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Minutes 03-08-03MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WORKSHOP HELD IN THE HOLIDAY INN CATALINA, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2003 AT 9:00 A.M. Present Larry Finkelstein, Chairman Jose Aguila Alexander DeMarco Don Fenton (arrived at 10:10 a.m.) Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director Absent Michele Hoyland Henderson Tillman I. Call to Order Chairman Finkelstein opened the workshop at 9:05 a.m. and introduced the Board Members and Mayor Broening, Vice Mayor Ferguson, and Commissioners McCray, McKoy, and Weiland, and City Manager Kurt Bressner. Chairman Finkelstein explained that the workshop contains conceptual ideas and that the Board will be taking no formal action. If time permits, the public will be allowed to ask questions. As the projects move forward through the regular process, there will be public meetings, at which time the public will be able to speak further. II. Workshop: Presentation Briefings "Savage Creatures of Ancient Sea Museum Complex" - Staff Feasibility Study Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director, presented the project on behalf of staff. He first referred to the map on display and pointed out the locations of the various projects intended for the downtown CRA area i.e., the Riverwalk/Boynton Beach Boulevard Extension and Promenade; the Marina Project; the intended park and greenways areas; the proposed museum; and a mangrove observation tower along the Intracoastal Waterway. Staff is hoping that this proposed project will become an anchor for destination tourism. Staff has looked at various museum attractions and is proposing a museum that would feature savage creatures of ancient seas that would be considered a next generation museum that should bring it regional and national recognition. Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boyi~on Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 The museum would feature a small sector out of the area of paleontology and would become the largest gallery for prehistoric, marine dinosaurs in the wodd. The walls would be glass extending under the Intracoastal. This would provide a good opportunity to teach children about environmental issues. Mr. Hutchinson then went into detail about the design of the museum that would feature a walkway with a ship mast with "sails". The museum would consist of permanent exhibits comprising 10,000 square feet and there would be 5,000 square feet for traveling exhibits, such as the Titanic, King Tut and Gold Coins of the Treasure Coast. The museum would not be stagnant, but would continue to offer the newest traveling exhibits. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the largest dinosaur museum is over 120,000 square feet and this museum would be small by comparison, but would fit in well with Boynton's image. The museum would be a teaching museum with learning links to FAU by video. It would have a 4-D large screen theater that would be offered by "SimEx Iwerks Entertainment." This would be the first 4-D theater in a museum that would be used for teaching in local schools from pre-k through graduate studies. Mr. Hutchinson went into detail about the types and methods of displaying the various prehistoric creatures that would be featured. Many of the creatures would be computer controlled and would come to life for shows during the day. Bob Currie & Associates and Jim Barretta, who offered their time on a volunteer basis, did the design for the museum, which Mr. Hutchinson reviewed. Staff is also looking at tying in the scuba diving and fishing activities in the City to the museum. Day docks would be available for people to visit the museum via the water and this was encouraged by the DEP. There would be coordination with local businesses to offer cross ticketing and synchronization of transportation by trolley for people to take advantage of all the activities. It is intended that the museum would be one of the "go to" places on the waterfront along with the restaurants and shops. Mr. Hutchinson noted that Boynton Beach has a sister city in China and China has some leading dinosaur finds that could be linked to this museum. The total size of the building would be 34,750 square feet; 10,000 square feet of permanent space, 5,000 square feet of traveling space, a large staging area for the traveling exhibits, classrooms, food concessions and a related store. Commissioner McCray inquired if the City Commissioners would be given an opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Hutchinson noted that this is a workshop and questions would be entertained at the pleasure of the Board. Mr. Hutchinson introduced Ben Omenski, Senior Vice President of Sales of SimEx Iwerks Entertainment, who gave a presentation on 4-D entertainment. Mr. Omenski stated that SimEx Iwerks is a quasi-public company and did 2 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 approximately $70 million in sales last year. They provide 3-D and 4-D entertainment around the world and have offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto and London. They provide attractions for Disney and Universal Studios. They also produce educational films and teachers' research guides. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the museum theater would have the newest digital technology. Mr. Hutchinson reviewed the costs that would include $1 million for the digital equipment; $1.25 million to adapt a 4-D show that would belong to Boynton Beach and would contain local information; and $4.5 million for the building, theater and other equipment. Mr. Hutchinson noted that they are looking for a product that would be a benchmark in quality. He pointed out that FAU and the schools are very interested in this type of facility. Mr. Hutchinson introduced Dr. Edward Petuch, who is a professor of marine paleontology at FAU. Dr. Petuch spoke about the prehistoric marine animals that existed millions of years ago in "Florida" and explained that they were reptiles, not dinosaurs. He said that the University is excited about the Boynton marine museum and there are two paleontologists at the University that have connections around the world that could offer all types of assistance, as well as grants. He would like to see an FAU-marine science research program for prehistoric oceans at the museum. Mr. Hutchinson thought that the Children's Museum Board could take over the operation of the marine museum. He felt that they were qualified to do this and considered the marine museum to be an expansion of the Children's Museum. There would have to be full-time staff, and it is anticipated that an operating contract would be entered into with FAU. The feasibility study that was performed pointed out that this area is one of the largest attraction markets in the world, second only to Orlando and Los Angeles. It is anticipated that approximately $200,000 will be spent on major advertising and in the first year it should attract around 200,000 people with the breakeven point being 145,000 people per year. With regard to funding, staff is recommending CRA bonding and cash, and between the City and County, they could come up with the base funding of approximately 52%. The remainder of the funds would come from grants and a capital development campaign. One grant source has already been identified at 20%. A person has been identified to head up the capital campaign and will work with staff to raise $5 million. They anticipate funding would come from the three county area because of the importance of the museum. It is considered that the cash flow would be around $3.5 million and would put the museum $600,000 in the black annually. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that staff put this project together with no funding since it was a feasibility study. Staff would like to discuss, at a future Board meeting, going forward with a national competition to find development teams 3 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 that would look at feasibility (attendance, funding, etc.), design, design building, exhibits and construction. From all the submissions, the three top picks would be invited to participate in a competition by making a presentation to the Board. The winner of the competition would receive $40,000 and negotiations for a contract to make the project a reality would be implemented. The second place winner would receive $20,000 and third place would receive $10,000. Taking into consideration $5,000 for advertising, staff feels that it will cost around $75,000 to bring this to life. There would also be provisions to provide that the project could become a "no go." The timeframe for completion of the project is as follows: In April 2003, the CRA Board will decide whether they want to move forward with the project. The packages received from national advertising would be received in January 2004. Final presentations would be done in May 2004. Construction would begin October 1,2005. Grand opening would be July 2007. Staff feels that it is worth spending the $75,000 and moving forward at this point. Mr. Hutchinson thanked the following for their enthusiasm and assistance: Jack Hall, of Wonder Works, Abilene, Texas Jim Kirkland, Paleontologist Professor Ed Petuch Bob Currie, of Currie Partnerships Jim Barretta Richard Black, Director of the Fishing Hall of Fame Museum Ben Omenski, of SimEx Iworks Jim Rock from the Department of Environmental Protection Dr. Sam Petrocelli Arleen Dennison and the entire group from the Children's Museum Jim Rawlings, Executive Director of the Palm Beach Science Museum Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Mr. Hutchinson said that there is a document available for viewing at the CRA Office. Chairman Finkelstein thanked staff and all the volunteers for their hard work. He asked the Board if they would like to have the item presented at the April meeting and there was a consensus to place it on the April agenda. Commissioner McCray requested that he, as well as the other Commissioners, be furnished with a copy of the report. Commissioner McCray expressed concerns because of the current economy and pointed out that there were some 4 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 items that were not covered, such as the seating capacity of the theater, the capacity of the museum, hours of operation, funding of the operation and who would make sure that the funding would continue after the museum opens. Commissioner McCray acknowledged that the project might be good for Boynton Beach, but asked if this was the right time to move forward with a project of this size. He pointed out that the Commission makes the final policy decisions for the City and he did not want the City to end up paying for this down the line. "Marina Village" Project Roger Frye and Larry Justiz, The Related Group Larry Justiz of the Related Group thanked the Mayor and Commissioners, as well as the CRA Board and staff, for implementing the mixed use and land use zoning district within the downtown business area. He pointed out that without the land use and zoning changes, none of this would be possible. Mr. Justiz noted that when they acquired the project on December 31,2002, they inherited an approved site plan for the marina area. They have reworked the site plan and have improved it by making it a for-sale condominium development, instead of a rental development. He noted that Mr. Frey was the primary architect for the residential portions of CityPlace and was the architect for the Moorings at Lantana. Mr. Justiz pointed out that they have experience with mixed-use developments from Palm Beach to Miami. The site plan was filed with the City in early February and will be on the CRA agenda in April, after which the City Commission will hear the project. Mr. Frye reviewed the similarities of the previous site plan and the one they will be presenting in April. The site will still be accessible off Ocean Avenue and where the Two Georges Restaurant is located, they plan to put in another restaurant and some retail shops. At the end of Casa Loma Boulevard there will be a cul-de-sac with a fountain and some trees. They have redone the design of the cul-de-sac. The nine-story building has been reduced to seven stories. The