Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Trustees met on May 18, 2026 at the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a business spotlight award, a brief discussion on downtown revitalization, deferral of a key redevelopment proposal evaluation, and a comprehensive director's report covering downtown and North Greenwood CRA updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID#26-0214): The minutes of the April 20, 2026 CRA meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion, second, all in favor, none opposed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the Citizens to be Heard portion (agenda item 3) for items not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Business Spotlight – Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grille (ID#26-0568): CRA Specialist Tasha Hatley recognized Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grille as the 2026 business spotlight winner. Co-owner and manager Dan Mahoney described the restaurant, located at 42A Cleveland Street, which was acquired in November 2024. He noted the business offers New York style thin crust pizza, chicken wings, and other dishes; hosts weekly entertainment (music bingo Tuesdays, trivia Wednesdays, karaoke Thursdays); and has organized “Hello Cleveland Street” concerts (about 10 since January) to foster community. The restaurant is open daily 11 am–10 pm, with extended hours on weekends or special events. Board members congratulated Mr. Mahoney, expressing support for his efforts to activate downtown.
• Downtown Revitalization (ID#26-0569): Councilman Ronito briefly commented, noting upcoming significant discussions about downtown direction, activation on county and city properties, and positive energy from brand consultants and collaborative partners. No formal action was taken.
• Deferral of Item 4.3 – Redevelopment Proposals for Seven CRA-Owned Parcels (ID#26-0570): Mr. Battle requested deferral of the evaluation committee results for parcels between South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and South Washington Avenue (north of Gould Street) until the June CRA meeting. The board approved the deferral with no objections.
• Director’s Report for May 2026 (ID#26-0567): CRA Director Susanito presented updates:
  • Downtown Updates: Emily’s Family Restaurant has new owner Nicholas Pestis, who plans to improve visual aesthetics; city staff is offering grant assistance. An Osceola Garage community outreach meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026, 3–4 pm at the library chambers. Two staff members are attending the 2026 American Alliance of Museums Conference in Philadelphia to recruit potential partners for Clearwater. Staff conducted 26 recent engagements with merchants. Bicycle racks were installed from the 400 to 700 blocks of Cleveland Street and at Mercado Park. A $50 million entertainment destination plan (Evo Entertainment) is underway, with demolition at the 700 block and permits for the 600 block. The Good Life Showroom opened at 331 Cleveland Street.
  • North Greenwood Updates: The roof wrap at North Ford Elementary School is installed to prevent rainwater leakage. Staff is planning a community event (“Night at North Ward” or similar) in partnership with Parks & Rec, Economic Development, and Housing. Pre-marketing for North Ward continues; media coverage has been extensive. The North Greenwood Community Advisory Committee held a special meeting on the 706 North Missouri Avenue (Armory) project; next meeting is June 3, 2026, 5:30–6 pm at the North Greenwood Recreation Center.
  • Property Disposition: The Washington Avenue/MLK site evaluation was deferred. Other properties are moving through ownership transfer from city to CRA. Notable: the Creative Contractors site (618 Drew Street) has strong developer interest. The CRA-owned 115 MLK property in the Prospect Lake District will be noticed for disposition once legal processes are complete.
• Questions on North Ward: Councilman Tim asked about feedback from site tours. Mr. Battle clarified that one educational non-profit group found preservation costs too high, but most interest comes from private developers for mixed-use projects. He emphasized the site’s historic nature and potential.

Key Outcomes

• The April 20, 2026 CRA meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• Item 4.3 (redevelopment proposals for seven CRA parcels) was deferred to the June 2026 CRA meeting.
• No other motions or votes were taken; the meeting adjourned following the director’s report.
• Next scheduled meeting: June 2026 (date to be determined).