Loading...
Minutes 08-22-01MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2001 AT 5:30 P.M. Present: Larry Finkelstein, Chairman Jeanne Heavilin, Vice Chair Jos6 Aguila Don Fenton Michelle Hoyland (arrived at 5:45 p. rn.) Henderson Tillma~ Absent: Alexander DeMarco Quintus Greene, Director of Development/CRA Nancy R. Kramer, Assistant City Attorney I. Call to Order Chairman Finkelstein called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared a quorum was present. III. Property Acquisition Discussion Chairman Finkelstein stated the purpose of the special meeting was for the Board to consider purchasing property at a foreclosure sale scheduled for tomorrow morning at the Palm Beach County Court House. The property at 907 N. Dixie Highway, currently referred to as Joe's Deli, is in foreclosure. A photograph of the property, together with information from the County's Property Appraiser's Office was furnished. The property is currently assessed at $204,905. It was last sold in July 1998 for $225,000. It consists of a 6,136 square foot building on a 15,246 square foot lot. Chairman Finkeistein noted that there are current code violations on the property and counsel has been consulted to determine if this would have an effect on the purchase of the property. The following documents were made available: · A copy of a letter dated March 30, 2001 to the current owner regarding his occupational license; and Meeting Minutes -- Community Redevelopment Agency Special Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida August 22, 2001 A memo from Don Johnson, the City's Building Official, regarding an inspection conducted at the property by the City's Code Enforcement Response Team on Apdl 20, 2000. The memo sets forth all the code violations. Most of the violations are on adjacent property also owned by the same entity. The adjoining parcels are not included in the foreclosure sale. Chairman Finkelstein stated that the sale amount of $198,600 plus costs and expenses is well within the market range of property in this area. In order to bid, it would be necessary for a representative from the Board to go to the Courthouse on the date of the sale. At that time a $1,000 certified check would be required. If the CRA was the successful bidder, the bid would be held until that afternoon and the remainder of the funds would be due. Mr. Greene introduced Ms. Nancy Kramer, Assistant City Attorney, who was substituting for Attorney Payne, who is on vacation. Jim Cherof, City Attorney, who was in the audience, said that he has researched information furnished to him by the City Manager, which leads him to opine that there is nothing to deter the Board from purchasing the property, if the CRA finds the property suitable for acquisition. Attorney Kramer stated that there was not enough time to do a title search. She recommended that the Board member who attends the foreclosure sale research the court files prior to the sale to determine if there are any liens. Chairman Finkelstein stated he has attended many of these sales and is familiar with the process. The Stein family that sold the property to the current owner is holding the mortgage. In discussing the amount that the Board would bid for the property, Mr. Aguila recommended that a cap be placed on the purchase pdce that would include any liens, fees and charges. Also, Chairman Finkelstein stated that additional money would be needed to demolish the building and asked if the Board wanted to include this in the total ambunt. Demolition could cost around $25,000. Mr. Fenton inquired if the taxes have been paid and Vice Chair Heavilin noted that they were. Mr. Fenton asked what value the land would be to the CRA at this time. Chairman Finkelstein pointed out that the property is an area that the CRA has earmarked to be cleaned up and is located in the triangle of properties that the Board designated to be acquired and assembled for redevelopment. Mr. Tillman suggested putting a cap on the price between $225,000 to $230,000. The additional amount could be used to cover any liens on the property. The demolition fee should be kept separate. Meeting Minutes - ~ Community Redevelopment Agency Special Meeting Boynton Beach, Florida August 22, 2001 Vice Chair Heavilin also pointed out that by purchasing the property, it would give the CRA more control over the corridor until the Land Use Amendment is completed. Motion Vice Chair Heavilin moved that the Chair and CRA Director be authorized to attend the sale and purchase the property ~n an amount not to exceed $225,000, including interest. Motion seconded by Mr. Tillman and carried 6-0. IV. Public Audience Mr. Morey Lukewitz, 640 East Ocean Avenue asked if the CRA was successful in acquiring the property what are [he plans for the building. He also asked if there was a down side to not acquiring the property. Chairman Finkelstein responded that the future of the building has yet to be determined. In answer to the second question, he felt if the CRA did not purchase the property, someone else would who could turn it into a current permitted business, but would not be permitted once the CRA Corridor Plan is completed. This could create future problems and additional expenses. Mr. Aguila inquired if the property was vacant. Mr. Greene stated that it was. If it was later determined that the property was occupied, an eviction process would be initiated. Mr. Aguila asked if there was any value to the building and its contents. Chairman Finkelstein was not certain. V. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) (August 23, 2001 ) 3