Minutes 06-06-98 MZNUTES OF THE VISIONS 20/20 REUNION
HELD AT THE UNZTED WAY BUILD?NG, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON WEDNESDAY, 3UNE 6, 1998 AT 8:00 A.I~I.
PRESENT
Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Kerry Willis, City Manager
Sh rley Jaskiewicz, Vice Mayor Dale Sugerman, Assr. City Manager
Nellie Denahan, Commissioner Sue Kruse, City Clerk
Ja~nie Titcomb, Commissioner
So~Jth Bay Mayor Clarence Anthony welcomed everyone and convened the meeting at 8:30 A.M.
He reviewed the proposed agenda and suggested outcomes.
Ms. Sarah Shannon, Florida Atlantic University, :Institute of Government, quoted history facts
from the original Visions 20/20 Conference held in May 1996.
Mr. Wilfred Hawkins, Support Services Manager, and Mr. Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood
Sp ~cialist, reviewed the status of the quick victory projects with a slide presentation pointing
ou' the objectives and accomplishments during the past year.
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Mr' Henry Iler, James Duncan & Associates, proceeded to review the 1998 Executive Summary
of the Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Master Plan. He went over plans and various
ide~ntifications given to neighborhoods and districts resulting from numerous workshop meetings
held with the public.
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. Kahart Pinder, David Plummer & Associates, told about plans for actual neighborhood
)rovements. A long discussion ensued regarding the number of lanes necessary for Gateway
d. and the possibility of identifying it as a residential area east of Seacrest Blvd. with an arch.
. Pinder continued with the Ridgewood area with discussion about the layout of the
,dways, cross streets from Boynton Beach Blvd., etc.
. Hank Skokowski, Urban Design Studios, continued with discussion of the Coastal Area east
1-95. He stressed the importance of Seacrest Blvd. as a major collector roadway providing
:ess for the residents in the area. He reviewed the areas along Seacrest Blvd. from north to
~th and identified various sites, schools, recreational areas, etc. He stressed not developing
a piecemeal basis. He reviewed the Ocean District redevelopment plan and pointed out
;ignated areas. He compared the original concepts for this area and referred to Boynton
ich Blvd. being a convertible street which can be modified to be pedestrian friendly as well
allow access for automobiles on a temporary basis. Mr. Gene Moore referred to this being a
inge and not allowing access to his facility and Mr. Skokowski informed him that the roadway
the west side remains on the plan and connects to Boynton Beach Blvd. and he also pointed
t4EETNG 14~[NUTES
VISIONS 20/20 REUNZON
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLOI~DA
.1UNE 6~ 1998
out access to his building from the east. Mr. Robert Foot commented that he was pleased
about the access coming east on Boynton Beach Blvd. to the street running between Barnett
Bank and First Financial Plaza, but pointed out that with the medians on Ocean Avenue, it
woluld become "U-turn city". Mr. Bulent Kastarlak, Director of Development, pointed out access
from the north, west and south, and added that Boynton Beach Blvd. would only be closed from
USi i to the Intracoastal when special events are taking place. Further discussion ensued
regarding the traffic pattern for this area.
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Skokowski continued with showing a map of Ocean Avenue and pointed out an opportunity
connect city hall, town square, the 500 block, and the bridge. He talked about this being a
nderful environment to create a town square and suggested relocating the old gates of the
f to this area. He stated it will be a consolidated effort with laying it out more efficiently and
ning additional parking. He stressed how this would result in benefits for all properties here.
_]im Warnke referred to the FEC area east of the tracks between Ocean Avenue and Boynton
~ch Blvd. and suggested continuing the streetscape and making this into parking for the
:a. Mr. Harvey Oyer suggested that Boynton Beach take the leadership and ask Tri-Rail to
)cate to the FEC tracks, where the communities are built and a train station could be located
:his area.
MsI Marie Shepherd questioned access to St. Mark's Church and to the Methodist Church with
thff possibility of closing some streets and Mr. Skokowski replied, that it would not have any
effect on their accesses. Mr. Stormet Norem stated that St. Mark s is a very important part of
th(, downtown area and they have not been included in these plans. He advised that they
would like a change in the traffic patterns, as the new medians on U.S. I are hampering to
th(..m. Ms. Fran Cleary asked if there would be any further impact on Federal Highway as it has
rui led businesses and Mr. Skokowski replied negatively. Mr. Skokowski concluded with this
ar(.a by reviewing the Ocean Avenue Promenade and urban wall treatment for improving the
bui Idings.
