Downtown master plan update recommended to commission after board trims two projects

The Safety Harbor Downtown Redevelopment Board voted unanimously on March 13 to approve a resolution and to recommend an ordinance updating the city’s downtown master plan, removing two projects from the list of priority projects.

Staff member Marcy told the board, “what we have before you is a downtown Master Plan update and what we would like to do is have you make a recommendation to both the CRA regarding a resolution and the city commission regarding an ordinance.” The draft package includes a 10-year project list and tax increment financing (TIF) projections staff said total just over $11 million over the next decade.

Board members pressed staff on how recent County policy changes affect projected County contributions. One member asked whether the county reduction to a 50% match was reflected in the numbers and whether the city could still choose to contribute more. Marcy said county policy limits participation by project type but that the city could elect to provide additional matching funds; she also said previously budgeted debt service for prior property purchases is included in the updated projections.

Members debated individual projects. One member argued that “half a million dollars seems to me to be a lot of money” for the proposed Rigsby Center stormwater treatment and educational area and questioned whether that sum could be better spent on other, more tangible projects. The board also raised concerns about a Locks of Love public-art installation, with members noting potential visual clutter and impacts to existing park railings.

After discussion a board member moved to approve Resolution 20241 (CRA) and to recommend Ordinance 20247 to the City Commission with two modifications: deletion of the Rigsby stormwater treatment/educational project and elimination of the Locks of Love installation. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call. The board recorded affirmative votes from Ali sha; Heather Norton; Susan Case; Suarez; Colin Young; Christina Novis; and Miguel (all voting “yes”). The chair confirmed both the resolution and the ordinance recommendation were approved with the stated deletions.

The board’s recommendation will go to the Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Commission for consideration on April 1 (with a second reading of the ordinance anticipated April 15). If the commission adopts the ordinance, staff said it will be forwarded to Pinellas County as part of the extension and adoption process for the Community Redevelopment District.

The board also discussed other priorities in the draft project list — including seawall upgrades at Veterans Memorial Park, Main Street landscaping and wayfinding signage, a proposed public parking lot at Second Street, and lighting adjustments at Waterfront Park — and raised recurring concerns about downtown parking and event circulation. Staff said prior parking studies and short-term shared-use agreements with churches or schools are among options under consideration; no new permanent parking facility was approved at the meeting.

The board adjourned after the votes and handling of routine wrap-up items.