Clearwater CRA Meeting - April 20, 2026: Armory Redevelopment Proposal Sparks Community Debate

The City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met on April 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting focused on a proposal from St. Benedict Holdings, LLC (an affiliate of Yo Mama's Foods) to redevelop the historic Armory site at 706 N. Missouri Avenue, generating significant public testimony both supporting and opposing the process. The CRA trustees ultimately voted unanimously to accept the proposal and authorize negotiations.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID#26-0213): The minutes of the March 2, 2026 CRA meeting were approved by a motion and vote.
• Business Spotlight Program (ID#26-0471): New Vision Behavioral Health, Inc. was recognized as the April 2026 recipient. Tasha Hatley, CRA Specialist, presented the award to founder Zeneda Ellison McGraw. The practice, located at the Willow Carson Health and Wellness Center (1108 N. MLK), provides counseling services for mental health and addiction, including telehealth, serving Pinellas County residents via a BayCare grant.

Public Comments & Testimony

Numerous residents and stakeholders spoke on the Armory proposal (Item 4.2):

• Supporters (Yo Mama's Foods employees and associates):
  • Angelina Conkins (Clearwater Beach resident, commercial real estate): Expressed full support for David Habib, citing his philanthropy and community involvement.
  • Mary Favorite (Yo Mama's Foods staff): Described how the Armory would allow the company to relocate logistics from Chicago to Clearwater, improving operations.
  • Morgan Bradham (Yo Mama's Foods staff): Emphasized the company's Clearwater roots and commitment to historic preservation, noting over 50,000 meals donated to Feeding Tampa Bay.
  • Ryan Burge (Clearwater resident, business owner): Supported the project as the highest and best use, noting Habib's community engagement and the company's national growth.
  • Vanessa Pinkham (Clearwater resident, North Missouri Avenue): Expressed strong support, arguing a rising tide lifts all ships.
  • Amanda Payne (President/CEO of Amplified Clearwater): Endorsed Habib as a proven entrepreneur and emphasized job creation and tax base benefits.
• Opponents (community leaders and residents):
  • Kimberly Brown (North Greenwood resident): Opposed the process, stating the community was not informed and that this felt like gentrification. Asked the city to work with the community.
  • Pastor Carlson Childs (Open Funds County Ministry Alliance): Expressed disappointment in lack of notification, noted the Armory's historic role as a storm shelter and youth center, and asked for community involvement.
  • Barbara Sorry Love (Founder, Clearwater African American Foundation): Opposed the proposal, arguing the Armory could be a family center with bowling, movies, etc. She requested the city reopen the bid process.
  • Gloria Campbell (Exec. Director, Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition): Opposed the process, citing lack of transparency. She noted that the community had inquired about the Armory in 2021 but were told it was a state asset. She requested the council admit the process was flawed.
  • Brian Paperman (North Greenwood resident): Described the process as disenfranchising the neighborhood and showed favoritism. Requested the council table the decision and engage community leaders.
  • Lodrilla Jenkins (North Greenwood homeowner): Objected to the characterization of the area as blighted, and expressed concern about a warehouse near her home. Requested more time for community input.
  • Barbara Miller (retired city employee, born and raised in North Greenwood): Said she felt pushed out of her community and asked the council not to accept the proposal to allow community-led proposals.
  • Kevin R. T. Lochland (Chair, Clearwater Marine Advisory Board, council candidate): Criticized the process and said the applicant did not demonstrate community ties. Suggested tabling the decision.
  • Kennard Robinson (Chair, North Greenwood CAC): Noted that four generations ago his family expressed similar frustration with the city. He asked the council to table the item, allow more time, and give the community an opportunity to submit proposals.
• Neutral/Constructive speakers:
  • Hannah Minard (CAC member, business owner): Acknowledged both sides, praised Habib's efforts, but urged a more transparent process for future property dispositions.
  • Marilyn (community leader): Supported the proposal but stated the process failed the community and the applicant; she asked the council to reopen for more proposals.

