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04/23/1992 MAAS BROTHERS TASK FORCE April 23, 1992 Members present: Ed Mazur, Chairperson Jim Graham, Vice-Chairperson John B. Johnson Hal Ebersole Stephen Saliga Wray Register Bob Bickerstaffe Gregory Jewell Debra Weible Phoebe Moss Nancy Simmons David Little Jackie Tobin (arrived 4:02 p.m.) Members Absent: Robert Kennedy Joshua Magidson Also Present: Cynthia E. Goudeau, City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. at the Clearwater Main Library. ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes of April 9, 1992 Continued ITEM #3 - Presentation by Richard Gehring of Prime Interest Richard Gehring and James Egnew presented information to the Maas Brothers Task Force regarding the downtown waterfront commercial development process they used in developing recommendations for the development of a 20.5 acres commercial site in downtown Tampa. This work was done for the Port Authority. Mr. Gehring and Mr. Egnew reviewed the process they used in determining what would be best for the downtown Tampa site. They stated it was important to answer the questions of what do we have, where do we want to go and then to develop the strategy and implement it. They emphasized the hard part of the process is determining what is wanted for the project. Considerations are such things as traffic in the area, the current assets, the context of downtown, physical conditions, public image, downtown and community linkages, market and market drivers and how to deal with development rights and regulations. They stated once it is determined what is wanted, everything else flows fairly well. Financing is a difficult component. Mr. Egnew stated that if the recommendation of the Task Force is to put a package out to developers, that package needs to be specific regarding what is wanted in the development. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not some of these decisions and preparation of material was outside the scope of the Task Force mission. It was stated that putting out a development package would be a City effort and not a responsibility of the Task Force. Mr. Gehring stated that as the Task Force defines the level of development and return desired from the property and the Commission approves it, that would set the direction for the City. The RFQ which would be submitted would decide who qualifies to pursue the development project. Discussion ensued regarding a retail development and it was stated that retail only would not succeed and there would have to be something else that would draw people to the area. Concern was expressed that the City is thinking too small and the Task Force is limiting developers by addressing only the Maas Brothers portion of the bluff. In response to a question regarding a specific proposal by Prime Interest, Mr. Egnew indicated they were just there to generally help the Task Force envision what could be done. He stated it is his opinion that they would need to treat the entire area as part of the recommendation and it needs to relate to the East End project. He also suggested that a concentration on government functions in the area was needed in order to help development. Concern was expressed regarding Clearwater being on the outside of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and Mr. Gehring indicated that Clearwater already has a tourist population and is in a better position to attract a tourist type development. It was stated the project would probably need to be aimed at middle America. ITEM #4 - Private Redevelopment Discussion ensued regarding the need to discuss private development and public redevelopment of the property in separate meetings. Suggestions were made that the Task Force members submit their recommendations at this point. A question was raised regarding Task Force members receiving invitations to a Special Meeting with the Commission regarding downtown issues and concern was expressed regarding reading articles that indicated the City may be pursuing the 1100 or the Sun Bank building as a new City Hall. Discussion ensued regarding needing to know what the market is in the area and targeting any development for that. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not this would be totally private redevelopment or if the City would maintain control. It was indicated these are options for the Task Force to consider. One member felt that the recommendation to the Commission should be in fairly simple terms and it would then be up to the City to work out the details. In response to a question, the Chairman indicated the report could be one recommendation or could be fashioned in such a way that majority and minority opinions are included. Concerns were expressed regarding reducing the amount of parkland on the waterfront and it was stated that none of the recommendations have been to decrease the park, in fact, most have been to increase the parkland. One member felt the Task Force should use the handout from Prime Interest to help them organize their thoughts. A statement was made that the proposal by the Florida Gulfcoast Art Center had all the elements desired in it. Concerns were expressed that the art center wanted to buy the property outright. It was indicated this was an alternative, but it was understood that they would be willing to buy the property with a reverter clause. Representatives of the Florida Gulfcoast Art Center identified themselves and indicated they would be willing to answer questions. They did indicate they would prefer to buy the land but they would consider a lease. They are not asking for any money from the City. Based on further questions, they indicated they had no interest in the current building and they anticipated constructing a two to three story building with a terraced plaza looking out over the park and the water. The center would be open to the general public with membership giving individuals special benefits. In response to a question regarding a civic room, it was indicated a 43,000 square foot pavilion is proposed. There are two components to the development, a museum and an arts center with studios. The pavilion would be available for public use. When asked if they would consider a larger public facility, the representatives responded that this was a possibility but this would all have to be worked out with the City through negotiations. It was indicated that festivals are done currently at their site in Belleair. They propose a restaurant and a giftshop be included in the development. In response to a question, they indicated they have a permanent art collection but do not have the space to display it at their current Belleair facility. In response to a question, they indicated they did not need the entire 3.8 acres and they would like to see the bottom portion of the property as a park in which they would help construct a sculpture garden. Parking would be under the building. They indicated they would encourage arts and crafts shows and they have classes that would bring people to the downtown area. Some of their teachers have been recognized internationally. It was suggested the Task Force members, on an individual basis, go to view the current facility. It was stated several cities have implemented art centers in their dying downtown areas and these have been tremendous successes. Alexandria, Virginia was one example used. When questioned about their timeframe, it was indicated they would like to move as soon as possible but alot would depend on negotiations with the City. It was stated if they sold their present property, these funds would be included in their endowment. A question was raised regarding whether or not the proposed building would be designed to expand vertically and it was indicated this would be the case. A question was raised regarding whether or not abandoning the north-south section of Drew Street and cutting the corner at Cleveland Street would have an impact on their plans and they indicated this would not affect them. The Chairman indicated he would like to start talking about what the format for the Task Force recommendation will be. It was felt that the guide provided by Prime Interest would be helpful in organizing the Task Force's thoughts. It was stated that no costs of proposed projects needed to be included in the report and that the first portion of the report would be to express the Task Force's goals, etc. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not the recommendation should address the whole bluff and whether or not developers should be contacted to ascertain interest in development of this area. Ms. Tobin left the meeting at 6:08 p.m. One member expressed their belief that if the arts center was to be allowed there, that there should be no other development on the bluff. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not there should be two recommendations, one for a short timeframe over the next three to four years and a second one for the long term. Several members stated they felt the arts center proposal fit in with alot of the input the Task Force has received. It was stated that the arts center would be a drawing card for the rest of downtown. Discussion ensued regarding the remaining meetings with the majority of the Task Force agreeing to have a general concept developed at the meeting of May 14th, to be refined at the meeting of May 28th. General consensus was that after the meeting of the 14th, two or three people from the Task Force, including the Chairperson, would develop the written document to be considered by the Task Force on May 28th. The City Clerk indicated The Clearwater Artists League was requesting permission to make a presentation at the next meeting. Consensus of the Task Force was to allow them ten minutes. Concerns were expressed regarding some of the members being unable to attend the next meeting. It was agreed that those members wishing to do so would submit their current recommendations in writing to the City Clerk to be mailed out prior to the meeting of May 14th. A question was raised regarding whether or not the Task Force could work into June and it was indicated it was felt they could but a majority of the Task Force wanted to try to complete their work by May 28th. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.