ENTERPRISE ZONE STRATEGIC PLAN BROWNFIELDS PILOT PROJECT ZONE
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Enterprise Zone Strategic Plan
Brownfield Pilot Project Zone
Description of the Community's Goals
The area proposed for designation as an Enterprise Zone is the most
economically distressed in the City of Clearwater. It is a federal and
state designated Brownfield area that has been identified as having 100
potentially contaminated sites. The area has also been a federal Weed
and Seed site since 1996. During this decade, property values have
declined by an inflation-adjusted 5.4% in constant dollar terms, while
other areas of the City are keeping pace with inflation or exceeding the
inflation rate. This area has the highest concentration of substandard
housing, commercial vacancy, unemployment, and poverty in Clearwater.
The Enterprise Zone area encompasses neighborhoods and commercial
properties that are critical to the future of the City of Clearwater. A
substantial portion of the Downtown Clearwater CBD / CRA is located in
this area. Key neighborhoods, including North and South Greenwood,
abut this part of Downtown Clearwater on the north and south. The
importance of these areas is illustrated in the City's One City. One
Future. community vision, a copy of which is provided as Appendix A.
The .One City. One Future. community vision calls for widespread
economic, physical and aesthetic revitalization of Clearwater and singles
out the SR 60 corridor, the Downtown, and the Greenwood
neighborhoods for comprehensive redevelopment and public investment
strategies. As these areas are all partially within the proposed Enterprise
Zone, the ENTERPRISE ZONE designation represents a critical tool to
assist Clearwater in realizing these ambitious goals.
Six specific goals are established for the Clearwater Enterprise Zone:
. Diversify and Expand the Enterprise Zone Employment Base
· Provide Incentives for Diversified Residential Redevelopment in the
Enterprise Zone, including Quality Affordable Housing
· Promote Enterprise Zone Business Development and Economic
Redevelopment
· Promote Environmental Cleanup Through Redevelopment in the
Enterprise Zone
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. Buffer Existing and Future Businesses in the Enterprise Zone from
the Potential Costs Associated with Damage Due to Emergency
Situations
. Enhance the Property Tax Base in the Enterprise Zone
Diversify and Expand the Enterprise Zone Employment
Base
Clearwater's highest unemployment rates are found in the proposed EZ.
Based upon 1990 census data provided by the Department of Labor, the
unemployment rate in the Enterprise Zone is 9.5%, compared with a
citywide rate of less than 4%; six of 14 block groups have unemployment
rates of 11% or greater.
The City provides fmanciaI support to job training and child day care
organizations such as Youth Builders of Clearwater, Community Pride
Child Care, Partners in Self Sufficiency, Inc., and YWCA of Tampa Bay.
In addition, the City coordinates job training with Career Options . of
Pinellas, formerly the Pinellas Private Industry Council. Despite these
efforts, additional incentives must be established to improve the
Enterprise Zone area's unemployment level.
Key Enterprise Zone programs anticipated to be used to assist the City in
attaining this goal are:
. Enterprise Zone Jobs Tax Credit (Sales And Use Tax)
. Enterprise Zone Jobs Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
. Community Contribution Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
Provide Incentives for Diversified Residential
Redevelopment in the Enterprise Zone, Including Quality
Affordable Housing
There are over 7,000 structures, primarily s~gle family homes, within
the proposed Enterprise Zone, 4.9% of which do not comply with City
codes. Most of the housing stock was built before 1960, and consists of
small wood frame bungalows on elevated piers. Our goal is to invest
$14,000,000 in housing development through the following three
programs over the next five years.
Housing Rehabilitation Program
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The City of Clearwater will market our Housing Rehabilitation Loan
program to qualifying lower income homeowners. Marketing will include
newsletters, taped programs on our public access television channels,
and individual contact. The level of rehabilitation will range from
emergency repairs of imminent hazards to substantial rehabilitation.
Clearwater's construction management staff will help clients determine
the level of rehabilitation needed, prepare bid packages, and supervise
the rehabilitation by a client selected contractor. Sources of funds
include the Challenge 2000 loan funds, Community Development Block
Grant (CDBO) funds, Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
and State Housing Incentive Program (SHIP) monies.
The average rehabilitation loan is $25,000 and the average emergency
rehabilitation loan is $5,000. Our goal is to fmance the rehabilitation of
100 homes during the next five years.
