DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL GRANT AGREEMENT - DTC-C-26-04DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL GRANT AGREEMENT
DTC -C-26-04
This Downtown Commercial Grant Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of,
07/27/2026 , by and between the COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, a public body corporate and politic of the State of Florida
created pursuant to Part III, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (the "Agency"), and BP Athletics LLC, a
Florida limited liability company (the "Applicant") (collectively, the Agency and Applicant are the
"Parties").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Agency was created to implement the community redevelopment activities
in the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 (the "Act") codified at Chapter 163, Part III,
Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, § 163.387(6)(c)4, Florida Statutes provides that the budget of a community
redevelopment agency may provide for clearance and preparation of any redevelopment area for
redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, § 163.387(6)(c)9, Florida Statutes provides that the budget of a community
redevelopment agency may provide for payment undertakings described in a redevelopment plan and
for expenses that are necessary to exercise the powers granted to a community redevelopment agency
under § 163.370, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, § 163.370(2)(a), Florida Statutes provides that one such power is the ability to
make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of a
community redevelopment agency's exercise of its power under the Act; and
WHEREAS, another such power is found in § 163.370(2)(c), Florida Statutes which provides
that a community redevelopment agency may undertake and carry out community redevelopment and
related activities within the community redevelopment area; and
WHEREAS, Objective 1E of the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Area Plan (the
"Plan") provides that Cleveland Street is Downtown Clearwater's (the "Downtown's") main street
and valued for its historic character and pedestrian scale; and
WHEREAS, Objective 11) of the Plan provides that the Agency will encourage a variety of
office -intensive businesses, including finance and insurance, IT/software, professional services and
medical to relocate and expand in Downtown to provide a stable employment center; and
WHEREAS, Objective 3G of the Plan provides that the Agency will create and activate space
to work as a signature destination, including civic plazas, markets and retail gathering places that
promote economic growth for Downtown; and
WHEREAS, Objective 4A of the Plan provides that the Agency will encourage
redevelopment that contains a variety of building forms and style.
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WHEREAS, Objective 4D of the Plan provides that the Agency will encourage renovation,
restoration, and reuse of existing historic structures to maintain the character of the Downtown's
neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, on August 12, 2024, the Agency's Board of Trustees approved the Downtown
Commercial Grant Program (the "Program") with the goals of reducing blight and activate,
commercial spaces with uses that aspire to generate creative and innovative gathering spaces,
walkable pedestrian thoroughfares, and increased overall activity. This Program can also help a
business or developer "close the gap" in their financial ability to meet the goals of the Agency's Area
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Agency has approved $86,555.83 in financial assistant under the Program to
provide improvement assistance to the property located at 628 Cleveland Street #C2, Clearwater, FL
33756 (the "Property"). The grant is intended to provide retro payment for interior improvements
such as HVAC, lighting, plumbing, electrical, painting, flooring, doors, drywall, and permit and
contractor fees (the "Project") as further detailed in the Applicant's grant application and plan
specifications attached hereto as Exhibit "B"; and
WHEREAS, the Plan also states that the City of Clearwater ("the City") shall encourage a
vibrant and active public realm, recreation and entertainment opportunities and support the
community and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant intends to make improvements to the Property in the Downtown
area for commercial use; and
WHEREAS, the Agency finds that providing financial assistance for redevelopment of
blighted property is a permissible expenditure under the Agency's approved budget and the Act; and
WHEREAS, the Agency finds that the Property currently sits in a blighted state of existence;
and
WHEREAS, the Agency finds that the Project comports with and furthers the goals,
objectives, and policies of the Plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained
herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:
I. GENERAL
1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated in and form a
part of this Agreement.
2. Intent; Purpose of Agreement. The purpose of this Agreement is to further the
implementation of the Plan by providing grants for redevelopment, rehabilitation, and enhance
area commercial structures exhibiting deterioration and decline in substantial compliance with the
Application, all to incentivize improvements to the area, and improve the aesthetic and useful
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enjoyment of the Downtown through the eradication of conditions of blight, all in accordance with
and in furtherance of the Plan and as authorized by and in accordance with the Act.
