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Minutes 06-17-04MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WORKSHOP HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004 AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Jeanne Heavilin, Chairperson Alexander DeMarco Absent: Douglas Hutchinson, CRA Director Mike Rumpf, Planning & Zoning Director Dick Hudson, Senior Planner Hanna Matras, Planner James Barretta Don Fenton Larry Finkelstein Henderson Tillman, Vice Chair Also Present: Commissioner Bob Ensler I. Call to Order Chairperson Heavilin called the workshop to order at 6:33 p.m. I1. Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor Plan Chairperson Heavilin introduced Jody Rivers and Corey Malyszka of the RMPK Group who would be giving a final PowerPoint presentation of the Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor Plan, a complete copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mr. Malyszka explained that certain corridors have been combined. Originally the plan began at 1-95 to Seacrest. The final plan is now from 1-95 to the FEC Railroad tracks. First reviewed was the inventory analysis of the Plan. Currently there is a reserve of 120 feet along Boynton Beach Boulevard and they envision cutting this down to 80'. The County's Comprehensive Plan currently has Boynton Beach Boulevard corridor at 120'. The City and the CRA are working with the County to get this taken out of their Comprehensive Plan so that the corridor could remain at 80.' Some of the issues they looked at were: accesses, curb cuts, landscaping, and setbacks. Commercial zoning is the highest use along this corridor with residential located behind the commercial. Mr. Malyszka pointed out that there are only a few vacant parcels along the Boynton Beach corridor. Next reviewed were the amenities in the area. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that "Pete's Pond" on the plan displayed was a "slang term," and he recommended that some Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June 17, 2004 research be done to determine the true name of the pond. Chairperson Heavilin thought that this was called Mangrove Walk at Marina Village. Mr. Hutchinson requested that the maps be expanded to pull out maps and made larger and clearer. Also, he pointed out that on the color maps, the print is too small to read. Mr. Malyszka stated that he work on improving the maps. Mr. Hutchinson noted that it was important that the Plan be user friendly so that it would be understandable to people reviewing the Plan. Slides were next shown that displayed the existing conditions of the buildings along the corridor. Mr. Malyszka pointed out that there were a variety of buildings along the corridor that had no apparent connection to each other. He briefly reviewed the public realm analysis information and then the private realm analysis. They looked at existing parking lots and access. They also looked at accidents along the corridor and determined that the corridor is unsafe to pedestrians. Also, the building setbacks along Boynton Beach Boulevard do not match up. The Concept Plan for the entire Boulevard, based on various issues, would be - Create a more professional environment. Create a continuous connection from the railroad tracks to 1-95. The Corridor from 1-95 to Seacrest would contain mixed-use Iow. Commercial, retail, and offices would occupy the first floors, with residential above. Parking would be internal. The streets would be landscaped with connections to the neighborhoods. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that on the south side of Boynton Beach Boulevard, the parking is centered in the block to create a neighborhood, rather than placing all the parking in the back that would have residential looking into a parking lot. This was done block-by-block in order to create neighborhoods. Mr. Hutchinson noted that emphasis was placed upon the intersection of Seacrest and Boynton Beach Boulevard. He felt that this intersection should be enhanced to create a focal point by utilizing building setbacks and landscape elements. He would like to see Seacrest become a five-lane highway that could be a linkage to three exits off 1-95. Mr. Hutchinson was in favor of doing a Seacrest Corridor study. Dick Hudson, Senior Planner, noted that there are six historical buildings in this area and Mr. Hutchinson said that those six buildings should have the parking behind them. Mr. Hudson thought that there might be other historical buildings in the neighborhood. Chairperson Heavilin inquired if the Plan still contained a greenway along the street running parallel to Boynton Beach Boulevard on the south side, Mr. Hutchinson stated that this was removed because he received several complaints from the residents. The residents were not in favor of having parks because they felt that they attract a certain Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June 17, 2004 type of element that they do not want in their neighborhood. The residents want their streets to be well lighted with Iow landscaping. However, they wanted assurances that the parking lot lights would not shine into their homes. Chairperson Heavilin asked if a bike path could be included and Mr. Hutchinson stated that this could be included in a streetscape setting. Mr. Hudson recommended that they speak with the staff of Parks and Recreation because he recalled there was a bike path plan. Mr. Hutchinson was in favor of making the streetscapes more pedestrian friendly, but the residents were not in favor of a linear park. Mr. Hutchinson requested that the streetscape design include bike paths. Mr. DeMarco noted that Boynton Beach Boulevard is in need of better lighting and many of the streetlights do not work. Mr. Hutchinson will bring this up with the City's Public Works Director, Jeff Livergood. Next reviewed was the Urban Design Plan that utilized color coordination to differentiate between the heights and uses. The heights of the various structures in designated areas are 35', 45' and 75.' Their concept was to introduce a pedestrian friendly neighborhood. Mr. Hutchinson requested that the colors used for the townhouses be more distinct. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the block north of Boynton Beach Boulevard between Seacrest and the FEC tracks is shown as mixed used in the Heart of Boynton Plan. However, the RMPK report shows just townhouses. Mr. Malyszka pointed out that this was a concept plan and the plan includes a great amount of mixed-use blocks. Mr. Hutchinson felt that it was important that they get some feedback from FDOT to determine if these concepts would be agreeable with FDOT before the plans are actually finalized. Also, Mr. Hutchinson requested that when the mixed-use examples are named, he would like them tied into a name or to make sure that the blocks are identified by utilizing tables that relate to mixed-use Iow and mixed-use high. Chairperson Heavilin inquired if they had to go with the 12,' how would this impact the Plan. Mr. Malyszka stated that the Plan would not work. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that the 20' on each side is for parking, which is an integral part of the Plan. Mr. Hutchinson felt that the Plan, as presented, could support the 80,' but there is a disclaimer in the Plan informing people that the CRA is going through the process of getting the 80' allowed by the County and currently the right-of-way is still 120'. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that staff has worked with RMPK to insure that there is a taper down in the residential edges along the Federal Highway Corridor. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June 17, 2004 A design concept for the Post Office block was presented that illustrated how public and private could work together. The Plan also included a plaza at the intersection of Seacrest and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Commissioner Ensler asked if the Plan would include a color palette, and Mr. Hutchinson stated that colors to some extent would be included in the design guidelines. Mr. Hutchinson said that this would be further reviewed when the design guidelines are discussed. Mr. Malyszka asked if members wanted him to review the generalization of costs and Mr. Hutchinson recommended that the members could look at this information on their own. Mr. Hutchinson pointed out that when a good plan comes in, the CRA could offer incentive funds and corridor improvements. He noted that there is no lack of interest in development in the City of Boynton Beach. Mr. Malyszka concluded his report. Mr. Hutchinson requested that if any members had any comments they should submit them to the CRA office. The final presentation of the Plan will be made at a regular CRA meeting, depending upon the amount of revisions that are necessary. There are color copies of the Plan available if anyone would like one. Mr. Hutchinson noted that the City staff has not had time to review the revised Plan, but if he receives comments within the next ten days, that the Plan could be presented at the July CRA meeting. Also, Mr. Hutchinson stated that as soon as the CRA website is updated, the Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor Plan would be available on line. He anticipates that this should be available shortly. III. Evaluation and Appraisal Report Issues Scoping Meeting A. Purpose of Scoping Meeting and Required EAR Components Dick Hudson, Senior Planner, said that he would be presenting an overview of the Plan and staff is trying to develop a series of issues that would be utilized in analyzing the Plan. He would like Board members to read the information and provide him with issues that members feel should be addressed. Chairperson Heavilin inquired how they would be able to determine what changes have been made to the Comprehensive Plan since its inception. Mr. Hudson noted that when the Plan is amended, at the bottom of the page it would indicate that this particular page has been amended. However, it would not state what was actually amended on the page. They could make all the text amendments available if members would like to have them. Mr. Hutchinson inquired if it was possible to obtain the text amendments that affect the CRA. Mr. Hudson noted that most amendments dealt with land use, which is the first element of the Plan. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June 17,2004 Mike Rumpf, Planning and Zoning Director, explained that this was not an exercise to review the City's adopted policies. Staff will be evaluating the Comprehensive Plan and the first step is a discussion of issues that would affect the City and in this case the CRA issues. Mr. Rumpf would not recommend that members try to read the entire document, but to allow staff to direct members to some of the important issues and to the definitions and suggestions of what the issues are. The next big step would be the update of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hudson explained that the State mandates that the Plan be updated every seven years and many cities that have a staff for this purpose update their plan annually. The last time the Plan was updated was 1996 and when it was updated, staff looked at every policy in the Plan and evaluated it. This time the State is requesting that growth management within the community be addressed in the Plan as well. B. Comprehensive Plan Overview Mr. Hudson referred to the Guide to Preparing an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) that was furnished to members, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. He referred to Page I-5 that defines an issue as "a very narrow matter of concern to the existing and future growth and development of the local community." For example, the term "transportation" is not specific enough to be an issue. Page I-11 contains a timeline for preparing for the EAR. The plan amendments must be adopted by November 1, 2005. During this time period, certain items must be submitted to DCA for approval and then they are returned to the City with comments. The City has embarked on Item 2 on the timeline chart, which is "holding local workshops to identify subject matter (issues) and prepare the list of issues." Once this is done, staff must prepare a final list and send a draft to DCA. DCA will then inform the City whether the list of issues would be acceptable. After the above processes take place, staff will prepare a draft EAR that would be sent to DCA, who will then send their comments back to the City before it goes for final adoption. Once these are adopted, staff would begin the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hudson next referred to the list of the State's requirements for "Goals, Objectives and Policies," which are attached to the Guide previously referred to. Mr. Hudson recited some of the goals, objectives and policies included in his handout that are very specific. The major elements in the Comprehensive Plan are: (1) the future land use element, (2) a transportation element, (3) utilities element that establishes levels of service, (4) a conservation element that deals with environmentally sensitive lands, (5) a recreation and open space element for parks and the level of service that the City wants to provide; (6) a housing element for providing housing to all citizens, (7) a coastal management element, (8) an intergovernmental coordination element that deals with Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June17,2004 how the City will coordinate with other municipalities