Mr Skokowski continued with the MLK corridor and pointed out their suggestions of creating a
mi:,~ure of uses such as residential, neighborhood serving, home based businesses, offices,
studios, showrooms, etc. with the commercial being located by the intersection of MLK and
Se;~crest Blvd. Mr. Harvey Oyer added that many years ago, MLK was the commercial hub in
th( African/American community with supper clubs being located along there and Mr.
Sk,)kowski agreed this street should be revitalized and created as a community center.
Msl Sarah Williams referred to NW 13th Avenue by Poinciana School and asked if this would
become two way traffic, as most of the people living there complain about the street not being
acqessible to go in and out and they must go into undesirable neighborhoods to get to their
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nes. Mr. Pinder responded that they had not looked at this, but would.
Jerry Broening referred to residential neighborhoods east of Federal Highway changing into
:ed uses with commercial expanding into Harbor Estates and Mr. :[ler informed him that east
-ederal Highway is not the subject of this graphic and they do not intend to change whatever
~dopted on the city plan.
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3UNE 6, 1998
Mri Pinder stressed again the importance of parking and also talked about slowing the speed of
traffic along Seacrest Blvd. He explained two scenarios for accommodating parking at the
marina area.
MaYor Clarence Anthony summarized the home town square, MLK, marina, and Boynton Beach
gal:eway concepts and suggested looking at the areas and giving feedback this afternoon. He
ad~Jed that we must also talk about financing and then recessed the meeting at 11:45 am for
lurch.
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for Clarence Anthony commenced the afternoon program at 1:00 pm and announced that
)osed expansion of the community redevelopment area and costs would be discussed. Mr.
stated that the growth in the tax base has been relatively moderate, growing just 1% with
highest rate this year being at 4%. They recommend expanding the CRA northward along
I to the city limits, taking in West :[ndustrial Avenue west of :[-95 and south along US I to
city boundary taking into account areas east and west from the railroad to US 1. This
uld provide the greatest potential to increase the tax base in the area. He explained how the
~, is set up according to state statute and the five year implementation summary from page
of the master plan. He also reviewed the charts on pages 32 and 33.
Mr Harvey Oyer suggested having a bond issue to fund money for these improvements and Mr.
3e replied that part of the strategy is to fund with payments through the longer termi Mr. 3ira
W~ rnke stated there should be incentives for the owners with any money they spend on
exd:erior improvements resulting in 5% being deducted from their city taxes.
Mr;. Henrietta Solomon referred to the marina parking garage and asked if there would be
ch~rges for parking. Mr. :[ler informed her that the developers would be looking for parking.
Mr. Larry Finkelstein added that the land cost for 450 cars to park would be 1.75 million dollars
an,J asked if the CRA could borrow from the utility fund. City Manager Willis informed him that
thE~ Finance Director would be presenting two options for financing.
Mri Tier continued with reading the financial resources list on pages 34 and 35. Mr. Wilfred
Ha~kins and Ms. Diane Reese, Finance Director, reviewed a chart itemizing funding options. A
res~ident clarified that if the funds come from the city's accounts, all the money would be used
an~Ms. Reese agreed. Additional residents questioned the availability of funds and discussion
followed regarding sources of revenue and borrowing money.
Mq Bulent Kastarlak stated we have heard important facts about Boynton Beach's future and
weI must find people and bring them to Boynton Beach. We must understand realities and the
deyelopment process involved. We must start with what we have and designate a value to it.
:[n~regards to the CRA, he suggests starting from the water's edge. He explained how
cor~sideration should be given to the best use of this property. He continued with explaining
how the government center must be bound together with the promenade and the bridge. We
mqst set the stage for this economic rejuvenation. The city must put money up front to
develop the basics. He explained how the city would be the facilitator bringing in ideas with the
businesses to pursue.
MEETNG MINUTES
VTSTONS 20/20 REUNION
BOYNTON BEACH~ FLORTDA
.1UNE 6~ 1998
Mri Hawkins referred to the entitlement funds and stressed the importance of planning how to
spend the money. Discussion ensued regarding the actual funding plans.