II. APPLICANT WARRANTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Development of the Project. The Applicant shall complete the Project in accordance with
the grant application and plan specifications attached as hereto as Exhibit "B". The Applicant shall
complete all Project work within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the date of
application approval. Such completion shall be evidenced by receipt of a Finding of Project
Completion from the Agency. A Finding of Project Completion shall be granted in accordance
with the criteria contained in the Agency's Commercial Grant Program Policy attached hereto as
Exhibit "A" (the "Policy"). For purposes of this Agreement, the date of application approval shall
be the Effective Date.
2. Applicant's Project Contribution. As a condition of receiving reimbursement grant
funding from the Agency, the Applicant shall provide required documentation for disbursement as
stated in the grant program guidelines under Section 7. The Applicant shall contribute seventy
thousand eight hundred eighteen dollars and 41/100 cents ($70,818.41) in monetary contribution
toward the Project. Evidence of expenditure of Applicant's contribution towards the Project shall
be submitted to the Agency's satisfaction before disbursement of the Agency's grant funding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Director may allow initial project deposits or other necessary
draws, up to fifty percent (50%) of the grant amount, to be paid directly to a City/CRA approved
licensed contractor/vendor.
3. Warranties of the Applicant. The Applicant warrants that all the following qualifications have
been met:
a. The Applicant is the property owner or commercial/business tenant.
b. The business must be an allowable use on the subject property in accordance with the City's
Community Development Code among other applicable codes.
c. Must be current in all property taxes and City business fees
d. Must be in good standing with the city (no outstanding code enforcement or building code
violations). This requirement may be waived by the Director if the work proposed under this
application will remediate all code violations.
e. Property must be free of code enforcement liens or other City liens.
f. The business or new proposed business on the Property must be an independently owned and
operated local business.
g. If the business is independently -owned and operated franchise, other franchise locations
associated with the same brand must ONLY be located within the municipal boundary of the
City.
h. The owner of the property shall be the Applicant, unless the owner authorizes a for-profit
business owner occupying the property by a valid lease to undertake improvements on the
property. Owner of property ("Owner") means a holder of any legal or equitable estate in
the property, whether alone or jointly with others and whether in possession or not shall
include all individuals, associations, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies
and others who have interest in a structure and any who are in possession or control thereof
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as agent of the owner, as executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian of the estate of the
owner. Owners that are NOT leasing commercial space to nor can be classified as for-profit
businesses shall be ineligible for grant funding assistance under this program. Mobile
vendors are also ineligible for assistance.
III. AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Grant Funding. The Agency shall reimburse the Applicant for the Project's eligible costs
up to eighty-six thousand five hundred fifty-five dollars and 83/100 cents ($86,555.83) ("Grant
Funds") as provided under the Program, payable within (30) days after receipt of a fully completed
reimbursement request after verification by the Agency that the Project has been completed and
evidence that the Applicant has actually incurred these Project costs to the satisfaction of the
Director.
2. Notwithstanding Paragraph 1 of this section, The Agency's director (the "Director") may
allow earlier draw requests of the Grant Funds to the Applicant or to any approved licensed
contractors or vendors in accordance with the Policy. However, the Grant Funds disbursed in this
manner shall not be disbursed more frequently than once every thirty (30) days. The Parties
understand and agree that nothing in this Agreement creates any contractual relationship between
the Agency and any contractor or vendor and the Agency shall not be liable for any monies owed
to any contractor or vendor. The ability of the Agency to pay the contractor or vendor directly is
only for the sake of convenience to the Applicant and the Applicant remains exclusively liable for
any funds owed to the contractor or vendor.
3. The Director retains sole discretion to determine whether the Project meets the
requirements of this Agreement or the Program and Application. If the Director determines that
the Project does not meet said requirements, then the Parties agree that the Director's decision is
final, the Agency shall not owe any monies to the Applicant for the requested reimbursement, and
the Applicant shall have no recourse against the Agency.
IV. APPLICANT DEFAULT
1. Failure to Complete Project Work. If the Applicant fails to receive a "Certificate of
Occupancy or Certificate of Completion" within three hundred sixty five (365) calendar days form
the date of the executed grant agreement in substantial compliance with the Program and the
Application then the Parties agree that the Applicant shall be in default under this Agreement, this
Agreement shall immediately become null and void, and the Agency will have no further
responsibility to the Applicant, including but not limited to the responsibility to tender the
reimbursement funds to the Applicant. An extension for the grant funds may be granted by the
Director for good cause if the Applicant submits a written request for such an extension before the
expiration of the three hundred sixty-five (365) day period.
