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2001 VISION AND STRATEGY FOR CLEARWATER BEACH ~ .. , , I i I I I Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force I I . FORWARD TO 2001 I I A Vision I I and Strategy I I for I CLEARWATER BEACH I I I "~ ision is the art of I seeing things invisible. " I Jonathan Swift I .' " O~0-'!;J PROPOSAL TROPICAL SEASCAPE THEME CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE The Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force has recommended that a tropical seascape theme be established for the Commercial and Resort Commercial areas of Clearwater Beach. This proposal Is directed toward a staff-administered approach to achieving the tropical seascape theme. Another possibility for addressing the theme Issue would be the creation of a design review board. Ultimately, the staff feels that this design review board approach Is highly desirable; however, our experience with the North Greenwood Design Review Committee Indicates that there will be many times In which a design review board for a particular area of the City will not have plans to review. Consequently, we would recommend an Interim approach (as laid out In this report), to be followed by the creation of a design review board In an upcoming fiscal year (e.g., FY 93-94) which would Include the following areas of the City:', North Greenwood Commercial District; Clearwater Beach; Harbor Oaks; Downtown Clearwater; and yet-to-be-deslgnated commercial entryways Into the City. Separate design guidelines would be established for each of these areas with one review board handling all design reviews. This more comprehem~lve approach would result In a situation In which design review Is Incorporated In the most important areas of the City for such an approach, and would allow a single board to handle design Issues. The area covered by this proposed board would be large enough to ensure that the . board would generally have plans to review at almost every meeting. As currently proposed, however, under a staff administered design review, 'it will be necessary to require specific ordinance requirements for those areas .of Clearwater Beach which are affected by design review. The staff would suggest that these areas be limited to Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts, and only on Clearwater Beach (I.e. D.Q.1 Island Estates or Sand Key). This approach limits the design review to only those areas covered by the Clearwater Beach Task Force report and will not create a design review Issue for single family or multi-family residential areas on Clearwater Beach. There are two areas In which staff administered design review regulations must be addressed: additions to existing structures and new construction. These areas are discussed separately below. Additions to Existing Structures A. Additions of less than 50% of the overall floot area of the structure. Where additions are proposed which do not exceed 50% of the floor area of the existing structure, the additions shall be designed In a manner which Is compatible with the existing structure In terms of rhythm, massing or scale, facade orientation, and materials. The design may be contemporary In nature, but should reference design features from the original structure Including building materials, building openings (door and window) and height. The addition shall not be constructed of materials not found In the 1 . surrounding streetscape, shall not feature blank facades, and shall not be out of scale with the o-rlglnal building. Parking, where possible, shall be provided to the rear or along the Intarlor sides of the property. To the extent possible, City landscaping standards shall be met unless full compliance with the standards Is required by code. B. New construction (Including additions which exceed 50% of the floOf afea of the original structure, Including multiple additions over a two yeaf period which exceed this 50% figure). For new construction, the following standards would apply. Although the aesthetics of architectural style cannot generally be computed In a literal sense and reduced to specific calculations, the staff finds that the following design standards would tend to relate new construction to the predominant characteristics to the tropical seascape theme for Clearwater Beach. 1. Exterior bulldina materials. Exterior building materials for all new construction within the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall be limited to the following: a. Woodframe or simulated wood frame (e.g. vinyl). b. Stucco. c. Shingles. d. A combination of the listed materials. 2. Roof materials and Ditch. All new construction within the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall have the following roof characteristics: a. Pitched roofs. Pitched roofs shall be a 4-12 or higher pitch and shall be constructed of either metal or barrel tile. b. Flat Roofs. Flat roofs shall be surrounded by a parapet of a distinctive architectural style: the tops of such parapets shall be flat or may be topped with tile for accent. 3. Facade orientation. The orientation of all new structures within the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall follow the dominant orientation of structures along the block face on which the structure Is located. For structures on corner or double frontage lots, the facade shall be oriented to the most heavily traveled adjoining roadway, based upon vehicle ADT figures provided by the City Traffic Engineering office. 4. Location of off-street Darklng. All new construction In the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall locate the required off-street parking In the Interior side or rear yards of the site. No off-street parking shall be located In the front 2 or corner side yards of the site where such parking Is highly viewable from adjoining street rights-of-way. 5. Site lighting. All new construction In the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall be restricted to site lighting of the following height: a. Unrestricted lighting - 10 feet. b. 90% cutoff lighting - 15 feet. This restriction shall not Include the lighting for public parks, public parking lots, and streets, although proposals for such lighting In these locations should analyze these standards and their applicability for the situations In which lighting Is to ba used. 6. Streetscaoe architectural comoonents. All new construction In the' . Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall contain door and window openings consistent with those found In the adjacent streetscape. Blank facade shall not be permitted on any street frontage of the structure. 7. Architectural stvle. Architectural style In the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial zoning districts on Clearwater Beach shall be one of three predominant types: "Cracker", Victorian, or Mediterranean. "Cracker" architecture generally Includes such features as a pltche~ roof, street-side porches with relatively large porch overhangs, and wood frame style construction. Victorian architecture Is generally considered to be similar to the "Cracker" style, however, It may Include more elaborate treatment of trim and other exterior features. Mediterranean style Is characterized by a stucco exterior and may have either a flat or pitched roof. Pitched roofs for mediterranean style shall be constructed with barrel tile. The staff would proposed to Implement these standards by adding a separate section to the land Development Code which essentially enumerates the above requirements, and establishing under the use limitations section of each Individual zoning district the reference that structures within the Resort Commercial and Beach Commercial districts on Clearwater Beach shall be required to observe these design standards. CBBRTF.SS 3 j 'I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS February 1994 Update Beautification and Theme Issue 1. Recommendation - Adopt the Phrase "Clearwater Beach, One Small Place of Enchantment," as the promotional theme for Clearwater Beach and "Tropical SeaScape," as the descriptive phrase for the supporting architectural theme and total ambience. February 1994 Update - Staff did not follow up on this recommendation as indicated below. We would now suggest that once the architectural guidelines are implemented and the streetscape program has been completed, signs containing this theme would be erected at strategic locations. October 1991 Response - Staff will forward this item to the City Commission for discussion/work session in the Spring 1992 and if approved, the staff will add this item to their work plan. After the implementation of "Tropic Seascape" as the architectural theme for the beach as discussed in number 2, all appropriate city documents and promotional literature promulgated by the city will begin reflecting the proposed promotional theme phrasing, "Clearwater Beach, One Small Place of Enchantment. " 2. Recommendation - Approve changes to the Clearwater Land Development (LDC) for Beach Commercial and ("'Beach) Commercial Residential areas to provide pennitting incentives which encourage private improvements consistent with a Tropical Seascape design theme, and to provide design guidelines for private amI public development/redevelopment consistent with a Tropical Seascape theme. (See committee's line drawings, Appendix D, representing present view and possible future view of front elevation on section of Mandalay Avenue.) February 1994 Update - Design guidelines developed by committee; town meetings held; ordinance under development in cooperation with staff and committee. Anticipated date for Commission consideration: April, 1994. October 1991 Response - The proposed changes to the land development code to incoIpOrate the "tropical seascape" design theme are not currently in the staff's work program for FY 91/92. Specific design guidelines would abe developed for this area of the City. These design guidelines must be developed and incoIpOrated into an upcoming fiscal year work program by either staff or consultants. The Land Development Code amendments would create a system similar to the North Greenwood Neighborhood Community zoning district where the desired "tropical design"/design standards is encouraged by relaxation of certain zoning standards. Staff would recommend that certain designs would be required and certain designs would be prohibited. It should also be noted that "Tropical Seascape" architectural theme could include building styles as different as Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Victorian (like the Clearwater Beach Hotel). Due to the extensive work involved in preparing the design guidelines, this item cannot be implemented until FY 92-93 with the estimated date of June, 1993. 3. Recommendation - To the extent that it cannot be required by code, encourage all governmental units to adhere to the spirit of the Tropical SeaScape Theme and the related LDC provisions. February 1994 Update - The Tropical Seascape Theme has been followed in the design of: Big Pier 60; the Clearwater Marina building; restrooms on the beach; replacement of eight beach guard towers (during FY 93/94); and Mandalay Avenue streetscape project. Upcoming upgrades to public properties will incoIpOrate the Tropical Seascape Theme whenever possible. October 1991 Response - Public constroction projects would incoIpOrate the tropical seascape theme. Also, City staff has worked with the Task Force in the rebuilding of Big Pier 60 using a Tropical Seascape Theme. The City's consulting engineers (CDM) are presently working on the design, which should be reviewed by the City Commission in November. During the coming fiscal year, the City staff will pursue the constroction of roofs in keeping with the Tropical Seascape Theme for the four rest rooms recently constrocted on Clearwater Beach. This should be completed by September 30, 1992. 4. Recommendation - Approve a Streetscape Plan incoIpOrating landscaping, seating and other pedestrian amenities. February 1994 Update - Streetscape project along Mandalay Avenue has been implemented for two blocks, with additional expansion of this theme scheduled for FY 93/94. October 1991 Response - There is currently no "master" landscape/ design plan for Clearwater Beach (or other areas of the City) other than the landscaping requirements pertaining primarily to landscaping nQ1 in street rights-of-way. This work should be coordinated with the architectural/design review board discussed in items 2 and 3 above, as well as item 7 below (see also item 1 under the Tourism Issue). 5. Recommendation - Expand City Landscaping; e.g., sidewalks, parking lots, unimproved public lands and the beach down to the water line. February 1994 Update - See comments for #4 above. The Public Works Department installed a substantial amount of additional landscaping in the South Gulfview parking lots during the conversion to attended parking operation. The Parks and Recreation Department has added a fourth restroom and landscaping by the Adams Mark Hotel, planted 60 palms in the south beach parking lot, completed landscaping and boardwalks associated with the north beach street ends stonnwater and beach access project, and installed 13 showers with concrete aprons for beach users, including drinking fountains. October 1991 Response - a. During the previous fiscal year (1989/90), the City completed the landscaping of the Memorial Causeway, installed two restroom buildings with landscaping in the Marianne Street right-of-way and at Mandalay Park, and provided general landscape improvements CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 2 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - 'I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I on the beach. b. The City recently repaved the marina parking lot using recycled plastic wheel stops, additional meters installed and landscaping provided. This was completed in September, 1991. c. During this current fiscal year, approximately 45 palm trees along with sea grapes, fountain grass and oleanders were planted in the right-of-way that separates Gulf Boulevard from the south beach parking lot. Also recently landscaped was the new restroom which is constrocted close to the Adams Mark Hotel. d. The Capital Improvement Program includes monies to landscape the street ends that dead end into the Gulf of Mexico along the north beach. Staff plans to prepare a landscape drawing to serve as a prototype for each of these street ends. This project should be completed by December 31, 1992. e. The Marina has money in the budget to repair sidewalks along the seawall making the sidewalk more architecturally pleasing. f. Monies are included in the City's Capital Improvement Program to replace thirteen showers along Clearwater Beach which are used by sunbathers. Current showers are difficult to maintain as well as being unsightly and in poor locations. Each of the new showers will consist of multiple shower heads with automatic cutoffs to conserve water. Also, under each shower, plans are to install concrete or brick aprons. Drinking fountains will also be installed. This project should be completed by September 30, 1992. 6. Recommendation - Install street lamps in the core area of the beach; use the same lamps as on Cleveland Street; provide continuity between downtown and the beach by putting similar lamps strategically on the causeway median and the emergency road. February 1994 Update - Gas lamps have been installed as part of the Mandalay Avenue streetscape project; no work has been done on the causeway to install added theme lighting. October 1991 Response - The same type fixture used on Cleveland Street downtown could be used on Clearwater Beach around the Civic Center, along the new sidewalk to be built at the Marina, and along Memorial Causeway median. Cost estimates for this work are being prepared by the Traffic Engineering Group. 7. Recommendation - Eliminate private use of public property; e.g., pay phones and vending machines on sidewalks and right of way, to the extent the law allows; establish design requirements/restrictions for all pay phones and vending machines; establish licensing fees for all exterior vending machines, pay phones and the like. CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 3 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE February 1994 Update - Vending machine/newsrack ordinance adopted by the Commission in late 1993; implementation and enforcement is underway. October 1991 Response - Newspaper machines, vending machines, and pay phones will be included in the design review standards and system established, as described in number 2 above. Vending machines and pay phones can be regulated, including complete prohibition against their location in some places. The City staff will begin researching the extent to which licensing/franchise fees can be established for vending machines (including newspaper dispensers) and pay phones on sidewalks and rights-of-way. If these fees are appropriately established, they may be used for funding improved vending designs, including the possibility of incoIpOrating these vending machines into landscaped planters, benches, etc. on public rights-of-way. Tranwortation Issue 1. Recommendation - Create resort zones with restricted 2-way traffic flow at 15 mph for automobiles, where pedestrian traffic is favored, with numerous crosswalks on (1) Mandalay Avenue (Mandalay St. north to Baymont) and (2) South Gulfview Boulevard (Pier 60 south to Harnden). This separates conflicting uses, beach users and tourists from through traffic. February 1994 Update - In 1992, the City Commission decided against the resort zone operation of Mandalay and South Gulfview. Crosswalks on both streets have been enhanced. October 1991 Response - Many of the Transportation issues depend upon the City Commission taking action on the one-way pair issue. Staff will forward the item concerning one-way pairs to the City Commission for discussion/work session no later than January 1992. In addition, the Police Department has completed a public opinion survey with the results that are attached as an appendix to this report. 2. Recommendation - One Way Streets: To expedite resident commuter traffic that would get favored turn and traffic light priority separate from tourist and beach users in the Resort Zones. North Beach: Change traffic control as follows: East Shore Drive to become two lands, one-way north from Causeway Boulevard to Baymont; Poinsettia Street to become two lanes, one-way south from Baymont to Causeway Boulevard. This will expedite resident commuter traffic, with favored turn and light priority separate from tourists and beach-goors. South Beach: Coronado Drive becomes two lanes, one-way south from First Street to Harnden; Harnden Drive becomes one-way north its entire length; South Gulfview Blvd. becomes one-way around the south side of Pier 60 to First Street only (3 lanes) and two-way thereafter to Harnden Drive with center option turn land and entrance/stacking lane to South Gulfview parking lots. February 1994 Update - In 1992, the City Commission decided against the resort zone operation of Mandalay and South Gulfview. CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 4 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - '1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I October 1991 Response - The City Commission has not yet adopted a one-way pair plan (see response #1 above). The East Shore/Poinsettia one-way pair for the North Beach was not an improvement recommended by either the Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan report of October, 1984, nor the Wade-Trim study recently completed. 3. Recommendation - Eliminate the cross over traffic light at Pier 60 and Causeway Blvd. for north beach traffic and create a north beach lane across the Civic Center lot to connect with East Shore Drive. February 1994 Update - In 1992, the City Commission decided against the resort zone operation of Mandalay and South Gulfview. October 1991 Response - See #1 above. The removal of the Mandalay/Causeway eastbound signal would be dependent on the implementation of the one-way pair for the North Beach. 4. Recommendation - Eliminate the traffic light at Coronado and Gulfview by the Pier 60 lot to allow smooth flow of north and south through traffic. February 1994 Update - In 1992, the City Commission decided against the resort zone operation of Mandalay and South Gulfview. October 1991 Response - See #1 above. The removal of the Coronado/Gulfview signal is dependent on which one-way strategy is selected. Considerations for pedestrian traffic trying to cross at this point must also be made. 5. Recommendation - At the Pier 60 lot, create an entrance gate to the public beach and parking lots with three one-way lanes south, clearly marked overhead: "Public Beach", "Parking Lots" and "Resort District". February 1994 Update - This plan created technical concerns for the operation of South Gulfview as an attended lot. Signage, including language, has been improved. October 1991 Response - See #1 above. The proposed signage would be dependent on the one- way pair system. However, an overhead sign for the Pier 60 parking lot has been installed. 6. Recommendation - Establish numerous pedestrian crosswalks designated and clearly marked along South Gulfview Blvd. and Mandalay Avenue. Pedestrian traffic would have priority over all vehicular traffic except emergency vehicles. February 1994 Update - Crosswalks have been enhanced, with additional work planned. October 1991 Response - There are already several crosswalks, painted with high emphasis CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 5 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE "zebra" markings, along both Mandalay and South Gulfview. Florida Statute 316.130 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. 7. Recommendation - Create bike paths, clearly marked on roadways at least five feet in width; from Sand Key to Memorial Causeway along South Gulfview Boulevard and Harnden Drive; from North Beach to Memorial Causeway on Mandalay Avenue and East Shore Drive; along Memorial Causeway to connect to Coachman Park and the Pinellas Trail (as a beach loop). February 1994 Update - Existing right-of-way and pavement dimensions make this project difficult to accomplish in the near-term. October 1991 Response - See #1 above. Provisions for bicycles will be considered during the implementation of the one-way pair, if it is adopted. 8. Recommendation - Install sidewalks where there are presently no sidewalks; on the ~ and west side of Harnden and Coronado Drives. On South Gulfview, eliminate the west sidewalk if necessary for a tram route and parking entrance/stacking lane. Improve the remaining ~ sidewalk to 10' as per streetscape. February 1994 Update - Existing back-out parking limits sidewalk continuity along Harnden and Coronado. Key missing links are included in 1994 sidewalk contract. No improvement to east sidewalk width is possible at this time due to insufficient right-of-way for 10 foot width in many areas. October 1991 Response - The installation of sidewalks would eliminate parking spaces and is not recommended. The removal of the west sidewalk on S. Gulfview is a Police matter and is not necessary for any traffic putpOses. 9. Recommendation - Erect overhead directional signs using the designations NORTH BEACH and SOUTH BEACH, with arrows at: * Entrance to Clearwater Beach on Marianne St., "North Beach" Parking right turn arrow, "South Beach" Parking, Sand Key left lane. Pier 60 Gateway Entrance to public beach over three lanes "South Beach", Parking, and South Gulfview and Harnden: Through/Mainland Traffic right turn arrow, Public Beach, Parking straight ahead arrow. * * February 1994 Update - Ground-mounted "trailblazers" for Sand Key and mainland have been fabricated; these should be installed in February. Marianne street overhead signing dimensions in negotiation with FDOT, and may be affected by possible City takeover of Marianne. October 1991 Response - Signage will be dependent on the traffic circulation plan adopted. The City's Public Works Department will complete this within 6 months from the date of the adoption of a traffic circulation plan. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 6 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I, I I I I I 10. Recommendation - Convert larger off-street metered parking areas to attendant parking; Le., Gu1fview - 551 spaces; Pier 60 - 258 spaces; Marine - 246 spaces; Rockaway - 156 spaces. Keep them open from 7 am to 11 pm (or midnight on Friday and Saturday). February 1994 Update - Gu1fview lot converted to attendant parking in March, 1993. Pier 60 lot retained as attendant parking. Marina and Rockaway lots remain metered per Commission direction. Hours vary by lot but the above limits are satisfied. October 1991 Response - This item was forwarded to the City Commission on 10/17/91 and it is recommended that there be no attendant parking and there be rate increases. A final decision is expected to take place at the November 21st meeting after allowing time for public input. There is parking available at Pier 60, So. Gu1fview, the Civic Center and the Marina until I :00 a.m., and other times when as needed. 11. Recommendation - Retain meters at small lots, but lease parking rights after 6 pm to private entetprises nearby; Le., Civic Center - 62 spaces; Bay Esplanade - 84 spaces; AvalonlKendall- 56 spaces; Mandalay/Poinsettia - 58 spaces. The City will entertain any offers to lease Civic Center parking on a case by case basis and require that parking be attended. February 1994 Update - No action on leasing spaces. October 1991 Response - The civic center lot is free after 6:00 p.m. The Bay Esplanade and AvalonlKendalllots close at 10:00 p.m. for security reasons. The City will entertain any offers to lease spaces at the parking lot. 12. Recommendation - Create parking entrances and exits at 3rd and 5th Street (on Gu1fview) and eliminate the entrance at the Adams Mark Hotel. February 1994 Update - Recommended course of action did not provide efficient operation of attended South Gu1fview lot; alternative configuration implemented. October 1991 Response - Entrances and exists to the parking lot at 3rd and 5th Streets currently exist. We have experienced no problems with the entrance next to the Adams Mark. Adams Mark visitors often use this entrance for evening events. The Police Department has no problem with the current configuration which discourages cruising the can be utilized by existing businesses. 13. Recommendation - Prohibit any additional parking on Memorial Causeway. February 1994 Update - No additional parking has been pennitted. CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FOR.CE 7 FEBR.UARY 1994 UPDATE October 1991 Response - There are no plans at present to add parking along the Causeway. 14. Recommendation - Eliminate street parking on South Gulfview Boulevard. February 1994 Update - South Gulfview curbside spaces were reduced. The current configuration provided for motorcycle and recreational vehicle parking as well as some regular spaces. October 1991 Response - The City Commission will take fmal action on the one-way pairs issue. The on-street parking has not created any problems. However, depending on which traffic circulation scheme is adopted, this can be considered. 15. Recommendation - Increase parking fees on all Beach parking spaces and use revenue for Beach improvements. February 1994 Update - Rate increase implemented in early 1993. October 1991 Response - This issue was scheduled to be considered by the City Commission on 10/17/91 with the fmal decision expected at the November 21, 1991 meeting. 16. Recommendation - Provide a tram service, similar to that at Disney World or Key West, from the mainland to the Beach, with appropriate safety requirements. February 1994 Update - There are technical concerns about this type of tram in mixed traffic on Memorial Causeway. Such trams would be a design consideration for any potential new bridge. October 1991 Response - The concept of providing for beach visitor transportation from a mainland parking facility could help reduce congestion and parking problems on the beach. However, some kind of marketing study should be conducted to see if the system would be utilized and detennine the subsidy cost. A market study is contemplated to be conducted in conjunction with the East End Development Project. Staff should complete this task by 1993. This will be coordinated by the Economic Development Director. 17. Recommendation - Construct an attractive, comfortable, infonnative mass transit tenninal on the mainland, adjacent to, or near, existing city parking facilities which are under utilized. February 1994 Update - Fonner Beach Jolley Trolley stopped at Station Square Park. New Trolley passes PSTA tenninal. No other action taken. October 1991 Response - See #16 above. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 8 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,I I I I I I - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 18. Recommendation - Provide tram service to the Beach by the most direct and efficient route. February 1994 Update - Jolley Trolley service is now in operation from Downtown. See also #16 above. October 1991 Response - See #16 above. 19. Recommendation - Maintain the Jolly Trolley system and expand service and number of trolleys to Island Estates and Sand Key so as to reduce waiting time, with attractive stopping areas along the Beach, perhaps named after aquatic characters (dolphin, sea gull, pelican, manatee, etc.) February 1994 Update - New Jolley Trolley corporation formed to accomplish this. October 1991 Response - See #16 above. 20. Recommendation - Maintain ferry service to and about the island. Encourage private owners to expand on demand. February 1994 Update - The Clearwater Ferry Service continues to be operated between the mainland and Clearwater Beach. Commercial vessel owners have received police entry passes for 1994 to cross police lines in the event of the evacuation of Clearwater Beach in order to assist the City during times of evacuation or disaster. October 1991 Response - Current plans call for the Clearwater Ferry Service to continue operating around the island and mainland. The fIrst annual meeting to evaluate the ferry service has been scheduled between city staff and the president of the ferry service. Additional service points will be considered for the ferry operation. 21. Recommendation - Adopt a cruising control ordinance comparable to those enacted in California and York, Pa., with fmes of at least $100 for the fIrst offense, and multiples of $100 for subsequent offenses, with no warning tickets as that would make enforcement extremely difficult and much more intrusive in the community, and do this as soon as possible so as to help keep things under control during the upcoming tourist season. February 1994 Update - Cruising ordinance adopted and implemented. October 1991 Response - The City adopted a cruising control ordinance and implemented an aggressive enforcement program. Signs have been installed on Memorial Causeway and at the entrances to the beach and the ordinance has been well publicized in the local media. The fme schedule has been set by the local courts at $30.00 for the frrst offense, with enhanced penalties for each additional violation up to a maximum of $155.00 for the fIfth and subsequent convictions. Because the requisite condition of gridlock has not occurred on any of the affected streets since CLEARWATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 9 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE the adoption of the ordinance, no enforcement action has been necessary. 22. Recommendation - Increase fines for violation of the noise ordinance to $75.00 for the fIrSt offense, and multiples of that for repeat violations. Use the funds collected from fmes to train additional personnel, acquire more equipment and software to track multiple offenses, more consistently enforce the law, and any overage to pay for other beach capital improvements. February 1994 Update - Due to consistent enforcement of the noise ordinance on Clearwater Beach, the Police Department has noticed a considerable decrease in the noise problem. The Department has developed a tracking system for repeat offenders that results in enhanced fmes for subsequent violations of the ordinance. October 1991 Response - The local courts have assigned an enhanced fine schedule to the noise ordinance, ranging from $30.00 for the fIrSt offense to $155.00 for the fIfth and each subsequent violation. The Police Department has vigorously enforced the ordinance, citing 873 violators from January 1, 1991 through August 31, 1991. Over 90% of those arrests have resulted in convictions. Weare tracking the violations so that offenders are assigned the proper fme. The money generated by fmes and penalties is deposited in the City's general fund. Pollution Issue 1. Recommendation - Continue to pursue the opening of Dunedin Pass. February 1994 Update - Coastal Technology, Inc. has been retained as a consultant engineer to assist the City in the permit applications for this process. October 1991 Response - It is recommended that the City support actions by other governmental agency that pursues the opening of the pass and work collectively with PinelIas County and others with jurisdiction to review this option. 