Minutes 05-14-98
MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION CONVENING AS
THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
IN A DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP SESSION
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 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 Bulent Kastarlak, Director of Development
Henderson Tillman, Mayor Pro Tem
Jamie Titcomb, Commissioner
Nellie Denahan, Commissioner
I. OPENINGS
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Mayor Taylor stated this was the
fourth and final workshop meeting presented by James Duncan & Associates, Inc., the
City’s Consultant for the downtown redevelopment program. The Mayor expressed his
appreciation for the tremendous attendance at tonight’s meeting. It is good to know that
there is great interest in the Community. The Mayor also stated that the items being
presented this evening are the Consultant’s proposal and that nothing has been decided
upon to date.
The Mayor informed the audience that the Commissioners, some of the City staff and
himself have just returned from Washington, D.C. where they were campaigning for
grant funds for many of the projects that will be discussed this evening. Mayor Taylor
informed the audience that he had another Board meeting at 7:30 and would have to
leave the meeting early, and will turn the meeting over to Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz.
ALSO PRESENT
Henry Iler, James Duncan & Associates
Jon Carlen, Urban Design Study
Hank Skokowski, Urban Design Study
Kahart M. Pinder, David Plummer & Associates, Inc.
Mayor Taylor introduced Henry Iler of James Duncan & Associates to the audience.
Mr. Iler stated this is the fourth and final workshop that has been held since the first of
the year. These workshops were held to gain input from the Community and to give the
Commissioners an opportunity to look at the Consultant’s proposals.
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach Promenade and the parking
Detailed plans for
strategyMarina Area
for the will be presented and discussed. Additionally, Mr. Iler will
be presenting information on CRAs and the boundaries Duncan & Associates are
recommending for expansion of the CRA, the fiscal impact of the current CRA, and the
future growth revenues. Major projects and timeframes will be addressed. Lastly, the
marketing and promotion of the CRA will be discussed. Mr. Iler introduced Hank
Skokowski of Urban Design Studio to the meeting.
Mr. Skokowski, together with Jon Carlen, will go over the graphics in detail. Mr.
Skokowski stated there are two primary areas that will be focused upon. The first area
Downtown Marina
that represents an opportunity for redevelopment is the . The
downtown marina is the most natural area for redevelopment because of the waterfront.
One of the difficulties, however, is that most of the waterfront is in private control, so
that strategies have to be developed with the private property owners.
Mr. Skokowski outlined specific areas on the map being presented to the meeting and
LibraryTown Square
pointed out the and the area, City Hall, the old high school, and
other buildings that will be included. While the City is working with private developers,
the Town Square could ultimately energize the area and the existing neighborhoods. A
Historic 500 Block
pedestrian linkage along Ocean Avenue to the and ultimately to the
marina area will be developed, as people enjoy walking in this type of environment. The
Ocean
Town Square will be very important in terms of image of the City, as well as the
Avenue Promenade
.
Mr. Skokowski presented enlarged graphics of these areas and introduced Jon Carlen
Ocean Avenue
to the audience. The first area covered by Mr. Carlen was the
PromenadeSeacrest Boulevard
, which covers the area from to the beginning of the
500 Block
. Although Ocean Avenue extends to the bridge, this plan will extend to the
500 Block. Pointing to the graphics, Mr. Carlen began at Seacrest Boulevard, indicating
there will be special intersection treatment, showing the logo that will be incorporated in
many design elements. There should be something significant to attract people to this
area. A median divided roadway is proposed in front of the old high school. This divide
Town Square Park
in the road can provide for plants and access to the . Parking also
has to be addressed. Parallel parking has been provided in several areas. Also, bike
lanes are proposed on both sides of the roadway. Also, a drop off spot is proposed, as
well as other traffic calming techniques.
With regard to the commercial area, the sidewalks should be moved up to existing
buildings and a more pedestrian friendly environment should be created.
2
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Civic
Mr. Skokowski added that the area pointed out by Mr. Carlen is referred to as the
Area
and the area by the railroad tracks is considered commercial and should be
protected because it also includes residential areas as well, even though it is
considered a transitional area. Discussions with one of the owners in this area have
taken place, who is considering turning their property into a bed and breakfast
establishment. This would be a nice addition to an urban setting.
