03/18/1997HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 18, 1997
Present: David C. Berry Chair
Margaret Kieh l Vice-Chair
Jean Stuart Board Member
Don McCarty Senior Planner, Central Permitting
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent:: Ric Ortega Board Member
Cookie Gilreath Board Member
The meeting was called to order by Chair Berry at 1:00 p.m. at the Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue, Clearwater. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will
be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Approval of minutes - February 18, 1997
Member Stuart moved to approve the minutes of February 18, 1997 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2. Discussion of Historic Preservation Matters
Central Permitting Senior Planner, Don McCarty, updated the Board on the Historic Buildings Survey. Central Permitting staff have prepared an RFP (Request for Proposal) to allow the
City to solicit services for a consultant to perform an inventory of historic buildings in the downtown and old Clearwater neighborhoods. The survey is anticipated to take 6 to 8 months.
This Board and Central Permitting staff will probably be asked to help with the coordination and tabulation of survey information.
Discussion ensued regarding the Mandalay Streetscape Project. The project has been put on hold until 1998. Considerations included the limited timeframe to complete the project, residents’
concerns regarding accessibility to residents’ homes, and traffic congestion. Existing traffic problems currently exist due to available access to the south beach area and the Pier
60 Park , and some of the stop lights feeding to and from the beach. The Mandalay Streetscape Project will enhance the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere in the area. The adjoining streets
will require updating in order for this project to accommodate traffic smoothly. It was noted that once an area is updated and beautified, businesses tend to maintain their properties
at a higher level.
It was noted that the LDC (Land Development Code) revision is ongoing. It is in the preliminary form and applies to City ordinances from subdivisions to the industrial sector. All
City Boards will be informed about how the LDC will affect operations throughout the City.
Several different types of activities are taking place throughout the City. Sidewalk and corner improvements for handicapped access, new sidewalks installed to
replace damaged ones or in areas where none previously existed, increasing turning radiuses on corners of certain intersections, providing turning lanes, and beautification of various
areas throughout the City are all projects currently taking place.
It was noted that the old Police Building is scheduled to be demolished today or tomorrow, and replaced with a 500-space parking garage. The portion of the Pinellas Trail in that area
will be taken out. The Pinellas Trail in the Clearwater “cap” area is not very scenic due to the diminished space. It will basically serve as a method of connecting the 2 existing
points through the heart of the downtown area. Suggestions have been made that any place the City has control of or has adjoining property, that the City provide amenities associated
with the area. It was remarked that the railroad had some concerns about the proximity of the Pinellas Trail to the railroad.
3. Discussion of Worthwhile Historic Projects
Renovation of homes on Turner Street was discussed. Members are encouraged to visit the section west of Fort Harrison Avenue toward the Harbor. It was noted the house located at the
northwest corner of Turner Street and Fort Harrison Avenue built by A. C. Turner and Billford Bridge was the first brick house built in Clearwater. It is difficult to see since it is
hidden by another building. The former Bank of Clearwater building has been renovated and a tremendous amount of money, effort and thought was put into the project. The County Courthouse
restoration will include a beautifully landscaped courtyard area to integrate all the buildings. Other properties were discussed and it is unknown whether some of the projects include
replications of original architecture or use of salvaged items. When adaptive use is involved rather than restoration, no recognition can be awarded. It was suggested that the May
meeting of the Historical Preservation Board include a tour of some of the homes that are being renovated so that Board members can more accurately recommend historic designation.
Mr. Mike Sanders of the Clearwater Historical Society arrived and joined in the discussion. He invited Board Members to the Historical Society’s twice annual fish fry on May 3, 1997.
This event is the main fund raiser for the Clearwater Historical Society.
It was noted there are several properties adjacent to the “train station” depot which were purchased by one individual. They are currently before the DRB (Design Review Board) for
approval of plans scheduled for the former Badcock Furniture building to the west of the train station. The proposed use is for a Pinch A Penny store. The original plan called for
demolition of the added-on front of the building that bordered the sidewalk and construction of a new front back to the original building line with columns and a roof shape and overhangs
that “simulated” the design on the depot. The DRB was enthusiastic about the plan and approved it. Once work began, it was discovered the front end of the building was not as deteriorated
as originally suspected and the owner filed an amendment asking the DRB to re-approve the plan as amended. The DRB was not enthusiastic about the amended changes and felt a lot of the
compatibility and charm would be lost. Plans will again be resubmitted to the DRB for approval. It is believed that after the Pinch A Penny store is in place, the owner will begin
work on the train station. Rumors about various other potential uses of the train station have surfaced, but the specific proposed use is unknown.
A member questioned the term of members of this Board. At one time term limits were 3 years and it is believed they have been changed to 4 years. Mr. McCarty will verify terms with
the City Clerk before the next meeting.
Mr. McCarty reminded Board members of the April Appreciation Dinner.
The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
_________________________________
Chair, Historic Preservation Board
Attest:
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Board Reporter