CRA director reports property dispositions, Ward Elementary stabilization plan and Main Library RFP interest

The Community Redevelopment Agency's June 2 director's report highlighted multiple downtown redevelopment initiatives, including the disposition of small "economic remainder" parcels, stabilization work planned for the city-owned Ward Elementary School, and strong interest in a request for development concepts for the Main Library site.

Nino, CRA executive director, told trustees that staff has advertised several small undevelopable parcels (economic remainders) and six single-family city-owned parcels; bids and expressions of interest have already been received for the smaller parcels and for four of the smaller single-family properties. Staff expects to advertise larger parcels in July and said that the goal is to move these properties back to private ownership, remove maintenance liability from the CRA, and return parcels to the tax rolls.

On Ward Elementary School in North Greenwood, staff said the city purchased the property from Pinellas County Schools in 2019 and that the building is in poor condition. The CRA has budgeted $200,000 to "stabilize" the facility (roof work and other measures to mothball the building). A conceptual architect's estimate to fully restore the historic structure was cited at about $3.4 million depending on scope and whether tax credits or grants are used. Staff recommended a work session so the architect can present scenarios and explain a phased, grant-sensitive approach that preserves historic accuracy while allowing for future third-party redevelopment or public use. Trustees agreed a workshop is warranted before any larger funding commitment.

Staff also noted the 30-day window for the Reimagine Clearwater Main Library call for development concepts closed in June and that an evaluation team is assembled to review proposals. City staff said they have already received substantial interest from multiple organizations and that proposals will be evaluated with a team before recommendations come to trustees and city council; the library is a city asset and council-level approvals will be required for any redevelopment plan.

Other CRA items mentioned in the director's report included the Chalk Arch project, graduation photo activity downtown, a mini container village partnership in North Greenwood and a workforce partnership with St. Pete College to help local entities scale operations. Trustees asked for additional detail on the Ward Elementary repair scope and preferred a public workshop where architects and staff can present options and funding implications.

Next steps: staff will schedule the Ward Elementary work session, continue the property disposition advertising and evaluation, and proceed with the library proposal review process.