Infill Housing Program
Data obtained from the 1990 Census Data indicates that approximately
65% of the houses located in the proposed Enterprise Zone are investor-
owned. In response to that data, Clearwater started the Infill Housing
Program for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.
During the first six years of this program, 126 new homes have been
built. A study by the University of South Florida shows that there are
approximately 400 vacant lots in the proposed Enterprise Zone suitable
for development or zoned residential.
The program will be marketed to first time home buyers through
newsletters, taped programs on public access television, and area
neighborhood meetings. Residents in public housing and apartment
complexes units are our primary targets. Clearwater Neighborhood
Housing Services (CNHS) , Habitat for Humanity, Community Service
Foundation, and Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation
(CDC) are partners with the City in this marketing effort.
Clients who are not ready for loan approval due to delinquent debt
obligations, excessive debt to income ratios, or unsatisfactoxy credit
histoxy will be referred to the budgeting classes of CNHS, Tampa Bay
CDC and Community Service Foundation credit counseling service for
assistance.
Clearwater will use Challenge 2000 funds, HOME, SHIP and CDBa
funds for mortgage loans. The average Infillloan (provided by the private
sector Challenge 2000 funds with a city guarantee for five years) is
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approximately $70,000 with an additional maximum (income-capped)
$13,360 for down payment assistance provided by the City. Our goal for
the In-fill housing program is to construct 125 new homes in the next
ten years.
The benefits of this program include the creation of home ownership for
first time home buyers, elimination of vacant lots, the demolition of
unsafe structures, stabilization of the area, economic diversification (as a
result of families with higher incomes moving into the area) and
increased property values. Reversing declining property values in the
proposed Enterprise Zone is a primary objective of the Enterprise Zone
Strategic Plan.
Down Payment Assistance ProlZram
Investor-owned property is approximately 65% of all housing stock in the
proposed Enterprise Zone. This program will help persons who want to
be homeowners be able to afford that first step in the ownership cycle -
the down payment. Up to $3,000 of down payment assistance is
available through this program, with average home prices purchased
through the program being $50,000 - $55,000.
The key Enterprise Zone program that will be used to assist the City in
attaining this goal is:
. Community Contribution Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
Promote Enterprise Zone Business Development and
Economic Redevelopment
The City of Clearwater's economic development strategy is based on
developing expanded job opportunities at all levels of employment, as
well as focusing on opportunities in what we call -Industries of the .
Mind.. These industries include software development, high tech product
assembly and manufacturing, research and development, and medical
services and research. These industries tend to be highly mobile relative
to quality of life considerations, including community investment in
infrastructure, education, appearance and economic incentives. These
industries also tend to be relatively more philanthropic to community
causes. It is therefore imperative that Clearwater enhance its Enterprise
Zone area in a comprehensive fashion to attract and retain these
industries as well as provide them with incentives for contributions for
community development.
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The City has had some recent success in achieving this goal using
existing local incentives. The Information. Management Resources (IMR)
software development company will relocate its corporate headquarters
to the Enterprise Zone, bringing over 700 jobs. The Morton Plant/Mease
Hospital has a $4.5 million medical clinic/pbysician training facility ,
under construction in the Enterprise Zone. However, these successes
must be built upon. Key Enterprise Zone programs anticipated to be
used to assist the City in attaining this goal are:
. Enterprise Zone Jobs Tax Credit (Sales and Use Tax)
. Sales Tax Refund for Business Machinery and Equipment Used in an
Enterprise Zone
. Sales Tax Refund for Building Materials Used in an Enterprise Zone
. Enterprise Zone Jobs Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
. Enterprise Zone Property Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
. Community Contribution Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
Promote Environmental Cleanup Through Redevelopment
in the Enterprise Zone
The Enterprise Zone constitutes the same area as the City's federal and
state designated Brownfield area. The City's Brownfield program is
intended to result in redevelopment-based environmental cleanup.
Considerable public monies are being expended in this effort, including
groundwater pollution abatement and.future liability assumption for the
IMR site and the construction of a regional stormwater retention and
treatment facility in the Enterprise Zone. With these two projects, the
City is committing to providing direct public subsidy for pollution
abatement and liability for critical private development (the IMR
development) as well as providing public pollution control infrastructure
(the stormwater facility) to support private redevelopment.
