East Gateway District
...on the path to revitalization!

About the East Gateway

The East Gateway District is a downtown neighborhood and designated redevelopment area of the City of Clearwater. As the main entryway to Clearwater's primary destination areas - downtown, Cleveland Street District and Clearwater Beach - the East Gateway District is strategically positioned to capitalize on the successes of its neighbors.

Recognizing the area's needs and potential, the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency added the 176-acre East Gateway District to the redevelopment area in 2004. The Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan was amended to establish a vision for the East Gateway District, strategies to resolve neighborhood needs and policies to guide future redevelopment. The East Gateway District Five-Year Action Program (FY 07/08 - 11/12) was approved in 2008, setting forth a series of implementation steps to help restore vitality and livability to the area and integrate local Hispanic residents and businesses into the community.

The Vision

East Gateway is envisioned as a vibrant, diverse neighborhood defined by a unique mix of businesses, residential areas and cultural backgrounds. It is a place where redevelopment is compatible with established development patterns, intensities and scales. Urban design, pedestrian-orientation and context-sensitive infrastructure foster walkability and sense of place. Arts and culture celebrate our similarities and differences and provide opportunities to bring people together.

Setting the Stage

The community endorsed Five-Year Action Program is setting the stage for the East Gateway’s renaissance. Based on input from residents, businesses and organizations, the Action Program aims to:

• Engage the neighborhood's diverse interests in the revitalization effort
• Achieve stability by addressing social, economic and physical issues
• Establish a unique and positive identity for East Gateway
• Attract new investment in both residential and business sectors

Part of the Action Program involves in-depth examination of the area's physical and economic opportunities and challenges. Planning, regulatory and economic strategies coupled with strategic partnerships will be used to address neighborhood issues and capitalize on existing assets. The program's approach is to address complex issues from many different angles by employing technical expertise in public policy, public health and safety, planning, engineering, communications and neighborhood relations.

Action

Action Program funding has been secured for fiscal year (FY) 07/08 and FY 08/09 action items and several action items have been completed or are underway. Later year action items (FY 09/10 - FY 11/12) will be considered for funding during the City/CRA budgeting process beginning FY 08/09.

The East Gateway District Task Force is currently working on several activities identified in the Five-Year Action Program. Progress on the Action Program will be reported semi-annually.

On the Horizon

Join in the fun! Everyone is invited to enjoy activities, music, dance and food at the East Gateway "Back to School" celebration on August 2, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at Glen Oaks Park. Call (727) 562-4047 to learn more.