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Minutes 03-03-01 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WORKSHOP HELD AT THE EZELL HESTER CENTER, 1901 NORTH SEACREST BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2001 AT 9:00 A.M. PRESENT ALSO PRESENT Larry Finkelstein, Chairman Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Al DeMarco (arrived at 9:30 a.m.) Don Fenton Michelle Hoyland Henderson Tillman Quintus Greene, Director of Development Octavia Sherrod, Community Redevelopment Administrator ALSO PRESENT James Barretta, member of the Planning & Development Board ABSENT Josh Aguila I. Call To Order Chairman Finkelstein called the meeting to order at 9:13 a.m. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. III. CRA AREA BUS TOUR (2 HOURS) Chairman Finkelstein announced that members would first take the bus tour of the CRA area and would then return to the Ezell Hester Center to commence with the workshop. Mr. Greene suggested that THE tour begin by heading south on Federal highway and working northwards. Chairman Finkelstein stated that he wanted to view Industrial Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Mr. Greene distributed to the members projections of CRA revenue, which also contained a list of projects within the CRA area that have either been approved or are in the works. Maps of the CRA were also distributed for members' use. Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 Mr. Greene pointed out that the projects over the next five years would generate approximately $2.4 million in tax increment income on an annual basis. Chairman Finkelstein requested that future workshops be held in Conference Room C and Mr. Greene said that he would arrange for this. Chairman Finkelstein felt that by having the workshops in one place that the maps could remain on the wall for ease of reference and not have to be brought to every location. CRA Meeting Dates Mr. Greene announced that beginning in April the Planning and Development Board would be meeting monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Currently, the CRA has been meeting on the second Wednesday of the month. This can become a problem when cases come before the CRA and the CRA decision would then be referred to the City Commission by staff. This would be due on Thursday for the Agenda Preview Meeting preceding the Tuesday regular meeting. This would allow no time for staff to prepare the report. Therefore, Mr. Greene asked the members if they would be willing to change their meeting date to the second Tuesday of the month. This would allow staff enough time to prepare the report for the Thursday Agenda Preview Meeting. Members agreed that changing the meeting date from Wednesday to Tuesday would not be a problem and the new date would take effect for the April meeting. Chairman Finkelstein stated that he has requested from Ms. Mann a copy of the 1983 plan that had been previously mentioned. Mr. Greene replied that the 1983 plan is being updated, but felt' it would be more beneficial to look at the areas, rather than focusing on the plan. Mr. Greene stated that a plan is being drawn by sections for the CRA area and reported that they have not been asked by the City Commission to formally update the plan. The consultant should have a draft of the Federal Highway Corridor Plan ready for discussion purposes within a couple of weeks. After the draft is received, meetings will be set up in various neighborhoods and communities to discuss the planning and get their input. Mr. Greene suggested gathering input before a formal presentation is made to the Board. Mr. Greene pointed out that the recommendations that the study will be making, after they have been fully reviewed, would have to be codified into the Code. Ms. Heavilin inquired about the status of the MLK study and Mr. Greene stated an RFP just went out on this. Members left on the tour of the CRA area at 9:35 a.m. 2 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 Areas, buildings and neighborhoods viewed and discussed were as follows: The new Eckerd store under construction. Mr. Greene stated that the land diagonally across the street from Eckerd is under contract and there was a proposal to build a Walgreens on this spot. Mr. Greene did not think that this would come to fruition. Pond B, the walkway and the gazebo. Entrance area to Mangrove Park. Chairman Finkelstein pointed out that there is an elevated aluminum walkway through the mangroves to the Intracoastal. The tour headed east on Ocean Avenue from Federal Highway and the Shipwreck Restaurant was pointed out. Chairman Finkelstein inquired why all construction had ceased and Mr. Greene stated the owner of that property was waiting for the Ocean Avenue construction to be completed. The owner already has a permit. The Dolphin Restaurant. The Amoco Kwick Stop was supposed to be refurbished, but nothing has transpired to date. The lumberyard was pointed out and the use is not consistent with the character of Federal Highway, but is a long-standing use and will remain. The