There were studies done of the 500 Block a couple of years go, but the whole area must
be addressed and an identity must be given to the waterfront and the town square.
Federal HighwayOcean Avenue
and should be included in the overall picture. After
pursing this line of thought, a different picture emerged. At the time of the 500 Block
study, the Old Gateway Gates were discovered and there is a possibility that this
interesting historical structure could be moved. It is suggested that the Seacrest
Boulevard connection where Ocean Avenue ends could become the Gateway into the
downtown area. Locating a structure like the old Gates shows people that Boynton
Beach has a history and a need for re-energizing.
Jon Carlen pointed out where the median divide will be placed, which will be on
Seacrest in front of the old high school building and referred the audience to the
graphics depicting the roadway. Vegetation will be added in front of the high school. A
plaza is planned in front of the Civic Building and it is anticipated this entire area will be
beautified. Royal Palms, flowering trees and typical ground covers will be used.
Benches will be placed on the Plaza and there will be bicycle lanes on both sides.
With regard to the parking, it was noted that there is a great deal of parking in front of
some of the apartment buildings and the convenience store in this area. It is anticipated
making the streetscape more pedestrian friendly and creating an urban wall type
situation. It is also planned that the opening for the wall, wherever possible, be 20’ feet.
This makes access and egress safely, but still creates the continuity along the
pedestrian walkways. (The proposed design was passed around the room for viewing
by the audience.)
Furnishings for the area were reviewed and it was decided some traditional furnishings
should be included in Town Square Park area. There will be traditional type benches
and plantings. Trash receptacles will be of matching color. Lighting will typically be 14’
high. Royal Palms will be utilized along the pedestrian pond. These are just examples
being proposed. The last map, to which Mr. Carlen pointed out, was a computer
graphic that addressed the streetscape along the railroad tracks facing Seacrest
Boulevard.
3
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Mr. Skokowski informed the audience that in order to accomplish what has been
presented tonight, there is a commitment by the City of Boynton Beach to invest public
funds for public improvements, and this is what is anticipated in the Town Square. Mr.
Skokowski indicated that as you go down Ocean Avenue individual homeowners are
rebuilding their properties, reinvesting in their neighborhoods and there is a sense of
pride in their Community.
Marina District
With regard to the , Mr. Skokowski informed the audience that the City
Director of Development, Bulent Kastarlak has had a number of conversations with
individuals with respect to private participation in this area. The Marina District is the
area with the greatest potential. Referring to the Boynton Beach Boulevard “uneventful”
end of the street, a dramatic new ending is envisioned. From Federal Highway out to
Boynton Beach
the end, where there is an existing right of way, this can become the
Promenade
and for the short run must provide for some vehicular circulation. There
already exist in the downtown area some restaurants and cafes and the promenade
puts a great finish to the roadway and a plaza for public events could be created. The
GALA can be extended to this area, as well as art shows and different types of
entertainment can be planned.
The boat storage area for the marina area has been eliminated and now mixed use
residential is being planned. There are new options that are being evaluated now. In
this area, everything that is east of Federal Highway is included in the Marina District.
Mr. Skokowski pointed to different areas that will be developed in the marina area and
will incorporate some of the concepts developed by the City and other options are being
explored now that the boat storage building has been eliminated. Parking in this area
must also be addressed. A parking building could be placed here with ground floor
shops, which could be architecturally shielded that would not appear to look like a
parking garage. It is anticipated that the height of the building would be four to five
stories. There is another option, which is a wing on the other side of the First Financial
Plaza. Parking is an important issue and must be thought through well in advance. This
is a wonderful area that could be used for residential and commercial together with
parking. Mr. Skokowski discussed additional uses for the marina area that could be
explored. There already exists about 180 parking spaces and on the other side of the
First Financial Plaza there is another 180 parking spaces.
Kahart Pinder of David Plummer & Associates, Inc. addressed the audience next.
Working with the City, an interim plan for parking is being developed to be located east
of Sixth Street along the pier and Ocean Avenue, as well as the former boat storage
area. It is anticipated there will be approximately 60,000 square feet of development in
4
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
that area, which would include retail, stores, restaurants, some office space, and a
potential for residential use as well.
At the last meeting it was discussed that there would be an ultimate need for 450 to 460
parking spaces to support the interim plan. Working with either one of these plans, Mr.
