Minutes 11-30-21 Minutes of the Special Community Redevelopment Agency Board Meeting
Held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 5:30 PM
Via GoToWebinar Online Meeting and City Hall Commission Chambers
100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
PRESENT:
Steven Grant, Chair Thuy Shutt, Executive Director
Woodrow Hay, Vice Chair Tara Duhy, Board Counsel
Justin Katz, Board Member
Christina Romelus, Board Member
Ty Penserga, Board Member
1. Call to Order
Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
2. Invocation
Chair Grant recited the Hanukkah prayer as the Invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The members recited the pledge to the Flag.
3. Roll Call
Roll call revealed a quorum was present.
5. Agenda Approval
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion
Board Member Penserga moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chair Hay seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Legal
A. Discussion and Consideration of Letter to the Palm Beach County Housing
Authority Regarding Auction of the Cherry Hill Lots
Meeting Minutes
Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 30, 2021
Tara Duhy, CRA Board Counsel, stated at the November 9th meeting, staff was directed
to prepare a letter for signature requesting the proceeds from their auction of Cherry Hill
homes would be used for affordable housing in Boynton Beach. If anyone had changes
to the draft, they will be made. Board Member Romelus wanted to add the words "in
perpetuity" to the line reading, "the Boynton Beach CRA also intended to purchase
many of the lots at the recent auction, however it was only able to secure one property.
The remainder of the properties were sold at a price that will prohibit their use as
affordable housing." Chair Grant disagreed because the CRA could subsidize a
developer to build affordable housing or the Palm Beach County Housing Authority
could. Board Member Romelus commented it would mean they would have to provide
funding to make those properties affordable again. She wanted some language to
emphasize that if the CRA or some other entity would have to subsidize property, the
properties are no longer affordable, when they initially were or should have been when
the process was done. Chair Grant stated they would always need a subsidy to make it
affordable or less than market rate.
Board Member Penserga understood Board Member Romelus' comments. He thought
there will always have to be some sort of subsidy, but tax dollars will be spent doubly or
more to make it the properties close to being affordable. This letter is to say the process
is wrong and the amendment proposed by Board Member Romelus makes that point.
Chair Grant pointed out the CRA bought a $260K piece of land a sixth of an acre and
then tore down a home to make it a vacant lot. If they tried to sell it at that price point, it
would not be affordable. They want to encourage it to be affordable and have the Palm
Beach County Housing Authority use it. He did not think saying there is no opportunity
for it be affordable should be in the letter.
Attorney Duhy recommended, "The reminder of the properties were sold at a price that
would prohibit their use as affordable housing unless significant additional public
subsidies are provided." Chair Grant disagreed with the word "significant.".
Motion
Board Member Romelus moved to approve the letter drafted by Attorney Duhy with the
additional language as discussed. Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
7. Informational Items and Disclosures by Board Members and CRA Staff:
A. Disclosure of Conflicts, Contacts, and Relationships for Items Presented to
the CRA Board on Agenda
Board Member Katz stated one applicant for tonight reached out and he met with
members of the Affiliated Group as a result.
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Vice Chair Hay, Board Member Romelus and Board Member Penserga had no
disclosures to make.
Chair Grant commented after reviewing part of the applications, he lunched with
Michael Weiner last week and disclosed he stated at the City Commission meeting, he
had a discussion with Centennial Management.
8. Public Comments
Chair Grant stated they will allow public comments for Old Business items as well,
because they will offer comments after 9 A and 9 B, and not during the presentations.
John McNally, ITS Director, enabled the public to comment virtually. Chair Grant also
noted if someone wants to submit written comments, there are cards on the back table
for the public who cannot stay the entire meeting. They will take it to the Chair and he
will read them into the record at the end of each item.
