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Minutes 08-24-17 Open Spaces MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC INPUT MEETING ON THE TOWN SQUARE — OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC ART HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017, AT 5:30 PM, AT THE BOYNTON BEACH CITY LIBRARY, PROGRAM ROOM 208 S. SEACREST BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Lori LaVerriere, City Manager, explained the City has been planning on developing this area for 20 years. Ms. LaVerriere stated that Town Square Boynton Beach is a 16- acre site in downtown Boynton Beach, just east of the 1-95 Boynton Beach Boulevard exit. The project is a public/private partnership between the City of Boynton Beach and E21- Real Estate Solutions, LLC and includes the renovation of a historic Boynton Beach High School into a cultural center, residential and retail spaces, a hotel, public spaces, a garage, fire station and a New City Hall. The Schoolhouse Children's Museum and Learning Center will remain and the Boynton Beach City Library will receive upgrades in association with the construction of a New City Hall. She noted that Phase I was approved by the Boynton Beach City Commission on June 12, 2017 which included the interior and roof rehabilitation of the vacant historic Boynton Beach High School and design plans for the new City facilities, as stated before there have been workshops regarding the Playground and the Architectural Style for the upcoming Town Square project. The workshop would focus on the Open Space and Public art. Ms. LaVerriere indicated most of the government buildings were 50 years old or more and replacements were needed. Lucy Keshavarz, Public Artist Consultant explained she began working with Town Square for the City of Boynton Beach and found that the history was amazing. The project was about informed design. The City encouraged the citizens to become involved in the design of the Town Square project, from the playground to the design of the open space and art, the City has engaged the community, and requested their input. Ms. Keshavarz explained that this workshop would be different. This workshop would be hands on. She explained that the residences will break out into groups and talk among themselves, and discuss what the open space means to them. There are facilitators for each of the stations, which are volunteers from the Arts Commission. She indicated that the open space was for everyone. The Town Square would offer Community and citywide events; it was not just for those that are artists or art lovers, but for the entire community. She stated that there are so many different types of art. The art should connect the businesses and the community. She said that the residents wanted their community to be unique. She continued that Public Art has come a long way in a very short time period. Public art offers creative solutions; it helps marketing and creates tourism. She related that she goes to local vendors and was inspired. She explained that art was not just painting. The City has basically three types of art, Kinetic, Glass and Eco, but art was so much more. It integrates into the community and into a structure. Ms. Keshavarz continued to say that art was many things. She continued to express her thoughts of art. She indicated that public art was multigenerational. The Open Space in the Town Square Boynton Beach will consider public art, community and Meeting Minutes Town Square Public Input — Open Space and Public Art Boynton Beach, Florida August 24, 2017 citywide events, landscaping and natural environments, play and gathering spaces, mobility, building and parking, location and access. She encouraged everyone to download the PowerPoint from the website and share with all those not in attendance. The event sponsored by the City and the CRA in Town Square was the International Kinetic Art Event, Blarney Bash, Pirate Fest, Holiday Parade and the Tree Lighting. There were monthly movies and monthly concerts. Ms. Keshavarz stated the group should think of themselves as well as the diverse community and what experiences would the group like to have for Town Square. (Six Sensory Stations 1 hour-10 minutes per sensory station) Ms. Keshavarz thanked everyone for coming out. Opened up for questions. A concerned citizen asked how this information was being used. The citizen asked if the information was being given to the developers. Ms. Keshavarz stated that the information being compiled would be shared with the developers. A concerned citizen asked when a decision would be made on what was being provided. Ms. LaVerriere indicated that the information that was being gathered tonight would be given to the developers and City staff. Ms. Martin asked about access for people with disabilities. She asked where the push button was located; there was no push button at the Marina or Seacrest. She informed the group she was a veteran, she asked where the push button entrance was, and she said that there was no push button for the elevator. She continued to say the buildings should be ADA compliant. Ms. LaVerriere indicated that the City has an ADA Coordinator. The Coordinator would make sure that the City buildings are in compliance. She explained the older buildings would take longer to retrofit. It was asked for the process for an artist to submit their works. Ms. Keshavarz indicated they do not know quite yet. There are some Fast Trak projects. There would be other projects that would take longer. There would be some type of call out to artist. Local artist are welcomed. There would also be a national call to artist. Ms. Keshavarz indicated each person was given an agenda and comment sheet, please fill it out, and let us know what we are doing. All information would be posted on the City website. She stated that there was handed the comment sheet. Please complete the questionnaire. Eleanor Krusell, Communications Manager, indicated the website the City currently uses was Boynton-Beach.org has information regarding Town Square. She noted a website for the Town Square was under construction, Townsquare.Boynton Beach.net, 2 Meeting Minutes Town Square Public Input — Open Space and Public Art Boynton Beach, Florida August 24, 2017 was not yet available. Ms. Krusell said the City could be found on twitter, Facebook, and Linked in. She indicated that the webpages are updated after each meeting. Ms. LaVerriere stated that the City was working with a public relation firm and was they are working closely with the Communications Manager. Rob Saverio said the branding "Town Square" was being used over and over. He asked how we direct/inform other's that this was the new downtown and not just the Town Square. Ms. Keshavarz indicated the name Town Square was not set in stone. Ms. Krusell indicated proposals were sent out; the City would have another public meeting to decide the name at a later date. Christopher Montague 222 West Ocean Avenue inquired if land was being given to the developer, and does the land belong to the City or the Private developer. Ms. LaVerriere stated that