing energy
consumption, lowering utility bills and decreasing maintenance costs, the
City of Clearwater will promote the use of green housing construction and
renovation and rehabilitation techniques.
Proposed Ordinance No. 9663-23 is consistent with the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan as
evidenced by the objectives and policies identified above. Amending the Public Amenities
Incentive Pool allocation process to allow the Community Development Coordinator to approve
allocations supports Downtown redevelopment efforts by bringing greater consistency to and
streamlining of the process which will encourage greater use of the Pool and thus redevelopment
of properties overall. Similarly, utilizing the Pool to incentivize Class A office space in two
Planning & Development Department Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan Amendment Long Range Planning Division
Community Development Board – April 18, 2023 Ordinance No. 9663-23 – Page 4
Character Districts further supports the Economic Development and Housing Department’s
activities in these areas. Allowing sustainable design options as potential amenities for which
Pool allocations can be granted helps to address certain contributors to housing affordability and
furthers the city’s desire for livable communities as Downtown redevelops.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
The Community Development Board is reviewing proposed Ordinance No. 9663-23 in its
capacity as the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and is requested to make a recommendation
regarding the proposed amendments to the City Council. Additionally, the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is requested to make a recommendation to the City Council
regarding the amendments to the Plan. Once the City Council approves these amendments, they
will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval as amendments to the
Community Redevelopment Plan for the CRA. The amendments will also be submitted to
Forward Pinellas, in its capacity as the Pinellas Planning Council, and the Countywide Planning
Authority for review and approval as the Special Area Plan governing Downtown.
The proposed amendments to the Plan implement the City Council’s desire to further support
redevelopment in Downtown and will allow for the allocation of units and floor area from the
Public Amenities Incentive Pool in additional ways.
Based upon the above, the Planning and Development Department recommends APPROVAL of
Ordinance No. 9663-23 which amends the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
Prepared by Planning and Development Department Staff: Lauren Matzke, AICP Planning & Development Assistant Director
ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance No. 9663-23
Resume
ORDINANCE NO. 9663-23 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA MAKING AMENDMENTS TO THE CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN BY AMENDING CHAPTER 4. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, PUBLIC AMENITIES INCENTIVE POOL; CERTIFYING CONSISTENCY WITH THE
CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND PROPER ADVERTISEMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Pinellas Planning Council, has recognized
the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan (“the Downtown Plan”) as a former Special Area Plan, as memorialized in The Countywide Plan Appendix, which has been classified as an Activity Center – Urban Center subcategory on the Countywide Plan Map, and the City of Clearwater (“the
City”) has the authority pursuant to The Countywide Rules to amend plans governing Activity Centers; and
WHEREAS, the Public Amenities Incentive Pool (“the Pool”) was established in the
Downtown Plan to achieve the City’s vision for Downtown and to overcome the numerous constraints affecting redevelopment, and the Pool is available to all properties within the Downtown Plan boundaries that provide one or more eligible amenities that provide a direct benefit to Downtown revitalization; and WHEREAS, on March 1, 2018, the City Council adopted the updated and amended Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, which reaffirmed the City’s vision for Downtown Clearwater as the urban core and heart of the City which will be an attractive place to live, work, shop, and play; and WHEREAS, to further support redevelopment and the allocation of density/intensity available through the Pool, the City wants to extend the authority to allocate units from the Pool to the Community Development Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that these amendments to the Downtown Plan
promote and support the public health, safety, morals, and welfare, of the City’s residents; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the Downtown Plan conform to the City’s general comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public meeting the Clearwater Community Development Board, pursuant to its responsibilities as the Local Planning Agency, has reviewed these amendments, conducted a public hearing, considered all public testimony and has determined that these amendments are consistent with the City of Clearwater’s Comprehensive Plan and recommended that the City Council adopt these amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Community Redevelopment Agency has reviewed the proposed
amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan and recommends approval to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council has fully considered the recommendations of the Community Development Board and the Community Redevelopment Agency, and testimony and evidence submitted at their public hearings; now therefore,
2 Ordinance No. 9663-23
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. That Chapter 4. Plan Implementation of the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Public Amenities Incentive Pool, be amended to read as follows:
Public Amenities Incentive Pool
* * * * * * * * * *
Eligible Amenities
All property within the Downtown Plan boundaries will be eligible to use the Public Amenities Incentive Pool. Allocations from the Pool will be available to projects that provide one or more improvements and/or fees in-lieu of certain improvements that provide a direct benefit to Downtown revitalization and furthers the Plan’s guiding principles and major redevelopment
goals. The allocation of increased density or intensity through the Pool shall be at the discretion of the City as determined through the Community Development Code site plan review process. The types of amenities eligible for density/intensity bonuses may include, but are not limited to:
• Residential uses in the Downtown Plan area;
• Ground floor retail in the Downtown Plan area;
• Uses in particular locations and/or mixed use projects that further the Plan’s major redevelopment goals and character district vision (e.g., hotel, Class A office space in Downtown Core and Prospect Lake, residential rental (full-time occupancy), ground floor
retail, mixed-use);
• Day care facility;
• Portion of project reserved for Affordable Housing;
• Significant Public Space on site;
• Public Art on site;
• Preservation of a historic building to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards;
• Construction of public parking on site;
• Sustainable development (e.g., green roof, solar panels, electric vehicle charging, achievement of nationally recognized green building certification);
• Cultural or Performing Arts Facility on site;
• Contributions to Master Streetscape and Wayfinding Plan;
• Contributions to Coachman Park Imagine Clearwater or Station Square Master Plan;
• Contributions to Pinellas Trail or connector trails;
• Contributions to public parking facility; or
• As determined by the City Council.
* * * * * * * * * *
Pool Allocation Process
The allocation of additional density/intensity shall be made in conjunction with a site plan
application reviewed by the Community Development Coordinator or the Community Development Board (CDB) through a process defined in the Community Development Code. The Community Development Coordinator or the CDB will be responsible for ensuring that all projects
utilizing the Pool meet the goals, objectives and policies of the Plan and is in keeping with the vision established for the character district in which the project is located. The Community
3 Ordinance No. 9663-23
Development Coordinator or the CDB may consider granting an increase in the maximum building height specified in a character district if the developer of a site plan application provides a major
public amenity as defined in the Community Development Code, and the increase in height does not exceed 20% of the maximum permitted height or a minimum of ten feet. Development potential obtained through the Pool shall not be transferred to any other site under any circumstance.
* * * * * * * * * * Section 2. The City Manager or designee shall forward the proposed Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan amendments to any agency required by law or rule to review or
approve same. Section 3. Should any part or provision of this Ordinance be declared by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption, subject to the approval by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and the Countywide Planning Authority. PASSED ON FIRST READING ____________________________ PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL ____________________________ READING AND ADOPTED
____________________________
Mayor Approved as to form: Attest:
____________________________ ____________________________ Matthew J. Mytych, Esq. Rosemarie Call, MPA, MMC Senior Assistant City Attorney City Clerk
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#23-0399
Agenda Date: 4/17/2023 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.3
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve allocating remaining White Box Grant funds to the Business Renovation Grant
Program.
SUMMARY:
At the January 9, 2023 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, staff requested
terminating the White Box Grant Program as it is similar to the Business Renovation Grant,
which provides up to $100,000. To date, there have been seven approved grants totaling
$277,722.
The CRA’s White Box Grant Program was established with a $300,000 budget. To date, there
is currently one approved and active grant for $50,000.
Staff recommends moving the remaining $250,000 from the terminated White Box Grant
Program to the Business Renovation Grant Program, bringing the available balance to
$272,278.
Four applicants are pending grant approval that have submitted Business Renovation Grant
Application.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Business Renovation Grants are paid from 3887552- R2003- Economic Development-City
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/5/2023