Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting – September 28, 2026

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, public comments, four new business items, a director’s report, and a presentation on downtown redevelopment. The most significant item was the sale of a CRA-owned parcel at 103 N. East Avenue to Myrtle Development, LLC for $1 million to support the Evo Family Entertainment Center.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID#26-0220): The minutes of the August 3, 2026, CRA meeting and the August 20, 2026, special CRA meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jill (no last name given): Spoke about the need for a clear public comment process for street vacations and noted that a representative from the Church of Scientology had offered to work with the city on a process. Jill requested that the council implement a fair procedure and also asked for clarification on the legalities of requiring speakers to declare support or opposition.
• Kelly Meyer: Thanked the police for clearer line management but expressed concern that many citizens were discouraged from attending. She noted the city’s own website states that written comments submitted on agenda items will be read into the record and urged the council to follow that practice. She also clarified that Jill’s earlier mention of being approached by Scientology representatives occurred while walking to the meeting, and she stressed the importance of elected officials deciding procedures.
• Numerous speakers on Item 4.1 (all in support of the sale):
  • Catherine Zafatinos (reading a statement from her father Terry Sapatinos, a longtime downtown property owner): Expressed strong support for the Evo project, stating it would add value to a depressed area and bring needed activity.
  • Jay Wizell (Pinellas County resident and real estate professional): Supported the sale, noting the $50 million private investment, over 300 jobs, $2 million in annual wages, and over $500,000 in annual property tax revenue. He called the quarter-acre parcel “inconsequential” and currently generating nothing.
  • Owner of Cheesville Palestine Pizza (family-owned restaurant): Expressed support, stating the Evo center would bring foot traffic to downtown businesses like his.
  • Natalia Timafieva (resident for 15 years): Supported the sale and the street vacations needed for the project, saying the minor inconvenience is outweighed by the benefits.
  • Sean Noel (founder of Linens and Hutch, a nine-figure e-commerce company moving headquarters downtown): Supported the sale, emphasizing that the Evo project serves as an anchor that will drive further investment. He noted the project depends on safe, sufficient parking.
  • Camille Kusek (manager of Nourish and Nosh on Cleveland Street): Supported the sale, citing the opportunity for increased foot traffic to downtown retail and dining.
  • Nick Zimmer (CEO of a local mold remediation company): Supported the sale as a catalyst for a defining downtown district, creating jobs and activity.
  • June Middleton (resident since 1994): Supported the project, recalling the lack of family entertainment options when raising her son.
  • Heather Burkhorn (local business owner): Supported the sale, hoping the Evo center will create a vibrant downtown similar to her childhood memories.
  • Kira (resident for 31 years, board member at a local school, works at Marlena Rose Glass Gallery): Supported the sale, stating the Evo center will be an anchor that draws people and supports local businesses.
  • Steve Bolton (resident for 25 years, business operations professional): Supported the sale, citing the need for family entertainment and noting the positive energy from recent developments.
  • Bob DiVenuti (business owner and scout leader): Supported the sale, noting the safe environment for youth and families.
  • Chris Wisman (engineer and developer): Supported the sale, comparing the project to successful developments like the High Line in New York.
  • Joshua Rosenberg (lifetime Clearwater resident, aspiring general contractor): Supported the sale, looking forward to using the facility and seeing downtown’s future.
  • Urania Vargas (mother of twin girls): Supported the sale, emphasizing the importance of easy parking and family-friendly spaces.
  • Natalia Harrison (owner of Soul Sicilian Fusion): Supported the sale, stating the Evo center will bring people downtown and help restaurants thrive.

Discussion Items

• Item 4.1 – Agreement for Development, Purchase, and Sale with Myrtle Development, LLC (ID#26-1208):

  • CRA Executive Director Susan Nino presented the item: The property at 103 N. East Avenue (approx. 0.25 acres) was declared surplus and transferred to the CRA. A public notice for disposition set a minimum purchase price of $175,000. The sole responsive proposal from Myrtle Development, LLC offered $1 million and would incorporate the parcel into an 83,000 sq. ft. family entertainment center (Evo) with at least 400 parking spaces. The negotiated agreement includes a 15-year term, use restrictions (vehicular parking for the entertainment center), a development schedule (certificate of occupancy within 4 years of ordinance 9908-26), and a right for the CRA to repurchase the property for $1 million if conditions are not met. Staff recommended approval.
  • Bob Hotter, representing Myrtle Development (and the Church of Scientology’s development entity), explained the project: a premium entertainment venue with multiple cinemas, the world’s largest movie screen, bowling, arcade, rock climbing, and food/beverage options. He noted the property had been vacant for decades, purchased by the city in 1922 for $3,000, and now being sold for $1 million, returning it to the tax rolls.
  • Councilmember Tishana raised questions about access and connectivity, particularly regarding the closure of Laura Street. She noted that planning staff had found the proposal did not adequately address downtown standards. Public Works Director Marcus Wellington confirmed that staff had suggested using Hendricks Avenue as an alternative, but no revised plan had been submitted. Councilmember Tishana also asked about impacts on Station Square, Clearwater Tower, and the post office. Staff replied that a traffic study showed 13 surrounding intersections would have no negative impact, but no specific analysis of those three buildings was done. The post office had not objected, but no formal letter was provided.
  • Councilmember Manino spoke strongly in favor, calling the project a “no-brainer” that will generate tax revenue from land that has been vacant since 1922. He noted the $50 million private investment with no public funds and argued that impacts were addressed in the traffic study.
  • Councilmember Alberty supported the project, recalling downtown’s historic vibrancy and calling the opportunity “once in a lifetime.”
  • Vice Mayor highlighted key contractual protections: the $1 million purchase price (based on $875,000 valuation), a 15-year term tied to the defined project, and a right of repurchase at $1 million if the project fails. He praised staff for protecting the city.
  • Mayor (the speaker) expressed support for the project but stated a preference for leasing rather than conveying the property, to ensure it remains open to the public. He acknowledged his view was not shared and voted no. The motion passed 4-1.

• Item 4.2 – Transfer of Property Sale Proceeds from 706 N. Missouri Avenue (ID#26-1215):

  • CRA Assistant Director Ann Lopez reported that the sale of the Armory Building to St. Benedict’s Holding LLC closed on August 24, 2026, generating net proceeds of $1,990,539.25. The item requested approval to transfer the full amount from the North Greenwood CRA to the City of Clearwater for building renovations, equipment, and moving expenses for Parks and Recreation. Any remaining funds would return to the North Greenwood CRA. The motion passed unanimously.

• Item 4.3 – Reimburse City for Crum Properties Litigation Costs (ID#26-1216):

  • Ann Lopez explained that the city paid $381,555.06 in legal fees on behalf of the CRA for the Crum Properties litigation (filed 2023). The city was dismissed as a defendant in March 2024 but continued to pay. A new agreement now has Gray Robinson directly representing the CRA. The transfer reimburses the city’s general fund. The motion passed unanimously.

• Item 4.4 – Downtown CRA FY2025-2026 Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment and Resolution 26-07 (ID#26-1223):

  • Ann Lopez presented a budget transfer of $381,555 from CRA project R2002 (community engagement) to the general fund and admin line to cover the legal fees approved in item 4.3. This reallocation does not increase the overall budget. The resolution was read and adopted unanimously.

• CRA Director’s Report (ID#26-1224):

  • Susan Nino provided updates on downtown and North Greenwood projects. Highlights included: the next community outreach meeting on September 29, 2026; design work on Cleveland Street’s 400 and 500 blocks by AECOM; ongoing construction of the Osceola Garage and the Ballad Hotel (158 keys); the Gotham Group’s project at 150 S. Osceola Avenue; and the Osceola Avenue Corridor Improvements RFP. In North Greenwood, the Community Advisory Committee next meets December 2, 2026; CRA staff now holds office hours at the North Greenwood Recreation Center every Tuesday; murals are being expanded; and two property dispositions (618 Drew Street and 115 S. MLK Jr.) closed on September 16, 2026.
  • Economic Development and Housing Director Chris Edwards then presented a 3D animated video produced by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council showcasing downtown Clearwater’s transformation. The video highlighted current and future projects, including the Pinellas County mixed-use redevelopment, Osceola Avenue improvements, the new parking garage, Cleveland Street revitalization, the Ballad Hotel, Coachman Park (recently renovated for $84 million), and BayCare Sound amphitheater (ranked #2 in the U.S. and #3 in the world). Council members praised the video as an inspiring visualization of the “urban renaissance.”

Key Outcomes

• Item 4.1 – Sale of 103 N. East Avenue to Myrtle Development, LLC: Approved 4-1 (Mayor voted no, citing preference for a lease; all other members voted yes).
• Item 4.2 – Transfer of $1,990,539.25 from North Greenwood CRA to City: Approved unanimously.
• Item 4.3 – Reimbursement of $381,555.06 for Crum litigation: Approved unanimously.
• Item 4.4 – Budget amendment and Resolution 26-07: Approved unanimously.
• Director’s Report: Received and filed; no vote required.