and the County, the region and the State, and (9) a capital improvements element. The capital improvements element is the only element required by State law to be updated on an annual basis, and it is the only element that is exempt from the twice- yearly restriction on Comprehensive Plan Amendments. The City, however, has never updated its capital improvements element, but will be updating it this time. The final element is the public schools facilities element. Mr. Hudson pointed out that Palm Beach County is one of the few counties in the State that has addressed public school concurrency. The City Commission adopts the Comprehensive Plan and it becomes their policy document. For example, when staff states that they oppose a certain development, it is not because staff does not like the developer or the development. Actually, it is because the policies adopted by the City dictate how certain situations must be handled. Mr. Hudson also pointed out that the Planning and Zoning staff are advisers to the elected officials who can either take staff's advice or request that the Comprehensive Plan be changed, which happens quite often. There is current language in the Comprehensive Plan that has become issues to staff. For example, the City has adopted redevelopment plans over the past few years that are not addressed in the plan. Mr. Hudson pointed out that the Plan still references Visions 20/20 and heights and designs should be what 20/20 says. However, there are later studies that have gone beyond the 20/20 guidelines. Mr. Hudson felt that the Comprehensive Plan needs to be changed more often since it acts as a policy guide. The Comprehensive Plan sets the basis for the Land Development Regulations. He noted that in the current Comprehensive Plan, Policy No. 1.61.1 describes all the land use categories that are on the future land use map. Mr. Hutchinson inquired if the Comprehensive Plan could be updated without amending the LDR. Mr. Rumpf responded that the Comprehensive Plan updates precede the LDR changes. Mr. Hudson stated that it is possible to do those changes simultaneously, but text amendments to the Comprehensive Plan could only be done twice a year. C. Review and Discussion of Issues Facing the City of Boynton Beach Some of the areas that staff has started looking at are (1) land use conflicts; (2) cost of infrastructure versus the timing, i.e. were levels of service realistically set? Mr. Hudson pointed out that a new developer cannot pay for services to existing residents of the community. That developer is only required to pay for those services that he creates a need for. Therefore, it is important that this is considered when levels of service are adjusted. Staff has questioned if there are issues dealing with the "fiscal future" of the City and the "physical future" of the City. Another area to look at for issues is commercial Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June 17, 2004 development and does the City want to look at creating more nodes of commercial activity. They also have to address the issue of Iow-cost housing in the City. If any one has any issues that they would like to refer to him, please forward him an outline. Chairperson Heavilin asked if public input was part of the process for identifying issues and Mr. Hudson stated that it was. There will be public workshops with the City Commission, surrounding communities and the Treasure Coast Council. He pointed out that every time the City adopts an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, copies are sent to 12 different agencies. Mr. Hutchinson is concerned about small business access and feels that this should be an issue. Most small businesses cannot afford space and this could have an effect upon the economics of the community. Secondly, police and safety issues exist within the CRA and certain redevelopment neighborhoods. D. Recap of Issues Mr. Hudson explained that the Comprehensive Plan is made up of two different types of elements. There are required elements and then there are optional elements. For example, the County has optional elements for libraries and fire and rescue. A great many communities have a public safety element and some communities have an historic preservation element. Mr. Hudson stated that the City could have a public safety element if the Commission so desired. In addition to the issues there are other things that have to be addressed. They are - Population growth and changes in land area; Annexations; The amount of vacant and developable land; The location of existing development in relationship to the location of development that was anticipated in the Plan when it was adopted. Changes made to the State Comprehensive Plan and their criteria for the City's Plan; and Success and failure of each element of the Plan; Anticipated amendments; and The public participation process for input. Mr. Hudson restated that if anyone has any issues they would like addressed, to please forward them to him no later than the end of July. Mr. Hudson concluded his report. Mr. Hudson reported that a tentative City Commission Workshop has been set for sometime in July, but he anticipates that it might have to be moved up to August. There will be a public workshop with the Planning and Development Board on Wednesday, June 30th. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Workshop Boynton Beach, Florida June 17,2004 Mr. Hutchinson inquired if the parks and recreation concept could be looked at in an urban setting to see how it would work. Mr. Hudson pointed out that there are so many areas outside the planning and zoning expertise that he is encouraging those departments in the City to take some of the ownership of those elements. Mr. Hudson reported that Parks and Recreation has agreed to do this, and they are engaging a consultant to do an updated recreation and open space element study. Chairperson Heavilin requested that Mr. Hutchinson notify the rest of the Board members that they have to get their requests in to Mr. Hudson by the end of July. Commissioner Ensler noted that Mr. Hutchinson is leading the effort for the CRA and inquired who was leading the effort for the remainder of the City. Mr. Hudson pointed out that staff would be going to the Planning and Development Board for their input next. The Planning and Development Board would actually represent the remainder of the City. Commissioner Ensler would like to have a fulltime person on staff devoted to this effort. Mr. Rumpf pointed out that community meetings are held for public input. Commissioner Ensler was still in favor of having a professional doing it so that the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan would get the attention that it needs. IV. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (June 21,2004)