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While these efforts have been a success, City investment abilities are
limited. Other forms of support are being sought, including direct
contributions such as Southwest Florida Water Management District
grants, and indirect business development incentives like those available
in the Enterprise Zone program. While all of the Enterprise Zone
programs may, in principle, support this goal, the m programs
anticipated to be used to assist the City in attaining this goal are:
. Sales Tax Refund. for Building Materials Used in an Enterprise Zone
. Enterprise Zone Property Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
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Buffer Existing and Future Businesses in the Enterprise
Zone from the Potential Costs Associated with Damage
Due to Emergency Situations
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Twelve percent (12%) of the Enterprise Zone area lies within FEMA flood
hazard zones. The northwest comer of the Enterprise Zone abuts
Clearwater Harbor and the entire Enterprise Zone is located within 1.5
miles of the intercoastal waterway and is 2.8 miles from the open water
of the Gulf of Mexico. These geographical and topological circumstances
make the area potentially vulnerable to the effects of disastrous storm
events such as tropical storms and hurricanes.
The Enterprise Zone designation provides specific state assistance in the
event of a natural disaster.
Enhance the Property Tax Base in the Enterprise Zone
Over the past eight years, property values in the Enterprise Zone have
declined by an inflation-adjusted 5.4% per year. In the Downtown CRA
as a whole, City tax increment fmancing revenues that are based on
property values have declined by over 300% during this same period.
As a result, the City intends to use the Enterprise Zone to generate
business and residential redevelopment to increase property values. Key
Enterprise Zone programs anticipated to be used to assist the City in
attaining this goal are:
. Sales Tax Refund for Business Machinery and Equipment Used in an
Enterprise Zone
. Sales Tax Refund for Building Materials Used in an Enterprise Zone
. Enterprise Zone Property Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
Description Of The Coordinated Efforts For
Revitalization
Clearwater has focused the activities of several municipal departments
and nonprofit agencies to address economic development needs of the
Enterprise Zone. Within City government the departments of Police,
Central Permitting, Community Response, and Housing and Urban
Development are working cooperatively to revitalize this area. Other
governmental agencies participating in the effort include the Career
Options of Pinellas (formerly the Pinellas Private Industry Council) and
the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
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Several private nonprofit agencies will also coordinate their revitalization
activities in the proposed Enterprise Zone. These agencies are:
Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS), Community Service
Foundation, the North Greenwood Associatfon, and the Tampa Bay
Community Development Corporation. Several social services agencies
provide program support in the proposed Enterprise Zone.
The Enterprise Zone Development Agency (EZDA) will coordinate the
governmental and nonprofit agencies. The EZDA Board of Commissioners
represents all these groups. This Strategic Plan for the Enterprise Zone
outlines the activities coordinated through the EZDA. Below is a list of
the programs by department or agency that will focus on the
redevelopment of the proposed Enterprise Zone.
A) Police
In 1994, the National Service Trust began funding St. Petersburg Junior
College, with the Clearwater and St. Petersburg Police Departments. and
the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, through an "Americorps" grant. The
College's program is called project "NuCops" (Neighborhoods Uniting in a
Coalition for Public Safety). It involves a maximum of forty-five (45)
young adult participants and is now in its fourth year. The participants
attend the criminal justice program at the junior college and are assigned
to community based projects relating to crime prevention, neighborhood
problem solving, victim assistance activities, tutoring of neighborhood
youth, neighborhood beautification projects and other duties. The
targeted areas in Clearwater are within the proposed Enterprise Zone.
The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Control and System Improvement
Formula Grant Program (i.e., the Edward Byrne Memorial Trust Fund
Program) has awarded grants to the City of Clearwater to help establish
three Community Policing Teams in North and South Greenwood and
North Fort Harrison areas. These neighborhood Police Substations are
within the proposed Enterprise Zone. Additionally, the U. S. Department
of Justice COPS Office has awarded several grants to Clearwater to
increase staffing at these substations via the Supplemental Hiring and
Universal programs. A COPS Problem-Solving grant was also awarded to
the Police Department to address the problem of chronic inebriates in
collaboration with The Salvation Army and the Clearwater Homeless
Intervention Project, a 48-bed emergency shelter).