Riverwalk Shopping Center The Tuscany Project, which is preserving the mangroves in the middle with the project being built around them. The area where the Villa del Sol project will be going up. Various County pockets on Federal Highway that need to be annexed and cleaned up. The Gulfstream Mall and the Orbit Nightclub. The tour then headed north on Dixie Highway and came out on Federal Highway at Colonial Club. Chairman Finkelstein inquired if this Condominium has been "carved out" of the CRA and Mr. Greene was not certain on this, except for eminent domain purposes. Boynton Isles Other neighborhoods off Federal Highway. The next area viewed was the Ocean Avenue Bridge, which just reopened. Members remarked on the wonderful outcome of the project. Mr. Greene pointed out that the same lights west of Federal Highway continued over the Bridge. The tour continued into Ocean Ridge and Mr. Greene pointed out that Ocean Ridge has no commercial district so that Boynton Beach's downtown becomes the downtown for Ocean Ridge. From a marketing standpoint in looking at a one mile and five mile radius from downtown Boynton Beach it encompasses Ocean Ridge. The City owned Beach. Chairman Finkelstein pointed out that the Beach is located within the Town of Ocean Ridge, but Boynton Beach owns the property. Mr. Greene noted that Boynton Beach was rated as one of the best beaches in the County. 3 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 The Marina Project is going forward as reported by Mr. Greene. The Two Georges will be making some changes and the Banana Boat will also be making some improvements. Casa Loma Boulevard. Vice Chair Heavilin inquired if the Marina Project would include parking and Mr. Greene stated that there will be a parking structure for 500 parking spaces. The details still need to be finalized. There should be more than enough parking and there will be additional parking along Casa Loma Boulevard. Also, Two Georges will be raising the floor of its restaurant to coincide with the level of the new development. When completed, this entire area will be a tremendous asset to the City. The tour headed back up Ocean Avenue and various parcels of land were viewed, including land owned by the railroad. Heading north on Federal Highway, Mr. Greene pointed out the commercial uses, such as the tire company and the U-Haul as not being considered "neighborhood uses" and are considered "thoroughfare uses". Barbara Bradshaw's Bed & Breakfast The neighborhood between NE 9th through 6th Avenue was viewed. The flooding of the neighborhoods was discussed, as well as the various sizes of the lots, some of which are 50' lots and the code requires a minimum of 60' in frontage. Therefore, the issue of non-conforming lots exists. Amendments to the Code to address these issues will be coming up shortly before the Commission. Harbor Estates and the C-16 Canal. Chairman Finkelstein noted that there are approximately 20 auto uses on North Federal Highway, including the Auto Zone property, which was never developed. Yachtman's Cove Shopping Plaza. Manatee Bay. Boat Club Park. The City received funds from the County to provide a total of 75-boat trailer parking spaces. There are currently 50-boat trailer parking spaces and the City will be putting in an additional 25 spaces. Mr. Fenton inquired when a parking fee would go into effect, and Mr. Greene said this has not been totally worked out yet. Mr. Fenton also inquired who maintains the Park and was informed this is a City-owned facility and the City maintains it. Intracoastal Park. Mr. Greene reported that this Park is comprised of eight acres of land and two acres of submerged land. The City is moving forward with its plan to put in a park. The City Commission declined to purchase the additional 3 acres of land to the north and the property has now been acquired for more than $3.4 million and there is a contract for the purchase. The proposed owners are considering three options: a hotel, bringing the restaurant closer to Federal Highway, or doing a mixed use project, which would include both commercial and residential. Mr. Greene pointed out that the City owns the one-acre outparcel at the corner that could be used in conjunction with the Park. 4 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 The Texaco Gas Station approached the City about possibly expanding by adding a car wash out back. This is not something the City would like to see here. Further, it is not zoned for a car wash and would require rezoning. After riding to the City's northern line, the tour headed back down Federal Highway and onto Gateway Boulevard. Gateway Boulevard Project, which is almost complete. Almost every home received a circular driveway, as well as landscaping. It was noted that the homeowners were beginning to do their own improvements to their property. Ms. Sherrod pointed out a parcel of land off Gateway Boulevard where it is proposed that 31 new houses will be built as starter homes. Mr. Greene said there is a need for this type of house to create stability by introducing