The vote paves the way for historic revitalization in downtown Clearwater
Clearwater residents, businesses and visitors scored an historic win Tuesday night with the passage of the Clearwater Bluffs referendum.
Voters overwhelmingly approved the measure. With 92% of the precincts reporting, more than 66% of the residents supported the referendum.
“Tonight the residents of Clearwater voted for progress and sent a clear message that the time is now to move downtown Clearwater forward with a visionary project that will seamlessly blend our Imagine Clearwater plan to the benefit of every resident,” said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard.
Under the voter-approved referendum, the city is 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 already underway. The new development will serve as its own independent destination and breathe life into Clearwaters under-utilized, yet picturesque downtown.
“As someone who grew up in Clearwater, I could not be more excited about the opportunity to lead a project that will transform my city’s downtown from a place people just passed through to a destination where people can live, work and play. This transformative project will bring needed residential units, new dining and shopping opportunities, hotel beds and event space to our pristine downtown. Thank you to all of the voters who supported this important project,” said developer Dustin DeNunzio of The DeNunzio Group.
The referendum authorizes the sale of downtown property to pave the way for a new 158-room hotel, construction of 500-600 apartments, new dining and retail options and new event and green space.
Photo courtesy of Behar Peteranecz Architecture
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