2. Other Events of Default. In addition to the foregoing events of default, the occurrence of
any one or more of the following events after the Effective Date shall also constitute an event of
default by the Applicant:
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A. The Applicant shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall
admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due or shall file a petition
in bankruptcy, or shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or shall file a petition
seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation,
dissolution or similar relief under any present or future statute, law or regulation or
shall file an answer admitting, or shall fail reasonably to contest, the material
allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, or shall seek or consent
to or acquiesce in the appointment of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of the Applicant
or any material part of such entity's properties; or
B. Within sixty (60) days after the commencement of any proceeding by or against the
Applicant seeking any reorganization,arrangement, composition, readjustment,
liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or future statute, law or
regulation, such proceeding shall not have been dismissed or otherwise terminated, or
if, within sixty (60) days after the appointment without the consent or acquiescence of
the Applicant of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of any of such entities or of any
material part of any of such entity's properties, such appointment shall not have been
vacated.
C. A breach by the Applicant of any other term, condition, requirement, or warranty of
this Agreement or the Policy.
3. Agency's Remedy Upon Certain Applicant Default. In the event of default and if the
Applicant has failed to cure the default within the allotted time prescribed under Section IV(4),
then the Parties agree that: a) this Agreement shall be null and void; b) that the Agency will have
no further responsibility to the Applicant, including the responsibility to tender any remaining
reimbursement funds to the Applicant; and c) that if the Agency has tendered reimbursement funds
to the Applicant, the Agency shall be entitled to the return of all reimbursement funds plus default
interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) starting from the date of default. The remedial provisions
shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
4. Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure. The Agency shall provide written notice of
any default under this Agreement and provide the Applicant thirty (30) days from the date the
notice is sent to cure the default if it is an event listed under Sections IV(2). This notice will be
deemed sent when sent by first class mail to the Applicant's notice address or when delivered to
the Applicant if sent by a different means.
V. MISCELLANEOUS
1. Notices. All notices, demands, requests for approvals or other communications given by either
party to another shall be in writing, and shall be sent to the property for each party indicated below
and addressed as follows:
To the Applicant:
Attn: Abigail Kantzler
BP Athletics LLC
628 Cleveland Street #C2
Clearwater, FL 33756
To the Agency:
Community Redevelopment Agency of
the City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758
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Attention: Executive Director
with copies to:
City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, Florida 33758
Attention: Clearwater City Attorney's Office
2. Unavoidable Delay. Any delay in performance of or inability to perform any obligation
under this Agreement (other than an obligation to pay money) due to any event or condition
described in this Section as an event of "Unavoidable Delay" shall be excused in the manner
provided in this Section.
"Unavoidable Delay" means any of the following events or conditions or any combination
thereof: acts of God, acts of the public enemy, riot, insurrection, war, pestilence, archaeological
excavations required by law, unavailability of materials after timely ordering of same, building
moratoria, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, freight embargoes, fire, lightning, hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, extremely abnormal and excessively inclement weather (as
indicated by the records of the local weather bureau for a five year period preceding the Effective
Date), strikes or labor disturbances, delays due to proceedings under Chapters 73 and 74, Florida
Statutes, restoration in connection with any of the foregoing or any other cause beyond the
reasonable control of the party performing the obligation in question, including, without limitation,
such causes as may arise from the act of the other party to this Agreement, or acts of any
governmental authority (except that acts of the Agency shall not constitute an Unavoidable Delay
with respect to performance by the Agency).
An application by any party hereto for an extension of time pursuant to this Section must
be in writing, must set forth in detail the reasons and causes of delay, and must be filed with the
other party to this Agreement within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the event or
condition causing the Unavoidable Delay or thirty (30) days following the party becoming aware
(or with the exercise of reasonable diligence should have become aware) of such occurrence.
The party shall be entitled to an extension of time for an Unavoidable Delay only for the
number of days of delay due solely to the occurrence of the event or condition causing such
Unavoidable Delay and only to the extent that any such occurrence actually delays that party from
proceeding with its rights, duties and obligations under this Agreement affected by such
occurrence. In the event the party is the Applicant then the Director is authorized to grant an
extension of time for an Unavoidable Delay for a period of up to six (6) months. Any further
requests for extensions of time from the Applicant must be agreed to and approved by the Agency's
trustees.
