Clewiston City Commission Expanded Community Redevelopment Area in 2010

Clewiston residents may recall that the City Commission expanded the boundaries of the existing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) in early 2010. This action, formalized under Ordinance No. 2010-02, also amended the Community Redevelopment Plan to include these expanded areas.

The expansion aimed to address areas identified as blighted within the city, specifically the "Commercial Area" and the "Boat Ramp Area." The City Commission determined that rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment of these areas was necessary for the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of Clewiston residents.

Before the City Commission's final decision, public hearings took place. The Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on January 11, 2010. Following this, the City Commission conducted two public hearings on January 25, 2010, and February 15, 2010. These hearings allowed for public input and review of the proposed changes.

The Community Redevelopment Agency, previously created by the City under Part III, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (the "Redevelopment Act"), undertakes redevelopment efforts within Clewiston's corporate limits. The original Community Redevelopment Plan was found consistent with the Comprehensive Plan by the City Commission.

The expanded CRA boundaries, as depicted in Exhibit "A" of the ordinance, included a modification of the legal description of the Community Redevelopment Area. The detailed boundary description outlines a path starting at the northwest corner of the block bounded by Berner Avenue, an unnamed street, Lopez Street, and SR 80/US 27/Sugarland Highway. It then follows SR 80/US 27/Sugarland Highway east to Royal Palm Avenue, north to Pasadena Avenue, and eastward along Pasadena Avenue to the midpoint of the north line of Lot 24, Block 156.

The boundary continues along the westerly boundaries of Lots 3 and 22 of Block 149, then Lots 3 and 22 of Block 150. It follows the southerly right-of-way line of Avenida Del Rio easterly to Francisco Street. The description then traces the easterly boundary of Lots 1 and 24, Block 10, and Lots 1 and 24 of Block 11. It travels west along the southern edge of Okeechobee Street to the Clewiston Drainage District Canal, then north along the canal's easterly boundary to Clewiston's northern corporate limits.

From there, the boundary extends east along the northern corporate limits to the easterly boundary of the Industrial Canal, then south along the canal's easterly edge to the southerly edge of the Hurricane Gate, turning west. Finally, it crosses the Industrial Canal in a southwesterly direction along the northern boundary of Block 107 on Francisco Street to the southern right-of-way.

The ordinance included a severability clause, ensuring that if any portion was deemed invalid, the remaining sections would remain in full force and effect.