Minutes 11-05-20 MINUTES OF THE CRAADVISORY BOARD MEETING
WEBEX ONLINE MEETING
100 E. OCEAN AVENUE
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA 33435
HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT: STAFF:
Anthony Barber, Chair Michael Simon, CRA Executive Director
Allan Hendricks, Vice Chair Bonnie Nicklien, CRAAdmin Assistant
Thomas Devlin Brigitte Chiappetta, Prototype, Inc.
Golene Gordon
Aquannette Thomas ALSO PRESENT:
Sergeant Henry Diehl
ABSENT:
Angela Cruz
Sharon Grcevic
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Barber at 6:39 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Roll was called, and it was determined a quorum was present.
3. Agenda Approval
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda — None
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion was made by Ms. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Devlin, to approve the Agenda as is.
In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
4. Information Only — None
5. Public Comment — None
6. Consent
A. Approval of CRAAdvisory Board Meeting Minutes — October 1, 2020
Motion made by Ms. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Devlin, to approve the October 1, 2020,
minutes. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Meeting Minutes CRA Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2020
B. Consideration of 2021 CRAAdvisory Board Meeting Dates
Motion made by Ms. Devlin, seconded by Ms. Thomas, to accept the 2021 CRAAdvisory
Board Meeting Dates. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
7. Assignments
A. Pending Assignments
1 . Review of Commercial Properties within Boynton Beach Boulevard
Corridor within CRA Area
Mr. Simon recapped that this is a carryover from the previous meeting. The
Board Members were going to do individual work and there was not under a
timeframe to complete the assignment. Chair Barber asked if there was
anything to add for discussion or shall continue again?
Mr. Hendricks has not done anything since the work presented in October.
However, an offer was made to do a graphic when information from the other
Board members is brought back, a sort of aggregate exhibit of what the findings
are. Perhaps this would be useful to see where to focus the Board's energies.
Chair Barber agreed that would be helpful.
Mr. Devlin suggested a video of Northwest Boynton, from end to end, with
images of the identified properties, including information of each. The highlight
of that area is the 433 (vacant lot next to property CRA already owns); it is
currently a vacant eyesore and should be a priority. Some discussion followed
on who owned the building and whether or not money had been given for
improvements at some time; it was decided the property was owned by Jim
Bonfiglio and is for sale; further investigation revealed it was sold in 2004 for
$225,000 and has a current asking price of$749,000. It has been vacant for a
long time and listed for 1,225 days. Negotiation strategies were explored while
discussing the history of the property. Comparables are around $54/square
foot, so perhaps $500,000 would be a place to start with negotiations. Possible
uses were discussed based on access and configurations/features of the lot.
Having some suggestions for uses when bringing it to the CRA would be
preferable.
General discussion continued on perhaps doing an overlay for this corridor
(sidewalks/landscape, pedestrian activity zone) in an attempt to make it more
developer-friendly. Ms. Gordon asked if communication with properties is
allowed, Mr. Simon said as a CRA Staff person he could. If this Board wants
to make a recommendation he could bring it before the CRA and if they want
to pursue it, at their direction, that would be the next step; however, there is a
cost involved at that point. Ms. Gordon added that the property had been listed
at $675,000 before raising it to $749,000; Mr. Simon knows the listing agent
and will reach out to her. Mr. Devlin felt the plot could be difficult to develop
and that should be considered in the negotiations; perhaps it could be a park.
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Meeting Minutes CRA Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2020
Mr. Simon suggested that as the CRAdid on West Atlantic years ago: a release
could be negotiated with the current owner to put Bahia sod grass on the land
and mow it for them, thereby improving the appearance of the corridor without
having to purchase the site. Other suggestions for use of the site were
discussed; more research may reveal what options have already been explored
and rejected. Perhaps there are interested parties who just need some
assistance in developing that would be a better use of CRA's efforts.
Mr. Hendricks opened up discussion on the parcels by the railroad tracks
between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean, wondering if it is still slowly
moving forward. Mr. Simon said it is as it was; structured parking is a big issue,
interest is just lagging and needs to be rethought. Once Town Square reaches
its full potential, parking structures for City Hall use become more likely in that
area.
Ms. Gordon proposed 225 West Boynton, there is a lot of potential for the three
or four buildings on the lot. It is very spacious at 1.8 acres. Ms. Nicklien had
heard it was under contract for February closing for professional office space;
Mr. Simon can inquire. More discussion on the immediate area ensued.
Mr. Hendricks noted that across the street there is a cluster of small businesses
that could use some improvements. The post office there has been leased for
three years (January 2023); discussion on this piece should happen in the next
nine months. It was agreed it is a nice corner, across the street from a hotel,
and has definite potential.
Mr. Devlin noted that coming in off I-95, there's Frank's and then there's a dead
spot; not an attractive way to come into town. Mr. Simon said this corridor could
be considered on a priority list higher than other areas at the moment. General
discussion followed, ending with acknowledgement that three properties have
been identified thus far on this assignment.
Motion was made by Mr. Devlin, seconded by Ms. Gordon, to allow Staff to follow up on
the discussions tonight and regroup at next meeting on what is discovered. In a voice
vote, the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
8. Adjournment
Upon motion duly made and seconded, in a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously
(5-0) and the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Attachments: None
[Minutes transcribed by M. Moore, Prototype, Inc.]
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