Pinder pointed out on the graphic to a 2.2 acre parcel, west of Sixth Street, and referred
to as the “Garcia property”, which is not part of the initial phase, but could be used for
parking and could accommodate 240 to 250 parking spaces. There will be parking along
Casa Loma, which could have approximately 50 to 60 spaces. Also, parking would be
provided along the promenade on both sides. There is also parking north of Ocean
Avenue. Mr. Pinder stated that the highest demand for parking is in the evening to
accommodate the restaurants that generate the most activity. There are about 130
spaces in the financial plaza. All of these parking spaces are within walking distance of
the new development area. It is estimated that approximately 510-520 parking spaces
will be available.
Mr. Skokowski stated that there are cost estimates that have been prepared for these
projects and Mr. Iler will present these.
Mr. Iler inquired if the Mayor wanted to entertain questions at this point or if the
presentation should be completed in its entirety before the question and answer
segment takes place.
Mayor Taylor stated it would be best that the entire presentation is made and then
questions from the audience will be entertained.
Mr. Iler stated that Boynton Beach first started their CRA in 1983. Mr. Iler stated that
the definition of CRA is “Community Redevelopment Area”. It is an area allowed by
cities, created by State law, and must meet certain criteria. Typically, a CRA is utilized
in areas that are in need of redevelopment and it enables local governments to capture
revenues that normally go to the County in the form of property taxes to be spent any
where throughout the County, except Boynton Beach. A CRA enables a city to get
those funds back for use in the City and can be used for whatever is needed to enhance
development in the CRA area. Boynton Beach’s initial CRA was a small area about 120
acres around the marina. In 1988 the City expanded the boundary to include the yellow
area (referring to the map) up to the C-16 Canal on the north, over to I-95 along Ocean
Avenue on the South and dips down to Federal Highway down to Sixth Street and then
back to the Intracoastal. Mr. Iler pointed out the current CRA on the map that has been
in existence since 1988 and contains about 558 acres.
5
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
During that time the growth of the tax base has fluctuated, but since 1993 the tax base
has grown steadily at the rate of 2% per year. The proposal being presented will offer
some methods that could be used to fund some of the improvements. There is public
sector cost and there are private sector contributions as well. Funding methods have
been examined and it is being proposed that the current CRA be expanded to about
three or four major areas and would be a means for the City to capture more revenues.
The first area recommended is the area north of the marina extending to the City limits,
essentially the westerly boundary, Federal Highway and the Intracoastal as the eastern
boundary. It is also recommended that an expansion area include vacant land west of I-
95, which will create more revenues once they are developed. Areas that were looked
at were non-residential as well as vacant land.
There is also a small area around the Town Square that was previously discussed that
could be included in the CRA expansion, which is east of Seacrest, and south of Ocean
nd
to 2 Street. There is also a small area on the south that extends to the marina down
to the City limits on the south, which would be included. The rationale for including
Federal Highway for the most part is due to the fact that there are areas in need of
redevelopment and there are vacant parcels, especially on the north side that can be
filled in, which will create additional tax base. There are a lot of areas on Federal
Highway in need of improvement.
Mr. Iler stated that the City Commission asked him to prepare some figures on the
impact of the CRA and presented an overhead for the audience review.
Mr. Iler stated that the current tax base for the CRA is $75.8 million and has grown from
its base year of $59.8 million or about $16 million since its creation. Growth since 1994
has been about 1.8% per year and has been steady. There has been steady growth in
the CRA. The current tax increment is now $16 million. The Increment Growth has
been 12% per year. In 1997-1998, the City received approximately $190,000, which is a
combination of County and City revenue. $80,000 is from the County and the rest from
the City.
The average annual expenses of the CRA for the last couple of years has been steady
at approximately $200,000 for personnel, programs and commercial façade programs to
help people improve their businesses. There are a number of programs the CRA has
carried on to improving the area and the CRA currently is spending and taking in about
the same amount. The CRA has an outstanding balance, projected at the end of the
year to be at $350/400,000, after all expenses.