3. Indemnification. The Applicant agrees to assume all risks of inherent in this Agreement
and all liability therefore, and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Agency and the City
of a Clearwater, a municipal corporation ("the City"), and the Agency's and the City's officers,
agents, and employees from and against any and all claims of loss, liability and damages of
whatever nature, to persons and property, including, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, death of any person and loss of the use of any property, except claims arising from the
Page 6 o 112
negligence of the Agency, the City, or the Agency's or the City's agents or employees. This
includes, but is not limited to, matters arising out of or claimed to have been caused by or in any
manner related to the Applicant's activities or those of any approved or unapproved invitee,
contractor, subcontractor, or other person approved, authorized, or permitted by the Applicant
whether or not based on negligence. Nothing herein shall be construed as consent by the Agency
or the City to be sued by third parties, or as a waiver or modification of the provisions or limits of
Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or the Doctrine of Sovereign Immunity.
4. Assignability; Complete Agreement. This Agreement is non -assignable by either party
and constitutes the entire Agreement between the Applicant and the Agency and all prior or
contemporaneous oral and written agreements or representations of any nature with reference to
the subject of the agreement are canceled and superseded by the provisions of this agreement.
5. Applicable Law and Construction. The laws of the State of Florida shall govern the
validity, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated
by the Agency and the Applicant, and the Agreement, including, without limitation, any exhibits,
shall not be deemed to have been prepared by the Agency or the Applicant, but by all equally.
6. Severability. Should any section or part of any section of this Agreement be rendered void,
invalid, or unenforceable by any court of law, for any reason, such a determination shall not render
void, invalid, or unenforceable any other section or any part of any section in this Agreement.
7. Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed or revised except by written amendment
signed by the Parties hereto.
8. Jurisdiction and Venue. For purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of
or relating to this Agreement, the parties hereto do acknowledge, consent, and agree that venue
thereof is Pinellas County, Florida.
Each party to this Agreement hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the State of Florida,
Pinellas County and the courts thereof and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court
for the Middle District of Florida, for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement and hereby agrees not to assert by way of a motion as a defense
or otherwise that such action is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such action
is improper or that the subject matter thereof may not be enforced in or by such courts.
If, at any time during the term of this Agreement, the Applicant is not a resident of the
State of Florida or has no office, employee, agency, registered agent or general partner thereof
available for service of process as a resident of the State of Florida, or if any permitted assignee
thereof shall be aforeign corporation; partnership or other entity or shall have no officer, employee,
agent, or general partner available for service of process in the State of Florida, the Applicant
hereby designates the Secretary. of State, State of Florida, its agent for the service of process in any
court action between it and the Agency arising out of or relating to this Agreement and such service
shall be made as provided by the laws of the State of Florida for service upon a nonresident;
provided, however, that at the time of service on the Florida Secretary of State, a copy of such
service shall be delivered to the Applicant at the address for notices as provided in Section V(1).
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9. Termination. If not earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement, the term of
this Agreement shall expire, and this Agreement shall no longer be of any force and effect on
two years of the anniversary Effective Date.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date and
year first above written.
Approved as to form:
Matthew J. Mytych, Esq.
CRA Attorney
Date: 7/ot %/22
(AGENCY SIGNATURE PAGE)
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, a public
body corporate and politic of the State of Florida.
Date:
CRA Directo 54 2c
Attest:
Rosemarie Call
City Clerk
Page 8 of 12
(APPLICANT SIGNATURE PAGE)
06
COUNTY OF NND(4 A6c )
Clark
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before
notarization, this 27th day of July
President of Company 0
has/have produced a driver's license as identification
BP Athletics LLC, a Florida limited liability
company.
By:
Print name: Abigail Kant7ler
Title: President
Date: .Inly 97 9098
me by means 0 physical presence or Conlin
, 2026 by Abigail Marie Brigette Kantzler, as
who is/are personally known to me or a/who
•
(NOTARIAL SEAL)
YISSEL LUCERO
NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF NEVADA
Appt. No.26-3041-01
Expires November 16, 2029
No . /Public, : ate of Bice& 06 Nevada
YISSEL LUCERO
Name of No
My Commission Expires: 11/16/2029
My Commission No.: 26-3041-01
Notarized remotely using audio -video communication technology via Proof.
