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03/17/1998HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 17, 1998 Present: Margaret Kiehl Chair David Berry Board Member Cookie Gilreath Board Member Ric Ortega Board Member Jean Stuart Board Member Karen Seel City Commissioner Mike Roberto City Manager (arrived 1:30 p.m.) Don McCarty Central Permitting Senior Planner Jon Lewis Intern, City Manager’s Office Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. at the historic Plumb House, 1350 South Greenwood Avenue. To provide continuity for research, the items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #1 - Presentation - One City. One Future. - Michael Roberto, City Manager Commissioner Seel said the City is considering buying the old Capitol Theater, and restoring it with State historical grants for use as a performing arts theater or other activities. Senior Planner Don McCarty said based on pictures of the original theater, restoring it would be a credit to the community. Commissioner Seel requested HPB (Historic Preservation Board) members note sites for neighborhood landmark markers. Honoring those who have contributed to the City’s history is being considered. Mr. McCarty said the new owners of the Wiseman Building may open a restaurant and bar. He has seen some of the preservation of historic features and elements. In response to a question, Mr. McCarty said the historic Plumb House had been moved from Lakeview Avenue to its current location. Copies of the One City. One Future. brochure and the City’s Clearwater magazine were distributed. The City Manager said the City Commission spent almost a year identifying the City’s Vision, which is the backbone of One City. One Future. This blueprint considers that all areas of the City are interrelated and must be addressed comprehensively. Short term concepts will involve a 3-5 year timeframe, and 10-15 years long term. Public input is being compiled regarding 5 major areas: 1) Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard enhancements that define the City’s character; 2) downtown improvements to define the community, provide a reason to visit, focus on pedestrian orientation, promote the “east beach”, energize the bayfront, convert the bluff to green space, double the size of Coachman Park, and improve economic and quality of life opportunities; 3) redesign beach pedestrian areas to maximize the water view, improve the transition between residential and commercial areas, and improve traffic flow across the causeway and on the beach; 4) North Greenwood, which is most impacted by downtown changes, provides an opportunity for positive change; and 5) revise the Land Development Code to facilitate redevelopment. The concept seeks to increase dock space and waterfront access. It will be funded in part by Penny for Pinellas funds. It is important for the City to show the community investing in public property is worthwhile. Public and private partnerships and community consensus will be key to the success of One City. One Future. In response to a question, the City Manager said as plans progressed, the costs to build a beach swimming pool increased dramatically from the original estimate. A beach pool is still being considered. He stated a recreation center with a swimming pool planned for North Greenwood will be funded by Penny for Pinellas funds. Discussion ensued regarding parking, traffic studies, increased traffic flow, entertainment sites, pedestrian walkways, the Harborview Center, and the Phillies’ stadium. Asymmetrical pairs are being considered on Myrtle and Ft. Harrison Avenues to facilitate north and southbound traffic. In response to a question, the City Manager recommended the Main Library be constructed at Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland Street. In response to questions regarding landscaping of the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor, he said the City is working with the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). The City is looking at reclaimed water to deal with future water needs. In response to a question, he said the City intends to incorporate historic buildings into the downtown plan. The City Manager asked everyone to keep an open mind throughout the process when considering possibilities. The One City. One Future. Concept has received positive feedback. Commissioner Seel requested the HPB pass on this information and encourage others to contact the Commission with questions or feedback regarding One City. One Future. ITEM #2 - Discussion of Field Trip to Pinellas County Courthouse In review of the Courthouse restoration tour given by Pinellas County staff architect Jerry Cora, it was noted the renovations blended well with the existing architecture. Mr. McCarty stated drawings and pictures of the original Main Clearwater Library indicated this “Carnegie library” was not constructed with the architectural detail and charm of other Carnegie libraries. Additions to the structure masked all original architecture style. Mr. McCarty said the County has presented designs to the DRB (Design Review Board) for a major rework of their General Services Building. They originally had intended to replace the windows and roofing of buildings bounded by East Avenue, Chestnut Street to Turner Street, and one section to Myrtle Avenue. The County has committed $4 million to interior and exterior renovations and extensive landscaping, including a courtyard for employees. An artist was commissioned to paint a city-block long mural on the East Avenue side of the building. Two parking lots on the west side of East Avenue will be used by employees and Pinellas Trail users. Artist Jeff Litton was complimented on the mural painted on the former Travelodge building. The mural involved many work-hours and took much longer to complete than anticipated due to inclement weather. ITEM #3 - Historical Buildings Survey Handout Mr. McCarty distributed a copy of the Historical Buildings Survey report. He suggested the HPB review the report before the next meeting. ITEM #4 - Clearwater Projects Update Mr. McCarty said he anticipates working with the company who has expressed interest in purchasing the annex site at Missouri Avenue and Cleveland Street after the purchase is finalized and plans are submitted. A certified site plan review process is underway for development of the Sunshine Mall property on Missouri Avenue. The plans include demolition of the existing mall buildings to build housing for the elderly, luxury apartments, and a commercial component. Improved stormwater drainage and considerable landscaping of the site is anticipated. In response to a question, Commissioner Seel said HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is not sponsoring the project. The developer intends to obtain tax credits from the State to subsidize the elderly housing units. In response to a question, Commissioner Seel said the DDB (Downtown Development Board) has its own administration. The City has acted as administrator for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). She reviewed how each bases their tax values. Implementation of one board called the Downtown Alliance is under discussion. Five City Commissioners, who serve as the CRA, and 4 members of the DDB will serve on the new board, with one budget, to make decisions for downtown. Mr. McCarty said Member Stuart’s term expires April 30, 1998. He thanked her for her service and requested other members contact the City Clerk’s office with suggested replacements. In response to a question, Commissioner Seel said the Advisory Board Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for April 14, 1998. Invitations are being mailed. The meeting adjourned at 2:24 p.m.