6
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
The budget for the New Year should increase to around $600,000 ($400,000 balance,
plus revenue of $120,000). Mr. Iler presented some growth scenarios which assumed a
1.8% tax base growth on a steady basis and assuming that the first phase of the marina
project has been completed. Much more development is anticipated, but this is a
conservative projection. Also, these revenues can be bonded in the future and if you
bond revenues, you have to have actual development agreements to be included in the
revenue projections.
What is projected in the first five years 1999 through 2003 is that the CRA will bring in
$1.3 million. That includes the $200,000 that grows each year. Going to a ten year
period of 2008, the CRA should grow to $1.8 million, being very conservative using the
1.8% growth rate. The tax base in the year 2008 will now be $94 million, which
indicates the CRA has grown about $20 million. Based on these figures, this would
justify a bond in the next six to eight months of about $2.5 million which would give the
City money to do some of the improvements as soon as possible. These figures are all
calculated at a very conservative revenue scenario.
Also presented was a moderate growth scenario, using a little higher growth, and
assuming the private sector will build beyond the marina project. Also, assuming a
2.7% growth, which is still low, and building out of the entire marina east of the first
Financial Plaza over a ten-year period has occurred. Also, assuming the revenues over
the first five years at $1.5 million, as development occurs, projected revenues for 2004-
2008 would be $2.6 million. Under the moderate growth rate, you would have a ten
year revenue screen for the CRA of about $4 million. The tax base under this moderate
scenario will be about $112 million. You would not be able to bond the revenues from
this scenario because there are no development agreements. However, this does
illustrate the potential revenues that could be generated.
With regard to the proposed CRA expansion area, what is the impact? The current tax
base (taking out the homestead) is about $180 million. Since this area will probably
grow faster than the downtown area, we are assuming a 3% growth rate. Revenues
from the expansion area probably won’t be realized until 2000 or 2001. The first year is
your base year and the growth won’t be included until the next year. Therefore,
revenues from the expansion area won’t be realized until the year 2000. In the first five
years, the projected revenues will be modest at $1.1 million. Over ten years under this
scenario, revenues generated would be about $4.1 million. These revenues could be
bonded in the year 2004. At that point a ten-year bond would generate approximately
$6.6 million.
7
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Mr. Iler presented different scenarios if certain areas were excluded from the CRA. The
controversial areas are east of U.S. 1 and south of the Marina. The area has been
divided up to include Ocean to Woolbright and Woolbright South. The net tax base is
$20 million in the area of Ocean to Woolbright (net of homestead exemptions), or 11%
of the total tax base of the expansion area, not the current CRA area. The Woolbright
south area is much larger in land and is $41 million net tax base and is about 23% of
the expansion area. That would bring the tax base to around $120 million in the
expansion area if those areas are taken out. Also, Mr. Iler stated if those areas were
excluded from the CRA area, it would mean extra work in the planning justification for
the Federal Highway corridor because you have to justify taking out certain areas. This
can weaken the application made to the County if there are holes in certain parts of the
corridor.
Mr. Iler addressed other funding sources. The City has a utility fund reserve for major
utility work and future growth and this fund is approximately $25 million. It is possible
that the Utility Reserve Fund could enter into a loan arrangement with the CRA of a
certain amount of money that could be paid back from CRA revenues. This could be an
alternative to bonding the CRA revenues.
Also, there is a Public Service Tax, which is a tax on the utility bills, that the City
receives which is about $800,000 each year and about 40% goes into a capital
improvement fund. It is possible in future years that some of that money could be
programmed into capital improvements in the redevelopment area.
There are also grant programs that are available. The City has made application
already to the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization for ISTEA funds
(moneys for bikeways, walkways, and sidewalks). This is the exact kind of program that
would fund the bikeways and promenades that have been discussed. The City has
already made two separate applications for $350/500,000 to fund these improvements.
Hopefully, one of the applications will be approved.
Palm Beach County has its Development Programs that the City has been utilizing, as
well as local businesses. Normally businesses in the downtown section of Boynton
Beach have been bringing in between $50,000 to $100,000 each year. These
businesses would be eligible to receive $15,000/25,000 for improvements and
upgrading their property or could hire more personnel.
The City has already received a Community Development Block Grant and has become
an entitlement City under the Block Grant Program and will be receiving approximately
8
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Senior Center
$570,000 each year. Some of the funds have been targeted for the to
Town Square
be located in the , as well as other facilities.
