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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO97-09 THE CITY Of BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE 1996 EVALUATION AND APPRIASAL REPORT OF THE COMPREHENISVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, via Ordinance No. 089-38, the City of Boynton Beach adopted the document entitled "Comprehensive Plan - City of Boynton Beach, Florida"; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 163.3191, Florida Statutes, the Comprehensive Plan is required to be updated periodically through the preparation of an evaluation and appraisal report and subsequent amendment; and WHEREAS, in January, 1996, the City contracted with Berryman & Henigar, Inc., to prepare the City's Evaluation & Appraisal Report (EAR); NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CiTY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, THAT: Section 1. The City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida, hereby adopts the 1996 Evaluation and Appraisal Report of the Comprehensive Plan, prepared by Berryman & Henigar, Inc. .Section 2. That the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Boynton Beach will be amended, consistent with the findings and recommendations of the "1996 Evaluation and Appraisal Report", within one year of its adoption. Section 3. That this Ordinance shall become effective upon the date a sufficiency determination is issued by the Florida Department of Community Affairs in accordance with Chapter 163.3191, F.S. Section 4. All laws and ordinances applying to the City of Boynton Beach in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 5. Should any section or provision of this Ordinance or any portion thereof be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the remainder of this Ordinance. FIRST READING this /,~' day of March, 1997. SECOND, FINAL READING AND PASSAGE this ! day of April, 1997. ATTEST: : City~lerk CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Victor , Cor~rr;~/~i'"oner' '~/~~-" ~Commissioner Commissioner City o£ Boynton Beach 1996 Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report February 1997 City of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report City of Boynton Beach 100 East Boynton Beach Boulevard Boynton Beach, Florida 33425 Mr. Gerald Taylor, Mayor Commissioners Ms. Shirley Jaskeiwicz Vice Mayor Mr. Matthew Bradley Mr. Henderson Tilman Mr. Jamie Titcomb Ms. Carrie Parker, City Manager Ms. Tarnbri Heyden, Planning and Zoning Director Mr. Michael Rumpf, Senior Planner lh'~'~d for the City of Boynton Beach by Berryman &Henigar Preparation of this document was aided through the fmamial assistance reodved from the State of Horida under the Local Government Evaluation and Appraisal Report Assistance Program authorized by Chapter 93-206, Laws of Florida and administered by the Department of Community Affairs. TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Contents List of Tables i iii iv ~cUon 1 A. B. C. D. E. F. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Update of E.xistm$ Land Use Mag and Table Condition of Element at Time of EAR Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and Text Amendments School Locations and School Siting Accuracy of Population Projections; Extension of Population projections to 2015 Actual vs. Anticipated Rate of Development Deterioration of Commercial and Industrial Facilities Social and Environmental Impacts Unanticipated Problems and Oppormmfies Prevention of Urban Sprawl Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effects of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 Recommended Plan Amendments and Need for New Actions 1-1 1-1 I-4 1-5 I-7 1-9 1-9 1-12 1-12 1-13 1-13 1-13 1-15 1-22 1-25 Section 2 A. B. C. E. F. O. I. J. TRAFFIC CIRCULATION ELEMENT Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Level of Service Analysis and Condition of Element at Time of EAR Existing Traffic Circulation System at Time of EAR (includes Florida Int~-~tate Highway Syst~n) Roadway Functional Classifications Year 2015 Projected Volumes Year 2015 Cost Feasible Traffic Circulation Plan Status of Level of Sa'vice Deficiencies Identified at Time of Plan Adoption Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effects of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1986 Recommend~l Plan Amendments and Need for New Actions. 2-1 2-1 2-7 2-12 2-12 2-16 2-16 2-22 2-23 2-28 2-29 Section 3 A. B. C. D. E Section 4 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. SANITARY SEWER, POTABLE WATER, NATURAL GROUNDWATER AQUIFER RECHARGE, DRAINAGE, AND SOLID WASTE Condition oftl~ El~t at the Time of Adoption Condition of ~h~ Element at Time of the EAR Comparison of Objectives to Actual Results Analysis of Development Trends and Conditions Obje~ves Achiev~t Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results ~ of Statutory and Rule Changes Identification of Anticipated Plan Amendments CONSERVATION Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Condition of Element at Time of EAR Summary of Condition and Quality of Natural Resources Impacts on Environmentally Sensitive Arens Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 Recommended Plan Amendments and N~;i for N~w Actions 3-1 3-1 3-4 3-8 3-9 3-10 3 -24 3 -25 4-1 4-1 4-6 4-15 4-15 4-16 4-19 4-20 Q~P~worlOng~J~cts~664.$gboynton~mt~nt&all 12/12/96 i Section 5 A. B. C. D. E~ F. G. H. Section 6 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Section 7 A. B. C. D. E. F. Section 8 A. B. C. D. E. Section 9 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. B. C. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Condition of Element at Time of EAR and Inventory of Sites and Facilities Inventory of Sites and Facilities Achievement of Level of Service Standards Inventory of Private Sites and Facilities Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Since t 989 Recommended Plan Amendments.and Need for New Actions HOUSING Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Condition of Element at Time of EAR Summary of Anticipated In/on'nation fi.om Affordable Housing Needs Assessment Physical Condition and Deterioration of Housing Sto~k Inventory of Group Homes and Special Needs Housing Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 Recommended Plan Amendments and Need for New Actions COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Condition of Element at Time of EAR Development in Coastal High Hazard Area Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 Recommended Plan Amendments and Ne~l for New Actions INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT Condition of Element at Time of Adoption Condition of Element at Time of EAR Objectives Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 Recommended Plan Amendments and Need for Nmat Actions CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Condition of Element at Tim~ of Adoption Condition of El~t at Time of EAR Effects of Concun-ency and Level of Service Standards Actual v~. Anticipated Revenues and Expenditures New R~vanu~ Sourc~ Obj~iv~ Achievement Matrix; Comparison of Objectives to Results ~ of St~mo~ and Rule Changes Since 1989 ~ Plan Amendments and Need for New Actiom PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND SCHEDULE OF PLAN AMENDMENTS Adopt~ Pmi¢ipation Procedures Se. lmtule for Adoption of EAR-Based Amendm~ts Meeting No6~ 5-1 5-1 5-10 5-14 5-14 5-15 5-17 5-20 5-20 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-7 6-8 6-12 6-14 7-I 7-1 7-11 7-17 7-19 7-24 7-25 8-1 8-1 8-4 8-8 8-15 8-15 9=.1. 9-1 9-5 9-7 9-8 9-9 9-14 9-14 10-1 10-2 10-3 Q~p~worlanglproj~ts~66459boyntonkxn,tants. all ~2/12/~ ii LIST OF TABLES 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 £xislin$ Land Use, 1987 Pol~i~tion Projections, 1987-2010 Supply and D~-mand for Land at Build-Out E.xi~ Land Use, 1987 and 1995 Land Use Plan Amendments Since 1989 Land Use Designations, 1987 and 1995 Developments of Regnonal Impact, 1995 Boynton Beach Me*xo Area Population Estimate and Projection Population Projections, 1995-2015 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Daily Service Volumes Existing Traffic Conditions, 1987 Futur~ Lan~ Arrangements Necessary to Achieve LOS "D" Future Traffic Circulation Plan, 1989 Existing Traffic Conditions, 1995 Locations With Greater Than 10 Accidents Per Year, 1993-1995 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Historic Wastewater Flows for Boynton Beach Service Area Historic Water Production for Boynton Beach Service Area Historic and Projected Wastewater Flows for Boynton Beach Service Area Historic and Projected Water Production for Boynton Beach Service Area 4.1 4.2 Boynton Beach Natural Resource Sites Status of"A" Rated Natural Resource Preservation Sites 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 Existing and Planned Park Sites, 1989 Recreation Facility N~ls Analysis (Revised) Park Developn~nt Recommendation-*, 1989 Existing and Plsm~d Park Sit~, 1996 Neighborhood Population and Component TAZ's LOS Standards for Facilities, 1990 Facility Supply and Demand, 1996 Equivalent Private Facilities, Impact on Public Demand, 1995-1996 6.1 6.2 6.3 Assisted Rental Housing 1987 Housing Cha~actemti~ 1990 ACLF Facilities ia Boyaton B~ach, 1995 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7- Warn' ~t/Rels~d Uses, 1988  ~1 ~ Boat Facilities, Manatee Impact Limimiom for Marina Development ~ot'C~it~i lmlm~vements (Revised), ! 990 ~ Oeaer~ Revenu~ and Expmditures, 1988-1994 (Thousands) Wat~- md Wa~-wat~' Revenue md Expenditure Summary (Thousands) Revenue Debt $ervioe S~, 1990 (~) Compmson of Scheduled Imla'ovements With Actual Debt Service S~, 1993-94 (Thousands) C~ of Revenues md EXlnm~ (Thousands) Page 1-1 1-2 1-3 14 1-7 1~8 1-9 1-11 1-12 2-1 2-3 2-6 245 2-11 2-12 3-1 3-2 3-5 3-6 4-4 4-6 5-3 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-12 5-14 5-15 5-16 6-1 6-4 6-7 7-4 7-11 7-12 7-17 9-1 9-4 9-4 9-5 9-6 9-7 9-8 iii 1.2 1.3 LIST OF MAPS Exia~in$ Lind Use Map Fumr~ ~ Use Map Public Education and Health Systems 2.1 Functional Classification of Roadways - 1~.89 2.2 Roadway Existing Conditions - 1987 2.3 2010 Average Daily Traffic Volume 2.4 2010 Functional Classification 2.5 Average Daily Traffic Volume - 1995 2.6 Palm Beach County Transit System Routes 2.7 1995 Thoroughfare System 2.8 Federal Functional Classification of Roadways - 1996 2.9 2015 Cost Feasible Plan - Future Traffic Volumes 2,10 2015 Thoroughfare System 2.11 Existing Bike Paths and Routes 2.12 2015 Cost Feasible Plan - Pedestrian Facilities 2.13 2015Cost Feasible Plan - Network Over Capacity 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 5.1 5.2 5.3 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 8.1 9.1 Lakes, Canals, and Waterways--1988 Boynton Beach Natural Resource Sites Lake Worth Estuary - Dredged and Filled Areas Lake Worth Estu~y - Source Ouffalls Lake Worth Estuary - Submerged Natural Resources Lake Worth Estuary - Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Sp~ies Lake Worth Estuary - Manatee Survey Location Data Lake Worth Estuary - Habitat Restoration Project Areas Neighborhood Park Planning Areas. 1987 Re~'eation and Open Space Inventory. 1987 Traffic Analysis Zoma Boynton Beach Coastal Management Area Water Dependent and Water Related Uses Aquatic Ve~tation Public Acc~ Faciliti~ E.M.stiag ~md Potmti~l Bo~t Facilities, Manat~ Impact Page Pocket Pocket 1-10 2-2 2-4 2-8 2-9 2-10 2-13 2-14 2-15 2-17 2-18 2-19 2-20 2-21 4-2 4-3 4-8 4-9 4-10 4-11 4-13 4-14 5-2 5-6 5-13 7-2 7-6 7-8' 7-9 7-13 7-15 8-3 9-3 iv Bo Beach Plan, Evaluation and A The Future Land Use Map is on file with the City of Boynton Beach. included as part of the adopted EAR. It will be 1. FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT A. Cona~tion of Element at Time of Adoption The City, of Boynton Beach, is a low-density, low-rise community located in southeastern Palm Beach Court .ty: The population grew from 18,115 in 1970 to an estimated population of 44,056 in 1987. The City has evolved from an economy driven by winter tourism and agriculture into a mature community, with major retail, cmplosment and housing opportunities. DevelOPment of Bovnton Beach began in the eastern potion o£ thc commtmitv, which is densely develcved. The urban pattern ~ontinucd westward, x~ here gr0~th currently continues. Annexation has extcn&d the City's westward border, and is ~tictpated to continue. Land use data for the comprehensive plan was compiled in 1987. Existing land use in 1987 is shown below. TABLE 1.1 EXISTING LAND USE, 1987 Land Use Catelory Total S'-"-~cn- ~;o.'7 Total Residential ~ 39.3 Sinv~ family 1~4 DuPlex 1 ~ Multi family ^c~v Mobile HonW [ ~ co~ema~ ]79 ~, 1 Retail & aervic~ 2~;7 Hotel & motel Public. ~mi..~mbli~ i~iuai,~,! 2~ 3.1 ch~ ~v~ ~~ 11 R~ ~ IZ,7 ~hl~ (~ 132 Su~~~ i~i ,~ ~,~, 11~ N~ ~ 7270 ~ ~ ~7fll me: Cit~ ofBoynton ~ Comprehensive Plan Land Us~ Element, 1988, pa~ 5. 1-1 The historic urban core of the City centers around U.S. I and tl~ Boynton Beach Boulevard/Ocean Avenue intersections, with strip commercial development extending the length of U.S. ! in a continuous pattern At the time of plan adoption, the commercial focus was shifting to the Congress Avenue comdor, where a regional mall had ~tly opened. Quantum Corporate Park, a large commercial and industrial park had been approved for land on 22nd Avenue North, between Congress Avenue and 1-95. As these significant opportunities opened west of the traditional downtown, the planning was underway for renewal of the older urban areas. Housing and population grox~lh trends highlight the once.prominent position of retirees in the housing sector. Persons per household fell from 2.98 in 1970 to 2.55 in 1980, due in pan to the presence of retired households of small size. New construction was oriented to family housing, and population per household was projected to increase. The year 2010 was projected as the build-out year. TABLE 1.2 POPULATION PROJECTIONS, 1987-2010 1987 1990 1993 2000 2005 2010 Po[~ulation 44,056 48,514 55,943 63,373 70,802 78,232 Households 20.616 22,460 25,429 28 ,292 31 ~ 190 33,867 Persons per household 2.14 2.16 2.20 2.24 2,27 2.31 Seasonal population 5,242 6,713 7,534 8,615 9,719 10,755 Peak season population 49~298 55,2.27 63,477 71,988 80~521 88,987 Source: City of Boynton Beach Compmhc-nsive Plan Land Use Element, 1988, pas¢ 11. A summary analysis of public facilities available to se~e new development was provided, with references to individual functional elements for detailed descriptions of service capabilities. State and county standards and functional responsibilities for arterial roads were considered, and road capacities were generally determined to be existing or planned to support anticipated development. Programmed improvements to the potable water system will provide an ultimate capacity of 36 million gallons per day (mgd) and were presumed to provide adequate capacity to serve the incorporated City and the service areas. A level of service for potable water of 200 gallons per lgrson per day (maximum flow for peak population) was established. Sanitary sewer service, with treatment at a regional facility, was programmed to serve anticipated populations. Drainage facilities, as managed by the South Florida Water Management District and thc Lake Worth Drainage District, have been built or will be required to serve existing and future development. Solid waste disposal is planned by the Solid Waste Authority, with collection service in the incorporated area provided by the City. Land forms in Boynton Beach are detennin~ to be suitable for conversion to urban development. Conversion generally requires extensive soil preparation, such as soil compaction, excavation and demucking. Major natural feaiwes are th~ lnlracoastal War, way (ICW) which separates the mainland of Boynton l~ach from th~ barrier islami. Th~ Lak~ Worth estuary, which borders the City, is an important regional environmenlal ~. Groumtwal~' provides the potable water source for Boynton BegAt, with wells drilled '.rolo ~ aquifor. Adequate volumes of. water exist in the aquifer .to support prop~.. .... population ~with no known sources of contammauon for area wells. Nauve ecosystems ol tlae l-lonoa scrub, pin~~ and mansrove we~ found in Boynton Beach. Hod/la scrub is __the ..m~_.t p .r~v. a},,e~, ,t, and in the greate~'~ of conversion to urban uses. Habitat was rated on a scale of"A" to "D', w~th A rated habitat having the greatest ecological value. A total of 182 acres of"A' rated scrub habitat were identified. These areas were identified as desired preservation locations; however, it was recognized that methods of preservation (purchase, land dedication, easements) may fall short of the desired goal. Several areas of older housing were identified as having historic interest. Eight non-residential areas or buildings were identified as desirable for preservation. A cursory inventory was conducted, which did not detect the concentration of buildinss necessary to justify establishment of a district. 1.2 The supply and demand for land use was analyzed, bm on the need to provide for desired population goals. Assuming a build-out population of 78,232, desired ac~g· for urban land uses were identified. These were found to be ~ consistent with land use allocations contained m the Future Land Use Map. TABLE 1.3 SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR LAND AT BUILD-OUT Land Use T.vpe Demand Supply Residential 14.440 new units 15,459 new units Commercial (Bo?ton Beach Market Area) 831 acres 1030 acres' Industrial (Bo?ton Beach Market Area) 686-734 acres 745 acres Govemmentflmstitutional 225 Not determined Recreation 577 452 Al~ricuiture 0 87 Conservation 134 Overlay district Source: City of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Element, 1988, pages 34-54. Redevelopment needs were noted in the mainland coastal area. The commercial portions of the coastal area had a large number of obsolete structures and parcels of substandard size. Moderately priced multiple family housing geared to retirees was the dominant homing form in this area. Recommendations for changes in land use from commercial to high density residential were made for areas along North Federal Highway. The area located between the central business district (CBD) and the Boynton Canal was noted as presenting a number of opportunities for redevelopment to more intensive uses. Mixed uses were encouraged, and residential densities were recommended to be increased to 40 units per acre. Site performance standards were recommended for review of new development. Commercial redevelopment was recommended to upgrade properties along U.S. I near the southern city limit. Overall, density in the coastal zone was considered to be appropriate to the infxastmcture service capacity, and was not recommended for reduction. One additional marina site was identified, at the northern boundary of the City. Two possible dry storage sites were noted. Redevelopment plans for the CBD were noted. This area lies between the Horida East Coast Railway (FEC) and the lntracoastal Waterway (ICW) and is bounded on the north by N.E. 7th Avenue and on the south by S.E. 2nd Avenue. Redevelopment plans include facade and streetscape improvements, coordinated signage, and related improvements. Marina, hotel park and entertainment uses were proposed to be bruit. A model block was designated, and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district was established. Development to implement the plan had begun, or was in the permitting stage. A mangrove hammock located downtown was recognized for preservation. Residential densities were proposed to be increased to 16 units per acre, and the ICW bridge was proposed to bo relocated from Ocean Avenue toBoynton Beach Boulevard, and rebuilt as a high level span. An additional community redevelopment area was located north of Ocean Avenue, east of 1-95, south of the Boynton Canal, ~ w~t ofth~ FEC tracks. The redevelopment plan for this area was under review at the time the e,~ plan was adopted. This area is principally residential, and the redevelopment plan propos~ to ~l~ iow demity character of the neighborhood. A gateway to Boynton Beach was proposed on Boynt~ ~ ~l~,vatd, with enhanced commercial uses located on this comdor. Additions to Sara Sims Plh-k ~ ~ were recommended. A new park was proposed adjacent to the Boynton Canal, and a mmi-p~k ~ proposed. A design plan for Boynton Beach Boulevard was also being considered. This planning area extended fi'om the western City limits to the FEC tracks, and proposed architectural and streetscape improvements and site development guidelines. Non-conforming uses were identified. A total of 87 residential structures were identified as non-cxnfforming as to density. No action was r~mmm~led to bring thes~ sites inW conformance, unless private 1-3 redevelopment is initiated. Although 32 non-conforming commercial uses and 61 residential uses were located in commercial zones, these were not considered to be serious land use conflicts and no action was recommended. However, 10 structures were identified as being non-conforming commercial properties in residential zones. Although the text of the comprehensive plan indicates that a map was prepared showing the locations of the not, conforming properties, the map is not included in the materials available for preparation of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report. A 10 year amortization period was recommended to eliminate these uses. This recommendation was not included in the revision of the Land Development Regulations. The locations of ~'o businesses were considered inappropriate due to the hazardous nature of the operation. A liquefied petroleum dealership, which is permitted u~. der certain cu'cumstances in the M- 1 zoning disu'ict, was recommended for relocation within 5 years. A bulk fuel oil distributor Was recommended for relocation within 10 years. Detailed annexation, zoning and land use r~:ommendations were made for each planning district in the City and adjacent areas. These recommendations addressed issues of neighborhood compatibility, environmental preservation, and land park siting to be considered in development or redevelopment. Recommendations addressed 77 areas, some of which contained multiple recommendations. Many of the recommendations in this section of the land use element closely parallel recommendations in the conservation and parks and recreation elements of the comprehensive plan. B. Update of Existing Land Use Map and Table Map 1. I, which can be found in the front pocket of this binder, shows existing land use at the time of the EAR_ Table 1.4 provides a summary of existing land use in 1987 and in 1995. TABLE 1.a EXISTING LAND USE, 1987 AND 1995 1987 199~ Land Use Catt~ory Sub-To~l % of Grin T~ T~ ~i.I 285~ 39.3 Mu~i f~lv 69~ + l ~ I M~i~ H~ 18 +~ '" c~ $70 $.1 ~?a ~ ~ 267 + H~I & ~ ~ +9 I~,~ ~ -' ~ 1.~ ~ 171 l~:~-~aL ~ ' ..... 146 ZO -~1 ~ ~ ..... ~1 ~ ~l 10 ~ elu~ 4 +7 ~,hli~ ~a 107 1987 [4nd U~e Cstegory Sub-Tom] % ofGro~ Acre~ C~tegory Sub-Total To~l Acre~ Toml Total Tramuo~tion. ~,.i.~imtion & utiliti,~ .~4 Recre4tioo 9TM 12. 7 Pub~i~: (d~veloo~fi 132 ~b~je (un&vel~) ] 45 Su~i~Ssi~, Wix ate r~eati~ ~ / 2.~ Golfcou~ ~2 ~ 0 V<~t I~ & ~ildin~ 2472 34 -813 1659 N~ A~a~ 7~70 7695 C~l ~ wat~ fi~t of~v 711 *1 ] 7~ S~ ~ ~i~ fi~ of way l 7~0 *29 1749 O~ l~ao~ 970l 10 167 C. Condition of Element at Time of EAR POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS The 1990 Census enumerated a population of 46,237 residents in Boynton Beach, living in 20,239 households. The racial characteristics of the 1990 population were: 77% white, 20% black, and 3% Asian or other races. Hispamc residents comprised 7% of the population. The City of Boynton Beach has a greater percentag~ of minority residents than the County as a whole, which had 15% minority residents, compared to 23% in Boynton Beach. Thirty percent (13,918 persons) of the population was over 65 years of age, while only 19% of the population (8746 persons) were 18 years of age or younger. The proportion of older residents is higher than many communities; for example, in Broward County, only about 21% of the population was over 65 years old in 1990. A high proportion of elderly residents has implications for a number of areas addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. Family households described the living an'angement of 80% of the 1990 population. Many of the single person households in Boynton Beach were occupied by elderly persons living alone: 72% of all single female householders and 42% of all single male householders were elderly. The 1990 population included 480 persons in nursing homes, 63 persia= in homeless shelters, and 64 persons in other group quarters. ... Like many communities in Florida, Boynton Beach, most of the people (78%) in Boynton Beach were bom' outside the state. Former residents of the northeastern states comprised 37% of the population. Foreign-horn persons comprised 12.5% of th= 1990 population. Although ramt t~dmt$ of Boymon Beach were bom elsewhere, a relatively high proportion of people (45%) ofthe~1990 ' ' ' in th~ same house in 1985. Nearly 25% ofthe community's 1990population lived .e .l~'~l~!~lived:h County in 1985. In contrast to many commumties in Florida which were 8rowth, Boynton Beach appears to have a relatively stable population. Nearly 22% of tl~ population over 3 years of age was em'oiled in school. Thc educational attainment of the population 18 years old and over indicated that 78% of the population had at least a high school diploma, 52% had some post-secondary education, and 13% of the population had a bachelor's degree or better. Approximately 5% of the 1990 labor force of 20,672 persons was unemployed. The largest single category of employment for Boynton Beach residents was retail wade, which employed 20% of the population. This was followed by health care, which employed 10% of the labor force. About 8% of the population was employed 1-5 in construction, and 8% m finance, insurance and real estate. Education, professional services, durable goods manufacturing, personal services, and business services accounted for 5% each of 1990 residents' employment. The 1990 median household income of $28,824.00 was about 88% of the median household income in Palm Beach County. Approximately 6% of the population in households received public assistance income. Per capita income in Bo~xtton Beach, at $16,668.00 was higher than the County, per capita income of$11,136.00. There was a ~de variation of per capita income when racial characteristics were considered. White residents' per capita income was $19,104.00, while black residents' per capita income was $7,688.00. This dispants.' xs'as even more pronounced in the Countx ~ a whole, where per capita income of white residents was $21,985.00 and black residents' per capita income was $7,525.00. ApproXamately 9% of the population in 1990 had income below the poverty, level. LAND USE CHARACTERISTICS Land use in Bovnton Beach continues to show a progressive westward expansion. Since plan adoption, approximately ~5% of the permits for new buildings have been issued for properties west of 1-95. The western sectors of Boynton Beach were also considered in the preparation of the West Boynton Area Community Plan. This planning effort was initiated by Palm Beach County m 1992, and the final report was presented in the spring of 1995. The City of Bo~x~ton Beach was represented on the study group. The West Boynton Area Plan encompasses many of the topics addressed In a comprehensive plan. Among thc concerns raised were issues of compatibility between residential and commercial land uses and concerns for traffic. There were concerns that too much commercial development was allowed, and that there was a lack of predictability over the amount, distribution and form of new commercial development. Thc study group recommended development of a predictive model to analyze the need for commercial development. However, this reconun~on was later modified due to limited resources, the inability to generate a similar study on a county-wide basis, and concerns over the govenunent intervention m private market land economics. Instead, the study group focused on dispersing commercial nodes throughout the study area and limiting the size of nodes to 200,000 or 300,000 square feet. Nodes were to be located at the intersections of major thoroughfares. Future commercial nodes in the vicinity of Boynton Beach were designated at thc corner of Hypoluxo Road and Lawrence Road, Military Trail and Miner Road, and the east side of Congress Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard. It was strongly recommended that strip commercial development along the intervening portions of arterial roads be prohibited. Other initiatives included a preference for traditional neighborhood developments and mixed use projects, and retention of the agricultural reserve area. It was noted that land use patterns, with segregation between residential and commercial development and iow densities, contribute to dependence on the automobile. Establishment of a pathway system to connect developments would allow increased bicycle and pedestrian circulatiott In support of transit use, it was ~ that the County establish permanent transit routes and that densities along transit routes be permitted to be increased. The West ~ Ate~ Community Plan recognized that the area east of the E,3 canal !s located in thc. service area $i!t~ City of Boynton Beach utilities, and that eventual annexation of portions of the area is likely. H~-I~sislan~ to annexation was reported to be high. It was re~mmmended that the City adopt the County's lalld-as~ [gall designations for prol~rties at time of annexation. Joint adoption of the commumty plan was r0~:x~nln~nd~d as a means to improve coordination, reduce potential commercial expansion, and support voluntary annexation. Adoption by either the City or the County has not been accomplished. Compr~bmsive Plan Future Land ~s¢ Map and Tex~ Amendments The Futur~ Land Us~ Element has been amended 46 times since adoption, with one additional amendment pending. Details of these plan amendments are shown m Table 1.5, below. The Future Land Use Map (Map 1.2) can be found in the front pocket of this binder. TABLE 1.5 LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENTS SINCE 1989 t~ Name Action Ordinance/Date Revision Acres I Boynton Nurseries LUEA 90-30/9-5-90 Low-med. to LDR 83.85 2 Settlement Agreement 90-58/I 2-18-90 Remedial actions N/A 3 Mall Comer Restaurant LUEA 90-60/12-18-90 Ch/8 to LRC 1.34 4 Winchester Blvd. Restaurant LUEA 90-66/12-18-90 CI-t/8 toLRC 0.84 5 Knuth Road PCD LUEA & Tex't 90-68 & 69/12-18-90 CH/3 to LRC~ Area 7.i 13.87 6 Boynton Beach Blvd. PCD LLrEA & Tex't 90-71 72/12-18-90 RY8 to LRC, Area 7.k 14.76 7 Tara Oaks PUD LUEA 90-74/12-18-90 LDR to MoDR 20.16 8 Woolbright Place PUD LUEA 90-76/12 - 18-90 Rec. to MoDR 1.1 9 Mall/Win. Blvd. Restaurants Text 90-77/12-18-90 Area 7.f N/A 10 Comprehensive plan Text 90-78/12-18-90 P. 1.16 Adult Entertainment N/A 11 Ray Flow/Little D Ranch LUEA 91-57/8-20-91 R8 to HDR 2.66 12 Application # 16 Toxt 92-36/6-2,92 Area l.a N/A 13 Application # 20 .LUEA & Text 90-34 & 35/6-2-92 HDR to LRC~ A~a 1 .Ig 1.88 14 Aoolication # 21 LUEA & Text 92.34 & 35/6-2-92 HDR to LRC & LDR~ Area l.h 6.87 15 Application # 25 LUEA & Text 92-29t 30 & 31/6-2-92 OC to LRC~ At~ 3.f 8.94 16 A~ulication # 26 LUEA & Text 92-18 & 19/6-2-92 LRC to OCt Area 3.f 1.06 17 Aoolication # 10 LUEA & Tm 92-25 & 26/6-2-92 MeDR to LDR 1.17 18 A~olieation # I LUEA & Text 92-32 & 33/6.2.92 LDR to MeDR 2.03 19 Aoolication # 3 LUEA & Text 92-23 & 24/6-2-92 LDR to MeDR 2.06 20 Water treatment plant expansion LUEA & Text 92-20 & 21/6-2,9'2 McDR to PPGI~ Area 4.e 7.47 21 Mall south LUEA & Text 92-15 & 16/6-2-92 CH/8 to LRC~ Fi~. 