Redevelopment in Clearwater: Mobile Home Residents Face Uncertain Future

Strategic Insights -

Clearwater's Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road are set to undergo significant changes, affecting hundreds of residents in the process. The 200-plus residents of Lakeside Mobile Home Park are being evicted by their owner, Nickel Plate Properties, by December 31, while the existing Publix shopping center may be replaced by a newer, larger store. The redevelopment plans are shrouded in secrecy, with various possibilities being discussed, including the construction of townhomes, a Kohl's department store, and a movie theater.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lakeside Mobile Home Park's owner, Nickel Plate Properties, has informed residents that they must vacate the premises by December 31, with no clear plans for re-development.
  • The 200-plus residents of the park are concerned about their uncertain future, with some already looking for new places to live and others considering hiring a lawyer.
  • The Publix shopping center on Belcher Road may be replaced by a new, larger store, but a Publix spokeswoman claims nothing has been finalized.
  • The intersection of Gulf-to-Bay and Belcher is one of Pinellas County's most congested, with over 50,000 cars traveling east-west on Gulf-to-Bay daily and another 30,000 cars moving north-south on Belcher.
  • Residents are worried about the impact of redevelopment on their community, with one resident stating that "you don't know what to do" when faced with the uncertainty.
  • The owner of the park, Nickel Plate Properties, has stated that the property is not for sale or under contract to be sold, but will be rezoned for a different use.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 residents must vacate Lakeside Mobile Home Park by December 31.
  • The intersection of Gulf-to-Bay and Belcher is one of Pinellas County's busiest, with over 50,000 cars traveling east-west on Gulf-to-Bay daily and another 30,000 cars moving north-south on Belcher.
  • The lot rent at Lakeside Mobile Home Park is $328 per month.
  • The area has seen numerous redevelopment plans in recent years, with the land formerly targeted for a Kohl's department store and a movie theater.

Sources:

  • "Change is coming to Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road, one of Pinellas County's most clogged crossroads" by AARON SHAROCKMAN, sptimes.com
  • "Lakeside Mobile Home Park's owner, Nickel Plate Properties, plans to rezone the 28 acres" by Aaron Sharockman, sptimes.com
  • Interview with Tim Johnson, Clearwater real estate lawyer representing Nickel Plate Properties
  • Interview with Shannon Patten, Publix spokeswoman