Development agreement approved to protect Curlew Creek, cap impervious surface at 0.7

The Local Planning Agency voted to recommend approval of DVA 26‑02, a development agreement tied to a future land use map amendment for a site on US 19 in unincorporated Clearwater. Scott Swearingen, the county's long range planning manager, described binding exhibits to the agreement that show the non‑buildable area (the non‑culverted portion of Curlew Creek) and a 25‑foot buffer from the top of bank on each side; he said those areas would be placed under conservation easement and would "ride with the property." Swearingen added, "Note that the development agreement that it that is being included with this, would cap that ISR at 0.7."

Applicant representative Kevin Riali told the agency redevelopment will require more floodplain compensation and less pavement and that the project is likely to be built vertically: "The proposal is for 4 stories, which is within the limitations of the code and the comprehensive plan." Staff and the applicant said the development agreement's limitations are acceptable in light of stormwater and floodplain constraints; the LPA voted to approve the development agreement and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners.