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Minutes 09-10-03 f4ZNUTES OF THE PUBLZC f4EET~NG TO D~ZSCUSS THE BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PLAN HELD ~N THE I_~BRARY PROGRAM ROOI~I~ BOYNTON BEACH~ FLOI~DA~ ON WEDNESDAY~ SEPTEMBER 10~ 2003 AT 6:00 P.M. Present Jody Rivers, The RMPK Group Corey Malyszka, The RMPK Group Doug Hutchinson, CRA Director Members of the Public The meeting began at 6:05 p.m. Consultant ]ody Rivers from The RMPK Group introduced herself and explained that The RMPK Group are landscape architects and planners. She introduced Mr. Malyszka, Urban Design Planner, and CRA Director Doug Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson explained that the Boynton Beach Boulevard corridor is the fifth district in the CRA area. :[n 1998 there was a Visions 20/20 Plan that incorporated all of the CRA area and the heart of the downtown area into a master plan. Since then, they have looked at districts/neighborhoods to get more detailed information on how they interact with one another. He explained that the process calls for the public to provide information of what their vision is for this district. The district runs from Seacrest Boulevard to :[-95 and approximately one-half block north and south of Boynton Beach Boulevard. He said that this corridor is the gateway to Boynton Beach. ]:t is a very important district and there is a great diversity of properties. They include the Holiday :[nn Express, a school, a church, single-family homes, commercial property and an office building. This district has a tremendous impact and potential for all of Boynton Beach. He explained that this is the public's forum. There will be a series of these meetings and he looked forward to working with the public. Mr. Hutchinson recognized the presence of Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair of the CRA. Ms. Rivers said that they were here to listen to what the public's concerns and visions were. She explained that there were diverse types of architectural styles and businesses along Boynton Beach Boulevard. It is the major gateway into the City. Various members of the audience introduced themselves. There was discussion regarding the types of uses that are currently on Boynton Beach Boulevard and which ones are appropriate or inappropriate. The following uses were identified as appropriate: Public Meeting Minutes Re: Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor Plan Bovnton Beach, Florida September 10, 2003 · :- Hotels · :. Day Care Centers · :. Medical Offices · :. Family Services · :- Gas Stations · :. Neighborhood Retail · :- Tourism Based Retail · :' Professional Offices · :' Restaurants Inappropriate uses were identified as: · :. Single-family Homes · :- Large-scale Retail · :, Adult Entertainment it was suggested that a signature image be created for the corridor to let people know they are in Boynton Beach. Regarding traffic, there were concerns regarding the street not being able to handle local traffic and it being difficult to get to the businesses. There was also a concern regarding the two median islands being dangerous. Someone was killed in a traffic accident at 3rd Street and Boynton Beach Boulevard. ]]t was felt that the speed limit should be reduced. The hill/hump should also be removed. Concerning parking, some people felt that parking should be in the front because of safety issues. Also, off-street shared parking was discussed, l~t was stated that on-street parking would not be allowed on Boynton Beach Boulevard. Regarding visual quality or lack thereof, there were comments concerning poor lighting at night, buildings being located too close to the street and the need for landscaping. :It was suggested that there should be a post office service center but not distribution with trucks. A man from the audience was concerned with visual obstruction caused by trees planted along the road by 3rd Street. He said that the City told him that they could not be removed because they were put in by the State. Ms. Rivers said she would address this issue if it is a safety hazard. There was a comment that paper signs should not be permitted in windows of commercial buildings. Other comments included doing away with overhead power lines and having attractive lighting and landscaping. The public noted that there are residential neighborhoods behind this corridor and they did not want to forget them. 2 Public Meeting Minutes Re: Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor Plan Boynton Beach, Florida September 10, 2003 If the goal is to slow traffic and make the street pedestrian friendly, it was suggested to explore adjacent parking off the corridor and adjust the code to fit the area. Mr. Hutchinson explained that the CRA encourages small businesses to look better. They are not seeing developers coming in and buying up this land because the parcels are not large enough or deep enough. He said they are seeing many owners wanting to stay and fix up their properties and the CRA wants to have a design code in place when this happens. Concerning how the public wants Boynton Beach Boulevard to be in the future, they wanted it to look nicer and have local businesses there. One member of the public felt that it would be too crowded to have retail with residential on top. Mr. Hutchinson explained that they are trying to get diversity with perhaps lofts on top of retail. This creates a pedestrian area. There was a comment from the public that there is no place to just stop and get milk or bread. Another person said that it would be nice to have a Starbucks but the neighborhood could not afford such shops. Ms. Rivers said that would be determined by the market. They want to give the neighborhood a chance to improve and the retailers a chance to make more money. Mr. Hutchinson felt that they should have "need-based retailers" that look nice and are safe to go into. He explained that the CRA is the marketing arm of the community. They encourage people to invest. There has not been a full time CRA in the past. Redevelopment is now beginning. There was a question from the audience regarding who designs the facades. Ms. Rivers explained that her company would be developing urban design guidelines. Mr. Hutchinson said that he would assist with individual designs for small owners. He could help with ideas. They will work on style to bring everything together but not make it all the same. Regarding public space, some members of the public wanted a green area with trees and benches; others felt that might create loitering. Mr. Hutchinson said that the CRA is looking at a police bicycle patrol as neighborhoods develop. ]~n answer to a question concerning funding, Mr. Hutchinson said that there are existing programs. The fa~;ade grant is now up to $15,000 and $150,000 has been budgeted for next year in the CRA district. He explained that once this corridor plan is completed, they will know what types of things they will be addressing. The CRA will be doing things to encourage people to redevelop their property. 3 Public Meeting Minutes Re: Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor Plan Bovnton Beach, Florida September 10, 200~ A gentlemen from the audience said he was having a problem with the City concerning setbacks on his property. Mr. Hutchinson said he was not "the City," but offered his assistance if he would call him. Mr. Hutchinson explained to the public that after the CRA adopts this corridor plan, the City Commission would adopt it. Ms. Rivers distributed a handout asking about the marketing of the businesses and property values. She requested that it be filled out and mailed back. She also reminded everyone to sign the sign-in sheet so that she could mail information to them. The meeting ended at 7:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deputy City Clerk (9/23/03)