17 & 18 (Tr.} 51.05 22 Law/Hvpotuxo Commi. Cert, LUEA & Text 92-24 & 24/1-5-93 CL/8 to LRC/Area 6.c 8.22 23 Hi~.h Rida~ Rs~d LUEA 93-12/6-1-93 LR-2 to LDR 1.5 24 James Tigal/k-.~ LUEA & Text 93-56 & 58/12-7-93 LRC to OC, Area l.q 0.2 25 Stora~ ~ ~ LUEA 93-41/12-7-93 93-41/12-7-93 3.52 26 Kowai ~:' LUEA 93-44/12-7.93 Corem/5 to LRC 2.41 27 Lynn Property LUEA 93-47/12-7-93 Corem/5 to LRC 2.08 28 Broward Pump & Supply LUEA 93-50/12-7-93 Corem/5 to C,-C 0.68 29 Beach Prop~nw LUEA 93-60/12-7-93 Corem/5 m LRC 0.09 30 Dingle Property LUEA 93-63/12.7.93 MER .5 to ModR 0.36 3I Hoplamazian Properly LUEA 93-66/12-7-93 /viER .5 to MoDR 0.21 32 Lewis Protmnv I LUEA 93-69/12-7-93 MER .5 to MoDR 0. I 1 1-7 # Name Action Ordinance/Dtte Revision Acres 33 Palm Beach Crro~es LUEA 94-33/10-18-94 MER .5 to AG 19.7,.~-~ 34 KnoliC, vood Grovu LUEA 94-36/10-18-94 MER .5 to AG i 11.' 35 Epstein Property (Sausalito} LUEA 94-54/1-3-95 HR8 to MoDR 31.52 36 Heartland Health Care Ct. LUEA 94-42/10-18-94 HR8 to t-IDR 5.75 3'7 Greentree P!aza [ LUEA 9445 I0-I 8-94 Comm'8 to LRC I 20 38 Planning Ar~a 8.h LUEA & Text '~)4- 47 & 48,11-t-94 OC to LRC. Area 8.h 29 71 39 Main Street Car Wash LUEA 95.07/5-2-95 McDR to LRC 0.23 40 Royal Manor Estates LUEA 95-12/6-6-92 HR 8 to MoDR 85.6 41 Carriage Gate Condo LUEA 95-18/6-6-95 I-IR 8 to Il:DR 9.7 42 Lawrence Oaks LUEA 95-15/6-20-95 MR to LDR 48.23 43 2404 S. Federal Hwy. LUEA 95-33,9-19-95 LRC to SHDR 1.45 44 2404 S. Federal Hwy. Text 95-35/9-19-95 Table At 24 N/A 45 Table # 24~ Policy, 7.9.6 Text 95-36/9-19-95 Table At 24 N/A 46 Poinciana School LUEA 95-46/12-19-95 MeDR to PPGI 1.5 47 New~or~ Place LUEA Pendinn LDR to I-[DR ~4,77 Source: City of Boynton Beach, 1996. Table 1.6 presents a summary of acreage by land use category, at the time of plan adoption, and as of 1995. Although the future land use map has been amended over 40 times, the overall land use allocations have not changed significantly since 1987. TABLE 1.6 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS, 1987 AND 1995 1987 1995 Developed Undoeloped R-O-W Total D~veloped Undeveloped R-O-W Total Low Dcnsit~ (4.82 u/a) 1.936.62 82.$.01 960.15 3, 721.78 2,530.10 366.28 989,16 3,885.54 Mod. Densi~ ~7.62 u/a) 699.68 326..$6 392.18 1.418.42 836.42 338.66 401.55 1,576.63 Med. Densit~ ~ 9.68 u/a) 14.$.8.$ 69.91 101.36 31,7132 152.44 87.57 101.56 341.57 High Densit~ {10.8 u/a} $52.00 16.$.29 224.87 94216 708.13 53.49 227.24 988.86 Office 41.15 228.21 26.28 295.62 39.85 192.10 26.28 258.23 LocalRet~d 401.64 295.17 232.14 926.9.$ 503.47 337.81 232,95 1,074.23 General !!?:' 19.68 3.62 10.44 33. 74 21.70 2.85 10.44 34.99 Indust~ ~;: ! 247..$6 497.19 219..$3 964.28 306.06 438.69 219.53 964.28 A~ricultum] 87.0~ 0.00 6.07 93.15 87.08 0.00 6.07' 93.15 Recreation 372.73 134.14 154.96 661.83 417.73 88,04 154,96 660.73 Public/Private Institution 204.90 20.78 54.56 279.93 219.98 14.67 54.25 288.90 Total 4r708.87 2~563.88 2,382.45 9~655,18 5~822.96 !~920.16 2~423,99 10~167.11 Source: City ofBoynton l~mch Comprehensive Plan, 1989; City of Boynton Beach, 1996. Developments of regional impact (DRI's) have bean significant influences in the development of Boynton Beach. Table 1.7 lists DRI's in the City and their current status of development. TABLE 1.7 DEVELOPMENTS OF REGIONAL IMPACT, 1995 Development Year Approved Use Gross Area Area Built to Date Boynton Mall 1974 Retail 1244.449 t~ 1,070,31:5 ft2 Motorola 1980 Industrial 825,000 ft2 548,66~ t~ Quantum Park 1984 Office 139 acres 20 acres Industrial 200 acres 65 acres Source: City of Boynton Beach; Berryman & Henigar, 1996. E. School Locations and School Siting Public school locations are shown on Map 1.3. Existing public schools are sited in the PPGI land use category. Currently, the City has elementary and middle schools within its boundaries. Santa Luces High School is located just north of the City limits, on Hypoluxo Road, and is served by City water and sewer. A new High School is planned for construction in Quantum Park. This site is pan of a Planned Industrial Development, and was supported by the City. In Policy 1.16.1, the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan addresses school siting. The applicable future land use category for schools built alter 1988 "shall be a reasonable category which is agreed upon by the City and the Palm Beach County SchOOl Board administration." In accordance with recent revisions of Sections 163 and 235 of State law, future land use categories must be designated for public schOOls in the land use plan. Reasonable development standards and conditions may be imposed for new schOOl construction, or major expansions. The Future Land Use Plan must include sufficient land for schOOls in thc categories near residential development. Different standards may be established for different types of schools. All comprehensive plans are required to comply with this requirement by October, 1996. The SchOOl Board is preparing to work with all of the communities in the County. Information and guidance has been promised by the SchOOl Board's planning staff, to assist in plan amendments. Although new school construction in Boynton Beach will be limited, the City may impose reasonable standards on expansion of existing schools. Local governmcrit review will be applicable when the school board wishes to add a stadium, change thc primary use of the facility, or expand enrollment to a greater than 5% increase in student capacity, but does not apply to the installation of portable classrooms. School boards arc required to submit a general education facilities report to the local government every year, beginning F. A~ of Population Projections; Extension of Population Projections to 2015 The proj~~ for 1990 was 48,514, and tbe actual population was 46,237 aocordmg to the U.S. Census. Th~ ~ population was about 5% less than the projected population. In 1995, the permanent population was estimated by the University of Florida to be 49,085, while the 1995 population projected in the comprehensive plan was 55,943. Actual growth for 1995 of 2848 persons was about 12% less than projected growth. Therefore, it appears that the population was growing more slowly than anticipated, and that the gap betweeo actual and projected growth is increasing. The annual average rate of growth from 1980 to 1990 was 1061 persons; however, from 1990 to 1995 growth was estimated to be 570 persons per year. It should be noted that the 1995 population estimate is 1-9 O District Park A AdJaCeflt Park N Netgl~bor~ooO Par~. AS Adjacem School Park M Mini Park SU Special Use Park SP Sch~l Park '~ 8echesda Hospital .~Ja~mt DePartment 41S7 A30 I - Public Education and Health Systems Seurci: Cie}' et Beymm Beadm IRmmiq Delmnmem, 1987 1-10 Map 1.3 'derived from the number of active electrical customers in the City. It is not an enumeration of persons, and is subject to assumptions regarding persons per household, vacancy rates and seasonal occupancy. The rate of growth in the 1990's has slowed significantly from that rate experienced through the 1980's. The 1980's grbwth n~ was nearly 3% per year, while the rate experienced in the 1990% was about half that, or about 1.5% per year. Most growth came from development within the City; only 3 completed housing complexes were included in the area annexed between 1990 and 1995. However, most of the recent development has occured in newly-annexed parcels, primarily west of 1-95. Most growth has been in multi family units: 1304 multi-family units were authorized by permit between 1990 and 1995, and only 633 single- family units. The comprehensive plan projected a resident population of 78,232 by 2010. The rate of growth necessary to achieve this projected population is not supported by recent experience. Several alternative growth scenarios were prepared and analyzed, based on the growth rates achieved for different time periods: constant numeric increase (1980-1995), constant numeric increase (1992-1995), constant percentage increase (1980-1995), and constant percentage increase (1990-1995), and constant percentage increase of 1.5% per year. Table 1.6 provides population projections derived from the Bureau of Economic and Business Research population estimates and projections for Palm Beach County. These projections of permanent population were prepared in consideration of the development potential (available land and zoning). These population estimates and projections were presented by census tract for land east of Lawrence Road. As such, they reflect population in the greater Boynton Beach metropolitan area, without consideration of municipal boundaries. In 1995, the incorporated population of Boynton Beach comprised 49,085 people, or 63% of the metro area total, while the Boynton metropolitan area (area east of Lawrence Road) had a population of 78,444. TABLE 1.8 BOYNTON BEACH METRO AREA POPULATION ESTIMATE AND PROJECTION 1990 1995 1996 2000 2005 2010 2015 Pooulation 71.622 77,454 78.444 82.846 88.862 94.606 99.486 Source: Palm Beach County Planning Department, 1996. Because Boynton Beach is part of a metropolitan area, the population is assumed to have inter-jurisdictional mobility for purposes of commuting to work; therefore, employment in Boynton Beach is not considered to be a limiting factor on population growth. Constraints on growth will be the amount of available land within the City, and the anticipated reduction in annexations during the remainder of the decade. The City annexed 400 acres of land between 1990 and 1995, or an average of 80 acres peryear. Of these 400 acres, approximately. 240 acres were annexed under the annexation program (initiated in 1992 pursuant to Comprehensive Plan Policy 8.10.4), which consisted of those annexations initiated by the City using provisions within pre-existing agreements for water/sewer services. The annexation program is currently inactive, as few contiguous properties still remain that are subjects of agreements for water or sewer services. Privately-initiated annexations am also antieipal~! to be fewer during the next flu~e years. This projection is based on the existence of~ parcels not likely to be annexed until redevelopech which includes citrus groves and other agri~~,mobile or manufactured home parks, and several large lots with single family homes.~=' ' approximately 7,433 acres within the City's reserve annexation/utility service area, or an estima~128,359 persons, the rate of western growth will be significantly lower during the next 3 or 4 years than was experienced during the first half of the decade. For comparison of size, there are currently I 0,102 acres within incorporated Boynton Beach. The population projections below are based on the assumption of a 2% annual growth rate. Although this rate is 0.8% higher than the average annual rate experienced between 1990 and 1995, this rate is considerably lower than the 4% growth rate that occurred between 1995 and 1996, which reflects, in addition to typical population growth occurring within the City, the development of large master planned communities located 1-11 along the Lawrence Road corridor, as well as the annexation activity during this period which involved incorporation of over 500 existing dwelling units and two undeveloped properties where 342 units were approved for construction. As these large residential projects continue to develop, current development activity, and tbemfore the growth rate, will likely remain high for approximately two more years, and then decrease to a rate typical of the early '90% or within the range of 1.5% to 3%. TABLE 1.9 POPULA~ON PROJECTIONS, 1995-2015 ! 980 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 Population 35,624 46,237~ 49,085 53,994 59,393 65,332 71,865 Households 20,239 20,239 23,538 25,892 28,481 31,329 Persons per household 2.26 2.2483 2.248 2.248 2.248 2.248 Seasonal residents , 6,713z 8,3754 9,213 10,134 11,147 12,262 Total peak population 52950 57,460 63,206 69,527 76,479 84,127 Source: U.S. Census of Population Source: City of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan Group quarters population of 586 was excluded from calculation of persons per household Source: City of Boynton Beach analysis, 7/25/95 Projection of seasonal residents presumes that this component will remain at about 17% of resident population. The number of seasonal residents is largely discretionary and is dependent upon tastes, preferences and alternatives available as winter destinations. Population growth has been accomplished through annexation and growth within the existing City boundaries. An examination of building permit activity since 1990 reveals that most new construction has occurred in newly-annexed areas. A comparison of building permit information for the years 1990-1995 indicates that only 90 housing units of the 1930 new housing units are located on infill lots in the older parts of Boynton Beach. Most residential growth has occurred on newly-subdivided parcels. G. Actual vs. Anticipated Rate of Development The actual rate of residential development has been slower than anticipated, based on population projections. Development of the Quantum Park industrial area has also been slower than anticipated. Several industrial uses have been added since 1987; however, there is a significant amount of vacant land available for industrial use. Redevelopment in the older parts of the community has not been exmnsive. At the present time (1996)~ a redevelopment project is being considered which is considered to be a cornerstone of the downtown renewal effort. Commemial development has proceeded to fill in vacant land surrounding the Boynton Beach Mall. Residential ~ in the wes~n parts of Boynton Beach has also continued. There have been several additions to ~ uses located at the Bethesda Hospital campus. Redevelopment in the older parts of Boynton Beach has been addressed by the preparation of several plans. The City adopted a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Plan in 1984, and a Community Redevelopment Plan (Expansion Area) in 1988. An urban design analysis was prepared to update the CRA plan in 1994, but was not adopted. The redevelopment plans for Boynton Beach have not resulted in a significant increase in business activity. In the years since the first redevelopment plan was prepared, Congress Avenue has emerged as the City's new ~ 1-12 "main streef', with the focus of both regional and community retail services provided in planned developments. Additional vacant land designated for retail development is available on the Congress Avenue corridor. The CRA plan focused on retail opportunities to serve the area west ofl-95; however, the reorientation of retail trade to the Congress Avenue corridor will affect the market opportunities for the entire metropolitan area. The 1994 redevelopment and revitalization plan presented the first comprehensive analysis of the downtown area, since the emergence of the Congress Avenue retail district. Deterioration of the older urban areas in South Florida was recognized as a problem common to many jurisdictions. The Florida Department of Community Affairs has funded the "Eastward HO" initiative, a common effort of the South Florida and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Councils, to begin to seek multi- jurisdictional solutions for revitalization of the areas which served as the South Florida's pioneer communities. Social and Environmental Impacts Social impacts of development are noted in the areas of both aging and minority composition of the population. Minority residents constitiuted 23% of the Boynton Beach population in 1990, compared to 15% for the County as a whole. Persons of Hispanic origin constituted 7% of the City's population. Minority households were considerably more likely to be renters than homeowners. Minority housholds Comprised 10% of all owner households, but 26% of renter households. As a society, America is aging. Age related issues have been occuping an increasing place in public policy, The "baby boomers" demographic category will reach retirement age during the time period addressed by the Boynton Beach Comrehensive Plan. Boynton Beach includes several age-restricted retirement communities which are approximately 20 years old. Many of the "fa'st wave" of retiree occupants are now less active, and may soon be experiencing difficulties with mobility and personal care. The community has an interest in the long-term viability of retiree areas, which may become more critical as the population continues to age. J. Unanticipated Problems and Opportuniges There have been few unanticipated problems and opportunities related to implementation of the Future Land Use Plan in the City of Boynton Beach. This is due in part to the extensive effort the community has made to implement the plan. The Land Development Regulations were modified to reflect many of the recommendations included in the plan. In addition, a series of rezoning efforts was undertaken to bring tho- community's land development designations into conformance with the comprehensive plan. The City has made a diligent effort to incorporate planning into the mainstream of land development permitting activity. ~ A significant opportunity exists to kick off downtown redevelopment.with the approval of a project at the marina location. Redevelopment at rite marina area will preceed reconstruction of the (~ Avenue bridge. Both of these proj~ one a public-private partnership and one a public works improvement, represent an opportunity to~ the face of downtown Boynton Beach. These improvements should be designed to be integrated ~~ fabric,, contain pedestrian-scaled amenities, use high-quality materials in public spaces, anti ~~'itmg pubhc open spaces to enhance the Ciw's historic links with the waterfront. K Prevention of Urban Sprawl One of the principal objectives in establishing a state wide planning initiative was the prevention of urban sprawl. Plans of both counties and municipalities were directed to include objectives to support development within the existing developed areas where urban services were planned or existing. 1-13 The City of Boynton Beach presented an extensive array of"anti-sprawl" objectives and policies in the adopted comprehensive plan. These policies have been followed in the intervening years, principally through the extension of water and sewer services within the City's franchise area. The western extension of this franchise area is F,-3 Canal (midway between Military Trail and Jog Road). However, the limiting factor for urban development in the south-central portion of Palm Beach County (between Hypoluxo Road and the Canal) is the County's plan. The County plan establishes an agricultural reserve area designation for all land west of Florida's Turnpike, which is located approximately 3 miles to the west of the City's franchise area. Residential developments have been permitted in the intervening unincorporated area. In 1995, the West Boynton Area Plan was prepared, with an emphasis on development in the unincorporated area. These plans recognize that the County intends to retain the agrictiltural reserve area, with infill development permitted east of the Turnpike. The prevention of urban sprawl is being accomplished through a cooperative effort of the City of Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County. Development density and intensity decreases toward the west. Plans for retaining the agricultural reserve area will support continued infill development in the Boynton Beach City Limits. 1-14 1-15 1-16 1-17 1-18 1-19 . .. ~- ~N ~_ . :',' .'...:-:.:.. ~ ~ ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . ~D *-'~ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: . 1-20 1-21 M. Effects of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 M.I State Comprehensive Plan The Future Land Use Element was prepared consistent with the provisions of Chapter 18, F.S., also known as the 1985 State Comprehensive Plan (SCP). The goals, objectives and policies of the Future Land Use Element were consistent with the goal and policies of the SCP, as stated in Section 187.201 (20) of the Florida Statutes. The SCP was amended in 1993: however none of the State's goal and policy, statements directly relates to the Ci~, of Boyxtton Beach Future. Land Use Element. Therefore, the Future Land Use Element remains consistent with the SCP, as amended. M.2 Regional Policy Plan The 1989 Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan was prepared consistent with the provisions of the TCRPC Regional Policy Plan (RPP). As a result of changes in State legislation, the TCRPC has recently adopted the mandated Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP) which replace the R_PP. The following is a summary of the consistency issues between the Bovnton Beach Comprehensive Plan and the new SRPP. Section 1. Vision Statement Regional Goal 3.1 Revitalization and maintenance of complete cities, towns and villages. Policy. 3.1.1.1 under this element calls for the preparation of redevelopment and revitalization master plans for areas with an identified need. Planning for the City of Boynton Beach includes a downtown redevelopment plan and a streetscape plan for Boynton Beach Boulevard. These district plans are consistent with this regional goal. Additional neighborhood planning programs are advanced in the "problems and opportunities" section of the Future Land Use Element. Regional Goal 5.1 Redevelopment, revitalization and infiil of historic neighborhoods. The strategy and -- policies under this goal identify .lagging neighborhoods, obsolete shopping centers, transit stations and warehouse and industrial districts as specific redevelopment challenges. Although Boynton Beach has no designated historic districts, the eastern sections of Boynton Beach include these types of neighborhoods. ' -" Efforts to date have focused on redevelopment of the downtown core and adjacent areas. Subsequent planning efforts will be initiated to further consistency with this regional goal and policies. Regional Goal 7.1 A variety of building types. Policies under this goal relate to promotion of building renovation and permitting single family homes on small city lots. The City of Boynton Beach comprehensive plan and implementing land development regulations provide for renovation, small lot single family redevelopment, and a variety of building types. Consistency with this regional goal is achieved. Regional Goal ISA Preferred forms of development which result in downtown redevelopment and infiH, the containment of suburban sprawl and the creation of new cities, towns and villages. Objectives and ~ in the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan support historic preservation (regional strategy 15.1,1:and 15.1.2). Regional ~.3' The stabilization and revitalization of existing neighborhoods. The Boynton Beach Compre~ Plan recognizes that stabilization and revitalization of existing neighborhoods is an important local objective. Objectives and policies in the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan are consistent with this regional goal and related strategy and policies. 1-22 Section 2. Economic DeVelopment Regional Goal 2.1. An improved economy for the Region's lagging communities. The Bo.~ton Beach Comprehensive Plan recognizes a need for economic redevelopment by recognition of the need to implement adopted of a community, redevelopment plans. This is consistent with policy, 2. I. 1.3 of this regional goal. Regional Goal 2.4. Patterns of development which are proportionately less costly to provide with public services and facilities, and the redevelopment and revitalization of older communities into important and viable economic centers of the Region. Regional strate~, 2.4.2 and related pohcies are directly related to the future vitality of Bo.~ton Beach. This regional strategy, is supported by the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan. Section 3. Education Regional Goal 3.3 Improved planning, coordination and cooperation between local government and school districts. This regional goal and related strategies will be addressed in revisions to the Bo~ton Beach Comprehensive Plan, consistent with changes to to Chapter 235 F.S. which were adopted in the 1995 legislative session. Regional Goal 3.4 Increased development and redevelopment of neighborhood schools,. The Bo.~ton Beach Comprehensive Plan does not contain objectives and policies to further this regional goal; however, this goal is cofisistent with other overall community, objectives. Additional to objectives and policies contained in the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan will be considered to improve local implementation of this regional goal. M"3 Consistency with Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes In 1992, Chapter 163, Part II, F.S., was amended to add Section 163.3177(I 1), F.S. It recognized the need for innovative planning and development strategies to address the anticipated continued urbanization of the coast and other environmental semitive areas. It stated that plans should allow land use efficiencies within existing urban areas; and should also allow for the conversion of rural lands to other uses; and t'mally, provided that plans and land development regulations should maximize the usc of existing facilities and services through redevelopment, urban infill, and other strategies for urban revitalization. The Future Land Use Element objectives and policies address these new issues, Therefore, the Future Land Use Element is also consistent with Section 163.3177(11), F.S.. In 1993, Section 163.3164, De£mitions, of Chapter 163, Part II~F..S., was amended to add definitions for "coastal ar~" "downtown revitalization," urban redevelopment, .... urban infill,' "projects that promote public transportation,' and "existing urban service are~' Changes to the Future Land Use Element sections will be acknowledged and properly addressed through the EAR amendment process. Other si~ [Imvisions of Section 163.3180, F.S. permit exceptions from the concurrency requirements for trans~.