Mri Mike Bottcher referred to this plan being adopted by the City Commission on June 16 and
asked how recommendations could be made. Mayor Jerry Taylor stated that the information
has been shared every step of the way with the citizens. He referred to going from planning
stages to implementation and stated that he knows the people want it done and we must make
it happen.
IVlsi Kathy Shabotynskyj asked about a marketing plan and if the problem with Gateway Blvd.
wa~S removing some of the houses and City Manager Willis explained how an overlay would be
created to develop the best project. Ms. Shabotynskyj asked what was decided about the
Boynton Beach Blvd. area from the FEC to T-95 and Mr. Tier responded that this will be included
in the final guidelines.
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Tom Warnke referred to promoting the city and Ms. Virginia Farace advised that the city
.~s have a web site, which is being added to constantly. Mr. Michael Brady emphasized the
)ortance of getting the word out to attract development. He explained further how it was
)ortant to build on what we have locally. We must get Boynton Beach to become a
;tination. Development has to begin and we must start priorities where it will start. All
:ities must be sold on what is happening in Boynton Beach. We must continue to plan and
)rove on all special events. Mr. Tom Warnke added that it might be helpful to have a video
~wing before and after pictures of the city.
e Mayor .laskiewicz referred to discussing Gateway Blvd. and clarified that it is not part of the
'20 Visions. She reported that we are securing funds from the county and it was necessary
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']elay it. The engineer came up with good design plans.
~missioner Titcomb announced that he wants to add that he is very excited to be a part of
process. He feels collectively that we make a difference in this city. We will leave it a
ter place than we found it. He thanks everyone here today and good things are
)pening in Boynton Beach every day.
yor Anthony announced that all feedback received by the staff will be provided to the
~mission in the form of a meeting. They will I°ok at and give additional comments to the
~sultants. We will continue to seek quick victory as progress occurs.
]entleman stated there was previous discussion about properties being run down when
~ple move away and rent them and IVlr. Hawkins told about SHTP funds being used for these
~rovements. City Manager Willis agreed that the absentee landlord issue is serious and told
Jut Code Enforcement looking into these cases.
Kastarlak added that another landmark will be the large, 100 ft. high, multi-colored fountain
:he end of the promenade.
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VISIONS 20/20 REUNION
BOYNTON BEACH, FLOI~DA
3UNE 6, 1998
Mr: Harvey Oye~r suggested checking the statistics to see why people are moving out, as there
are complaints about the building permit process.
Mri Hike Fitzpatrick referred to protecting the mangroves and IVlr. Gary Lehnertz added about
preserving the natural habitat scrub areas.
Msi Sara Williams told about older people not being able to maintain their property and how
this is a serious problem which must be dealt with. Mayor Taylor responded that we do try to
helip people, but the community must come together as a community to help each other.
Ma~or Anthony summarized that there are resources available. Mr. Broening told how his
neighborhood had pooled their resources and gotten together.
A ~omment was made about spending a lot of money on Federal Highway and City Manager
Willis agreed, but told about FDOT taking care of this. Mr. Sugerman added that the Federal
Highway project was getting its final inspection today with a 365 day guarantee period. Also,
the bridge project will be let out for bid in August with the bid opening being scheduled the last
week in August. It will be closed for 24 months. Mr. Kastarlak added that permits were issued
for! three buildings in the marina project and about five permits are awaiting issuance.
Mayor Anthony announced that it is not over yet. This is a process which will never die. There
will be new ideas. There are other things which may be a part of the process in the future. We
arc getting close with seeing not only quick fixes, but major projects coming out of the ground.
W~ are different from neighboring communities. One of the things which he thinks is important
is ~ot to leave the community behind. You can build an area which will attract people, but you
mL~st build sense of community. This process has had real community involvement and must
co~tinue to have that. You must continue to have gatherings and economic participation. Tf
Bo/nton Beach grows as you grow, so should your economic stability. Partnership has to
co~tinue. Leadership must be created. It is going to take leadership from the private sector, if
thi~ is going to work. Tt will take leadership from every sector of this community. Leadership is
belng able to create a vision. Leadership is about efficiency and effectiveness. Innovation is
mgtivating people to take risks. We must create a leadership group to make sure these
prqjects come to fruition. Let's create a sense of our community!
The meeting was then adjourned at 3:35 pm.
Su s Kruse, City Clerk
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