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Minutes 04-09-98 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WORKSHOP MEETING THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1998 AT 6:30 P.M., CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, 208 S. SEACREST AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT Gerald “Jerry” Taylor, Mayor Kerry Willis, City Manager Shirley Jaskiewicz, Vice Mayor Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager Henderson Tillman, Mayor Pro Tem Bulent Kastarlak, Director of Development Jamie Titcomb, Commissioner Tambri Heyden, Planning and Zoning Director Nellie Denahan, Commissioner I. OPENINGS Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and introduced Henry Iler of James Duncan & Associates, Inc. Mayor Taylor informed the audience that this was the third Workshop of the Vision 20/20 Planning Study, Downtown Redevelopment Program. Mayor Taylor also stated that the presentations would be given first with questions and answers to follow. ALSO PRESENT Henry Iler, James Duncan & Associates, Inc. Jon Carlen, Urban Design Study . Kahart M. Pinder, David Plummer & Associates, Inc II. DISCUSS AND REVIEW VISIONS 20/20 PLANNING STUDY WORKSHOP Mr. Iler stated that this workshop would focus on tentative recommendations for the following areas: A. Land use recommendations for Martin Luther King Boulevard; B. Urban design criteria for Federal Highway Corridor; and C Parking strategy for the Waterfront/Marina and Federal Highway. Mr. Iler also stated that recommendations for Seacrest Boulevard would be presented along with the Martin Luther King Boulevard recommendations, as they are tied into each other. Mr. Iler introduced Jon Carlen to the meeting to make his presentation. MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD PRESENTATION Mr. Carlen stated that his presentation would concentrate on older neighborhood business districts. Also, areas will be addressed on ways to make these businesses more successful. Mr. Carlen stated that the following key points should be incorporated in order to make these businesses successful along the Martin Luther King Boulevard: ? mixed use; ? more pedestrian friendly street designs; ? higher density; ? shared parking; ? traffic calming techniques; ? expanded customer base; and ? response to the residents’ needs. HOME-BASED BUSINESSES Home-based business opportunities should also be considered with regard to the mixed-use development. Mr. Carlen stated some of the older neighborhoods could be converted back to a mixed-use development. However, the concept of shops on the bottom with residential units on the top, has not been successful in this type of environment. More innovative ways are being examined to address this issue for interactions between business and residents. Usually, the goals of the businesses are in conflict with the goals of the residents, and this can create problems. Other areas being explored are services, learning opportunities, parking and traffic calming. Mr. Carlen asked the audience to follow along in the handouts that were distributed in order to keep up with his presentation of the area. At the intersection of Seacrest and Martin Luther King Boulevard, two areas have been identified. One area is a business incubator, and south of the intersection, the other area would be more of a neighborhood/commercial designation. The possibilities of a business incubator were discussed. Mr. Carlen pointed out that a business incubator was a place of learning to acquire additional trades, skills or any other related job opportunities. This would be a place where neighborhood residents can go to learn, as well as an area where small businesses can get started. Mr. Carlen pointed out that there is a lot of vacant land and it is proposed that this area have a higher density of homes, private and town houses. Across the street, to the south side in the small area, almost fronting Federal Highway, before the railroad tracks, is a mixed-use area, which could accommodate residential, office and retail. We are 2 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 working on developing new home based businesses, gathered from input at neighborhood meetings. Also, the parking issue has to be addressed for this concept to become successful. Again, Mr. Carlen asked the audience to follow along in their handouts as he reviewed specific areas. Three different concepts are being explored that deal with the residential units. The first one being the front and back unit, with a different display unit in front. This concept is different from the ordinary retail on the bottom and residential on top. We are also exploring other possibilities as well. The second option would still have the display in front but would be two units per lot. The third would be to stagger the displays. Parking will be a concern, both for the businesses and for the people living in this area. There are three options, one is diagonal parking or create common use parking. Secondly, there could be courtyard parking, where there could be small clusters of parking spaces shared among