SHIP Program
The City participates in the , which is an affordable housing program to
assist people rehabilitate their homes that are in need of various types of improvement.
Currently the City has about $300,000 in this Program. These funds are for
neighborhood improvements.
HOME Program
There is also a for single family housing. The City now participates in
this Program and it is a very successful Federal Program.
Lastly, Mr. Iler discussed the cost of improvements presented this evening.
?
Proposed storm water facility, which plans are currently being formulated, has
an estimated cost of $3 and $4 million and is currently being funded by the City
with utility bond revenues, which bond was floated in 1996.
?
The surface parking, phase 1 strategy for parking, the cost is being projected at
$750,000, which will be shared with the private businesses that use the parking.
This expenditure will be paid back through parking fees by the businesses that
use the parking
?
East Boynton Beach Promenade. The costs are still being reviewed. There is
no final figure. It could be somewhere around $1.8 to $2 million.
?
Ridgewood Neighborhood Improvements. About $50,000 for stop signs, speed
bumps, closure of certain roads, making the streets safer and appearance
improvement of the neighborhood.
?
Federal Highway Streetscape to create an ambiance on Federal Highway for
people travelling through, $800,000 has been targeted for this project.
?
Town Square Campus around the Civic Center/City Hall Area, estimated cost is
at $1.5 million that would include the Senior Center.
?
Road Improvements in the Gateway Neighborhood to improving safety. The
estimated cost is at $15,000.
?
Ocean Avenue Promenade is estimated at $1.1 million. Moneys from the
private sector will be included in this funding.
?
Martin Luther King Boulevard/Seacrest traffic-calming plans to slow down traffic
in this area. That improvement will cost approximately $60,000
?
The Cove Amphitheater cost is expected to be at $1.1 million, but most of that
cost will be borne by private development.
?
Marina area parking, phase 2, a possible garage. The City’s share is estimated
at $1.75 million and these types of garages typically cost $3 to $4 million.
9
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Again, it is anticipated that residential developers will help contribute toward this
cost, plus parking fees will come back to the City.
Mr. Iler introduced Mike Brady who will be addressing the community relation’s aspect
of the Visions 20/20 team. Mr. Brady will present methods on how to promote and
market the ideas and concepts that have been presented this evening. Areas to be
covered will be how to attract businesses and new residents to Boynton Beach. The
entire marketing plan includes Greater Boynton Beach and includes the Industrial Park,
western communities, expansion areas and the business and civic areas.
Promotional items need to be developed within the first twelve months of the
development plan. These include
?
A brochure. The City staff has begun work on a promotional brochure.
?
A promotional video
?
Presentations
The purpose of a brochure is to highlight various sectors within the City and includes
such information as the background of the City, the population, the workforce, the
infrastructure that exists and the improvements that have been made. The brochure
would include incentives that exist to attract business, tax incentives, corporate rating
for developers and builders, job growth, the CRA area and development grants that
would be used as an incentive for businesses to relocate (or locate new) to Boynton
Beach. The redevelopment area will be highlighted. The brochure will also address why
someone would want to move to Boynton Beach.
The educational system will be included with the addition of new high school and the
entertainment component will be addressed, and the amphitheater will be covered. The
spirit of the community will be expressed, as well as its diversity and the successes of
the City will be emphasized.
What was just outlined for the brochure will be included in a video presentation. The
video presentation should not be more than seven minutes. This is a tool that could be
sent to prospective developers, to business development boards, Enterprise Florida,
Department of Commerce and the Chambers of Commerce. As development begins,
the City could publicize within and without the State to attract businesses. It is
anticipated that meetings will be held with Palm Beach County and Florida League of
Cities to keep them apprised of what is happening in Boynton Beach. This would all be
done within the first year of the marketing plan being developed.
10
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
In the second year of promotion, a staffing scenario should be addressed. The hiring of
a full or part time marketing director should be considered to take on the responsibilities
of the marketing plan once it is underway. In year two, it is anticipated that
developments will be happening and will justify hiring a staff person. There is also the
possibility of a downtown advisory board that could be developed in working in
conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. Purchasing advertising should be
considered. Also, ads could be placed and radio spots could be purchased outside
Palm Beach County to inform people of what is taking place in Boynton Beach. Special
events bring people to the area and that is what brings crowds out. A formal system
needs to be developed on welcoming new businesses that relocate to this area. This
can be accomplished many ways, i.e. through the Chamber of Commerce, through the
City or through an established Development Authority. The possibility of a seafood
festival could be explored which could take place in the new Promenaded Area. Also,
various exhibits, booths and food tasting concepts could be considered. Attracting
business is a key component.