she was unable to answer the question at this time. All the financial structures have not been provided. Mr. Montague stated that hopefully, before we begin building we make sure that the company was financially able to complete the project. He said because once you tear that Library down you cannot go back to it. A native of Delray Beach stated she has been hearing about a new town hall for the past 20 years, and this was the farthest that she has seen. She noted that the City has an exceptional public arts program. She inquired with the development will there be an opportunity for condo ownership, or would there be a leasing situation. Can a business purchase the real-estate, or would it be one developer that owns the entire real estate? Ms. LaVerriere stated that she believes that the condo ownership would be a component of the plan. The City was in the infant stages of the development. They have spent more than 2000 hours working on the idea so far, and that was yet to be finalized. Ms. LaVerriere indicated there could be some townhomes, some micro units. There would be leasing as well. The developers must find out what would work and the numbers must balance. Ms. LaVerriere indicated that phase one was only 5 months long. She stated that this was not a done deal. The City must make sure that it would be able to afford the project. If the cost estimate comes in too high, the City may not move forward. Before the City commits to anything, there needs to be a financial package, which would be when the Commission makes a decision and moves into phase two. She stated by the end of November, the Commission should have a decision. Ms. LaVerriere stated the Old High School was slated to be saved. She repeated nothing was set in stone. It would take a good three years, maybe four years to build. Chris Simon NW 1 Avenue, wanted to make sure that the contractors would have timelines that must be met. He gave information regarding green space. He asked why was there such a low percentage of green space within the four blocks surrounded by very tall buildings. He stated there are potentially eight floors going to be built, which 3 Meeting Minutes Town Square Public Input — Open Space and Public Art Boynton Beach, Florida August 24, 2017 would put them inside cannon. He stated doing this would cut off wind flow. Also, this would reduce light to the promenade. Mr. Simon stated that a pool should be built under the shade, and could not be used in the winter. Ms. LaVerriere indicated they have a fantastic development team. The architectural teams are nationally renowned builders. She stated that all of the concerns would be addressed. Mr. Simon asked what was driving the development. Ms. LaVerriere indicated there are a number of units that they are trying to put in, the developers were looking at height. Having space for courtyards and having space for City Hall and Library. A concerned citizen asked if the CRA would be a part of the Town Square project. Ms. LaVerriere stated that CRA was a major contributor. The City was working in partnership with the CRA. She noted that without the CRA financial backing the City could not afford the Town Square project. Ms. LaVerriere noted for the first few years, the CRA was taking more of the financial load. The City was looking at $4.5 million per year for the next 25 years. This was the maximum that the City could afford. Tracy Tebo indicated she was on the Library Advisory Board. The Library was such a vibrant part of this community, and most of its patrons live within walking distance of the Library. She asked would that be taken into consideration when an alternate site was being considered. Ms. LaVerriere responded absolutely. She had spoken with the Library Director. She indicated the Library needs between 35,000 to 50,000 square feet of space. Sites and discussion on where to move the Library temporarily are underway. She indicated that the City may provide a shuttle service. She understands that most of the Library patrons walk to the Library, especially the children. Ms. LaVerriere noted the south end would need to be built first, and then the residential retail hotel would be built. Mr. Simon asked what was the thought process, taking four City blocks, what is now considered usable City/Public land and reducing that down to less than 50%, and having the majority to become privately owned land. Ms. LaVerriere replied the land was needed for redevelopment. The City has old failing buildings and public lands would remain public. Mr. Simon continued that the majority of the land would now be all private residents, which were now public. He indicated south of the Library building would residents. Ms. LaVerriere stated that goes to the financial aspect to fund and build our tax base. The City facilities we are looking at about $105 million. The private side was about $200M. The City would be putting land back on the tax roll. This would create a revenue stream. The discussion of the private development was getting land on the tax roll. If we can get Ocean activated, it was a nice place for people to hang out; there was so much opportunity for this development. 4 Meeting Minutes Town Square Public Input — Open Space and Public Art Boynton Beach, Florida August 24, 2017 Mr. Simon asked about the big Kapok trees. Ms. LaVerriere indicated that those trees are staying. Mr. Simon asked if the City would build everything as green as possible, doing otherwise would be irresponsible. Ms. LaVerriere agreed, she continued to say the City has proposed a District Energy Plant that provides chilled water. She explained the water comes in, then it gets piped out. She explained centralized water reduces the electrical needs. Ms. LaVerriere noted that the Commission approved the initial plans for the design work and the funds were approved. Another participant asked if the City was talking about reviving Ocean and having retail stores. She was thinking going all the way to Federal. Ms. LaVerriere indicated the City was not in the private development. Rod Saverio noted that the City has been talking about this for 20 years. He wants to know if the City can afford to build a new City Hall or a Town Square. He wanted to know how this would be funded, by selling the City land, why can't we lease the land to the developer. Ms. LaVerriere said that the financial package was not yet in place, there could be leasing versus selling the land. She could not speak about the final numbers. Ms. Tebo wanted to know if this would be like a City Place, where no one that lives in the area could afford to shop in the area. Most of the people who live around here should be able to shop here. She asked if the City was looking at affordable housing for this area as well as the low income areas. Ms. Tebo continued to say that the area should be varied. Ms. LaVerriere replied yes, this would not be a City Place. The developer was speaking about micro units, there maybe workforce housing, that was still being planned. The City encourages the community to utilize Town Square. Adjourned at 7:31 pm Queenester Nieves Deputy City Clerk 5