the units. The third option offers parking in the rear of the units with the possibility of dual access. As Mr. Carlen continued, the audience was referred to the handouts. Moving east, fronting the tracks, the noise issue has to be addressed as well as buffering from the tracks is needed. The area between Federal Highway and the tracks needs a lot of rehabilitation. The next area (represented in yellow) is the future designation of low- density residential units. This area will go from a high density to a low density, which would create a nice blend in this area. The gray area will become a public and private area. This concluded Mr. Carlen’s recommendations for the Martin Luther King Highway area. Mr. Iler informed the audience that Martin Luther King Boulevard had once been a thriving commercial boulevard. There have been many factors that contributed to the demise of this area; among them being the building of shopping malls. This whole area needs to be revitalized and in order for that to occur certain factors need to be addressed. Seacrest Avenue has basically become a travelling boulevard and is in need of traffic calming to slow traffic down and to allow pedestrians to cross the street. There is existing mixed zoning on both sides of Seacrest and careful attention must be paid to this, as local governments that down zone property are being penalized, so it is important to work within existing zoning lines. Mr. Iler also stated that it was felt that residential in this area will be more successful than commercial. Mr. Iler also brought up the success of the tent center in Delray Beach that was that City’s incubator used to bring in business, as well as to train and provide educational backup as necessary. This is a good way for businesses to get started. There are a number of commercial and industrial influences that exist in the neighborhood; therefore, making this area solely a single-family neighborhood was not 3 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 a good consideration. An expansion of the home occupation opportunities to bring people to the area should be encouraged. Currently, home occupations are limited to 20% of the space of the residence. It is possible that we could expand to 40% in this area, which might be overlay zoning. TRAFFIC ISSUES Mr. Kahart Pinder addressed the meeting to discuss the traffic issues and asked members in the audience to follow along in their handouts. Consideration of closing off th 9 Court was discussed since it is being used as a shortcut. Once we gave th consideration to closing off 9 Court, consideration will have to be given to the small convenience store‘s parking lot being used by traffic as a cut-through. It is proposed that the parking area be widened. Consideration to narrowing down Seacrest Blvd. to one lane should be given and installation of off-street parking, as well. It is important to narrow and restrict the roadway. The two lanes would be forced to go into one lane, slowing the traffic down considerably. This change in the street would require an amendment to the City’s Comp Plan and would also require permission from Palm Beach County. Mr. Pinder stated he had a meeting scheduled with the County Engineers next week. The City would have to petition the County to designate this section as a crawl. Mayor Taylor suggested at this point before moving to the Federal Highway part of the presentation, that questions be entertained. A gentlemen in the audience asked if 9.6 units per acre density referred to residences, apartments, or dwelling units and asked for a clarification. Also, he asked what is the definition of the number of dwellings and does it refer to high, medium or low density. Mr. Carlen stated high density is eight units and above; middle density is 4, 5 and 6; and low density would be 1,2, 3. The gentlemen also asked what would happen in areas that the current density exceeded the planned density, and how do you plan to change that. Mr. Iler stated that if the density does exceed the planned density, an amendment to comprehensive plan and request for a zoning change would have to be sought. A gentlemen in the audience asked for clarification on how the change in the density would be accomplished. Mr. Iler stated that if the City were agreeable, an amendment to the master plan would be adopted changing the land use designation and existing buildings would be in conformance because they would already be at the lower density. 