~..A 1o~. govt..nt may grant such exceptions if: 1) the proposed development .pro.m..otto ~~_on or is located w~thin an area designated in the comprehensive plan for: urban infill dev~ m4~an redevelopment or downtown revitalization; 2) development located in the above listed areas po~ only special pm-time demands on the transportation system; 3) development is considered a de-minimis impact as defined by state law; or 4) development is located in an area designated in the comprehemive plan as a transportation concun'ency area (TCMA). In addition, Section 163.3180(9), F.S. provides for a long term transportation concurrency management system addressing backlogged transportation facilities, and Section 163.3180(11) F.S., provides for private contributions to local government capital improvement planning. Finally, Section 163.3180(10), F.S., requires that local governments adopt the FDOT LOS standards for facilities on the Florida Intrastate Highway System (FIHS). 1-23 Section 163.3164, F.S. was amended to add definitions for downtown revitalization, urban redevelopment, urban infill, projects that promote public transportation, and existing urban service area. These de£mitions were added to clarify terminology used in section 163.31 §0, F.S. regarding transportation concurrency exceptions. These terms must be incorporated in the Capital Improvements Element description of the City's Concurrency Management Program to make the Comprehensive Plan consistent with these new definitions. Section 163.3180, F.S. regarding concurrency requirements is a new section that was added to Chapter 163 in 1993. This new section defines which public facilities and services are subject to the concurrency, requirement and clarifies that sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage and potable water facilities shall be in place to serve development no later than the issuance by the local government ora certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent. Parks and recreation facilities must be in place or under construction no later than one year after issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Finally, the statute specifies that transportation facilities needed to serve development shall be in place or under construction no more than 3 years after issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The description of the city's concurrency management program in the Capital Improvements Element must be amended to be consistent with the provision noted above. M.4 Rule 9J-5 Subsection 9J-5.006, F.A.C., sets the overall element requirements for the Land use Element. Since 1988 there have been several amendments to this section which apply to the City of Boynton Beach, including the following: New requirement to base the Element on population projection as prescribed in the general requirements section of this Section. New requirement for objectives which coordinate future land uses by encouraging the elimination or reduction of uses that are inconsistent with any interagency hazard mitigation report recommendations. New requirement to display the location of transportation concurrency management area boundaries, if any, on the future land use map. New requirement to review plans and plan amendments with the objective of discouraging urban sprawl. Indicators have been adopted which will be used to evaluate plan amendments. Among these indicators are a determination whether the plan amendment(s) allow development of low-density, low-intensity uses or single-use development in excesg'of demonstrated need. The Boynton Beach Future Land Use Plan provides a detailed analysis of land use needs, based on demand and supply. This appears to meet the requirements of 9J-5. Policies for review of plan amendments ~ recommended to be adopted, to include an analys/s of development consistent with need as a consideration in approval. There nrc a number of additional urban sprawl indicators included in the rule, for example, .max/m/zafion of ~x/sitmg or planned public facilities, thc extent to which development pays .~_~1~ itsdf, th~ existing pattern of built and vested development, and development controls. -~5~ the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan and land develoPm, e_n_ t regulations appear ~'~.nmst these requirements, policy revisions are recommended to specifically enumerate the City's committment to prevent urban sprawl, consistent with the indicators in the rule. Added or revised der'tuitions for "manufactured hon~", "mobile hom~", "residential population", "potable water weilfield", "seasonal population", and "urban sprawl" will be addressed in the plan update. Estimates and projections of seasonal population were prepared, and WIll be considered as part of the plan amendment process. Requirement that goals, objectives and policies establish menmngful and predictable standards for the. use and development of land. 1-24 Tlg Futur~ Land Use map Will be revised to'~q~ide potable WaterWells and wellfield protection areas. Appropriat~ land ~ in wellfield protection areas are addressed through application of the County W¢llfield Protection Ordhmm~. This ordinance is recognized in plan objectives and policies; thus, the comprehensive plan is consigggg With this requriement Revised requirements for mixed land uses will be considered as EAR-based plan am~glments, as appropriate. Mixed land use policies arc required to addrcsss permitted uses, densities and intensities permitted within the category. Revised requirements to Section 9J-5 direct revmons to marina siting and dredge spoil disposal sites. The comprehensive plan must include counts~vide marina siting plan recommendations. The Future Land Use Element must identify and map existing dredge and spoil sites, as well as the need for additional spoil disposal sites. The Recreation and Open Space Element recommended use of a spoil disposal site as a public park. Although the site is owned by others, the City planned to seek a use agreement to penmt park development. The effect of these planning requirements for dredge spoil disposal sites will require the City to consider the need to maintain local dredge disposal issues, such as the need to maintain access to City marinas and waterfront properties. There will also be a need to consider the needs of the South Lake Worth Inlet District for maintenance of the ocean inlet. The comprehensive plan is required to ensure dredge and spoil disposal sites. Objectives and policies addressing dredge and spoil requirements will be included as amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Many of the revisions to Chapter 9J-5 address hazard mitigation, hurricane planning, and coastal high hazard areas. The revised definition for the coastal high hazard area is the Level I Hurricane Evacuation Zone. This was identified as the hurricane evacuation zone in the adopted comprehensive plan; therefore, the comprehensive plan is consistent With the revised definition. Further &tailed review of the existing land use map may be required to recognize changes in land uses of adj w. ent properties. The coastal high hazard area must be shown on the Future Land Use Map. This will require a map amendment. The coastal high hazard area population is required to be coordinated with the local hurricane plan. This was done as in the Future Land Use Element of the adopted comprehensive plan; therefore, the plan is consistent with the revised provisions of 9J-5. The requirement for concurrency management has been addressed by the community; wording which conforms to the revised definitions will be provided as a plan amendment. Specifically, compliance with provisions of 9J-5.0055 which establishes requirements for the concurrency management system Will be.._ deraomtratec[ The Capital Improvement Element includes policies and objectives which require maintenance of adopted levels of service, establish a financially feasible plan for maintaining levels of service, monitoring and "vesting" provisicms. ~ h~ve be~ eoditied in the City's land development regulations; therefore, compliane,.~ With ~ r~dsed ixovisiens of 9J-5 has been achieved. In summary, tl~ Future Land Use Element addresses most of these new requirements. Amendments for compliance ~'~.~w regulations will be processed as part of the EAR-based amendment cycle. N. ~ Ptan Amendtnents and Need for New Actions The format of the polk:les throughout the plan is not designed for quick, easy interpretation. It is recommended that policies which have been achieved through amendments to the land development code be revised according to the following sample format. Deleted language is shown as a strikeout; new language is underline~ dDevelopment sites shall be graded so that no slope exceeds a ratio or 1:4. [LDR's]" 1-25 Recommended revisions to policies and objectives currently included in the plan are noted in the Objectives Achievement Matrix. Objectives which were accomplished by inclusion in thc land development regulations should be deleted, or placed into a "maintenance" status by use of wording such as "continue to implement regulations which .... "Many of the objectives and supporting policies were not clearly worded. Revision is recommended to increase clarity. Potable water wells and wellfield protection areas must be shown on the Future Land Use Map. The City of Bovnton Beach Future Land Use Element must include designation of dredge spoil disposal sites and include any criteria for s~tc selection established in consulta.tion with navigation and inlet districts anti other appropriate agencies. This ma,,' be particularly applicable, since a dredge spoil site ox~ued by the Lake Worth Inlet District is located in Boynton Beach and is currently used as a passive park. Policies which address mobile homes should be clarified, in light of the requirement for the City to designate adequate sites for mobile homes [9J-5.0 I0 (2)(03]. When the comprehensive plan was adopted, a succession from mobile home parks into other uses was anticipated. This succession has not occurred. If removal of existing mobile home parks is to be pursued, policies to direct these efforts should be included. As a preliminary step, the City may wish to ask staff to prepare an analysis of the legal, political, and financial alternatives to relocation of mobile homes and their residents. In particular, the housing element includes policy, guidance for removal of housing and relocation benefits for residents displaced through government action. Plan amendments and map amendments will be needed to address school siting. According to a legal opimon issued through the Department of Commumty Affairs, the City will need to provide greater certainty in school siting than is currently provided by permitting schools to be reviewed as conditional uses. Inclusion of public schools within the local government's span of permitting presents both substantive (land use) issues and procedural (intergovernmental coordination) issues. The Future Land Use Element is recommended to include standards for access, parking, buffering, and co-location of public facilities for schools and related facilities. The City has prepared several downtown and in-town redevelopment plans. These include the Redevelopment and Revitalization Plan, prepared in 1994, the Community Redevelopment Plan Expansion Area Plan, adopted in 1988, the Commumty Redevelopment Plan, adopted in 1983, and the Boynton Beach Boulevard Design Plan. Policies in the Future LandUse Element which recognize these plans also refer to inconsistencies between them. As a part of the plan amendment procedure, it is appropriate to set a timetable for reconciling inconsistencies between these plans, and to develop a consolidated in-town redevelopment plan. The Future Land Use Element, as well as the Recreation and Open Space and Conservation Elements, contains a significant number of recommendations which are neighborhood-based. However, the structure of the plan does not readily allow the user to access neighborhood recommendations. Consideration should be given to resma:nn'mg the plan to allow easy access to neighborhood recommendations, through reorganization oI'~ do~'ument and improved graphics. The City nmyi~ 1~ consider an increased emphasis on neighborhood planning in objectives and policies. Org~iilmming efforts to incorporate increased neighborhood input, designation of neighborhood planning areas, and identification and beautification programs for neighborhoods east of Congress Avenue are recommended to be considered. The "problems and opportunities" section of the Future Land Use Element should be reviewed and revised to reflect actions which were accomplisbed in rezomngs subsequent to plan adoption. Recommendations for eliminating, screening, or modifying nonconforming uses identified to implement Objective 1.10 and related policies should be incorporated. Development of a neighborhood planning program would encompass facets of traffic and pedestrian circulation, parks, and drainage clements, as well as nuisance, crime prevention, and maintenance issues. 1-26 Additional objectives and policies directing ~lopment are appropriate. An attempt should be made to reconcile and update the exiSting redevelol~ment pl~, As a result of public involvement, several policy initiatives were suggested for consideration as potential plan amendments. M~y of these recommendations have been included in the matrix as part of the discussion of the specific policy. One suggestion was made to revise the plan to maximize the t~Lx base by increasing the amount of commercial land in the City. As a supporting policy, a review of desired percentages of land for future use was suggested. 1-27 TRAFFIC CIRCULATION ELEMENT A. Conditio~ of Element at Time of Adoption The traffic circulation element included an analysis of existing traffic conditions, an inventory, of existing roadways, an inventory of mass transit service, and an analysis of traffic conditions through the year 2010, which was anticipated to be the build-out year. Standards for levels of service were established, and a list of local roadway and intersection improvements was recommended. The City's service area was used as the analysis area for the traffic circulation element. Major north/south arterials were U.S. 1, Seacrest Boulevard, 1-95, Congress Avenue and Lawrence Road. Overpasses across 1-95 delineated east/west arterials, which were Hypoltrxo Road, Boynton Beach Boulevard, 22nd Avenue North, 23rd Avenue South and Woolbright Road. The ICW, the CSX Railway and the FEC Railroad also presented barriers to east/west access. Bridges crossed the ICW at Ocean Avenue and Woolbright Road. There were no ports, airports, high speed rail links or related facilities in Boynton Beach. Thoroughfares in Boynton Beach were classified by function. Classifications were: Urban Principal Arterial, Urban Minor Arterial, Urban Collector, and Urban Local Street. This classification system is directly related to length of trips, and inversely related to access accommodations for abutting properties, consistent with determinations made by the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Orgamzation (MPO) in 1988. Map 2.1 provides the functional classification at the time of the comprehensive plan. An analysis of historic traffic growth was made for the years 1982-1987. This analysis indicated that more traffic growth was experienced on arterials in the western section of the City; however, eastern arterials showed a greater impact of seasonal visitors. Average annual growth rates were 5.2% (eastern) and 13.1% (western). An analysis of accidents over the years 1986 and 1987 revealed that Congress Avenue had the highest number of accidents, as well as the greatest increase in accidents over the two year span. There was an increase of 83 accidents on Congre~ Avenue between 1986 and 1987. However, when accidents were considered relative to traffic volume, the highest ratio of accidents to traffic occurred at NW 7th Street near Boynton Beach Boulevard. This intersection, with 16 accidents in 1987, was ranked 9th in accidents by frequency, but 1st by rate of accidents. The rate of 29.2 accidents per million vehicles was much higher than any other street. Levels of service on thc highway system were analyzed using a table developed by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; however, tbe plan recognized that the Florida Department of Transportation was in the process of adopting a uniform Highway Capacity Manual for use throughout the State. TABLE 2.1 DAILY SERVICE VOLUMES Roadway Ik~l~ ~ LOS>A B C D E 2 Lan~ undi~f,. 9800 11500 131 O0 15700 17400 4 Lan~ Undi~ 14900 ! 7300 i 9700 23600 26200 16900 20000 22700 27200 30300 4 !ane Divided 22500 26300 30000 36000 40000 6 Lane Divid~l 34800 40600 46400 55800 61900 6 Lane Expmsawav 71000 83600 95500 114000 126700 8 Lane Expressway 95000 i 11400 126600 152200 169000 10 Lane Exrm~t..nw~v 1 ! 8000 1 ~!9300 158300 190300 :~ 11300 Source: Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan, Traffic Circulation Element, 1988, Page 16. CN HYPOLUXO F~] Cji ¢ 80YN'T~4 cc ~' #OOLBR3 ~ CC ~ - STATE P~NC~P~U. ~ITEI:iI~U.S Bi - ~TAT~ #~NO~ AHTE]:I]ALS I. - LOC~ COLLECTORS - NOT ON bi'ATE / / Functional Classification of Roadways. 1989 ~rce: Bo~to~ Be~b Comprehensive Ptu 2-2 Map 2.1 Volume-to-capacity ratios were calculated to determine levels of service on thc existing roadway system. Thc results of this analysis are shown in the table below. They indicate that segments of Hypoluxo Road, Boy, ton Beach Boulevard, Congress Avenue'and U.S. 1, and 1-95 were operating at LOS "D" or worse for some part of the year. Map 2.2 shows existing traffic conditions at the time of plan adoption. TABLE 2.2 EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, 1987 1987 Traffic Existing ] LOS C V C ] LOS Road L,x. at~on Season .--kv~n'a~¢ , Deal? Cap Season A:'era~¢ Season Average H.~poluxo Rd. W. of Congress 19.081 19.102 4 LD 30,000 0.64 0.64 A A W. of I-95 24,953 23.237 2L 13,100 1.90 1.78 F F E. of 1-95 25.725 23.562 2L 13,100 1.96 1.80 F F 22nd. Ave N W. of Con~resa 5.883 6,347 2L 13,100 0.45 0.48 A A E. ofi-95 o/pass 5,377 4.996 2L 13,100 0.41 0.38 A A Boynton Bch. Blvd. W. of Con~'esa 23,042 22,442 4LD 30,000 0.77 0.75 B A E. of Congress 28,814 27,021 6LD 46,400 0.62 0.58 A A W. of NW 7th Ct 34,595 32,766 6LD 46,400 0.75 0.71 A A W. ofi-95 41,175 38,510 4LD 30,000 1.37 1.28 F E E. of 1-95 33,408 30.812 4LD 30.000 I. 11 1.03 D D E. of Seacrest 23,172 21.355 4LD 30,000 0.77 0.71 A A Ocean Ave. E. ofU. S. I 6,254 5,165 2L 13,100 0.48 0.39 A A Woolbright Rd. W. ofi-95 18,128 16,385 4LD 30,000 0.60 0.55 A A E. of 1-95 27,344 25.254 4LD 30,000 0.91 0.84 C B E. ofU.$. I 9,513 7,857 2L 13,100 0.73 0.60 A A 23rd. Ave. S W. of Conlllrma 11,421 9,487 2L 13,100 0.87 0.72 B A E. of Cool~ 9,171 8,464 2L 13,100 0.70 0.65 A A E. ofl-95 11,622 9,952 2L 13,100 0.89 0.76 C B E. of Seagre~ 7,511 6,652 2L 13,100 0.58 0.51 A A Lawrence Rd. N. of NW 22nd Ave 5,477 4,993 2L 13,100 0.42 0.38 A A N. of Bot..on l~h BI. 4,386 4,635 2L 13,100 0.33 0.35 A A Congre~ Ave. S. of Hypoluxo Rd. 21,756 22,236 4LD 30.000 0.73 0.74 A A N. of Boynto~ Bd~ BI. 25,045 26,045 4LD 30,000 0.83 0.87 B C N. of Wooibfi~t Rd. 21,522 20,194 2L 13,100 1.64 1.54 F F 1-95 S. of Boyntoa ~ BI 102,765 95,863 6LX ' 95,1100 1.08 1.01 D D N. of Boron ~ BI. 115,428 107,675 6LX 95~000 1.22 1.13 E D ,N. of Wooll~-i~ht Rd. 106,618 99,644 6LX 95,000 1.12 1.05 D D Seacn~ Blvd. S. of Hyl~olmm Rd 11,251 9,884 2L - 13,100 0.86 0.75 B A N. of~ ~ BL 10,925 8,884 2L 13,100 0.83 0.68 B A N, ~t~nd/lma itgh. ~ 14,652 1.3,008 4LD 30,000 0.49 0.43 A A 1~1} t1~ ~ Av~ 17,808 16,640 4LD 30,000 0.59 0.55 A A Old Dixie Hw H~o -~; ~lg ~m'ai Hv~, 1,454 1,330 2L 13,100 0.11 0.10 A A U.S. I ~1¢, ~ lleagh BI 34,045 22,774 4LD 30,000 I. 13 0.76 D B N. og l:ffit Ave 27,014 23,843 4LD 30,000 0190 0.79 C B S. of 15~h Ave, 28,306 24,830 4LD 30,000 0.94 0.83 C B S. of Old Dixie Hw~ 29,906 24,414 4LD 30,0430 1.00 0.81 C SR AIA N. of Waterview Dr 9,757 7,766 2L 13,100 0.74 0.59 A A Source: CRv ol'Bovnton Beach Comnrehermive Plan Trnffia ('irmdntinn 171~m~nt P~o,,, I R 2-3 AVE HYPOLUXO FID B~ACH i i i / S~.3ZA - sgrz ~r[x i - L~K,q ~ CONb'TIqUCl':ZON Roadway Existing Conditions - 1987 2-4 Map 2.2 Signalized int~'s~tions were also evaluated f0~qevel of service. The following intersections operated at a deficient (wors~ than LOS C) capacity in 1988: Hypoluxo Road at Congress Avenue, H.~oltLxO Road at High Ridg~ Pu~d, Hypoluxo Road at 1.95, Congress Avenue at Boynton Beach Boulevard (peak season only), Ocean Drive at Congress Avenue, Woolbright Road at Congress Avenue, Woo[bright Road at Seaerest Boulevard, and Woolbright Road at U.S. 1. Bicycle path locations were noted on sidewalks or shared with local streets, in a well-developed network throughout Bo?nton Beach. Mass transit service was provided by Palm Beach County Transportation Authority (CoTran). Fixed route service was provided on two routes. Route IS ran Monday through Saturday on 60 minute headways along U.S. 1 and Seacrest Boulevard. This route connected to the downtown West Palm Beach terminal, with transfers available to other destinations on the system. In 1987, this route carried 246,153 riders and had the third greatest ridership in the CoTran system. On Saturday, the "Shopper Hopper" connected Boynton Beach Mall with other shopping malls in southern and central Palm Beach County. This route carried 14,282 passengers in 1987. Additional mass transit service was anticipated to begin in 1989, with initiation of the TriRail commuter rail service on the CSX tracks. A station location on NW 22nd Avenue was planned. The comprehensive plan also noted the possibility of high speed rail as a long term transportation improvement. Future traffic conditions were projected by review of the Palm Beach County MPO long range traffic assignments and the Quick Response System, Version 2 (QRS II) transportation modeling system. Land use and socioeconomic data were inputs to the model, which was validated against 1980 traffic counts. The model study area included land as far west as Military Trail, and assumed that the study area would be built out by 2010. The following roadway capacity improvements were assumed to be programmed for construction prior to 1992: Widening of Boynton Beach Boulevard to 6 lanes from Congress Ave. to Military Trail. Reconstruction of Congress Ave. to 6 lanes from the L 28 Canal to SW 22nd Ave. Reconstruction of Hypoluxo Road to 4 lanes divided, from Congress Ave. to U.S. 1. Construction of Miner Road as 2 lanes, from Congress Ave. to High Ridge Road. Construction of Old Boynton Road as 2 lanes, from Military Trail to Knuth Road. C~ of Woolbright Road as 4 lanes, from Military Trail to Congress Ave. C~ of Woolbright Road as 2 lanes, from Congress Ave. to Knuth Road. A~O~'2 HOV lanes to 1-95. Future traffic volum~ woo projected. In addition to the improvements currently programmed, the following improvements will be needed to maIntain desired levels of service: 2-5 TABLE 2.3 FUTURE LANE ARRANGEMENTS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE LOS "D# 1987 199:5 2000 20 ! 0 Roadway Segment P A P A P A P A Bovnton Beach Blvd. Old Boynton Rd. To 1-95 6L 6L 8L Congress Ave. NW 22rd Ave. To Bo,vnton Beach Blvd. 6L 6L 8L Bovnton Beach Blvd. To Woolbri~ht Rd. 4L 4L Woo~hril~ht Rd. to SW ",',rd Ave. -IL 4L 8L $ ,~,' 23rd Ave. to C~' Lamt 4L 4L gL Hvpoluxo Rd. E. Of Congr~s~ Ave. 4L 4L 1-95 Hvpoluxo Rd. To South City Limit 8LX 8LX 22nd. Ave. N 1-95 to Seacr~st BIvd· 4L 4L 23rd. Ave. S Conl~r~ss Ave. To Seacrest Blvd. 4L 4L 6L 6L Sourcx: City ofBoynton B~ach Comprehensive Plan. Traffic Circulation Element, 1989, Pasts 52-54. TABLE 2.4 FUTURE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION PLAN, 1989 Recommended Desisn and Functional Classification Road Location 1987 1998 2000 2010 Class R-O-W Hypoluxo Rd. W. of Congr~s Ave. 4LD 4LD 4LD 4LD CM E. of Congr~sa Ave. 2L 4LD 4LD 4LD CM 108' 22nd. Ave N W. of Congress Ave. 2L 2L 2L 4LD CM 108' ~ Congress Ave. to 1-95 2L 4LD 4LD 6LD CM 108' 1-95 to S~'est Blvd. 2L 4LD 4LD 4LD CM 108' ~ Blvd. To U.S. I 2L 2L 2L 2L CM 10g BoymonE~_-__~_ Blvd. W. Congr~sstoOIdBoymonRd. 4LD 6LD 6LD 6LD SM 120' Old Boymon Rd. To 1.95 4LD 6LD 6LD 6LD SM 120' 1.95 to Sss~est Blvd. 4LD 4LD 4LD 4LD SM ~ 80' Seac~st Blvd. to US I 4LD 4LD 4LD 4LD SM go' US I to AIA (Ocean Av~.) 4LD 4LD 4LD 4LD SM 120' Woolbright Rd W. of~ Ave. n/a 2L 2L 4LD CM 120' .- Congress Ave. to U.S. I 4LD 4LD 4LD 6LD CM ! 20' E. ofU.& I 2L 2L. 2L 4LD CM gO' 23 rd. Ave. S W. of Congrms to U.& 1 2L 2L 2L 2L CC gO' 36~h Ave. $ S~r~st Blvd. to OM ~ Hwy. 2L 2L 2L 4LD C 80' O~a Dis~ tlw,/to U.& 1 2L ,2L 2L 2L Ci 80' Lawr~m:~ Rd .' ~1~- ~eNW 22nd Av~ 2L 2L 2L 2L C 80. .-~7It~l~m~ as~mvd. 2L ,2L 2L 2L C 80' Congress Av~ 5~ ~i~s~m Rd. m ltoym~ Bm:h Blvd. 4LD 6LD 6LD 6LD SM 120' ~s~smn B~h Bi. to & City Limit 2L 6LD 6LD 6LD SM 120' 1-95 8. ~1' Boynton ~ Blvd. 6LX IOLX 10LX 10LX SP as is N. ofBoymon l~m~h.. Blvd. . 6LX 10LX 10I=X IOLX SP as is N. of Woolbright Rd. 6LX 10LX 10LX 10L.X SP as is Seam-est Blvd N. City Limit to Boymon It,ach Blvd. 4LD 4LD 4LD 4LD CC 80' ,B?mon B,meh Blvd. to S. 23rd Ave 4L 4L 4L 4L CC 80. 2-6 toad S. 23rd. Ave to SE 36th Ave. Old Di.,de Hwy W. ot Fedn'ai HvO, U.S. I Min~r Rd. to Boymon Beach Blvd. Bo.vm~ Ikach Blvd. to SE 23rd. Ave. Source: City of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan. Traffic Circulation Element, 1989, pps 61 & 62 60' C 80' 80' Legend: MC = Municipal Collector CC = Coonty Colle~or CMA = Coonty Minor A~t~ial SMA = State Minor Arterial SPA = Slate Primary Arterial The future traffic circulation plan for Boynton Beach used projected Year 2010 traffic volumes and is shown on Map 2.3. Wherever possible, a LOS "C" was achieved, based on average daily traffic. Peak hour and, m some cases, peak season LOS "D" operating conditions were projected for some arterials. Future functional classification is shown on Map 2.4. Plan implementation was proposed to be accomplished through access management, protection of fight-of-way comdors. Increased bicycle and pedestrian circulation was proposed to be implemented through construction of sidewalks in new development. Bicycle circulation was planned through intercounection of shared roadways, dedicated off-street facilities and sidewalks. A bicycle path was proposed to be added in the conservation area located adjacent to the CSX right-of-way. B. Level of Service Analysis and Condition of Element at Time of EAR The 1990 Census provides information on employment, means of travel to work, and commuter patterns. The comprehensive plan includes Objectives and policies to support use of transit and ridesharing to reduce energy consumption and improve transportation efficiency. The census provides baseline information which relates to plan objectives. Most (92%) of the 19,275 workers living in Boynton Beach were employed in Palm Beach County. Of the 17,741 persons living in Boynton Beach who worked m Palm Beach County, about 34% worked in Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach had a relatively high percentage of persons who carpooled to work; 13% of workers' used carpools.~ However, 81% of workers rode to work in single-occupant vehicles. In order of use, thc remaining 6% of the work force walked to work, worked at home, rode the bus, or bicycled to work. 80 persons used th~ Tri-Rail to commute. Ofthe workers who carpooled, 82% travelled in 2-person carpoois. Boynton ~enm to be relatively conveniently located for the labor force. Only 10% of all workers reported a ~ time greater than 30 minutes, and over half of all employees had a commute of less than 20 ~ An analysis of the operating characteristics of the current thoroughfare system was prepared using traffic count data prepared by the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Level of Service "C" capacity in the Table 2.5 was derived using the 1995 Highway Capacity Manual, as published by the Florida Department of Transportation in 1992. Current traffic volumes are shown on Map 2.5. 22 AVE ~ ~o BOYNTON H~CPOLUXO RO ~$.~/$ Y3.9/~ .. ~v~ ~ n AV~ S glo 3, N.~.S. 2010 Average Daily Traffic Volume Source: Palm Beach County M.P.O. 2-8 Map 2.3 c 2010 Functional Classification Source: Bo~ntou Beach COmprehensive Pin 2-9 Map 2.4 H~OLUXO ~ ~ /g. ? 6./ OLD BOYNgON BOYNTI:DI BF~ACH NOOLBR] Bl.?r /O. 2 / / / / LEI~ENO 26.7 A VERAGEDAIL Y TRAFFIC VOLUME Average Dally Traffic Volume ~mr~e: l,.m-. Be~b Co.,~ty M3~.O. - 1995 2-10 Map 2.5 TABLE 2.5 EXISTING TRAFFIC coNDItIONS, 199~ 1995 Traffic LOS C V/C ] LOS Road Lm:a~on Semon Average Design Cap Season Average Se~ _-~__ Average H.