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Guest Column

Waterfront upgrades will help downtown

By FRANK HIBBARD
Published April 13, 2006

On March 16, the Clearwater City Council took a step forward in a plan to improve access to the downtown waterfront and provide some much-needed activity to a sorely underused asset. The decision to explore the feasibility of building boat slips on the downtown waterfront was unanimous among the council members, and was the product of lengthy conversations with residents, both boaters and nonboaters.

No one can deny that our downtown waterfront cannot realize its true potential in its current state. The vast stretches of concrete and lack of vitality on the waterfront run counter to a community that prides itself on quality open spaces and recreational opportunities. Boat slips and a public promenade would be the first step in reclaiming a community asset and providing residents and visitors with a reason to stop downtown.

During our recent visioning sessions, residents throughout Clearwater consistently mentioned the waterfront and opportunities for boating activities as two of the things that make Clearwater unique. Many also expressed concerns over the shrinking number of public boat slips and commercial boat storage facilities. Waterfront access is in a crisis throughout the county right now. Just recently, Pinellas County agreed to buy a marina and dry storage in Tarpon Springs in an effort to maintain public access to our waterways.

Two years ago, we brought forward a proposal that would have allowed boat slips and a number of other improvements to the downtown waterfront. The measure was defeated by 679 votes. In conversations afterward, many of you expressed a concern that the proposals were too vague, and there were simply too many different items included. Your advice to us was to simplify things: Stick to a single item, and provide full financial and design information well in advance.

I can assure you that this council will not pursue a project like this if it isn't financially and environmentally sound. What we approved March 16 will fund the appropriate engineering studies and independent financial analyses to ensure that downtown boat slips would be both buildable and sustainable. If we find it makes sense, you'll have the opportunity to vote on the proposal in November.

You'll likely hear a lot of speculation on what the proposal includes or what it doesn't. It's important for you to know that:

The 138 boat slips would be strictly reserved for public rental, with a priority given to Clearwater residents.

More than 500 feet of daytime dock frontage would be available for anyone to dock free of charge to stop in the park, visit downtown shops or attend events.

More than 800 feet of overnight dock frontage would be available for boaters visiting Clearwater. One could expect that these visitors will be shopping and dining downtown and nearby during their stay.

There will not be any fuel docks.

There will not be any boat ramps.

The promenade and docks will be open during day and evening hours for anyone to enjoy.

One only needs to look north of us toward Dunedin or south toward Gulfport and St. Petersburg to see the positive impact a healthy and boater-accessible downtown waterfront can provide. While improving boater access to downtown is not the single thread that will bring life to downtown, it's a key thread in the comprehensive fabric that makes up a healthy downtown and, in turn, a healthy Clearwater.

Once the engineers and accountants provide us with the necessary details, we will share that information with each of you. Until then, I encourage you to e-mail the City Council with any questions or concerns you may have. We'll be happy to share any and all information we have at our disposal. I look forward to leading the community's conversation on what has the potential to be the start of a new era for Clearwater's downtown waterfront.

Frank Hibbard is mayor of Clearwater. He and other members of the Clearwater City Council can be reached through the city Web site at www.myclearwater.com Guest columnists write their own views on subjects they choose, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.

[Last modified April 13, 2006, 00:52:17]