In 1996, Clearwater was also designated an official U. S. Department of
Justice Weed and Seed site. Since that time, Clearwater has received
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three grants from the Executive Office of Weed and Seed and has just
received notification of approval for a fourth grant. These funds have
primarily been used to develop and implement a job skills training center
in the Weed and Seed targeted area (which is located in the proposed
Enterprise Zone). Other programs funded by this grant program include
a summer jobs for youth residing in the Weed and Seed area, job
placement services for other residents in the targeted communities, and
a jobs for at-risk youth program. By qualifying for the Weed and Seed
funding, Clearwater has also received Asset Forfeiture Funding through
the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration; these funds are restricted to
enforcement activities related to or located in the targeted area. Also as a
result of the Weed and Seed designation here in Clearwater, the Pinellas
County Health Department is partially funded by the Executive Office of
Weed and Seed for the Prenatal/Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation
Program for frrst time, poor mothers in Clearwater's Weed and Seed area.
A U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant was also
awarded to the Clearwater Housing Authority which has, in turn,
subcontracted with the Police Department to establish a community
policing substation and computer lab program for residents of one public
housing facility located in the proposed Enterprise Zone. Just this year a
Safe Neighborhood Grant for approximately $224,000 was awarded to
the Community Service Foundation to build a new facility for the South
Greenwood Community Policing Substation and fund an additional
$75,000 in officer overtime in that community.
B) Central Permitting
The department's Unsafe Building Program brings buildings into code
compliance or demolishes those that do not comply and continue to pose
a threat to neighborhood safety, appearance and quality of life. Over 80%
of this program's activities are in the proposed Enterprise Zone.
The City is also preparing a new land development code to eliminate
regulatory barriers to redevelopment. The code will expand allowable
uses in the Enterprise Zone, institute more flexible development
permitting, and promote the aesthetic and economic goals of the One
City. One Future. effort. One component of the new code will create
district parking in the North Greenwood and North Fort Harrison
neighborhoods. These two neighborhoods are among the oldest in
Clearwater. Average lot sizes are 3,000 square feet. Revised onsite
parking requirements are an impediment to the redevelopment of these
smaller sized lots. District parking will eliminate a regulatory barrier to
redevelopment.
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C) Community Response Team
The Community Response Team (CRT) regulates community image
standards through the City's Code of Ordinances, with emphasis on
achieving voluntary code compliance through education, communication
and cooperation. The CRT grew out of Clearwater's commitment to
improving customer service and quality of life. At the suggestion of a
1993 citizen task force, the former Code Enforcement Department
became the CRT. With fresh vision and a new approach to citizens, the
CRT aims to consistently, fairly and impartially regulate established
community image standards. Proactive education and on-site counseling
of citizens, involvement in community events and programs, and meeting
citizens' needs through referral to other city departments are the CRT's
methods of operation. This innovative method of community-based
interaction with government focuses on improving quality of life for
families and children in city neighborhoods through education,
communication and cooperation. It has resulted in a 98% voluntary code
compliance rate, as well as enhanced citizen involvement and
empowerment. The Community Response Team has established a
satellite office in the Enterprise Zone area to provide better service to the
area. The satellite office has increased CRT's presence in the target area
by doubling the staff resources.
D) Clearwater Housing and Urban Development
The Clearwater Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUD)
will work to remove barriers to home ownership for citizens in the
Enterprise Zone area of Clearwater through these programs:
. Housing Rehabilitation Program - This loan program allows lower
income homeowners to complete emergency repairs (average loan of
$5,000), as well as substantial rehabilitation (average loan $25,000) of
their homes. The construction management staff helps clients
determine the level of work required, prepare bid packages and
supervise the rehabilitation by a client-selected. contractor. Sources of
funds for this program include the Challenge 2000 loan fund, CDBG,
HOME and SHIP monies.
. Infill Housing Program - This program identifies vacant lots that are
suitable for development or zoned residential and constructs homes
on them. The program targets individuals and families with low
incomes. Sources of funds for the program include Challenge 2000,
CDBG, HOME and SHIP funding. The average infill loan is
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approximately $70,000, with an additional income-capped maximum
of $13,360 for down payment assistance.
. Down Pavment Assistance Proszram - This program allows many
individuals the opportunity to become first-time homeowners by
providing up to $3,000 in down payment assistance on homes whose
average purchase price ranges from $50,000 - $55,000.
E) Economic Development Team
. Small Business Loans- Several economic development tools will be
used to encourage development and redevelopment in the Enterprise
Zone.
