Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting – October 12, 2026

The Clearwater CRA met on October 12, 2026, to approve a $7.5 million settlement in the Crum Properties lawsuit, recognize two local businesses through the Business Spotlight program, and receive updates on redevelopment projects. Public comment focused on the need for community healing and honoring African American burial grounds affected by the property dispute.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the September 28, 2026 CRA meeting unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Hash (community advocate) described the community's efforts to install historical markers at the North Greenwood Cemetery and asked the CRA to partner on three immediate actions: placemaking and installation infrastructure, infrastructure equality (pedestrian safety and lighting), and targeted commercial activation via the CRA's grant and spotlight programs.
• Diane Stevens (Clearwater Colored Cemetery Society) expressed concern about being erased and asked the city and Crum to make the community whole. She stated she was almost willing to let the case go to trial to expose what the city has done, but urged continued dialogue now that the settlement is being considered.
• Pastor Childs (Pinellas County Ministerial Alliance) noted that over 1,000 graves have been confirmed by death certificates and descendants, and called for a resolution to begin healing. He stressed that the city and CRA are essentially the same entity and must act.
• Rev. Lee Hall Perkins (Mount Zion United Methodist Church) requested three actions: convene a meeting with descendants and Crum Properties, commit to a transparent process with a clear timeline, and work collaboratively to develop a meaningful remedy that honors the buried and supports descendants. He stated that more than 300 people are still buried there.
• A speaker urged the board to take a moral stand and do what is right, saying the decision will carry a legacy and that responsibility rests with current leaders to address past wrongs.
• Gloria Campbell (Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition) thanked Frank Crum for filing the litigation that brought attention to the issue, but asked whether the $7.5 million settlement would come from the downtown CRA or the North Greenwood CRA, fearing impacts on community projects.
• A North Greenwood resident asked the board to delay the vote or continue talking, emphasizing the need for healing and concern that the money might come from funds intended for North Greenwood development.

Discussion Items

• September Business Spotlight – Tequila's Mexican Grill and Cantina: Recognized for over a decade of service at 422 Cleveland Street. A video highlighted the family-owned restaurant's community involvement and loyalty.
• October Business Spotlight – Emily's Restaurant: Recognized for over 40 years at 101 South Garden Avenue, now under new owner Nick Pastis. A video shown focused on preserving the diner's character while expanding hours and adding dinner service.
• Settlement of Crum Properties II, LLC v. CRA (Item 4.3): Staff presented the history of the property at 100 South Missouri Avenue, originally St. Matthew's Baptist Church cemetery, later sold to IMR in 1998 with warranties that remains were relocated. Graves were discovered in 2020, leading to litigation. After summary judgment against the CRA on contract claims and non-binding arbitration awarding $7.4 million, the parties agreed to settle for $7.5 million. The settlement includes a full release and dismissal with prejudice. Staff noted that if the case went to trial, a verdict could range from low millions to $18 million, and an appeal would take 18 months with low success odds. The CRA has resources to cover the settlement from the downtown CRA, and it will not significantly impact projects. Board members emphasized that this vote only resolves the litigation, not the broader community concerns. Councilmember Menino expressed willingness to continue conversations with the community. The vote was unanimous to approve.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the settlement agreement with Crum Properties for $7.5 million, dismissing the lawsuit with prejudice. (Unanimous vote)
• Approved consent calendar minutes.
• Director's report covered downtown CRA projects (Osceola garage, Ballot hotel, bluff construction, 600 block, Goff to Bay motel renovation) and North Greenwood CRA updates (Village at the Groves signs, residential grant program, North Greenwood Plan Overlay meetings, property disposition of 618 Drew Street and 115 S. MLK Jr. Avenue). Staff also announced a planned process for the North Ward property: first a request for qualifications, then transfer from city to CRA, then an RFP.
• Upcoming meetings: North Greenwood CRA Advisory Committee on December 2 (guest speaker property appraiser), North Greenwood Plan Overlay meeting October 27.