Florida Construction News staff writer
The city of Clearwater’s Economic Development and Housing Department has released a video showcasing the development potential of the U.S. 19 corridor, positioning the north-south thoroughfare as a “destination for employment, growth and investment.”
“It is well known the city has a bold vision and has invested in our Downtown waterfront with Imagine Clearwater, and equally as important is our commitment to the development and employment growth of the US 19 corridor,” said Mayor Frank Hibbard. “We are implementing creative strategies to illustrate its potential and believe once our vision resonates with the development and investment community, there will be catalytic change along this corridor.”
In 2017, the city rezoned about 4,000 parcels along the nearly seven-mile stretch of U.S. 19 that runs through the city. The eastern portion of State Road 60/Gulf-to-Bay Blvd was also included in the rezoning. The U.S. 19 zoning district and its associated development standards provide for increased densities that, over time, will establish a more urban form of development.
The city commissioned the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council to create renderings and produce the video that showcases several concepts along the corridor.
“We have a vision for this area of the city as a place for employment-intensive uses in industries, such as software, finance and insurance, emerging technologies, corporate headquarters, and others well-suited for the region’s skilled and talented labor force,” said Denise Sanderson, Clearwater economic development and housing director. “With office-intensive and mixed-used concepts depicted in the video, we hope to inspire site selectors, brokers, developers and CEOs to explore the development opportunities the corridor provides.”
Duke Energy’s economic development grant helped pay for the video.
For more information visit MyClearwater.com/US19, contact Phil Kirkpatrick, Business Recruitment & Property Development, at (727) 562-4054 or email Ph****************@My**********.com.