Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clearwater public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in development with critical priority
Housing Incentive Programs Evaluation
The committee is updating the city's state-mandated housing incentive strategy. All 16 incentive areas — fast permits, fee cuts, flexible densities, ADUs, parking breaks and more — stay on the books, with one tweak tying parking reductions to special-needs housing. These incentives shape how cheaply and quickly affordable housing can get built in Clearwater.
St. Matthew's Cemetery Settlement & Community Healing
The CRA approved a $7.5 million settlement in a lawsuit regarding the former St. Matthew's Cemetery property. Community members and faith leaders urged the city to use this moment to address historical erasure, honor the individuals buried there, and work toward healing and reconciliation.
EVO Entertainment Center Land Sale & CRA Redevelopment
Five development proposals were evaluated for seven CRA-owned parcels at Washington Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, with the board recommending Archway Partners' mixed-income project.
Evo Entertainment Center Right-of-Way Vacation
Residents voiced frustration during public comment about proposed street and alley vacations linked to downtown family entertainment center projects, urging the council to increase transparency and listen to citizen petitions regarding public right-of-way sales.
Redevelopment of the Historic Armory and North Ward School
Staff reviewed community feedback from a recent public event, showing strong resident support for incorporating arts spaces and a marketplace concept into the historic school site.
Stalled Commercial Construction and Unsafe Building at 1700 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
The Municipal Code Enforcement Board reviewed numerous cases involving unsafe buildings, unpermitted construction, and deteriorating property conditions across Clearwater. Several property owners received extended compliance timelines to complete rehabilitation work or demolition through county recovery programs.
Residential Property Maintenance and Unsafe Structures
The Municipal Code Enforcement Board reviewed numerous cases involving unsafe buildings, unpermitted construction, and deteriorating property conditions across Clearwater. Several property owners received extended compliance timelines to complete rehabilitation work or demolition through county recovery programs.
Commercial Car Wash Development Adjacent to Residential Neighborhood
Residents living near 407 S. Saturn Avenue strongly opposed a new Woody's car wash, arguing that commercial noise, vacuums, and heavy traffic do not belong right next to their homes.
Annual Action Plan for Federal Housing Funds
Clearwater is lining up over $2.1 million in federal and state grants to fund local affordable housing, shelter upgrades, public services, and down payment assistance. The board backed the plan, sending it to the City Council for final greenlighting.
South MLK and South Washington Property Redevelopment
Discussion and evaluation of redevelopment proposals for seven CRA-owned parcels near South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue were deferred to June.
Washington Commons Redevelopment Project
Archway Partners was selected to build a 178-unit mixed-income housing development on seven CRA-owned parcels near South MLK Jr. Avenue. The project aims to bring much-needed workforce housing and street-level commercial space to the Prospect Lake District.