2. Recommendation - Constroct a culvert system under the road along Memorial Causeway to permit flushing action from one side to the other. February 1994 Update - No change. If Memorial Causeway becomes a high-level bridge, there is potential to remove much of the existing causeway to improve water flow. October 1991 Response - The constroction of culverts or bridges to allow for the mixing of waters in Clearwater Harbor is a major capital improvement undertaking which is of benefIt to both PinelIas County and the State of Florida. An undertaking of this magnitude does not seem appropriately assigned to the City of Clearwater. The area-wide interest in Clearwater Harbor would validate this project as more benefIcial to a larger populace such as PinelIas County or the State of Florida. The City of Clearwater has no plans to undertake such a project and, if CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 10 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ri I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I instructed to do so, would frrst confmn that a culvert under Island Way near Memorial Causeway might be more beneficial per dollar cost. 3. Recommendation - Support the rehabilitation of Stevenson's Creek in any way which will maximize the water quality of storm water runoff. February 1994 Update - No change. October 1991 Response - The development of a Comprehensive Stormwater and Watershed Management Master Plan for the City of Clearwater, and specifically the North and South Stevenson Creek Basins, should not only improve the stormwater runoff to the Creek, but will ultimately improve the water quality in the Creek and to Clearwater Harbor. This project is underway under the direction of the Public Works Department. 4. Recommendation - Take action to assure that sewage treatment plant effluent and other organic and inorganic matter discharged into the bay meets established standards, including asking the county to convert septic tank areas to city sewage with special emphasis on stormwater runoff areas. February 1994 Update - City treatment plants exceed Advanced Wastewater Treatment standards. Other than the Allen's Creek watershed, septic tanks pose only minimal environmental hazards. Stormwater quality improvements to meet federal standards are being discussed as an intergovernmental project. October 1991 Response - The Public Works Department has the most technologically advanced wastewater treatment system available. This system provides the highest degree of pollution elimination as required in its operating permits with state and federal regulatory agencies. The City continues to be sensitive to environmental needs and continue to consider new technologies to further improve effluent water quality. In addition, as the Stormwater and Watershed Management Master Plan is developed, those areas that have high phosphorus nutrient loadings will be examined for septic tank problems. If it is determined that the primary cause of high phosphorus levels is due to the influence of septic tanks, alternatives which consider the conversion of septic tanks to City sanitary connection will be pursued with the County. 5. Recommendation - Toughen waste water rules for development/redevelopment by: porous paving in parking lots to soak up water; perforated storm water pipes that leak runoff into the ground; fIlters inside storm water pipes; underground retention ponds especially below downtown commercial buildings. February 1994 Update - Staff is alert for technological advances that would make these systems more feasible. Those that have long-term reliability at the present time will be included in a City Environmental Review Manual will be brought to the Commission later this year, along with a CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 11 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE more stringent stormwater control ordinance. October 1991 Response - This item will be addressed through the Comprehensive Stormwater and Watershed Management Master Planning efforts; the plan will be completed by December, 1994. 6. Recommendation - Designate parks and other public lands where stormwater can be piped during rains, turning the lands into wetlands. February 1994 Update - This is routinely done where topographical conditions permit. Examples include major projects like the Clearwater Country Club golf course being used as floodplain for Stevenson's Creek and minor projects like the north beach street ends along the Gulf of Mexico that have been upgraded to include beach access areas and retention areas for storm water. Retention areas have also been developed in planters in the south beach parking lot. October 1991 Response - This will be considered as part of the Comprehensive Stormwater and Watershed Management Master Plan for the City of Clearwater; the plan will be completed by December, 1994. 7. Recommendation - Widen problem creeks and create retention areas along the run. February 1994 Update - This is done when development, topographical and financial conditions permit. October 1991 Response - As a result of the Comprehensive Stormwater and Watershed Management Master Plan, separate projects will be developed and funded by Stormwater Utility on a schedule not yet determined. 8. Recommendation - Motivate people on the beach to throw their trash into trash cans or take it home with them. February 1994 Update - The Harbormaster's office has installed two additional signs advising people to properly dispose of their trash. These signs have been placed on the two new beach guard towers on Clearwater Beach, in keeping with the "Tropical Seascape Theme. " October 1991 Response - As part of their day-to-day duties, Clearwater Beach lifeguards continually ask visitors to properly dispose of their trash on the beach. The Water Safety Supervisor has been instructed to continue training the beach guards on this policy. The City currently cleans the sand on Clearwater Beach seven days a week from around midnight to approximately 9:00 a.m. using mechanical equipment, although this service has been temporarily suspended while the City awaits the reissuance of state permits. This beach cleaning operation ranges from the Adams Mark Hotel on the south to Somerset Street on the north. The annual cost of this beach cleaning operation is approximately $103,000. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 12 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r------- I I I. i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 9. Recommendation - Increase enforcement of littering laws while also increasing penalties for breaking them. February 1994 Update - There has been an increased effort at enforcement of the littering laws on Clearwater Beach by the Police Department. Officers have been trained to be aware that littering is a priority issue for residents and business owners. On some occasions, the Department has even utilized plain clothes offices to enforce the littering laws. Additional trash receptacles have been provided to reduce the littering problem. October 1991 Response - Police Department personnel assigned to the Beach Patrol District have been instructed to aggressively enforce the laws and ordinances pertaining to littering. The penalties are set by the Pinellas County courts. 10. Recommendation - Increase the number of trash cans on the beach for those days when volume is so heavy that they are filled and some trash of necessity thus winds up on the sand. February 1994 Update - Parks and Recreation Department continues to monitor trash cans on the beach sand. There are currently approximately 100 containers between the Adams Mark Hotel and the north beach street ends. October 1991 Response - The City currently has 85 containers on the sand of Clearwater Beach and the Parks & Recreation Department will monitor trash volume and add cans as necessary. 11. Recommendation - Institute an anti-litter campaign through a public education program, including "advertising" signs in the Jolly Trolley. February 1994 Update - Two new "adopt-a-shore" agreements to remove debris from shorelines have been implemented. One is with the Adams Mark Hotel for the beach from the hotel to Pier 60. The other is with the Clearwater Beach Sertoma Club for the area around the Memorial Causeway bridge. Parks and Recreation Department has also installed small signs on trash containers asking people to "pitch in. " October 1991 Response - The Public Information Office will write to PST A to seek permission for such advertising. Also, under a new statewide" Adopt-A-Shore" Program, the City recently entered into agreements with volunteer organizations to remove litter and debris along shorelines. Specifically, one agreement is with the Clearwater Beach Association which has adopted the shoreline along the south side of the Memorial Causeway. The second agreement is with "Clearwater Greens" which has adopted the north shoreline of the Memorial Causeway. Discussions have been held with other volunteer organizations which may participate in this program at other locations on Clearwater Beach. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 13 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE 12. Recommendation - Train Beach Guards to encourage or remind people to pick up trash. February 1994 Update - Beach guards are trained to remind people to observe proper trash disposal practices as part of their regular training. October 1991 Response - As part of their day-to-day duties, Clearwater Beach Life-Guards continually ask visitors to properly dispose of their trash on the beach. The Water Safety Supervisor has been instructed to continue training the beach guards on this policy. 13. Recommendation - Have the Sanitation Department pick up trash from dumpsters on Sundays and Holidays. February 1994 Update - The Solid Waste Division continues to seek out sufficient customers to justify a Sunday route. October 1991 Response - The Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department should be notified of any situation where more dumpster capacity or more frequent pickup is needed. These situations will be addressed. Public street trash baskets are already serviced on weekends and holidays. Tourism Issue 1. Recommendation - Redevelop the area between Poinsettia Street to the Bay and from Marianne to Baymont to include: a low profIle, parking garage; a boardwalk along the bayside; combination upscale shopping and entertainment area long the bay; large restaurant boats in the water nearby. Harborwatch (in Baltimore) or Covington Landing (in Kentucky across from Cincinnati) could be models. This should be voluntary with city assistance. February 1994 Update - A commercial and residential area redevelopment plan is under development by the Central Permitting Department. It is anticipated that this plan will be presented to the Commission in April or May 1994. October 1991 Response - A limited redevelopment plan for Clearwater Beach can be included in the Planning and Development Department FY 92/93 work program. The area proposed for redevelopment north of Marianne Street would be included in this redevelopment plan. Other areas which could be considered for redevelopment would include Brightwater Avenue and other areas in Clearwater Beach. Design/architectural issues could be addressed as part of this plan. This will be considered for inclusion in the 92/93 work plan. 2. Recommendation - The City should aid in the development of a public beach pavilion in the Pier 60 area. Give the pier concession a new look in keeping with the adopted theme. As this CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 14 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I recreation area becomes more used, extend it gradually southward to the South Beach pavilion but not allow street vendors or concessionaires on city owned property, with the exception, perhaps, of a carousel as a focal point to highlight one area. February 1994 Update - Big Pier 60 is currently being reconstructed, with a planned opening in April 1994. The service entrance to Pier 60 is also being improved with landscaping, new benches and replacement of concrete areas. October 1991 Response - The Pier Pavilion lease agreement expires on December 31, 1993. Due to the expiration of a thirty-year period, this lease must be bid on the open market. Prior to submitting the bid package, the City will evaluate and study what changes should be incorporated at the location, keeping in mind the Task Force recommendations. 3. Recommendation - Convert the area around the pavilion to a shaded, grassy picnic and play area with picnic tables, play sets and perhaps a shuffleboard court or two. February 1994 Update - The Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments are working to provide additional landscaping and new tables and benches in an effort to improve the approach to the new Big Pier 60. October 1991 Response - The Pier Pavilion lease agreement expires on December 31, 1993. Due to the expiration of a thirty-year period, this lease must be bid on the open market. Prior to submitting the bid package, the City will evaluate and study what changes should be incorporated at the location, keeping in mind the Task Force recommendations. Because of considerable problems with sand blowing from northwestern winds, some of the proposed facilities may be unsuitable for being placed around the Pier 60 Pavilion. 4. Recommendation - Funds for the cost of these improvements could be obtained by holding concerts or similar activities in the Pier 60 public events area. February 1994 Update - No change. October 1991 Response - The Pier Pavilion lease agreement expires on December 31, 1993. Due to the expiration of a thirty year period, this lease must be bid on the open market. Prior to submitting the bid package, the City will evaluate and study what changes should be incorporated at the location, keeping in mind the Task Force recommendations. It should be noted that numerous special events sponsored by non-City groups have been conducted immediately south of Pier 60 during the past several years. However, although the City recovers its costs, revenues beyond costs have not been collected. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 15 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE 5. Recommendation - Locate parking for handicapped and Pier 60 fishermen around the perimeter. February 1994 Update - The Pier 60 lot offers validated parking for Pier 60 fishermen; lower cost metered parking is available in adjacent metered lots and spaces. Handicapped parking is available in the Pier 60 lot, as well as other adjoining City lots. October 1991 Response - Currently there is limited parking outside the attended Pier 60 lot on the east side of the pier pavilion for handicapped and Pier 60 fishermen. Pier 60 fishermen can also park in the attended Pier 60 lot and pay at the pier. The Pier 60 lot is being recommended to return to metered parking, which will accommodate more handicapped parkers. 6. Recommendation - Consider redeveloping the city marina and explore the possibility of expanding the site by realignment of the adjacent streets. February 1994 Update - The Clearwater Marina building is in the process of having a facade improvement in keeping with the "Tropical Seascape Theme. II The marina seawall sidewalks are being replaced with concrete sidewalks with brick borders. October 1991 Response - Two of the subcommittees for the Task Force recommended that the City look at a ten year window for redeveloping and expanding the marina site to approximately 5.75 acres. The committees asked that the City show a willingness to faithfully discuss with groups the possibility of working out a combined plan for the redevelopment of the area, which would include the marina, memorial civic center and Beach Diner. Their recommendation would include the removal of the Beach Diner and memorial civic center buildings and the construction of a new marina building/complex. The City could save several thousands of dollars by discontinuing the memorial civic center building. The Beach Diner (Marriott COlp.) lease agreement with the City will expire on July 21, 1997, and has no renewal option. This lease pays the City $60,000 per year, plus percentage of gross. The Task Force vision of the redeveloped site calls for the south causeway street heading from the beach to the mainland to be moved to the north, thereby creating a large area for the new marina building/complex with retail shops, convention center, parking, office space and top floor restaurant. Also the existing marina boat docks would be studied for redesign and expansion with this recommendation. The marina building will be forty years old next year, and although in good shape, cannot be expected to last forever. The main terminal boat docks were rebuilt in 1988, the east terminal docks were constructed in 1975. The redeveloping of the City marina site has many positive factors with a combination municipal building with shops, convention center, rental office spaces, increased parking and restaurant. The City could generate revenue from the leased spaces and have a centrally-located focal point for Clearwater Beach. It is recommended that this not be pursued until the expiration of the Marriott lease agreement on July 21, 1997. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 16 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Collaboration with Downtown Issue 1. Recommendation - Emphasize the tram as the major link to make possible beach/downtown relationships. February 1994 Update - Tram route considerations will be discussed as part of the Memorial Causeway bridge study. October 1991 Response - This will be considered in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan by December 1993. It is an ambitious and very expensive recommendation. Wheeled trolleys are flexible and less costly to operate. Several stations could be established so that tourists could drive their cars over, park them and use the trolley to go to the east end project area and other areas of interest in and around the downtown. Of course, the East End Project is being planned with more than adequate parking which would in a sense encourage tourists and other potential users to drive to the project and park on site. 2. Recommendation - Continue the existence of the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force, but change its status from a task force to an advisory committee to the City Commission. The duties of such an advisory board would be as follows: a. To monitor and follow-up on the recommendations that are set forth in this document. b. To serve as a sounding board for subsequent issues that need to be brought before the City Commission or that the Commissioners wish to be advised on. c. To continue dialogue and cooperation with the DDB and CRA. d. To be available for dialogue with individuals or organizations thinking of Beach activities and in need of reactions to preliminary plans. February 1994 Update - The Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force was disbanded due to concerns about the inefficiencies of the organization in meeting with other civic groups and public bodies. October 1991 Response - This concept causes an overlap with many existing city boards, possibly including the Planning and Zoning Board, Marina Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Development Code Adjustment Board, Beautification Committee, and the Environmental Advisory Board. In addition, the City will hold an annual meeting on the Beach that will include the original members of the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force and the public. The pUlpose to this meeting is for the City to provide an update on the Beach Task Force's original recommendations and other city projects affecting the Beach. 3. Recommendation - Continue the streetscape, funded by the CRA, from downtown to the beach to lend a sense of continuity between the two: e.g., at tram stations on the beach. February 1994 Update - CRA Director Pete Gozza has been advised of this recommendation. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 17 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE October 1991 Response - This recommendation would have to be carefully integrated and adapted to fit with Recommendation 1, Beautification and Theme Issue, which is to adapt "one small place of enchantment" and "tropical seascape" and with Recommendation 3, Beautification and Theme Issue, which is to approve a streetscape plan along with landscaping and parking lots. This will be accomplished in conjunction with the Redevelopment of the East End Project with an anticipated completion date of December, 1993. C.R.A. monies cannot be spent out of the district, which includes both the Beach and the Causeway. 4. Recommendation - Establish a major "welcome station" in downtown to provide a center for information and reservations, with a parking terminal for tram rides. Perhaps the tourist and convention bureau of the past could be a part of the Chamber of Commerce. February 1994 Update - CRA Director Pete Gozza has been advised of this recommendation. October 1991 Response - Welcome stations should be done by and through the Tourism Unit of the Chamber of Commerce. They have a history of managing these kinds of endeavors. The Downtown Clearwater Association in consort with the Downtown Development Board is setting up locators which will be stocked with maps and brochures that will detail downtown interests. This should be integrated with whatever efforts are made for a visitors welcome station. 5. Recommendation - Promote continued dialogue and cooperation on common concerns and activities of both downtown and the beach; for example, Coachman Park event. February 1994 Update - CRA Director Pete Gozza has been advised of this recommendation. October 1991 Response - The history of the City Commission has been to set up task forces to address issues of mutual concern to forge consensus of opinion accommodating all groups with interests. The City Commission will continue in their mode on a case by case basis as issues arise. 6. Recommendation - Encourage the use of coupon books for distribution downtown and on the beach for both downtown and beach businesses. February 1994 Update - CRA Director Pete Gozza has been advised of this recommendation. October 1991 Response - This is a function that is more appropriately handled by the Chamber of Commerce. Zoninl: and Buildine Re~lations Issue 1. Recommendation - Make the following modifications in the city's LDC for Clearwater Beach: a. Grandfather in footprints for CR, multi-family and commercial uses, CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 18 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I b. Maintain present minimum lot size and open space requirements. c. Change height restriction to allow up to four stories on the waterfront and up to six stories for non-waterfront parcels (including the parking level in all instances), in all zones except CR-28 and single family. d. In case of disaster, rebuilding is allowed, but in accord with elevation requirements of FEMA. e. Continue to allow back-out parking, where it already exists, in the city right-of-way until redevelopment or change of use occurs. a. February 1994 Update - Revisions to the "nonconformities" section of the Land Development Code are underway. These revisions will not revise regulations so as to grandfather footprints; density and intensity of use will be grandfathered. b. February 1994 Update - Some revision to open space requirements in single family zones are necessary to reduce frequently-granted variances. c. February 1994 Update - A proposal to increase height requirements for multi-family zones and the Resort Commercial zoning district on the beach will be brought forward with the proposed redevelopment plan for the beach. d. February 1994 Update - An ordinance was recently adopted to allow rebuilding of existing structures, allowing retention of density, regardless of whether the rebuilding is due to disaster, isolated damage or redevelopment. The proposed revisions to the "nonconformities" section will further clarify this issue. e. February 1994 Update - The redevelopment plan for Clearwater Beach will address this issue. October 1991 Response - Several of the items discussed under this sub-issue are already in place in the City's Land Development Code. The staff has underdevelopment a code amendment which would "grandfather" existing densities and intensities for non-conforming properties in the CR-24, CR-28, and CB zoning districts. If added to the Planning Services Division FY 91/92 work program, the staff can develop a comprehensive ordinance addressing structure height in the CR- 24, CR-28, and CB zoning districts by May 15, 1992. 2. Recommendation - Disallow restaurants, bars, gift shops, and similar ancillary uses in motels of less than 50 units in CR zoning. Do not allow such motels to convert to some of these uses on non-conforming lots. This is included in the work program for completion by December, 1992. February 1994 Update - Revisions to the code to accomplish this have been implemented. No further work, other than some possible additional signage restrictions, appears necessary. October 1991 Response - The Planning and Development staff has prepared a Land Development CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 19 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE Code amendment which is currently being reviewed by the City Attorney's office addressing restaurants, gift shops and other ancillary uses in smaller hotels. It is anticipated that this ordinance will reach the City Commission for the establishment of public hearing dates by January 1, 1992. 3. Recommendation - Encourage revitalization of small motels by developing an incentive program to permit an increase in density to be determined by economic analysis and typical site plan review, to a maximum of 40 units for anyone development, with these restrictions: a. Build to new flood requirements as to height. b. Conform to the architectural design for the Beach. c. Provide a view corridor either on the sides or in between buildings. d. Minimum (new combined) lot size would be 150' x 100'. e. Provide on site parking, not back-out parking. February 1994 Update - Increased density is not possible due to the State of Florida restrictions on density increases on barrier islands. However, recent ordinance change allow existing densities to be retained whether through damage or redevelopment. October 1991 Response - The Planning and Development Department has recommendations a,c,d, and e under review as part of its FY 91/92 work program. This is included in the work program for initial consideration by the City Commission by March 1, 1992. Recommendation b will be implemented in conjunction with the recommendation concerning the "Tropical Seascape" design theme by June, 1993. Coordination with the Department of Community Affairs, The Pinellas Planning Council, and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council will be necessary in order to proceed with the implementation of this recommendation. 4. Recommendation - Allow motel owners to choose to build the same number of multi-family condominiums as current motel rooms, if they wish, subject to the following restrictions: a. Zoning would change to reflect a multi-family use so that a condo could not later split up into multiple motel uses. b. Minimum apartment size would be 800 square feet of living area. c. Development must follow architectural design established for Beach. February 1994 Update - Increased density is not possible due to the State of Florida restrictions on density increases on barrier islands. However, recent ordinance change allow existing densities to be retained whether through damage or redevelopment. October 1991 Response - The Planning and Development Department is scheduled to address this issue within the upcoming FY 91/92 work program; the projected completion date for initial consideration by the City Commission is March 1, 1992. This is a difficult issue in that it has potential to increase residential densities on the beach. It is anticipated that objections to this proposed change will come from various sub-regional, regional and state agencies. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 20 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5. Recommendation - Request the Pinellas delegation of legislators to change the state law to remove the "cumulative" rule. February 1994 Update - Partly at the urging of the City of Clearwater, the state legislature revised its defmition of "substantial improvement" to refer to "cumulative" improvments made over a five year period, thereby resolving this issue. October 1991 Response - The City of Clearwater has taken the lead in addressing the "cumulative" rule issue by adopting changes to its flood protection ordinance to delete all reference to the "cumulative" provisions of state policy. The City's flood protection ordinance conforms with the model ordinance for communities across the nation as prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The City Commission has talked individually to the legislative delegation. In addition, the City Commission has made this a part of our legislative package for this year. We have also assigned our lobbyist, Jim Massie, to make a top priority of working on this issue with Rep. Muscarella. 6. Recommendation - Lead a movement with other beach communities throughout the state to lobby the legislature to remove the "cumulative" rule. February 1994 Update - Partly at the urging of the City of Clearwater, the state legislature revised its defmition of "substantial improvement" to refer to "cumulative" improvments made over a five year period, thereby resolving this issue. October 1991 Response - See #5 above. 7. Recommendation - Remove from the city's building code all wording concerning "cumulative" and "over the lifetime of the structure," after the state does the same. February 1994 Update - Partly at the urging of the City of Clearwater, the state legislature revised its defmition of "substantial improvement" to refer to "cumulative" improvments made over a five year period, thereby resolving this issue. October 1991 Response - See #5 above. 8. Recommendation - Allow routine maintenance, inclusive of roof replacement, without being included in the 50 % computation. February 1994 Update - Partly at the urging of the City of Clearwater, the state legislature revised its defmition of "substantial improvement" to refer to "cumulative" improvments made over a five year period, thereby resolving this issue. October 1991 Response - See #5 above. CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 21 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE 9. Recommendation - Appoint a special committee immediately to study the sign needs of Clearwater Beach in light of the recommendation for architectural integrity and create a sign code to apply to all of Clearwater Beach. This committee should consist of a planning official, an architect, a representative of a reputable sign company and three Clearwater Beach residents/business persons. February 1994 Update - No further action has been specifically taken on this issue; however, signage will be a major component of the Tropical Seascape design guidelines. October 1991 Response - The Planning and Development Department has in its work program for FY 91/92 a complete revision of the existing sign code. The staff will prepare changes to the sign code which affect the entire City of Clearwater including Clearwater Beach and Downtown Clearwater. Specific sign regulations will be developed for Beach Commercial and Resort Commercial zoning districts. 10. Recommendation - Place in this code a sunset clause for current nonconforming signs. February 1994 Update - No further action taken; sign amortization program is scheduled to move to Clearwater Beach in early February, 1994. October 1991 Response - If what is meant by "sunset clause" is a provision to allow current nonconforming signs to remain past any amortization date, this appears to be a clear violation of City Commission direction in this matter. If what is meant by "sunset clause" is a period in which the nonconforming signs will be brought into compliance, this is already in existence in the City of Clearwater sign regulations. 11. Recommendation - Begin enforcement of the current code at once with penalties for violations which can be demonstrated to have occurred since the inauguration of the current code. This might be done with the help, if necessary, of a volunteer committee of Beach citizens. February 1994 Update - No further action taken; sign amortization program is scheduled to move to Clearwater Beach in early February, 1994. October 1991 Response - The current sign code is actively enforced on Clearwater Beach and throughout the City. Many inspections have been conducted on the beach since the adoption of the sign regulations in 1985 and numerous violations have been reported and corrected. Aside from the routine inspection program, there also exists other efforts to beautify the beach through strong sign control. For example, all field personnel have been instructed by the City Manager to remove signs located in street rights-of-way, and, in addition, twice per month a crew sweeps the beach specifically looking for and removing signs illegally placed in street rights-of-way. It is noteworthy also that a significant funds and effort have been expended on the City's sign amortization program. Between January and April of this year, every sign in the City was CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 22 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE _ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I photographed, and the photographs intelpreted to identify signs which are nonconforming. At the conclusion of the inventory, owners of nonconforming signs were notified through the mail of the October 1992 sign amortization requirement. 