4 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 The final question the gentlemen asked was what would happen to existing multi-family buildings that substantially exceeded the 8 plus per acre high density definition, since some existing condominium units now have 24 and 36 units per acre. Mr. Iler stated those existing buildings would be grandfathered. Mayor Pro Tem Tillman presented the following question regarding the narrow roadway that is being proposed for closure, where the convenience store is now located, and how do you propose to close the store? Mr. Pinder indicated that it was not being proposed to close the store. However, Mayor Pro Tem Tillman stated that if the roadway is in fact closed and parking is taken away from the roadway, it would encourage access for increased drug activities. This closure will create a greater problem and even a greater possibility of rendering the police helpless. Mr. Pinder stated that they could reconfigure the road to come back onto Martin Luther King Boulevard, thereby providing access both ways. Also, Mr. Pinder did not know if the zoning allowed this store to exist. Mr. Pinder was informed that the store had a nonconforming use and would be allowed to remain. Mayor Pro Tem Tillman also stated it was important when considering changes in a neighborhood, to consider the activities that exist in the area that could significantly impact the area. Mayor Taylor asked about the land along the railroad tracks, which is a narrow strip one way going north. Will this area be undergoing any building or widening? Especially with the widening of Federal Highway and the medians being installed, the traffic is being directed into that area. Mr. Iler stated that they are looking at other options to provide access to Martin Luther King Blvd. and this northbound road does have access and is an option to keep the traffic flowing. Ms. Jenkins from the audience stated that a great number of people in her neighborhood were concerned that they would be losing their homes as a result of the redevelopment. She further stated that people were holding off remodeling their homes because they were concerned about losing them. 5 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 Mr. Iler stated that it was certainly safe for residents to renovate or remodel their homes, as none of their designs recommend that any home be torn down. Also, programs will be recommended to help people that are in need of assistance to finance improvements to their homes. Residents will be encouraged to put money into their homes and also to develop the vacant land in the area. A gentlemen in the audience asked whether it is intended to go from six lanes to four, or from four lanes to two lanes, and was informed that it would be from four lanes to two lanes. Mr. Pinder stated that they are considering taking the outside lanes and placing a median in the road. Discussion ensued regarding the length of the median, as well as parking and landscaping. A person from the audience asked how the parking would be regulated. Consideration is being given to installing meters or perhaps tires can be chalked at certain times of the day. Mr. Friedland asked about the land in the redevelopment areas that would be available for developers. Mr. Friedland also stated there is a danger to be considered in making the traffic flow too narrow or cutting it off all together, as this could be detrimental as opposed to helping the area. Mr. Iler stated that at the next workshop there will be recommendations made for programs where the city and non-profit redevelopment corporations can come up with ideas for projects to be built in larger vacant areas. There are a lot of opportunities that exist. Mayor Taylor suggested the meeting move onto the Federal Highway area. FEDERAL HIGHWAY Mr. Iler referred the audience to the graphic on the screen to demonstrate the area being covered by his presentation. The map is in effect a zoning map of the central business district, Federal Highway, and the railroad tracks to Woolbright Road. Mr. Iler stated the presentation would be focusing on Federal Highway tonight. The area to be covered will begin north on the map, at the C-16 Canal, along U.S.1 (a C-4 designated area) to a CBD designation. The presentation will move along U.S. 1 (where a lot of residential exists on the eastside) and communities (C-3 designations) 6 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 permeate along the west side. This type of character goes south as well. Mr. Iler explained what these designations mean. C-1 Office C-2 Neighborhood/Commercial C-3 Community C-4 General CBD Central marina area Mr. Iler continued to follow along the chart. Minimum lot size is 9,000 square feet for the office category and can go up to 15,000 for C-3; then drops all the way down to 5,000 square feet. The land development records also indicate that the ordinance doesn’t contain a minimum lot depth. There are a number of factors that dictate what occurs along this corridor. Keeping this in mind, we examined existing conditions along the Federal Highway Corridor. Mr. Iler stated that his presentation will move north of the C-16 Canal to south. This area is dominated by C-3 community-commercial. There is some very nice landscaping going in on the west side in this area. There are vacant and non-utilized parcels on the eastside of U.S. 1. There are T-shaped utility poles all along the eastside that present a negative image. There is a bike lane on both sides of Federal Highway. There are opportunities that exist north of C-16. Moving along to Boynton Beach Boulevard from C-16 is the most unattractive area along the Federal Highway corridor. The bike path disappears when the road narrows, and there is little landscaping. There