Page 9 of 12
EXHIBIT "A"
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM POLICY
Page 10 of 12
COMMERCIAL GRANT
PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency
Downtown Community Redevelopment Area
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW 2
SECTION 2 — PURPOSE AND INTENT 2
SECTION 3 — AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE 3
SECTION 4 — ELIGIBLE PROPERTY AND APPLICANT 4
SECTION 5 — ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS 5
SECTION 6 — REQUIREMENTS, REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS 6
SECTION 7 — DISBURSEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE 8
SECTION 8 — GRANT EXPIRATION 8
SECTION 9 — ALTERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 9
SECTION 10— COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF CLEARWATER ETHICS CODE 9
SECTION 11 —APPLICATION 10
SECTION 12 — ATTACHMENT A — PROJECT BUDGET 13
SECTION 13 — ELIGIBLE CRA AREA MAP 14
Commercial Grant Program & Application Form
Approved by the CRA Trustees on August 12, 2024
Amended by the CRA Trustees on January 12, 2026
1
COMMERCIAL GRANT PROGRAM
SECTION 1 — PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Downtown Commercial Grant Program (Program) offers varying levels of support and
addresses both short and long-term challenges that commercial stakeholders have experienced
in the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Area (DTCRA). This program aims to reduce blight
and activate commercial spaces with uses that aspire to generate creative and innovative
gathering spaces, walkable pedestrian thoroughfares, and increased overall activity.
SECTION 2 — PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of the Program is to support the implementation of the adopted Community
Redevelopment Area Plan (Plan) for the Clearwater Downtown Community Redevelopment
Area in accordance with the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969. Sections 163.330,
et seq., Florida Statutes, by:
1. Downtown shall be a place that attracts residents, visitors, businesses, and their
employees and enable the development of community. The City shall encourage a
vibrant and active public realm, recreation and entertainment opportunities and support
the community and neighborhoods. (People Goals, page 46)
Objective 1 E: Maintain Cleveland Street as Downtown's Main Street which is
valued for its historic character and pedestrian scale.
Objective 1D: Encourage a variety of office -intensive businesses, including
finance and insurance, IT/software, professional services and medical to relocate
and expand in Downtown to provide a stable employment center.
2. Downtown will be a memorable place to be enjoyed that is enhanced by Clearwater's
waterfront location, natural resources, built environment and history. (Amenity Goal,
page 47)
Objective 3G: Create and activate space to work as signature destination,
including civic plazas, markets and retail gathering places that promote economic
growth for Downtown. (page 48)
3. Downtown will be a dynamic built environment of dense and livable patterns and active
and attractive streets through quality urban design and architecture. (Urban Design
Goals, page 48)
Objective 4A: Encourage redevelopment that contains a variety of building
forms and style.
Objective 4D: Encourage renovation, restoration, and reuse of existing historic
structures to maintain the character of Downtown's neighborhoods.
4. Creating value for the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area by (themes stressed
throughout the Plan):
2
a. Promoting a business, consumer, family and resident friendly atmosphere;
b. Creating more dining, retail, and entertainment opportunities;
c. Creating additional employment opportunities;
d. Promoting infill and adaptive reuse of properties;
e. Incentivizing property owners to enhance the value of their respective properties;
f. Encouraging private investment in the improvement of commercial properties;
g. Reducing vacancies in commercial buildings; and
h. Increasing the functionality of existing buildings.
It is the intent of this Program to attract or improve the following types of businesses in the
CRA (not limited to the following):
• Retail;
• Restaurants and food services (e.g., full-service sit-down restaurants, fast food
restaurants, buffet or cafeteria restaurants, coffeehouse/shops with food component,
cafes, bistros, delicatessens, bakeries, grocery stores, etc.);
• Micro -brewery;
• Personal services (e.g., barber, salons, beauty shops, tailors, childcare, etc.);
• Art studios and galleries;
• Co -working space; and
• Professional offices (financial services, IT/software, medical, etc.).
This Program is designed to help Downtown Clearwater thrive as the urban core and heart
of the City, as the center of business and government, and as an attractive place to live,
work, shop and play. (Ch. 3, Vision, pg. 44)
In addition, it is the intent of this Program to incentivize improvements to the area that go
beyond what is required by the City's development codes to enhance the form, function,
and design quality of the redevelopment area. It is not the intent of the CRA to engage in
any rehabilitation activity that requires vacating property or displacing any business
establishments or residents from property. Moreover, it is not the intent of this Program to
assist in the development of new construction projects on vacant land. Rather, it is to
rehabilitate and enhance area commercial structures exhibiting deterioration and decline.