homeownership. These houses will be targeted for minimally and moderately income people, as opposed to Iow income. The City is acquiring the CDC Building from the County. There are a great deal of Code Enforcement issues in this area of the City and the City has assisted a great many of the residents in improving their properties. The median improvements on NW 17th Avenue, which was a project of the Neighborhood Specialist, Dan DeCarlo Various houses built by the County, SHIP funds and Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Sherrod discussed the City's Community Appearance Code which means the City must help Iow income people bring their property into compliance. The City also offers workshops for new homeowners to educate them about home ownership, as well as working with lenders that do not charge exorbitant interest rates and fees. Martin Luther King Boulevard, which is a mixed zone. The City would like to tear a lot of these properties down. Mr. Greene said there are questions about how the street should be redone. The City owns many lots on MLK and acquisition of other properties will be necessary to make them developable parcels. The Sammy Berry parcel. Mr. Berry is proposing to put a commercial/office use on this property. Cherry Hill District which is bounded by the C-16 Canal to NW 9th Avenue. There are a great deal of Code Enforcement issues in this area. The Sara Sims Cemetery. A new school being built by St. John Church which should be completed by June. The City's Public Works Compound. Head Start Building The tour then headed west on Boynton Beach Boulevard to Industrial Avenue, which is the western limit of the CRA. The new storage warehouse facility on Industrial Avenue. Mr. Greene noted that there is a dry retention area to address any flooding. West Industrial Avenue. Mr. Greene said there are plans to link West Industrial Avenue with Industrial Avenue. Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 The Boynton Art District. Mr. Greene said it might be better if this were located off Ocean Avenue where it would have more public exposure. Mr. Greene pointed out that when vehicles first enter the City off 1-95 onto Boynton Beach Boulevard and head east, this is their first impression of the City and this needs to also be addressed. Returning down Seacrest.Boulevard, Mr. Greene pointed out that the owners of the Boynton Terrace Apartments are applying for a grant to completely rehabilitate the development. In connection with this, the City is granting a number of incentives to the owners. IV. LUNCH The tour concluded and returned to the Hester Center at 11:50 a.m. at which time members took a lunch break. The workshop reconvened at 12:45 p.m. V. OBJECTIVES AND GOAL SETTING Chairman Finkelstein suggested that the Board could come up with one, three and five year goals and some quick victory projects for starters. Mr. Greene suggested concentrating on goals relating to development and redevelopment of Boynton Beach. Chairman Finkelstein pointed out that at the present time funding is limited. Mr. Greene displayed a map of the CRA District to which members could refer throughout the meeting. Chairman Finkelstein thought that the Board should come up with a master goal outline as discussed at the last CRA meeting. Utilizing the map, various areas were pointed out to the members as possible projects. Chairman Finkelstein noted there is still money set aside for the Promenade Project and he has spoken with Mr. Bressner about the CRA taking over this project as a quick victory project; TIF income will also be necessary for this project. Various projects and areas were pointed out and discussed for quick victory projects. Mr. Greene reported that the Library is applying for funding for expansion and it would be a two-story expansion to the north. He also pointed out that the old high school across the street could be demolished at a cost of $150,000. This may be necessary because in order for the Library to get the necessary funding for expansion, it must come up with an additional 100 parking spaces. This would only be an interim solution because long-term plans call for a pedestrian promenade between the Library and City Hall and to put in a parking structure where the existing parking lot is located. Also, another parking structure could be placed in the existing Police parking lot. This parking could serve the entire Town Square complex. 