are marginal businesses in this area and more T- shaped utility poles. In the area of Boynton Beach Boulevard to Woolbright, there exists a great deal of residential zoning on the eastside and the landscaping is very nice. There are a few redevelopment opportunities in the 400 to 600 block. Mr. Iler continued describing the present conditions in this area. The bikeway also exists on the west side. The T- shaped utility poles exist right on the curbs and should be considered for removal. The bikeway continues on and there is a strip shopping center in the 2700 block. Also, there are not a lot of redevelopment opportunities in this area. Mr. Iler stated that they are looking at different methods to upgrade this area, as well as placing utility poles underground. Also, stricter signage regulations should be established for new businesses. Overall, the whole area needs to be upgraded. There are certain uses that should not be allowed to remain in the code for this project. Some of those to consider for removal would be gas stations, convenience stores, auto parts sales, Laundromats and hardware stores, and these businesses should not be included in the central business district. 7 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 Also, Mr. Iler stated that the adult businesses should be prohibited between Gateway rd and 23 Avenue. Currently, the code contains a prohibition against these businesses within 1,000 feet of a residential district. New business would have to coordinate their signage. Minimum lot depth requirements should be established. The bikeway system along the corridor should be completed, including creating a bike lane between C-16 and Boynton Beach Boulevard and connecting with the east/west linkage of the existing bikeway. Landscape standards for the corridor need to be established, and consideration should be given to assist in funding for landscaping parking lots. Perhaps a loan program for small businesses could be established. Also some buffering standards need to be established for adjacent residential behind some of the businesses on Federal Highway. The parking problems and open dumpsters impact some of those residences. These residential areas need to be protected, as well. DESIGN GUIDELINES John Carlen presented some design recommendations for the primary target areas. Referring to the map, following along Martin Luther King Boulevard, Boynton Beach Boulevard, Ocean Avenue, Federal Highway, and to the south to Golf, these are the primary target areas for design criteria. Mr. Carlen dealt with general commercial design guidelines and stated that at present, there are no guidelines. ? The first issue will be site planning and where buildings will be placed in commercial districts; the placement of structures and how they respond to adjacent structures. ? Parking and circulation within the parking areas and how it interfaces with the roadways that front the parking. ? Overall configuration. ? Appearance of the parking areas. General guidelines will be established for defined parking spaces. Walls and fences will have established general guidelines also. Screening should also be addressed and the chain link fences along Federal Highway should be buffered to make the area more attractive. The inconsistencies with the signs detract from the visual appearance of the streetscape. Specific types of sign and the sizes should be established. Lighting should be addressed for security and should not spill into adjacent properties. Uniformity in lighting should be created. 8 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 Setbacks are also being addressed and how to deal with the landscaping in front of the setbacks. Also, consideration is being given to move parking from the front of the buildings to the side or the back of buildings. Major façade renovations are also being targeted and design guidelines are being developed. Awnings and canopies should be introduced as well. A two story average height for several of the buildings in the marina area is being considered, but there is a possibility of up to six story buildings also. Mr. Carlen presented the design guidelines for façades and awnings and the audience was referred to the material in their handouts. Mr. Iler asked if there were questions on these design guidelines. A gentleman in the audience inquired if the CBD area outlined previously included the marina area as well? Mr. Iler stated that this area does encompass the marina area and goes down to Ocean Avenue. Mr. Iler also stated that there is a C-4 area that was carved out of the CBD and was not sure what that encompassed. A gentleman in the audience asked the question if the area from Woolbright and U.S. 1 corridor to the Delray Beach line will be declared a slum area? Mr. Iler stated this was definitely not the case. In fact, parcels in this area are targeted for redevelopment and there is no consideration being given to making this area a slum area. A gentleman in the audience asked the question that once you designate an area a CRA; doesn’t that automatically designate the area a slum area? Mr. Iler stated that the area