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It's time to improve new lake's prospects

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published April 4, 2007

A private developer's abandonment of what was once an enticing vision for downtown Clearwater might be perceived as bad news. However, it is instead a relief that would-be developer Bruce Balk had to stop building his Mediterranean Village after only 15 condominium units were finished. The poorly conceived and executed project - the fault lies with both Balk and the city - fortunately could not proceed and create an even bigger eyesore downtown.

Now, the city has a chance to backtrack and design a better plan.

The city invested millions creating the so-called "Town Pond," now known as Prospect Lake, just south and east of the intersection of Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue. The project had three purposes: to build a water retention facility that would prevent polluted stormwater from flowing unfiltered into Clearwater Harbor; to create an attractive water feature around which a developer could build multifamily housing; and to bring successful redevelopment to a barren area of downtown.

City officials believed the property's Cleveland Street frontage, just east of the main downtown retail blocks, was the perfect place to position new residences and begin the repopulation of downtown with people who would live there 24-7. The residences would help support new retail shops in the future.

The city struck a deal with Sarasota businessman Bruce Balk. The city agreed to pay for an environmental cleanup of the land, which Balk would then acquire from the city and use to build his Mediterranean Village condos overlooking the new lake.

However, all that Balk constructed was 15 crowded, unattractive units jammed behind a tall privacy wall bordering Cleveland Street. That was not what the city had in mind for premier downtown residences.

Balk never proceeded to the 49-unit second phase of the project, and his option on the property ran out in March. Now, the city is reconsidering what it would like done with the land.

Mayor Frank Hibbard hasn't given up on the idea of a movie theater downtown, but doesn't know if one would fit on the remaining property. A movie theater certainly would not capitalize on the presence of the new lake, with its fountains, walkways and benches.

Some have suggested that the area would be better suited for some other kind of entertainment and restaurants. Downtown desperately needs new restaurants.

However, some residents of existing Mediterranean Village units want more condos built around the lake, since that is what they expected when they bought their units.

Whatever the city proposes in its new plan, which will be finished soon, the development needs to present a more attractive face to Cleveland Street. Walled-off condos do nothing to improve downtown.

[Last modified April 3, 2007, 20:41:13]