The Clearwater City Commission is making $1 million available for
loans to small businesses wishing to expand in the City. The
Commission, in partnership with the National Development Council,
created the Grow Clearwater Fund earlier this year to offer fmancing
that is attractive, affordable and long-term for healthy small
businesses ready to grow in the City. The Grow Clearwater Fund is
the local operating affiliate of the Grow America Fund, a national
small business lending company and community development
fmancial institution licensed by the U.S Small Business
Administration (SBA) and U.S. Treasury Department. The City has
loan officers on staff to help small businesses prepare loan
applications for the SBA 7 A and 504 commercial loans offered
through this program for real estate, equipment and working capital.
The City has corresponding agreements with several commercial
lenders to accept our loan applications for fmancing through these
SBA loan programs.
The City also participates in the Office of Tourism, Trade and
Economic Development (OTTED) Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund
Program (QTI) and the Brownfield Redevelopment Bonus Refund
Program. In addition, Clearwater will use our economic development.
loan fund for short-term loans to businesses expanding or relocating
in the Enterprise Zone. The department will also provide technical
assistance and training seminars to small business owners and
entrepreneurs in the Enterprise Zone. Finally, the department assists
businesses through participation in these Tampa Bay area programs:
. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - The SBDC provides
management assistance to start-up and existing small businesses.
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Staff consultants and a network of volunteers provide assistance; the
SBDC also conducts seminars on a variety of business topics
. Suncoast Venture Program (SCVF) - The SCVF brings together
investors with select investment opportunities. Entrepreneurs present
their business concepts to a large group of private and institutional
investors at one of four dinner meetings.
. Manufacturing, Training and Education Center (MTEC) - The MTEC
provides services in product design and proto typing, training in
manufacturing processes and manufacturing management education.
. Office for Corporate Development at USF (OCD) - Assists the
management of high technology businesses in developing and
implementing business plans, raising capital and operations. The
OCD staff, MBA interns and a network of business professionals
provide assistance.
. Southern Technology Application Center (STAC) - STAC provides
assistance in technology transfer from Universities and Federal
Laboratories Information Services and the management of technology
commercialization.
. Oulfcoast - GuHcoast provides financial assistance through the SBA
504 program. Most borrowers receive 90% fmancing with long term
lower interest. Loans are for real estate and capital equipment.
. Brownfi.elds Program - The area proposed for Enterprise Zone
designation is both a federal and a state designated Brownfields area.
This program will allow Clearwater to remove environmental
impediments to redevelopment. The majority of the Brownfields
funding will enable the City to provide Phase I and Phase II
environmental assessments for. the approximate 100 identified
Brownfields sites. In addition to assessments, the program offers
redevelopment incentives that include loan guarantees and payment
of impact fees.
. Permitting and Development Assistance - A staff member of the
economic development team is charged with assisting businesses
through the permitting process, including site plan development and
resolution of zoning issues. Working with other team members, this
individual will assist those businesses who wish to locate in the
Enterprise Zone.
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. Downtown Manaszement - Another staff member of the economic
development team is charged with development of Clearwater's
downtown business district (which is included in the Enterprise Zone
area). To help with downtown growth and revitalization, the City is
currently applying for designation of the downtown business area as a
Main Street district. Using the four-point Main Street approach to
redevelopment - design, organization promotion and economic
restructuring - this program will unite the various community groups,
boards and committees that are concerned with downtown
development. The program will give them a focus and direction for
their efforts and should result in positive change in downtown
Clearwater.
F) Career Options of PineUas
Career Options of Pinellas, formerly the Pinellas Private Industry
Council, is the local administrator of Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)
funds in Pinellas County. It is also the administrative entity for the
Pinellas WAGES Coalition. The organization has operated employment
and training programs since January 1980 with a mission to train
economically disadvantaged individuals, dislocated people and others
who face serious barriers to employment so they may obtain productive
employment. Career Options provides the only forum where private and
public sector leaders jointly consider the education, job training and
employment needs of communities.
Career Options' job training programs are making a great difference in
people lives and in their futures. The service delivery system is multi-
faceted, consisting of program services conducted by professional staff
and coordinated with other human service providers in a joint operating
strategy. The Clearwater location is one of three Pinellas County Career
Options Centers. All three help unemployed adults and youth who are
eager to be trained for meaningful work in Pinellas County. Since 1980,
their training and job placement strategies have placed over 25,000
individuals in jobs in Pinellas County.