During the third year, attractions could be opened and if a nautical museum is added to
the redevelopment, that is an attraction that draws people and will mesh nicely with the
envisioned plans for the City. A conference center could also be considered. Also,
during the third year, the promotional materials will have to be upgraded.
It is envisioned that the key players to coordinate the City’s promotion would be
?
the City Manager
?
City staff
?
the Mayor and Commissioners
?
the Chamber of Commerce
?
a Development Advisory Board (if one is created)
?
the Consultants
?
the original Visions 20/20 Task Force
?
the private sector and the residents of Boynton Beach.
With regard to the costs for the promotional materials during the first year the costs
should fall within the $24,000 to $35,000 range in order to develop and disseminate the
materials.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz opened the floor for questions and comments. Vice Mayor
Jaskiewicz stated that tonight was a very exciting evening and that it has only been
three years since the idea to revitalize the City of Boynton Beach began and tonight the
results can actually be seen. At previous meetings Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated that
there was a lot of talk and verbal reports, but this evening the actual results can visible.
11
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz informed the audience that the consultants would remain after
the meeting to address any individual concerns or questions, and they could speak
personally with anyone of the consultants.
Larry Finklestein from the audience stated that during the last CRA meeting a graphic of
the Boynton Beach Promenade dead ends at Boynton Beach Boulevard and asked the
Consultants if they were recommending that the Promenade go through to the end.
City Manager Willis responded that it was important to allow for a transitional period for
people to be able to get into the area. There are businesses that will depend upon the
continued circulation of traffic in that area and to allow people to get to the waterfront
without having to park too far and walk a great deal of distance is important. City
Manager Willis stated there is a cost factor to be considered, and staff will have to look
further as to how much more it will cost to re-enforce the subsurface to carry vehicular
traffic all the way out to the end of Boynton Beach Boulevard.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz also stated she had concerns regarding churchgoers exiting St.
Mark’s Church. They must have access to the traffic light; so that closing off this area
all the way would not be beneficial.
Mr. Kastarlak, the City’s Director of Development, addressed the meeting and stated
these plans are still in the planning stage. Consideration is being given to have the
option to open the Promenade up during the weekdays for the retail traffic, whereas
during the weekend activities, the area could be closed. Also, in order to maintain the
consistency in the design, it should be included on all of Federal Highway as well. Also,
Mr. Kastarlak stated that there is a good possibility that the traffic light will remain.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz asked where the fountain being proposed would be placed. Mr.
Kastarlak stated this would be located where the star is placed in a rotary around which
traffic will circulate.
Gary Browning asked what the rationale is behind the zoning changes that are planned.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated that this would result in increased funding for the area.
The expanded area to the South would take in more revenue producing areas. Vice
Mayor Jaskiewicz further stated that none of these plans have been approved and
everything is still in the planning stage.
Mr. Iler stated that he was not aware of any zoning changes that were mentioned. The
major zoning changes that the consultants are putting forth are in the Martin Luther King
12
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Boulevard and there are modest changes along some of the commercial corridors, but
there are no neighborhood recommendations that Mr. Iler is aware of. Mr. Iler asked
Mr. Browning to remain after the meeting and he can address his concerns.
Ken Derousse addressed the meeting and stated that the during Mr. Iler’s presentation
he spoke about an Ocean Avenue Promenade. Mr. Iler stated this will traverse from the
500 Block all the way to Seacrest and will encompass the Town Square. Also, Mr.
Derousse asked with regard to funding the project, is it increment financing or is it
financing from other sources?
Mr. Iler stated the financing could be from either source or both. For the most part, the
financing will be increment financing, but there will be other opportunities for the CRA to
receive grant monies. Mr. Iler stated that the private developers would be sharing the
cost of the improvements.
William Murphy stated that at the last workshop meeting the audience was informed that
the Promenade is a City project. In the cost portion of the presentation this evening, it
was presented as a part of the CRA.
Mr. Iler stated that it is shown as a CRA because some of the funding will come from
the CRA and with the ISTEA grant funding that the City will be receiving, it was listed as
a CRA because that will be the primary funding source.
A gentleman in the audience asked if the expanded CRA meets Federal Highway south
from Ocean Avenue represented $41 million in tax base.
Mr. Iler stated that the area from Ocean Avenue to Woolbright is about $20 million and
Woolbright south was $41 million.
The gentlemen wanted to know what these figures represented in tax revenue to the
City and the County and if there was a CRA in place how would the tax money
distribution change.
Mr. Iler responded that the first five years of revenues from the area as it is now
represented on the map, the CRA would receive about $1.1 million. If those areas were
taken out of the CRA, that would represent about $600,000, or about a one-third in
revenue reduction. The gentlemen asked for clarification on the impact of a CRA in this
area.
13
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
City Manager Willis responded that she feels the problem is that people are confused as
to the definition of a CRA and how it works and how to bring the money back to the
redevelopment areas that the funds come from. City Manager Willis asked Mr. Iler to
please address the audience on what a CRA is and how it works and how the money
comes back to the City to be spent in the specified CRA development areas.
Mr. Iler stated he will use as an example the $41 million tax base area, south of
Woolbright. Mr. Iler stated that using this scenario the CRA has grown for five years
and it has grown from $40 million to $60 million in tax base. The difference is $20
million if there were no CRA. The City would get 7.92 mils and 4.6 mils goes to the
County of tax revenues. Under the same scenario with a CRA, 7.92 mils would go to
the City (assuming the same tax rate), the 4.6 mils now will also go to the City. The
new growth goes to the City. Discussion continued on how funds are generated for the
City in a CRA area.
Mr. Iler stated that the tax base in the Delray Beach CRA area has had a growth rate of
about 30%. Boca Raton’s tax base growth has been 221%. There are about 15 CRAs
in Palm Beach County and all have illustrated positive growth in their tax base. When a
CRA is created, tax bases go up, not down.
Mr. Bob Foot stated that some of the residents of Sterling Village heard that this
program would lead to the condemnation of their homes, and Mr. Foot asked that the
detrimental sides of a CRA be presented.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz informed the audience that a meeting was held today with all the
representatives from all the various condo owners on Federal Highway that had
concerns regarding the CRA. City Attorney Cherof, myself and various representatives
of the condo communities met, and we came up with a resolution to their concerns.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz said she could not fully comment on terms of the agreement until
it was discussed with the other Commissioners. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated that this
would be presented to the City Commission at their first meeting in June, at which time
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated she would present a resolution to this effect. Further,
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz stated it was never the intention of the Commission to change or
alter the composition of the condominium communities along Federal Highway, and
their concerns will be alleviated at the June Commission Meeting.
Sandra Allen addressed the audience and stated she has just purchased property in
Boynton Beach. Ms. Allen said she feels Boynton Beach represents a phenomenal
opportunity and that wonderful things are happening with the marina and is glad she
chose Boynton Beach.
14
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz also stated that developers have been coming into the City and
purchasing property for development and there will be great improvements in the City.
Herb Kahlert from the Boynton Beach Chamber stated that when the CRA is expanded
it would increase the revenue base three-fold in the City with no new taxes.
Further, Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz also stated the City will be very active in seeking grants
and the City is seeing very good results with its grant applications.
Ken Derousse stated that he felt that his property was being put into an urban renewal
project through a CRA.
Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz reiterated that this was not the case and that his concerns were
unfounded. Good things are happening in the City.
A woman in the audience inquired where the amphitheater would be placed?
Mr. Kastarlak addressed the audience and pointed out the promenade area on the map.
Mr. Kastarlak further explained that the amphitheater would be placed in the middle of
the lake that will be built. By doing this, the City is trying to create an attractive mix that
will draw visitors and residents to this area.
Mr. George Weide raised the question of how grant funding works and how often these
funds would have to be applied for?
City Manager Willis stated that grants are a method by which monies can be obtained
by the City for infrastructure without raising taxes, and that the City is actively and
continuously seeking grant funds.
There being no further issues presented, Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz adjourned the meeting
at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(two tapes)
15
MINUTES
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1998
16