would be designated as an area that will be redeveloped. Mr. Iler continued to state that redevelopment is accomplished through a plan that is adopted at public hearings and focuses on properties that are obviously in poor condition and contain vacant land. Stable residential projects and sites in these areas are targeted for enhancement by landscaping and improving the environment. Vacant land and buildings that are in very poor shape are developed through new programs. Mr. Iler continued to state that a CRA is created to take money intended for the County to be used in Boynton Beach for infrastructure in the neighborhoods and is a plus for the City. Another question from the audience was what was the purpose of taking an area along the intracoastal that is in good condition and designating it a CRA area? Mayor Taylor responded to this question. If you took a place like Sterling Village, as an example, which is beautifully kept, but is right next to a deserted gas station, it serves no purpose and degrades from the property. Mayor Taylor further stated that the 9 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 purpose of a CRA is to upgrade property, like a deserted gas station. Someone from the audience stated that the owner of this particular gas station was trying to get a building permit for quite sometime. Mayor Taylor further added that you had to take the whole area and designate it a CRA area. You cannot carve out a particular piece of property from a CRA designated area. Also, Mayor Taylor stated that all the taxes generated from this area go back to the CRA area and not to any other area in the City. A woman in the audience asked what percentage of the CRA funds will be put into the south of Woolbright area or does it go into the whole CRA area? Mayor Taylor said it could be spent anywhere in the CRA area. She also asked why the area south of Woolbright should be included in the CRA area since there is little room for development. Mr. Iler responded that some of the parcels on Federal Highway to the west are not in as good condition as the properties to the east of Federal Highway, and the entire corridor has to be looked at. You cannot spot pick your areas. Further, Mr. Iler stated that moneys used to upgrade a particular area will benefit the entire area. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated that the purpose of tonight’s workshop was to hear recommendations from the consultant and that nothing has been adopted. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz also stated that it has not been determined exactly where the CRA will go and that all the consultant’s recommendations will be presented to the City Commission for final determination. Someone from the audience asked specifically what is the southern line of the CRA? Mr. Iler stated he did not bring the graphics with him. However, Mr. Iler did state that the CRA area would be expanded along the FEC tracks, as the western boundary, south to Woolbright to the intracoastal and north to FEC tracks to the City boundary on the north. There is also a small expansion area west of I95 that encompasses an industrial site, between C-16 and Boynton Beach Boulevard. These are the three main areas being considered. A gentlemen from the audience commented that once an area is designated a CRA area it is automatically designated a “slum or blighted area”. Mr. Iler stated that a CRA area is an area in need of redevelopment. There are many factors to take into consideration when designating a CRA area and legislation has been expanded that make it easier for other areas to be designated CRA areas. 10 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 The same gentlemen asked what were the criteria used to include the area west of Woolbright in the CRA? Mr. Iler stated that there were a number of parcels that needed assistance in redevelopment and there are neighborhoods west of U.S. 1 that are in need of infrastructure, as well as traffic congestion. Another person from the audience stated that the CRA designation will decrease the value of the neighborhood and that property values go down. Mr. Iler stated that was absolutely not the case. As a matter of fact, a CRA designation increases property values. Mr. Ken Derousse of Sterling Village stated that an urban renewal district makes the value of the property go down and that legal problems develop from this designation. Mr. Derousse further stated that he felt the City Commission could condemn their property under eminent domain and that there is no guaranty that this will not happen. Mr. Derousse further said that he felt that as a result of the property values going down, the costs to maintain their property would go up, because of the uncertainty of how the eminent domain/CRA works legally. Mr. Derousse stated this concern exists because of the density of their community. At this point in the meeting, Bulent Kastarlak, Director of Development asked to address this person’s concerns and issues. Mr. Kastarlak stated it was not the intention of the CRA to tear down good existing buildings, but to improve areas that need