6 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 Also consideration is being given to a new Civic Center, conference center or possible museum. This could act as a terminus for Ocean Avenue. Staff is working on a plan for Town Square. A model for Town Square will be placed on display in City Hall so that the public could view it. Chairman Finkelstein felt that the Town Square project is a City project and that CRA funds should not be spent on this project. Ms. Hoyland said that the CRA does not have to fund the project, but shOuld certainly back it, which members agreed was important. Mr. Greene indicated that Town Square would probably extend up to 3rd Avenue. Further, Mr. Greene stated this would present an opportunity to look at Boynton Beach Boulevard, east of Seacrest. Pointing out on the map, Mr. Greene displayed that east of Federal Highway will be the hub for activities in the downtown, which would include the Marina Project, Pond B, new housing and two new restaurants. Once the Marina comes on line, what happens here would become market driven. The CPA's contribution to this is to ensure that people don't just come to this one area and stay there. The CPA needs to come up with ideas to bring the people back across Federal Highway. Members discussed various methods on how to make this happen which could be a mixed-use development that would include commercial/parking/ residential and/or office. First, the CPA needs to come up with a site for parking and once a site is designated, meters could be placed on it. After a developer is selected a parking structure could be built and the CPA could sell the air rights, thus becoming a partner in the development. Also, the CPA will be charged with coming up with developable parcels. Further, Mr. Greene stated that it will be necessary to change the Code to eliminate the requirement that people provide parking and to be allowed to provide a fee in lieu of parking. Mr. Greene informed members that the City is currently working on an agreement with the Congregational Church to lease their parking spaces, so that the City will have use of the Church's parking lot Monday through Friday. Mr. Greene stated that the consultant would be coming back with some recommendations and those recommendations will be the CRA's justification for changing the Code. Ms. Heavilin inquired if the Board could make recommendations for Code changes and Mr. Greene said they could. Mr. DeMarco felt that the Board needs to start addressing land acquisition west of the tracks now because the price at this time is less expensive and the CPA needs to acquire a land bank as soon as possible. With regard to a quick victory project, Chairman Finkelstein would like to proceed with the Boynton Beach Promenade since the funds are there. Mr. Greene stated that money being there does not necessarily mean that the money is 7 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 200'1 there. Chairman Finkelstein thought that there was $6.5 million in the capital fund and the previous Commission put aside $4.3 million for these projects. Also, Mr. Finkelstein suggested doing something like a rivervvalk, similar to what is being done in Jupiter, that could connect to the Mangrove Park. Mr. Greene agreed that the CRA is going to have to initiate an aggressive property acquisition program. Mr. Greene suggested instead of focusing on specific lots, the Board should focus on an area. As the opportunities present themselves, the Board can act on them. Mr. Tillman asked what the Board's number one priority is right now. Mr. Greene stated he would recommend 'that the Board focus on assembling property in the area west of Federal Highway for parking purposes. Ms. Hoyland noted that all the land that the CRA would be acquiring would not be used solely for parking. Chairman Finkelstein pointed out that by purchasing these properties the Board can determine what it would like to see go up on these parcels. Mr. Greene pointed out that the role of the CRA is not to necessarily be the developer, but to be the catalyst for development. Therefore, the Board has to create the conditions to make it desirable for someone to come into Boynton for development purposes. Chairman Finkelstein said this gives the Board an opportunity to guide development the way the Board would like to see it done. Discussion ensued on what constituted the core area of the CRA. Mr. Greene stated this area would be between 6th Avenue to 2nd Avenue. Various areas were pointed out on the map. Chairman Finkelstein said that what is outlined on the Ocean District plan is the core. Mr. Tillman pointed out that if the CRA did not begin to aggressively purchase property, a zoning nightmare could occur. He further stated that the CRA needs to set standards in order not to lose control. Mr. Greene pointed out that a mixture of private ownership could create a deterrent to development. Developers prefer to deal with one property owner. Vice Chair Heavilin inquired about utilizing eminent domain to acquire property. Mr. Greene responded that eminent domain is a possibility, but should only be used as a last resort. Eminent domain allows the City to take possession of the property quickly; however, it won't be known how much you would end up paying for the property because it has to go through the court process. Secondly, eminent domain can only be used for a public purpose, which means you cannot just acquire property through eminent domain and then turn it over to a developer. Mr. Greene also suggested that the CRA should be designated the City's Parking Authority. Chairman Finkelstein thought that the CRA was already the Parking Authority. Technically, Mr. Greene