08/03/2026 Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, August 3, 2026
1 :00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
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City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair Bruce Rector, Trustee Ryan Cotton, Trustee Michael Mannino,
Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Alfred Battle —Assistant City
Manager, Owen Kohler— City Attorney, Rosemarie Call — City Clerk,
Nicole Sprague — Deputy City Clerk, and Jesus Nino — CRA Executive
Director
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Chair Rector
The meeting was called to order at 2:45 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the July 13, 2026 CRA meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2026
CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda — None.
4. New Business Items
4.1 August Business Spotlight - Soul Sicilian Fusion
Present Soul Sicilian Fusion as the August 2026 winner of the Clearwater CRA
Business Spotlight Program.
Located at 516 Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater, Soul Sicilian Fusion
is being recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, distinctive Sicilian-inspired
cuisine, and commitment to serving the downtown community. Since opening in
2019, the restaurant has contributed to the vitality of downtown Clearwater by
providing residents, employees, and visitors with a unique local dining
experience.
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain a
diversified business sector.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
CRA Specialist Tasha Hadley provided a video presentation.
4.2 Approve Third Quarter budget amendments for the Downtown Clearwater Community
Redevelopment Area and adopt Resolution 26-02.
The Downtown CRA Operating and Capital Budget have been reviewed through
the third quarter for FY 2025-26. Updates include adjustments to revenues,
transfers, and expenditures to reflect actual and projected needs. Key
adjustments include:
Downtown Revenues:
• A decrease of$33,976 in increment received from Pinellas County
• A decrease of$2,108 in increment received from City of Clearwater
• A decrease of$577 in increment received from the Downtown
Development Board and to reclass revenues to the correct code to
account for interfund transfers.
• Increase of$125,000 in estimated interest earning
Downtown Operating:
• Adjust the budget to reflect actual expenditures to date
• A decrease of$577 in increment received from the Downtown
Development Board and to reclass expenditures to the correct code to
account for interfund transfers.
• Adjust funding in transfers to capital projects to account for revenue
amendments noted
Downtown CRA Capital Projects
• R2003, Economic Development-City, increase of$125,000 for
estimated earned interest
• R2005, Infrastructure-City, increase of$14,967.49 reimbursed from
PSTA
• R2008, Transportation-County, a decrease of$33,976 of increment
received from Pinellas County.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.3 Adopt responsive levels of services for public facilities and amenities and
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
Resolution 26-02 was presented and ready by title only.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve Third Quarter budget
amendments for the Downtown Clearwater Community
Redevelopment Area and adopt Resolution 26-02. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Chair Rector, Trustee Cotton, Trustee Mannino, Trustee Allbritton and
Trustee Teixeira
4.3 Approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 North Greenwood Community Redevelopment
Agency Budget and adopt Resolution 26-05.
The North Greenwood CRA has aligned its proposed operating budget and
proposed project budget to facilitate future redevelopment as outlined in the
North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area Plan. Table 12 of the North
Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area Plan outlines the Recommended
TIF Expenditures.
The three priority areas are:
• Affordable Housing: Create, preserve, or improve income restricted
affordable housing units and prevent displacement.
• Economic Development & Employment: Increase quality employment
opportunities, particularly in the county target industries
• Mobility: Improve transit, walking, and biking options and access to
transit.
Tax Increment Revenue for the North Greenwood CRA is $1,205,405 which is
an increase from the Amended FY 25/26 revenue. City
Increment funds are divided between Operating Expenditures and Project
Funds. Operating Expenditures include services, supplies and expenses that
occur during the fiscal year and are primarily used for conducting North
Greenwood CRA's day-to-day operations. Project funds are established to
assist with creating programing recommended in the North Greenwood
Community Redevelopment Area Plan.
Total operating expenditures $34,679; Internal Services are $9,533; Salaries for
CRA Executive Director and CRA staff$255,279 which is split with the
Downtown CRA; R2407, Housing County $200,000; R2502 Economic
Development City $453,003; R2602 Economic Development County $325,020.
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.3 Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and
identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
Resolution 26-05 was presented and read by title only.
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 North
Greenwood Community Redevelopment Agency Budget and adopt
Resolution 26-05. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Chair Rector, Trustee Cotton, Trustee Mannino, Trustee Allbritton and
Trustee Teixeira
4.4 Approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Downtown Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Area Budget and adopt Resolution 26-04
The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Downtown Community Redevelopment Area
(DTCRA) Budget aligns proposed project expenditures to facilitate future
redevelopment of downtown through the implementation of the Downtown Plan.
The major highlights of the FY 2026-2027 proposed preliminary budget are:
Tax Increment Revenue is $6,710,910 which is an increase of$205, 234 over
the Amended 2025-2026 revenue, reflecting an increase in taxable value of both
the original CRA area and the expanded (Downtown Gateway) CRA area.
DTCRA Funds are divided between Operating Expenditures and Project Funds.
Operating Expenditures
• Decrease in Professional Services
• Increase in Utilities
• Increase in Interfund Transfer
• Decrease in Advertising
• Decrease in Training and Reference
Operating Expenditures have decreased from FY 25/26. This decrease will still
allow for adequate training and professional services for this fiscal year.
Operating Expenditures also includes the payment of$406,214 to the
Downtown Development Board (DDB).
Project Funds
Transfers Out designated the funding this fiscal year that will be allocated to
various Project Funds. The costs for Interlocal Agreements with the City and the
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
Clearwater Police Department are found in the General Fund and Community
Policing lines for a total of$1,253,246. The Interlocal Agreement between the
City and CRA is for salaries, benefits, and internals services, as outlined in the
interlocal agreement. These costs have been split between the Downtown
CRA and North Greenwood.
The remaining City TIF revenue has been allocated to
Economic Development ($1,995,076) and Housing ($804,488)
County TIF Funds, $2,952,424 for this fiscal year, are restricted and have been
allocated to Economic Development ($952,424) and Housing ($2,000,000).
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.3 Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and
identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
Resolution 26-04 was presented and read by title only.
Trustee Mannino moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Downtown Clearwater Community Redevelopment Area Budget
and adopt Resolution 26-04. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Chair Rector, Trustee Cotton, Trustee Mannino, Trustee Allbritton and
Trustee Teixeira
4.5 Schedule an executive session for active litigation pursuant to Section 286.011(8), F.S.
The City Attorney requested a closed executive session on August 20,
2026, at 11:00 a.m., to discuss litigation involving Crum.
Trustee Cotton moved to schedule an executive session for active
litigation pursuant to Section 286.011(8), F.S. on August 20, 2026 at
11:00 a.m. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.6 Approve an Agreement for Development, Purchase, and Sale of Property between the
City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency and BDP Development Partners
LLC for seven Community Redevelopment Agency-owned parcels located between
South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and South Washington Avenue, north of Gould
Street; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute all documents necessary to
effectuate closing.
On January 14, 2026 and pursuant to Section 163.380, Florida Statutes, the City
of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) issued Request for
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Development Proposals No. 15-26 (RFDP) for the redevelopment of seven
CRA-owned parcels located between South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and
South Washington Avenue, north of Gould Street (collectively, the Property),
within the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (DTCRA).
On February 13, 2026, Archway Partners, LLC (Archway) submitted a proposal
in response to the RFDP to redevelop the Property into a mixed-use,
mixed-income residential and retail development with the primary component
being a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project. Following the proposal
evaluation process, on June 15, 2026, the CRA Board of Trustees authorized
staff to negotiate an Agreement for Development, Purchase, and Sale of
Property (Agreement) with the highest-ranked proposer, Archway.
Staff has completed negotiations and is presenting the Agreement for
consideration to the CRA Board of Trustees. The Agreement is between the
CRA and BDP Development Partners LLC (BDP), an affiliate of Archway. BDP
was formed by Archway and its principals to acquire the Property as well as to
develop and finance the project. The Agreement implements the DTCRA Plan
by providing for the sale of the Property and development of the project in
furtherance of the Community Redevelopment Act and the DTCRA Plan.
The Agreement provides for the sale of approximately 3.13 acres consisting of
seven CRA-owned parcels for the appraised purchase price of$2,520,000.00.
Staff submits that the purchase price is at a value determined to be in the public
interest for uses in accordance with the DTCRA Plan as required by Section
163.380, Florida Statutes.
The Property will be conveyed via a special warranty deed if BDP satisfies the
conditions precedent to closing, including obtaining the required development
approvals and providing evidence of commitments for construction and
permanent financing for the Initial Phase of the project. Closing shall occur no
later than 60 days after the later of issuance of the Initial Phase building permits
or 18 months after the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) invites
BDP into credit underwriting for the Initial Phase.
The project consists of a residential low-income housing tax credit development
that may be constructed in one or more phases. Upon completion, the project
will contain at least 178 affordable units and a minimum of 3,000 square feet of
ground-floor commercial space. The Initial Phase of the project will consist of at
least 75 affordable units.