12. Recommendation - Make Clearwater Beach a separate zoning district with respect to the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, and appoint a committee immediately to study the special needs of the Beach and recommend appropriate distances or other restrictions which would be applicable only to the Beach. This committee should consist of a planning official, three representatives of the hospitality industry and three residents who have no business interests on the Beach. February 1994 Update - A comprehensive revision of the City's alcoholic beverage regulations is underway; these revisions will incotpOrate Beach concerns. October 1991 Response - The Planning and Development Department has in its FY 91/92 work program a comprehensive revision to the Land Development Code concerning alcoholic beverages; this is scheduled for initial consideration by the City Commission by January 1, 1992. Staff plans to prepare proposed amendments to the current regulations and bring these amendments forward for public hearings and discussions. 13. Recommendation - Declare Memorial Causeway's roadside to be public park land so that the police can remove vagrants from the mangroves. February 1994 Update - This is not needed as existing regulations are sufficient to handle the problem. October 1991 Response - Memorial Causeway has not been designated a city park, so ordinances prohibiting sleeping in city parks or on city beaches cannot be enforced. However, in cooperation with the Department of Public Works, the Police Department ensures that all debris that accumulates among the mangroves is removed promptly. These regular cleanups have discouraged vagrants from living there and from storing their belongings there. In addition, this issue is under review by the City Attorney, who initially reports that the designation of this land as a city park may not be necessary. His initial report is that this land is no different than any other City owned land, where the City's enforcement powers should be similar. CBTF-FEB.SS CLEARWATER. BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE 23 FEBRUARY 1994 UPDATE - I 1_______ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force February 18, 1991 Honorable Rita Garvey and Commissioners City of Clearwater 112 S. Osceola Avenue Clewarwater FI. 34616 Dear Commissioners: Eight months ago the Clearwater Blue Ribbon Task Force appointed by you began its work with a sense of pride in our community and desire to contribute to its maintenance as a wholesome, family- oriented residential area and tourist center. Today with an even greater sense of satisfaction we are pleased to present to you this report of our findings and recommendations. Our satisfaction comes from several sources: . We believe we have prepared a realistic set of suggestions which address the most likely scenario we can anticipate for the next ten years . . We can honestly say we have been led by our understanding of the wishes of both residents and business persons alike who made known their views to us . We have found the experience to be an exhilirating one - one in which individual Task Force members respected the various views and preferences of each other in a spirit of harmony and concern for the common good We have sought to present a vision of Clearwater Beach which is a natural evolution of its past tradition and present beauty. We do not recommend radical changes from what has been a true place of enchantment for many people for many years. Rather, we underscore the need for preserving its beauty, for protecting it from possible decay, for taking advantatge of its natural resources. We have tried to make this a comprehensive report, addressing each issue in the context of the others, and a strategic report, focusing on a crucial few issues. Our process has been one of consensus, so we are all in accord with what we now forward to you. We are grateful for the free hand you have given us in our study of these issues. We would like to thank Mr. Jim Polatty and his staff in the city's Planning and Development Department, especially Ms Lavonne Newcomer who has assisted us so well as our secretary, and other staff persons as well. We now entrust the f":lits of our labor to your judgment and offer to be of whatever assistance might be appropriate and helpful in the implementation of our recommendations and eventual realization of our vision which we hope you will make yours. Sin~y y~. V' . l~/(U-M. ~ .~ Arthur X. Deegan II, PhD Chairman .,.. --.-.-..--.- ..-- --- ----.-.---- I I FORWARD TO 2001 I A Vision and Strategy for CLEARWATER BEACH I TABLE OF CONTENTS Section ED I I - INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 II - ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT SITUATION 4 I Creation and Mission 4 Environmental Analysis 6 I The Economy 6 Demographics 8 Transportation and Technology 1 1 I Legal and Administrative Regulations 13 Travel and Tourism 1 5 Internal Assessment 19 Strengths 1 9 I Weaknesses 21 Opportunities 22 Threats/Obstacles 23 I Surveys of Residents and Commercial Establishments 24 Major Issues 25 I III - ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ISSUES 27 Issue I - Beautification and Theme 27 Issue II - Transportation and Traffic 32 I Traffic Flow and Configuration 32 Parking Opportunities 36 Mass Transportation 39 I Cruising and Noise Control 41 Issue III - Pollution and the Environment 45 Water Quality 45 I Trash 52 Issue IV - Tourism 55 Issue V - Collaboration with Downtown 61 Issue VI - Zoning and Building Restrictions 65 I Development for the Small Motel Operator 65 FEMA Development Standards 68 Signs 71 I Alcoholic Beverage Licenses 73 IV - RECOMMENDATIONS AND ANANCIAL IMPUCATIONS 76 I Summary of Items Requiring Expenditures and Possible Sources of Funds 84 I APPENDICES 87 I Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force UST OF APPENDICES I I ~ I 87 94 I 99 101 I 102 I 103 104 I 105 107 I 108 I 109 I I I I I I I I I i i I Appendix A - Clearwater Beach Resident Survey, August 1990 B - Clearwater Beach Commercial Siurvey, June 1990 C - Guidelines for Location of Newspaper Dispensers D - Architect's Rendering of Mandalay Front Elevations E - Architect's Streetscape Planter Sketch F - Architect's Public Restrooms Sketch G - Proposed Changes in Auto Traffic H - Police Survey of Cruising Problem in Other Cities I - Proposed Eastshore Area Redevelopment Plan J - Architect's Pavilion Sketch K - Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TASK FORCE MEMBERS Arthur X. Deegan II, PhD, Chairman 891 Island Way . Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by a City Commissioner John Doran, CPA (1) 662 Mandalay Ave. Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by Clearwater Beach Association Stephen R. Fowler (1) (2) (5) 1421 Court St., Suite 0 Clearwater FI. 34616 Appointed by Chamber of Commerce Qtto Gans (2) 868 S. Bayway Blvd., Apt #313 Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by a City Commissioner Anne McKay Garris (6) 38 Acacia St. Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by a City Comissioner Phillip Henderson (5) 25 Causeway Blvd. Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by a City Commissioner John Homer (6) 767 Bay Esplanade Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by.a City Commissioner Jay F. Keyes (3) 100 Devon Dr Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by a City Commissioner Lavonne Newcomer, Secretary City Planning Department (1) Beautification Subcommittee (2) TrafficlTransportation Subcommittee (3) Pollution/Environment Subcommittee (4) Tourism/Commerce Subcommittee (5) Cooperation with Downtown Subcommittee (6) Land Use/Zoning Subcommittee Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task /Force David Uttle (2) 1734 Case Jones Ct. Clearwater FI. 34625 Appointed by a City Commissioner Major Martin (3) 2384 Stag Run Blvd. Clearwater FI. 34625 Appointed by a City Commissioner Gordon McDougall (1) 815 Bruce Ave Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by a City Commissioner Kenneth G. Rosenow (2) 421 Gulfvjew Blvd. Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by Clearwater Beach (Resort) Motel Association Don Seaton (4) 445 Hamden Dr. Clearwater FI. 34630 Appointed by Clearwater Innkeepers Association Julie Tiernan (4) 351 Gulfview Blvd. S. Clearwater FI. 34630 Walter Wellborn, Jr., M.D. (6) Vice Chairman 150 Devon Drive Appointed by a City Commissioner John Blakely (2) Attorney-at-Law; Volunteer Rev. Herbert Freitag (3) Chapel by the Sea; Volunteer Walter Klages, Ph.D. (4) Klages and Associates, Inc; volunteer Anna Stefan (1) Creative Resource Group, Inc. Volunteer i i i - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document sketches for Clearwater Beach both a vision and a series of strategies by which the residents and commercial establishments on the Beach can en- sure that this "one small place of enchantment" will protect its charm and attractive- ness for visitors and locals alike. It presents a vision of what the Beach can look like in the year 2001, and recommendations to the City Commission for making that vision a reality. It is not simply a response to the problems identified for review, nor the vacuous hopes of unrealistic day-dreamers. It is a studied challenge to all elected officials, professional staff, and volunteer organizations to cooperate with those who live and work on the Beach to maintain the sparkle of this jewel in the crown of the City of Clearwater. Using a strategic planning process common to not-for-profit groups, the fifteen members of the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force appointed by the City Com- missioners undertook the assignment of developing this plan for the further development of Clearwater Beach. The plan is both strategic and comprehensive. That is, it deals only with high priority issues of major import for the long term good of the area; and it is of a single fabric: all recommendations complementing each other. Finally, a consensus approach was sought, so that conclusions and recommendations are more than the result of a majority vote: they are the common judgment of the entire group. Findings Analysis of trends and assumptions about er.. :ronmental factors likely to affect life and work on the Beach in 2001 pointed to low growth, rising costs, strict building regulation, and the need for curbing vehicular traffic and attracting increased numbers of visitors to feed the tourist industry. An assessment of internal strengths and weaknesses identified dangers to the positive image of cleanliness and friendliness, of warmth and relaxation from traffic Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 1 Clearwater lBeach IBlue Ribbon Task force 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I congestion,. unbridled cruising and associated noise and from worsening pollution of surrounding waters. Checking first reactions of task force members against responses to surveys of both residents and business persons on the Beach resulted in the identification of six major issues in need of resolution. These dealt with: 1) the need for a theme and architectural design particular to Clearwater Beach 2) problems of traffic congestion, cruising, parking and mass transportation 3) pollution of the Bay and environmental concerns 4) tourism as the number one industry supporting the Beach 5) the need for collaboration with downtown development efforts 6) land use, planning, building and development code restrictions Recommendations Analysis of each of the major issues resulted in specific recommendations, the most important of which are as follows: Re beautification and a theme: 1. Adopt "one small place of enchantment" and "tropical seascape" 2. Change the Land Development Code to encourage redevelopment to mirror the theme 3. Approve a Streetscape plan, along with landscaping of parking lots Re transportation: 4. Increase parking fees and change more lots from meters to attendant parking 5. Create resort zones with restrictions for autos, and divert traffic by one-way streets 6. Provide tram service from a mainland terminal to the Beach & increase Jolly TrOlley 7. Enact a cruising control ordinance Re Pollution: 8. Pursue the opening of Dunedin Pass 9. Control pollution from Stevenson Creek and other stormwater runoff It I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 10. Construct a culvert system under Memorial Causeway to cause flushing action Re Tourism: 11. Redevelop the Eastshore area into an entertainment/shopping/eating complex 12. Provide a more aesthetic public pavilion and grassy. picnic area around Pier 60 Re Collaboration with Downtown: 13. Build a tram terminal downtown 14. Continue streetscape and lighting from downtown to the Beach 15. Appoint a Beach Advisory Board to promote dialogue with all parties Re ZoninQ and BuildinQ Restrictions: 16. Make certain changes in the LDC to permit small motels to upgrade and expand 17. Create Beach alcoholic beverage ordinance district and appoint committee 18. Appoint Beach sign committee to study need for special regulations 19. Get "cumulative" rule taken off both state and city building regulations Financial Implications Funds must be obtained to cover the cost of bringing public buildings, sidewalks, lighting and associated landscaping into conformity with the recommended architectural and ambience theme. There would also be construction costs for recommended Pier 60 and public pavilion improvements, as well as costs of a tram from the mainland and increased Jolly Trolley services. These could be offset by revenue received from public events inthe Pier 60 area, from ads in the Jolly Trolley, from increased Beach parking fees, and from the current surplus in the Parking Fund. Sign age and traffic control costs would be offset by reduction in the present cost of monitoring traffic congestion. Stormwater runoff control and the recommended culvert system under the Causeway could be expensed to the new stormwater control fees recently established. Additional monies for specific ideas should be sought from Tourist Development Funds, Penny for Pinellas revenue, PST A investment and/or private enterprise. Clearwater Beach Blue Rlblbon Task Force 3 - Clearwatell" Beach Blue Ribbon Task lFoll"ce 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II. ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT SITUATION CREATION AND MISSION On February 12, 1990, Commissioners of the City of Clearwater established a mission statement and overall goal for a Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force, as follows: "Mission Statement Develop a plan which will further enhance and maintain Clearwater Beach as a desirable family-oriented resort, recreation and residential community. Overall Goal Promote Clearwater Beach as a desirable, family-oriented resort destination, community recreation and residential location." At the same time, the Commission determined this would be "a 15 member board with five members being representatives of 1) Clearwater Beach Association, 2) Clear- water Innkeeper's Association, 3) Chamber of Commerce, 4) Clearwater Beach (Resort) Motel Association, and 5) Clearwater Beach Merchants' Association." On April 16, 1990, the City Commission reconfirmed that the membership of the Task Force should be composed of the above representatives "and ten members being appointed by each Commissioner naming two individuals, for a total membership of the main task force set at 15 members." Additional persons could be appointed by the Task Force to serve on sub-committees as needed for specific topics. By June 12, 1990, the last appointee had been made and the first meeting of the Task Force took place on June 18th. At that organizational meeting, attended by the Mayor and City Manager, January 1, 1991 was suggested by the Honorable Rita Garvey as a tentative target date for the completion of the work of the Task Force. The Task Force decided that the interests of the Beach community and the City. of . Clearwater as a whole would best be served by working toward a comprehensive plan for Clearwater Beach, rather than attempting to deal with individual issues in isolation I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I from each other. A consensus mode was sought, and a strategic plAnning process was adopted as a model. A ten year time horizon was chosen. Clearwater Beach was taken as including only the City's Planning District 1 A, which excludes Sand Key and Island Estates. VISION STATEMENT The Task Force began by describing its vision of the Beach area of tomorrow: Clearwater Beach, a residential and resort area on Florida's Gulf Coast In which residents and business owners cooperate In meeting their diverse interests, is easy to find by major highways, providing both the tropical climate of a barrier island bounded by parklands, and the proximity of the metropolitan Tampa Bay area. It is at once: · a friendly and wholesome community committed to preserve and, protect the unique characteristics of this island setting and to enhance the quality of life here, · a family-oriented playground of sun and sand and water for the enjoyment of residents, and visitors alike, and · a montage of streets, landscaping and architectural style that befits Its Image of sparkling cl,eanllness. This is a vision of a unique, appealing and attractive, family-oriented community serving the residential and recreational needs of local and mainland citizens as well as in-state, out-of-state and foreign visitors who seek a wholesome, leisurely environment. As an island with only two means of vehicular access, the special attraction is a large, wide, white sandy beach owned by the public. The shallow, warm, relatively calm surrounding waters allow year-round swimming, boating and other water-related activity. Nearby undeveloped islands, some protected as state parks, offer additional natural, seaside beauty. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 5 - Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 6 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Recognizing the importance of basing meaningful discussion on factual informa- tion, the Task Force researched current trends and ten year forecasts in these six major areas thought likely to affect the quality of life on Clearwater Beach: 1) the economy, 2) demographics, 3) transportation" and technology, 4) legal and administrative re- gulations, 5) commercial development and 6) travel and tourism. THE ECONCJv1V Figure 11-1 presents selected data from a ten year forecast for the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater metropolitan statistical are:! by the University of "Florida's Bureau of Economi~ and Business Research. These figures, along with a review of other national financial periodicals and journals, suggest the following trends. On a national level, inflation over the next ten years is expected to center around the six to seven percent figure, with some fluctuations over and under that level. The consensus view now is that a recession began in the fourth quarter of 1990, but there is a great deal less certainty about its probable length -- much depending on resolution of the Mid-east crisis. The cost of capital is estimated to be eleven (11) percent, more or less, but could be more due to present and impending "bail outs" of entire segments of the financial sector. Closer to home, the City is faced with the costs of concurrency requirements and the likelihood of near term increases in millage rates in the light of being almost com- pletely built out, with little room for growth except through redevelopment (which en- tails its own costs). On the Beach, residential property. owners can. anticipate continuing increases in both construction/replacement costs and taxes. · With next to no vacant lots, new construction will come mostly from redevelopment. Improvements will face escalating labor and material costs. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I FIGURE 11-1 Forecast for Tampa/St. Petersburg Metropolitan Statistical Area 1990 2.000 Increase ($) ($) (%) Total personal income (millions) 38,604 88,059 128 Real personal income (millions) 28,257 38,513 36 Per capita income (thousands) 18 35 91 Real per capita income (thousands) 13 15 14 Labor income (millions) 22,021 51,302 133 Transfer payments (millions) 6,874 15,949 132 Div/lnt/Rents (millions) 9,709 20,809 114 (~OO jobs) (000 jobs) Retail trade 196 248 27 Hotels 18 22 19 Business Services 62 86 39 Health Services 70 97 39 Other Services 105 151 44 Government 112 135 21 Source: University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research Under current State law, the Federal Energy Management Act (FEMA) regulations discourage home improvements. · In addition to real increase in value over time, assessed values will escalate due to appraisals based on comparables in the area, rapidly increasing replacement costs, the high amount of renovation activity, and the constant budgetary needs Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 7 ng-;' 8 en ~. 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No O~'"O 0_ = I>> io ~<;. ena ~_. -. Cl) ca i ~ Cl) > :a o < e. o - en enen c: c: c: ~ ~~ :::a. ::a.::a. o 00 - -- ~ ~~ -l ~~ > Cl) 5. Om Cl):::S '"Occ I>> -. ::a.i i ~. a.ca o m :r:J - r I>> &. c: en Cl) A en-~ c58. :::s ; _I>>:a: ....en'< l>>Cl)r S'enl>> g~&. -=0 ga~ 3-0 3 m. 0 =0.0. Cl)Cl)al al :::s en~ r c! e. I>> c: g .... ;:;: '< en en c: c: ~~ ::a.::a. 9090 ."." Di'Di' :::s :::s :::s :::s ~.~. QoQo ON al 0 < :::s 2l.ca I>> =~ > n :::s" ;:;: Cl) ~ ; en - '< CD I:)l :::s ca ~ o =. c! Cl) a n CD I>> 2. :r al en en aJ Cl) ~ :a: ~ !!L (5' :::s ~~~~ ....:::salO Z s:~'S enc:en- al;:;:n:::s" '"O,<I>>Cl) I>>~'i~ ;.;:;: a5 -. :::s" '2. I>> cag.~a CD~ I>> Cl):::s n eno :::s" ~ ;:;: :::s ~ c: .... Cl) ~ CD en en o ." I>> ;. :;- cc ~ c: a. ." o < cs: al 8 :::s o ~ n 5. n CD =. <. CD en en< -1- :J>5a -10 mz == m z -I - en en c: m en en -I :a :J> -I m G) - m en "TIeno :J>c::a 00- -IO::! OmO :aen> enenr- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I m - ;0 - :DCD --m c::T-t c::T~ om ::J'" CD -I-t mm t/)CD ~m ."n o:r -t n CD - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . of the City and ~ounty. Beach businesses will fare no better, because beach property is limited and in high demand, because of the high cost of land and improvements, and because of code requirements. The Implications of this economic forecast are: a} Homeowners and businesses alike will find it increasingly more costly to maintain or upg,ade their property. b} Without relief from stringent FEMA code requirements, only the wealthy will be able to comply with requirements of redevelopment. c} Retailers might consider developing a distinctive shopping environment (cort:'parable to a 51. Armand's Circle) but whether the character of the local market will sustain that approach is unknown. d} Some family motel owners, not as able to cope with such escalating costs as are the bigger hotels/chains, will be forced to alternative uses of their property. DEMOGRAPHICS "The 1990's won't be much like the 1980's. In fact, the 90's will be a transition period. Florida's growth rate will be slowing down for a long time to come. (One of the major causes - the transportation crisis.) Gone is the period when the annual population gain tops 3%. The annual gains will be between 2% and 2.5% but the composition of these new arrivals will be different. The 80's was an era of the 25 to 44 year old's coming to Florida. In the 90's the biggest group will be older. It is projected that the population of those 25-34 actually will decline 9% while the 35-64 group will increase 44% and the over 85 group will increase by nearly 80%." 1 As can be seen in Figure 11-2, the slowdown in overall population percentage increases for the State becomes even more dramatic for the County, the City and th~ Beach. In absolute numbers, the County can expect about the same 130,000 additional 1 Florida Trend, Dec. 1989 Clearwater Beach Blue Rilbbon Task Force 8 Year 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1.992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 4 Resident Population (1) + (3) 119,096 120,977 122,834 124,649 126,421 128,152 129,842 131,492 133,105 134,679 136,216 .137,719 139,186 140,617 142,016 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I I I Figure 11-2 Population Projections, City of Clearwater, 1987-2001 1 Permanent Population 2 Decennial Growth Rate 3 Peak Seasonal Population 19,972 20,088 20,222 20,353 20,481 20,606 20,728 20,847 20,964 21,077 21,188 21,297 21,403 21,506 21,607 99,124 100,889 102,612 104,296 105,940 107,546 109,114 110,645 112,141 1 1 3 , 602 24.90 22.80 20.80 21.90 20.70 19.20 18.80 18.10 17.60 16.10 16.00 115,028 116,422 15.40 117,783 14.80 119,111 120,409 14.20 13.70 Source: Clearwater Department of Planning and Urban Development ------------------------------------------------------ persons over the next ten years a~ it experienced over th.e past ten years, while the City will see only another 16,000 persons in the same ten years and the Beach is expected to grow by only 129 persons compared with 207 in the past ten years. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 9 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I As for the make up of that population, s4ngle parent householders and the elderly will continue to increase. Where there used to be 7 persons of working age for each retiree, that number is now closer to 3 to 1 and declining. The number of Hispanics is steadily rising and forming a distinct sub-group. Peak seasonal population (March and April) is estimated to grow by 5.6% in the next ten years. This assumes: · the number of hotel and motel units remains fairly stable, [Le., only 200 more units] · seasonal housing units will grow at the same rate as other housing units · occupancy rates will be about 80% in peak time · party size will average 2.6 persons These trends have the following possible Implications for the Beach community: a} Transportation and other infrastructure needs will not be heightened very much by the Beach resident population (permanent or seasonal) unless projection assumptions prove invalid. b) If, and as, trends in the changing makeup of the resident population continue, a corresponding change in life style may be anticipated, which mayor may not present assimilation problems. c) Growth in overall prosperity, if it is to come, will not be the result of sheer increase in numbers. d) The tax base will be spread among only a small number of more people. e} As the number of elderly (retired) increases, more support services for them will be needed; more working age persons will have to be imported to provide those services. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task FOlrce 1 0 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I I I I I. TRANSPORTATION AND TECHNOLOGY Vehicle traffic over Memorial Causeway to the Beach reaches a peak of 50,000 per day mostly on weekends. The long term expectation is for more 50,000 car days, rather than higher numbers. Another 7-8,000 cars cross the Sand Key bridge daily. Beach parking lots are full by 10:00 am on weekends during peak season, with 7 out of 10 plates showing out-of-state registration. The average daily number of cars crossing the Causeway from Island Estates to Maas Brothers is 36,000. A state-of-the-art computerized traffic light system is being considered to help the stacking problem. It could sense stacking and adjust the lights based. on immediate demand, rather than the current program of changing every 15 minutes. The ~ounty expects State Road 60 to be widened to 6 lanes by the year 2000. The only plan envisioned by the County related to Beach traffic concerns more buses. The joint fixed rail system being studied will be compatible with the Miami-Orlando system and will take 20 years to be operational. Population density does not support a progressive mass transit system, such as Atlanta's. A Jolly Trolley costs $80-120,000. Two more are on order, and one North Beach route and one South Beach route are being considered. The County restricts weight of trucks and hours of commercial traffic by residential areas, but is not expected to restrict the new 38 foot long beer trucks which are expected to operate on the Beach soon. The City Traffic Department, in considering alternative methods of transporta- tion, estimates that a monorail system could take ten years to build, while a tram system. could be operational in one -year. Serious thought has also been given to plans for the integration of transporta- tion improvements with design changes in land use on the beach. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . Responsibility for traffic planning is not clear. The Traffic Dept believes Planning and Development to be responsible for future plans, while Traffic keeps the existing system up-to~date. The Police Dept allegedly does current traffic planning for the Beach. The County supplies Clearwater with 10-12 million gallons of water per day; the City now has some 12 of its own wells, with 3 more due in one year. In five years, both will need new sources of water. Experimentation with desalinization is still in progress. Recycling of water is also getting some small use. By state law, the County handles landf!1I and garbage disposal. The average person in the County generates 7 pounds per day. Recycling and incineration are expected to take c~re of all needs in the foreseeable future. These facts and expectations have the following possible Implications for the Seaeh: a) Building a third bridge to the Beach would be counter-productive, as there would be no more room to put additional vehicles. b) Even the new traffic light system will be rendered helpless by scheduled bridge openings every 20 or 30 minutes (for as long as ten minutes in duration). c) Further congestion and loss of parking spaces will come about from larger beer delivery trucks trying to fit in current loading zones. d) Lack of clarity on responsibility for Beach traffic planning will continue to cause delays in solving the problem. e) Disputes over the future of State Road 60 will also cause delays in addressing the overall traffic problem. f) Unless redesign of public structures, right-of-way and landscaping is done jointly with planning for transportation improvements, the problem will only be exacerbated. Clearwater Beach Blue Rllbbon Task force 12 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task FOll'ce 1 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Perhaps the most significant legal or administrative regulation of concern to the Beach at the present time is the current lack of agreement between federal flood plain construction regulations and restrictions by the State. The latter's more stringent requirement of limiting building improvements on barrier islands to no more than 50% of value during the life time of the building is contrary to FEMA's policy for all flood prone areas, which limits improvements to no more than 50% of the value each year. Another worrisome expectation is for a continuation of the current rising trend in the number and amount of variance fees. A third reality boding ill for the future is the present version of alcohol and beverage laws which will permit additional drinking establishments. Next, it is likely that "double piping" for drinking water will become a reality. In keeping with the population projections referred to earlier, it is quite pos- sible that the City will put a cap on population density on the Beach. Zoning regulations in effect already amount to the same thing. Architectural guidelines of some sort for the City are also a good possibility.. A final event that is raised periodically as a possibility, but which is not foreseen in this study as likely, is the de-annexation of Clearwater Beach by a vote of the people. The potential implications of this legaVregulatory outlook are: a) Rapid and serious deterioration of single family residences and small motels because of the State buil(jing improvement limitations, coupled with limitations. on the quality of structural development all along the Beach. b) The type of business establishments which will proliferate may bring in a "less desirable" type of visitor. c) Additional fees, regulations and attendant bureaucracy will make it more expensive and more difficult for the homeowner and small business to survive. I. I I I I I I I I I I I I I .1 I I I I . d) Without innovative ways to stimulate growth, a "no room at the Inn" message will be sent to potential visitors or residents, which in turn could mean a greater burden on present taxpayers. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT At present there are 205 hotels/motels on the Islands (Clearwater Beaqh, Sand Key and Island Estates). Of these, the greatest number are considered "small or family- owned motels". Most of the recent development, since the construction of the Holiday Inn Surfsida, has taken place on Sand Key. The outloo~ for smaller motels is not encouraging. The number of rooms is not increasing. Many. family-owned motels have been converted to apartments or to other types of businesses. There are now 58 restaurants. Four of the "full line" restaurants are less than five years old, as are four of the restaurants without alcohol. There are 56 gift/souvenir shops, and 66 other retail or service businesses, including 25 apparel shops and 26 "attractions". Most of the retail establishments are of new construction. There is a steady trend of converting to condominiums in the commercial area. Five of the former six auto service stations have closed, leaving the Beach proper entirely without this convenient type of service. The following are some possible implications of these trends: a) The next ten years could see the end of one of the traditional mainstays of life on Clearwater Beach: namely, the family-owned. motel. b) The steady increase of condominium apartments and expenses involved in converting older structures to this kind of high rent living quarters will change the image of Clearwater Beach to one more like that of the Atlantic Coast beach communities. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 14 Clearwater Beaclh Blue Ribbon Task Force 15 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I c} With fewer retail establishments and ~onvenient services available on the Beach, Beach residents will be forced to make more trips across. the Causeway anellor to move to the mainland, again changing the make-up of the Beach community. TRAVEL & TOURISM Important domestic travel trends include: · Americans are taking shorter vacations each year (3-4 four day trips in place of one or two week vacations), but Pinellas visitors spend 8.8 days · Some 52% of vacationers make less than 500 miles roundtrip; about the same percentage of visitors to Florida arrive by auto (increasing to 81 % in the summer), with 42% staying in hotels (of whom 87% make advance reservations); car rental is also on the increase · Beach destinations are becoming the most popular vacation sites for each summer · AAA surveys show an average family of four spends about $173 for lodging and meals, plus $25 for each 300 miles driven (an increase of 3.6% in one year), with Florida and Orlando being the most popular destinations · Nearly half of Pinellas County visitors are here for the first time; almost 3/4 having visited other Florida areas during the same trip, more visitors making Orlando their first stop; travel agents assisted 54.6% of all Suncoast visitors Foreign travel trends include: · Canada sends 5.5 million tourists to American annually, with the bulk of them coming to Florida and spending an average of 14 days · Florida's second source of tourists is Britain, but the trend is now down · Japan is now second only to Canada as the source of foreign visitors to the U.S., and they spend heavily I including purchase of real estate · A big influx of European (especially German) visitors can be expected for many reasons ~-----~- il I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I · Inbound foreign traffic can be expected to increase 7% a year, if present trends hold Tourism in Florida is poorly supported by the State's budget, yet it contributes. greatly to sales tax, to jobs, to direct and indirect economic impact on the State and our area. Moderate growth during the next few years is predicted by the Dept of Commerce. Figure 11-3 traces projected increases in Florida and Pinellas tourist numbers Year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 FIGU RE 11-3 Florida Pinellas Tourist Projections, 1988-2001 Florida Plnellas Expenditures Per Person Jobs Tourists Tourists ($ Billion) ($ Dally) ( # ) (million) 36.97 3,625,543 1.77 54 61 ,803 38.70 3,720,279 1.83 55 62,197 40.18 3,816,006 1.~8 61 62,818 41.97 3,916,248 1.94 67 63,447 44.08 4,018,070 2.01 73 64,081 46.06 4,122,540 2.07 79 64,722 48.13 4,229,726 2.14 85 65,369 50.30 4,339,699 2.21 91 66,023 52.56 4,452,531 2.28 97 66,684 54.93 4,568,297 2.35 103 67,350 57.40 4,687,073 2.43 109 68,023 59.98 4,808,937 2.50 115 68,704 62.68 4,933,969 2.58 121 69,391 65.50 5,062,252 2,67 127 70,785 Source: Florida Department of Commerce Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force 16 Clearwater Besch Blue Ribbon Task Force 17 I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I from 1990 to the target year 2001. In that period visitors to Florida will increase by 63% and to Pinellas by 33%; their spending will increase by 41 %; jobs they will create will grow by 13%; their daily spending will go up by 108%. Despite this long term favorable outlook, there is a short term decline to be gotten through first. According to the Wal/ Street Journal: "Florida's $25.69 billion tourist trade is among the biggest and briskest in the nation and serves as a barometer for tourism businesses elsewhere.... A recent survey of travel agents by Temple, Barker & Sloane, Inc. shows 'a major slowdown in leisure travel sales, and an acceleration in the general decline that began last (third) quarter.' Hotels and motels... can expect conditions to worsen, according to a study by Laventhol & Horwath, a Philadelphia accounting firm. ... For instance, the state has already observed a sharp decline over the past year in the number of visitors from New England, which is currently in a deep recession. ... Hotels and resorts, feeling the pinch, are changing their marketing strategies. ... In the face of a gloomy domestic market, many in the state are betting heavily that the state's already burgeoning international market will prove to be an ace in the hole." 2 Figure 11-4 indicates that while the average age of Pinellas visitors in 1989 was 47.5, there was almost the same total number of visitors in these age groups: 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66 and over. Figure 11-4 Ages of Visitors to Plnellas County, 1989 Age # Tourists % of Total Infant to 6 years 7 -17 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66 and over 180,805 392,489 158,484 511,538 615,334 581,480 667,790 601,199 4.86 10.55 4.26 13.75 16.54 15.63 17.95 16.16 Source: Pinel/as County Tourist Development Council 2 Wal/ Street Journal, "Florida -Hustles to Stave Off Tourism Slump", Nov. 21, 1990, Page 81 II I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I Expectations and plans of others around us include: · Tampa airport is building a sixth airside terminal with 15 gates already leased; Russian planes will arrive in Miami in 2-3 years · Disney plans a fourth theme park, 29 new attractions and 7 more hotels (4500 new rooms) in the next ten years · Orlando is enlarging its Convention Center; Miami is expanding its Seaquarium; Daytona Beach has a massive beach revitalization effort; Tampa is proposing an Aquarium · A U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will be a new attraction in Central Florida · Tampa will have the Super Bowl in 1991, and Florida is vying for the 1992 World Cup Soccer · Professional hockey and baseball will undoubtedly come to this area within ten years · Clearwater Convention Center is proposed with 152,000 square feet capacity able to attract 58 events over 145 days with total. attendance of 84,000 by its third year Among the most significant implications of these forecasts are: a) There will be a serious demand throughout the State of Florida for workers in the hospitality industry. b) The Disney and Busch attractions opening in France and the- World's Fair and Summer Olympics in Spain in 1992 should have only a temporary and minor impact on visitors to Florida. Their local expansion should fuel Clearwater Beach tourism, since half of our visitors spend their prior night in Orlando. c) The meeting and convention business will be highly competitive. d) The Tourist Development Coun.cil of Pinellas County's newly opened offices in Germany and Holland should result in an increase in visitors through 1993 and 1996 respectively. e) Without heavy promotion of the natural attractiveness of our sandy beach and the possible identification and development of at least one major attraction on the Beach Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 1 8 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 19 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , to compete with other Florida destinations, Clearwater Beach will not keep its share of the growing tourist traffic. 1) Without appropriate steps to improve traffic flow, availability of reasonable living accommodations and comparable development of eating places and other expected services, Clearwater Beach will not be able to attract its share of the increased number of visitors to Florida and Pine lias County. g) The slight increase in average age of Pinellas visitors should be taken into consideration in determining "desirable" new ventures on the Beach. . . . . . INTERNAL A~SESSMENT (S.W.O.T.S ANALYSIS). An assessment of the current situation is provided by a review of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats considered most likely to impact the ability to live up to the Vision Statement above. STRENGTHS 1) God's gift of sun, sand and water is considered the number one asset. The spectacular view of the Gulf and the Bay, the picturesque sunsets, the opportunity for safe boating and swimming, the warm temperature, the sugary white sandy beach which grows larger with every tide, the overall recreational environment -- all this is what continues to attract people to live in or visit "Sparkling Clearwater Beach". The protection of this asset against pollution and other environmental damage, against the' possible ravages of nature (hurricanes and flooding), and against the thoughtlessness of humans must be a first priority. 2) A second driving force is the location of the Beach. Easily accessible by major highways, a short 22 miles from Tampa's International Airport, convenient to I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I population centers, centered amidst world-rekno~ned tourist attractions (Disney World, Epcot Center, Busch Gardens, Ringling Museum, etc.), Clearwater Beach is an attractive destination for long term and short term visitors alike. 3) Being an established tourist community is a third major strength. The beauty of the area, the courtesy of the people, moderate prices and the avoidance of a "concrete jungle" atmosphere have favorably impressed visitors and created the image of a place you want to come back to again and again. Traffic control, especially in the tourist season, is the only annoyance of any consequence. 4) Another important asset is an inventory of quality food and lodging . establishments, although a significant number of them are in need of upgrading. 5) A good balance between the residential community and commercial interests, both in terms of geographical area and number of people, is a fifth strong point. There is a concerned group, representative of both areas of interest, honestly seeking to be mutually supportive in. planning for the future. S) A final major strength is the presence of the infrastructure necessary to take care of all the Beach's growth potential. Water and sewer needs, waste disposal, drainage requirements are all adequate for the foreseeable future. Only the road system can be considered marginal. 7) Additional strengths include the following (in no order of priority): a) a newly enunciated common goal: the preservation of a family-oriented environment (though opinions differ about how to do this) b) a spirit of cooperation from the current city staff c) the friendliness of the community in general d) the present building code which maintains an open view of the water e) a number of water and beach related sports and other activities (though more are needed) f) a base of power found in the economic value of Beach properties Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force 20 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force 21 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. g} limited access (the two bridges) which provides some limit to the number of vehicles \ able to come to the Beach, though the reverse side of this is limited egress and traffic bottlenecks both coming and going h} the beautifully landscaped causeway approach i) a sense of being a small community with the advantages of being part of a large metroplex (Tampa Bay) WEAKNESSES 1) The greatest single drawback concerns traffic and transportation problems. There are too many automobiles, too few parking spaces, too many young adults whose behavior centers on cruising the streets and making noise, and no effective mass transport system. 2) Close behind is zoning and regulatory environment. Inequitable building and zoning codes, discriminatory flood control law interpretation and implementation, and inadequate land use planning have led to human frustration and property depreciation beyond what is normal. 3) A related third significant weakness is the need for more and improve separate rules for the Beach area in light of its unique situation. These would cover parking, zoning, land use, building renovation and development, alcohol usage and licensing, and similar areas. 4) A final important weakness is the lack of year-round day and night time activities to attract locals and tourists and to occupy young adults in their leisure. 5) Other weaknesses include: a} a slight trend toward "tacky" retail facilities coming in b) inadequate and inappropriate parking for business establishments c} growing pollution of the Bay d} escalating costs of redevelopment I I I I I I I I I a. I I I I I I I I' I e) a signific~nt number of deteriorating structures (including some downtown) 1) lack of reinvestment in the Beach by the City of tax monies collected from the Beach g) lack of community awareness of the importance of the tourist industry to the Beach h) exploitation of the' Beach resource by others in the metropolitan area, specifically by the noise and trash they spread around carelessly i) the repressive state and local tax system inhibiting investment in property and business j) poor public relations and identity in the marketplace, caused partially by political overtones influencing promotion endeavors k) the feeling of many Clearwater citizens that they cannot enjoy the Beach (due to crowds, tra~ic, noise, etc.) I) inadequate enforcement of present code regulations OPPORTUNmES There are' many resources/strategies which have not been adequately utilized in building the Beach community of tomorrow. 1) Perhaps the most important of these is planned redevelopment. This could include the creation of a special resort zoning district and/or city sponsored incentives to attract development funds. 2) A second opportunity is to be found in a traffic/transportation study which would examine traffic patterns, street usage, parking needs, jolly trolley use, the need for mass transport, the impact of ferry service and the like. 3) An idea which could be borrowed from other areas where it has been suc- cessful is the concept of creating a vacation theme to be carried throughout a landscaping and beautification program, architecture for the core area, interior design and tourist attractions. 4) A fourth similar opportunity lies in finding a major tourist attraction which could be built on city-owned beach or parking area, along with more special events or Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 22 Cleall'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 23 I I ,I I I I I I I t I I I I I I I I I activities on the water or beach. 5} A final major opportunity concerns joint efforts at cooperative promotion with the Downtown Development Board of Clearwater. 6} Other opportunities deserving attention include: a} a mutually beneficial, cooperative promotion and reservation system for Beach hotels/motels, after agreeing to minimum standards of cleanliness, etc. b} a special taxing district to permit tax increment financing c} a site for mid-size conventions d} alternative uses for the Bay shores along the causeway and downtown e} determining a unique niche in the tourist marketplace THREATSOBSTACLES There are also a series of factors external to the Beach which loom on the horizon as ever present impediments to achieving the stated vision. 1} The most significant of these is federal, state and local government intervention, specifically in the form of restrictive codes, and the time delay in implementing programs that do gain approval. 2} A second obstacle is self-interest on the part of those with diverse interests, especially on the issue of "build a wall to keep everyone out" versus "open the gates and let everyone in". 3} Competition from major attractions like Disney World and/or other resort areas such as Sanibel & Captiva Islands is a third external threat. 4} Other always present, but not always controllable, threats include: a) the economic cycle of prosperity-recess ion-prosperity b) weather patterns and acts of God (hurricane) c) the cost of capital for development efforts d) liability concerns of owners of parcels or sponsors of events I I I I I I I I, t I I II I t I I I I I I SURVEYS OF RESIDENTS AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS To check the objectivity of the above judgments regarding assets and deficiencies of the present situation, separate surveys were conducted of beach residents and commercial establishments. Complete answers to both surveys will be found in "Appendix A & B of this report. Selected responses indicating comparative answers are as follows: 1. What life on the beach is all about: Residents: white sand, friendly, family-oriented, tropical, clean Businesses: beautiful, white, sandy beach; cleanliness; friendliness 2. Biggest complaint: Residents: cruising, noise, riff raff, traffic, hodge podge commercial area Businesses: potice traffic routing, parking, noise, large police presence 3. Resort area Clearwater Beach should be lJ:1.QS1 like: Residents: Itself; St Armand's Circle, SanibeVCaptiva Businesses: SanibeVCaptiva, Longboat Key, St. Armand's Circle 4. Resort area Clearwater Beach should be li1M1 like: Residents: Daytona, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Atlantic City Businesses: Daytona, Miami, Atlantic City, Ft. Lauderdale 5. Location for convention center: Residents Businesses Downtown Clearwater Beach Sand Key None at all 49% 31% 9% 11% 45% 1% 10% 45% 6. Location for a boardwalk: Residents Businesses Along shoreline Along parking lot Street/boulevard None at all 7% 16% 3% 70% 29% 36% 36% 33% Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task .Force 24 . Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 25 I I ,I I I I I I t ,I J I , I I 'I I I I 7. Should there be a family-oriented attraction such as a Water Slide? Residents Businesses Yes ~ No answer , 28% 72% ~k 64% 36% 8. Which would you favor regarding parking? Residents Businesses Convert beach to parking Convert parking to beach Neither of the above 3% 20% 77% 22% 20% 58%- 9. Which of the following would you favor regarding mass transportation? Residents Businesses Mass transport direct to beach Shuttles from downtown to beach No mass transportation 20% 42% 40% ) ) 68% 32% 10. Whom should the city parking lots serve first? Residents Businesses Tourists Residents/locals General public No answer 10% 25% 60% 5% 40% 33% 28% 11. What are greatest needs to improve the Beach? Residents: improved traffic, better store fronts/signs, landscaping/sidewalks Businesses: improved traffic, landscaping, sidewalks, store fronts . . . . . MAJOR ISSUES In the light of all the above, certain issues stand out as needing resolution if the stated vision is to become a reality. These are identified here and will be given individual attention in Section III of this Plan. I I I I I I f: I t i 1 I I t I t I I I 1) Theme How can we coordinate landscaping, other beautification programs, street and sidewalk design, architecture of the core area and the general appearance of all public property so as to create and maintain a single theme which will emphasize the image of sparkling Clearwater Beach? 2) Traffic and Transportation What can be done to alleviate motor traffic congestion, reduce the need for driving one's auto to the Beach, improve availability of affordable public transport to and from both the residential and commercial areas of the Beach, provide fo~ noise control, eliminate the cruising problem and provide only necessary police presence? 3) Environment/Pollution How can pollution of the Bay be controlled, while safeguarding coastal wetlands, respecting designated bird sanctuaries and protecting all aspects of our environment from danger of spoliation or contamination? 4) Market Niche/Competition/Attractions What should be the particular niche in the tourist/recreation industry which Clearwater Beach 'should aim at? What unique attraction might be built here, in keeping with the overall theme, that would appeal to that segment of the industry? What kind of special events or activities should be sought by way of tourist development efforts? How best can the Beach be promoted and to whom? 5) Joint Effort with Downtown In what way can the Beach and the Downtown Development Board cooperate in joint efforts at promotion and redevelopment? 6) Planning/Zoning/Land Use What chang'es in land use planning, building and development codes, and the like, would be an aid in promoting t~e stated vision for the Clearwater Beach of the future? . . . . . Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 26 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task lForce 27 I 1 I I .1 II I a t i I I, I >> I t t t I III. ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ISSUES ISSUE ONE: HOW CAN WE COORDINATE LANDSCAPING, OTHER BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMS, STREET AND SIDEWALK DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE OF THE CORE AREA AND THE GENERAL APPEARANCE OF ALL PUBLIC PROPERlY so AS TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN A SINGLE THEME WHICH WILL EMPHASIZE THE IMAGE OF SPARKUNG CLEARWATER BEACH? SIGNIRCANTS FACTS Commendable efforts have -been made in the area of beautification and land- scaping, both public and private, but significant opportunity remains for improvemen~ in the aesthetic apj)eal of Clearwater Beach. A proliferation of signs, public and private, distracts and detracts, and the same situation has occurred with pay phones, vending machines and trash receptacles. Some city parking lots have only peripheral landscap- ing, and some have none at all. There are unimproved public lands which have little or no landscaping. Many commercial propertie~ could benefit from more (or even some) landscaping. There are 120 signs along Memorial Causeway leading to the beach, of almost every conceivable size and shape. There are numerous examples of broken sidewalks, benches in a state of disrepair, gaudy signage and ugly trash receptacles in prominent view -- all contributing to steady deterioration of the visual appearance of the beach's main thoroughfares. There are other examples of vending machines placed contrary to the recommendations contained in city guidelines3 offered as a means of enhancing both aesthetics and safety. (See Appendix C) Several communities across the nation have newsrack regulations, some of which have been challenged in the courts. The current state of the law, according to the City 3Letter from Director of Public Works dated 5/27/88 I I I I I I I I t I 1 I I I I I t I I. Attorney, is that courts generally find news racks may be subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. Although two relatively recent and major commercial development/redevelop- ment efforts (Clearwater Beach Hotel and Sea Stone Resort) incorporate attractive design suggestive of "old Florida", there is no THEME for Clearwater Beach. Examples are to be found of many periods and styles, and some would suggest there are buildings with no style at all. Both private and public contributions have been made to this potpourri of design. Florida does not have a word indicative of its architecture. Much of early Florida architecture was developed by fishermen from Nantucket and North Carolina who brought the design ~f those areas with them. Modern Florida was built mainly by promoters and developers. Bound by no traditions, they have created a framework for fantasy and illusion which overcomes reality -- from the gossamer flamboyance of Disney World through the elegant classicism inherited from the Mediterranean, and from the plantations of the antebellum South to the sturdy, practical, simplicity of the fishing villages. DESIRED SITUATION We believe that growth and pride would be enhanced if it were possible to offer a theme for the total ambience of our clean, white, warm, sandy beach island and to develop a name for a type of architecture which would identify an acceptable personality for Clearwater Beach. The challenge is to build for the future without demolishing the past: to encourage a common upbeat tone for the present that respects our memories. A general development plan would encourage continuity of design for buildings, streetscapes, signage and amenities, consistent with the theme. Design, colors and architectural elements such as porches, roofs, balconies, shutters, trellises, and wrought iron railings would suggest a feeling of traditional seaside Florida. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 28 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task FOl1'ce 29 I t I I I I I ,I I \1 , 'J I I f /1 t I I Development/redevelopment would incorporate design elements compatible with the theme, contributing to the aesthetic appeal and continuity of the area, particularly as a pedestrian environment. Signage would be attractive and adequate for the purpose intended. Pay phones, vending machines, bus stop shelters, public restrooms and trash receptacles would incorporate design elements compatible with the theme, again for continuity and aesthetics. Public transportation would be part of the excitement of going to the beach. Timely, well maintained public transportation and streetscapes, incorporati,ng period street lamps, landscaping, seating and other pedestrian amenities, would make it easy and fun for resident and visitor alike to patronize beach businesses. The ambience would be consistent with, the concept of a residential/recreational/resort community providing a quality of life for those are here for a day or for a lifetime. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Previous efforts of the city aimed at improvements in landscaping, streetscapas and sidewalks are indicative of a broad-based and accepted recognition of the need for overall aesthetic improvements. The success of commercial establishments which took the pains to design modern and attractive buildings and surroundings (including the Beachcomber and Clearwater Beach Seafoods in addition to the two hotels mentioned earlier) is both proof that it can be done and an incentive to others to follow suit. A 1982 study by the Tourist Development Council indicated that attractive landscaping is a significant motivating force for tourists to visit Florida. The Director of Parks and Recreation indicates that palm trees and associated landscaping are not expensive items. I I I a I I t I t I I I I I I . I I I Development/redevelopment consistent with the !heme and comb~ned with beautification and landscaping would provide an ambience conducive to a better and expanded market for beach commercial interests. Residents of the beach should appreciate the means and. the ends: they would enjoy the improved aesthetics and the resultant quality of life on the beach. They would also benefit from the increased sales tax revenues flowing to city government and could benefit from other increases in city revenues. Residents of the re"st of Clearwater would benefit from the improved aesthetics and from an increase in sales tax revenues resulting from increased business on the beach, and could benefit from other increases in city revenues. Commercial interests on the beach would benefit from an improved customer base arid from a positive effect on property values. Commercial interests in the rest of Clearwater would benefit from an improved customer base, since tourists ~o not spend all th~ir money on the beach. City government would benefit from increased revenues and from an ambience less requiring of law enforcement services. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE There are budgetary constraints on city improvements and services. Many people believe taxes are already too high and that improvements would certainly increases taxes. User fees, which are mentioned as an alternative source of revenue, are objected to for other than parking. Some people believe that aesthetic design costs too much and that improved aesthetics will not help to improve profits. Others simply object to the subjective nature of aesthetics, or to the idea that a "theme" will make a difference. Still others object to permitting procedures which require variances for existing non-conformities in order to get a permit for cosmetic improvements. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 30 Clearwater Beach BILlIe Rlblbon Task Force 31 I I I a I I I ,I t I I I II t I . I I I RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 1. Adopt the phrase "Clearwater Beach, One Small Place of Enchantment", as the promotional theme for Clearwater Beach, and "Tropical Seascape" as the descriptive phrase for the supporting architectural theme and total ambience. 2. Approve changes to the Clearwater Land Development Code (LDC) for Beach Commercial and (Beach) Commercial Residential areas to provide permitting incentives which encourage private improvements consistent with a Tropical" Seascape design theme, and to provide design guidelines for private .and. public developmenVredevelop- ment consistent with a Tropical Seascape theme. (See committee's line drawings, Appendix D, representing present view and possible future view of. front elevation of section of Mandala}' Avenue.} 3. To the extent that it cannot be required by code, encourage all governmental units to adhere to the spirit of the Tropical Seasc~pe theme and the related LDC provisions. 4. Approve a streetscape plan incorporating landscaping, seating and other pedestrian amenities. (See committee's planter sketch, Appendix E, and public restroom, Appendix F) 5. Expand city landscaping; e.g., sidewalks, parking lots, unimproved public lands, and the beach down to the water line. 6. Install street lamps in the core area of the beach; use the same lamps as on Cleveland Street; provide continuity between downtown and the beach by putting similar lamps strategically on the causeway median and the emergency road 7. Eliminate private use of public property; e.g., pay phones and vending machines on sidewalks and right of way, to the extent the law allows; establish design requirements/restrictions for all pay phones and vending machines; establish licensing fees for all exterior vending machines, pay phones and the like. I f I t I II t I' f I , I 1 t I 1 I I I ISSUE TwO: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ALLEVIATE MOTOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION, REDUCE THE NEED FOR DRNlNG ONE'S AUTO TO THE BEACH, IMPROVE AVAILABILITY OF AFFORDABLE PUBUC TRANSPORT TO AND FROM BOTH THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS OF THE BEACH, PROVIDE FOR NOISE CONTROL, ELIMINATE THE CRUISING PROBLEM AND PROVIDE ONLY NECESSARY POLICE PRESENCE? A. Traffic flow and configuration SIGNIACANT FACTS Traffic to Clearwater Beach is primarily passenger vehicles consisting of out- of- town tourists, beach users, evening visitors, beach residents, employees and marina users. The flow o! cars is adequate an estimated 88% of the time, with approximately 36,000 cars traversing the Memorial Causeway bridge and 7-8,000 more. the Sand Key bridg~ daily. The remaining 12% of the time is considered "peak time" (usually week-ends and holidays), during which the volume of cars increases to 50-65,000 cars daily. The all time record was 80,000 vehicles in one day. This creates heavy traffic jams resulting in near gridlock from two to six hours in the afternoon and early evening. Drawbridge openings on Memorial Causeway dramatically delay the movement of bumper to bumper traffic. At these times the bridge is open an average of five minutes, followed by some 22 minutes before traffic returns to its regular flow. Operators of emergency vehicles constantly fear being caught in traffic and unable to provide essential services. The intersection of Island Way and Memorial Causeway is one of the most accident prone in the city, due in large measure to traffic congestion. During these peak times, due to the presence of so many visitors to the beach, other bottlenecks occur regularly on some streets, while others go relatively unused. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 32 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force " 33 I t ,I t I I t ,I 1 ,I' t I , 1 I , I I I Part of, the confusion is from tourists lingering at certain intersections due to lack of directional signs. . . There is a large number of pedestrians with very little evidence of concern for their needs and safety. In the most densely populated area in the city, residents and invited guests on the beach must fend for themselves in the streets without sidewalks and/or bike paths. Clearwater residents pay an inappropriate (Le., too high) share of monies (taxes) to cover street maintenance, traffic control and beach facilities upkeep for non Clearwater taxpayers. DESIRED SITUATION Resident through traffic would move freely with priority outside the beach zones, while tourists and beach users are permitted to linger and sightsee in the beach and shopping districts. Rerouting of traffic would provide for a more even distribution of the traffic load and better utilization of all existing roads. Improved signage and light control would get people to their destination more efficiently and more safely. Drawbridge openings would be reduced during peak times. User fees would defray more of the cost of beach and road maintenance, thus reducing the load for city taxpayers. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Resident and visitors' patronage of beach facilities would increase. Business and tax revenues would increase due to the smooth, more enjoyable flow of traffic and consequent heightened desire to visit the beach. I f i' I I' I I I f I 1 I. I I I , .1 J I Public sentiment as expressed in the recent commercial and resident surveys identified gridlock and traffic congestion as our #1 problem. Traffic studies and proposals as outlined in Clearwater Beach Transportation Study (by Kimley Horn Assoc. Inc. and the Traffic Engineering Department In 1983), the Clearwater Beach Streetscape Study (by the same in Oct. 1984), the Clearwater Beach Parking Study (by tile same in Nov. 1984) and the So. Gulfview Blvd. - Coronado Drive traffic proposal (by the city Traffic Engineering Department in 1986) all parallel our findings and recommendations. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Previous efforts to establish one-way streets and changing traffic patterns met with opposition by commercial interests on the beach. Installation of sidewalks needed for safety reasons will interfere with some parking now done on city right of way. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 1. Create resort zones with restricted 2-way traffic flow at 15 mph for automobiles, where pedestrian traffic is favored, with numerous crosswalks on 1) Mandalay A~enue (Mandalay ~t. north to Baymont) and 2) South Gulfview Boulevard (Pier 60 south to Hamden). This separates conflicting uses: beach users and tourists from through traffic. Intermediate plan: Mandalay Ave. one-way traffic North (two lanes) with 15 mph limit; pedestrians favored with numerous cross walks. Alternate plaC) for 2001: Mandalay Ave. Pedestrian traffic only; no vehicles except limited freight service. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 34 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 35 I 1 ,S I I II 1 ,J t I I ,I I I I 1 I I I 2. One Way Streets: To expedite resident commuter traffic that would get favored turn and traffic light priority separate from tourist and beach users in the Resort Zones. (See Exhibit G) North Beach: Change traffic control as follows: East Shore Drive to become two lanes, one-way north from Causeway Boulevard to Baymont; Poinsettia Street to become two lanes, one-way south from Baymont to Causeway Boulevard. This will expedite resident commuter traffic, with favored turn and light priority separate from tourists and beach goers. South Beach: Coronado Drive to become two lanes, one-way south from First Street to Harnden; Harnden Drive to become one-way north its entire length; South Gulfview Blvd to become one-way around the south side of Pier 60 to First Street only (3 lanes), and two-way thereafter to Harnden Drive with center option turn lane and entrance/stacking lane to South Gulfview parking lots. 3. Eliminate the cross over traffic light at Pier 60 and Causeway Blvd. for north beach traffic and create a north beach lane across the Civic Center lot to connect with East Shore Drive. 4. Eliminate the traffic light at Coronado and Gulfview by the Pier 60 lot to allow smooth flow of north and south through traffic. 5. At the Pier 60 lot, create an entrance gate to the public beach and parking lots with three one-way lanes south, clearly marked overhead: "Public Beach", "Parking Lots" and "Resort District". 6. Establish numerous pedestrian crosswalks designated and clearly marked along South Gulfview Blvd and Mandalay Avenue. Pedestrian traffic would have priority over all vehicular traffic except emergency vehicles. 7. Create bike paths, clearly marked on roadways at least five feet in width: from Sand Key to Memorial Causeway along' South Gulfview Boulevard and Harnden Drive; from North Beach to Memorial Causeway on Mandalay Avenue and East Shore Drive; t , II I I - t II t I t I I I I I I I I along Memorial Causeway to connect to Coachman Park and the Pine lias Trail (as a beach loop). 8. Install sidewalks where there are presently no sidewalks on the .e.as1 and YlW side of Harnden and Coronado Drives. On South Gulfview, eliminate the ~ sidewalk, if necessary for a tram route and parking entrance/stacking lane. Improve the remaining .e.as1 sidewalk to 10' as per streetscape. 9. Erect overhead directional signs using the designations NORTH BEACH and SOUTH BEACH, with arrows at: · Entrance to Clearwater Beach on Marianne St., "North Beach" Parking right turn arrow. "South Beach" Parking, Sand Key Left Lane. · Pier 60 Gateway Entrance to public beach over three lanes "South Beach", Parking, and · South Gulfview and Harnden: Through/Mainland Traffic right turn arrow. Public Beach, Parking straight ahead arrow. B. . Parking opportunities SIGNIFICANT FACTS There are 1117 off-street parking spaces from Pier 60 south to the Adams Mark Hotel, and 354 spaces north to Rockaway, for a total of 1471 total. The revenue hours per meter in the south area average about 4-1/2 hours, while those in the north area average 2 hours. Average weekly revenues vary from $4,000 in January to $18,000 in July. There is free evening parking at several lots. Many unsatisfactory conditions are the source of complaint at the present time. Visitors complain about parking tickets, about congestion, about not knowing they needed change for meters, about having to cruise to find an empty space, and the like. Residents also complain about the congestion; and commercial operators complain about lack of adequate parking during shopping and eating hours. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task lForce 36 Clesl1'Wster Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 37 II I I I I - t I t I t I I I ,j I i I I The inadequate number and availability of parking spaces also contribute to the night time cruising and noise problem, despite the free evening parking . DESIRED CONDITION Larger lots would be made more convenient to users by being converted from metered to attendant parking, while smaller ones would remain metered, with parking rights available in the evening to commercial interests. A larger overall number of parking spaces would be made available through the erection of a parking garage. . Some street meter parking would be eliminated to make way for a tram route along the beach and for a stacking lane to enter the beach parking lot. Unsightly and unsafe parking along Memorial C.auseway would be eliminated. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Experience with attendant parking at Pier 60 has proven that increased revenue is available and that traffic congestion can be eliminated. Visitor surveys confirm a preference for attendant parking. Construction of a low-profile garage would provide additional income, would increase available beach and commercial parking and would remove or improve a quasi- blighted area. Visitor patronage would increase because all perceived negative conditions would be eliminated. Residential and commercial areas would benefit from the elimination of congestion and increased pedestrian traffic. The city would benefit from increased parking revenue. I t II t I I t .1 f I t I I I I I I I I RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 10. Convert larger off-street metered parking areas to attendant parking; Le., Gulfview - 551 spaces; Pier 60 - 258 spaces; Marina - 246 spaces; Rockaway - 156 spaces. Keep them open from 7 am to 11 pm (or midnight on Friday and Saturday). 11 . Retain meters at small lots, but lease parking rights after 6 pm to private enterprises nearby; Le., Civic Center - 62 spaces; Bay Esplanade - 84 spaces; - Avalon/Kendall - 56 spaces; Mandalay/Poinsettia - 58 spaces. 12. Create parking entrances and exits at 3rd and 5th Streets (on Gulfview) and eliminate the entrance at the Adams Mark Hotel. 13. Prohibit any additional parking on Memorial Causeway. 14. Eliminate street parking on South Gulfview Boulevard, if necessary for a . tram. 15. Increase parking fees on all parking spaces and use the revenue for Beach improvements. CleslI'Wster Beach Blue Ribbon Task force 38 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 39 I t I I I I t I 1, I t , I I " I I I I C. Mass Transportation SIGNIACANT FACTS City busses from the mainland are the only form of mass transit to the beach. They are underutilized by tourists and local visitors. A ferry service from the mainland has recently been begun, and is also as yet underutilized. The Jolly Trolley service on the beach and to Sand Key is well utilized, mainly due to the efforts of hotel/motel and beach retail business 'persons making its availability known to guests/customers. Most travelers use private autos, as reported above in the traffic discussion. Many potential beach visitors become discouraged because there is no convenient way to get to the b.each without fighting all that traffic. These are mostly Clearwater and nearby taxpayers who have not made reservations at beach hotels/motels and therefore can turn away. DESIRED SITUATION We envision a reasonably priced and efficient means of moving people back and forth from the mainland to the beach, so that auto traffic is cut roughly in half, or at least the growth in traffic with increased population and commercial interests would be stopped. There would be no congestion on beach streets or on the Causeway. Residents would no longer feel their island is taken over by visiting automobiles during the busy season of the year. Both residents and tourists would have an attractive and available means of getting on and off the beach to the mainland or to Island Estates according to some sort of a reasonable schedule. Overall there would be a more relaxed, serene atmosphere on the beach, due to fewer headaches about fighting traffic or finding parking space. I I I I I I 'I I I I t I , I I I I 1 I POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Public sentiment favors an attractive, economical and efficient method of mass transportation to and from the mainland, as evidenced by the recent business and residential surveys. Emergency vehicles could move more freely when needed. Less congestion would mean more safety and fewer accidents on the road. An attractive method of mass transit, tied in to the beach facilities and ambience, -could be very inviting to tourists and. locals alike. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE There is a perception that mass transit is expensive and cannot support itself. Some also believe that use of mass transportation vehicles is inconvenient. The indulgent life style of modern society may make it difficult to convince people to give up use of their vehicles. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 16. Provide a tram service, similar to that at Disney World or Key West, from the mainland to the Beach, with appropriate safety requirements. 17. Construct an attractive, comfortable, informative mass transit terminal on the mainland, adjacent to, or near, existing city parking facilities which are underutilized. 18. Provide tram service to the Beach by the most direct and efficient route. 19. Maintain the Jolly Trolley system and expand service and number of trolleys to Island Estates and Sand Key so as to reduce waiting time, with attractive stopping areas along the Beach, perhaps named after aquatic characters (dolphin, seagull, pelican, manatee, etc.) Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 40 Cle8I/'Wster Besch. Blue Ribbon Task Force 41 I I I I I I I I I I t I .J I ., I I r I 20. Maintain ferry service to anq about the island. Encourage private owners to expand on demand. D. Cruising and noise control SIGNIFICANT FACTS Cruising, "loitering" (gathering of mostly young people in parking lots of other highly visible locations) and associated noise (espec!::lIy from blaring car stereos) has been identified as the number one irritant to residents, business owners and visitors alike. This is supported by several surveys, numerous anecdotal observations, many letters and articles in the local press, and observation of Task Force members. Two years ago the city provided funds for additional police "aides" (non-sworn officers) to help monitor and control traffic flow during peak traffic times; Le., week- ends, holidays and Spring Break time. By means of 70 barricades, 300 traffic cones, light control and 20 part-time police aides, traffic to and from the South Beach area is kept moving and directed off the beach after one pass-by, so as not to permit constant cruising. Many residents and visitors are greatly appreciative of the help this program has been to easing traffic congestion. On the other hand, many others are just as strongly resentful of the extra "police presence" and confusion caused by this particular routing of traffic. . The program was funded for the current year (FY 1991), but its status will be reviewed at mid-year budget review time. Meanwhile, the City's Engineering Department is negotiating with a consulting engineering firm in Tampa to study the situation and make recommendations as to alternative ways of rectifying the problem. The city's Police Chief and a sub-committee of this Task Force separately re- searched how other cities, particularly beach communities, handled .the cruising problem. (See Appendix H) The most common strategy used is the enactment of a cruising control ordinance. Protection of publiC safety and concerns about air pollution IIUU I I I I I I I I I 1 I I t , I I 1 I are the main reasons used by lawmakers in enacting such ordinances. Where related fines were in the $100 and up range such ordinances appear to be effective. There is some question as to whether the state must first grant the city the right to enact any law governing traffic, .particularly on state roads, but the City Attorney is of the opinion that it might be tried under Home Rule provisions, until challenged. A . federal court has already ruled in a Pennsylvania case that such ordinances do not infringe on constitutional privileges granted in the Bill of Rights. Cruising control laws are directed either to the person or to the vehicle. The latter approach requires less monitoring and follow up of traffic enforcers. In some places the ordinance is in effect at all times; in other locations it comes into play only when certain conditions develop. Again the latter approach is the simpler way to go. There is no feeling at the present time that loitering or gathering as "gangs" is sufficient to warrant ~pecific action. As regards noise, the police department has the responsibility of enforcing noise control laws and has assigned crews to cite just noise violations. The first offense carries a penalty of $37.50, with multiples of that for repeat offenses. Due to lack of trained manpower and lack of computer software to track multiple offenses, previous efforts at enacting and enforcing noise control laws have been, in the main, ineffective. Since most of the noise is from moving vehicles, controlling the presence of the vehicles would seem to deal with the noise as well. DESIRED SITUATION We envision a time when traffic will flow smoothly through all beach thoroughfares, due to the curtailment of the number of vehicles simply cruising. We anticipate that locals and visitors alike will be so impressed with the look and the feel of beach boulevards in particular that they will not wish to mar the beauty of this small place of enchantment by injecting strident noises or stressful traffic congestion. Clesll'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task force 42 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 43 I I I I I I' I I I 0' f I: I t I I I I I I POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE The experience of other (resort) communities provides both encouragement that the problem can be solved and useful experience to shorten experimentation time. The Clearwater Beach Police Division is committed to correcting these abuses before they get any worse. An engineering consulting firm is studying the problem for the .city's Engineering Department and sees our recommendations as working in conjunction with their sugges- tions regarding overall traffic control. By a combination of the new traffic patterns recommended above and the cruising control ordinance recommended below, it will be possible to save costly traffic control methods which rely heavily on human agents. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE A cruising control ordinance might be challenged in the courts. The City may not have the right to pass such an ordinance unless granted authority from the State. Ordinances always have to be enforced, so there will still be need for police per- sonnel to uphold the new law. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 21. Adopt a cruising control ordinance comparable to those enacted in California and York, Pa. · with fines of at least $100 for the first offense, and multiples of $100 for subsequent offenses, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I · with no warning tickets as that would. make enforcement extremely difficult and much more intrusive in the community I and · do this as soon as possible so as to help keep things under control during the upcoming tourist season. 22. Increase fines for violation of the noise ordinance to $75.00 for the first offense, and multiples of that for repeat violations. Use the funds collected from fines to train additional personnel, acquire more equipment and software to track multiple offenses, more consistently enforce the law, with any overage to pay for other beach capital improvements. . . . . . Cleal1'Wster Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 44 Clearwater. Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 45 I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I ISSUE THREE: HOW CAN POLLUTION OF THE BAY BE CONTROLLED, WHILE SAFEGUARDING COASTAL WETlANDS, RESPECTING DESIGNATED BIRD SANCTUARIES AND PROTECTING ALL ASPECTS OF OUR ENVIRONMENT FROM DANGER OF SPOIUATION OR CONTAMINATION? SIGNIACANT FACTS Since earliest times, people have been the factor which altered the environment. Clearwater's population has grown from 2070 in 1910 to 20,000 in 1942, 65,000 in 1973 and. over 100,000 in 1990. Almost 100 years of intensified and unrestrained development called "progress" and ~expanding the tax base" has resulted in uncoordinated real estate exploitation. This in turn has produced municipal systems which have never kept pace with population growth. Street and storm water drainage, sewer and treatment systems, waste disposal and roadway planning have many times been after the fact. Regulation of building permits to eliminate phenomena such as neighborhood flooding and control of polluting industries are currently with us. The effect of population growth, industry wast~, surface transportation, energy consumption and decimation of natural resources (such as water) has been an overall deterioration of our environment. Developing the uplands of Clearwater Harbor has meant reduced quality of water because of increased and degraded storm water runoff and sewage treatment plant effluent. The area has four sewage treatment plants discharging into public waters. Storm water run-off has brought with it organic and inorganic fertilizers, silt and clays, paint and coating products-- all as a result of metropolitan growth and development. Turbidity is produced by the mixing of these substances in the bay waters together with fine materials carried into circulation by surf and current action. The turbidity of Clearwater Harbor which is generally very shallow, is partly the result of silts on the bay bottom being easily disturbed. Local fishermen in the Island Estates area of Clearwater Harbor report that catfish predominate indicating a degenerate water area. I I I I I II I I i I I J I I I , 1 j I I Tidal flow in the Harbor has been blocked since the construction of Memorial Causeway in 1926, and worsened with the construction of Dunedin Causeway and the removal of mangroves by dredge and fill land development. The facts are that the tidal prism of Clearwater Harbor has become deficient to a point that it cannot, except under phenomenal circumstances, correct the state of continual decline. Construction within the Harbor in the mid 1950's modified the hydraulics of the inlets sufficiently so that Dunedin Pass began a process of closure, which was advanced by 19704 and completed in 1987. An estimated 80% of the Bay's pollution comes from storm water runoff. Rivers and creeks funnel millions of pounds of chemicals, silt, trash and wastes from residential yards, r~adway and farm lands into the Bay each year. Storm water runoff damages the underwater quality in many ways: · suspended particles of dirt block out sunlight needed by sea grasses · organic material (lawn fertilizer, for instance) feeds bacteria that steal oxygen from fish · organic pollution also feeds phytoplankton such as algae, causing them to grow out of control, stealing light from the sea grasses · the vanishing grasses cause shrimp and small fish to disappear, driving away the larger fish in turn · oysters and shell fish that filter the water pick up bacteria that can make them dangerous for human consumption · lead and other heavy metals washed off streets can enter the food ch~in through shellfish and bottom feeding fish Stevenson Creek contributed to the pollution of Clearwater Harbor. The water quality standards for Florida specify fecal coliform should not exceed 200 parts by 100 4 Walker and Associates Study, Dunedin, FL, 4/25/89 Clesul'WateD" Beach Blue Ribbon Taslk !Force 46 Cleal7Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 47 I I I I ,I I' I I I I I ',1 I I , I i I II ml sample and should never exceed 400 parts per 10% of samples taken. There are frequent records of fecal coliform in excess of 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000, with the highest of 55,200 parts per 100 ml. This occurs from old septic fields that leak laterally into the creek, .existing septic fields that are faulty, direct hook-ups from toilets to the sanitary sewer systems and leaking sewer lines. The latest water quality data from the City of Clearwater is for the year 1989, and this does not address fecal coliform.5 Thousands of acres of coastal wetlands have been lost along the gulf over the years and some wildlife appears to be showing the effects. At different points in their develop- ment, many gulf animals need brackish water to survive. A mix of fresh and salt water is needed by shrimp, oysters, and certain fish species. But the rising demands for fresh . water have reduced the daily flow into the gulf. Plastics, cans, styrofoam, lumber, toys and hypodermic needs have also been found. Ships, fishermen and beachgoers dump an estimated 115 tons of debris into the gulf each day. No record has been found of tests for pesticides, herbicides, antimony, beryllium, bromine, cyanide or flourides. Other suspected contributors to the gradual deterioration of the Bay include boat live aboards (though the Harbormaster reports that they are checked regularly, especially for periodic pumping of their waste tanks) and boats churning up the sea grasses. Finally, reduced water flow may result in the build up of toxic chemicals now being dumped into the Bay estuaries. Increased levels of waste may also result in higher human disease rates. 5 Dept of Environment Regulations, V.9, p. 164, FL Statutes, Ch 387; Pollution of Waters I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DESIRED SITUATION While we cannot hope to completely correct existing conditions by the year 2001, we envision an appreciable improvement. Certain flood control measures are planned for Stevenson Creek, which, coupled with restoration of riparian and littoral vegetati.on, retention ponds, restricted use of aquatic herbicides and development of other remedial actions should restore water quality to a great degree. Opening of Dunedin Pass will be an effective solution to several problems. It will improve water quality and the ecosystem, reduce currenVscouring problems at Clearwater Pass, reduce boat traffic and bridge openings at both drawbridges, provide a safe haven for boaters caught In the Gulf during storms and will provide the sand needed for beach renourishment. Increased tidal flushing created by dredging is likely to be beneficial to the biological resources in the area through improved water Quality. An improvement in the tidal prism will increase flushing for Clearwater Harbor so that sea grass can grow again and provide a nursery for all marine life. Since the closing of Dunedin Pass, the currents at Clearwater Pass have increased 5% and bottom scouring on the bridge support pilings has increased 27%. If Dunedin Pass is reopened, a substantial reduction in both currents and scourinQ will result by water flowing into the harbor from the Gulf by a larger, alternative entry point. Most boaters on the Intercoastal Waterway between John's Pass and Hurricane Pass presently use Clearwater Pass to gain access to the Gulf of Mexico. On week-ends and holidays there are a large number of boats waiting to pass through the drawbridge creating a dangerously congested area. If Dunedin Pass is again open to navigation, bQa1 conQestil;m will be lessened. If the Dunedin Pass were reopened, a study shows that 44% of boaters in the area would use Dunedin Pass, reducing the number of bridge openings at both Memorial and Clearwater Pass drawbridges by an estimated 20-30%. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task force 48 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 49 I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I Along with the reduction of bridge openings the air pollution that now exists in the area due to exhaust fumes created by backed up vehicular traffic on Memorial Causeway during bridge openings will be greatly alleviated. Due to the weakened structure of the Clearwater Pass and John's Pass drawbridges, both are locked in the "down" position whenever winds gust to 65 mph or have sustained winds of 45 mph. Boaters caught in the open waters of the Gulf during storm conditions have to travel north to Anclote in Tarpon Springs or south to Pass-a- Grille to reach safe waters. The majority. of boaters will not go through Hurricane Pass due to shoaling and shallow water. By using Dunedin Pass, boaters out in the Gulf during severe weather conditions will have quicker access to safe harbor. In dredging. Dunedin Pass, ninety-eight percent of the material dredged will be beach quality sand.. The use of the dredging spoil will make rocky beaches more enjoyable. It also will encourage birds to visit there and promote the growth of some sea grasses on the island. Clearwater Beach will not be affected in any way during dredging. If Dunedin Pass is opened, the City of Clearwater will designate the pass as a "fig, Wake Zone", alleviating fears from some Clearwater Beach home owners that damage to their docks might be created by wakes from boating traffic. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE o It is frivolous to suggest removing Clearwater and Honeymoon Causeways and restoring the Bay to its pre-1920 state, but a replacing of the tidal prisms of the inlets commensurate with the area and volume of Clearwater Harbor is a feasible idea. Improvement in tidal flow could probably best be done by using the existing network of historic channels, some now silted in, which suggests the use of Dunedin Pass at or near its former location. I I I I I , I I I I I I I I' I I I I I The dredging of'Dunedin Pass has been supported by referendum and past actions of the City Commission.6 The rehabilitation of Stevenson Creek as a flood and stormwater control measure is a line item in the 1989-90 and 1990-91 City budgets. The basic conclusion of a Corps of Engineers study was that dredging would restore Dunedin Pass to a condition of hydraulic stability. The channel achieved would provide safe navigational waterway and intercept materials drifting along the beach. Plans for dredging Dunedin Pass will" be a joint effort between the State of Florida, Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater. The State will pay 75%, the City and County will pay the remaining 25%. Both the City and the County have already budgeted funds for. this project. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Various individuals and environment-oriented organizati,ons have taken a position against the dredging of Dunedin Pass. For example, the Clearwater Audubon Society fears that the habitat of endangered or threatened species of birds would be destroyed in the process. State agency reviews are mixed, with spokespersons for several agencies differing within their own agency. The Department of Natural Resources, Beaches and Shore Section is in favor of combatting beach erosion, while the Bureau of Environmental Land Management opposed dredging Dunedin or Hurricane Passes. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council reflected the reaction of some environmentalists where it was asserted that mangrove, salt marsh, live bottom and dune ecosystems would be immediately impacted by dredging operations} 6 Resolution 83-3, January 6, 1983 7St. Petersburg Times, March 7, 1989 Clesll'Water Beach ISlue Ribbon Task Force 50 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task lForce 51 I I I I I , I I I I I I I 'I a I I I I . The Pinellas County Water and Navigational Control has an application filed with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Regulation to dredge Dunedin Pass. DER has issued a Notice of Intent to Deny. A hearing set for April 15, 1989 was postponed. A revised proposal to dredge the opening some 2000 feet further south is currently being considered. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 1. Continue to pursue the opening of Dunedin Pass. 2. Construct a culvert system under the road along Memorial Causeway to permit flushing action from one side to the other. 3. Support the rehabilitation of Stevenson's Creek in any way which will maximize the water quality of storm water runoff. 4. Take action to assure that sewage treatment of plant effluent and other organic and inorganic matter discharged into the bay meets established standards, including asking the county to convert septic tank areas to city sewage with special emphasis on storm water runoff areas. 5. Toughen waste water rules for development/redevelopment by: porous paving in parking lots to soak up water; perforated storm water pipes that leak runoff into the ground; filters inside storm water pipes; underground retention ponds especially below downtown commercial buildings. 6. Designate parks and other public lands where storm water can be piped during rains, turning the lands into wetlands. 7. Widen problem creeks and create retention areas along the run. I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Trash SIGNIFICANT FACTS The beach, between the Caribbean Gulf Hotel and Somerset Street, is cleaned and raked (including trash can pickup) every day between the hours of 12:30 and 7:00 a.m. Two machines are used for the cleaning and raking; one one-man loader is used for the trash cans. The consensus is that this clean-up job is carried out in an excellent manner. Some residents and tourists have called attention to gradually deteriorating cleanliness of the "north beach area". The area north of Somerset is private property, so private citizens are responsible for keeping it clean, unless there is a health hazard (such as a fish kilO. in which case the Parks and Recreation Department will take care of . it. The Parks and Recreation Department is also. responsible for taking care of trash pick-up in city owned parking lots, and on Mandalay Avenue between Marianne Street and Acacia on Saturdays and Sundays. (The Sanitation Department does this on weekdays.) Currently the Sanitation Department empties dumpsters on Saturdays but not on Sundays or holidays, on which days they tend to fill to overflowing. Beachgoers generally observe rules for disposal of trash, but there are always a certain number who do not. The prohibition of alcohol on the beach is strictly enforced by police and police aides. Regulations regarding prohibition of dogs on the beach are not so well observed, with consequent fecal matter being deposited at times. DESIRED SITUATION Our vision of Sparkling Clearwater Beach, one small place of enchantment, is one where cleanliness remains as one of the area's principal attractions. This will entail continuation of the excellent job being done by city cleaning crews, a similar sense of Cleal1Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force 52 C~ea\lrwatel1' Beach B~U1e Ribbon Task lForce 53 ,I I I I I I t I I I I I I I t .1 I ,I I responsibility by all private owners of beach property, and constant monitoring by city employees during times when the public occupies the beach. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE There are approximately 100 trash cans on "the public beach portion of Clearwater Beach, and signs prominently displayed at intervals to encourage proper disposal of personal trash. All trash (from cans or from the sand) is properly disposed of -- none is pushed into the Gulf of Mexico. There is a feeling that enforcement of littering regulations would be no more difficult than the use of alcohol rules, as word-of-mouth support spreads. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUES Apathy on the part of visitors to the beach continues to result in carelessness about trash disposal, even when trash cans are near and not full. Despite the best efforts of the Sanitation and Parks & Recreation Departments, some of that trash is getting into the waters of the Gulf and/or is buried under the sand, neither of which conditions makes the beach as beautiful or inviting as possible. There are no anti-littering signs posted either on the Causeway or or:'! Beach streets before reaching the sandy beach itself. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 8~ Motivate people on the beach to throw their trash into trash cans or take it home with them. 9. Increase enforcement of littering laws while also increasing penalties for breaking them. I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 10. Increase the number of trash cans on the beach for those days when volume is so heavy that they are filled and some trash of necessity thus winds up on the sand. 11. Institute an anti-litter campaign through a public education program, including "advertising" signs inside the Jolly Trolley. 12. Train beach guards to encourage or remind people to pick up trash. 13. Have the Sanitation Department pick up trash from dumpsters on Sundays and holidays. . . . . . Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task FOlI"ce 54 C!eslIWstell" Beach Blue Rilblbon Task Forcs 55 " I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ISSUE FOUR: WHAT SHOULD BE THE PARTICULAR NICHE IN THE TOURIST / RECREATION INDUSTRY WHICH CLEARWATER BEACH SHOULD AIM AT? WHAT UNIQUE ATTRACTION MIGHT BE BUILT HERE, IN KEEPING WITH THE OVERALL THEME, THAT WOULD APPEAL TO THAT SEGMENT OF THE INDUSTRY? WHAT KIND OF SPECIAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE SOUGHT BY WAY OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS? HOW BEST CAN THE BEACH BE PROMOTED AND TO WHOM? SIGNIACANT FACTS Tourism is the number one industry in Clearwater. The principal lesson to be learned from the expenditures of these visitors is that if tourism is not fostered properly on the Beach, there will be a lot of empty restaurants and motels and unemployed residents. Other lessons from 1990 surveys of visitors in commercial establishments are the following, provided by the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council.8 . While a recession is in the making, tourism is enjoying tremendous growth. Continued growth is dependent on energy availability. Even if gas goes up to $2.00 per gallon, 71.4% of the people said they would not change their vacation plans. Ninety percent of all U.S. travel is within the U.S., 76% of which is for leisure; . and Florida is a major focus of both U.S. and European travel. The Midwest and Northeast are the key markets for Clearwater Beach, with the Canadian market being very important also, along with an influx of Japanese tourists in the next two to three years. 8 Clearwater Beach 1990 Visitor Profile, special report to the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force, Nov. 7, 1990, by Walter Klages, PhD, President of Klages and Associates, Inc. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The reunification of Germany will have a direct bearing on us, ~nd we need to be there now marketing the Pinellas Suncoast as a vacation destination, even though it is already well known overseas. Transportation is the key to the tourist industry and the Tampa airport is our single most important catalyst. The graying market translates to mean our tourists will: + have a median age of 35 + be affluent couples in their early 40's travelling with children + have an average family income of $40,000 + be well educated, upscale professionals We are growing as a target vacation destination because of the need for get-away trips by the above tourists. This is a national, long-term trend. We are a discovery market with many people here for the first time, so recommendations playa significant role. We need, to satisfy them and keep them happy to have repeat busines~. We are at the rim of an axis with Disney World in the center. Tourists will be coming to us, looking for rest and relaxation. Over the next 10 years, we need to highlight that we offer rest and relaxation: a scenic, quiet and romantic environment; that we have wide, white, unspoiled beaches, and upscale accommodations. No product is as reasonably priced compared to what we are marketing. What is different about us is that we are not remote, we are easily accessible, yet we have an urban setting. Many hotels in major metropolitan areas provide fitness centers for visitors. City Athletic Clubs also make "wellness" equipment and assistance available to visitors. At the present time, there are one or two fitness centers on Clearwater Beach, and they are in hotels, to be used exclusively by their guests. . . . . . . . Clearwater Beach BllUle Ribbon Task FOl/'ce 56 Clearwa~er Beach Blue Rllbbon Task Force 57 I I ., I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Resort communities and other popular vacation cities often compete for the tourist dollar by developing retail, restaurant and entertainment complexes. Examples of these are St. Armand's Circle, Hamlin's Landing, John's Pass, the Quay in Sarasota, Harbor Island in Tampa, Rosie O'Grady's and Church Street Station in Orlando, the Riverboat at Pleasure Island in Orlando, the Cannery area in Monterey, Harborwatch in Baltimore, Faneuil Hall in Boston and many others. DESIRED SITUATION For the year 2001, we envision Clearwater Beach known as one small place of enchantment, with the same wide, white, sandy, clean beach that attracts beach-goers of all ages, with the added appeal of a newly developed feature attractions for those who have had too much sun or .who don't particularly want the sun. Most important is a shopping/eating/entertainment complex hopefully to be developed by a private commercial deveioper along the bayfront to provide rainy day and night time activities, all of a wholesome family type, to serve as a magnet to attract visitors and residents alike, and located just a block or two from the white, sandy beach. We see the complete "redevelopment" of what we will call the "Eastshore area", which would encompass an area bounded by Poinsettia and the Bay, between Baymont and Marianne, and to include some number of floating facilities. (See Appendix I) The ratio of retail shops to eating establishments and places of entertainment would be at the discretion of the investors who would design and develop it. We think of a boardwalk along the bay, and a theater, a conference center, or some such attraction. We would like to make more use of our park area that extends from the tennis courts down to the youth center with the addition of a Par course similar to the one at Crest Lake Park. We see the Pier 60 area designated as the official public events area. The city already has electric and water hook-ups. Hopefully, the City will give the Pier concession area a new look in keeping with the adopted tropical seascape theme. There I I I. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I are new public restrooms and we would like to see the addition of a Public Beach Pavilion. (See Appendix J) This pavilion could be: (a) a much-needed facility for community events on the beach, such as local school bands, exhibits, dances, arts and sporting activities; (b) an attraction for the clientele of the beach business community; and (c) a location for evening family entertainment with music, stage, marine and wildlife presentations. Promotional entertainment could be provided by area hotels, Busch Gardens, the Marine Science Center or the Bird Sanctuary. Major beach volley- ball events could be staged at our Pier 60 area. In the marina area, we envision a display to acquaint visitors with the existence of the Clearwater Marine Science Center and Aquarium. Perhaps there could be ferry service from the marina to the Center to cut down on vehicular traffic. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Tax increment financing through a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is NOT being recommended. Condemnation procedures of "blighted" areas are NOT thought to be the way to go. (See Appendix K for a complete discussion of the mechanics of a eRA) Rezoning and free enterprise methodologies ARE being recommended and thought to be feasible. Private developer(s) can package individual parcels together for new use, which will permit many of the present property and business owners to participate if they choose to do so. Deserving special mention as to how this can be done is Covington Landing across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, where the Kentucky waterfront has been transformed with the use of barges with buildings on them plus old riverboats. All are stationary and have gang planks to shore that fluctuate with the water level. All power, water and sewage are run through pipes to the shore. The string of barges is connected to the Riverboat "Spirit of America", which has a restaurant and saloon on it. The wharf is made up of a complex of shops, restaurants and night clubs, including Friday's, Pizza Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 58 Clearwater Beach Blue R!bbon Task lForce 59 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Hut, Howl at the Moon Saloon, a yogurt place, Maggie's Famous Popcorn, SandB~r, City Lights and Skyline Chili. Another barge called the Waterfront has a fine dining restaurant called Las Brisas and a casual outdoor restaurant called Coconut Joes, complete with a rock fountain. A final barge still under construction will have a Wilderness Adventure and Trading Post. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Only a small number of the parcels in the so-called Eastshore area are approach- ing a truly blighted state. The City's Planning Department finds 44 structures out of 108, or 41 %, to be unsatisfactory or marginal9, although many others are facing economic hardship and cannot be upgraded without relief of some sort. It is the City Attorney's opinion that local governments lack the power to grant tax incentives as a means of enticing property owners or businesses to join a voluntary program of redevelopment.1 0 A similar "redevelopment" vision is concurrently being worked on by the City with reference to a 20-40 acre tract in the downtown area. Some concern has been expressed about reconfiguration of streets abutting the marina area. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 1. Redevelop the area between Poinsettia Street to the Bay and from Marianne to Baymont to include: a low profile, parking garage; a boardwalk along the bayside; com- bination upscale shopping and entertainment area along the bay; large restaurant boats 9 CI. Beach Planning Sector Analysis, Structural Condition Inventory, 9/20/90 10 Letter from City Attorney re Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force, dated Oct. 16, 1990 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I in the water nearby. Harborwatch (in Baltimore) or Covington Landing (in Kentucky across from Cincinnati) could be models. This should be voluntary with city assistance. 2. The City should aid in the development of a public beach pavilion in the Pier 60 area. Give the pier concession a new look in keeping with the adopted theme. As this . recreation area becomes more used, extend it gradually southward to the South Beach Pavilion but not allow street vendors or concessionaires on city owned property, with the exception, perhaps, of a carousel as a focal point to highlight one area. 3. Convert the area around the pavilion to a shady, grassy picnic and play area with picnic tables, play sets and perhaps a shuffleboard court or two. 4. Funds for the cost of these improvements could be obtained by holding concerts or similar, activities in the Pier 60 public events area. 5. Locate parking for handicapped and Pier 60 fishermen around the perimeter. 6. Consider redeveloping the city marina and explore the possibility of expanding the site by realignment of the adjacent streets. . . . . . Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 60 C~earwater Beach BllUle Ribbon Task Forcs 61 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ISSUE FIVE: IN WHAT WAY CAN THE BEACH AND THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD COOPERATE IN JOINT EFFORTS AT PROMOTION AND REDEVELOP~ SIGNIACANT FACTS Up until now there has been no connection between what is being done by way of community development downtown and what is being done on the Beach. There is a Downtown Development Board (DDB) overseeing a special taxing district, and a Commu- nity Redevelopment Agency (CRA) responsible for redevelopment in the downtown area. Neither of them integrate their planning with that of the Beach community which has not had either a master plan or a group able to speak for th3 entire Beach area. The City's Director of Development has also been looking at various projects in the downtown and other areas of the city, without any reference to needs or plans for the Beach. Coachman Park, located on the water's edge downtown and facing Memorial Cause- way and the Beach, is gradually becoming the site of many musical and arts events, with not enough consideration of tying in visits to these activities to a visit to the Beach. At the present time, the City's focus is on a redevelopment project of some 20 to 40 acres just -South of Cleveland Street from the present City Hall Annex on Missouri Street west to Osceola. Professional market researchers report that: 1) upscale retail activity is increasing; 2) a great deal of the retail dollar in Pinellas County is leaving the county and going to New York, Miami, Atlanta and elsewhere as residents go on shopping sprees in those cities; and 3) Clearwater merchants feel they can recapture that business by introduction of a project with 250,000 square feet of entertainment and upscale retail shops, in addition to a new 150,000 square foot city center. This latter is the heart of the proposed new venture for .downtown, and will take 5-10 years to complete. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I At the same time there are studies being conducted to investigate the feasibility of a convention center being constructed either downtown, on the Beach or on Sand Key. At the present time, three potential sites have been identified. While these efforts at attracting people to the downtown area have been going on, nothing has been done to point out the advantages of visiting the Beach at the same time. From time to time well meaning individuals begin working on projects for Clearwater Beach with little knowledge of who we are or what we want to be. While the beach community is working toward realizing the vision it has as "one small place of enchantment", these entrepreneurs or P.R. people sometimes introduce a discordant note into the general ambience without realizing how disruptive their ideas can be. Deserving special mention is the Activities Committee of the City of Clearwater, consisting of staff members whose departments might be involved in any special events using City facilities, including streets, parks and the beach.. In 1989 there were 33 such events of which 45% took place on Clearwater Beach. In 1990 there were 46 events, of which 39% took' place on the Beach. These included the Sun 'N Fun celebra- tion, a puppet show on the beach, the Madd Sadd Beach Blow Out, Christian Music Outreach and everything in between. Some of these had considerable impact on traffic and parking, while others had none at all. DESIRED SITUATION We envision continued dialogue and cooperation between elected officials, city staff and volunteer groups downtown and similar persons on the Beach in order to pro- mote mutual interests. We are convinced that visitors to the mainland would benefit greatly from further integration of planning and sharing of information about activities and places of interest on the Beach, and vice versa for visitors to the Beach. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 62 Clearwater Beach Blue IFUlblboll'1 Task !Force 63 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,I I I 'We believe mainland residents would come to the Beach more often and Beach residents patronize downtown businesses more often if transportation back and forth could be made more of an event than a chore. We see some physical tie-ins by means of street and sidewalk layout, city lighting, signage design and mass transportation. We feel the need for a group of Beach-oriented citizens (residents and business persons) to be recognized as a Standing Committee to speak for the entire Beach. In the belief that the present Blue Ribbon Task Force has served as a model of bringing divergent interests to focus in an objective manner on Beach issues, we recommend that its work, and its recognized purpose as speaking for the Beach, be continued by changing its status from that of an ad hoc task force to an Advisory Board to the City Commission. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Preliminary and brief contacts with the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, the DDB, the CRA, and various city officials in discussing this issue have evinced a desire on the part of all to pursue discussions of mutual benefit to downtown and the Beach in the future. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE There has been a history of exclusivity, with mainland residents/business interests and beach residents/business persons engaging in a zero-sum competition for tourists, tax dollars and popular support. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 1. Emphasize' the tram as the major link to make possible beach/downtown relationships. I -I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2. Continue the existence of the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force, but change its status from a task force to an advisory committee to the City Commission. The duties of such an Advisory Board would be as follows: a) To monitor and follow-up on the recommendations that have are set forth in this document. b) To serve as a sounding board for subsequent issues that need to be brought before the City Commission or that the Commissioners wish to be advised on. c) To continue dialogue and cooperation with the DDB and CRA. d) To be available for dialogue with individuals or organizations thinking of Beach activities and in need of reactions to preliminary plans.' 3. Continu~ the streetscape, funded by the CRA, from downtown to the beach to lend a sense of continuity between the two; e.g., at tram stations on the beach. 4. Establish a major "welcome station" in downtown to provide a center for information and reservations, with a parking terminal for tram rides. Perhaps the tourist and convention bureau of the past could be a part of the chamber of commerce. 5. Promote continued dialogue and cooperation on common concerns and activities of both downtown and the beach; for example, Coachr.lan Park events. 6. Encourage the use of coupon books for distribution downtown and on. the beach for both downtown and beach businesses. . . . . . Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task lForce 64 CleallWater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 65 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ISSUE SIX: WHAT CHANGES IN LAND USE PLANNING, BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT CODES, AND THE LIKE, WOULD BE AN AID IN PROMOTING THE STATED VISION FOR THE CLEARVVATER BEACH OF THE FlJT4RE? A. Development for the small motel operator SIGNIFICANT FACTS The economic picture for many of the small motel operators on the Beach appears to be deteriorating both in market share and in actual return on investment. The design and layout of many of them have become functionally, physically and economically obsolete. Some of this obsolescence is curable; for example, by updating bathrooms, HV AC and exterior elevations. Most, however, is not, due to hotel room sizes and the inability of installing amenities such as a swimming pool, due to lot size. The lack of amenities' offered by the small motel operator in competition with a large hotel chain forces the small operator to reduce rates for each amenity not available, such as swimming pool, convenient dining facilities, proximity to the water, etc. The operating costs to small motel operators are increasing at a higher rate than room rental rates, thus reducing money available for upgrading furnishings/equipment: The effect seems to be a trend for tourists to stay at the nationally franchised establish- ments, leaving the smaller operator with higher vacancy rates and an increase in the bargain-seeking type of tourist. Current land use constraints eliminate any possibility for the small operator to make changes to the footprint. Few, if any, of the small motels would meet today's zoning code as to minimum lot size, setbacks (front, side and rear), total open space re- quirements for the lot, front yard, parking or height requirements according to FEMA. Many of the new owners who have purchased a small motel operation have dis- covered that the investment for the time and effort involved has not been what they - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I anticipated: they paid too much for the return they receive. The result is a trend to change from motel to other commercial uses. (There are exceptions to all the above, but this is the more common scenario.) DESIRED SITUATION We envision a land development code which recognizes the particular plight of the smaller motel operation, and permits sufficient density to make it economically feasible to develop or redevelop parcels in need of upgrading. The zoning increase would become effective only when redevelopment takes place as an incentive. An example would be a waterfront property owner who purchases two adjoining motels o~ four units each with a desire to redevelop the entire three parcels. He would purchase based on existing zoning and would redevelop under new zoning (recommended below). This would permit the present four units per parcel plus 175% or seven more units or eleven units all told per parcel. His three parcels would allow him a total of thirty-three units in a new operation. We see this as being done in conjunction with the establishment of the general overall architectural and beautification theme discussed in an earlier section of this report. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Some of the smaller operators have indicated a willingness to. invest in improve- ments if the possible return on that business investment were increased by easing of density restrictions. A cap on the increased density allowed would prevent such a relaxation from getting out of hand. Some of the appearance (and reality) of congestion could be eliminated by in- creasing the use of each lot or combination of lots. Clearwater Beach Blue RUolbon Task !Foll'ce 66 ------ Cieal/"Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 67 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Increased property investment and business revenues for the motel operators would mean increased property tax and sales tax revenues for the city. The present extent of development on the Beach is less than the maximum now allowed, so there is room for some increase in density. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Any increase in density must not inhibit orderly evacuation procedures for this high risk area. Any changes as a result of density relaxation must be in keeping with the overall land use plan submitted to the state. RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 1. Make. the follo~ing modifications in the city's LDC for Clearwater Beach: a. Grandfather in existing footprints for CR, multi-family and commercial uses. b. Maintain present minimum lot size and open space requirements. c. Change height restriction to allow up to four stories on the water- front and up to six stories for non-waterfront parcels (including the parking level in all instances), in all zones except CR28 and single family. d. In case of disaster, rebuilding is allowed, but in accord with elevation requirements of FEMA. e. Continue to allow'back-out parking, where it already exists, in the city right-of-way until redevelopment or change of use occurs. 2. Disallow restaurants, bars, gift shops and similar ancillary uses in motels of less than 50 units in CR zoning. Do not allow such motels to convert to some of these uses on non-conforming lots. I - I I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I I I I 3. Encourage revitalization of small motels by developing an incentive program to permit an increase in density to be determined by economic analysis and typical site plan review, to a maximum of 40 units for anyone development, with these restrictions: a. Build to new flood requirements as to height. b. Conform to the architectural design for the Beach. c. Provide a view corridor either on the sides or in between buildings. d. Minimum (new combined) lot size would be 150' x 100' . e. Provide on site parking, not back-out parking. 4. Allow motel owners to build the same number of multi-family condominiums as current motel rooms, if they wish, subject to the following restrictions': a. Zoning would change to reflect a multi-family use so that a condo could not later split up into multiple motel uses. b. Minimum apartment size would be 800 square feet of living area. c. Development must follow architectural design established for Beach. B. Federal Energy Management Act (FEMA) development standards SIGNIACANT FACTS Clearwater Beach is a barrier island as definea in the State statute; Le., it is an offshore island less than 1500 feet wide. When FEMA established base flood elevation requirements for barrier islands (using the 100 year's flood plain), many Beach structures built before that time became non-conforming. The attempt of FEMA development requirements is to encourage all new construction to meet the new elevation 'standards. Present state statutes limit renovation of existing residential structures in flood zone "V" areas to a "cumulative" maximum of 50 percent of the value of the building. The City's building code interprets the state law as meaning "over the life of the ClealTWater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 68 Cleauwater lBeach IBIa.JIe Ribbon Task Force 69 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I property". (In other parts of the City, the limitation is to 50 percent of. the value in any one year.) There is also much confusion over the administrative enforcement of the 50% rule with regard to what is listed (and counted) in computing the 50%. Are routine maintenance items to be included? What about wallpapering, etc.? Continued enforcement of such a limitation discourages (prohibits) property maintenance and upkeep and will eventually lead to obsolescence and deterioration of the residential neighborhoods on the Beach. DESIRED SITUATION Residents of Clearwater Beach of the year 2001 would have both the desire and the capability under revised building code requirements of the State and the City to make substantial improvements in their buildings, up to a realistic maximum amount each year, without having to rebuild entirely "on stilts". The -appearance and the physical condition of these structures would then more likely be kept up to a standard found acceptable to neighbors, insurers, mortgage holders and occupants. POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Discussions with FEMA representatives in Atlanta indicate that there is nothing in the federal law which requires the "cumulative" interpretation. Furthermore, they state they cannot enforce a state or city regulation anyway. As can be seen in Exhibit 111-1, there are a variety of ways in which the "substantial improvement" clause is being addressed around the State of Florida, both as to the time frame for the 50% rule, and as to what is counted in computing the 50%. I I I I II -, I I I I I I I I I I I I I EXHIBIT 111-1 FEMA REGULATIONS - Survey of Other Communities 1. 50% Improvement over life, Manatee County St Lucie County include anything on permit Monroe County Collier County Volusia County Escambia -2. 50% Improvement over life, Belleaire Belleaire Beach include anything on permit unless counted "contents" by insurance carrier 3. 50% Improvement over life, Boca Raton Sarasota routine maintenance excluded Palm Beach Naples Pompano Beach Bay County New Smyrna County Lee County 4. 50% Improvement over life, Sarasota County Hollywood routine maintenance excluded if .D.Q1 p~rt of overall remodel 5. 50% Improvement over life, Martin County routine maintenance Included architectural fees ~cluded 6. 50% Improvement each -2 yrs Delray Beach routine maintenance excluded 7. 50% Improvement each 3 yrs Daytona Beach include anything on permit 8. 50% Improvement each permit Vero Beach include anything on permit Source: City of Clearwater Dept of Planning Memo dated May 22, 1990 NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE It would probably take concerted effort from legislators from various parts of the state to get action in Talahassee to amend the wording of the present statute. There are many other issues which seem to be of greater importance to the rest of the state, indicating the need for serious lobbying with the Pinellas delegation and others. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 70 Clearwater Beach BhJle Rllbbon Task Force 71 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 5. Request the Pinellas delegation of legislators to change the state law to remove the "cumulative" rule. \ 6. Lead a movement with other beach communities throughout the state to lobby the legislature to remove the "cumulative" rule. 7. Remove from the city's building code all wording concerning "cumulative" and "over the lifetime of the structure", after the state does the same. 8. Allow routine maintenance, inclusive of roof replacement, without being included in the 50% computation. c. Signs SIGNIFICANT FACTS Like other portions of Clearwater's LDC, the city's sign ordinance was written for the entire city, from large businesses on US 19 to tiny shops on the Beach. The physical limitations of size of both buildings and lots on Clearwater Beach make it impossible to comply with many of the requirements of this universal law. The casual observer will notice countless examples of signs on the Beach which do not conform to the present ordinance: motel signs not fitting square footage require- ments, neon lighting, garish window displays, and so on. The city simply does not have the personnel to enforce strictly the sign restric- tions so that things get steadily more unsightly. DESIRED SITUATION We look forward to a special sign ordinance f::r the Clearwater Beach district in its entirety which makes allowance for some special requirements on the one hand, and makes it feasible to enforce flagrant violations on the other hand. I I I I I I I I I I II I II , I I I I I I I POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE The ordinance itself recognizes the fact that the unique needs of Clearwater Beach are not fully addressed and permits special signage enactments. The concluding paragraph reads: "Special sign review provisions may be established for these (Clearwater Beach, etc.) districts after public hearing... Design review criteria for any design review process established by the city commission for the Beach Commercial District, shall include consideration of the following: 1. As far as possible, architectural features such as windows, cornices, pilas- ters and the like structural or ornamental features shall not be covered by signs. 2. Sign panels and graphics shall align with, be in proportion to, and complement architectural features throughout the district. "11 A special sign code with realistic provisions would make it possible to enforce and would prevent the proliferation of garish and "glitzy", unattractive signs which vio- late the norms of the new architectural theme for Clearwater Beach. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE Aesthetics is not a totally objective science; so there will be differences of opinion as to the type of signs which would fit the new architectural theme. There will still be enforcement costs under any ordinance: (but that must be expected if there is to be compliance with any code requirements). RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 9. Appoint a special committee immediately to study the sign needs of Clearwater Beach in light of the recommendation for architectural integrity and create a sign code to apply to all of Clearwater Beach. This committee should consist of a planning official, an architect, a representative of a reputable sign company and three Clearwater Beach residents/business persons. 10. Place in this code a sunset clause for current nonconforming signs. 11 City of Clearwater Land Development Code, *134.010, P 1116 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 72 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 73 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 11. Begin enforcement of the current code at once with penalties for violations which can be "demonstrated to have occurred since the inauguration of the current code. This might be done with the help, if necessary, of a volunteer committee of Beach citizens. D. Alcoholic Beverage licenses SIGNIACANT FACTS Currently there are 42 alcoholic beverage licenses on Clearwater Beach: thirty- three of these are as an ancillary use to restaurants, five are for package stores to take out, and four are at convenience stores. One application for a bar is pending. Liquor served with food does not appear to be problematic for the most part. Chilled alcoholic beverages "to go", on the other hand, tend to attract an element of the population which indulges in loitering, noise-making and otherwise disruptive behavior. If a new business is developed, or an old one changes hands, the applicant must get a conditional use permission from the City to use an alcoholic beverage license on that site. Such conditional use may be limited by the Planning and Zoning Board, though en- forcing those restrictions is not always effective. The current code provides that alcoholic beverage license use will be separated from residential areas, resort commercial areas and from facilities with like alcoholic beverage permits. A variance from the distance requirement is often given by the City Commission, though the City Attorney is of the opinion that the law would be more en- forceable if there were no variances. Incidents of drunk and disorderly conduct in the past have led to unpleasant relationships between business persons and residents. Ohe special type of abuse concerns vagrants who can be seen regularly along the mangrove area of Memorial Causeway, getting drunk on liquor purchased with money they have panhandled or obtained from selling blood at the blood bank downtown. Since I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I the police .are allowed to enforce vagrancy laws only on public park lands, and the Causeway is not designated public park lands, they are unable to deal with these miscreants. DESIRED SITUATION As a family-oriented, combination residential and resort community, Clearwater Beach should be carefully protected against unnecessary proliferation of liquor licenses and any behavior resulting from abuse of alcohol which would be unwelcome in "one small place of enchantment". POSITIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOL VlNG THE ISSUE Restrictions currently in place include limiting the hours during which sale of liquor is permitted or requiring some businesses to keep their kitchen open at all times that alcoholic beverages are served, so that the restaurant not turn into a bar at certain times. These indicate a sensitivity to the need for policing the sale and consumption of alcohol. Public hearings on applications for an alcoholic beverage license have shown in some instances that a mechanism is in place for preventing unnecessary extra oppor- tunities for disruption of the public order. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE The difficulty would be in remaining objective is deciding how many licenses are enough in an area which is both rather small in size, yet recognized as a place for re- laxation, entertainment and vacationing. Many in ou~ modern society seem to equate consumption of alcohol as part and parcel of any relaxing or partying; while others wish to come to the Beach for peace and quiet. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force 74 - Cleall'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 75 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I RECOM~ENDAT10NS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE 12. Make Clearwater Beach a separate zoning district with respect to the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, and appoint a committee immediately to study the special needs of the Beach and recommend appropriate distances or other restrictions which would be applicable only to the Beach. This committee should consist of a planning official, three .representatives of the hospitality industry and three residents who have no business interests on the Beach. 13. Declare Memorial Causeway's roadside to be public park land so that the police can then remove vagrants from the mangroves. . . . . . I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IV RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS This section sets forth in one place all the recommendations from this report and the financial implications of each group, as they deal with the six major issues, with a final recap at the end. Beautification and Theme Issue 1. Adopt the phrase "Clearwater Beach, One Small Place of Enchantment", as the promotional theme for Clearwater Beach, and "Tropical Seacape" as the descriptive phrase for the supporting architectural theme and total ambience. 2. Approve changes to the Clearwater Land Development Code (LDC) for Beach Commercial and (Beach) Commercial Residential areas to provide permitting incentives which encourage private improvements consistent with a Tropical Seascape design theme, and to provide design guidelines for private .and. public developmenVredevelop- ment consistent with a Tropical Seascape theme. (See committee's line drawings, Appendix 0, representing present view and possible future view of front elevation of section of Mandalay Avenue.) 3. To the extent that it cannot be required by code, encourage all governmental units to adhere to the spirit of the Tropical Seascape theme and the related LDC provisions. 4. Approve a streetscape plan incorporating landscaping, seating and other pedestrian amenities. (See committee's planter sketch, Appendix E, and public restroom, Appendix F.) 5. Expand city landscaping; e.g., sidewalks, parking lots, unimproved public lands, and the beach down to the water line. 6. Install street lamps in the core area of the beach; use the same lamps as on Cleveland Street; provide continuity between downtown and the beach by putting similar lamps strategically on the causeway median and the emergency road. 7. Eliminate private use of publiC property; e.g., pay phones and vending machines on sidewalks and right of way, to the extent the law allows; establish design requirements/restrictions for all pay phones and vending machines; establish licensing fees for all exterior vending machines, pay phones and the like. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 76 -- Clearwatel/' Beach BILlIe Ribbon Task fOl/'ce 77 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There will be costs to the city for lighting, streetscape construction, public restrooms refurbishing and other public. building compliance with the recommended architectural th.eme. Funds for these expenses could come from revenues received from Beach parking areas (now in the City's Parking Fund), including recommended increases in parking fees and the current surplus in that fund, which amounted to $344,747 in fiscal year 1989-90. Transportation Issue 1. Create resort zones with restricted 2-way traffic flow at 15 mph for automobiles, where pedestrian traffic is favored, with numerous crosswalks on 1) Mandalay Avenue (Mandalay St. north to Baymont) and 2) South Gulfview Boulevard (Pier 60 south to Harnden). . This separates conflicting use~, beach users and tourists from through traffic. Intermediate plan: Mandalay Ave. one-way traffic North (two lanes) with 15 mph limit, pedestrians favored with numerous cross walks. .. Alternate plan for 2001: Mandalay Ave. Pedestrian traffic only, no vehicles except limited freight service. 2. One Way Streets: To expedite resident commuter traffic that would get favored turn and traffic light priority separate from tourist and beach users in the Resort Zones. (See Exhibit G) North Beach: Change traffic control as follows: East Shore Drive to become two lanes, one-way north from Causeway Boulevard to Baymont; Poinsettia Street to become two lanes, one-way south from Baymont to Causeway Boulevard. This will expedite resident commuter traffic, with favored turn and light priority separate from tourists and beach goers. _ South Beach: Coronado Drive becomes two lanes, one-way south from First Street to Harnden; Harnden Drive becomes one-way no.rth its entire length; South Gulfview Blvd becomes one-way around the south side of Pier 60 to First Street only (3 lanes) and two-way thereafter to Harnden Drive with center option turn lane and entrance/stacking lane to South Gulfview parking lots. 3. Eliminate the cross over traffic light at Pier 60 and Causeway Blvd. for north beach traffic and create a north beach lane across the Civic Center lot to connect with East Shore Drive. . 4. Eliminate the traffic light at Coronado and Gulfview by the Pier 60 lot to allow smooth flow of north and s.outh through traffic. 5. At the Pier 60 lot, create an entrance gate to the public beach and parking lots with three one-way lanes south, clearly marked overhead: "Public Beach", "Parking Lots" and "Resort District". .- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I I I 6. Establish numerous pedestrian crosswalks designated and clearly marked along South Gulfview Blvd and Mandalay Avenue. Pedestrian traffic would have priority over all vehicular traffic except emergency vehicles. 7. Create bike paths, clearly marked on roadways at least five feet in width: from Sand Key to Memorial Causeway along South Gulfview Boulevard and Hamden Drive; from North Beach to Memorial Causeway on Mandalay Avenue and East Shore Drive; along Memorial Causeway to connect to Coachman Park and the Pinellas Trail (as a beach loop). 8. Install sidewalks where there are presently no sidewalks: on the aaS1 and ~ side of Hamden and Coronado Drives. On South Gulfview, eliminate the ~ sidewalk if necessary for a tram route and 'parking entrance/stacking lane. Improve the remaining US! sidewalk to 10' as per streetscape. ' 9.. Erect overhead directional signs using the designations NORTH BEACH and SOUTH BEACH, with arrows at: . Entrance to Clearwater Beach on Marianne St., "North Beach" Parking right turn arrow. "South Beach" Parking, Sand Key Left Lane. . Pier 60 Gateway Entrance to public beach over three lanes "South Beach", Parking, and , . South Gulfview and Hamden: Through/Mainland Traffic right turn arrow. Public Beach, Parking straight ahead arrow.. 10. Convert larger off~street metered parking areas to attendant parking; Le., Gulfview - 551 spaces; Pier 60 - 258 spaces; Marina - 246 spaces; Rockaway - 156 spaces. Keep them open from 7 am to 11 pm (or midr.:ght on Friday and Saturday). 11. Retain meters at small lots, but lease parking rights after 6 pm to private enterprises nearby; i.e., Civic Center - 62 spaces; Bay Esplanade - 84 spaces; Avalon/Kendall - 56 spaces; Mandalay/Poinsettia - 58 spaces. 12. Cr~ate parking entrances and exits at 3rd and 5th Streets (on Gulfview) and eliminate the entrance at the Adams Mark Hotel. 13. Prohibit any additional parking on Memorial Causeway. 14. Eliminate street parking on South Gulfview Boulevard. 15. Increase parking fees on all Beach parking spaces and use revenue for Beach improvements. 16. Provide a tram service, similar to that at Disney World or Key West, from the mainland to the Beach, with appropriate saf~ty requirements. 17. Construct an attractive, comfortable, informative mass transit terminal on the mainland, adjacent to, or near, existing City parking facilities which are underutilized. 18. Provide tram service to the Beach by the most direct ~nd efficient route. Cleall'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 78 Clearwater Beach BllUle Rllbbon Task Force 79 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 19 Maintain the Jolly Trolley system and expand service and number of trolleys to Island Estates and Sand Key so as to reduce waiting time, with attractive stopping areas along the Beach, perhaps named after aquatic characters (dolphin, seagull, pelican, manatee, etc.) 20. Maintain ferry service to and about the island. Encourage private owners to expand on demand. 21. Adopt a cruising control ordinance comparable to those enacted in California and York, Pa. . with fines of at least $100 for the first offense, and multiples of $100 for subsequent offenses, · with no warning tickets as that would make enforcement extremely difficult and much more intrusive in the community, and · do this as soon as possible so as to help keep things under control during the upcoming tourist season. . 22. Increase fines for violation of the noise ordinance to $75.00 for the first offense, and multiples of that for repeat violations. Use the funds collected from fines to train additional personnel, acquire more equipment and software to track multiple offenses, more consistently enforce the law, and any overage to pay for other beach capital improvements. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The tram and tram stations would be paid for from the Parking Fund, just as the Jolly Trolley is, or from private enterprise, or by the County. bus system. The city might obtain funds for carrying on the streetscape design along the tram pathway from CRA monies in order to tie in downtown with the Beach. New traffic control and signage costs could be offset by a reduction in the cost of monitoring Beach traffic at the present time. Other city expenses could be recovered from Beach parking fees. Pollution Issue: 1. Continue to pursue the opening of Dunedin Pass. 2. Construct a culvert system under the road along Memorial Causeway to permit flushing action from one side to the other. 3. Support the rehabilitation of Stevenson's Creek in any way which will maximize the water quality of storm water runoff. 4. Take action to assure that sewage treatment of plant effluent and other organic and inorganic matter discharged into the bay meets established standards, including. - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I asking the county to convert septic tank areas to city sewage with special emphasis on storm water runoff areas. 5. Toughen waste water rules for development/redevelopment by: porous paving in parking lots to soak up water; perforated storm water pipes that leak runoff into the ground; filters inside storm water pipes; underground retention ponds especially below downtown commercial buildings. 6. Designate parks and other public lands where storm water can be piped during rains, turning the lands into wetlands. 7. Widen problem creeks and create retention areas along the run. 8. Motivate people on the beach to throw their trash into trash cans or take it home with them.. 9. Increase enforcement of littering laws while also increasing penalties for breaking them. 10. Increase the number of trash cans on the beach for those days when volume is so heavy that they are filled and some trash of necessity thus winds up on the sand. 11. Institute an anti-litter campaign through a public education program, including "advertising" signs in the Jolly Trolley. 12. Train beach guards to encourage or remind people to pick up trash. 13. Have' the Sanitation Department pick up trash from dumpsters on Sundays and holidays. FINANCIAL IMPUCATIONS The city has already budgeted its share of funds to reopen Dunedin Pass. Costs of constructing a culvert system under Memorial Causeway and for controlling stormwater runoff should. be recovered from the new stormwater control fees to be collected beginning in February 1991. Tourism Issue: 1. Redevelop the area between Poinsettia Street to the Bay and from Marianne to Baymont to include: a low profile, parking garage; a boardwalk along the bayside; com- bination upscale shopping and entertainment area along the bay; large restaurant boats in the water nearby. Harborwatch (in Baltimore) or Covington Landing (in Kentucky across from Cincinatti) could be models. This should be voluntary with city assistance. 2. The City should aid in the development of a public beach pavilion in the Pier 60 area. Give the pier concession a new look in keeping with the adopted theme. As this Cleall'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 80 recreation area becomes more used, extend it gradually southward to the South Beach Pavilion but not allow street vendors or concessionaires on city owned property, with the exception, perhaps, of a carousel as a focal point to highlight one area. 3. Convert the area around the pavilion to a shady, grassy picnic and play area with picnic tables, play sets and perhaps a shuffleboard court or two. 4. Funds for the cost of these improvements could be obtained by holding concerts or similar activities in the Pier 60 public events area. 5. Locate parking for handicapped and Pier 60 fishermen around the perimeter. 6. Consider redeveloping the city marina and explore the possibility of expanding the site by realignment of the adjacent streets. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Costs for these embellishments could be obtained by removing the cost of supplementing the downtown parking garages from the beach Parking Lots Fund, by sponsoring public ~vents in the Pier 60 area and by seeking Tourist Development Funds. To support this suggestion, Figure IV-1 is offered to show that the Beach already contributes more than a pro-rata share of tax support: it constitutes 13% of all. Clearwater property, but pays 21 % of Clearwater taxes. FIGURE IV-1 1990 VALUE AND TAX TOTALS PROPERTY TYPE ~ # PARCELS %. 9iTOTALTAXES %. Residential Citywide 36,858 100 44,595,950 100 Beach 5,009 13.6 11,296,173 25.3 Non-Residential Citywide 5,092 100 36,382,574 100 Beach 413 8 5,794,620 15.9 All Properties Citywide 41,950 100 80,978,524 100 Beach . 5,422 12.9 17,090,793 21 ---------- Source: Pinellas County Appraiser's 1990 Value and Tax Rolls, Dec. 4, 1990 Clearwater Beach Blue Rilblbon Task Force 81 - / I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - I I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I I I I Collaboration with Downtown Issue: 1. Emphasize the tram as the major link to make possible beach/downtown relationships. " 2. Continue the existence of the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force, but change its status from a task force to an advisory committee to the City Commission. The duties of such an Advisory Board would be as follows: a) To monitor and follow-up on the recommendations that have are set forth in this document. b) To serve as a sounding board for subsequent issues that need to be brought before the City Commission or that the Commissioners wish to be advised on. c) To continue dialogue and cooperation with the DDB and CRA. d) To be available for dialogue with individuals or organizations thinking of Beach activities and in need of reactions to preliminary plans. 3. Continue the streetscape, funded by the CRA, from downtown to the beach to lend a sense of continuity between the two; e.g., at tram stations on the beach. 4. Establish a major "welcome station" in downtown to provide a center for information and reservations, with a parking terminal for tram rides. Perhaps the tourist and convention bureau of the past could be a part of the chamber of commerce. 5. Promote continued di~logue and cooperation on common concerns and activities of both downtown and the beach; for example, Coachman Park events. " 6. Encourage the use of coupon books for distribution downtown and on the beach for both downtown and beach businesses. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The recommended tram and associated terminals would be subsidized by the Parking Fund, with the possibility of seeking monies from the Tourist Development Fund or Penny for Pinellas. A final alternative would be private enterprise, with attractive lease arrangements for a terminal on property adjacent to the present police station or bus depot. Zoning and Building Regulations Issue: 1. Make the following modifications in the city's LDC for Clearwater Beach: a. Grandfather in footprints for CR, multi-family and commercial uses. b. Maintain present minimum lot size c::~d open space requirements. c. Change height restriction to allow up to four stories on the water- front and up to six stories for non-waterfront parcels {including Clearwater Be"ach Blue Ribbon Task Force 82 - Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 83 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I the parking level in all instances), in all zones except CR28 and single family. d. In case of disaster, rebuilding is allowed, but in accord with elevation requirements of FEMA. e. Continue to allow back-out parking, where it already exists, in the city right-of-way until redevelopment or change of use occurs. 2. Disallow restaurants, bars, gift shops and similar ancillary uses in motels of less than 50 units in CR zoning. Do not allow such motels to convert to some of these uses on non-conforming lots. 3. Encourage revitalization of small motels by developing an incentive program to permit an increase in density to be determined by economic analysis and typical site plan review, to a maximum of 40 units for anyone development, with these restrictions: a. Build to new flood requirements as to height. b. Conform to the architectural design for the Beach. c. Provide a view corridor either on the sides or in between buildings. d. Minimum (new combined) lot size would be 150' x 100'. e. Provide on site parking, not back-out parking. 4. Allow motel owners choose to build the same number of multi-family condominiums as current motel . rooms, if they wish, subject to the following restrictions: a. Zoning would change to reflect a multi-family use so that a condo could not later split up into multiple motel uses. b. Minimum apartment size would be 800 square feet of living area. c. Development must follow architectural design established for Beach. 5. Request the Pine lias delegation of legislators to change the state law to remove the "cumulative" rule. 6. Lead a movement with other beach communities throughout the state to lobby the legislature to remove the "cumulative" rule. 7. Remove from the city's building code all wording concerning "cumulative" and "over the lifetime of the structure", after the state does the same. 8. Allow routine maintenance, inclusive of roof replacement, without being included in the 50% computation. 9. . Appoint a special committee immediately to study the sign needs of Clearwater Beach in light of the recommendation for architectural integrity and create a sign code to apply to all of Clearwater Beach. This committee should consist of a planning official, an architect, a representative of a reputable sign company and three Clearwater Beach residents/business persons. 10. Place in this code a sunset clause for current nonconforming signs. 11 . Begin enforcement of the current code at .once with penalties for violations which can be demonstrated to have occurred since the inauguration of the current code. This might be done with the help, if necessary, of a volunteer committee of Beach citizens. r---- I I I I I -I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 12. Make Clearwater Beach a separate zoning district with respect to the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, and appoint a committee immediately to study the special needs of the Beach and recommend appropriate distances or other restrictions which would be applicable only to the Beach. This committee should consist of a planning official, three representatives of the hospitality industry and three residents who have no business interests on the Beach. 13. Declare Memorial Causeway's roadside to be public park land so that the police can then remove vagrants from the mangroves. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The only expense to the city would be in staff time to revise the current land code and enforce its provisions. Summary of Items Requiring Expenditures and Possible Sources of Funds: To make our vision of Clearwater Beach for 2001 become a reality, both private and public financia'l support will be necessary. While determining exact dollar amounts was beyond the scope of what this Task Force could research in the time available, we would like to offer the following final general comments. The largest expenditure involves the redevelopment of the Eastshore area, which we hope will be attractive to private enterprise. A second major item requiring private investment has to do with the recommended "face lift" for commercial establishments in the core area to implement the suggested architectural theme. We would encourage the Commission and the City staff to seek private developers to assume the risk of the Eastshore project and to find'some financial incentive for present property owners In that area and in the core area to support our recommendations. Implementing other recommendations will require the expenditure of public funds not pre~ently in the City's budget. While this is a ten year plan, we urge immediate consideration of these ideas, so that appropriate budgetary action can be begun. To be specific, public monies will have to be found for these expenditures: · Streetscape, sidewalks, seating, restrooms, lighting Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 84 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 85 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I · Landscaping for sidewalks, parking lots, unimproved la~ds, beach to water line · Streetlamps along causeway and core area streets · Facelift of public buildings where needed to fit architectural theme · Traffic -signs, lights and paint. to redirect traffic · Bike paths and Par course · New tram service and expansion of Jolly Trolley · Culvert system under Memorial Causeway · Pier 60 pavilion and concession area face lift As possible sources of funds to support these projects, we recommend relying heavily on user fees. To be specific, we have recommended the following: · Licenses for vending machines, pay phones on public property · Increased parking fees, leased parking rights and surplus from Parking Fund · Fines for litter, cruiSing or noise violators · Savings in present cost of police aides to control traffic · Downtown C RA for Streetscape carry-over to Beach for tram stops · Stormwater control fees · Advertisements in the Jolly Trolley and new tram We would like to see a Clearwa~er Beach Fund established in the city's budget, with all revenue coming from beach sources deposited to that fund and used exclusively for beach purposes. If that were done, for example, then revenue from Pier Pavilion Inc. ($129,209 in fiscal 1989-90) and from South Beach Pavilion ($109,444 in the same year) could be used for the beach improvements we are recommending, rather than being put in the General Fund. Further, we believe it might be possible to seek and obtain Tourist Development funds and Penny for Pinellas funds for public building construction and improvements (such as a tram terminal and a beach pavilion). We also think that financing the Jolly I I I I I I" I I I I I I I I I I I I I Trolley and the recommended tram service could qualify as a form of advertising for tourists. Finally, it is our understanding that the city has some $2 million worth of "surplus land in Hillsborough County which will not be needed for waste disposal and is considered surplus. Just as a piece of such property has been offered as a swap for land in Island Estates to be used for marina purposes, we would propose the sale of some of that surplus land to underwrite some of the above expenditures. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 86 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task FOlrce 87 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A Clearwater Beach Resident Survey, August 1990 N=155 1. Which of the following words help to capture what life on the Beach is all about? (Check as many as apply) . 78% White sand 70% Friendly 69% Family-oriented 65% Tropical climate 60% Clean 58% Wholesome 50% Remote 44% Resort area 38% Easy to get to 31 % Diverse interests 30% Near big city 28% Not Tacky 25% Small 1 1 % Compact Other: no meters my choice in world to live natural beauty people oriented relaxed atmosphere smiling faces community involvement miles of white sand beach no drinking establishments family resort area no drugs/alcohol safe from crime quaint "prices of djnner safe swimming convenient to airport boating and fishing fun beautifully landscaped casual attire water view dining with parking for boats good shopping malls Comment: · Th~ top six mentions confirm the values written in Vision Statement. · Most of "others" sound the same refrain. · "Not tacky" would have scored higher, but some thought they were asked to describe the present and they felt this is not the case at present. · Others added words about the present, such as "Ugly", "Expensive" I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2. In your own words, what one thing are you most proud of about CI. Beach? Mentions lmm White, powdery, sandy beach and gulf natural beauty, sunsets, climate, wildlife, birds friendly, family oriented people . small, laid back, low key, casual, quiet Causeway and landscaping Community involvement, Task forces drug free, crime free, police protection clean open view trolley, diversity, boating/fishing, swimming, where I live, our police, safety, the North end is safe from greedy commercialism 3. What is your biggest complaint or disappointment about CI. Beach right now? 69 27 15 10 9 9 8 6 5 1 each l1e.m cruising, noise, riff raff, mischievous youth, drinking in cars traffic, Fri nights, Easter Chaos overcrowded, hodge podge commercial area police rudeness & barricades, cruising control, aides unkept property, tacky rentals honky tonk places like Wtngs, PickWick, t-shirt stores trash lack of cleaning North beach of seaweed scientologists, taxes, not clean dirty & fishless Mandalay Bay unleashed dogs sidewalks, big hotel noise, raised bridges, pollution, no bus, catering to young, no culture, building restrictions, old fashioned thinking, Carlouel fence, McDonald's litter, police state presence of police, boats parked in driveway, beige sand starting to mix with white on North end, traffic caused by police, 4. What resort area would you ~ like CI. Beach to be like? Mentions 56 40 "31 17 1 5 1 5 1 1 8 6 each 5 3 1 each The most frequent answer was "ltselr, especially as it was years ago. Other answers: St Armand's Key Palm Beach Sanibel/Captiva Williamsburg Sarasota Innisbrook Naples Mackinaw Island Vero Beach Pebble Beach Bermuda French Riviera Carmel Key West without fags Heaven I Comment: Were the places listed chosen because of something distinctive (reinforcing our effort to think of a theme, a unique characteristic), or because they emphasized the natural beauty of the place? Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 88 - Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 89 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5. What resort area would you li1m like CI. Beach to be like? Fully one-half mentioned one of the places on Florida's east coast (Daytona, Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach). Next came Atlantic City Others: Coney Island (several) Myrtle Beach (several) Clearwater Beach as it now is (several) Davis Island, Tampa Provincetown Mass Indian Rocks Beach Venice, CA St Pete Beach CLba 6. If Clearwater were to have a Convention Center, wilere should it be located? (Check one) 45% Downtown 1 % Clearwater Beach 1 O~ Sand Key 45% No Convention Center Comment: · Three people suggested buying out Maas Brothers as a site. · Several preferred US 19 to Downtown. 7. If Clearwater Beach were to have a boardwalk, where should it be located? (Check one) 7% Along Shoreline 1 6 % Along Parking lot 3 % Street/Boulevard 70% No Boardwalk Comment: "Have boardwalk put in at all entrances from street to cement wall -- similar to one Fred Thomas put in next to his house on Eldorado -- to avoid sandspurs." 8. Are you in favor of a fami/y-oriented attraction on the beach or parking lot area such as a Water Slide or beach entertainment pavilion operated for the benefit of the City? 28% Yes 72% t-.b 2% No Answer Comment: · The question might have been misleading to some, based on written comments, such as "What has the city ever done for us?" · We might have to seek further clarification by explaining that the intent was that revenue should not go to a private interest, but be plowed back to the Beach. · Many explained No, because of added traffic problems. · Four people suggested a movie theatre as a substitute. - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 9. Which would you favor? (Check one) 3 % Convert beach are to parking area 20% Convert parking area to beach area 77% Neither of the above Comment: · Compare this desire for no more parking with answers about parking in a 12 , 13 and 18 · Three suggested "converting T-shirt shops to parking areas". · Three others suggested building a p2r!~ing garage · One suggested more metered diagonal parking between 7-11 and Acacia. 10.. Would you favor a tol/ on the Causeway to help pay for improvements on the Beach, provided a special discount were given to Clearwater residents? 34% Yes 65% No 1 % No Answer Comment: · This question elicited the strongest comments in the margin, such as: "Hell NOI" or "Absolutely notl" and "Where do you people get these crazy ideas?" . · Several of the No answers added: "Free only to Beach residents". · M~ny explained the No answer as meaning another form of tax, with comments such as "My cash is lining too many politician pockets now", or "Do mainland homeowners pay a toll to get home1" · We might need to explore this one further by in depth questioning. · "I would favor a toll only if it were $3.50 or more, with CI Beach residents free and a refund at motel or restaurants or shops if anything bought. This would stop cruising and associated noise that benefits noone." 11. If Clearwater were to have some sort of mass transportation, which arrangement would you prefer? (Check one) 20% Mass transport direct to the Beach 42% Mass transport to downtown with shuttles to the beach 4 0 % No mass transportation Comment: Several of the No answers added comments, such as: "We already have mass transport", "Mass transport never pays for itself" 12. Which of the fol/owing needs do we have on Clearwater Beach? (Check aI/that apply) 61 % Improved traffic flow 52% Improved store fronts and signs 50% Landscaping, green space 40% Improved sid.ewalks 37% More police visibility - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - wow _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 34% Better traffic access to the Beach 30% Bus service to Publix and downtown 28% More parking for residents 22% More parking for visitors 20% More night time activities 16% Less police visibility Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 90 - C~eall'Watell' Beach BllUle Ribbon Task !Force 91 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Comment: · Attention to landscaping, store fronts and sidewalks confirms our p priority to beautification. · Again, relatively less demand for more. parking. . Compare the desire for more police visibility with complaints in Q 3 about traffic control measures on the week-end. 13. Whom should the city parking lots serve first? (Check one) 10% Tourists 25% Residents (locals) 60% General Public 5% No answer Comment: · This was an attempt to see if there is need for parking OTHER THAN WHERE IT NOW IS, and FOR WHOM. The question was not a good one, because answers indicated people thought of EXISTING city parking lots and drew other comments such as: "First come, first serve", and "no meters", and "keep them open longer" · At least the answers showed no desire for special preference for those who live on the Beach. 14. If Clearwater Beach should seek more hotels/motels, which type is preferable? (Check one) 1 0 % Small motels 1 0 % Large hotels 70% No more hotels/motels 1 0 % No answer 15. What is your view of tourism here? (Check one) 20% We need to promote it more 20% We need to promote it less 60% It gets the right amount of attention 16. Are you in favor of making the ~each a special planning or redevelopment district like the Downtown Development District? (Check one) 27% Yes 37% No 27% Work jointly with Downtown Comment: · Seemed to be a new idea to many people. Many questions, such as: "How can this be done?" · Also several strong comments: "Absolutely notl" 10% No Answer 17. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 - best), how satisfied are you with the following? (Indicate level of satisfaction for each) 7.97 Jolly trolley services on the Beach 7. 1 4 Emergency services to the Beach 6.83 Safety and security of your home 6 . 75 Cleanliness of Beach sands 6.55 Quality of restaurants on Beach - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 6.30 Cleanliness of residential areas 5.51 Number of drinking establishments 5. 