parking garage will still be located at the western portion of the site and is a four- story building, with five levels, it is intended to put in heavy landscaping in back of the garage so that the garage will not be visible from the street. The project will also have two 15-story apartment buildings containing 130 apartments. The original plan called for 288 units and now there are 350 units. The side of the marina that was originally designated for retail with offices on the second floor will now become 3-story townhouses with a mix of two-story and one-story restaurants on the end. Commissioner Weiland asked how much of the retail space would be reduced by the townhouses. Mr. Justiz responded that the retail in the original site plan was Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 originally 31,000 square feet and has been reduced to 17,600 plus 8,000 for the restaurant. Mr. Fenton asked why people would purchase a townhouse that would be adjacent to two restaurants that close at 2:00 a.m. in the morning and a marina that begins at 7:00 a.m. He felt that the potential noise would be a deterrent to purchasing the townhouses. Mr. Justiz responded that they felt this was a better land use adjacent to the marina for the people who would either be purchasing or leasing slips from the 38-slip marina. They feel that there is a market for people who want to buy a townhouse and a slip for their boat and think that this is a natural use for this area. He also did not think that there would be conflict between the restaurants and the residents because this will be disclosed in the townhouse documents and people would be purchasing their houses subject to the other uses in the area. Mr. Frye also pointed out that there would be access to the water in front of the townhouses and the area will remain as public space. A person inquired if there would be enough parking spaces. Mr. Frye responded that the parking garage would be open to the public for the retail and restaurant uses. The upper levels would be dedicated to residents only. Mr. Frey noted that there would be 700 parking spaces. "Blue Lagoon Village" Merv McDonald and Joe Good, Lancore Realty, Inc. Joe Good of Lancore Realty, Inc. stated that they were in the early stage of their development plans that would be located on the present Boynton Plaza site. They anticipate building approximately 300 units that would be 14-stories high. There would be retail on the Federal Highway side and townhouses on the east side that would face the lagoon area. He pointed out that the public areas are important attractions for people who want to live downtown. They are still in the conceptual stage and did not have any drawings to present at this time. Mr. McDonald pointed out that they are placing the towers on the north and south end of the property so that the views to the Intracoastal and ocean would remain. The parking garage would be in the back and they are providing more green space than required by the City and County. There will be two to three story town homes in the back that will create an ambiance along the Intracoastal. The retail space will remain in the front that would allow the existing retail to remain if they so wished. He anticipates that they will be presenting plans within 30 to 45 days for review by the City. He explained that Lancore Realty has been involved in various projects such as the T-Rex Project in Boca Raton and Office Depot in Delray Beach. They have 6 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 recently completed a residential project in Hillsboro Beach on the beach and another residential project in Ft. Lauderdale along the Intracoastal. They have over 22 years in multi-use projects and are looking forward to working with the City. Vice Chair Heavilin noted that one of the options in the project was a hotel. Mr. McDonald noted that the worst part of the economy currently is the hotel market. They have some schematic plans that include a hotel, but the biggest problem is trying to get financing. He pointed out that the hotel business nationally is down 18%. They do have a contingency plan to include a hotel, which he referred to on the blue print that could have approximately 100 rooms. Mr. Good noted that they did meet with a franchiser of hotels who indicated that they might be interested once the committed downtown projects were underway. Mr. DeMarco inquired if the projects would be rental or condos. Mr. McDonald responded that the project is being designed with rentals, but they are still looking at the market. However, they have not made a final decision. Mr. DeMarco asked about the size of the property and was informed it consisted of 3.96 acres. He also inquired about parking spaces and was informed there would be approximately 560. There will be amenities on top of the garage. Chairman Finkelstein inquired when they thought the project would be going for a TRC review with the City and was told it would probably be within 60 days. "Coastline Building Complex" Jim Williams and Steve Myott, Quincy Johnson Architects Jim Williams of Quincy Johnson Architects presented the project that will be developed on Federal Highway, one block north of Ocean Avenue. He noted that the plans are not fully developed at this point. Their project would contain a coastal Florida-style of architecture to provide a feeling of an "old downtown." They are not ready to bring the project to the Board, but are getting close to this point. They plan to introduce a pedestrian, commercial arcade on the street level on Federal Highway for retail shops and restaurants. Offices would occupy the upper levels. The building will be 80,000 square feet facing Federal Highway. There are additional phases to be constructed on 4th Street, but they have not been developed at this time. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that there are plans for a 600-car parking garage behind this building and the church that would be hidden by the project. Mr. Myott stated that they were excited to be involved in this project in the downtown area. He pointed out that the project started out as a one three-story building and has now expanded. They want the project to mix with the current older buildings and Veteran's Park. 7 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the developer informed him that he needs to take occupancy of the property within 24-months, which Mr. Myott confirmed. Mr. Fenton inquired if the project would be built in stages and Mr. Myott stated that the project is being phased. Mr. Fenton also asked if the public would have access to the parking garage. Mr. Myott responded that the parking at first would be surface parking; the garage would come later. Commissioner McCray asked when the project would be presented to the Board and then the Commission. Commissioner McCray did not like to see projects rushed through and felt there were many issues that had to be addressed before the project could come on line. Mr. Myott responded that they are working on getting the properties acquired, which is a major part of the project, and even though they are architects and not involved in this aspect of the project, he knew that the developer was working on this diligently. Commissioner McCray inquired when the project would be completed, and Mr. Williams was not certain on this. RECESS WAS DECLARED AT 11:15 A.M. THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 11:25 A.M. The "Arches" Project Nancy Graham, Kevin Lawler, Ryan Whitefish, Mike Sullivan Nancy Graham presented the project and stated that they have been working on it for approximately one year and have had several meetings with City officials and staff. Ms. Graham introduced the members of the team and stated that they like to create projects that involve urban mixed-use that are located east of 1-95. They have studied the City's Vision 20/20 Plan and the Federal Highway Corridor Plan in order to understand what the vision of the City was and the project they are presenting is in keeping with the City's vision. Their project would be located at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Federal Highway, which they consider the main focal point of the downtown area. She felt it was important that the project have character and compatibility so that it would mix well with the other projects intended for the area, as well as setting the future standard for the area. The height of the buildings on the street at Ocean Avenue and Federal would only be three stories to maintain a pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Their project also reflects some of the historical character of the area and the buildings on Ocean Avenue would be three and five stories. 8 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 They were asked to include a public gathering place and have done so by creating a large public plaza within their project. The public plaza could accommodate art shows, music events and other outdoor types of entertainment. She noted that the trend today is that people want to move back into an urban environment so that they do not have to drive, but could walk to places instead. Therefore, the project includes, retail, office space and a restaurant in a small scale that encompasses 56,000 square feet of the project. The office space, to be located in the upper two-stories, would contain 13,000 square feet. The restaurant would be on the ground floor with outdoor seating. Ms. Graham introduced Mike Sullivan, who is a member of the architectural design team, and the audience was referred to the PowerPoint presentation being shown on the screen simultaneously. Mr. Sullivan stated that when he joined the project team he walked the entire area to get a feel for the character of the City and gave a history of how they arrived at the project they were presenting today. It was important that their project would blend in with the neighborhood and the downtown. They decided on a mixed-use project that would offer for-sale housing, retail, small office space and provide pedestrian links into the neighborhood and the downtown area. The project will contain numerous open spaces and courtyards to keep it totally pedestrian accessible. The project contains a series of buildings to create a sense of different projects. There is one five-story courtyard building that resembles an older converted hotel. The residents' building would be 10 stories high. Two of the buildings facing Federal are four and eight stories, respectively, that would overlook the motor cou rt. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the parking for the project that will provide for a seven- story garage with the recreational area on top. There will be on-street parking on 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue, and valet parking that would serve the residential and commercial area. There are also a variety of entrances to the buildings and arches off Ocean Avenue, and this is how they arrived at the name of the project as "The Arches." Ms. Graham reported that they have the Bank of America property under contract, but have no plans for this site at this time. Also, the Bank has three years left on their lease. However, they have offered to work with the CRA and the City to use part of this property for public parking that would be needed for the museum complex. This would avoid having to build an expensive crossover for Federal Highway. They do not have the water feature designed yet and plan to continue to work with the City and the CRA to come up with some ideas. She pointed out that the landscaping vastly exceeds code and is a very sophisticated and mature landscaping system. Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 Ms. Graham said that the project has been filed with the City and they expect to have their TRC review in April and have the project presented to the CRA and Commission in May. Ms. Graham concluded her presentation A person asked how many residential units there were and Ms. Graham responded 276 for-sale units. Mr. Aguila complimented Ms. Graham on bringing in an excellent project and being considerate of the City's needs. Mr. Aguila inquired if there are any specific analyses being done to determine the affects these projects would have upon the City's infrastructure, such as roads, water and sanitary services. Also, Mr. Aguila asked who would be paying for all these improvements. Mr. Hutchinson responded that there is a team of approximately 23 City staff members involved in addressing these issues and working with the developers. Mr. Hutchinson reported that there are programs and timetables already in place. The programs are being looked at to determine if they should be moved up. All projects will be coming in for technical review, at which time these issues can be dealt with further. Ms. Graham stated that they have spent a great deal of time working with the City Manager and staff and in order for their project to move forward there are State, County and City laws that must be met in order to obtain approvals, as well as meeting all concurrency requirements. She said that anything that would impact their project, they would pay for. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the Marina Project already has reserve capacity. Commissioner McCray asked what would happen to the current businesses along Ocean Avenue. Ms. Graham said that they would like to accommodate those businesses and they have had some discussions with them and they are sensitive to those businesses. Mr. Hutchinson noted that there have been smaller projects on Ocean Avenue and the City and County provided a grant to Ocean Plaza that offers retail space. Also, Michael Weiner's project, next to the Post Office, will be coming on line that will be available for retail. Staff has also been working with some of the smaller businesses to address the transition. The question was asked about the timeframe of the project. Ms. Graham responded that they would like to have their approvals by June and would like to go to market by the end of this year and begin construction next spring. Commissioner Weiland praised the project and felt it was a wonderful idea for Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue. Commissioner Weiland had concerns 10 Workshop Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 regarding the elevations of the various buildings and the affect that a 130' building would have upon the area. He noted that this project would dramatically change the character of the City. He felt it was a great project, but wondered if it should be scaled down in height. Ms. Graham pointed out that the tallest building of the project only accounts for 12% of the overall project and there is very little frontage on Federal Highway. The buildings on Federal Highway are either three or four stories and are set back. She felt that the pedestrian elements and the architectural enhancements would limit the visibility of the buildings from the street. F. "Ocean East" Chairman Finkelstein reported that the representatives of the Ocean East Project have withdrawn from today's meeting. III. CRA Question & Answers Chairman Finkelstein announced that they would allow public questions for approximately 15 minutes. However, since no one wished to speak, it was decided to adjourn the meeting. IV. Other Items None V. Adjournment Chairman FJnkelstein thanked everyone for attending the workshop. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (Two tapes) (March 10, 2003) 11 Workshop Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 8, 2003 They were asked to include a public gathering place and have done so by creating a large public plaza within their project. The public plaza could accommodate art shows, music events and other outdoor types of entertainment. She noted that the trend today is that people want to move back into an urban environment so that they do not have to drive, but could walk to places instead. Therefore, the project includes, retail, office space and a restaurant in a small scale that encompasses 56,000 square feet of the project. The office space, to be located in the upper two-stories, would contain 13,000 square feet. The restaurant would be on the ground floor with outdoor seating. Ms. Graham introduced Mike Sullivan, who is a member of the architectural design team, and the audience was referred to the PowerPoint presentation being shown on the screen simultaneously. Mr. Sullivan stated that when he joined the project team he walked the entire area to get a feel for the character of the City and gave a history of how they arrived at the project they were presenting today. It was important that their project would blend in with the neighborhood and the downtown. They decided on a mixed-use project that would offer for-sale housing, retail, small office space and provide pedestrian links into the neighborhood and the downtown area. The project will contain numerous open spaces and courtyards to keep it totally pedestrian accessible. The project contains a series of buildings to create a sense of different projects. There is one five-story courtyard building that resembles an older converted hotel. The residents' building would be 10 stories high. Two of the buildings facing Federal are four and eight stories, respectively, that would ovedook the motor court. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the parking for the project that will provide for a seven- story garage with the recreational area on top. There will be on-street parking on 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue, and valet parking that would serve the residential and commercial area. There are also a variety of entrances to the buildings and arches off Ocean Avenue, and this is how they ardved at the name of the project as "The Arches." Ms. Graham reported that they have the Bank of America property under contract, but have no plans for this site at this time. Also, the Bank has three years left on their lease. However, they have offered to work with the CRA and the City to use part of this property for public parking that would be needed for the museum complex. This would avoid having to build an expensive crossover for Federal Highway. They do not have the water feature designed yet and plan to continue to work with the City and the CRA to come up with some ideas. She pointed out that the landscaping vastly exceeds code and is a very sophisticated and mature landscaping system. 9