SECTION 3 —AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE
Grants shall be awarded on a first -qualified, first -awarded basis while funds are available. The
Program provides matching, as specified below in Levels 1 through 4, grant funding to assist
applicants with improvements to commercial properties. Grants may be awarded to property
owners and for-profit business owners/commercial tenants for exterior and interior improvements
to commercial property within the DTCRA. The grant is primarily a reimbursement grant to the
Applicant. However, the CRA Director may allow initial project deposits or other necessary draws,
up to fifty percent (50%) of the grant amount, to be paid directly to the applicant. Below is the level
of funding and reimbursement percentage for the total eligible grant expenditures.
Level 1 — Up to $50,000 and under (Requires a 25% match of total project costs by the
applicant)
• Administrative approval.
• Award letter and Grant Agreement.
3
1-rL•evel=7= $=More-than=$50;000-up to $150 600:(Requires a 35% match of total project costs
by the applicant)
• Administrative approval up to $100,000.
• Applicants must supply proof of a lease, or other acceptable documentation, that identifies
at least a minimum of a three-year term for tenant/business occupying or will occupy the
improved space.
• CRA Trustee Approval required for Grants exceeding $100,000..
t,7
• Award letter and Grant Agreement.
N
• —l—Level 3 -- More thah`$150:00OTtijYt"o'$500;000-(Requires=a 45%.match-of-total:project-costs
byfhe applicant)
• Staff recommendation.
• Applicants must supply proof of a lease, or other acceptable documentation, that identifies
at least a minimum of a five-year term for tenant/business occupying or will occupy the
improved space.
• CRA Trustee approval.
• Award letter and Grant Agreement.
Level 4 — More than $500,000 is considered a special project and may require submittal
requirements/documentation above and beyond what is described in this Program.
• Staff recommendation.
• CRA Trustee approval.
• Applicants must supply proof of a lease(s), or other acceptable documentation, that
identifies at least a minimum of a five-year term for tenant/business occupying or will
occupy the improved space.
• Award letter, Grant Agreement, Mandatory Reporting.
• Other— Special Terms and Conditions.
SECTION 4 — ELIGIBLE PROPERTY AND APPLICANT
To be eligible for the Program, the Applicant must meet all the following qualifications:
• Must be:
o A property owner that is leasing commercial space to a for-profit business;
o A property owner that occupies or intends to occupy the property as a for-profit
business; or
o A for-profit business leasing space from a property owner.
• The business must be an allowable use on the subject property in accordance with the City's
Community Development Code among other applicable codes.
• Must be current in all property taxes and City of Clearwater business fees.
• Must be in good standing with the city (no outstanding code enforcement or building code
violations). This requirement may be waived by the CRA Director if the work proposed under
this application will remediate all code violations.
• Property must be free of code enforcement liens or other City liens.
• The business or new proposed business on the property must be an independently -owned
and operated local business.
• If the business is an independently owned and operated franchise, other franchise locations
associated with the same brand must ONLY be located within the municipal boundary of the
city.
4
o The owner of the property shall be the applicant, unless the Owner authorizes a for-profit
business owner occupying the property by a valid lease to undertake improvements on
the property. Owner of property ("Owner") means a holder of any legal or equitable estate
in the property, whether alone or jointly with others and whether in possession or not shall
include all individuals, associations, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies
and others who have interest in a structure and any who are in possession or control
thereof as agent of the owner, as executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian of the estate
of the owner. Owners that are NOT leasing commercial space to nor can be classified as
for-profit businesses shall be ineligible for grant funding assistance under this program.
Mobile vendors are also ineligible for assistance.
o The total CRA grant value that an Owner has received over such period shall be the
combined value, in the 12 month period immediately preceding the submission of an
application for this program, of: (1) the amount of CRA grant funds that the applicant has
received; (2) the amount of CRA grant funds that any holder of legal title in the subject
property other than the applicant has received; and (3) if a business entity holds legal title
in the subject property, the total amount of CRA grant funds received by any directors,
members, partners, shareholders, any others with an ownership interest in such entity,
and any others able to exert managerial control over or direct the affairs of said entity.
