North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee Special Meeting – July 7, 2026

The North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) held a special meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City of Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers and via teleconference at the North Greenwood Recreation Center. The committee approved minutes, reviewed budget amendments for the current and upcoming fiscal years, received updates on the North Greenwood land use and zoning overlay project and the Armory development, and considered clarifications to the residential exterior improvement grant program. Decisions included supporting the overlay project and approving both the third-quarter budget amendment and the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 3, 2026): The committee approved the minutes with a clarification regarding a previous question about the Armory purchase price. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the Citizens to be Heard portion of the meeting. However, public comments were received during discussion items (detailed below).

Discussion Items

Budget Amendments – FY 2025-2026 Third Quarter & FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget

• Third Quarter Budget Amendment: CRA Assistant Director presented a reduction of $12,511 in county increment revenue and $9,475 in city increment revenue, offset by an additional $9,000 in other revenues. Operating adjustments were made, and $500,000 was transferred from public infrastructure to create a new project for the container village (now named “Village at the Grove”). A public question asked about separate professional and general service budgets; staff explained the difference. The committee approved the amendment unanimously.
• FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget: Preliminary revenues from Pinellas County increment and city increment total approximately $1,206,289, plus $78,000 in interest earnings, for a total of $1,284,289. Staff allocated funds to operating costs and identified three priority areas (housing, mobility, and economic development) based on the CRA plan. A committee member asked how a potential November property tax referendum would affect the CRA’s increment. Staff responded they are in communication with the budget director and county officials but had no definitive answer yet. A public commenter noted the impact would be larger on North Greenwood due to its high proportion of homesteaded residential properties. The committee approved the proposed budget unanimously.

Land Use and Zoning Overlay Project

• Presentation by Marcy Stanmark (Planning Manager): Staff provided an update on the “Plan Redevelopment District Overlay” for North Greenwood. The overlay would cover approximately 75% of the CRA boundary (excluding downtown, industrial, water, recreation, preservation, and utility areas). It is intended to implement the CRA plan vision by allowing more housing options (duplexes, townhomes, small apartment buildings) without changing underlying zoning. Existing homes and businesses are unaffected, and property owners may choose not to use the overlay. Four action steps are required: comprehensive plan amendment, future land use map amendments, zoning map amendment, and community development code amendments. Upcoming meetings include a Forward Pinellas hearing July 8, 2026, a Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners hearing August 11, 2026, and a second reading before City Council October 1, 2026. A community meeting on June 30 drew about 50 attendees. A survey on design standards is open through July 30.
• Public Comment: Katrina George (resident, 1276 Elder Street) expressed concern about the lack of anti-displacement protections for renters and homeowners, including protections against eminent domain, tax burdens, and a trust fund for affected residents. The committee chair and staff responded that the overlay does not change zoning and is voluntary; they acknowledged the concern and said they would discuss with city staff. Another committee member noted that most affected lots are vacant, and the overlay could increase rental opportunities rather than displace people.
• Committee Action: A motion to support the overlay project was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Armory Development Update

• Presentation by ACM Battle: The city is still negotiating a development agreement for the Armory property. Key terms discussed: a 15-year agreement; use restricted to warehousing and distribution; existing building to remain with only minor improvements; purchase price of $2 million; creation of at least 30 jobs over 15 years; city and CRA will assist with job advertising and career fairs; a best-efforts goal to establish an apprenticeship/internship program within five years; and a repurchase option for the city at appraised market value if the developer defaults. Staff expects a final agreement to go before the CRA Board of Trustees in August.

CRA Residential Grant Program Revisions and Clarifications

• Presentation by Marilyn Round (CRA Specialist): Staff proposed clarifications to the North Greenwood Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program, including direct payment to applicants or contractors, allowance of mailbox improvements, 30‑day reimbursement processing, and an acknowledgment that grant funds are taxable (resulting in a 1099). The changes do not alter eligibility, funding limits, or program structure.
• Public Comment: One resident asked for clearer communication about the 1099 and expressed concern that additional tax burdens could harm fixed‑income seniors. Staff noted they already discuss tax implications with applicants in person and require a signed acknowledgment. A committee member asked if a percentage of tax was known; staff said it varies by individual. No formal vote was taken on the revisions; they were presented for consideration.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The June 3, 2026 meeting minutes were approved with a clarification.
• Third Quarter Budget Amendment Approved: The FY 2025-2026 third quarter amendment passed unanimously.
• FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget Approved: The budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 was approved unanimously.
• Overlay Project Supported: The committee voted unanimously to support the North Greenwood land use and zoning overlay project and its next steps.
• Armory Update Noted: Staff expects a finalized development agreement by August 2026.
• Grant Program Revisions Acknowledged: The proposed clarifications to the residential grant program were discussed; no formal recommendation was required or made.