Discussion Items

4.2 - Proposal for Redevelopment of 706 N. Missouri Avenue (Armory Site)

• Staff Presentation (Aesus Nino, CRA Executive Director):
  • The Armory was transferred from the state to the city in August 2025, then to the CRA in January 2026.
  • A public notice for proposals was issued on February 22, 2026, requiring a minimum purchase price of $2 million, project description, financial details, and development schedule. The solicitation closed March 24, 2026.
  • One proposal was received from St. Benedict Holdings, LLC (affiliate of Yo Mama's Foods), which met all minimum requirements.
  • The proposal includes: $2 million acquisition, adaptive reuse of the existing building for logistics, warehouse, and light manufacturing; alignment with the North Greenwood CRA Plan (public safety, poverty reduction, quality of life, redevelopment policies); expected creation of 20–30 jobs; median salary of $65,000; conversion of a tax-exempt property to tax-paying status, generating an estimated $45,000–$55,000 in annual tax increment for the CRA.
  • The North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) held a special meeting on April 15, 2026 (approx. 89 attendees) and voted 5–0 to recommend reopening the solicitation period for additional proposals.
• Applicant Presentation (Katie Cole, attorney; David Habib, CEO/founder):
  • Yo Mama's Foods is a Clearwater-born company founded in 2017, now a top-10 US pasta sauce brand (Nielsen data). It has been headquartered in North Greenwood for six years, currently employing 20–24 people on site.
  • The company has invested over $150,000 in pre-development costs and proposes a total $5 million investment.
  • Additional commitments: workforce development (summer internships, first-access hiring for local residents, training partnerships with St. Petersburg College and Homeless Empowerment Project (HEP)), expanded food donations, and relocation of a Chicago facility to Clearwater.
  • The proposal includes restoring the historic Armory facade and site improvements.
  • Habib stated that if the proposal does not proceed, the company's expansion plans and relocation from Chicago would not happen, hindering growth.
• Trustee Discussion:
  • Vice Mayor Cotton asked Habib what would happen if the proposal failed; Habib reiterated the negative impact on growth and job creation.
  • Councilmember (unidentified) asked if Habib learned from the previous community meeting; Habib acknowledged the passion and committed to deeper engagement, including workforce development and community partnerships.
  • Councilmember (unidentified) asked about safeguards if the business outgrows the site; Habib noted there is adjacent land for future expansion and that protective measures would be in the agreement.
  • Mayor (unidentified) and other trustees highlighted the property's tax-exempt status and the need for early revenue to sustain the CRA. They acknowledged the community's frustration with the process but argued the project is a critical anchor for generating TIF funds and long-term investment.
  • Several trustees expressed trust in Habib's character and commitment to stay in Clearwater.
  • Trustees committed to improving communication with the community and will ensure future processes involve the CAC and neighborhood leaders.

4.3 - Downtown Revitalization

• Brief discussion; no substantive action taken.

5.1 - Director's Report (April 2026)

• Monthly community outreach meetings at the library continue.
• Demolition permits pulled for several properties in the downtown and North Greenwood areas.
• Museum staff attending conference in Philadelphia.
• North Ward Elementary School: pre-marketing phase; staff will present to the North Greenwood CAC in June, with a formal advertisement expected in July/August. An open house event is planned.
• MLK Avenue area: seven parcels advertised; five proposals submitted; technical review committee meeting scheduled for April 21, 2026.
• 900 Palmetto property (small commercial): plans to present to CAC.
• Other city-to-CRA property transfers in progress.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote on Item 4.2: Motion to accept the proposal from St. Benedict Holdings, LLC and authorize staff to negotiate a development, purchase, and sale agreement. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed).
• Next Steps: Staff will enter into negotiations with St. Benedict Holdings and bring back a contract for CRA approval. Trustees emphasized that the agreement should include deed restrictions, use limitations, community benefit commitments (e.g., internships, local hiring), and protections if the business relocates.
• Commitment to Process Improvement: Trustees pledged to work with community leaders (CAC, pastors, residents) to ensure future property dispositions are transparent and inclusive, including early notification and opportunities for community input.