08/12/1996NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY TASK TEAM
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 12, 1996
Present: Reverend William Graham Chair
MacArthur Boykins Team Member
Dennis Golden Team Member
Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager
Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl Special Assistant to the City
Manager/Community Response Team
Scott Shuford Director of Central Permitting
Mike Holmes Assistant Community Development Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Mayme Hodges Team Member
Joe Marshall Team Member
David Grice Team Member
Reverend Lucius Pitts, Jr. Team Member
Tal Rutledge Team Member
Bertha Kelley Team Member
Mary Samuel Team Member
Beverly Bryant Team Member
The meeting was called to order by Reverend William Graham, at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 1201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. Due to the absence
of a quorum, no action was taken, and general discussion ensued.
Reverend Graham emphasized his disappointment with the board members’ attendance. Discussion ensued regarding poor attendance from the community, and Ms. Rice said 1,000 invitations
were sent to residents in the yellow area, as indicated on handouts. Ms. Rice distributed a list of organizations to contact for networking purposes. A questionnaire was mentioned,
but it was felt questionnaires contain “leading questions," rather than questions that address real issues. In order to increase community participation at meetings, it was suggested
offering free food, highlighting major issues, or a special attraction to peak citizens’ interest. Ms. Rice said meetings may not have been scheduled at convenient times or dates, and
a community calendar may be helpful to avoid future conflicts. Mr. Boykins felt the problem was residents were ambivalent and still believe nothing will be done for the community.
He suggested targeting certain individuals in various areas of the community to obtain a good representation. Participation is usually sparked by one of two things: 1) controversy;
and 2) “what’s in it for me?”. It was suggested if people will not come to meetings, perhaps the meetings should go to them.
Some residents from the community joined the meeting in progress, and information gathering ensued. Ms. Rice gave an overview of the committee’s objectives, and explained the purpose
of focus groups. It was explained Penny for Pinellas may provide some program assistance for the community, but community participation is necessary to prioritize such programs. The
recreation center, Phillies expansion and Ervin’s were discussed. It was noted Ervin’s, a youth program, will not be pursued, as there was not enough room on the property
chosen for the relocation of the house. A resident stated the recreation center is a priority compared to Phillies expansion.
Types of businesses in Greenwood were discussed, particularly on Greenwood Avenue. It was noted the City’s Design Review Board deals with architectural and aesthetic issues, and the
Planning and Zoning Board monitors conditional use issues. Businesses that meet City zoning and permitting requirements cannot be prevented from operating in the community. A study
was done by USF on existing conditions in the community, which recommended zoning changes. Floor area ratios must be addressed, and the City is still in the planning stage. It was
suggested formulating plans to attract people to the North Greenwood corridor and encouraging businesses to beautify the area. Mr. Boykins emphasized the need to get the community “connected”
to the larger whole.
Discussion ensued concerning drugs and crime on Greenwood Avenue. Residents felt police response time was very slow. They know who offenders are, yet do nothing preventative. Residents
suggested stationing a police officer on the beat all night, being proactive by placing police in problem areas, deterrence rather than arrest, and a curfew. It was noted parents would
not enforce curfews.
Several primary issues were discussed:
New Recreation Center (Includes Holt pool & youth programs)
Youth gainfully employed
Stevenson’s Creek (smell & dredging)
Wastewater
Drugs and crime
Type of businesses/zoning
Economic Development study and implementation
Jobs (for adults)
Housing for singles
Outdoor activities/passive park
Cop on the beat
Curfew
Clean & beautify/streetscape
Connections City-wide
City sponsored events for everyone
Parking
These issues were very similar to the ones the committee noted in previous meetings. It was noted prioritizing issues helps accomplish them. Of the various issues discussed, three
priority issues were selected: 1) the need for a new and larger recreation center, to include a new pool and youth programs; 2) Stevenson’s Creek problems; and 3) drugs and crime issues,
including slow police response. Gainful employment of youth was a close fourth.
Jobs for all residents were discussed. It was noted jobs would create revenue generation and retention, and somewhat alleviate commuting. Mr. Shuford said there is a limited amount
of area in the community for industrial and commercial growth. Mr. Boykins indicated no rezoning was being requested, but areas already zoned commercial should be made viable. Redeveloping
the community; and encouraging contractors from the community to train youth are issues that need attention. It was noted people who had prior arrest records,
or drug problems cannot get jobs, and may return to drugs or other crimes as a means of support. Mr. Boykins said drugs and crime cannot be totally eliminated, however being proactive
on issues and beautifying the area to deter crime would be a good start.
Ms. Rice summarized key issues discussed at the meeting. She thanked everyone for attending, and invited residents to attend the August 19, 1996, meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.