~l~oluxo Rd. W. of Coosre~ 28.957 26,907 4 LD 31,900 0.91 0.84 C C W. ofl-95 32,299 29,173 6LD 48,400 0.67 0.60 E. of 1-95 30,740 30.149 4LD 31.900 0.96 0.95 C C 22nd. Ave N W. of Congresa ~a n,a 2L 14.700 tva n,a tva n,.a E. of 1-95 o/para w'a n/a 4LD 31.900 n,'a wa n~a wa Boyntoo t~h. Blvd. W. of Con~'e~ 34.267 30.581 6LD 48.400 0.71 0.63 B B E. of Coo~r~ 3 i.632 28.668 6LD 48.400 0.65 . 0.59 B B W. ofi-95 43,295 39,715 6LD 48.400 0.89 0.82 C B E. of 1-95 32,336 29,382 4LD 31,900 1.01 0.92 D C W. Of NE 4th Ave. 16,401 15.460 4LD 31.900 0.54 0.48 B B Ocean Ave. E. Of U.S. I 8,525 6.242 2L 14,700 0.57 0.42 B B Woolbright Rd. E. of Lawr~nc~ Rd. 18,568 16,608 4LD 31.900 0.58 0.50 B B W. ofi-95 30,866 27,364 4LD 31.900 0.96 0.85 C C E. of 1-95 33.439 29,627 4LD 31.900 1.05 0.93 C C £. Of U.S, I 10.143 8.262 2L 14.700 0.69 0.56 B B 23rd. Ave, S W. of Con,rrna 9.682 8,228 2L 14,700 0.66 0.56 B B E. of Congrma 11,657 10,227 2L 14,700 0.79 0.70 C B E. of 1-95 11,512 10,198 2L 14,700 0.78 0.69 C 13 E. of S~a~r~t 7,970 7,470 2L 14,700 0.54 0.51 B B Lawrence Rd. N. of NW 22nd Ave 5,170 5,158 2L 14,700 0.35 0.35 B B N. otBoynton Bch BI. 12,657 12,027 2L 14,700 0.86 0.82 C C Cm~gtess Ave. S. of Hypotuxo Rd. 30,070 27,936 6LD 48,400 I 0.62 0.57 B B N. of Boynten Beh BI. 43,607 38,732 6LD 48,400 0.90 .080 C B N. of Woolhri~ht Rd. 33,547 28,$~0 6LD 48,400 0.69 0.$9 B B 1-95 S. of l~ ~ BI. n/a n/& 6LX 85,600 n/a n/a n/a n/a N, ofl~ ~ BL 131,515 131.515 6LX 85,600 1.54 !.54 F F N. of Woo~ight Rd. 127,060 127,060 6LX 85,600 1.48 i.48 F F ~ Blvd. ~ S. of Hypo~u,~o Rd 10,334 9,484 4LD . 31,900 0.32 0.30 ! B B N. of Boymm ~ BL 12,$61 12,307 4LD 31,900 0.39 0.39 B B $. ofl~ Ikh. BL 15,177 1~,108 4LD 31,900 0,48 0.47 B B N, 0g23~ Ave 19,220 18,309 4LD 31,900 0.60 0.57 B B Old Dixi~ I~.. W. 4gi~dlml H~J n/a n/a 2L 14.700 n/a n/a U.S. I . ~~l]e~hBI 23,6~0 21,439 4LD 31,900 0.74 0.67 C B ~ ~l~Av~ 25,252 22,067 4LD 31,900 0.79 0.69 B B :" 29,014 25,790 4LD 31,900 0.91 0.81 C' B $, egOM Dixie Hwy 23,779 20,985 4LD 3 !,900 0.75 0.66 B B SR AIA N. ofWat~'vi~w !~ 8,833 6,825 2L 14,700 0.60 0.46 B B Source: Metropolitan Planning Organization; Ben3anan & Henig~r, 1996. Accident data for the yeats 1993-1995 are presented in Table 2.6, below, for all intersections with 10 or more accidents m at least two of the three yeats for which data were collected. 2-11 TABLE 2.6 LOCATIONS WITH GREATER THAN 10 ACCIDENTS PER YEAR, 1993-1995 Location 1993 1994 199S Gateway Blvd at SR. 807 32 38 38 SR 804 at SR 807 44 52 38 SR 5 at Woolbright Road 19 36 34 SR. 9 'It Woolbfight Ro'~-d -' / 32 14 ' (~ pOit~xo ~oad ::t Si( 807 31) 40 33 SR 804 at SR 9 29 34 30 Gateway Blvd. at SR 9 25 37 24 Old Boynton Road at SR 807 16 24 30 SR 807 at Woolbright Road 27 31 27 Seacrest Boulevard at Woolbrisht Road 25 20 21 Gateway Boulevard at Seacrest Boulevard 26 27 l 2 SR 5 at SR 804 18 22 21 Industrial Avenue at SR 804 11 28 12 Seacrest Boulevard at SR 804 n/a 20 19 SW 18th Street at Woolbri~ht Road n/a 17 12 Gateway Boulevard at SR 5 12 14 12 Ocean Avenue at Seacrest Boulevard Wa 14 10 Sourc~: Berrymen & Henigar, 1996 Additional analysis of accident data m the comprehensive plan indicated that tbe intersection of NW 7th Street and Boynton Beach Boulevard had the highest ratio of accidents to traffic volume. This location had 16 accidents in 1987. This location was not reported as having more than 10 accidents in the period 1993- 1995. However, it appears that the overall rate of accidents is increasing. In 1987, one location had more than 40 accidents, one location had more than 30 accidents and one location had more than 20 accidents. In 1995, although no locations had more than 40 accidents, 5 locations had 30 or more accidents, and_ 4 locations had between 20 and 29 accidents. Aa increase in accidents may be due to a number of factors, such as increased traffic, road consmaction, change in speed limits or development of abutting properties. Map 2.6 illustrates the transit system which is programmed for initiation in August, 1996. Funds have been authorized by Palm Beach County, and equipment is being purchased to initiate the expanded transit service. ~2 Existing Traffic Circulation System at Tune of EAR (Includes Florida Interstate Highway System) Thc traffic ~ ~ at tho time of thc EAR is shown on Map 2.7. lm,_nrov~aents to the arterial system have ~ in an ~llent levcl of servic~ for the arterial and collector system m Boynton Beach. The princil~:i~ i~ in 1-95, which cames traffic far in excess of capacity. Thc long range plan prepared by ~ ~ County MCa'opolitan Planning Organization (MPO)delineates 1-95 as a future 10 lan~ exp~. Tbe Florida Interstate Highway System in Boynton lkngh is limited to 1-95. D. Roadway Functional Classifications Map 2.8 displays the functional classification of roadways at the time of tho Evaluation and Appraisal Report. All roadways in Boyton Beach are classified as "urban." The ~ and collector system are largely complete within the City limits. Access to growing areas outside the current City limits will be provided 2-12 I~POLUXO Pin AVE ~ 1.1 G}~ nO mom Route f ////////// Route 2'0 """{{"'"' Route2 .,.e,.... Route Zf ~ ,*..~m Route 3 t Route 72 ~ Route~.~] IIIHtIU HIU~I~ Route81 Palm Beach County Transit System Route= Source: Palm Tram System Map - Dec. 1, 199S 2-13 / / ~.r.s. Map 2.6 H'YPOLUXO RO ~ OL~ BOYNq'ON BOYN'T~ B?..ACH u NOOLBRI &4'l' aVE $ / / LEGEND 2L TWO LANES 41, FOUR LANES · 61. .,~IX LANES 8L EIGHT LANES fOL TEN LANES. 1995 Thoroughfare System Source: Berrymaa & Hemil~r, 1996 2-14 Map 2.7 U.PA R-PA U-PA R-MA U-MA U-COLL R-MIN ,HYPOLUXO ~ BOYNTI~I B~_4CH u MO{3LBR] b'H'T RURAL PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL URBAN PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL RURAL MINOR ARTERIAL URBAN MINOR ARTERIAL RURAL MAJOR COLLECTOR URBAN COLLECTOR RURAL MINOR COLLECTOR Federal Functional Classification of Roadways - 1996 SOurce: Palm Beach County ~-1~ Map 2.8 by extension of Hypoluxo Road, Miner Road, Gateway Boulevard, and Woolbright Road, as indicated in the West Boynwn Area E. Year 2015 Projected Volumes Map 2.9 displays the 2015 cost feasible future traffic volumes taken from the recently completed 2015 long range transportation system plan. The MPO is currently required to update the transportation computer model every three years instead of five years. The MPO's staff is currently preparing to develop 1996 base year data tbr validation m preparauon for a new future model which should be finished ia 1998. F. Year 2015 Cost Feasible Traffic Circulation Plan Map 2,10 displays the 2015 "cost feasible" transportation system prepared by the MPO in November, 1995. "Cost feasible" networks balance roadway improvement needs with projected revenues. The network may not in all cases provide the desired levels of service; however, funding constraints must be recognized. It is important to note that the MPO's planning efforts have broadened to include more than the roadway network. Consistent with 1992 revisions to Federal law, metropolitan planning efforts now embrace a multi-modal approach. Maps 2.11 and 2.12 depict future bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the Boymon Beach area. Among the issues of importance to the Ci~ at the present time is the inclusion of a bicycle and pedestrian linkage across the proposed new Ocean Avenue bridge to the barrier island. Map 2.13 depicts the links which are projected to be deficient in 2015. The MPO noted that deficiencies may arise through constraints on roadway expanston, due to physical or policy constraints for environmental features, the extent of adjacent development, or due to policy issues which limit the expansion of surface streets to 6 lanes. Roadways may also be deficient due to lack of funds. Projected deficient links in Boynton Beach and their "constrained" status are: 1. Hypoluxo Road, in the vicmiw ofi-95 overpass (presumed physical constraints); 2. Gateway Boulevard, in the vicimty of the 1-95 overpass (presumed physical constraints); Boynwn Beach Blvd., fi.om Old Boynton Road to Seaerest Blvd. (constrained due to number of lanes); -4. Woolbright Road, fi.om 1-95 to Seacrest Boulevard (no constraints on expansion); Congress Avenue, fi.om Woolbright Road.to SW 23rd Avenue (no constraints on expansion); 6. US 1, from Woolbright Road to SW 23rd Avenue (constrained due to maximum number of 7. ~-~,9~ fi'~m Woolbright Road to Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach (constrained due to d~ number of lanes). Most of the lane ~ in Boynton Beach are projected to operate at acceptable levels of service in 2015. If traffic growfla p~ as projected, there will be network deficiencies in the southeastern comer of the City; however, these links do not constitute a major portion of the roadway networ~ 2-16 ~ BO'YNTOH BEACH Legend NOOL8~I6~ ~ AVE $ '/? 21 A VERA GE OAIL Y TRAFFIC VOL UME (xf O00) 2015 Cost Feasible Plan - Future Traffic Volumes S~urce: Paint Beech CoaM~ M.P.O. 2-17 // / / Map 2.9 N. £.S. 4/. "/ LEGE~II~ 2L TWO LANES 4L FOUR LANE3 6L SiX LANES 8L EIGHT LANES f OL TEN LANES 5,. Thoroughfare System 201 se.== e~= se. eh ce..e ~[.e.o. ;~ 2-18 / / / / Map 2.t0 LE6ENO eIr,~I"M - 8[CYCLE PATHS and/or $]nDIALKS · . ' . I,, - 8[C¥CL[ ROUTES [SH~REO IllTH LOCAL STREETSJ Existing Bike Paths and Routes 2-19 / / / % ~V. ~'.$. May. 1989 Map 2.11 HYPOLUXO ~ ! BF..ACH Pedesb'lan Far. lli#e~ E,d~ting Pede~tr~n F~r..iiltie~ Future Pede~tr~n F,~e, ll#1dw 2015 Cost Feasible Plan - Pedestrian Facilities Souree: Pahn Beach County M.P.O. (WPBUSA) Boynton Beaeh Planning and Zoning Department 2-20 / / / / Mapi~ 12 laOyN?~d HYPOLUXO Pg BF...ACH 8LYO ~ NOOLORI~I,rT P,O Volume to Capacity Ratio 2015 Cost Feasible Plan. Network Over Capacity Source: P~lm Be~cb County M.~.O. (W~Bt~SA) 2-21 N.T.$. Map 2.13 Status of Level of Service Deficiencies Identified at Time of Plan ~4doption Of the deficient links identified at time of plan adOption, four links have been improved to provide acceptable levels of service: Hylx)luxo Road east of 1-95, Hypoluxo Road west of 1-95, Bo)aaton Beach Boulevard west of 1-95, and Congr~ Avenue north of Woolbright Road. The average dai .ly level of service on Boynton Beach Boulevard east of 1-95 increased to "C", because the traffic volumes dropped slightly (from 30,812 to 29,382) from 1987 to 1995. Average daily traffic on 1-95 increased from 107,675 m 1987 to 131,515 in 1995.. This increase caused a further deterioration in the leVel of service, fi.om "D" to worse than "E." 2-22 2-23 2-24 2-25 2-26 2-27 I. Effects °f Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1986 1.1 State Comprehensive Plan Traffic Circulation Element Section 187.201 (20), F.S. (Transportation) contains a goal and policies relevant to the Traffic Circulation Element. There have been no changes to this section of the SCP that have impacted the requirements of the Traffic Circulation Element. Therefore, the Traffic Eirculation Element remains consistent with the State Comprehensive Plan. 1.2 Chapter 163 Florida Statutes The requirements of Chapter 163 which address the Traffic Circulation Element have not been changed since 1978. 1.3 Strategic Regional Policy Plan Section 6. Transportation Regional Goal 6.1. A balanced and integrated transportation system. The Bo)x~ton Beach Comprehensive Plan does not include overall goals, objectives and policies consistent with this regional goal. When the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan was prepared, the community was only required to address traffic circulation in the plan. In the update of the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan, the traffic circulation element will be expanded to include other forms of transportation. 1,4 Rule 9J-5 Since the Traffic Circulation Element was adopted in 1990, there have been three significant amendments or changes to Chapter 9J-5, F.A.C., which relate to this element. The first change to Chapter 9J-5, F.A.C., added Rule 9J-5.0055, F.A.C., Concurrency Management System, in 1989. This rule required local governments to adopt as a part of the comprehensive plan the establishment of a concurrency management system. The rule clarified the public facilities and service for which a local government must adopt levels of service, and established minimum requirements for concurrency. Rule 9J-5.0055, F.A.C., was later amended in 1994 to include minimum criteria related to the concurrency provisions in Section 163.3180, The rule was amended to address transportation concurrency' exception areas described in the statute, to provide minimum requirements related to a long-term transportation concurrency management system. New amended minimum criteria for TCMAs were added to Rule 9J-5.0055, F.A.C. The Comprehensive Plan is currently consistent with requirements of Rule 9J-5.0055, F.A.C. The City of Boynton Bench has no Transportation ~ Exception (or Management) Areas and none appear to be warranted at the present time. 'l~l~lmmt~m~'y management system established in the City appears to meet the general req~ ~ 9J-$.0055. Based on ~lo Stat~ law, transtxa~tion pi .arming in commumties located in Metropolitan' Planning Orgamzation are, m (gram'ally, urban counties) are required to reflect fig broad approach to urban mobility embrac, ed in tbe feglmal lntennodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). This approach r~quires a change in focus, to addr~s mobility mggls ratber than traffic issues. Tbe sc, ope of inquiry is broademxt to include bicycle, pedestrian, aviation, rail, sea, and mass transportation, as well as private automobile circulation. The City of Boynton Beach is required to adopt a Transportation Element, to r~lac,~ the Traffic Circulation Element. This will be adopted as an EAR-based amendment to the comprehensive plan. 2-28 J. Reconunended Plan Amendments and Need for New Actions Specific recommendations for plan amendments are included in the Objectives Achievement Matrix and in the discussion of the effect of statutory and rule changes since 1989. The structure of this element contains several inherent incomistencies. Objective 2.4, the measurement standard and related policies are one example of this structural inconsistency, wherein the measure does not address the essence of the POlicy.. This is the only element in which "measures" are specifically designated. When the plan is amended, if measures are included, th%' are recommended to be tailored more closely to reflect the intent of the objective and policies. It will be necessary for the traffic circulation element of the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan to be expanded to include bicycle, pedestrian, transit, rail and seaPOrt considerations. There are no airports or seaPOrts in Boynton Beach; therefore, these issues can be addressed by reference to the nearest facilities. Traffic circulation issues will be incorporated in the TransPOrtation Element of the revised comprehensive plan. This element will be prepared in conformance with 9J-5.0019, F.A.C. Data have been provided to · meet most of the new requirements established in this rule. As a part of plan element preparation and adoption, the community will need to address some additional issues relating to parking facilities. This report provides an overview of the available data. A revamped transit route ~'stem was expected to begin in August, 1996. As data from the new system becomes available, it is recommended to be incorporated into the local planning process. Goals, objectives, and policies in the transportation element will be prepared in accordance with 9J-5.0019(4). As appropriate, the results of the analysis included in the Objectives Achievement Matrix will be incorporated into the transportation element. It may be appropriate for the City to take a more active role in planning and implementing tramPOrtation improvements. For example, the design of the new Ocean Avenue bridge presents a significant opPOmmity to further downtown redevelopment objectives, by specifying an attractive and urban.scaled design. A close liaison with the Department of Transportation has been established, to insure that issues of local importance are recognized in design of this facility. In order to improve coordination between road improvements and general plans of the community, a 13-member task force has Ix~n appointed to review the proposed bridge design. The task force ~ composed of residents of Boynton Beach and Ocean Ridge. Additional use of open space linkages as part of the transportation system may be appropriate considerations in the future planning of Boynton Beach. In some cases, such as Seacrest Avenue, highway capacity exists in excess of current need. There may be opportunities to introdu~ landscape enhancements into the fight-of- way, which would increase the sense of neighborhood identity while still providing an acceptable level of traffic service. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA) provides a funding source for open space improvements as "enhatw, ements" to the arterial highway system. Open space linkages may also be included to allow multiple uae of canal and utility rights-of-way. 2-29 3. SANITARY SEWER, POTABLE WATER, NATURAL GROUNDWATER AQUIFER RECHARGE, DRAINAGE, AND SOLID WASTE A. Condition of Element at the Time of Adoption The purpose of this section is to provide a summary, of data and analysis describing baseline conditions oft. he Samtary Sewer, Potable Water, Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge, and Drainage Element of the City of Bovnton Beach's Comprehensive Plan at the time of its adoption in November 1989. This summary will address the requirements of Chapter 9J-5 of the Florida Administrative Code data and analysis requirements. A. 1 Sanitary Sewer System The area served by the City. of Bo~ton Beach wastewater collection and treatment system in 1989 included all of the area within the City, limits, plus the Village of Briny Breezes, the Village of Golf, part of the tovm of Hypoluxo, and a section of unincorporated Palm Beach County west of the City and extending to the E-3 Canal. The resident population of the service area was approximately 68,000 with a peak seasonal population estimated at 78,000. Wastewater treatment and disposal for the service area was administered by the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Board. The treatment plant had a design capacity of 24 million gallons per day (mgd) on a maximum daily flow basis. This capacity was shared equally by the cities of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. The treatment plant used the conventional activated sludge process, and discharged treated effluent to the Atlantic Ocean via an oUtfall. Waste sludge from the treatment process was thickened, stabilized with lime, and land-spread on citrus groves by a contract hauler. The plant consisted of two parallel 12-mgd plants, one of which required significant refurbishment. Thc wastewater collection and treatment system consisted of approximately 175 miles of gravity sewers, 45 miles of force mains, and 128 ptunp stations. Many of the pump stations, wet wells, and piping exhibited signs of con'osion 'and deterioration, and a coating and rehabilitation program was recommended. Replacement of the City's radio telemetry system was also recommended. The force main system was found to be adequately sized for future flows, although some possible future pump station modifications were noted. Many of these capital improvement and renewal and replacement needs were incorporated into the FY 1990 budget. No violations of local, state, or federal regulations were reported at the time of plan adoption. Annual wastewater flows for FYs 1984-1988 are presented, in Table 3.1 At the time of adoption of the plan,. wastewater flows wer~ projected to reach Boynton Beach's reserve capacity of 12 mgd by 1996. Per-capita flows during periods of high groundwater and during storm events were well within US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines defining acceptable levels of infiltration and inflow. TABLE 3.1 ~ORIC WASTEWATER FLOWS FOR BOYNTON BEACH SERVICE AREA FiChu' Annual Average Day(mad) Max Month Ava Day(mad) 19~4 4.79 5.24 1985 5.08 6.11 1986 4.97 6.34 1987 5.77 6.62 1988 6.37 6.89 So~rc~: City's Momhly ~ Rq~ts 3-1 Wastewater system operating expenses for FY 1988 were $1.30 per thousand gallOns treated, as compared to $1.35 in FY 1987. The reduction in cost was attributed to staff consolidation, decreases in chemical costs, the installation of new, more efficient pumps, and higher-than-normal expenditures during 1987 due to the testing of experimemal chemicals. Debt service coverage for the water and wastewater system m FY 1989 exceeded the coverages required by rate covenants by a comfortable margin. A.2 Potable Water System The area served by the water system in 1989 included the Ci,ty of Bo>aaron Beach. the Toxin of Ocean Ridge, the Village of Bnny Breezes, pan of the Town of H>~)olaxo, and a section of unincorporated Palm Beach County, west of the City extending to the E-3 Canal. The water service area differed from the wastewater service area primarily with the inclusion of Ocean Ridge and the exclusion of the Village of Golf. In 1988, the system served an estimated 33, 119 residential units and 4,275 non-residential developed acres. Raw water was supplied from the East Wellfield. In 1988, the wellfield included 19 active wells with a maximum pumping capacity of approximately 15.8 mgd. The East WTP had a permitted capacity of 17.5 mgd, and was in compliance with all current state primary and secondary ~drinking water standards. Since all water facilities were nearing full utilization, additional capacity was required. For FY 1988, the maximum day use of the wellfield capacity was 98 percent, the percentage of permitted treatment capacity used for maximum day finished water production was 89 percent, the peak hour use of pumping firrn capacity was 85 percent, and the ratio of required water storage to provided storage was 104 percent. In 1989, the City began increasing the capacity of the East Wellfield through the redevelopment of several wells and by increasing the capacity of four additional wells. The City also began development of the West Wellfield in I988, which was to provide raw water to the new West Water Treatment Plant in 1991. The West WTP was planned with an initial capacity of 4 mgd, expandable in stages to 16 mgd. Design of improvements to uprate the capacity of the East WTP from 17.5 to 20.5 mgd were underway in 1989 with construction anticipated in 1990. Construction of a new 3 million gallon storage tank at the West Water Treatment Plant and another 3 mg tank, completed in 1989, brought the total storage capacity to 9.9 million gallons. At the time of plan adoption these water supply, treatment, and storage expansion and improvement projects were expected to provide adequate capacity to meet fuaa'e needs. In addition to the above-mentioned projects, renewal and replacement, and capital improvement activities also. included replacement of 5 wells and pumps in the East Wellfield, design of facility modifications to relocate the chlorine storage area in the East W'I'P, and replacement of high service pumps at the East WTP. Historical annual water production for FYs 1984-1988 is included in Table 3.2 TABLE 3.2 I[I~I'ORIC WATER PRODUCTION FOR BOYNTON BEACH SERVICE AREA ir~i~ar Annual Average Day (mgd) Maximum Day (mgd) 1984 7.51 11.54 1985 8.62 11.93 1986 8.69 12.87 1987 9.95 15.53 · 1988 10.58 15.63 Soorc*: CH2M Hill, 1996 3-2 Water system operating expenses for FY 1988 were $0.73 per thousand gallons treated, as compared to $0.75 in FY 1987. A.3 Drainage The City of Boynton Beach is approximately 15 square miles in area, with general boundaries of H~l~olu,xo Road to the north, Lake Worth and the Intracoastal Waterway to the east, La~Tence Road to the west, and the L-30 Canal on the south. The climate is subtropical and is influenced by the City's proximits' to the Gulfstream. Average annual precipitation is approximately 62 inches, and mean temperature is approximately 75 degrees. The general terrain of the City is somewhat higher than that of other areas of the lower Florida east coast. At the time of plan adoption, stormwater drainage services were under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works. The City operated several short positive drainage outfalls to the f'mger canals around Lake Ida; a 1,900 foot storm sewer along Nordaw'est 3rd Street between Northwest 8th Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard; several short outfalls along the south bank of Canal C-16; approximately 1,300 feet of storm sewer with a pumping station at Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest 6th Avenue; and drainage ditches east of 1-95. West of 1-95, the bulk of the stormwater system was installed by developers where the drainage structures fell within the right-of-way, and are generally maintained by local homeowners associations. Stormwater improvements were not funded out of a separate enterprise fund, nor was a funding mechanism in place to collect revenues required for any improvements. A.4 Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge At, or near, the time of adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the City began experiencing some salt water intrusion towards the easternmost wells in its East Well Field. The City also contemplated the feasibility of constructing an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Well near its East Water Treatment Plant. Solid Waste Solid waste was collected by the City of Boynton Beach and transported to a landfill operated by the Solid Waste Authority (SWA). The SWA was established as an independent special taxing district in 1975. Residential garbage was collected by the City of Boynton Beach twice a week, trash and bulk materials were collected weekly, and conunercial collections were available 6 days a week. Solid waste collected in Boynton Beach was taken to the Central transfer Station located on Hypoluxo Road, for disposal at the Dyer Road Landfill. This landt'dl was nearing the end of its expected capacity. The North County Regional Resource Recovery and Solid Waste Disposal Facility was under construction, and was expected to be fully operational by 1990. This facility was expected to open with a capacity of 2,000 tons per day, and to be expanded to An a.ddi, ti. onai ~ was proposed for construction in southern Palm Beach County, to begin operation in 1995 w~th a ~ of 1,000 tons per day. This site had been opposed by neighborhood residents., and the final site location was not determined (see B.5). A level of service standard of 7.2 pounds of solid waste per person per day was established by thc City of Boynton Beach. When historic trends were analyzed, it was noted that per capita solid waste generation had increased'from 2.98 pounds pea'day in 1982 to 4.88 pounds per day in 1986. In 1987, the Boynton Beach 3-3 collection system served a year-round population of 44,056. The actual per capita generation of solid waste was 5.43 pounds per day. This upward trend was expected to continue. The need was noted for increased initiatives to meet the state-mandated recycling goal of 30% of total waste by 1994. In 1987, 613 tons of recycled materials were collected in Boynton Beach in two pilot recy. cling neighborhoods, out ora total waste collection of 43,483 tons. Pilot recycling programs in two neighborho(xls were established, and a third neighborhood was anticipated to be added. At the time of plan adoption, it was noted that the City lacked a rec>.'cling center west of 1-95, a re~,cling program for City employees, and did not participate in a "cash for cans", "S.T.O.P." or similar programs promoted by the SWA. Condition of the Element at Time of EAR The purpose of this section is to provide a summary of the most recent available data and analysis describing the conditions of the Water, Sewer and Stormwater Elements of the City of Boynton Beach's Comprehensive Plan. This report will assess whether the City has met its stated goals and objectives for these elements, and will serve as a basis for future planning. B.I Sanitary Sewer System The area served by the City of Boynton Beach wastewater collection and treatment system in 1996 includes all of the area within the City limits, plus the Village of Briny Breezes. the Village of Golf, part of the town of Hypoluxo, and a sect/on of unincorporated Palm Beach County west of the City and extending to the E-3 Canal. No significant changes to the service area have been made since the Comprehensive Plan was prepared. Populations in the Village of Golf and Briney Breezes have not changed since the plan was adopted. Population growth has continued in outlying unincorporated areas, and in newly annexed developments. The utility service area has remained unchanged since adoption of the comprehensive plan. The water and wastewater service areas extend westward to the E-3 Canal. The Palm Beach County urban services area generally restricts urban densities to lands east of Florida's Turnpike. The entire area serviced by the ' Boynton Beach utility systems is located within the urban services area. Wastewater treatment and disposal for the service area continues to be administered by the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Board. The treatment plant has a design capacity of 24 million gallons per day (mgd) on a maximum daily flow basis. This capacity is shared, more or less equally, by the cities of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. A number of improvements have been completed at the plant since 1989, inglud~ odor control improvements, new effluent pumps, and dechlorination facilities. The was~~gtion and treatment system now consists of approximately 175 miles of gravity sewers, 45 miles off~ and about 142 pump stations. Many of the pump stations, wet wells, and piping have been coated ~~ as recommended in the Master Plan. The City's radio telemetry system was also replaced. Tbe farce main system is thought to be adequately sized for future flows. Many of these capital improvement and renewal and replacement needs were incorporated into the FY 1990 budget, and implemented in subsequent years. Annual wastewater flows for FYs 1984-1995 are presented in Table 3.3. At the time of the adoption of the element; wastewater flows were projected to reach Boynton Beach's reserve capacity of 12 mgd by 1996. 