G) Community Redevelopment Agency
Large portions of the CRA are within the boundaries of the Enterprise
Zone. The CRA has several programs that will help businesses that are in
both the Enterprise Zone and the CRA district. The Storefront
Improvement Grant Program encourages businesses to improve the
appearance of their property by awarding grants for architectural design
expenses. The City is currently in the process of applying for Main Street
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designation, which will bring other resources to bear. Businesses in this
area can take advantage of the CRA's incentives as well as the State and
local Enterprise Zone incentives.
H) Clearwater Neighborhood Kousing Services
Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS), in partnership with
the City of Clearwater, provides technical assistance and small business
loans to businesses located in CNHS' target area. CNHS helps new and
existing business owners to obtain the technical knowledge and skills
required to succeed in business. Their Economic Development Loan
Fund Program fmances business development, ownership and
expansion.
I) Community Service Foundation
Community Service Foundation (CSF) was chartered in 1957 as a
nonprofit organization with a mission to fmd housing for low to
moderate-income families. Currently, CSF aids thousands of families
each year as they fmd and keep affordable housing. CSF accomplishes
this by: assisting families in preparing for home ownership; locating
affordable rental housing; assisting with rent, mortgage and utility
payments; training in budgeting, home maintenance and applying for a
mortgage; mediation for families facing eviction or foreclosure;
cooperating with other area agencies in finding food, medical care and
other help, and operating a Neighborhood Family Center.
I) Social and Human Services
To meet the social and human service needs of the City and the
Enterprise Zone, Clearwater funds a variety of programs through the
Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) and the City's Social
Service Grant Program. These funds must benefit at least 70% low and
moderate income persons or serve areas with populations of at least 70%
low and moderate income. The proposed Enterprise' Zone is the primary
target area for social service programs in Clearwater. The following list of
agencies and programs will address the social service needs in the
Enterprise Zone:
CHIP
The Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP) operates a 48-bed
overnight emergency homeless shelter providing safe lodging for chronic
homeless individuals and families. Their program objective is to provide
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intervention-based case management and ease assistance from other
agencies to help individuals get of the street and into independent living.
Chore Services
The Chore Service program helps elderly persons maintain their home in
a healthy, hazard free environment. During this program year Chore will
serve 60 persons in Clearwater.
Coordinatsd Child Care 01 Pinella.s, Inc.
Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, Inc. (CCC) is the state designated
community child care coordinating agency (4C) for subsidized child care
in Pinellas. The agency has been serving the community for 29 years. The
agency currently contracts with over 600 (one of which, Community
Pride, is described below) child care providers of subsidized child care.
CCC also provides free child care resource and referral services for the
public, supported by the State of Florida and the local Juvenile Welfare
Board. Currently, there are 100 child care providers located in the
proposed Enterprise Zone, representing 2,402 child care slots, 285 of
which (or 12%) are currently vacant. CCC also coordinates referrals with
Head Start and the school system's Pre-Kindergarten Early Intervention
Program. In summary, the agency offers all parents one-stop shopping
for their child care needs at six different offices throughout the county.
Community Pride Child Care
Community Pride has been providing child care services for in the North
Greenwood area for 35 years. The children include those identified by the
Department of Children and Families as abused or neglected, those living
in homeless shelters, from teen parent families, welfare recipients and
low-income working families.
Ervin's All-American Youth Club
Founded in 1981, Ervin's All-American Youth Club has grown from a
small, youth-oriented agency into an active incubator of innovative
programs for African American youth and their families in Pinellas
County. Services address joblessness, alcoholism and drug abuse, and
educational opportunities. The primary current focus is the development
of entrepreneurial and leadership skills in youth and their families.
Greenwood Community Health . Resource Center
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The Greenwood Community Health Resource Center provides quality
health care and community support services to the underserved citizens
of the Greenwood area and Pinellas County. All of the services at the
facility are provided at no cost to the patient. These services include:
- blood pressure screening, diabetic -screening, cholesterol testing, school
physicals, sports physicals, treatment of minor illnesses, child care
education, health care maintenance and senior citizen health care. Four
medical doctors, four registered nurses, two nurse practitioners, one
nursing assistant and three receptionists man the center. The center
opened on May 4th, 1997. The center continues to provide medical care to
those in need with an emphasis on preventative care to avert more
drastic medical treatments in the future.
