Last Thursday, hundreds of Clearwater residents gathered at a special City Council work session to seek clarity on downtown redevelopment. The meeting took place at the Clearwater Main Library and focused on projects planned along Cleveland Street.
Clearwater City Council work session
The crowd exceeded the meeting room’s capacity. Many stood elsewhere in the library, listening on their phones. Later, city workers set up a TV monitor, so more people could watch.
Council member Mike Mannino requested the work session after recent announcements about a proposed movie theater and other business projects raised questions from residents. City leaders aimed to clarify redevelopment plans between Osceola and Myrtle avenues, with a focus on the Cleveland Street Alliance, the Church of Scientology, and related groups.
Mayor Bruce Rector said the city’s main interest is not construction itself, but the businesses and attractions that will eventually occupy the renovated buildings…