The Agreement establishes a Project Schedule for the Initial Phase providing
deadlines for BDP to obtain building permits, commence construction, obtain
certificates of occupancy, begin pre-leasing, and complete leasing. Additionally,
the Agreement also contains a deadline for completion of all 178 units.
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Recognizing the competitive nature and timing of affordable housing financing,
the Agreement provides up to three administrative one-year extensions of these
deadlines. If those extensions are exhausted, the CRA Board of Trustees may
approve up to two additional one-year extensions. Further, the Agreement
contains a right for the CRA to repurchase all or portions of the Property if BDP
is unable to abide by the Project Schedule up and until certificate of
occupancies are obtained.
Approval of this item will approve the Agreement and authorize the CRA
Chairperson or his designee to execute those documents necessary to
effectuate closing. The proposed redevelopment advances several goals,
objectives, and policies contained within the DTCRA Plan, including, but not
limited to:
• Encouraging redevelopment of underutilized and vacant properties
within the Prospect Lake Character District.
• Supporting mixed-use and mixed-income residential development.
• Increasing housing opportunities within Downtown Clearwater.
• Supporting pedestrian-oriented urban infill development.
• Activating streetscapes and encouraging neighborhood-serving
commercial uses.
• Leveraging public-private partnerships and external funding sources.
• Supporting redevelopment consistent with the vision, goals, and policies
of the DTCRA Plan.
The proposal also generally supports the following DTCRA Plan goals and
objectives:
People Goal - Downtown shall be a place that attracts residents, visitors,
businesses, and enables the development of community.
Objective 1 F -Allow for a variety of residential densities and housing types to
provide for a range of affordability and mix of incomes.
Objective 1 G - Continue to utilize incentives to encourage new residential uses
Downtown.
Objective 2B - Strengthen pedestrian-oriented streets and active ground-floor
uses.
Objective 3G - Create and activate spaces that promote economic growth for
Downtown.
Objective 4A - Encourage redevelopment containing a variety of building forms
and styles.
Objective 4B - Ensure redevelopment enhances the built environment.
Policy 10 - The CRA may evaluate participation with the private sector in land
assembly to facilitate projects consistent with the DTCRA Plan.
Policy 12 - Support affordable housing and redevelopment funding opportunities.
Policy 18 - Incorporate pedestrian-scale elements that create an inviting
pedestrian environment.
Prospect Lake Character District Vision - Encourage residential growth,
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mixed-use redevelopment, and reinvestment within the District.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household stability and
reduce the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
2.1 - Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
In response to questions, Archway Partners President Brett Green said
Archway is committed to getting the proposed project to be permit ready,
which includes construction drawings, so that it scores better in the State's
new scoring metric. Archway is prepared to invest the necessary funds to
get the project permit ready. He said the 9% tax credit is one funding
source Archway will pursue, 4% tax credit with tax-exempt bonds is
another option being considered.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve an Agreement for Development,
Purchase, and Sale of Property between the City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency and BDP Development
Partners LLC for seven Community Redevelopment Agency-owned
parcels located between South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and
South Washington Avenue, north of Gould Street; and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute all documents necessary to
effectuate closing. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
4.7 Approve an Agreement for Development, Purchase, and Sale of Property between the
Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Clearwater and St. Benedict Holdings,
LLC for the redevelopment of 706 N. Missouri Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33755; adopt
Resolution 26-06, approving the sale of said property; and authorize the CRA Chair or his
designee to execute all documents necessary to effectuate closing.
On August 18, 2025, the City of Clearwater (City) became the owner of certain
real property located at 706 N. Missouri Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33775
(Property) that it had been leasing from the State of Florida. On January 26,
2026, the City transferred the Property to the City of Clearwater Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to facilitate redevelopment consistent with the
North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area Plan (Plan).
On February 22, 2026, pursuant to Section 163.380, Florida Statutes, the CRA
published a Notice of Disposition of Property inviting proposals from private
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developers and interested parties to redevelop the Property. The CRA received
one proposal from St. Benedict Holdings, LLC (Benedict) which was presented
to the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area Citizens Advisory
Committee (CAC) on April 15, 2026. On April 20, 2026, the CRA Board of
Trustees accepted the proposal and authorized CRA staff to negotiate an
Agreement for Development, Purchase, and Sale of Property (Agreement). The
appraised value of the property is $3,000,000 by Entreken Associates, Inc. and
$3,020,000.00 by Tobias Realty Advisors.