Head Start
Along with Community Pride Child Care, Head Start provides critically-
needed child care services within the Enterprise Zone area. Northern
Pinellas County needs day care opportunities for over 500 eligible
children.
Homeless Emergency Project
The Homeless Emergency Project (HEP), is a homeless shelter dedicated
to providing homeless individuals and families with housing, food,
clothing and support services necessary to overcome barriers to self-
sufficiency. Services provided include dental care, medical care, eye
exams and eye glasses, counseling, literacy and life skills programs,
mentoring, parenting programs, budgeting classes, legal assistance,
employability programs, job referrals and transportation.
Morton Plant Mease Hospital - Family Health Center
The 30,000 square foot Family Health Center will provide access, for the
very first time, to PrimaIy Care physicians for chronic disease
management, prevention, early detection and wellness care for the entire
family at a single neighborhood location. Designed with patient care
clusters to encourage teamwork among PrimaIy Care physicians, family
practice residents, behavioral specialist, social workers, nurse
practitioners and psychologists, it will be constructed in North
Greenwood, a predominantly African American community. Upon
completion the Family Health Center will staff 24 family practice
residents, 6-physician faculty and a minimum of 3 non-physician
faculty.
North Greenwood Association, Inc.
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The North Greenwood Association operates a Community Family Center.
The services address substance abuse, early intervention for children,
maternal and child health, intergenerational activities, and neighborhood
development issues.
Partnsrs in Self Sufficiency, Inc.
Partners in Self Sufficiency promotes economic self-sufficiency by
providing support to very low and low income families returning to
college or technical school. The objective is to increase the earning
capacity as the assisted individuals graduate and become employed in
their field of training.
Sgt. Allen Moore Community partnsrship
Sgt. Allen Moore Community Partnership empowers neighborhood and
community leaders to become self-sufficient in the planning and
application of alcohol and other drug abuse treatment and prevention
programs. Through the SAFEHOUSE of North Greenwood, professionally
trained volunteers, provide a comprehensive network of family-based
treatment and intervention services to low and moderate income
residents.
YWCA of Tampa Bay
The YWCA of Tampa Bay has maintained a location in Clearwater since
1953 with a mission to support women and their families. Through
various programs, the YWCA serves a large number of families from the
Brownfields area. These programs include: Project HELP, which provides
services for pregnant and parenting teenagers, including academic
education, counseling and child care; King's Kids, which provides
tutoring/homework assistance for K-5th grade students; and Healthy
Families, consisting of child abuse prevention and family support
services for low income, high risk families residing in census tracts with
high incidences of child abuse.
J) Transportation
The Clearwater Public Works Department will coordinate several
transportation infrastructure improvements affecting the proposed
Enterprise Zone. Roadway improvements will include the widening of
Drew Street, Sunset Point Road, Highland Avenue, and Druid Road.
Engineering will also work with Florida Department of Transportation to
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relieve traffic congestion on Fort Harrison Avenue by creating a one-way
pair system with Myrtle Avenue.
K) Environmental
Environmental Management Staff evaluates private property being
considered for acquisition by the City. The purpose of this program is to
become a knowledgeable consumer, as well as to protect the public
interest. In addition, the program is designed to help current property
owners know what to do if contamination is discovered. In at least one
instance, the City has acquired contaminated property and paid the
cleanup costs to facilitate the economic development of the area.
Economic redevelopment of the downtown core has been effectively
limited by the absence of land available for storm water quality
treatment, a state and City development requirement. Furthermore,
Clearwater Harbor water quality has suffered from the effects of
untreated storm water runoff that has further limited economic
development. This project will provide a regional treatment system large
enough to accommodate substantial redevelopment within the
Downtown, including portions of the proposed Enterprise Zone.
Description or The Poverty And General Distress
Poverty and general distress identifiers make the proposed area a likely
candidate for an Enterprise Zone designation. Of all households in the
proposed Enterprise Zone, 25.9% are at or below poverty incomes. All
but two block groups of 14 have a poverty rate of 15% or greater, with six
block groups having poverty levels above 30%. Poverty rates range from
5.3% to 59%.
Verification That The Contributing Organizations
Participated In The Planning Process
Attached are letters of support documenting participation in this
strategic planning process from the various private and public
organizations. A partial list of these organizations includes the
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Board,
the Old Clearwater Bay Association, the North Greenwood Association,
the South Greenwood Association, and assorted lenders and other
private businesses.