stated, the City does not have a Parking Authority. Further, he pointed out that privately owned commercial parking lots 8 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 are not permitted in the City. Vice Chair Heavilin asked how this could be accomplished and Mr. Greene stated that the Board could pass a resolution. Mr. DeMarco said there are several items that should be on the agenda for the next regular meeting. Chairman Finkelstein summed up that so far the Board has agreed - To acquire property in the core area; The CRA will become the City's Parking Authority; and Mr. Greene has been instructed to secure funding. Chairman Finkelstein said that the Board needs to come to a consensus on what represents the core area. Members agreed that the basic boundary of the core area consists of: The western border is SE 1st Street; The eastern border is Federal Highway; The southern border is SE 2nd Avenue; and The northern border is NE 3rd Avenue. In addition to the basic boundary, the core area consists of- A triangular piece extending from Boynton Beach Boulevard on the South, bounded by the railroad tracks on the west, Federal Highway on the east and Martin Luther King Boulevard on the north. Members agreed by consensus that this is the CRA core area. Chairman Finkelstein requested that a map of the core area be prepared. Mr. Greene also pointed out that there are some secondary areas that are outside the core area and there may be opportunities opening up in these areas as well. Mr. Greene also suggested that the Board may want to look at intensification of development within the core area. Members agreed that some type of pamphlet should be prepared for the CRA informing people what subjects could come to the CRA for development. Also, Ms. Hoyland suggested including in the pamphlet what the City also has to offer. Mr. Greene stated that in order to bring development into the core area the standards have to be changed. It was noted that within the CBD buildings had a height limit of 100'. Ms. Hoyland questioned why this height was not permitted in the CRA area? Members discussed introducing various densities and heights in the CRA area. Mr. Greene said that removing the height cap entirely needs to be looked at, or capping it at a higher level and increasing the density. Ms. Hoyland Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 did not feel that 100-foot projects would fit in with the look of the City and most coastal communities in their core area have a maximum of 60'. Mr. Finkelstein pointed out that the Marina Project is already approved at 100' and cannot give up the height to attain the needed density. Recess was declared at 2:10 p.m. The workshop reconvened at 2:25 p.m. Chairman Finkelstein requested that Mr. Greene have the core area on the map blown up. Mr. Greene suggested continuing the discussion on the character of the core area. Chairman Finkelstein pointed out that the 100-foot height in the CBD district is a conditional use. Mr. Greene said that there might be people who would like to go higher, such as a hotel. Ms. Hoyland said she preferred to see buildings with a tiered effect and feels a 10 story building street side is an intimidating building. Mr. Finkelstein said that a tiered type building would be good in a mixed-use property with retail on the street, office use on top and then residential. The next step would be for the Board to decide what they want the core to be which would encompass architectural guidelines, the character and certain types of structures. Chairman Finkelstein inquired if the study would be taking the character details from the Visions? Mr. Greene pointed out that the study being prepared is a planning document, which will make recommendations and would probably suggest that the Board come up with some design standards. Vice Chair Heavilin inquired about uses and Mr. Greene said that the study would also make some recommendations relative to uses and will recommend where thoroughfare and neighborhood uses ought to be. The consultant will be dividin~ the corridor into five planning areas with the exception of the land between 6 and 10th Avenue. The consultant's core area is essentially the same as this Board's core area. Mr. Greene presented a drawing that was prepared based on his conversation with the consultant and stated that an RFP has gone out for the area outlined in yellow. Staff will be doing the Town Square area, which is outlined in blue. Mr. Greene pointed out the five zones that the consultant carved out of the CRA area. Mr. Tillman also pointed out that the members viewed some remaining County pocket districts, which also needs to be addressed. Vice Chairman Finkelstein said that this would have to be initiated by the Commission, but the CRA could recommend the annexation of these properties. 