3-4 However, flows have not increased at the projected rate, and the service area flows are still within the City's reserved 12 mgd treaunent capacity. TABLE 3'.3 HISTORIC AND PROJECTED WASTEWATER FLOWS FOR BOYNTON BEACH SERVICE AREA Fiscal Year Annual Average Day(mgd) Max Month Avg Day(mgd) 1984 4.79 5.24 1985 5.08 6.11 1986 4.97 6.34 1987 5.77 6.62 1988, 6.37 6.89 1989 6.19 7.18 1990 6.49 7.12 1991 6.76 8.25 1992 7.58 9.91 1993 7.77 9.21 1994 7.94 10.48 1995 8.65 I0.78 ~"s Monthly Operating R~ports Wastewater system operating expenses for FY 1995 were $2.38 per thousand gallons treated. Debt service coverage for the water and wastewater system in FY 1995 was expected to have exceeded the coverages required by rate covenants by a comfortable margin. B.2 Potable Water System No major changes have been made to the water service area since the Comprehensive Plan. In 1995, the water system provided service to approximately 26,500 meters and 44,300 units. Raw water is supplied from the East and West Wellfields. The West Wellfield, which was developed to supply water to the West Water Treatment Plant in response to projected water needs and saltwater intrusion into the East Wellfield, currently has four active wells with a maximum capacity of 6 mgd with the largest well out of service. An additional 12 mgd of capacity is planned for development as water demand increases. In 1989 and 1990, th~ East Wellfield's capacity was increased bv redeveloping several wells and increasing. the capacity of four wells. The East Wellfield now includes 20 active wells with a maximum Pumping capacity of approximately 19.8 mgd, with a total 17.8 mgd of finn capacity. Treammat and ma'agl~ capacity has also been expanded since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted. The treatment ~ofth~ Fast WTP has been uprated to 19.2 mgd, and the new West WTP, which came on line in 1994, ~ 4 mild of production, with an ultimate capacity of 16 mgd. The West WTP incorporat~ ~ soP, ening which is recommended as the best available technology to remove organics and potential ~ by-products. Future expansion of the water treatment capacity will occur with advanced treatment at the West WTP. The City is planning to increase the capacity of the West WTP to 8 mgd in FY 1997. With the completion of the 3 mg Miner Road storage tank in 1990, the 3 mg tank at the West WTP, and the 1.5 mg elevated tank, total storage capacity was increased to 10.4 mg. These expansion and improvement projects are expected to provide adequate water supply, treatment, and storage capacity to meet future needs. 3-5 Historical annual potable water production for FYs 1984-1988 and for 1995 are included in Table 3.4 TABLE 3..4 HISTORIC AND PROJECTED WATER PRODUCTION FOR BOYNTON BEACH SERVICE AREA Fiscal Year 1984 1985 &62 1986 8.69 1987 1988 1989 1990 Annual Average Day (mgd) 7.51 Maximum Day(mgd) 11.54 11.93 12.87 9.95 15.53 10.58 15.63 11.35 10.05 14.53 12.85 1991 10.81 14.02 1992 11.68 16.09 1993 11.81 15.99 1994 1995 Source: CH2M HilL 1996 11.46 19.19 12.13 16.43 Water system operating expenses for FY 1995 were $2.22 per thousand gallons. B.3 Drainage The City commissioned a consultant to perform a Stormwater Master Plan, which was completed m December 1992. The scope of work included assisting in the preparation of a discharge permit application to the USEPA for the National PoUutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), recommending improvements for four priority flooding areas, and recommending funding alternatives for the proposed improvements. The four priority areas are located as follows: Boynton Beach Boulevard &: Congress Avenue; West Industrial Avenue; South of Boynton Beach Boulevard, between 1-95 and Seacrest Boulevard; and Northwest 3rd Street between Northwest 8th Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard. In FY 1994, responsibility for the City's stormwater drainage system was assigned to the utilities departn?ent, and a separate enterprise fund was set up for stormwater revenues and expenditures. Chapter 26 of the City Code was amended to include provisions regulating drainage discharges in May 1993. Stormwater utility fees. "suffiCient to plan, control, operate, and maintain the city's stormwater system" were authorized by amendment in December 1993, and the City began collecting a fee of $1.00 per Equivalent Residential Unit ' (ERU) per month in November 1994. One ERU is equivalent to one residential unit (including each multi- family unit), or 1,937 square feet of impervious area in the case of commercial establishments. Undeveloped parcels are no~ ~ a stormwater fee. The City has ~ been issued an NPDES permit, therefore, the City does not have discharge criteria to use as a basis for pllmting activities. Issuance of a permit is anticipated during FY 1996. An additional study is currently underway which includes an examination of stormwater funding alternatives for planned improvements. 3-6 B.4 Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge The easternmost production wells in the East Well Field began experiencing some salt water intrusion. The Ci.ty thus commissioned a study in September 1991 to estimate the "safe >'ield" from the surficial aquifer ~'stem within the City's service area, and to evaluate current conditions in the East Well Field production wells. Results of the study, were used to develop an operational/monitoring plan to optimize existing well field facilities, and to improve the City's ability to meet water demands. The City commissioned a stud.v on the feasibilit?' of ihstalling an aquifer storage and recover3.-(ASR) well near the City's East Water Treatment Plant in 1990. The ASR well was subsequently constructed and tested in 1991 and 1992, respectively. The ASR well allows the City to store treated water in the Upper Floridan Aquifer during periods of low demand and/or high water production for use during periods of high demand and/or low water production, This allows the City to reduce its withdrawals fi.om the surficial aquifer during drought and/or high demand periods. B.5 Solid Waste Since adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the City of Bo.~aton Beach has continued tO use the Central County Transfer Facility in Lantana and the North County Regional Solid Waste Disposal Facility for household garbage and trash. Construction and demolition debris is removed by the City to the Tall Pines Facility, which is owned and operated by Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI)/County Sanitation. Plans for construction of a south county solid waste disposal facility have been dropped. This can be expected to reduce the life of the North County Regional Facility, unless alternative capacity is made available. Both the North County Regional Solid Waste Facility and Tall Pines serve the entire county. In 1993/94, Boynton Beach generated municipal solid waste at a rate of approximately 150.66 tons pe~ day. This was approximately 15% of the capacity of the transfer facility, and 7.5% of the disposal facility's capacity. In 1987, Boynton Beach used 11.9'1% of the transfer facility capacity, and 5.96% of the disposal facility capacity. Recyclable materials are generated at a rate of 12.01 tons per day, which is about 2.4% of the SWA Material Recycling Facility capacity of S00 tons per day. In 1994, it was estimated that the landfill had capacity to provide for solid waste disposal until the year 2021. In FY 1993/94, it was determined that residents in Boynton Beach generated 6.17 pounds per person per day of solid waste. This was an increase of 14% per capita since preparation of the comprehensive plan; however the rate of solid waste collection was below the level of service standard of 7.2 pounds per person per day. Although the volume of solid waste is within the current ability to provide acceptable municipal service, the- trend of increasing per capita waste generation was not anticipated in the comprehensive plan. The plan presumed that recycling efforts would result in a drop in per capita waste generation. Future monitoring will be necessary to confirm compliance with level of service objectives. Recycling pro~m~ have been initiated for residential curbside collection, containerized commercial collection, antilllllltifamily containerized collection. Two drop-off sites are located, one at the Public Works compound, ~at the Boynton Commerce Center. Aluminum, glass, plastic, newsprint, magazines, cardboard and ~ bemks are collected. Recyclable materials are collected by the SWA, which rebates income to the City equal to halfof the income from sale of recyclable cardboard. In recent vests, this has amounted to about $1,000 per month. The volume of rec3,'clable materials has increased, from 613 tons in 1987 to 4,384 tons in 1993/94. State mandates for 30% recycling by 1994 appear to have been met, if State or County figures are considered. State estimates for Palm Beach County indicated that 45% of the county's solid waste was recycled in 3-7 1993-94. According to the SWA, recycling in December 1994 was 58%. However, estimates prepared by the City of Boyn. ton Beach for December 1994 indicated that only 9.47% of solid waste was recycled. In the future, a common standard for calculation of recycling effort may be established. Illegal dumping was recognized as a problem at the time of plan adoption. Although records of citations for illegal dumping indicated an increase in enforcement since plan adoption, additional enforcement efforts was needed. In 1.996, a propert?' standards ordinance was adopted with the objective of reducing dumping. C. Comparison of Objectives to Actual Results The attached Objectives Achievement Mathx represents the Ci,ty of Boynton Beach's objectives and policies for the sanitary sewer, potable water, natural groundwater aquifer discharge, and drainage element. The table also shows the relevant portions of the capital improvements element; measurable targets for each objective; conditions at the time of plan adoption (baseline conditions); current conditions; whether or not the stated objectives were achieved; and comments, including recommended changes to the policies and objectives. For the capital improvements element, the objectives and policies are identical to those in the sanitary sewer, potable water, natural groundwater aquifer recharge, and drainage elements of the plan. In general, the City was successful in accomplishing the stated objectives. Areas where the City did not meet objectives, or where changes to the objectives or policies are recommended include the following: 1. Master Plan capital improvement activities are driven by the n~xi~ of development and system growth. Since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, growth in the Bo.vnton Beach service area has b~n slower than projected, and ~ome of the proposed improvements have not yet been implemented. It is recommended that the relevant policies (Policies 3A.2.3 and 3C.2.4) be reworded so that new master plans are developed as needed, and not automatically every 5 years. 2. Concerning the objectives on prevention of urban sprawl, the City has not always followed the policy of not extending water or sewer service more than 1/2 mile for a single development in certain circumstances, such asif the development is already in existence and it is to the City's benefit for the area to discontinue the usc of septic tanks or wells. It is the City's policy that new users pay the full cost of service and installation, which fulfills the objective of preventing urban sprawl while not penalizing desired development. It is recommended that the policies related to prohibition of extension of service more than 1/2 mile for a development (Policies 3A.5.2 and 3C.5.2) be deleted or revised. 3. The City's drainage planning and improvements pr6cess has been limited by the fact that no NPDES permit has been issued and, consequently, the City has no established criteria to apply. However, the City complies with all other regulations, has set up a stormwatcr utility, and will be able to implcmmt m:edCd improvements once the permit has been issued. It is recommended that the ~ poli{:ies and objectives (Objectives 3B.I and 3B.2) be amended, as required to meet tho ~ of thc NPDES permit. 4. It is ~ that mom specific objectives be developed for the natural groundwater aquifer recharge portion of thc element to reflect the increased emphasis on recharge activities. It is recommended that the Capital Improvement Element (Goals 9A and 9B) bc altered to include specific projects and improvements needed to meet stated goals and objectives, rather than re,stating the goals and objectives from the sanitary sewer, potable water, and drainage sections. 3-8 Solid waste objectives for maintenance of level 0f ~ei:vic~:Standards appears to have been met; the level of service standard of 7.2 pounds per capita per day serves as a maximum rate of generation. The actual level of collection of 6.53 pounds per capita per day is less than the maximum. Although the level of recycling efforts and volume of recycling materials collected has increased, it does not appear that the target of 30% reduction has been met. Efforts to educate the public on recycling have been expanded. Illegal dumping is being reduced by enforcement of a recently-adopted property, standards ordinance. Objectives related to materials bans and prevention of urban sprawl are not applicable in the current municipal setting. D. Analysis of Development Trends and Conditions Slower than anticipated gro~xh has meant that the City has not been required to add capacity, especially for wastewater treatment, as quickly as previously planned. This does not have a significant effect on the projects proposed, only on their timing. The City monitors system demands and requirements continually, and will be able to schedule projects on a t~rnetable appropriate to the future growth rate. No problems were identified which will complicate implementation of the solid waste management element in the term of the comprehensive plan (1989-2010, with amendments anticipated to extend the planning horizon to 2015). However, over the longer term, the failure to secure a south county waste disposal and re~.'cling facility will likely impact solid waste disposal plans t'or the years following 2015. Continued intergovernmental coordination is expected to develop and promote landfill alternatives, as well as seeking alternative sites. 3-9 3-10 3-11 3-12 3-13 3-14 3-15 3-16 3o17 3-18 3-19 3 -20 3-21 3-22 3-23 F. Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Subsection 9J,5.00$3 (6) (a) of the Florida Administrative Code requires the EAR to assess the consistency of thc adoPted comprehensive plan with changes to state growth management policies as expressed in: Chapter 187 oftbe Florida Statutes, the State Comprehcnsivc Plan Chapter 167, Part II of the Florida Statutes (the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulations Act) Section 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code The South Florida Strategic Regional Policy Plan The following section will only evaluate changes since 1989 unless noted. Changes prior to 1989 are assumed to have been incorporated into the comprehensive plan as adopted. F.I Consistency with State Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 187, F.S.) The State Comprehensive Plan (SCP) contains goals and policies relevant to the Sanitary Sewer, Drainage, Potable Water, and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Element, No changes relevant to this elemem have been made to the State Comprehensive Plan since 1989, and the Element remains consistent with the Plan. F.2 Consistency with Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes Section 163.3177 (6) (c), F.S. relating to the Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Drainage, Potable Water, and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Element has not been amended since the City's Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1989, and, therefore~ the element remains consistent with these provisions. In 1993, a new Section 163.3180, F.S. was added relating to concurrency for roads, sanitary sewers, solid waste facilities, drainage, potable water, parks and recreation, and mass transit. Specifically, Section 163.3180 (2) (a) requires that sanitary sewer, solid waste, and potable water facilities shall be in place, and available to serve, new development no later than the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or its functional equivalent. This is consistent with Policies 3A.2.4 and 3C.4.4 which state that new developments will be required to install water and sewer lInes according to City specifications prior to receiving development approval. F.3 Consistency with Section 9J-5, Florida Administrative' Code In 1994, a new Subsection 9J.5-0055 (3) (a) F.A.C, was added. The new section implemented the changes to Section 163.3180 (2) (a) F.S. that are described above. Therefore, the Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Drainage, Potable Water, md Natural Cn'oundwater Aquifer Recharge Element is in conformity with this change to the F.4 Co~~ll ~e Strategic Regional Policy Plan for South Florida The S~~ Policy Plan (SRPP) was released in August 1995. Because this is the first edition of the SRPP, all ~ ~ policies are new. Only those goals and policies which are specifically related to water, sewer, aquifer recharge, and drainage are listed in this report. Policies which apply to other elements, such as the need for regional cooperation in planning facilities and infrastrue~, and goals related to directing development away from environmentally sensitive areas, are not addressed here.) 3-24 Strategic Regional Policy 2.3.13. This policy encourages local governments to provide centralized sewer service in areas wim'e septic tanks are a problem, and to adopt and implement stormxvater level of service standards consistent with those recommended by the SFWMD. The City's policy. 3A. 1.2 relates to continuing an agreement with the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Board t'or regional treatment capacity, and Policy. 3A. 1.3 discourages the use of septic tanks. Objective 3 B. 1 requires the City to enforce SFWMD standards. Strategic Regional Policy 2.3.17. This policy encourages water suppliers to address long-term water supply alternatives, which the Cit?, addresses through Objective 3C.3 describing water conse~'ation and xvater reuse. Strategic Regional Policy 2.3.22. This policy encourages water reuse, which is consistent with the City's Policy 3C.3.3. Strategic Regional Policies 3.2.1-3.2.4. These policies address various water conservation measures, public education, reduction in per capita water usage, and implementation of water shortage plans in times of drought. The City's Objective 3.C.3 addresses these issues. Strategic Regional Policy 3.2.5. This policy discourages reducing the recharge potential of land parcels being developed through the use of mitigating measures. The City's Policies 3B.2,9 and 3B,2.10 address these issues. Strategic Regional Policy 3.9.6. This policy addresses the need to restore the water quality of the Everglades System, which is related to the City's Objective 3B.2 encouraging the protection of receiving waters. Identification of Anticipated Plan Amendments Recommendations for changes to the comprehensive plan relating to potable water, sanitary sewer, drainage and aquifer recharge are included in the Objectives Achievement Matrix. The solid waste level of service is recommended to be retained at 7.2 pounds per capita per day. Policies in the solid waste element which have been accomplished are recommended for deletion. These include policies which called for initiating pilot recycling programs, "Cash for Cans" and similar programs. Additional objectives and policies are suggested to increase discussions and coordination with the Solid Waste Authority. Additional efforts aimed at reducing illegal dumping are recommended, by monitoring .. enforcement of the recently-adopted property standards ordinance. Additional solid waste policies should be considered to improve record keeping for both recycling efforts and to track illegal dump sites. No significant ~ from current planning and monitoring processes are recommended. The Utility is currently ~ · study which will recommend operations and management changes to ira, prove operatiorml ~. This task order also includes recommendations for updating of the City s water and sewer ~ ~ sew~ capital facility charge, and the feasibility of special charges (such as for wastewator~). The study will recommend a mechanism for funding stormwater improvements, as well as, proposed rates. Capital improvement and renewal and replacement activities are anticipated to continue as planned. The condition of thc water and sanitary systems is generally good, and the utility's financial position is satisfactory. 3-25 The City continues to momtor regulatory developments which will affect operations, and at this time, anticipates being able to maintain compliance with all £~leral, state and local requirements. 3-26 4. CONSERVATION Condition of El~n~nt a~ l~me of Adopdon Bo.~ton Beach is located in east central Palm Beach Court .ty, on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. This ridge is formed of ancient Pleistocene Atlantic coastal dunes. The climate of Bo,,nton Beach is semi-tropical. Due to the extent of development, the Ci.ty had a limited variew of pristine ecological corrtmunities at the time the comprehensive plan was adopted. Most water bodies in the City were either man-made or had been significantly altered by prior development. Lake Worth, which was once a freshwater lake, was converted into a tidal lagoon by the development of ocean inlets years before. Most of the freshwater bodies in Boynton Beach were subdivision drainage lakes, where water depths varied from l0 to 30 feet. Shallow shoreline slopes soon steepened to nearly vertical ledges. Shoreline vegetation conditions were highly variable, ranging from shorelines hardened with bulkheads to ornamental vegetation. Map 4. l shows the location of lakes, canals and waterways at the time of plan adoption. Water quality in the City was generally rated as Class III, which may be used for recreation and propagation of fish and wildlife. However, testing of water m the E-4, and C-16 canals, and in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) near the City Marina, failed to meet Class III standards. Freshwater canals and lakes are generally interconnected. A principal interface between the freshwater and saltwater systems occurred in thc C-16 canal. A major drainage control structure regulated the flow of water between the freshwater and saltwater systems. Most water bodies seaward of the control structure were brackish. Water depths in the canal system ranged from four to twenty feet. Very little shoreline vegetation was noted along the City's fresh water bodies. In the estuarine areas, several areas of mangrove shoreline were noted. Floodplains and soil conditions were not considered to. be limiting factors for development. Water quantity modeling efforts indicated that the surficial aquifer was expected to have adequate water available to support projected levels of development. Five ecosystems were identified as native to Boynton Beach. These are: Florida Scrub, Pine Flatwoods, Dried Wet Prairie, Mangrove Swamp, and Coastal Dune and Strand. A field survey was made of 40- candidate sites identified through aerial photography. After thc field survey, 5 sites were discovered to have been altered and were removed from the candidate list. The remaining 35 sites were evaluated for preservation, based on natural resource criteria. These sites were ranked as "A", "B', "C" or "D". Criteria included in this evaluation included presence of endangered plant and animal species, quantity and contimfity of intact vegetation. Map 4.2 shows the location of these sites, which are described in Table 4.1)~ follows. A previous inventory of environmentally sensitive sites conducted by Palm Beach ~'wm also considered in the site evaluations. 4-1 Lakes, Canals, and Waterways. 1988 Source: Bo.vnton Beach Comprehemive Pla~ 4-2 Figure 4.' ~EGEND Boynton Beach Natural Resource Sites Soerce:.Beyato~ Beach Comprebemlve 4-3 FIGURE 4 - N~,TUR~L RESOURCES Map 4.2 I FIGURE 4 - NATURAL RESOURCES LEGEND 22 - NATURAL I-- A & ~ RATED ~iTIE$ Boynton Beach Natural Resource Sites Source: Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan 4-3 Map 4.2 TABLE 4.1 BOYNTON BEACH NATURAL RESOURCE SITES Site # ~ Area Rating Annotation 1 43.45-08-I 88.6 B Pine flatwoods and disturbed PF, pond with emergent vegetation, lift station 717 is located here 4a.b,c 43-45-17-1 141.8 A Florida scrub and disturbed Florida scrub. County. sites ECO-87 and ECO-36. Site is in Quantum Park DRI 5 43-45-16-2 40.1 A Florida scrub. County site Eco-36 Quantum High Risk. Part of Quantum Park development 6 43-45-16-5 19 A Florida scrub with disturbed border. County site Ecs>34. Rolling Green Scrub 7 43-45-21-1 9.6 A Florida scrub. County site Eco-32, Galax'y Scrub. Endangered species = 9 8 43-45-20-1 1 I. 2 B Florida scrub with scrub oaks of shrub and small tree size disturbed by trails and disturbed borders. County site Eco 32- Indust_rial Scrub 9 43-45-20-4 6.2 D Dense stand of Melaleuca, Australian Pine and Brazilian Pepper, plus ~rass 10 43 45-30-1 21.6 D Melaleuca and other exotics 11 43-45-20-5 17.1 D Former Pine Flatwoods now. covered with 12 43-45-29-1 59.7 A 3 parcels. Disturbed Pine Flatwoods, Florida Scrub and open ~rass 13 43-45-32-1 25 A South of Woolbright Road. Pine Flatwooda and open grassy area. County site Eeo-70 S 1-95 RR comdor 14 43-45-32,3 24.1 A Continuation of Site 13 15 43-46-05-1 7 B Small disturbed Pine Flat'wood ecotone with Florida Scrub. Caloosa Park 16 43.45-31-1 22.4 C Disturbed Pine Flatwooda with exotic 20 43-46-05-3 21.8 C Narrow band, apparently mostly Brazilian Pepper 23 43-46-04 7.8 C Cleared and abandoned Florida Scrub; few oaga remain 24 43464)4-4 8.7 C Pine Flatwoods ecotone with Florida Scrub, previously cleared strips heavily over~rown with vi~_ E~dnn~ered species = i 25 43-46-04-3 50.4 A Florida'Scrub and ecotone with Pine Flatwoods. County site Eeo-29 Seacrest Scrub. l~nda~__gered species = 12 26 43-46-04-2 11 C Man~rove about 2 acres, 8 acres ~'ass~, more than hal_f developed 27 43-45-34 4.5 B Beach and strand with expected species. Dune back is landscaped, rates "D". Endangered'species -- 1 28 4345-33-3 2.9 A Man~m'ove with about I acre 29 4345-33-2 6 A Mangrove with western border of disturbed swamp with intermixed ornamema! exotics 32 414.$,,22-3 23.$ A Man~rove; site ~ for, CARL ~_cquisition 35 414~. 16-1 ! 