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Commitments From The Governing Body To Enact Local
And Fiscal Regulatory Incentives
The City of Clearwater is committed to the success of the Enterprise
Zone. If the proposed area is designated as a Florida Enterprise Zone the
following fiscal and regulatory incentives (already in place) will be used to
benefit the area:
· Free Phase I Environmental Assessments
· Matching Funds for Phase II Environmental Assessments
(Maximum $10,000 City contribution)
· Matching Funds for Payment of Impact Fees (Maximum $10,000
City contribution)
· SBA loans
· Qualified Target Industries Tax Credit Assistance
· Economic Development loan fund
· Storefront Improvement grant program
· Removal of barriers to housing for citizens through Housing
Rehabilitation Program, Infill Housing Program and Down Payment
Assistance Program
· A comprehensive revision of the City Land Development
Regulations to increase redevelopment flexibility in the Enterprise
Zone
. State job training and WAGES initiatives
Identification Of The Local And Private Resources
Available In The Nominated Area
Through the Clearwater Challenge 2000 fund local banks have made
available $7,150,000 for housing development with an additional
commitment level of $4,000,000. Private banks will also make financing
available for business development. Individual commitment letters from
these banks are attached.
If designated by the State of Florida, Clearwater will work with area
banks to form a Community Investment Corporation as part of the
Enterprise Zone Development Agency. Florida Power and Clearwater Gas
will also consider incentive pricing for expanding and new business
customers if we are selected as an Enterprise Zone.
Indications Of How The Tax Incentives And Local, State,
And Federal Resources Will Be Used In The Nominated
Area
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Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) funds and Small Business
Administration funds will allow the City to provide a package of financial
assistance for business development. In addition, the following State
incentives will be used:
· Enterprise Zone Jobs Tax Credit (Sales and Use Tax)
· Sales Tax Refund for Business Machinery and Equipment Used in an
Enterprise Zone
· Sales Tax Refund for Building Materials Used in an Enterprise Zone
· Enterprise Zone Jobs Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
· Enterprise Zone Property Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
· Community Contribution Tax Credit (Corporate Income Tax)
· State and Federal Brownfields Incentives
Identification Of Funding Requested Under Any State Or
Federal Program For The Proposed Revitalization Efforts
The City of Clearwater has not applied for any additional funding under
any state or federal programs, however, the City of Clearwater currently
receives funding from the following sources:
Fundine: Source
· SHIP Funds
· HOME Funds
· Challenge 2000
· COBG Funds
· Federal Brownfield Funds
· State Brownfield Funds
Fiscal Year 97/98
$ 633,161
$ 402,000
$1,400,000
$1,035,000
$ 200,000
$ 500,000
Identification Of The Baseline Data And BenchmarkS For
Measuring The Success Of The Strategic Plan
Benchmark data may be divided into two categories: long-term and
short-term. Long-term benchmark data is data collected by the U.S.
Census Bureau every 10 years. Short-term benchmark data will be
collected annually by the City of Clearwater or provided from other public
or private sources. The following baseline and benchmark data will be
used for measuring the success of the strategic plan:
LoDe: Term
. % of home ownership
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· Changes in the rate of unemployment
· Changes in the rate of poverty
· % of individuals on public assistance
· Ad valorem Tax assessment
Short Term
. # of business created
· # of homes built
· # of rehabilitated homes
· # of small business loans
· # of homes and other structures brought into code compliance
· # of business loans approved
Implementation Strategy
The Clearwater City Commission will adopt our local incentives by
resolution within 60 days of the Enterprise Zone designation. The
Enterprise Zone Development Agency (EZDA) will, with the assistance of
City staff, inventory all available sites for development and analyze the
appropriate mix of incentives to activate these sites for development and
redevelopment purposes.
With the cooperation of Central Permitting, the EZDA will use direct mail
marketing to the 1,152 businesses licensed in the proposed Enterprise
Zone. The EZDA will also work with Clearwater's local access television
channel and other City mass commUnication vehicles (such as the City
Magazine, utility bill stuffers, and general occupational license mailouts)
to augment this direct marketing effort. All economic development, CRA,
permitting, and planning personnel will be trained in the Enterprise Zone
programs so that this information can be readily disseminated on an ad
hoc basis.
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