A “yes” vote will revitalize downtown Clearwater
Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and the other members of City Council are encouraging residents to vote “yes” for Clearwater on the November 8th ballot. A yes vote on the citywide referendum will lead to the revitalization of downtown, while preserving and protecting public spaces.
“This referendum has the ability to move downtown Clearwater forward like nothing we have seen in over 20 years,” said Hibbard. “We should move forward with this visionary project that will seamlessly blend with Imagine Clearwater and benefit every resident.”
A yes vote would allow for the sale of downtown property, paving the way for a new 158-key hotel, construction of 500-600 apartments, new dining and retail options, along with new event and green space.
“The day has come for Clearwater to have a diverse, vibrant and self-sustainable downtown,” said Clearwater City Council member Lina Teixeira.
“The projects in this referendum are a great opportunity to bring more residents and travelers to our downtown, creating a long-term vibrancy that downtown Clearwater needs,” said Vice Mayor and City Councilmember Kathleen Beckman.
Added Clearwater City Council member David Allbritton: “Speaking from a seven-generation family in Clearwater, I have seen many opportunities for the betterment of our city come and go over the many years I have lived here. The Council and the City staff have worked hard to find a developer with the right plan to activate vibrancy for our lifeless downtown. Let’s NOT let this opportunity pass us by. Please vote YES for the bluff development around our beautiful waterfront Coachman Park in November and join us in creating the spark to activate our downtown benefiting ALL the citizens of Clearwater.”
For years, the city has struggled to revitalize downtown Clearwater as it faces challenges with unprecedented private property purchases from buyers with little-to-no expressed plans for the sites. The result has been dozens of downtown properties remaining vacant.
Under this referendum, the city would be authorized to enter into negotiations and a contract with developers to construct a mixed-use destination on key downtown waterfront property, adjacent to Coachman Park where historic revitalization is underway. The new development would serve as its own independent destination and breathe life into Clearwater’s under-utilized, yet picturesque downtown.
In addition to revitalizing downtown, the development would aid the city’s goals to preserve and protect public spaces, attract new investment and provide public amenities for all.
City Council member Mark Bunker has also voiced support for the plan.
Information and photo courtesy of Catalyst Communications Group
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Downtown Clearwater’s New Future Look?
New Completed Designs for Imagine Clearwater
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360-Degree Views of Downtown Clearwater