1 B Cleared and partially regenerating Florida Scrub, County site Eco-35 '~'... - . Beymon 20 Ave. Rated "B" due to endangered species, otherwise much ,~:~ disturbed. Endan~_oered ~i~ = 7 36 4~45.,33-1 12.2 B Dis~ Florida Scrub, County site E¢O-29 N Boynton Water Tower. Endangered species = 2 37 43-45-09-4 12.5 A Florida Scrub. County site Eco- 36 Ro~mary Scrub. Endangered species 38 43-45-09 12.4 D Abandoned man~a srove and Florida Scrub 39 43.45-22 3.2 D Abandoned man,on ~'ove 40 43-45-22 4.3 B Area of secondary growth of black and white mangroves due to tidal flooding and deposition.. Bounded or traver~xt by roadways, little apparent tidal fltmhino Source: City of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element, 1989, pp 22 and 23. 4-4 Endangered and threatened plant and animal species found in Boynton Beach were noted. Examples of animal sp~ic~ noted were the scrub jay and the gopher tortoise. An evaluation was made of each of the "A' and "B" rated sites, which encompassed a discussion of upland wildlife habitat. Marine life habitat was di~ in the Coastal Management Element. Air quality in Boyn. ton Beach was rated good. The prevailing winds, fiat topography, lack of industry and relatively little traffic congestion result in good air quail .ty for an urban area. It was noted that vehicle emission testing x~'as to begin in the Cits' of Bovnton Beach in 1989. Surface water qUaliv,,- was observed to generady meet Class 1II standards adopted by ~e State cf Florida. Pollutant loadings had been associated with urban development and agricultural practices in the western parts of the greater Boynton Beach area. Groundwater conditions had not revealed any contaminants. This topic was discussed in detail in the Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Element. No commercially valuable minerals were identified. Soil erosion was not considered to be a problem. Tberc was no commercial use of natural resources identified. Conservation and recreational usc of natural resources was noted. The City's Boat Club Park and Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park arc two community water-based recreational resources. There were no major managed natural areas in Boynton Beach. Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park is located' in the adjacent community of Ocean Ridge. Duc to thc extent of urban development, no major natural areas rcmain in Boynton Beach greater than 100 acres in size. Development pressure on lands in the western portions of the City were expected to continue. A plan for thc future usc of resources noted a desire to maintain air quality by increasing vehicle occupancy and improving traffic flow. Water quality was proposed to be maintained by continuing to review occupational licenso requests for potential users ofcontaminants. Efforts wer~ t~nended to recreate and/or improve wetland oondifions. Development reviews were r~xnmm~ed to incorporate sensitive design or mitigation practices for sites wbem wetlands occur. Water conservation to minimize overall water consumption was recomm~ded as a high priority. Reduction in the usc of potable water for irrigation was recommended to be implemented through use of"Xeriscape" practices and the possible usc of treated effluent for imgntion. Open space linkages along major transportation corridors was seen as a means to preserve wildlife in Boynton Beach. Stye'al of thc "A" and "B" rated natural' areas were Florida Scrub areas located devclopment~ Loss than 2% of the Florida Scrub lands which once occupied the Atlantic Coastal Ridge rcmaiued at tha time the comprchesmive plan was prepared. ~ation of the remaining areas of Florida Scrub w~ suppofled through thc usc of"conscrvation ovcrlay' on tho Futur~ Land Us~ Map. This ~ .dima/ct reoognia~ the location of"A" rated sites, and was intended to limit site destruction. ~d=mervation sites was r~,ommcnded to be aecomplisl~ by fc~ simple acquisitioa, acqui~~ rights, mitigation strategies, clustering devclopmont, along with preservation of a minimtml ~motmt of native habitat. lntergnv~am~tal ~tion was recognized as an important concern in envh'onment~ preservation. Neighboring municipalities and Palm Beach County woe identified as partners in preservation efforts. Elimination of exoth: veg~aion, landscaping of non-residential sites, and improved land maintenance practices woe identified as continuing conservation efforts. 4-5 Condition of Element at Time Con.~rvation efforts since adoption of the comprehensive plan have focused on preservation of"A" rated saes. 'Th~ comprehensive plan included an objective of preservation of 75% of all "A" rated sites in the City.. Table 4.2 provides a summary of the current status of all "A" rated natural resource sites m Boynton l~ach. TABLE 4.2 STATUS OF "A" RATED NATURAL RESOURCE PRESERVATION SITES Site # Identification Siz~ (ac) Status Ownership 4 Quantum DRi scrub 141.8 Partial preservation,' partial development Public/pvt. 5 Quantum/High Ridge Road 40.1 Partial preservation Public/pvt. 6 Rolling Green Scrub 19 City park, 6 acres planned for preservation Public 7 Galaxy Scrub 9.6 Currently undeveloped, portion of school Public 12 7th Street R-O-W Scrub 59.7 Currently undeveloped, excess R-O-W Public 13 1-95/rr/23rd. Road Comdor 24.1 ~ Currently undeveloped, excess R-O-W Public 14 Continuation of#13 7.0 Currently undeveloped, excess R-O-W Public 25 Seac~i Scrub 50.4 Purehas~ for preservation Public 28 Man~uces C~ Merkel Nursery 2.9 Adjacent to operating orchid nursery Private 29 Mangroves 6 Currently undeveloped Public 30 Man.oyes ~ Boynton Bch. Blvd 23.5 Currently un.ycleped Public 37 Rosemary Scrub 12.5 Preserved through public acquisition Public Total acres, "A" rated sit~ 396.6 igar, 1996 Preservation efforts have been successful in securing the Rosemary Scrub, which is a 12.5 acre "A" rated sited located near thc Quantum Park preservation area, and thc Scacrest Scrub. At the present time, it appears that at least 75% of thc community's "A" rated natural resource sites remain undeveloped. An analysis ofthe site acreages of"A" rated sites listed in Table 4.2 indicates that there is public ownership of 8 sites tototaling 92.8 acres. Not all public ownership is committed to preservation. Permanent · preservation commitments have Ix~ obtained for approximately 685 acres of the public "A' rated acres. However, much thc remaining 102.8 acres of publicly-owned land is available for preservation. Of the 203.8 acres which are in private or public/private ownership, at a minimum, the City's standard for 25% prcservatimt of"A" rat~l sites will govern any land development. As development in the City continues, ifp~ is accomp~ for all public sites and 25% of private "A' sites, approximately 250 acres will b~ ~ This is 62.5% of the "A' rated sites. Policies in th~ comprehensive plan were oriented to recognizing private'development rights on ' preservation sites, and reconciling private development issues with City objectives. Since most of thc preservation sites are owned by public agencies, the policy emphasis on private development rights seems less critical than thc need for intergovernmental coordination to accomplish preservation objectives. AirqUality is monitored by thc Palm Beach County Health Department, Division of Science and Eng~g. Air quality since the adoption of the comprehensive plan has generally Ika;--n evaluated as "good". As repotted by th~ Health Department, in 1992, air quality was rated as "good" more than 90% of the time, and "moderate' thc remainder of the time. Additional information on natural resources was published in thc Lake Worth Lagoon Estua~ Study, prepared for the Department of Natural Resources in December, 1990, with an addendum prepared in 1992. This was prepared as thc first step in creation of' a management plan for thc Lake Worth Estuary. ThcLakc Worth Lagoon has been transformed fi.om a freshwater lake to an cstuarinc area following thc construction of an inlet at thc noah end of thc lake in thc late 1 $00's. Transformations of thc natural ecosystems have been continuous since thc earliest settlements in Palm Beach County. Thc Lake Worth ecosystem, in thc v~cmitv of Boynton Beach, is heavily influenced by thc saltwater inflows fi.om the South Lake Worth Inlet. Thc flushing impact of this inlet has a positive influence on cstuannc waLcr quality. At thc same tUne, drainage ouffalls bring chemicals and sedimcms into thc estuary. Thc principal contributor of pollutants in thc Boynton Beach area is thc C-16 Canal, which conwibutcs about 11% of thc estuaries freshwater inflow and drains both agricultural and urban areas. As Map 4.3 indicates, nearly all of the Lake Worth estuary in the vicimty of Boynton Beach is the result of dredge activity. Fill activities have created much of the shoreline noah of from the Boynton Canal northward. Depths in the Boynton Beach portion of the waterway are gcncrally shallow (I-2 meters) outside the dredged channel. The bottom is sand. Although most larger public utilities no longer discharge effluent into the estuary, two contributing point sources of pollution were noted in the vicinity of Boynton Beach. The combined permitted discharge fi.om sewage treatment plants at two condominiums, Wellington Arms and Maisonettes South, is .25 million gallons per day. These facilities are located on the barrier island between the Boynton Beach Canal and Ocean Avenue. The Lake Worth Lagoon report notes the importance of non-point source flows to water quality. Although much of thc adjacent development occun'ed prior to imposition of on-site detcntion requirements, overall estuarine water quality was rated at the "good" end of the overall Trophic State Index in recent years. Map 4.4 shows outfall locations in Boynton Beach. The comprehensive plan has several objectives and policies which relate to retrofit of stormwater outfalis. Although a retrofit program has not yet been implemented, the importance of retrofit to improvement of water quality is supported by the results of this study. As shown on Map 4.5, abundant sea grass growth has been established in the estuary north of the Boynton Inlet., although little growth was noted in the immediate vicinity of Boynton Beach. An -" inventory of fish species indicated that 78 species were observed just inside the mouth of the inlet. This extensive inventory was exceeded only by the count of species noted off Munyon Island at the northern end of the study area. Endangered and threatened species observed are indicated on Map 4.6, and manatee locatioa data is shown on Map 4.7. Five ~eslm~tion sites were noted in the Boynton Beach area, as shown on Map 4.8. Site 16 is the Boynlml.~ Boat Civi~: Park, which was recommended for 600 linear feet of shoreline restoration. Beer C~ (site 17) and Ocean Inlet Park (site 18) arc recommended for shoreline restoration, as are the Oce~ ~ and Boynton Beach Mangrove Areas (site 19) and the County owned mangrove preserve (site 20) on the barrier island east of Boynton Beach. Parallel efforts to further intergovernmental coordination in removal of exotic vegetation has been proceeding. Thc South Florida Water Management District has held several public hearings on a proposed nde to set ratios of mitigation credits to he applied in support of the objective of removal of exotic species. Participation in this program would allow landowners to enter into a consent agreement with the District to implement an approved melaleuca removal plan. At the same time as the District's consideration of the proposed rule, legislation is being considered which would supersede the District's 4-7 SUBNtERGED LANDS HAVE BEEN ADAPTED FROM VINES, W.R., 1970, SURFACE ~FATERS, SUBMERGED LANDS, AND WATERFRONT LAA'~S FOR AREA ~LANNtNG BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, FIGURE 7 ~ER CAN ISLAND BOYI~"I'ON CANAL (C-16) ~- OCEAN AVENI~ BRIDGE Lake Worth Estuary - Dredged and Filled Areas Source: Palm Beach County. Department of Environmental Resources Management 4-8 SOUTH LAI~ ~'ORTH INLET Map 4.3 F LEGE OUTFALL SIZE ,~ SMALL (< 24" D~AMETER) e MEDIUM (2 24"-47" DIAMETER) · LARGE (~. 4-8" DIAMETER) e POINT SOURCE o UNDET£2MfNED DIAMETER eOYNTON C~U~,tL (C-16) · '~ BEER CAN / i ~'~ INLET MNSONETTES SOUTH INC. CON00 WE'LUNGTON ARMS CONDO WWTI~ i~: OCEAN AVENLrE BRIDGE / t,.-. I Worth £$tu~r~. $oum~ Ouff~ll$' Source: Palm Beaeh COUnty D~artm~nt of l~-nvironmental Resourees Management Map 4.4 4-9 BOYNTON CANAL (C-16) · -. --SOUTH LAKE WORTH INLET OCEAN AVEN~E BRIDGE Lake Worth Estuary - Submerged Natural Resources SourCe: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Be~ources Management Map 4.5 4-10 F // BEER CAN ISLAND* SOUTH I..4,I/3/2 WORTH INLET BOYNTON CANAL (C- OCEAN AVENUE BRIDGE Lake Worth Estuary - Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Species Source: Palm Be&ch Count~ Department or Environmental Resources Minljement 4-11 Map 4.6 LEGEND SPECIES PLANTS Ac~'ost~chzrn~ =~e~m- Golden Leather Fern AC~OSt~cltusT~ ~?t~/OZ~S?t- Giant Lea~her Fern ~ ~9~ - Dildo Cactus C~o~vllum o~i~/~e - Satin Leaf ~c~ ~mp~ - ButteHly Orchid ~p~oglos~ ~gum - Hand Fern ~u~t~ ~{~ - Twistspine Prickly Pear ~t~ 3t~tG -- PrickJy Pear P~lebo~u~ ~ - Ca~a~e Pal~ Fern P~lo~ ~u~ - Whisk 7em ~~ ~z~eZ~ - ~o~ Leaf Wild Pine Vttt~ Z~t~ - Shoes~rin9 ~ern 14 VERTEBRATES MAMMALS :TYicAec"u~ rn~t~ Z~t~s'ost~ - West Indian Manatee REPTILES 15 C~'ettG c~'ett~ c~rett~ - Loggerhead Turtle 16 CAelo~ m. Vd~.s ~rt.~/d~ - Green Turtle 17 Go~h4,m~ ~ol~rp/te'm.t~s - Gopher Tortoise 18 ~h~t cm'e~ co~pe~ - Indigo Snake STATUS E T T E T E T T T T T T E T £ SSC SSC BIRDS (W) 19 A,~aia G~G~G - Roseate Spoonbill SSC (w) 20 ArGT~S ~ll~GTLG - Limpkin SSC 21 C~od~ ~- Great Egret SSC (w) 22 C~~ ~Jod~- Pipin~ Plover T (W) 23 ff~ett~ ~/e~c~ - Reddish Egret SSC (w) 24 ff~ett4 t~G - Sno~ Egret SSC (w) 25 Eg~ettG t~oi~ - Tricolored Heron SSC (W) 26 ff~tt4 e~eG - ~tle Blue Heron S$C (w) 27 ~~ ~ _ White Ibis SSC 28 F~co p~~ t~ - Arctic Peregrine Falcon E 29 H~t~ p~ - ~eHcan ~ercatcher SSC (w) ~0 ~et~ W~e4 - Yellow-crown~ Night ~ron SSC (W) 31 ~c~ ~~ - Black-~wned Night ~ron SSC 32 P~ ~~ - Osprey SSC ~ Pelee~ ee~~ . Br~n Pelican SSC (w) 34 PIeE~ ~~ - Glossy ibis SSC 35 Et~ ~ -Lea~ Tern T 36 F(~o ~~ - Black-~isker~ ~ R AMPHIBIANS (none) Cr~mH[s 37 .e~.~ Ima~/,maz~ - Common Snook 38 O~e .i?~4../~_ ~J~4t~.-.~ - Spo~aii _~ ~ - Opossum Pip~sh SSt SSC R SSC ::i~ ' WADING BIRD GROUP :~. I Endangered T m Thn~ltened R - Rare SSC = Species of Special Concern The status of the above lis~ecl plant and animal species was determined by one or more of the following agencies and/or publications: Florida Game and Freshwater I~sh Commission; Un,Led States F~sh and Wildlife Service; Florida Deparlment of Agriculture: Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida (Pritchard Series) Lak.e. Worth Estuary - Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Species Souroe. Palm Beach County. Department or Environmental Resources Manelemeat 4-12 Map 4.6a F SOUTH LAKE WOETH INLET BOYNTON CANAL BOYNTON BEACH RI.VD OCEAN AVENUE S~illli~kl~; AUGUST 1990 - ,~OVKM~rR ~991 ~ ~G~TiNG3 GCCURR~ IN M~CH. APRIL ~4D MAY ~ ~::~{TINGS C~CU~R[NG IN JU:;~. JULY ~D AUGUST ~ , ~ $IGHTiNG~ OCCL'RR{NG IN SSPTEM~R. O~O~ZR AND NOVEMbeR NL'MB~R Or ADULT I~ANAT~ SiGhTED =.. NUMe~R OF ADULT MANAT~S - NUMBER OF CALVES SIGH'r~D l Lake Worth Estuary - Manatee Survey Location Data Source: Palm Beach Coanty Dep~rtment or Environmental Resources Manalement 4-13 Map 4.7 F B0'fNTON CANAL (C-16)· ] BEER CAN ISLAND SOUTH LAKE WORTH INLET OCEAN AVENI~E BRIDGE Lake Worth Estuary - Habitat Restoration Project Areas Source: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management 4-14 Figure 4.8 LEGEND PROJECT NO. PROJECT MACARTHUR STATE PARK AREA Q PALM B:-ACH 15LES - HOLE Q PEANUT, ISLAND Q N. LAKEWAY DRIVE - PALM BEACH Q WEST PALM BEACH BULKHEAD Q ROYAL PARK BRIDGE - HOLE Q SOUTHERN BOULEVARD BRIDGE - NW SHORE Q PALM BEACH ISLANDS Q SOUTHERN BOULEVARD BRIDGE - HOLE (~ OCEAN AVENUE - PHIPPS OCEAN PARK VICINITY C-51 SHORELINE LAKE WORTH GOLF COURSE OCEAN AVENUE - SOUTH PALM BEACH @ @ © 0 HALF MOON BAY - HOLE HYPOLUXO ISLAND SPIT BOYNTON BEACH BOAT CLUB PARK BEER CAN ISLAND OCEAN INLET PARK PROJECT TYPE SHORELINE PLANTINGS?RiP Ri ARTIFICIAL RE.--F SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP Re SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP R~ RiP RAP ARTIFICIAL REEF SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP R/ SHORELINE PLANTINGS ARTIFICIAL REEF SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP R/ SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP R~ SHORELINE PLANTINGS, ~ Ri SHORELINE PLANTINOS/.~P R/ ARTIFICIAL REEF SHORELINE PLANTINGS SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP Ri SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP R/ SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP Ri OCEAN RIDGE AND BOYNTON BEACH MANGROVE AREAS RIP RAP COfiINTY-OWNED MANGROVE PRESERVE SHORELINE PLANTINGS/RIP R~ Lake Worth Estuary. Habitat Restoration Project Areas Source: Palm Beach County Depart of Environmental Resourees Manag~meat 4-14a Figure 4.8; rule. City support of the concept of mitigation credits f°r removal of exotic vegetation is consistent with the comprelm~ive plan. C. Surntnary of Condition and Quality of NatUral Resources The condition of natural resources in Bo,~mon Beach appears to have been maintained since adoption of the Conservation Element. Air quality and water quality, have been maintained since plan adoption. There have been no new industrial expansions or establishments which xvould be expected to reduce air quality. No new surface water point sources of pollution have been permitted. However, the Conservation Element recommended improving water quality by treatment of storm water prior to discharge. This was to have been accomplished by retrofitting stormwater outfalls and eliminating use of septic systems in the service area, These actions were to have been cooperative efforts between the Cit~ and other governmental entities, either the Department of Transportation, Palm Beach Cout~ty, or the Town of Ocean Ridge. These objectives have not been achieved. Extensive inventory studies were conducted to delineate preservation areas in preparation of the comprehensive plan, Due to the lack of disturbance on designated sites, it was assumed that wildlife species previously identified have not been significantly diminished. D. Impacts on Environmentally Sensitive Areas Development in Boynton Beach since adoption of the comprehensive plan has focused on the Congress Avenue corridor. There were no identified environmentally sensitive areas in this area; thus, development has been able to proceed without disturbing recognized natural habitats or wetlands. Environmentally sensitive areas.were designated in the Conservation Element, and ranked "A" through "D" depending on significance. Due to the extent of prior development in the City, there are few natural areas left in Boynton Beach. Most of the "A" rated sites are owned by governmental entities. Other"A" rated sites noted in the Plan are owned by other governmental entities with no plans for use; however, agencies such as the Depot of Transportation do not have active programs for stewardship of 4-15 -i 4-16 '4-17 4-1it F. Effec~ of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 F.I State Comprehensive Plan The. 1993 v~'~ion of the State Comprehensive Plan includes a new goal under (6) Health, to achieve an environment that supports a healthy population. Policies under that goal address the right to drink pure water and breath clean air, monitoring and regulating activities that impact air and water qualim and ensuring that tutu. re grox~lh does not affect the environment in a manner that xs~ll adversely aff~ct the health of' the population. The Bosnton Beach Conservation Element as adopted includes goals which address air and water quality, and is considered consistent with the amendments to the State Comprehensive Plan which relate to public health. A section on Agriculture was also added to include a policy to eliminate the discharge of inadequately treated stormwater into waters of the state. Agricultural runoff affects the Bo,~nton Beach Canal, and was identified in the Lake Worth Lagoon Estuary Study as a contributor to re~luced water quality. Policies in the Bo.vnton Beach Conservation element will be revised to provide increased support for this state plan goal. Although implementation of the requirement to reduce the harmful impact of agricultural runoffwill be accomplished by Palm Beach County, the City may wish to add a policy supporting this objective. F.2 Chapter 163.F.S. There have been no changes to Chapter 163 which amend the requirements for the local conservation element. F.3 Strategic Regional Policy Plan Section 5. Natural Resources Regional Goal 5.2 A regional water supply managed to provide for all recognized needs on a sustainable basis. Thc Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan is generally consistent with and furthers this goal and policies. ~, Regional Goal 5.3 Protection of water quality and quantity. The Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan is generally consistent with and furthers this goal and policies. Regional ~ $.S Protection ofestuarine areas. Thc Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan is consi~ and ~ this goal and policies as they relate to the Lake Worth Lagoon. Regional ~ $.6 Protection of wetlands and deep water habitats..The Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan is consistent with and furthers this goal and policies as they relate to the Lake Worth Lagoon. Additional policies to implement the Lake Worth Lagoon Estuary Study have been recommended. F.4. Chapter 9J-5, F.A.C. Chapter 9J-5 rcquires thc Cons'aWation Element to includ~ an identification and analysis of groundwater resources. The Boynton Beach Conservation Element currently provides this identification and analysis. 4-19 The requirement to include identification and analysis of fish and shellfish communities will be addressed through inclusion of relevant information from the Lake Worth Lagoon Estuary Stud.,,', which will be presented as an amendment to the data and analysis. This study provided information on pollutant discharge. Although no specific concentrations of hazardous materials were noted, information regarding pollutant discharges will be included in the Conservation Element. Objective 4.2. a'hich addresses water qualiw, requires protection of waters which flow into the [ntracoastal Wate~x ax' Thcrcfore. this objective meets the r~viscd :equ,rement to [_'re:~ct water quali~' of resources winch flow into estuannc or occamc ~vatcrs. Obj¢cu'~'¢s and polic~cs tn the Cons~r;aucn Element address protection of water quality from the adverse effects of land use through implementation of the Wellfield Protection Ordinance and related policies. These safeguards are consistent with the revised requirements for water quality, protection from adverse land uses and hazardous waste. Wetland protection and conservation is addressed by Objective 4.3 and related policies; therefore, the Boynton Beach Conservation Element is consistent with recently-amended requirements. Recommended Plan Amendments and Need for New Actions Specific recommendations for plan amendments are included in the Objectives Achievement Matrix and in the discussion of the effect of statutow and rule changes since 1989. It appears that the community's objective of preserving at least 75% of"A" rated natural resource areas has been met. However, approximately 25% of the designated "A" sites are preserved by virtue of being remainder parcels owned by other government agencies, but not used for public purposes at the present time. It may be appropriate for the City of Boynton Beach to refine the preservation objective and policies to take a more active stance in managing these sites, and securing permanent preservation agreements. The Florida Department of Transportation owns approximately 93 acres of land designated as "A' preservation sites in the vicimty of 1-95, and 213 acres of mangroves at the eastern end of Boynton Beach Boulevard. Closer coordination between the City and the FDOT allow management of these sites. Additional efforts to improve environmental resources through intergovernmental coordination should be considered in preparing comprehensive plan amendments. Management of environmental areas owned by the drainage district, inlet district, and other governmental' agencies generally has been consistent with the City's conservation objectives. Continued cooperation should be encouraged. Collection of the effluent from the condominiums on the bamer island which are currently served by package treatment plants would improve water quality in the Lake Worth Lagoon. Implementation of the new State requirement to address th~ hal'mful impact of agricultural runoff will be accomplished by Palm Beach County, the City may ~:,l!dd · policy supportin~ this objective. 4-20 RECREATION AND OPEN spACE A. Condition of Element at Time of Adoption The Recreation and Open Space Element included definitions of recreation and open space categories, an inventory of all open space and recreation facilities in Boynton Beach, and an analysis of facility needs. Recommendations were made tbr parks and facility expansion. Facilities were classified according to their size, population served, and service area. Classifications included: Mini parks were less than 2 acres in size. They were intended to serve 500-1,000 people, with a service radius of less than 1/4 mile. Mini parks are generally located within neighborhoods, and frequently include children's play apparatus. Neighborhood parks were generally 5 acres in size, with a service level of 2.5 acres per 1,000 population. The City was divided into 20 areas for analysis of neighborhood park needs. Facilities .typically include playgrounds, small court facilities, and open space. Pedestrian accessibility to residents is more important than the size of the service area. SChool recreation facilities function effectively as neighborhood parks. Neighborhood park planning areas are shown on Map 5.1. This is consistent with the commumty school program, an ongoing cooperative effort between the City and the Palm Beach County School Board. Congress Community Middle School was Boynton's community school. Elementary schools planned for construction west of' Congress Avenue were planned to include shared recreation facilities. District parks had larger service area than neighborhood parks. The minimum standard for district parks was 2.5 acres per 1,000 population, with a minimum size of 10 acres. Typical facilities at district parks included lighted ball diamonds, boat ramps, swimming pools, beaches, fishing areas, and beaches. Additional neighborhood recreation facilities, such as playground apparatus or basketball courts are often included. District' parks located outside the City limits, but which provided service to Boynton Beach residents, were included in the City's needs analysis. Regional parks were resource-based facilities, which included space for activities such as camping, hiking and picnic-king. Regional parks are generally planned to serve approximately 50,000 people,' at facilities of 100 or more acres. Palm Beach County was attempting to provide regional parks at a ratio °f7 acres per 1,000 population. Regional parks located outside the City limits, but which provided service to Boynton Beach residents, were included in the City's needs analysis. The combined~!0fsowice (City and County) for parks was 12 acres per 1,000 population. A nationally accepted ~ patios is 10 acres per 1,000 population. Based on national standards, Boynton Beach needed 492 ~irpatk land in 1989, with a projected demand for 640 acres in 1995. The City maintained a park inventol~Of $0 aer~ of developed parks; however, when school facilities, regional parks and' adjacent facilities were considered, the effective inventory of park land grew to over 1,000 acres. Thus, the overall standard for park land acreage was considered to be met. However, the application of service radii indicated that the City had a deficiency in neighborhood parks in several areas. Existing and planned park sites are shown in the following table. 5-1 Planning Areea Boundariea City B~ndlriel Neighborhood Park Planning Areas. 1987 Source: Bo~nto~ Beach Comprebenske ~ II'P I I City of Ooynton Beach ?l._ln_.ning De;Irtment 4/87 Map 5.1 TABLE S.l EXISTING AND PLANNED PARK SITES, 1989 Nmue Size (acres) Total acres Classification Existin8 Bice.~;,,nial 1.0 Mini , City Hibi~;us 0.5 Mini Parks Laurel Hills 1.5 Mini Cessna Square 0.4 Mini Veterans 0~4 Subtotal, acres 3.8 Barton Memorial 5.7 Neishborhood Forest Hills 3.7 Neighborhood Galax'v 4.0 Neighborhood Sa,vc~ 5.0 Neighborhood Pence 3.1 Neighborhood Pioneer Canal 2.5 Neighborhood Rolling Green 2.7 Neighborho~xl Sam Sims 4.0 Neishborhood Wilson 3.5 Ncighborhocd ~Subtotal. acres 34.2 Boat Club 9.1 District Caloosa (County,) 68.0 District Civic Center 8.0 District Congress Ave. Community, 5.0 District Little League 11.0 ' District Ocean Front 1.2'.0 District Subtotai~ acres 113.1 TOTAL PARKS IN CITY 151.1 Schoui Congress Communil~ Middle 13.0 District Facilities Forest Park Elementary 4.0 Nei~ahborhood Galaxy Elementary 5.0 Nei~hborh, ood Rollin~ Crr~-n Elementary, 8.0 N~ghborhood Subtotal~ acres 3000 Sl~ial i Mad~n Senior Center {Civic) n/a Sp~ial use Fa~iliti~ Municipal Golf Course ! 