The Agreement is now presented for Board of Trustees consideration. The
Agreement provides for the sale of the approximately 3.13-acre [MM2.1]
Property to Benedict, an affiliate of Yo Mama's Foods, for$2,000,000.00. CRA
staff asks the record to reflect the purchase price is at a value determined to be
in the public interest for uses in accordance with the Plan as required by
Section 163.380, Florida Statutes. The Agreement proposes the adaptive reuse
of the existing Armory building and redevelopment of the Property to expand Yo
Mama's Foods' Clearwater headquarters through warehouse, logistics, light
manufacturing, packaging, distribution, inventory management, office, research
and development, and related commercial operations.
The Agreement includes several provisions intended to protect the Agency's
interests while advancing the goals of the Plan. These include, but are not
limited to:
• A 15-year restrictive encumbrance requiring the property to be used for
certain light manufacturing, office, and commercial type uses with a right
to repurchase the Property if the Property is not used for such uses.
• A commitment by Benedict to use reasonable best efforts to preserve
and adaptively reuse the historic Armory building, while allowing routine
operational improvements and future expansion consistent with the
approved Concept Plans;
• A commitment for Yo Mama's Foods to use commercially reasonable
efforts to hire up to 30 full-time positions and a goal to hire ten
employees from the North Greenwood Community;
• A requirement for Yo Mama's Foods to list all job openings with
CareerSource Florida to support local workforce recruitment;
• Yo Mama's Foods participation in at least one annual hiring event in
partnership with the CRA;
• A commitment by Yo Mama's to use commercially reasonable efforts to
establish an apprenticeship, internship, technical college partnership
within five years of the Agreement;
• Annual reporting to the CRA summarizing Yo Mama's Foods recruitment
efforts, hiring activities, and employment levels; and
• Additional requirements for St. Benedict Holdings, LLC are to
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes August 3, 2026
demonstrate the financial capacity to complete the project, compliance
with applicable laws and the Plan, and continued operation of the
Property for its intended commercial use.
The Agreement also establishes customary purchase and sale provisions,
including a $2,000,000 purchase price, a 30-day due diligence and inspection
period, acquisition of the property in "As Is, Where Is" condition, subject to the
Agency's obligations under the Agreement, and a closing date no later than
August 21[MM3.1], 2026. At closing, the Agency shall convey fee simple title to
the Property by a special warranty deed.
Approval of this item will approve the Agreement, approve Resolution No. 26-06,
and authorize the CRA Chairperson or his designee to execute all documents
necessary to effectuate closing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the CRA Board of Trustees:
• Approve the Agreement;
• Adopt Resolution No.26-06 approving the conveyance of the property;
and
• Authorize the CRA Chairperson to execute all documents necessary to
effectuate closing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The CRA will receive $2,000,000 from the sale of the property upon closing
minus certain closing costs. The proceeds will be used to offset costs
associated with relocating Parks and Recreation operations from the Armory
site. Redevelopment of and additional investment in the site will place the
property on the tax roll, create new employment opportunities, and increase the
tax increment revenue of the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment
Area.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT:
North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Plan:
Goal 1 - Public Safety (p. 93): Activates an underutilized site and contributes to
reducing conditions associated with blight.
Goal 3 - Poverty Reduction (p. 93): Supports job creation, workforce
development, and increased access to employment opportunities.
Goal 5 - Quality of Life (p. 94): Enhances community vitality through
reinvestment and improved economic activity.
Redevelopment Policies (pp. 94-95): Advance the reuse of publicly owned
property to support economic development, adaptive reuse, and private
investment.
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City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes
August 3, 2026
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
investment, supports eco -friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job
growth.
3.2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards,
proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Resolution 26-06 was presented and read by title only.
Trustee Allbritton moved to Approve an Agreement for
Development, Purchase, and Sale of Property between the
Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Clearwater and
St. Benedict Holdings, LLC for the redevelopment of 706 N. Missouri
Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33755; adopt Resolution 26-06,
approving the sale of said property; and authorize the CRA Chair or
his designee to execute all documents necessary to effectuate
closing. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Chair Rector, Trustee Cotton, Trustee Mannino, Trustee Allbritton and
Trustee Teixeira
5. Director's Report
5.1 CRA Director's Report August 2026
6. Adjourn
Attest
(144r: CityCr
CRA Executive Director Jesus Nino provided a PowerPoint presentation.
The meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.
Chair
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City of Clearwater