10 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 Chairman Finkelstein asked members if they felt another workshop should be scheduled in order to come up with a working guideline. Also, he inquired if the Board would be seeing any proposals at its next meeting? Mr. Greene did not feel there would be any proposals coming up for the next meeting. Chairman Finkelstein suggested adding a workshop to the agenda for the meeting. Another workshop could be scheduled between the next two meetings. Vice Chair Heavilin requested to discuss a quick victory for the Boynton Beach Promenade. Chairman Finkelstein said he discussed this with the City Manager and he would like the CRA to have a quick victory project and said he would check to see if the money that is supposed to be set aside is really set aside. Vice Chair Heavilin asked what the role of this Board would be in that case and Chairman Finkelstein said the Board would oversee the project. Mr. Greene pointed out that a consultant would have to be hired for the design. The design would have to be approved and then the design has to go out to bid. This could take six months of design work and another eight to twelve months construction time. Chairman Finkelstein felt this was a very important project and would be a completion to the Pond B project to draw people downtown. Festivals could be staged which is very good for the businesses in the downtown. Mr. Tillman said that this Board could make a recommendation to the Commission that this project be moved up in priority. Ms. Hoyland inquired if the Board should discuss street lighting and continuity at its next meeting? Ms. Hoyland asked if a business came in are they required to upgrade site lighting and if so, what would determine this? Mr. Greene stated that the lighting throughout the Marina Project would be continued throughout the marina. However, no decision has been made to call this a CRA lighting style. Chairman Finkelstein stated this should be reviewed when the design guidelines are discussed. Members discussed the different characteristics that were recommended for vadous sections of the City in the Visions 20/20 and each section had different characteristics. However, the goal was through directional signage, to pull everything together. Mr. Greene pointed out that staff is working on ways finding signage. Mr. Greene also noted that there is not one architectural structure that anyone could point to that would identify the City. The City needs a symbol that would standout to identify it. Mr. Tillman pointed out that the Visions 20/20 plan called for a nautical theme throughout the City. Vice Chair Heavilin asked about the Compass Rose that had been previously discussed. Mr. Greene stated that Boynton Beach has three Iogos and one is a sailfish leaping through a Compass Rose. The City owns all three Iogos. 11 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 Chairman Finkelstein said he would prepare a new outline that would include the items previously discussed, as well as the character of the CRA and the 1-95 entrance. Mr. Tillman asked about the Post Office and said a safety problem exists entering and exiting the Post Office. Chairman Finkelstein said that the same problem entering Bud's Chicken also exists and when the new Eckerd's comes onboard the problem would be magnified. There needs to be a median along Boynton Beach Boulevard to prevent these left turns. Ms. Hoyland stated that by adding a median, it would give Boynton Beach a more boulevard effect and the street would become more pedestrian friendly. Mr. Tillman stated that the State had proposed to place medians down Boynton Beach Boulevard several years ago, but the City said no because the businesses did not want it. Thus, there is only a median in front of the Holiday Inn Express and then it ends. Ms. Hoyland suggested going back to the State to determine if a median could be put in for the remainder of Boynton Beach Boulevard. Conclusion Chairman Finkelstein reviewed the priorities set at today's workshop as follows: Assemble property in the core area. CRA to be the Parking Authority. Acquire funding. Annex or recommend annexation of County pockets. Recommend the Boynton Beach Boulevard Promenade move to the top of the list. Start identifying the character of the core area. 1-95 and Boynton Beach Boulevard gateway entrance feature. Post Office. Median for Boynton Beach Boulevard. Chairman Finkelstein informed members that there is a parcel of property along the Intracoastal that would make a beautiful Riverwalk and this is the only use for this property. It could be tied to Mangrove Park and the Promenade and should be added to the Boynton Beach Boulevard Project. The land is owned by a person in northern Florida. The land is undevelopable and unbuildable and is actually submerged land. The property is 1,500' long and all that would be necessary would be to add pilings and a boardwalk on the land. This would give the City an amenity that it doesn't have. Ms. Hoyland inquired if Pond B would remain the name' of the Pond and Chairman Finkelstein stated that a contest is taking place in the City to choose a name for the Pond. 12 Meeting Minutes CRA Workshop Boynton Beach, FL March 3, 2001 VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (five tapes) 13