SECTION 5 — ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
The following improvements or related items may be eligible for Program assistance:
Interior Improvements:
1) Any fixed interior leasehold improvements to commercial space;
2) Electrical/plumbing upgrades and utility connections;
3) Grease traps/interceptors;
4) Venting, HVAC, mechanical systems, and water heaters;
5) Sprinkler/fire suppression systems, firewalls, life safety improvements;
6) Certain fixed solid waste and recycling management systems;
7) American with Disabilities Act (ADA) systems;
8) Internal structural stabilization systems (e.g., repair and replacement of load bearing walls,
columns, beams/girders, joist, etc.);
9) Interior walls (including drywall), ceilings, floors, doors, and molding;
10) Interior paint,/
11) Wall insulation;.
12) Certain permanent bathroom and kitchen counter tops, cabinets, sinks;
13) Restaurant fixtures or other essential equipment up to a maximum of $7,500.00 (purchase
or repair)
14) Interior historical restoration; or
15) Other permanent improvements may be submitted for consideration but must demonstrate
that the improvement meets the intent of this grant program.
Exterior Improvements:
1) Any fixed exterior leasehold improvements to commercial space;
2) The repair of exterior walls;
3) Roof repairs or replacement, including facia board, soffits, and gutters;
4) Decorative fencing;*
5) Exterior painting; (including murals)
5
6) Exterior windows and/or doors;
7) Exterior signage;
8) Awnings or canopies over windows or walkways, including shutters, seating areas;
9) The installation, repair, or renovation of porches, patios, plazas;
10)The installation, repair, or.renovation of pathways and sidewalks;**
11) The installation of decorative lighting, and security lighting;
12) Parking area and driveway improvements;
13) Stormwater drainage improvements for properties with a history of flooding;
14) Bicycle racks, shade areas, benches, or other pedestrian amenities;
15) Certain Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) ?
16) ADA accessibility improvements;
17) The removal of deteriorated or undesirable exterior alterations;
18) The installation of landscaping and irrigation systems, not to exceed twenty percent (20%)
of the total grant amount; or
19) Other permanent improvements may be submitted for consideration but must demonstrate
that the improvement meets the intent of this grant program.
*Chain link fencing, with or without slats, wooden stockade, board on board, and wooden picket
fencing are not eligible for the Program.
**Not city right-of-way or property
Other Eligible Items:
1) Predevelopment Costs (permit, architectural, and engineering fees among other
comparable fees as approved by CRA Director) up to $1'e 00040
2) Past site or building improvements that were completed up to eight months prior to
submittal of an application.
a. Only improvements listed in the itemized budget submitted as part of the
application will be considered for approval.
The following are ineligible for assistance:
1) Past site or building imp?ovements that were completed more than eight months prior to
submittal of an applicatiZn
2) Properties not occupiec)fbr intended to be occupied by a for-profit business.
3) Second floor and abo renovations unless part of or tied to a ground floor business and
verifiable proof is proOided that second floor, or above floors, improvements will enhance
a ground floor business. (excluding roof renovations and repairs)
4) Assistance to busi sses located in residential homes.
5) Repairs to unsaf or substandard structures that cannot be made safe for tenant
occupancy with ogram funds.
6) Repairs covere by insurance.
7) Non-permane.0 improvements, except for items expressly stated as allowed in this
Program. ®®
8) Installation of window oor security bars.
9) Any fixed exterior or error leasehold prohibited improvements to commercial space.
10) Refinancing existing debojs, business operational cost, payroll, etc.
SECTION 6 — REQUIREMENTS, REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS
6
1) All statements and representations made in the application must be true and correct in all
rd'hterial respects when made.
2) Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Community Redevelopment Agency
/Department staff prior to applying. The Community Redevelopment Agency Department
(Department) is located at 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600, Clearwater, Florida 33755.
To schedule an appointment, contact staff at 727-562-4039. Applications will be received
on an ongoing basis.
3) copy of a fully executed lease agreement, and notarized copy of the Owners' Affidavit
pe
form, including property description and property address. If the forms are prepared and
signed by a representative of the Owner, a legal Power -of -Attorney document must be
submitted with the application.
4) Applicants must submit, as part of the application, concept plans, design plans and
floorplan accurately delineating the square footage of the improvement area within the
commercial structure.
5) Digital photographs of the existing structure, interior and exterior, must be provided with
application.
6)
at
inclu
required to be performed by licensed contractors. Applicant must provide, as
ents three quotes from contractors and copies of their licenses. Quotes to
complete description of materials to be used.
