Imagine that: With $64 million project, city dreams big for downtown revitalization

Clearwater planners have ambitious plans for a waterfront park. It also aims to turn an obstacle — the city's largest landowner — into an ally.

By Brian Hartz
| 6:00 a.m. January 3, 2020
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Mark Wemple. Michael Delk is Clearwater's assistant city planner and a driving force behind the $64.5 million Imagine Clearwater project.

Development

This year, 2020, is the year St. Petersburg will, at long last, unveil its shiny new $80 million Pier. Not to be outdone, nearby Clearwater, also in Pinellas County, has embarked on its own waterfront beautification effort — the $64.5 million Imagine Clearwater project city planners believe will be a catalyst for downtown revitalization somewhat stunted by the Church of Scientology’s property acquisition spree.