50.00 S~ial use Royal Palm Clubhous~ O. 1 Sp¢¢__,_',_! use Subtotal, acres 150.1 Adjacent Atlantic High Communi~ 2.5 District Facilities Aqua Crest Pool 1.0 Spec__in_! Use Boynl0a Inlet 4.4 District CJUlfllll8~ 3.5 District ~~. ~ Mmnodal Park 263.0 Regional ~Club n/a Ldb~' 210.0 R~ional ~ 243.0 Regional · Morikami 13.0 R_~ionai Santaluces High Sghool 13.0 District Lake Worth In~ District 2.6 District Subtotal, acre.~ 756.0 TOTAL RECREATION ACRES 1087.2 5-3 N~me Size (acres) Total acres Classification Planned Bovnton I. adc~s Ek:dication 8.1 Neighborhood Park Cong/r{~ Ave. Communi~ 20.0 District Sites and Elcn,~ntm3/School "P" 5.0 Neighborhood improve- Elem~nta~ School "Q" 5.0 Neighborhood meats Oifl Scout Park 5.0 Neiahborhood .ravcee Park rx a Nci~hborhot:d Klatt Propem'* 2.0 Nc~ghborhcxxl Knollwood Grove' 5.0 Ncighborho<<l Lake Bo,mton Estate*, :5.0 Neighborhood Little League Storage Building Wa Neighborhotxl Meadows 300 Dextie~tion # ! 4.0 District Meadows 300 Dedication #2 7.0 Neighborhood Multi-purposo facili~ n/a Neighborhood North District Park 20.3 District Pioneer Canal Expansion 0.4 District Quantum Park Dedication 17.0 District Rolling Oreen School Improvement 0.6, Neighborhood S. Scacr~st Blvd.* 5.0 Neighborhood Sand & Sea Mobile Homes* 6.0 Neighborhood Sam Sims Expansion 0.4 Neighborhood Intracoastal Pumhaso 10.0 District Wilson PL,4c Expansion Ama 0.7 Neil~hborhood Subtotal Planned Sites 125. 5 Potential .Bovnton Can&l at. ~rest Bird, 7.8 Neighborhood Pm'k Cogen Prolm~ 3.2 · N~ighborhood Sit~ FP&L 5.0 Neighborhood Lanehmt Subdivision 3.0 Neighborhood Mangrove lh~-~'rv¢ 21.8 Sp0eial Uso NE 4th,Strut :5.0. Neighborhood NE 6th Aventm 0.4 Mini NE 10th Avenue 0.6 Mini Nicklcs Boulevard :5.0 Neighborhood Ni~lcim Boulev~d District Oq:~n Rid~ I-Iammoek 6.0 District Ro~-mm3t ~crub :5.0 ' : Neighborhood SE 2nd Strut 4.9 , Neighborhood ' SE 21~t Strut 1.0 Mini SW l~t Avenue 1.9 , Mini #list f~ll~ A,~mle :1.7 Mini Source: ~:~ ~ ~v~ Plan, Parks and Recreation Element, 1989 pages 7 and 8. Privately provki~ recreation fac:ilitios were comid~ when dem'mining neighborhood park demand. Equivalent r~rr~Sion f~iliti~s ~ defin~ as those having two or mom r~xeation facilities which wer~ typically found in a n~ighborhood park, or open space and one additional f~ility. Ifth~ area serve~l contained ovg 40% ofth~ population in family households, one ofth~ two facilities must be the t3,.la¢ typically used by children. For developed areas seeking annexation, thc level of service was assumed to be that which 5-4 prevailed at the time of annexation. Map 5.2 Shows the location of sites included in the recreation and open space inventor. Analysis of service areas, "Neighborhood Park Planning Areas," revealed that mini parks were needed m the area between 1-95 and the Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) tracks. Areas #11, #13, #15 and #17 were considered deficient. Although they. contained neighborhood parks, either these facilities were not centrally located or were not adequate to serve large planning areas. An analysis of land in these neighborhoods revealed that there were suitable undeveloped sites m neighborhoods # 11 and/~ 17 which could be acquired for park use. Areas # 13 and # 15 did not contain undeveloped candidate park sites. Area # 11 contained an adequate number of current and planned facilities; however, these facilities were located outside the maximum wa 'lking distance of I mile for the population served. Area # 13 had adequate parks within acceptable walking distances; however, these facilities were all located on the same side of Seacrest Boulevard. Park facilities were needed to eliminate the need for children to cross this 4 lane arterial road. Area # 15 had an adequate number of parks; however, the walking distance was considered to exceed thc desired standard. A similar condition existed in neighborhood # 17. In 1989, it was determined that 24,483 persons were not served by private neighborhood parks. By the build- out year, it was projected that 36,713 persons would not be served by private neighborhood parks. Assuming that all planned and potential parks were available, approximately 80% of the commumty's residents will live in neighborhoods that meet both size and distance standards for neighborhood parks. Due to the small size of some neighborhoods, it will not be practical to provide neighborhood parks within the desired walking standard. The comprehensive plan stated that an adequate supply of district park land was provided at the time of comprehensive plan adoption. A~uming all planned and potential parks are acquired, the supply of district park land will be nearly adequate to serve the projected population in the year 2010. A deficit of only 3.07 acres was projected; however, this is less than 2% oftbe total planned acreage m this category. Adequacy of regional park supply was determined using the Palm Beach County standard of 7 acres per thousand and a service radius of 5 acres for active facilities and 10 acres for passive facilities, it was determined that the Lake Ida and John Prince Memorial Parks provide adequate acreage for Boynton Beach through the year 1995. ff Morikami and Okeeheelee Parks, which are located within 10 and 15 miles (respectively) fi.om the City are considered, the City's regional park needs through the year 2010 can be Level of service standards were established for 18 types of facilities, as indicated in Table 5.2. These standards indicated that Boynton Beach had an adequate number of ail facilities at the thne of plan adoption. A deficit of 3 bolt ramps was projected by 1995, and a deficit of boat ramps and combination of ball fields was projected~ year 2000. Special city-wide facilities considered for inclusion were a gymnasium and a golf course. ~ of City resioents indicated a desire for additional beach access, playgrounds, and fimess trails.~.:-:' 5-5 --i D District Park N 'Neighborhood Park M Mini Park SP School Park A Adjacent Park AS Adjacent School PIrk SU Special uso Park Recreation and Open Space Inventory - 1987 Source:. Boyntou Bem:h COmprehensive Phu :%6 A30 City of 8o_y_ nton 8eac~ .Pf_ln..ning u®partmont 4/8? Map 5.2 .~ D44 .-- Planned Park Site Potential Perk 'Site Planned Site, to be Dedicated et Late Date Recreation and Open Space Inventory - 1987 Source: Bo~ntoa Beach Comprehensive PLtn / City of 8oyflton Beach .Pl_en..ning C)ep~rtment 4/87 Map 5.2a TABLE 5.2 RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS ANALYSIS (REVISED) Facility Standard I Demand (1990) Supply (1990) 1990 Surplus (deficit) Baseball/soft., youlh 1 / i 7,500 4 4 0 Baseball, resulation !/35,000 2 2 0 Basketball courts I, 3000 21 25 4 Beach t¥ontage i 5.- 1000 .. 945 1362.5 ,~ 17.5 - Boat Ramps 1/7500 9 I0 I ~- Community. centers 1/25,000 3 3 0 Fitness trails 10/10,000 63 70 7 * Football/soccer fields I/40,000 2 8 6 - Golf 1/30,000 2 2.5 0.5 ~- Handball/Racquet courts 1/10,000 6 16 10 ~- Picnic areas 1/6000 11 1 $ 7 ~ Playgrounds !/4000 16 20 4 ~- Practice fields i/10,000 6 7 I + Combination fields 1/12,000 5 . 6 I + Special Rec. centers n/a n/a n/a n/a Shuffleboard ceurts 1/2750 23 24 I ~' Swimming pools 1/40,000 2 2.8 0.8 + Tennis courts 1~000 32 :53 21 + Source: City ofl3oynton Beth Comprehensive Plan, Recreation and Open Space Element, Rev 1990, pa! ," 26 Recreation for special groups, including the elderly and the handicapped, was considered. These were considered to have an impact on indoor recreation sites. However, it was noted that many residential commumties meet the need for elder recreation on-site. An inventory of private recreation facilities was included. Private facilities were noted to be meeting .~ important sectors of recreational demand, for facilities such as tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, playgrounds, jogging areas, and swimming pools. It was estimated'that by 1995, nearly 50,000 residents will have access to private swimming pools, and over 2g,000 residents will have access to private tenms courts. Similar supply conditions existed for private recreation areas. It was reeoemmnldnd that tl~ City increase the use of publicly-owned park lands. At the time of plan adoption, rigid. ~'~56 ~ of City park land which had not been .d~v. eloped. Development of this acreage was projegted~ the park inventory by 56%. Additional num parks were r .e.c~.m..m.....e.nded to be added in neigh~g areas #8, # 11, # 13, # 15, and # 17. Increased use of school facihues was recommend~ '~~ boat ramps and combination fields were recommended to be programmed for construction. Site-specific facility recommendations are included in Table 5.3 5-8 TABLE 5_t PARK DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, 1989 Park $izC Recommended Improvement Type Planned goyn, ton Lakes Dedication 8.1 Mid-rahs, development (1995) Neighbochood Park Sites Conlg¢-~ Ave. Community 20.0 Racquet center, picnic, playgrounds, mini-golf, fitness District and Improve- Elementa~. School "P" 5.0 Playground. at a minimum Neighborhood - mcnts Elcmenta~' School "Q" 5.0 Playground. at a minimum Neighborhood - Girl Scout Park 5.0 Mid-range development (1995), possible boat ramps Neighborhocai Jaycee Park r~/a Try to have relinquished as ~poii site; add boat ramps Neighborhood Klatt Property* 5.0 Dedication pending Neighborhood Knollwond Groves* 5.0 Dedication pending Neighborhood Lake Boynton Estates* 5.0 Dedication pending, per court stipulatlon_ s Neighborhood Little League Storage Building rt/a None Neighborhood Meadows 300 Dedication # 1 4.0 Mid-range development (199:5) District Meadows 300 Dedication #2 7.0 MM-range development (1995) Neighborhoed Multi-purpose facility n/a Multi-purpose rooms, 2 tennis courts, playground Neighborhood North District Park 20.3 Multi-purpose center, play field, picnic, tennis District Pioneer Canal Expansion 0.4 Parking and picnic area District Quantum Park Dedication 17.0 Pr, fen'ed site for combination field_, mid-range District Rolling Green School Improvement 0.6 Two tennis and two racquetball_ courts by year 2000 Neighborhood' S. Sea:rest Blvd.* 5.0 Preserve a portion of scrub habitat Neighborhood Sand & Sea Mobile Homes* 6.0 Redevelopment and ded'_w-a_fion__ not yet .prop,~a Neighborhood Sara Sims Expansion 0.4 Landscaping, 2 basketball courts, 2 __raoq_ ~L_m~_hnll courts, Neighborhood Imrae, oastai Purchase 10.0 Passive park, amphitbe~Ler, District Wilson Park Expansion Area 0.7 Playground, bask_ _et_~l! coum Neighborhood Potential Boynton Canal at Seacrest Blvd. 7.8 Playground, pienk:, Neighborhood Park Sites Co$~n Property 3.2 Passive recreation Neighborhood FP&L 5.0 Neighborhood recreation, possible _hoe__t_ ramps Neighborhood Lan, hart Subdivision 3.0 Playground, fishing ckx:ks Neighborhood Mangrove · Preserve 21.8 Nature study' S~,~_ ;i~ Use NE 6th Avenue 0.4 Not &fined Mini NE 10th Avenue 0.6 Not defined Mini Niddes Boulevard 5.0 Neighborhood and/or Neighborhood NeJdm ~ Distriot park District Oelm. Rid~ Hammock 6.0 Develop some __~e~__h ___-ceeb_. ,,,~.,i_~.__ sh,, _me ~ District ~5emb 5.0 Preserve scrub habitat; provide _r,4__'g.hborbood.___ rec. Neighborhood ~sset 4.9 Mid-range development (1995) Neighborhood ~r~ A~ I '0 ' Not defined Mini SW I st Avenue 1.9 Not defined Mini SW 6th Avenue 1.7 Not defined Mini e: City of Boynton Beagh Comprehensive Plan. Recreation and Open Space Element, 1989, pages 42-48. 5-9 R ~ondition of Element at time of EAR and Inventory of Sites and Facilities The overall park ~ in Boynton Beach has changed slightly since adoption of the comprehensive plan. TABLE 5.4 EXISTING AND PLANNED PARK SITES, 1996 Name Size (acres) Change since 1987 Total acres Classification Existing BIcentennial . , 1.0 , Mini City Parks Hibiscus 0.5 Mira Laurel Hills 1.5 Mini E.F. Harmening, 0,4 Mini Kids Kingdom '0.4 +0.4 Mini Heritage Park 0.2 +~.4 Mini Veterans 0.4 Mini Subtotai~ acres *0.8 4.6 Neighborho~l Barton Memorial 5.7 . Bovnton Lakes , 8.0 -8.0 Neighborhood Forest Hills 3.7 Neighborhood Galaxy 4.0 Neighborhood Savc~ 5.0 Neighborhood Meadows 7.0 +7.0 Neighborhood Palmetto Crre~ns i 2.5 +2.5 Neighborhood pence 3.1 · Neighborhmad Pioneer Canal 2.5 Neilahborho~d Rolling Omen School , 8.0 +53 Neighborhood Wilson 3.5 Neighborhood Subtotai~ acr~ . , +40.3 74.5 Boat Club · 9.5 , +.4 District Caloosa (County,} 680 ' District Civic Center ' 4.0 -4.0 District Cong~ Ave. Communi~ 5.0 District Little Le~ue 11.0 District Ezell Hester ' ' 23.0 +23.0 District Ocean Front 12.0 , : District -=' Subtotal~ acres : +19.4 132.~ TOTAL PARKS IN CT[n[. , +60.5 ' 211.6, School Congr~ Community Middk 13.0 , District Facilities Forest Park Elementm~ , ' 4.0 Neighborhood Galaxy Elementary i ' 5.0 ' Neighborhood Citr~ Co~ 5.0 +5.0 ' Neighborhood Ro~nm~ Eknngntnty: 2.0 -8.0 : Neighborhood ~'~.~sneomV 0.2 z , ~ Nei,~hborhood $iil~,,~m , .' ' .~.o 2:0 sp~:ia . ~ ~ e..~ (ci,,~? ; 2.0 +2.o spa:iai u~ Facilities Munki[~ (kdfCou~ : , 150.00 I ' ' Special use Art and Aotivitv C~nt~r : 2.0 +2.0 Special use Royal Palm Clubhouse ' O. 1 , Sf~aial use ' Sea crest Scrub , 50 +5.0 Rosemary Scrub 12.5 +!2. 5 Sara Sims 4.0 Neighborhood 5-10 Name Size (acres) Change since 198'/ Total acres ClassifKation Adjacent ~ tl,,,ti,, g.~'i_a h F~cilities /s ~,.. t',,.,, P~qi I fl l::~nta~n fnl,-t A A l~iettif,t Subtotal, acres 756.0 TOT~ ~C~TION AC~S I097.2 Plmn~ Con,ross Ave. Communl~ 20~9 District snd 3ave~ Park ~prove- Klau Pro~* ~-9 Neiuh~rh~ men~ Knollw~ ~rove~autiea Sound 5 0 Neiuh~rh~ Li~le League Sto~e Buildin~ ~'~ Nei~h~rh~ Meadows 3~ ~dieatio~ ~ l 4 9 Dist~et Pion~r Canal Exuansion 9,4 Dis~fi~l Omnmm Pa~ ~ieation l ~,9 ~stfict Intm~s~ ~ha~ 19.9 ~s~e~ ~n~w ~rdw~ik WI S~i&i U~ Subtotal Planned Sit~s ~4, 4 Potenfifl Sand & ~ Mobile Hom~ (d~.) 6.0 * ! ,9 Neiuh~rh~ P~k Sit~ Wil~ P~ Ex~n~i~ ~ 9,7 ~,7 Neiuh~ ~&L · ~,9 N~uh~rh~ ~nehaa SuMivision 3.0 N~uh~ ~ 4th St~ ~,0 Nci~h~ ~ ~ 6th Avenu~ 9,4 Mini ~ ~ 10th Av~ 9,6 Mini ~n Rid~ ~amm~ SE 2nd 5t~ 4,~ Neinh~ SE 21~ S~ I,Q 'Mini ~ I~A~ 1.9 Mini SW ~ ~ 1,7 Mini ,~ .... P~.oI girts + 2, 7 80 Soun:e: ~yllll~ll~, 1996 and Boyllton ~ Comp~n~ive Plan, Parks and Recreation Element. i989 pages 7 and g. The City has increased its overall inventory of public parks by 60.5 acres since plan adoption. Neighborhood park acreage had the greatest increase, of 40.3 acres. This more than doubled the previous inventory of neighborhood parks. The City acquired two preservation sites, Rosemary Scrub and Seacrest Scrub. These sites were designated as future neighborhood parks in the comprehensive plan. They have been included as neighborhood parks for purposes of this analysis, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 5-ll Current estimates and projections of population by subdistrict were compiled by aggregation of'Palm Beach County, IMPO Traffic Analysis Zones. Traffic analysis zones are delineated on Map :5.3, and conform as closely as possible to the neighborhood analysis zones included in the comprehensive plan. Table 5.5 includes the population estimates and projections by neighborhood, and the traffic zones which were used to compile the neighborhood statistics. The MPO projections were created using Census data, overall population projections, and estimates of vacant land. Th~' do not consider municipal boundaries, and depict a larger population than the incorporated area. TABLE 5.5 NEIGHBORHOOD POPULATION AND COMPONENT TAZ'S N-Hood TAZ's 1990 1995 2000 ~010 2015 I 416,417,419,420,421,422, 9463 11387 12903 16040 16724 423,424,425,426, ~ 418 ~17 639 I~93 2611 2892 ~ 480,481,486.487 11241 1577 1742 2067 2193 4 482,483,484,485 1683 1713 18~7 2429 2992 5 497,498 2153 2230 2368 2817 3123 6 499,493 3946 3988 40~ 4202 4369 7 500 1683 1888 2001 260g 3161 8 ~4,494,495,496, 2098 2102 210~ 2113 ~121 9 553 1714 1714 17~4 1174~ 1756 lQ ~9~,~99 4264 .4281 4445 , 9t46 5594 11 402,403,404.405 8256 8843 9122 9404 9502 12 4QI 495 599 646 '666 666 19 ,~0~, 50~i ~IM 3651 3653 3691 3873 4035 14 ~05 730 731 743 ~805 860 15 501.507.509.510 1472 1472 1483 ' '1532 1575 16 511 147~ 147~ 147~ ]141~4 149~ 17 515.516,55~ 3135 3154 32='29 3491 4017 1'8 514.~17,~1~,5~ 2623 2628 2662 i 2819 2960 19 51g. 520,521 1,546 1640 1670 ~[ 1773 1860 20 n/a Sourc~: B~ .rryman & Henigar, 1996. The key determining factor in the previous analysis of neighborhood park needs was the calculation of "population not served privately". Prevailing development patterns, both presently and at the time of plan adoption, had tbe effect of privatizing the function of neighborhood recreation in new developments. Population in areas 11, 13, 15, and 17, which were noted as having deficiencies, increased by an estimated 600 people betwe~ 1990 and 1995. Most of this population increase as occurred in District 11. Analysis of tl~. ~!ll, ent status of neighborhood park LOS compliance is somewhat problematic due to the complexity ~ngthodology established in the PIan. The comprehensive plan adopted a thorough, if somewhat ~ method of analysis. Factors to be considered are: availability of public recreation sites, avail~ Ofla'ivate recreation sites, total population, and population not served by private facilities. The analysis was conducted on the basis of 20 neighborhood planning districts. Population estimates and projections were derived from the 1990 Census and data prepared by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Data which is cun'ently available generally conforms to the boundaries of all of the neighborhood planning districts. 5-12 ~,08 ~5 · ill ~7 +06 45 ~ i 399 4.32 t I. tet Traffic Analysis Zones Settee: P~lm Be~eb Cee.t7 Departmeut ot Plauaiag, Zo,,iag ..d B.ildMl Map 5.3 5-13 TABLE 5.6 LOS STANDARDS FOR FACILITIES, 1990 Facility Standard Demand (1990) Supply (1990) 1990 Surplus (deflcil Baseball/soft., youth 1/17,500 4 4 0 Baseball, re,relation i/35,000 2 2 0 Basketball courts 1/3000 21 25 4 Beach fronta.ee 15/1000 945 1362.5 417 5 Boat Ramps 1/7500 9 ~ 0 1 Commum .W centers 1/25,000 3 3 0 Fimess trails 10/10,000 63 70 7 Football/soccer fields 1/40,000 2 8 6 Golf 1/30,000 2 2.5 0.5 Handball/Racquet 1/l 0,000 6 16 10 Picnic areas I/6000 I 1 18 7 Plavgrounds 1/4000 16 20 4 Practice fields 1/10,000 6 7 1 Combination rields 1/12,000 5 6 1 Special Rec. centers n/a n/a n/a n/a Shuffleboard courts 1/2750 23 24 1 Swimmin~ pools I/40,000 2 2.8 O. 8 Tennis courts 1/2000 32 53 21 C Inventory of Sites and Faciliti~ A detailed inventory of existing and planned sites and facilities is included in Table 5.6 (above). District park needs were analyzed on the basis of 2.5 acres per thousand population. The analysis indicated that an adequate supply of district park land was available at the time of plan adoption. Hester District Park has been added, which provides an additional 23 acres. However, 4 acres of district park land has been deleted at the Civic Center, resulting in a net increase of only 19 acres. At the present time, the current inventory of 135.5 acres will be adequate until the year 2015, based on current population projections. Planned parks at Congress Avenue Community Park expansion and at Quantum Park should be adequate to meet population demands until the year 2015. D. Achievement of Levd of Service S~andards Neighborbood park standards appear to have been met in relation to acreage. The comprehensive plan established ~ standards for parks and recreation land and facilities. The level of service (LOS) standard for ~parks was established at 2.5 acres per 1,000 population. The calculated LOS for the 1995 City ~ is 122.5 acres in disuict parks. The City currently has 132.5 acres in district parks; therefore, ti~ ~ ~ district parks appears to be met. Additional standards for park facilities were considered in the comprehensive plan. Standards for 17 types of facilities were adopted. Standards were derived considering both national standards and local preferences. Table 5.7 presents adopted facility standards. Demand was calculated based on permanent and seasonal population, which was approximately 57,500 in 1995. $-14 TABLE 5.7 FACILITY SUPPLY AND OE~, i~ Facility S~ 1995 1996 1996 Surplus Add'l Planned Add'! F,,oilities Demand Supply (*) (deficit) Facilities N_eed___-~. 2015 Baseball/soft., ym~ 1/17,500 3 6 (+2) +3 I no Bas~ball. regulation 1,/35,000 2 3 (+1) +1 1 no Basketball courts I 3000 20 24 (-1) -4 .~ - 1 Beach frontage t 5,1000 861 1362.5 *501.5 no Boat Ramps 1/7500 6 10 +4 2 no Community c~nt~rs 1/25,000 2 3 + 1 no Fitness trails 10/10,000 57 93 (+21) +36 no Football/soccer fields 1/40,000 2 7 (-1) +4 no Golf' 1/30,000 2 2.5 +.5 no Handball/Racquet courts 1/10,000 6 24 (+4) +18 4 no Picnic areas 1/6000 10 23 (+4) +13 4 no Playgrounds 1/4000 15 23(+ 1) +$ no Practice fields 1/10.000 6 6 (-1) 0 2 Combination fields 1/12,000 5 5 (-1) 0 I 1 Special Rec. centers Wa n/a n/a 1 Shu~ courts !/2750 21 40 (+!6) +19 24 no Swimm/ng pools 1/40,000 2 l.g (-1) 0 1 Tennis courts 1/2000 29 41 (-12) +11 4 no (*): mer~sse or decrease s~nee 1990 Source: City ofBoynton Be~.h and Berryrnan & Henigm', 1996 Table 5.7 was compiled using estimated permanent and seasOnal 1995 population. The adopted level of service standards have been met or exceeded for ali 17 named facilities. Facilities planned for permanent and seasonal population is expected to increase by approximately 19, 000 people by the year 2015. Current planned facilities will be adequate to meet demand for nearly all facilities. A special case can be made for public swimming pools. Since much oftbe demand for swimming facilities, as well as tennis courts, fitness gyms and similar needs, are met through private facilities, the comprehensive plan provided an extensive . inventory of pdvate facilities, and an estimate of the population served by private facilities. Inventory of Private Site~ and Faci£aie~ Public sites and~lgilit~ am listed in Table 5.6. The locations ofpublic sites and facilities were included in the comp~~ and ate shown on Map 5.2. Private recreation is provided at 68 developments in to ~~ units in the North Side Condominium to 1,650 units in Hunter s Run Apartments. In 1995, it was ~ that 17,567 of the commumty's permanent and seasonal residents were not served by private recreation. Facilities provided in private facilities included: 109 sss~nming pools, 116 tennis courts, 130 shuffleboard courts, 15 racquetball courts, lg playgrounds, 21 picnic facilities, 6 basketball courts, 375 linear feet of beaclg 176 boat slips, 32 fitness trails, 70 holes of regulation golf, and 46 recreation buildings. 5-15 The Comprehensive Plan presented an adjusted level of demand for public recreation facilities. Adjustments were calculated in consideration of the number of persons served by private facilities. The effect of these adjustments was to reduce the demand for public facilities, in recognition that community needs are met by a combination ofpublic and private facilities. It should be noted that private recreation facilities arc not in all cases equivalent to public facilities. For some activities, such as quiet enjoyment, a private swimming pool is preferable to a public pool. For competitive swimming and youth activities, thc social and fitness attributes of a public pool max- be preferred. For shooting baskets, it may' be more convemcnt to use a private hoop, but for league play, a public basketball court is the focus ofor§anizcd activity. TABLE 5.8 EQUIVALENT PRIVATE FACILITIES, IMPACT ON PUBLIC DEMAND, 1995-1996 Facility # of private facilities Population served Equivalent public Facilities Effect on public supply Basketball courts 6 3,506 I Increases 1995 surplus to 5 Beach frontage 375 fl 222 3 ft Increases 1995 surplus to 505 Fitness trails 32 574 0.5 No impact on surplus Goifcoumes 70 holes 3,324 0.1 Increases 1995 surplus to 0.6 Picnic areas 21 9,171 1.5 Increases 1995 surplus to 9.5 Racquetball courts 15 3,176 0.3 Increases 1995 surplus to 18.3 Playsrounds 18 7,165 1.7 Increases 1995 surplus to 9.7 Shufflebosrd courts 130 17,54 ! 6 Increases 1995 surplus to 25 Swimmin8 pools 109 38,421 I Creates 1995 surplus of 1 Tennis courts 86 19,899 10 Increases 1995 surplus r---''~ Souree: City of Boynton Beach and Berry~nan & Henisar, 1996. The effect of private recreation has been to increase overall supply of recreation facilities. The City has continued to provide public facilities at a rate equal to or greater than desired national standards. 5-16 5-17 5-18 5-19 Effect of ~tatutory and Rule Changes Since 19#9 G.I State Comprehensive Plan Section 187.201(10), F.S. (Natural Systems and Recreational Lands) contains a goal and policies relevant to . . the Recreation and Open Space Element. Since 1988, there have been no amendments to this section of the SCP that had an impact on the Recreation and Open Space Element. This element of the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan remains consistent with the State Comprehensive Plan. G.2 Chapter 16.3 F.S. There have been no amendments to Chapter 163 which affect the Recreation and Open Space Element. G.3 Strategic Regional Policy Plan Regional Goal 8.1 Public facilities which provide a high quality of life. Strategies and policies under this goal support the provision of urban service concurrent with development and redevelopment of areas of existing infrastructure. Boynton Beach is a community with existing, although in some cases aging, infrastructure. The comprehensive plan is consistent with this regional goal. Regional Goal 12.1 Improved independence and self-sufficiency of the children in the region. Needs for parks to serve children and youth are addressed in the Parks and Recreation element of the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan. Affordable housing is a focus of thc housing element. The comprehensive plan is consistent with this regional goal and supporting policies. G.4 Section 9J-S, F.A.C. Section 9J-5 revisions require identification and analysis of freshwater beaches and shores in the Recreation and Open Space Element. Although there are a number of freshwater bodies in Boynton Beach, most serve as drainage retention rather than recreation resources, and are not identified as freshwater beaches. The Recreation and Open Space Element as adopted is consistent with this provision of State law, and no amendment is required to achieve compliance. Revision to Section 9J-5 requires the depiction of future recreational uses, within generalized service area houndanes, on the Future Land Uso Plan Map. To the extent that sites are designated in advance of acquisition, they will be identify! as potential future recreation sites. However, if private properties are shown as future recreation sites, nothing will be construed to deny development fights unless appropriate compensation is provided to th~ owner. H. Re~ Pla~ Amendments and Need for New Actions The data and~ in the ~on and Open Space element are recomm~ded to be revised to reflect lower populali~' ~ for the City and the study area. There has been a great deal of analysis of recreation~ pmject~ increases in supply and demand. In order to assist fulure citizens and staff, it is recomuamded that this analysis be used to formulate revised local standards for public recreation. These standards for public facilities are ~ to be reduced, in recognition of the amount of private recreation currently provided in newly developing areas. The magnitude of recommended reductions will be determined as part of the comp~ive plan update. Facility standards are ~ to be included as advisory. Land area and distance standards are recommended to be retain~ 5 -20 Specific recz)mmen~tions for plan amendments are included in the Objectives Achievement Matrix. The Compr~ive Plan does not include objectives for urban open space, linear parks, or enhancements of roadway improvements. Beautification projects have recently been established as eligible transportation expenditures; tl~*re may be opportunities for enhancements to link park and open space projects. The Recreation and Open Space Element is recommended to be revised to increase the clarity and legibility of the presentation. The maps included in the element are recommended to be drafted using improved graphics. Improvements to map resources are recommended to illu:~trate existing and planned site !~x:ations. facility l~cation. Maps in the current document are not adequate to support the detaded interpretation necessaD- to readily determine plan compliance. 