7) Port' of the project costs not funded by the requested grant must be provided by
Appy a it funding. Applicant funding may consist of bank loans, lines of credit, other
gra nd owned assets (Equity), etc.
8) Ap 'p must demonstrate their source of the Applicant Funding and their ability to meet
the a cial obligations of the Program.
9) Proceeds from other City -managed financial assistance programs may be used as
Applicant Equity to satisfy the Applicant Funding requirements of this Program and may
be used to assist with funding of remaining portion of larger improvement project. Grant
funds cannot be used as Equity to satisfy the Applicant Funding requirements of other
City -managed financial assistance programs.
10) Staff will review the application for completeness, which includes all required attachments
and requested data. A post -application submittal conference will be held with the Applicant
to discuss any issues or deficiencies with the application.
11) Incomplete applications will not be considered submitted until all required documentation
has been submitted to Community Redevelopment Agency Department staff. Submittal of
an application does not guarantee a grant award.
12) The Applicant will be required to obtain quotes/estimates from licensed contractors/design
professionals for eligible improvements and submit said quotes/estimates as part of the
grant application submission.
7
13) All construction/design contracts will be between the Applicant and the contractor or
design professional.
14) Applicants may combine adjacent parcels, buildings and/or individual storefronts within a
building to create one grant request.
SECTION 7 — DISBURSEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Grant funds will, unless otherwise approved by the CRA Director to allow initial project deposits
or other necessary draws, up to fifty percent of the grant amount, to be paid directly to a City/CRA
approved licensed contractor/vendor, be disbursed upon a "Finding of Project Completion" by
CRA Director. A "Finding of Project Completion" will be granted when the following criteria are
met:
1) Requests for disbursement of project costs will be viewed as a single, completed package,
unless prior disbursement of funds arrangements have been made to pay licensed
contractors directly (no more than one payment within a 30 -day period). Costs not included
in the approved application budget will not be considered for disbursement.
2) To receive disbursement of project costs, the Applicant must provide:
1. Proof of Payment:
o Copies of cancelled checks, certified checks, money orders, or credit card
statements showing payment of project costs; and
o Detailed invoices and paid receipts that are signed, dated, and marked "paid
in full."
2. Project Information:
o Name, address, and telephone number of design professionals, general
contractors, and other vendors involved.
3. Photographs:
o Before and after photos of the project.
4. Permits and Approvals:
o Copies of all required permits (e.g. zoning, building) and evidence of passing
all required inspections.
o If applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion
demonstrating legal occupancy of the project area.
Note: Any work performed without a required permit will not be eligible for grant funding.
3) The CRA disburses funds to grant recipients within 30 days of fully completed
reimbursement request.
SECTION 8 — GRANT EXPIRATION
Applicants must receive a "Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Competition" within 365
calendar days from the date of the executed grant agreement. After the said 365 days, the grant
will expire. An extension for the grant funds may be granted by the CRA Director for a good cause.
It is the responsibility of the Applicant to request an extension of the grant approval before the
expiration date.
8
SECTION 9 — ALTERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
The improvements will be maintained in accordance with City policies, codes and any other
applicable requirements identified by the City, CRA, or other agencies for a period not less than
three years, or upon written approval by CRA Director.
SECTION 10 — COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY OF CLEARWATER ETHICS CODE
The applicant will comply with all applicable City rules and regulations including the City's Ethics
Codes. Moreover, each applicant to the Program acknowledges and understands that the City's
Ethics Code prohibit City employees from receiving any benefit, direct or indirect, from any
contract or obligation entered with the City.
9
SECTION 13— ELIGIBLE CRA AREA MAP
DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
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Reviewed By ES Aenal Flown 2023 Dale: 10120/2023
Page 1 01 'I
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14
EXHIBIT "B"
GRANT APPLICATION AND PLAN SPECIFICATIONS
Page 11 of 12
EXHIBIT "C"
NO COERCION FOR LABOR OR SERVICES ATTESTATION
Pursuant to Section 787.06(13), F.S., this form must be completed by an officer or representative
of a nongovernmental entity when a contract is executed, renewed, or extended between the
nongovernmental entity and a governmental entity.
BP Athletics LLC does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in Section 787.06, F.S.
Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing statement and that the facts stated
in it are true &Jcorteet.
Signature:
Printed Name: Abigail Kantzler
Title: President
Date: July 27 2026
Page 12 of 12