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CRA outlines Cleveland Street activation plan, proposes $500,000 budget for vendors, events and public art
Summary
CRA staff on Jan. 13 outlined a plan to activate two blocks of Cleveland Street with mobile vendors, special events, public art and streetscape work and proposed a $500,000 implementation budget split between the CRA ($200,000) and the Downtown Development Board ($300,000).
The Clearwater CRA presented a Cleveland Street Activation and Mobile Vendors Initiative during the Jan. 13 meeting, outlining a multi‑part program to boost foot traffic, support local businesses and create new opportunities for mobile vendors and pop‑up activity along the 4000–6100 blocks of Cleveland Street.
Eric Santiago, CRA division manager, said the initiative focuses on four areas: mobile vendors, special events, public art/pop‑ups and streetscape/place‑making. Staff told trustees the long‑term aim is to support seasonal markets and help mobile vendors transition to permanent storefronts where appropriate, while protecting existing brick‑and‑mortar businesses from direct competition.
Staff described recent streetscape improvements already completed — new median lighting and planned decorative pole banners — and announced three new public sculptures to be installed under a partnership with the Clearwater Arts Alliance. Santiago also said CRA staff are working with legal to amend city code to provide additional opportunities for mobile vendors while preserving a staff and CRA review role for vendor permits.
CRA proposed a total $500,000 budget for implementation: $200,000 from the CRA and $300,000 from the Downtown Development Board, with special events to be funded by the DDB. Trustees asked about vendor types, timing and how the program would avoid competing with existing merchants; Santiago said options under consideration include push carts, small trucks and palletized kiosks, with first preference given to established storefront businesses that want to participate.
The board welcomed the plan and staff said a future formal funding request would return to trustees for approval.