improvement for the good of the community as a whole. Mr. Kastarlak further stated that there is no intention to improve Sterling Village, and that there are many more important areas that need improvement to make Boynton Beach a better place to live, where the quality of life and the property values will continue to rise. Mr. Kastarlak stated that the issues being discussed tonight were urban development issues and that the workshop tonight was for the benefit of the whole community. Mr. Kastarlak also stated that the moneys for the CRA must be spent selectively and cannot be spent indiscriminately. Mr. Derousse stated that if an agreement could be reached between the condominium association and the City Commission, to the effect that the City would not use eminent domain against their community, they would be glad to cooperate with the CRA development. Mr. Kastarlak inquired why Mr. Derousse was under the impression that the CRA would want to harm their wonderful community? Mayor Taylor stated that Mr. Derousse concerns were unfounded and that the City has no intention of taking what’s good. Mayor Taylor further explained that the purpose of a 11 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 CRA is to increase your property value. Actually, it is intended to improve the area around Sterling Village in order to enhance the property and increase the value of the property. Mr. Friedland asked the Mayor if the Commissioners presently have the right of eminent domain without the CRA? Mr. Friedland was informed “yes” by the Mayor”. Discussion ensued regarding types of eminent domain. A question from the audience was what is the time limit for a CRA? The response to this question was 30 years. th Ms. Jenkins inquired what the plans were for her neighborhood, west of 16, -95 and I Boynton Beach Boulevard, and she wanted to know if this area was included in the CRA. Mr. Iler stated that this neighborhood is included in the CRA and that there will be a number of programs included for Ms. Jenkins’ neighborhood. Also Mr. Iler stated he would be glad to speak with Ms. Jenkins after the meeting to update her on information that was presented at previous workshops. Another question from the audience was whether the City had pursued other areas of financing for the redevelopment, other than CRA funds? Mayor Taylor stated they are considering several areas of financing, including private capital. Mr. Iler stated that several areas would be used for financing to meet the capital needs, especially in the downtown area. Infrastructure and landscaping require a great deal of funding, and because CRA funding takes time, other sources must be found. This is especially important during the first three years until the CRA values start to increase and become a solid funding source. A person from the audience asked if there were any studies available for review. Mr. Iler stated they would present some figures at the next workshop. Mr. Sugerman stated there are some CRAs in the State of Florida that borrow money on a five year bond issue to get things going and this is a possibility to be considered. Also, the question of who pays for the bonds was raised. Mr. Sugerman stated there are many ways to pay for the bonds and presented the various methods that are available. 12 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated that it would be a good idea to have a workshop dealing exclusively with CRA issues so that everyone is fully informed on the workings of a CRA and individual concerns can also be addressed. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz further stated that she would have all the information necessary to address everyone’s concerns at this workshop. Mayor Taylor advised Mr. Derousse that there was no need to hire attorneys and that all his issues could be addressed after Mr. Derousse becomes more informed regarding CRAs. Mr. Kahart Pinder was reintroduced to give a brief presentation on the parking strategy and downtown parking. DOWNTOWN PARKING AND PARKING STRATEGY One of the important issues to be addressed in the downtown area is the parking, as well as in the marina area. Mr. Pinder stated that adequate, safe and efficient parking with easy access must be offered. We have examined the parking requirements for the area and have based our findings on two scenarios. The first is a five-year interim scenario and the other is a long-term plan, which have been discussed at past meetings. The concept of shared parking has been pursued and how much parking is needed. For the first five-year interim plan, it is anticipated that 750 spaces will be the total requirement to satisfy all of the uses. However, where you have mixed use, there are different demand peaks at different times. This type of parking can be expensive to build when you consider structured parking. The Boynton Beach Code was examined, as well as studies done by the Urban Land Institute that addressed shared parking. The different hours of the day were looked at to determine when the peak occurs. After careful study, it has been determined that the demand will be for 622 spaces. This