5-21 6. HOUSING A. Cond'tth~ of £1ement at Time of Adoption The homing element analyzed trends in population groath, housing formation, housing trends, land availability and housing supply and demand, in support of goals, objectives and policies. Inventory information was based on the 1980 Census, with such updated information as was available at the time of plan preparation. Bo.w~ton Beach was characterized as a communi .ty of single family houses; hoxvever, it was noted that an increasing share of the community's housing was being built in multi-family structures. Based on the percentage of occupied units, it was concluded that Boynton Beach had a smaller percentage of seasonal occupancy than the county as a whole. Household sizes tended to be smaller in Bo.vnton Beach than in Palm Beach County. According to the 1980 Census, 43% of the existing housing stock was built in the 1970's. Older housing was concentrated around the center of the City in the area of Seacrest Boulevard and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Estimates of housing conditions were developed using Census data and field surveys taken in the Neighborhood Strategy Area (NSA) and Code Enforcement Areas I and II (CEAs). 'A survey of housing in the older areas of the City revealed that most of the units were sound. Ofthe 23,217 units in the study area, 21,863 were considered sound with no defects, and 1,141 were considered sound, with minor deterioration. Less than 1% of the units (213 out of 23,217) were considered substandard; 29 of these units were considered dilapidated. Aggressive code enforcement was recommended to enhance property maintenance. Substandard housing was concenla'ated in Census Tract 61, which corresponds to the NSA. Nearly 58% of the housing in this area was showing signs of deterioration. Minor deterioration was noted in 44~ of the umts, and serious deterioration/dilapidated conditions affected 14% of the housing umts. There were several publicly assisted rental complexes, as listed in Table 6.1. The inventory of assisted housing totaled 584 units. Slightly less than half of these units were available to low income families. TABLE 6.1 ASSISTED RENTAL HOUSING, 1987 Complex Program Inconm limit No. of Units Boynton Terrace Section 8 new construction Low (50% of media_rQ 89 Scattered sitm ~ City Section 8 Low 100 Scattered sitm!~.~/~- 12th and 13th St) Conventional public housingLow 72 Villas of~ Tax-exempt bonds Moderate (80% of mec!ian) 132 out of 288 Mahogany El~y-' Tax-exempt bonds Moderate 76 out of 328 Clipper Cove Tax-exempt bonds Moderate 77 out of 387 (est) Source: Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan, Housing Element, 1987, pal :e 18. 6-1 There were 193 be, ds available in group homes. Most of these beds (176) provided housing for elderly occupancy in Adult Congregate Living Facilities (ACLF's). There were 254 mobile homes and 2 recreational vehicle spaces in Boynton Beach. These mobile homes were located in three parks, sited along Federal Highway. An additional I 116 mobile homes were located in unincorporated areas which were likely to be annexed during the time horizon of the plan. No housing of state or national historic significance was identified, by reference to inventories maintained by regulatory, agencies or by field review of existing conditions. It was recognized that, although there may be some housing units with local historic significance, the !irmted analysis of historic sites did not identif3' a concentrauon of umts that would otherwise warrant the creation of a historic district. An educauon program was recommended. An examination of the housing market indicated that a wide range of prices were available, and that home ownership opportunities existed for low, moderate, and even some very iow income families. Zoning variances and waiving of impact fees were also available to support construction of affordable housing. Affordable rental housing was available through the low income tax credit provisions. It was noted that very- low income families would need public sector assistance to afford rental housing An analysis of building permit activity from 1977 to 1986 revealed that multi-family permits exceeded single family permits by a 2: l ratio. The target market population was shifting to younger persons. Most of the new housing in Boynton Beach was developing in more affluent, western areas of the City. The age distribution, Which in 1980 counted 36% of the population over 65 years of age, was expected to shift to the younger age groups. An analysis of housing values was made. Owner occupied housing values derived from the 1980 Census revealed a broad range of housing values, with a median housing value of $51,000. An analysis of housing sales in 1987 indicated that the median sales price was $81,317 for that year. According to the Census, most owner occupied housing expenses were in the $300-$400 range. Average monthly rents for 1980 and 1987 were compared. The monthly contract rent reported in the 1980 Census was $244. The median contract rent in 1987 was $415. Comparison of housing expenses to income is a common index of housing need. Based on information in the 1980 Census, proportionally more low income households in Boynton Beach experienced "rent overburden" than in the county as a whole. "Rent overburden" describes households paying more than 35% of their income for housing. Low income households who pay disproportionate shares of income for housing usually have little savings to meet unexpec~ expenses for medical care or car repairs. These families frequently are on the brink of becoming homeless, when imam:iai crises arise. Some 31.5% of renter households earning less than $10,000 annually were paying more than 35% of their income for housing. Estimates of' ~ns~n~ distribution in 1987 indicated that slightly less than 20% of the population fell in the very low ~ than 50% of area median) category; and another 20% met iow income (50%-80% of area median) ~iidgqines. An additional 40°/0 was.considered moderate income (80%- 120%). Housing need was defined in terms of effective demand, or that which can be met through the private market, and ineffective demand, or housing need by those families who can't afford to pay enough for the private sector to provide housing. Projected annual demand for housing revealed that the demand for housing was heavily weighted toward the lower price ranges, with a hea ,vy demand for homes priced well below the median. A heavier demand for owner housing rather than rental units was also projected. At the median 1987 6-2 price range of $gl,317, less than half of the families were able to purchase a house at the prevailing interest rate. It was recommended that the City provide supportive infrastructure for housing. Two areas of~ were noted. Low income families in need of rental housing are not being served by the private market, and the need for home rehabilitation was expected to grow over the next 15 years. These problems have significant dimensions. Approximately 920 households earned less than 80~o of the area median income at the time of plan preparation. These families have difficult· finding affordable rental housing in the private market. If they are ex,hers, they have less discretionary income/'or home maintenance. This affects neighborhood and commumty appearance. The most critical area for housing rehabilitation was located south of Mentone Road, west of U.S. I and north of Woolbright Road. Three components of housing need were identified: new household formation, replacement/rehabilitation of substandard units, and vacancy, rate maintenance. Short term housing need was determined to be 3,434 units, and long term need (inclusive of short term need) was 14,467 units. Special needs housing units/beds were estimated as follows: Adult congregate living facilities, no nursing care, 3-9 bed 65 current, 106 ultimate Group homes for mentally ill 33 current, 59 beds ultimate Group homes for developmentally disabled 19 cun'ent' 34 ultimate Therapeutic foster care 8 current, 14 ultimate A minimum separation distance between group homes was recommended as 1,000 feet, which complies with State law. Projected household growth and proposed ann~ation was predicted to generate a demand for 14,440 additional dwelling units by the year 2010. There appeared to be adequate land, however, reclassification of zoning may be necessa~' to accommodate these new units. "Adequate land, at appropriate densities, was provided in the comprehensive plan. Land for mobile homes was expected to dwindle, as mobile home parks which rent their spaces give way to higher value urban uses. This trend was expected to more heavily impact lowerin ,, r General ~ for plan implementation included encouragement of infill housing, assembly and redevelop~~l~ll parcels of land, and vigorous code enforcement. In response to the identified housing affordability ~ it w~ r~ornme~ that the City consider establishing a housing trust fund, as a source of revolving credit to ~s~ incentives included ix Consideration of zon~ in character were reco was also recommende ist tho production and maintenance of low and moderate income housing. Additional ssible density concessions, impact fee waivers, and predcvelopment assistance. lg anaendments for group homes was recommended. Facilities which were residential ~unended to be permitted in single family zones. Additional zoning for mobile homes for consideration. 6-3 Based on th~ housing condition survey, it was estimated that an aggregate expenditure of $8,259,000 would be needed to upgrad~ tl~ substandard units identified. Housing rehabilitation monies available through the County Community I~velopment Block Grant (CDBG) program have not provided that level of funds in Bo,~ton 13each during their 11 year history. Units were rehabilitated at an average rate of 6-7 per year, and demolitions v,'~'~ accomplished at a rate of 8-9 per year. An increased level of investment was needed to address communi~' housing needs. It was recommended that the Neighborhood Strategy. Area be designated as a Communi~' Redevelopment Area, consistent with Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. Aggressive code enforcement was also needed in this area. Impmvernents to City-o~ted rights-of-way and drainage features in this area was recognized as a positive initiative for neighborhood improvement. Additional social service and park and recreation improvements were also recognized as consistent with housing and redevelopment objectives. Condition of £1ement at T~me ofF. AR In 1990. the U.S. Census enumerated housing information for the City of Boynton Beach, as summarized in Table 6.2. The total housing stock of 25,529 units was characterized as follows: TABLE 6.2 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS, 1990 Housing Units Owner-occupied Renter-Occupied Vacant Total 15,518 4,778 5,233 Race, White 14,028 3,532 n/a Race, Black 1,325 1,093 n/a Race, Other 165 153 rda Condominiums 5,653 861 3,009 Non-condominium 9,865 3,917 2,194 Owner-occupied, no mortgage 7,595 rda n/a Persons in households 34,073 11,584 n/a Units in structure, I detached 9,267 , 1,062 1,183 1, attached 1,257 353 418 2 (duplex) 205 358 75 3 or 4 1,127 482 952 5 to 9 690 843 908 10 to 19. :.~:. 869 669 581 20 to 49 ~;~: ' 1,237 898 784 50 or more 645 50 158 Mobile home 171 27 169 Other 50 36 5 Source: U~. S. Census of Po~ and Housing, Summary Tape File 3A. 6-4 Virtually all housing units in the City were served bY Public water (25,362 units) and sewer (25,103 units) utility services. Of the 20,296 occupied housing units in ~e City, only about half were occupied by households who moved in prior to 1985. Although this long term occupancy statistic seems to indicate that Boynton Beach may have a high transient occupancy, there is a high rate of owner occupancy (75% of occupied units). The median year housing structures were built was 1976. There were 7,300 housing units built before 1970, of which 445 units were vacant. Census statistics can be used to compile estimates of housing assistance need. In Boynton Beach. 1,024 owner households and 530 renter households lacked access to an automobile. In some cases, householders may have chosen to forgo auto ownership, but generally lack of an auto indicates either financial or mobility difficulties. Most households without a vehicle were elderly; 1,096 of households without a vehicle was occupied by a household over age 65. A more critical indicator of housing need is the "cost/income" ratio. For financial stability, it is generally accepted that a household should pay no more than 30%-35% of their monthly income for housing expenses. This ratio is more generally critical for renters than homeowners. A high rent/income ratio indicates a lack of affordable rental housing, and may be a precursor to homelessness. There were 5,233 renter households in Boynton Beach in 1990: 29% of these households paid more than 35% of income for rent, and another 9% paid between 30% and 35% of income for rent. In absolute numbers, 590 renter households paid between 30% and 35%, and 1,257 paid over 35%. There appears to be a significant shortfall in the number of affordable rental units in Boynton Beach. Using the U:S. Census as an indicator, about 1500 renter households paid more than 35% of their income for rent. Increasing the supply of affordable rental housing, while at the same time maintaining neighborhood integrity and quality, is a challenge. Fortunately, the State has established a funding source (SHIP and related programs) which can be used to increase tho stock of affordable rental housing. Projects financed through these subsidy programs may be privately operated, and are similar in design and appearance to market rate housing: A high cost/income ratio for homeowners may lead to neighborhood instability, as owners are less able to afford the costs of home maintenance. In Boynton Beach, a high proportion of owner-occupied housi0g was owned free and clear, with no mortgage. Over two-thirds of all owner-occupied condominium units, and 38% of owner-occupied non-condominium units we. re 6wned without a mortgage. Of households with a mortgage, 15% paid more than 35% of income for housing, and 7% paid between 30% and 35%. In absolute numbers, 70 owner-occupied households paid between 30 and 35%, and 207 paid over 35%. The median gross rent paid in 1990 was $632 per month. In summary~:~ of the 1990 Census statistics indicates that housing in Boynton Beach can be considered ~ arable. Although the Census reported a high vacancy rate of about 20%, about 75% of the vacant uli~l~ not on the market (i.e. they were being held for seasonal occupancy or other purposes). This means that the "real" vacancy rate was about 5%. The majority of residents are homeowners, although the homeownership ratio is less for black residents than for the white population. About 45% of the housing units were located in single family structures, and mobile homes constituted less than 2% of the housing stock. The median age of housing was 14 years old in 1990. The community has a significant proportion of its housing stock owned with no mortgage. 6-5 Like many communities, the statistics indicate that Boynton Beach has a scarcity of affordable rental housing. The age of the housing stock in the areas east of 1-95 may lead to decreased marketability, as trends in design and construction diverge more from the styles found in the older neighborhoods. Housing and community development funds have been made available by Palm Beach County for improvements in older sections of the City. Since adoption of the comprehensive plan, these have included expansion of Sacs Sims Park and the construction of the C-16 canal park ($128;800), street paving and int'ra~tructure ($877.000), and establishment of a housing specialist position ~$37,000). C. Summary of Anticipated Information from Affordable Housing Needs Assessment In the next few months, the City of Boynton Beach will receive an Affordable Housing Needs Assessment prepared by the Shimberg Center at the University of Florida, under contract to the Department of Community Affairs. This assessment was originally intended to be delivered in time for consideration during the preparation of the EAR. The work effort was delayed, and this EAR report has been prepared without the available assessment. A review was conducted of the data format for the assessment, which will provide an extensive manipulation of 1990 Census statistics, as well as other information on assisted housing units. An abbreviated review of some of the same statistics was provided in Section B. in order to provide a basis for review of the goals and objectives. The community will consider the needs assessment when it is available, and will prepare amendments to the comprehensive plan in consideration of all of the data available while the EAR-based amendment process is ongoing. D. Physical Condition and Deterioration of Housing Stock The commumty's housing steak generally appears to be in good condition. Although the community has not conducted a survey of housing conditions, a review of indicator statistics reveals few characteristics which are generally assumed to by symptoms of poor housing conditions; 85 units lacked complete kitchen facilities, 84 units lacked complete plumbing facilities, and 285 units had no source of heat. About 4% of the housing units were overcrowded, defined as having more than I person per room. Overcrowded units were about evenly divided between owner and renter occupied umts. About 550 homes, or 2% of the households had no telephone. .. The median value of owner<wa:upied units in Boynton Beach was $79,400. This is consistent with housing values reported for the entire county. About 1060 of the 15,518 owner occupied units were valued at less than $50,00O. Although tim e0mnmaity does not contain many signs of severe deterioration, in some of thc neighborhoods built in th~ l~ ia'Olaerty maintenance is slipping. The City has recently approved a property maintenance ordinance ~t r~lucing litter and supporting neighborhood improvements. The property standards ordinance was~ at reducing overgrown lawns and vacant lots. These exterior maintenance concerns affect neighborhood quality, nad are often the precursors of absentee ownership and ~ decline. In newly developed neighborhoods, property maintenance standards are enforced by deed restrictions and homeowners associations. The City's older neighborhoods lack strong associations. Older homes, while they may be structurally sound, lack the floor plans and amenities of houses being built today. The bedrooms are smaller than those in newer umts. Less closet space is provided, and all bedrooms are often grouped together instead 6-6 of featuring a "split plan." The maintenance of property values, retention of owner-occupants and preservation of strong houses and neighborhoods is an important challenge for communi .ty leaders. E. Inventory of Group Homes and Special Needs Housing There are no group homes for the developmentally disabled in Boynton Beach. There are three group homes/'or developmentally disabled persons in Lantana. and one in Delray Beach. Currently, there are 8 Adult Congregate Living Facilities (ACLF's) in Boynton Beach. TABLE 6.3 ACLF FACILITIES IN BOYNTON BEACH, 1995 Fecilit~ Rustic Retreat Retirement Motel Florida Four Seasons Manor Number of Residents 30 124 Village at Manor Park Le Petite Chateau Simpson Adult Care Facility Springhouse Senior Residences Brighton Gardens by Mamott Praxis Adult Care Residence 34 120 6 10 127 114 Source: City of Boynton Beach and Bert/man & Henigat, 1996. 6-7 6*$ 6-9 6-10 6-11 Effect of Statutory and Rule Changes Since 1989 G.1 State Comprehensive Plan There have been no amendments to the State C -nprehensive Plan which would affect the Boynton Beach Housing Element. G.2 Strategic Regional Policy Plan Regional Goal 1.1. An adequate supply of safe and affordable housing to meet the needs of Iow and moderate income residents of the Region. The Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan has an extensive housing element, which contains numerous objectives and policies which mirror the strategies and policies of the TCSRPP for this goal. Examples of direct comparability are found in policies calling for reduction of regulatory barriers, institution of non-traditional (mixed use) zoning, and support for non-profit housing sponsors. Additional guidance for local policies may be needed to improve the housing data base and increase direct funding for housing programs. Regional Goal 1.3. The stabilization and revitalization of existing neighborhoods. The Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan recognizes that stabilization and revitalization of existing neighborhoods is an important local objective. Objective 6.8 and related policies in the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan are consistent with this regional goal and related strategy and policies. G.3 Chapter 163 F.S. Amendments to Chapter 163 added a requirement that local government housing address the provision of housing for all current and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction. The Boynton Beach Housing Element includes an objective to provide, or support the provision by the private sector, of new housing units to meet the housing demand of current and future residents by the year 2010. The time frame in this objective will need to be extended to the new plan horizon year on 2015 as an EAR-based plan amendment. The Housing Element is required to address the provision of housing for very low-income individuals. This is not addressed in the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan, and will be included as an EAR-based' amendment. The Housing Element is required to address the creation or preservation of affordable housing to minimize the need for ad![l~ local services and avoid the concentration of affordable housing units only in specific ~lll~ City. The Boynton Beach Housing Element includes an objective which addresses the preservation~lll~ community's housing stock. An additional objective will be presented as an EAR- ba,~:! ame~ which addresses the siting of. affordable housing. Amendments to Chapter 163 mandated the preparation of a housing needs assessment by the Department of Community Affairs. As of March, 1996, this needs assessment has not yet been delivered to the City of Boynton Beach. The results of the housing needs assessment will be considered in the preparation of an EAR-based plan amendment. 6-12 G.4 Section 9J-5, F.A.C. There have been a number of changes to Rule 9J-5 which will affect the update of the Housing Element of the Boyriton Beach Comprehensive Plan. Several definitions have been added to this section which will affect the Housing Element of the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan. Definitions have been added for "adjusted for family size." "adjusted gross income." "affordable housing," "low income household." "moderate income household." "very Iow income family." and "very low income household." These definitions will be considered in the update of the Data and Analysis, and will be considered in the preparation of EAR-based amendments. The purpose of the element has been revised by Section 9J-5 to more specifically focus on addressing housing need for those sectors of the population who are not traditionally served by the private market. There is an emphasis on inclusion of the results of the affordable housing needs assessment, which was assigned to the Department of Community Affairs for preparation. At the time of preparation of this document, the needs assessment has not yet been delivered to the City. After the assessment is presented, it will be considered for inclusion in the EAR to serve as a basis for an EAR-based plan amendment. The Housing Element must include an objective for the creation and/or preservation of affordable housing for all current and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction. The Housing Element currently includes a housing preservation objective; this objective and related policies will be the subject of an EAR-based amendment to emphasize the need to preserve affordable housing. An amendment to Section 95-5 included the provision of sites and principles for location of housing for very low income persons. This emphasis will be included as an EAR-based plan amendment. Siting policies in the current plan which address "public-assisted housing" are recommended to be reworded to address "affordable housing". The establishment of extra-territorial solutions to affordable housing concerns is supported by amendments to 9J-5. If the community has unusually high property values, or if provision of affordable housing would place additional units toward coastal high hazard areas, affordable housing solutions may be sought through interlocal agreements with other governments. Interlocal agreements between the City of Boynton Beach and abutting beach communities may be an appropriate mechanism for adjacent communities to meet affordable housing demand. For example~ if the Town of Ocean Ridge is unable to, meet affordable housing needs within its boundaries, it may be advantageous for the Town to seek a cooperation agreement with the City of Boynton Beach. Appropriate consideration for both parties would be the requirement for a successful negotiation. A policy is ~ to be established which addresses streamlined permitting and minimization of costs and delays ~l~ovision of affordable housing, This will be provided as an EAR-based amendment. An additional requirement was included in 9J-5 to address designation of sufficient sites as sufficient densities to acconunodate the need for affordable housing over the time frame of the plan. 6-13 H. Recommended Plan Amendments and Need for New Actions Specific recommendations for revision are included in the Objectives Achievement Matrix and in the summary of revisions to statute and rule. The Boynton Beach Housing Element includes an objective to provide, or support the provision by the private sector, of new housing units to meet the housing demand of current and future residents by the year 2010. The time frame in this objective will need to be ex. tended to the new plan horizon year on 2015 as an EAR-based plan amendment. The Housing Element is recommended to be revised to increase the emphasis on neighborhood-based delineation of problems and opportunities. As the housing stock ages, housing conservation will take on increasing importance in public and private initiatives. The City may wish to consider a policy to encourage and support private initiatives to develop affordable rental housing in Boynton Beach. As noted in the analysis section, a shortfall of affordable rental housing exists. Plan amendment requirements to comply with State rule revisions are summarized in Section G. The Affordable Housing Needs Assessment will be considered in preparation of plan amendments. The Housing Element is required to address the provision of housing for very low-income individuals. This is not addressed in the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan, and will be included as an EAR-based amendment. The Housing Element is required to address the creation or preservation of affordable housing to minimize the need for additional local services and avoid the concentration of affordable housing units only in specific areas of the City. The Boynton Beach Housing Element includes an objective which addresses the preservation of the community's housing stock. An additional objective will be presented as an EAR- based amendment which addresses the siting of affordable housing. Amendments to Chapter 163 mandated the preparation of a housing needs assessment by the Department of Community Affairs. As of March, 1996, this needs assessment has not yet been delivered to the City of Boynton Beach. The results of the housing needs assessment will be considered in the preparation of an EAR-based plan amendment. '" Amendments will be required to address newly defined data dimensions of the housing problem: "adjusted for family size", "adjusted gross income", "affordable housing", "low income household", "moderate income household", "very Iow income family", and "very low income household". The Housing ~ must include an objective for the creation and/or preservation of affordable housing for all c~~altlicipated future residents of the jurisdiction. The Housing Element cun'ently includes a housing ~on objective; this objective and related policies will be the subject of an EAR-based amendment to emphasize the need to preserve affordable housing. An amendment to Section 9J-5 included the provision of sites and principles for location of housing for very low income persons. This emphasis will be included as an EAR-based plan amendment. Siting policies in the current plan which address "public-assisted housing" are recommended to be reworded to address "affordable housing." 6-14