1 2 Noise control 5. 11 Quality of retail shops on Beach . 4.58 Traffic to and from CI Beach 4.54 Family entertainment on Beach 4.43 Traffic on Beach streets 4.41 Opening Dunedin Pass 4.35 General support from City personnel 3.85 Building restrictions 2.99 City taxes Comment: · We are interested here in areas of relative satisfaction for most people, so as not to be over-reacting to episodic or anecdotal information. The numbers shown here are the "average score" on the scale of 1 to 10. The higher the number (e.g., 8.02) the more satisfaction (e.g., people are most pleased with the jolly trolley) and less need to take action. The lower the number (e.g., 3.02), the more dissatisfaction (e.g., people are most displeased with city taxes), and more need to take action. · There's a top third of low priority for us; a middle third of some con- cern, and bottom third of high priority. · Th'e item on drinking establishments was a poor question. Some gave it a high score, saying "we don't want any more of them"; while others gave it a low score, saying "we don't need any more of them." · Opening Dunedin Pass wa~ also a poor question. Some gave it a high score, meaning they are pleased with no action, while others gave it a low score, saying they don't want it opened. 18. How important is each of the following on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 - most important): 9.20 Controlling pollution of the Bay 8.60 Limiting property assessment increases 8.22 Eliminate cruising and association noise 8.08 Replacing Sand Key Bridge 7.24 Beautifying the main thoroughfares 6.86 Enforcing current code require!":1ents 6.47 Limiting the cars coming to the Beach 5.43 Expanding public transport routes 4.75 Promoting the Beach as a resort area Comment: 4.50 Relaxing building/remodelling limits 4.28 Attracting more special events 3.92 Adding more parking at public lots · This is the opposite of the previous question. We are looking for relative priority. The numbers shown here are the average score on a scale of 1 to 10. The higher the number; the higher the priority to take action; the lower the number, the lower the priority to take action. Again, there's a top third of high priority, a middle third of medium priority and a bottom third of low priority. · Note extremely high interest in pollution of the Bay. Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 92 Clearwater Beach BllUle Ribbon Task Force 93 I I I I I I I I _M I I I I I I I I I I I 19. Would you favor relaxing height limitations on building construction or renovation? 23% Yes 74% r-.b 3% No answer 20. Would you attend an open Town Meeting to discuss Task Force recommendations before our report is finalized? 82% Yes 15% r-.b 3 % No answer Additional Comments to the entire survey: · "Nothing will happen anyways" · "We responsible dog owners would like a place to walk our dogs on the beach like other areas offer". · "Relocate bridge from mainland to Sand Key to avoid funneling traffic thru the Beach." · "Secede from Clearwater" (six people). · "What does the city do with taxes paid by people staying on the Beach? General Fund?" I I APPENDIX B I CLEARWATER BEACH COMMERCIAL SURVEY, JULY 1990 N=47 I 1. Respondents' type of f?usiness: Retail 1 9 I Motel 13 Hotel 4 Restaurant/Snack Bar 7 I Service 5 2. Respondents' years in Business: I 1-5 years 12 5 -1 0 13 11-15 8 I 16-20 9 28 1 30 2 I 40. 1 42 years 1 Average business experience: 13 years I 3. Customer Base: Tourist 36 I Out of state 9 Local/city 6 Foreign 3 I 4. Compared to customer base 5 years ago: Foreign 29 I Tourist 1 0 Out of state 5 Local/city 1 I 5. Customers that spend the most money: Tourist 23 I Foreign 1 3 Out of state 1 0 Local/city 7 I 6. Customer Preference: I Tourist 15 Foreign 9 Out of state 7 Local/city 1 0 I I Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 94 ClsallWatsl1' Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 95 .1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Comment: Restaurants prefer locals because they are a year round trade. Hotels/ Motels prefer tourists: they spend more money, make good guests. Hotel/motel operators usually raise their rates in season to make up for off season. Restaurants in this area do not, probably because of their local customers. 7. Type of customers: Family 35 Couples 25 Students/young adults 5 Business 4 8. Type of customers compared to five years ago: Same . 9. Compared to five years ago, doing ~ business with: Students/young adults Business Family 16 (by choice) 9 7 10. Percentage of customers that use city parking: 8 businesse~ 4 4 1 1 12 8 - 100% 60-95% 25-35% 5-15% 0% no answer 11. Business activity times: Morning Afternoon Evening Night 17 22 1 7 5 12. Length of stay compared to five years ago: Decreased 1 8 Increased 9 Same 3 13. Origin of customers: Out of state 39 Foreign 11 Local 4 14. Best income months: First: March 36 Second: April 2, Third: February 8 15. Business Activity: I I I I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I Weekends Weekdays Same 2 28 1 6 16. Business activity is primarily: Seasonal Year round 9 38 17. Has business season changed compared to five years ago: f\b Yes 8 30 18. Repeat customer business compared to five years ago: Increased Decreased Same 1 30 1 1 19. Customer ~ge group: 40-65 years 2 8 25-40 20 17-24 1 20. Compared to five years ago, are your customers demanding more quality, . sophisticated, expensive products: Yes N:> 17 28 21. Reasons customers choose Clearwater Beach: The beach 3 5 Friendliness 9 Family atmosphere 9 Sun/warm weather 8 Quality of life/ cleanliness 6 22. Most often heard customer compliment about the beach: Beautiful, white sandy beach 22 Cleanliness 9 friendly atmosphere 4 23. Most often heard customer complaint about the beach: Police traffic routing Parking Noise Large presence of police 21 17 12 7 24. Activities customers want: Night time activities Family entertainment Beach sports Movie theater Dancing, live bands 13 5 6 5 3 3anvater Beach Blue Ribbon Task !Force 96 Amusement park Outdoor concerts Sight seeing Museums Craft shows Quality shopping Money exchange 25. Are your customers more price conscious today compared to 5 years ago? 3 2 2 Yes I\b 6 No change 32 26. Most important business change in last five years? Traffic problems 6 Less demand for business 5 Larger hotels 4 Lower quality of customers 3 European business 3 Shorter stay 3 Cruising 2 Less family business 2 More services offered 2 27. Changes in business you would want in the next five years: Family entertainment activities 1 3 Improved parking/traffic 1 0 Improved city services (trash sidewalks, police) 5 More latitude in building/ . remodeling 5 Promotion and advertising 5 Upscale, quality shopping 4 Emphasis on importance of tourism for Clearwater 3 28. The resort you would most like Clearwater Beach to be like: Sanibel/Captiva 5 Longboat Key, St. Armand's Circle 4 Lahaina (Hawaii) 2 Vail/Aspen (Colorado) 2 Daytona Beach 2 Martha/s Vineyard 2 29. The resort you would l1fU want Clearwater Beach to be like: Daytona Beach Miami Beach Atlantic City Fort Lauderdale 26 7 7 6 Cleali"Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force - 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 97 - I I I .1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 30. Preferred convention center location: Downtown Beach Sand Key No center 22 14 4 5 31. The asset that draws most business to Clearwater Beach: Beautiful white sandy beach 4 0 Family atmosphere 4 Friendliness 3 Weather 3 32. What would you improve in your beach community? Traffic flow, traffic access to beach, mass transportation 2 0 Landscaping, green space, sidewalks store fronts/signs 1 5 Law enforcement, police image 1 4 Parking, lots open 24 hours, more -parking for resid~nts, attendant parking, remove meters 11 33. Who should the city parking lots serve first: Tourist 17 Public 12 Locals 1 4 34, 35, 36, 37. Where should the boardwalk be located? Along shoreline Along parking lot Streetlblvd None at all 33 No 30 No 30 No 15 No 13 Yes 16 Yes 16 Yes 26 Yes 38. Are you in favor of a beach attraction on the beach or parking lot area for a Wet and Wild water slide or beach entertainment pavilion? Yes t-.b 17 30 39. Mass transportation and shuttles from downtown to the beach with fewer parking lots on the beach: Very favorable Mass transportation 17 Yes 13 Yes 7No 7No 40. Converting beach park lands into more parking lots: Yes t-.b. 32 8 11. Converting existing beach parking lots into more parklands: Yes t-.b 36 1 0 1arwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task lForce .. 98 - CleaD'Water Beach BllUle Ribbon Task Force 99 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C Guidelines for Location of Newspaper Dispensers May 27, 1988 Circulation Managers/Area News Publishers Gentlemen:- The City of Clearwater has from time to time received complaints from various citizens and groups expressing concerns as to the existence of certain newspaper dispensers out and about the community and requests that we seek their removal or relocation. We have, when we perceived a significant degree of validity of the complaint (usually relating to safety considerations), asked you on occasion to remove or relocate those specific dispensers, and you have generally cooperated and done so. Now, for some reason not known to us, we have for the past few months been deluged with complaints relating not only to an occasional site-specific dispenser but containing expressions of general displeasure with the numerical proliferation of the dispensers and their impact on aesthetics. Complaints relative to safety have also greatly increased. I myself have observed, as I never have before, that certain dispensers have even been placed immediately adjacent to the street curblines on major streets, oriented toward the motorists, presumably to invite motorists to stop in the outside traffic lane to purchase a paper and, presumably, jump back into the car and proceed on their way. Although we have a City ordinance which we believe clearly addresses the matter of items of merchandising, or, for that matter, any physical substance, in the public right-of-way, we have not, in deference to our respect for certain rights you enjoy, applied it to you in any form beyond an occasional letter or phone call concerning a particular dispenser. It does now, however, seem advisable that we adopt a more structured approach to this matter and that guidelines be established which would address the safety of the public and simultaneously recognize the unique and special consideration we believe due you. Please attach the attached self-explanatory sketches which we have developed as guidelines for dispenser placement. We believe them to be fair and reasonable. We would hope that you might concur and honor the goals they were drawn to achieve. Please also call or write my office should you have any comments or information which .would help us in any way. We would appreciate a reply by June 15, 1988. . We plan to begin enforcing a program of dispenser regulation after receiving your input and arriving at what we can hopefully all agree is a reasonable form of monitoring. Yours very truly, William C. Baker Director Public Works ATTACHMENT - II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I GUIDEUNES FOR LOCATION OF NEWSPAPER DISPENSERS 1. Residential width sidewalk (3-S feet), with grass or shoulder area between curb and sidewalk: . Dispensers may not be located directly behind curb regardless of orientation . Dispensers may be located in grass plot, adjacent to sidewalk and oriented toward sidewalk . Dispensers may not be placed in sidewalk path 2. Commercial width sidewalk (10 or more feet): . Di,spensers may be located on sidewalk, on either side, oriented toward sidewalk and leaving maximum clear center path :Iearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 100 (please see next unnumbered page) , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX D Architect's Rendering of Mandalay Front Elevations C!eal1'Watel/' Beach Blue Ribbon Task FOl/'ce 101 I I I I ,I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX E Architect's Streetscape Planter Sketch (please see next nm unnumbered pages) Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 102 - -I I I I I I I 1 1 1 'I 1 I 1'1 1 -I 1 1 ,I APPENDIX F Architect's Public Restrooms Sketch (please see next unnumbered page) Clearwater Beach BIllie Ribbon Task Force 103 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX G Proposed Changes in Auto Traffic (please see next unnumbered page) Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 104 I- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. I I 111 ~~ t,. = C) .1, t, ~~\ - ~~ --. :tNOlC"'TES t~7 ONe."WA r ST" tI\ RO~Te -rRA t I. I I l i I I , I I ,j , I I. . AM..~'C' ____~ ..... . ~-- ~ ~~ ~ .~ ~ ~ ~~ D'l,'IC ~ ~ , .".., , ~ -- I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I II I I I APPENDIX H Police Survey of Cruising Problem in Other Cities 1 2 The following is a summary of each agency's comments on their problems and the solutions they have developed. Clearwater. FL: Our experience is well known to all of us and I included it in the survey as a point of reference for the other agencies. Our problem is primarily on Friday and Saturday nights but also includes Spring Break and other holidays. Clearwater has tried every possible method to curtail the problem with the traffic diversion plan and Police Aides program being most successful. Ft Lauderdale. FL: Their problems are weekends and Spring Break. They have tried a variety of solutions. They attempted to enact an ordinance to control cruising but were not able to as a result of an opinion from the Florida Attorney General indicating that municipalities cannot control that type of activity on state roads. They are using a traffic diversion plan that has brought the problem to tolerable levels. They also use heavy enforcement of all laws and parking regulations. Orlando. FL: Their problem is a weekend one and is centered on International Drive. The Drive is mostly hotels and shops that cater to the Disney World tourists. They use a traffic diversion plan that is widely supported by the businesses in the area who pay for the officers at a rate of $20.00 per hour for 15 officers and deputies. The businesses opposed an attempt to make the Drive one way. All laws are heavily enforced. They looked into an anti-cruising law but felt it would be unconstitutional and impossible to enforce. They are satisfied with their efforts and although they still have cruisers, they no longer have gridlocked traffic. Livermore CA: They had a long standing problem and had tried all other methods without success. They enacted an anti-cruising ordinance which they heavily enforced for about two months. Cruising increased during those months and media coverage was intense.. The ordinance proved effective and the cruising is gone. They found the ordinance expensive to enforce, over $3,000 per night in overtime. They attribute the success of the law to the heavy fines. Los Gatos. CA: They too had a long standing problem and had tried all other methods. without success. Los Gatos enacted an anti-cruising ordinance, and amiqst heavy media coverage only wrote 13 citations. The business community did not support the ordinance at first, especially those who were open while the cruisers were in town. Support (grew) as the problem diminished. They view the ordinance as difficult and expensive to enforce averaging $11,000 per weekend night. Although the problem is over, it sppears it is returning. Modesto, CA: This is another case of a city with a long term problem centering on weekend nights. All other attempts to control it were less than successful. They passed an anti-cruising ordinance and never had to enforce it because the cruising stopped. They attribute the success to the heavy fine structure. They were prepared to issue written warnings to every motorist that passed the check points and to divert traffic off 12 Excerpt of Memo to Chief of Police from Beach District Commander, 9/28/90 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 105 - Cleal/'Wa~er Beach BILlIe Ribbon Task Force 106 I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I. I I 1 1 I. of the street and into a parking lot to accomplish the task. They feel lucky that it was not necessary to do those things as it would have been very time consuming and expensive. Knoxville TN: Their problem lasted just one year. They employed the saturation patrol and heavy enforcement method to the problem along with heavy media coverage of a proposed anti-cruising ordinance that they never enacted. The problem has not returned. Mesquite TX: They had a pro,blem for the past twelve years and had tried all other methods with little success. They enacted an anti-cruising ordinance with a misdemeanor of up to $500. Their ordinance does not require warnings and they felt that issuing warnings would create a situation where the cruisers would continue to cruise until they got a warning then park. They no longer have a problem although they continue to monitor the area and are prepared to set up their check points whereever necessary. The police used laptop computers to track the traffic so that citations could be written when appropriate. Renton WA: They had a long standing problem and had tried all other methods without success. They enacted an anti-cruising ordinance and never had to enforce it but were prepared to at all cost. They attribute the success of the ordinance to the heavy fine of $250. They have a computer that tracks the vehicles going past the check points and alerts the officer when a vehicle is in violation. Recommendation: It is my opinion that an anti-cruising ordinance could be effective under certain conditions. .1 believe that Florida State Statute 316.008 {t} allows municipalities to enact laws that regulate emergency or special conditions. Cruising is most certainly a special condition. If the City chooses to enact an anti-cruising ordinance then they must be prepared to propose a heavy fine in excess of $100 for the first offense. A lesser fine would result in just another citation issued which we will be able to count in the thousands. The ordinance should not include a requirement to issue warnings prior to a citation for that would make enforcement extremely difficult and much more intrusive in the community. The Community must be prepared for the police presence necessary to endorce such a law with check points and signs and police officers, for surely we cannot assume that the mere passage of the law will solve the problem even as we hope that it will as it has in other communities. York PA: The next unnumbered page from ABA Journal of July 1990 provides a similar report on that city's experience, including a legal justification for such an ordinance by a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Right to travel, but not to cruise If you saw the movie "American I Graffiti,- you can pretty well imag- ine what York, Pa.'s downtown streets look like on a summer's eve. They are full of cars being driven slowly and aimlessly by teens for whom "cruising" is a time-honored IIOCi8l ritual. Teen-agers are not the best of drivers, but York's cruisers are worse than most. Inter-auto conversations take prec:edenceover traffic signals- iD8tead of I'Ilnning red lights they stay put at green ones 80 as not to interrupt the chat-and the volume altraflic can be 80 heavy that a trip at two blocks can take 20 minutes. BU8e8 and emergency vehicles are eometimea held up. . None of this was good news to the city fathers, who responded by enacting an ordinance that prohib- ited cruising-not only on summer weekend nights but all nights. The ordinAnce made it illegal to drive past a "traftic-control point" (all of them clearly identified) more than twice in any two-hour interval be- tween seven in the evening and 3:30 in the morning. The cruisers responded with a lawsuit that claimed the ordinance was an infringement on their consti- tutional right to traveL A U.S. . district judge dismissed their ac- tion, and the U.S. Court of Appeals far the 3rd Circuit affirmed, but not before declaring that the doctrine of substantive due process protects a right of intrastate travel. r. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I BY PAUL REIDINGER y........ I The heart of the cruisers' com- plaint was that the ordinance was DDt the least restrictive means of achieving the city's objective. The city argued that even if there were a constitutional right of interstate travel municipal regulation of a local b-amc problem did not impli- cate the U.S. Constitution. The ap- pellate court rejected both these contentions. Instead the court concluded that "there aista an unenumerated constitutional right of intrastate I travel- that "grows out of substan- tive due process. - But that right, the 12 AlA JOURNAL / JULY 1990 Trends in the Law Oft Road court added, was subject to "time, place and manner" restrictions akin to those in First Amendment law. Judge Edward R. Becker ac- knowledged that "academic argu- ments have been made for abandon- ing the doctrine of substantive due process altogether, either because the Due Process Clause on its face seems to regulate only matters of procedure or because any doctrine of implied fundamental rights argua- bly intrudes upon the majoritarian processes by which a democratic society governs itself.- But he said that the Supreme Court's complete repudiation of sub- stantive due process was "an un- likely prospect" and that it there- fore fen to the courts to make "unquestionably ad hoc judgments" about what substantive rights the due-process clause does and does not protect. . "We conclude," he said, "that the right to move freely about one's neighborhood or town, even by auto- mobile, is indeed 'implicit in the concept of ordered liberty' and 'deeply rooted in the Nation's history.''' That right is not absolute, how- ever: "[J]ust as the right to speak cannot conceivably imply the right to speak whenever, wherever and however one pleases-even in pub- lic fora specifically used for speech- 80 too the right to travel cannot conceivably imply the right to travel whenever, wherever and however one pleases-even on roads specifi- cally designed for public travel." The city's anti-cruising ordi- nance was reasonable, Becker said, because "York's interests in ensur- ing public safety and reducing the significant congestion caused by cruis- ing are plainly significant," while the ordinance "prohibits only cer- tain repetitive driving around the [downtown] loop. ..... TIM ...... The court also rejected an over- breadth claim, noting that the ~ trine "has never been reco~ outside the context of the First Amendment. ..... (Lutz 11. City of York, No. 89- 5252, March 28, 1990.) 1 , ~ APPENDIX I Proposed Eastshore Area Redevelopment Plan (please see next unnumbered page) Cleal1WateD" Beach BllUle Ribbon Tasllt !Force 107 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX J Architect's Pavilion Sketch (please"see next unnumbered page) CleaB'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 108 r II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX K Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) I. History: The basic concept of using tax increment financing was first used in the early 1950's in California. This concept was later refined and expanded by the mid to lat 1970's in Washington, D.C. into the concept presently used. II. Purpose: The basic purpose of a CRA is to be the impetus (by means of condemna- tion for private development and tax increment financing) of the redevelopment of an area of "blight", by either private developers, the local government or a joint effort between local government and private developers. For example, in area in Washington, D.C. has deteriorated to a point where properties were unsafe and abandoned, store fronts burned out and crime rampant. The area had basically ceased to exist as a retail, office or residential market. Thus, in the early 1970's the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corp was established to formulate a plan and method to complete the plan for the redevelopment of this area. (Parcel 254-A, National Square). The plan envisioned 410,000 sq. ft. of office, 774 motel rooms, 75,000 sq. ft. of rental, 1700 seat theatre and 450 parking spaces. The plan was adopted by Congress in 1975 and vested for the first time to a Public Corporation {rather than a government composed of ele.cted officials the following: 1. the "expanded" powers of Eminent Domain 2. the ability to raise funds by various techniques (tax increment financing, special taxing district, etc.) 3. the right to oversee and approve both public and private development 4. the right to enter into Development Agreements within the district on behalf of the local government 5. the right to purchase, hold or lease land and buildings, while assembling for large scale development 6. the right to provide financial support and financing to the developer in order to make the development more ~:;1ancially. rewarding (to buy down the risk to the developer). III. How a CRA Operates: 1. The local government establishes the Agency by ordinance. In Clearwater this was done by Resolution No. 81-68. 2. The local government establishes the need for the redevelopment and establishes the area to be developed. In Clearwater Resolution No. 81-67 established the "blighted district" which was to be made available for redevelopment. 3. The local government, through its CRA, establishes the sources of revenue. These sources would include tax increment financing, community Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 109 C~eali'Water Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 110 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I development block grants, urban development action grants, special assessments, etc. 4. The local government, through its CRA, advertises for developers through a Request for Proposal (RFP). 5. The local government, through its CRA and developer, awards a developer with the project and signs agreements. 6. The local government, through its CRA and developer, completes feasibility studies. 7. The local. government, through its CRA then assembles and clears the site for the developer. 8. Development commences. IV. Tax Increment Financino Tax increment financing became popular in the late .1960's as federal funds for urban projects became scarce. This mechanism uses projected increases in property tax revenues in a development area over a specific period of time to back bonds that are used to finance project costs in the area. Only the tax base - not the tax rate or the tax revenue - is frozen during the yea.rs when a tax increment program is in effect. All tax increments realized during that time by all. taxing entities with jurisdiction in the development area are turned over to the local development agency to be used to retire the tax increment bonds. The decisions about whether and how tQ use tax increment financing are made entirely by local officials. . The tax increment district is usually a deteriorating area of the city where redevelopment or new private development requires some kind of municipal incentive to take place. With the adoption of a redevelopment plan for the area, there are to be included in the tax increment district is established and the tax base determined. The tax base is the assessed valuation of teach property in the ta.x increment district or redevelopment project area at the time of the last equalized tax roll. Each taxing jurisdiction continues to receive its percentage of the taxes collected based on the level of assessed valuation at the time the plan was adopted, but any increased taxes (the increment) resulting from increased property value or new construction are allocated to pay for improvements in the project area. The formula used to determine the amount of the tax increment is: I = r (n - i) where: I . the tax increment r. the tax rate n - the new assessed valuation produced by development i .. the assessed valuation at the time the plan was adopted Tax increment financing can be used for long term debt service or direct capital costs. Typically, it covers land acquisition and site preparation, relocation expenses, public improvement, public facilities, administration costs, and consultant costs. After II I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I project related indebtedness is paid off, the increased tax increment then reverts to general revenues (unless earmarked for another potential project). Using Clearwater as an example of how tax increment financing operates: the district was defined in 1981 and generally encompasses from Drew St. on the North to basically Park St. to the South to Fredrica on the East to Osceola on the West. The ad valorem taxes in 191 were $84,658,490 when the ordinance was enacted. The ad valorem taxes for the 1989-90 were $158,802,070. The tax rates for Pinellas County and Clearwater totalled approximately 13 mills. Using the formula "I .. r{n-i)" I (tax increment) .. tax rate x (1989-90 assessment - 1981 assessment) .. 13 mills x $74,143,590 tax increment .. $964,000 Thus Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency has approximately $964,000 to spend on projects within the district for the year 89-90. This amount could also be bonded to create a lump sum for redevelopment in the millions of dollars. V. Benefits of a Community Redevelopment Agency: 1. To the City: A.. A blighted area is redeveloped into a more attractive, vibrant market B. As a result of the new development, higher taxes are created, both sales taxes and property taxes C. As a result of the new development, new jobS are created within the district. 2. To the developer: A. Land assemblage is provided for him by the CRA. whose condemnation powers are vastly expanded in a blighted redevelopment district. B. Favorable terms could be extended to the developer in purchasing or long term leasing of the land assembled for development by the eRA. C. Favorable financing could be provided to the developer by the CRA; from buydowns on the interest to assistance in his up-front development costs. (The combination of Band C help reduce the risk to a developer.) D. As an added incentive, the city may become a tenant in the new development. By doing this, the developer further reduces risk and also obtains a lease which can be used to finance more of the development. Vi. Liabilities of a CRA 1. To the City: A. The tax increment which is reinvested into the district never reaches the general operating fund of the city. Thus, as the years progress and the cost of the city services increase throughout the city, those areas not Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 111 Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force 112 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I within the redevelopment district incur a disproportionate share because any increase in property taxes from the district is reinvested only within the district for development purposes. B. If the redevelopment project underwritten and financed by the CRA is not successful, the agency could be required to continue to pay on an obligation for years in the future. C. If a redevelopment district is established in an area where true "blight" does not exist, a negative business environment would be created for the business within that district. D. There could be tunnel vision on the part of a CRA, whereby only one type of development is selected (such as only office buildings will be built) or a project beyond the economic constraints of the district is undertaken, which would jeopardize any future activities if the project is unsuccessful. I I I I I I I I I I f I ~ Gordon McDougall (Carom. Regulski) 1/:>' 815 Bruce Ave., 34630 Jay F. Keyes (Comm. Nunamaker) 100 Devon Dr., 34630 I I I I I I I - .CLEAR\o:ATER BEACH BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE . (15 MEMBERS) John Doran (Clw. Beach Assoc.) 0: 662 Mandalay Ave., 34630 H: 65 Verbena St., 34630 Don Seaton (Clw. Innkeepers ASSOC.) 0: Sea Wake Resorts, 445 Harnden Dr., 34630 . H: 520 Belle Isle Ave., Belleair Beach, 34635 stephen R. Fowler (Chamber of. Commerce) 0: Fowler Associates Architects 1421 Court St., Suite 0, 34616 H: 319 Roehling Rd. N., Belleair, 34616 Kenneth G. Rosenow (Clw. Beach (Resort) Motel Assoc.) 0:. Aegean-Spyglass Resorts, 421 Gulfview Blvd., 34630 .. H: 2341 Haitian Dr., #59, Top of the World ph: 447-9579 ph: 442..9855 ph: 442-6123 ph: 596-4216 ph: 449..2021 ph: 461-2930 ph: 447-3464 ph: 796-0204 Julie Tiernan (Clw. Beach Merchants Assoc.) 0: Julie's Seafood & Sunsets, 351 Gulfview Blvd. S., 34630 ph: 443-5417 H: 479 East Shore Dr. #3, 34630 ph: 442-5352 Anne McKay Garris (Mayor Garvey) 38 Acacia St., 34630 Walter Wellborn, Jr., M.D. 150 Devon Dr., 34630 (l-1ayor Garvey) \J~ otto P. Gans (Comm. Regulski) 86B S. Bayway Blvd., Apt. 313, 34630 (Comm. Nunamaker~'~~ ~ 34616 Arthur X. Deegan II (Camm. Fitzgerald) ~\ . 891 Island Way, 34630 ~~~ Major Martin (Comm. Fitzgerald) 23~4 Stag Run Blvd., 34625 Phil Henderson, Pres. (Comn\. Berfield) Anderson Bay Cruise, Inc. 0: 25 Causeway Blvd./P.O. Box 3335, 34630 H: 55 Rogers St. 6404, 34616 David R. Little (Comm. 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' 'c'1~.\:'Q. II' ) { '\t. / ~~ti-- ~L.. t _ - f~.s... ~ _\ .!4 r- ~. ~ ~ 7' ."~ b- ~ L-. '\. 1 l'f -X: . ~ .___. N~ ~I ~4 ", ~- -~ 1 s- ~ '\j ~~ ~- ~ I , , ~ II ; ~ ,,- : ; :,\--, ~. ~ \ \ ~ Ir ~~.!tf~C~~TES II 1421 COURT STREET SUlE 0 CLEARWATER 34616 813 4 ......1; ~'P. ~ \ --------------- . ..:: J -<< 111111 FOWLER ASSOClA TES 11_ ARCHITECTS, Ne. II 1421 COURT STREET, SUTE D CLEARWATER Fl 34616 813/449- P.ROJECT~ ~~. COMM. NO.. ~~ FlU! NO. JJ._ ." DATE ~ 1. I I I I I , \ -..- - - .- _..- - - - - I \ \ \ \ \ \ , I , I I I I , - - . . . , \ I . \ \ , . II \\ \ \ ' I \ I,' I', I I. I" II . I .,' , , I:" " " " " . " \I ~ ~ ~ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ , I . , , I t' \ ~ \. \