assumes a certain amount of retail is being used and that the restaurants are at full capacity, as well as all the residential areas are being used. However, it would be in order to encourage car pooling, keeping in mind that people usually don’t come downtown for one thing, and the code allows for a 35% reduction for being in the downtown area. Therefore, for interim parking 445 parking spaces will be needed. Mr. Pinder pointed to different areas on the chart where parking would be utilized and that parking would be centrally located. It is important that parking be accessible as well. Mr. Pinder continued that for long term parking, there will be a demand for 4,000 parking spaces which breaks down to 110 spaces per acre; thus 40 acres of parking will 13 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 be needed. Since there is not 40 acres of parking available, shared parking should reduce the number down to 2500 spaces. Mixed uses allow the City to utilize shared parking. It is important that each residential unit have one reserved parking space. Also areas are being looked at for a parking structure. Mr. Kastarlak referenced a newspaper article that appeared in the Sun Sentinel on th Tuesday, April 7with regard to an ongoing permit process for a major downtown property where the marina will be located. Mr. Kastarlak agreed with Mr. Pinder’s figures regarding parking spaces, but the location may be different and alternatives are being explored. With regard to the parking, Mr. Kastarlak said things have been progressing fast and property owners are presenting projects because everything is coming together downtown. It is now being considered that the property adjacent to the marina project, no longer being considered for a boat barn, could be used for other development. This development could be either commercial or retail. Also approximately 60 to 65 residential units could be built in its place, together with a parking garage during phase 2 of construction. This would now allow for up to 400 parking spaces in the anticipated parking garage. As of today, there is ground parking for approximately 200. There are many people expressing an interest in coming into this area. The diversity of this area will be a big draw for people to come to Boynton Beach and this entire area will be turned into a major destination. The promenade has also received great enthusiasm and includes a pedestrian walk. Mr. Kastarlak referred to these areas on the chart. The promenade would be approximately 60 feet wide, beginning at Federal Highway, and extending to the water. This whole area will attract many events and activities. Mr. Kastarlak further stated that this is a project of Boynton Beach, and the City will be paying for this project. To the north of the marina project, is the retention pond project, which is for the drainage for the downtown area. This is not only a drainage pond, but it is anticipated that this area will be turned into a park for recreation and special events. A landmark fountain is planned which would be visible from 95 letting people know that this is Boynton Beach I- and this will become a great entranceway to the City. Mr. Kastarlak continued that this entire project is intended to maximize the revenue potential for the City and to go back to the source of attraction to the City, which is the waterfront, where Boynton Beach originally started. There are all types of funding sources and there are possibilities of public and private partnerships. A gentleman in the audience asked the question of how many parking spaces have been allocated for the promenade? 14 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 Mr. Kastarlak stated that approximately 100 parking spaces have been allocated to the promenade, under the shared parking basis. Another question from the audience was if there were any future activities planned in the park before the 100+ parking spaces are built, and if so, how would this be addressed? Mr. Kastarlak stated that during phase 2 there will be shuttle service, bike paths and other means of transportation, so that 40 acres of land will not be necessary for parking along the waterfront. A gentleman from the audience inquired as to the cost of the project and how much will be CRA funds? Mayor Taylor stated that the marina project will cost between $9 million and $12 million and that no CRA funds will be used. This is private development. All this development will be tax revenue for the City. Also Mayor Taylor stated that the cost of the park for water retention would be funded through the City’s utilities department. The City is funding the promenade. Discussion continued on how most of the CRA funds could be best spent including the rehabilitation of commercial and urban areas. III. ADJOURNMENT There being no further issues to present, the workshop was concluded at 8:40. The next workshop is scheduled for May 14, 1998 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Program Room, Boynton Beach. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (2 tapes) 15 MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1998 16