Kim Kelly, Hurricane 529 E Ocean and founder of the Boynton Beach Downtown
Business Coalition has operated Hurricane Ally for 25 years. Over a year ago, she
made a commotion about the 115 N Federal Highway property being developed by a
developer without looking for others to give their views. It resulted in development
options. She was introduced to Jack Burns with Affiliated Development. After learning
about his organization, he addressed her concerns and the community supports his
vision as he proposed a mix of residential apartments, retail and office space. He is a
leader and not a follower. He will complete his vision, remain and not sell it off. She
expressed Affiliated Development checked all the boxes, and is the only proposer to
obtain the key Ocean Food Mart on Ocean Avenue. Local businesses will flourish and
his proposal will ensure continuation of Hurricane Alley. All proposers have mixed uses,
but some developers have not met with her. She announced Affiliated is her partner.
Ernest Mignoli, 710 NE 7th Street, Unit 407, found it interesting that at the meetings, all
the support of builders, engineers, financiers, people who are owners and their workers
appear and that is fine. He has lived in Boynton for over a year, and people he spoke to
like Ocean Avenue the way it is. If they want parties and roof top bars, they will go to
Delray. There seems to be a clique in Boynton Beach that mostly come from Broward
and Dade that come here and do what they want to do. They get a lot of conversations
and all are on a first name basis. When you find a member who raises a question, the
rest of the Commission makes that person acquiesce. He stated the City has had
members on the Commission for six years and there will be a continuation of what is
going on. As a new homeowner, he feels there is over development, high density,
traffic, crime, turning the community into a 10 p.m. to 2 p.m. environment with rooftop
bars, and inviting people to come in boats and trains, turning the City into next step. He
stated it should be family town and thought developers are rich enough. He moved from
New York and New Jersey and a lot of developers come here.
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There was no one present virtually for questions.
Kelly Rei, 408 E Ocean Avenue, Sol Oasis Healing Art Center, spoke in support for
Affiliated Development. She stated she has a community healing art center, which is a
cooperative business for other small businesses on Ocean Avenue for the last eight
years. She likes the plan as it opens the area up and makes the downtown area more
inviting. She would love to see more mom and pop business thrive in the community
and thought with what Affiliated is offering, it may be possible. She did not see it a 10
p.m. to 2 p.m. hot spot, rather she just sees current business owners continuing on and
being successful.
No one else coming forward, Public Comments was closed.
9. Old Business
A. Discussion and Consideration of Reallocation of Funding for the Palm
Beach County Housing Authority Auction of Cherry Hill Lots
Ms. Shutt introduced Tim Tack, the new CRA Assistant Director. Mr. Tack is a
registered engineer who joined the CRA team this month.
Ms. Shutt explained this item pertained to funds allocated for lots in the Cherry Hill
auction. The CRA only was successful bidding on one lot adjacent to a CRA-owned lot.
There is about $427K of the $500K previously budgeted funds to acquire the lots. Staff
needs to reallocate those funds to the MLK project for the 124-unit affordable, low
income tax credit development managed and developed by Centennial Management.
The $427K was approximate as it may be a little more or less to close on the one lot.
Vice Chair Hay inquired if is there a chance they can gain other properties in that area.
He was concerned if they reallocate the funds and properties become available, the
funds may be gone. Ms. Shutt explained successful bidders would need to default first
before those properties can be released. That information will be known on Dec 3rd
when the Housing Authority would close on all the lots. He asked if the Board voted
tonight, if it would supersede that date and learned it would. The funds would then be
reallocated to Centennial as they are shovel ready and in permitting. If the Board
chooses, once they know how many lots are available, staff can come back to the
Board.
Vice Chair Hay thought it made better sense the Board delay it. Right now, the Board is
discussing turning over the funds to the Heart of Boynton Village. The $427K is needed
for the shovel ready project. It does not mean they do not have funds available in the
acquisition fund.
Vicki Hill, Finance Director, stated they have approximately $1.2M and could report
back.
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Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to approve the request for the $427K. Board Member Penserga
seconded the motion.
Chair Grant opened public comment.
Ernest Mignoli, 710 NE 7th Street, Unit 407, commented on the procedure. The way he
sees it work is the only ones in the room knowing what is going on are the engineers,
and all are on a first name basis. Each time the Board discusses these issues, there are
no residents present when there are 80K people that live in the City. He questioned why
no one attends and thought they should come and have questions and answers. He
asserted money is going here and there and the money the government has given is
supposed to be for people for food, and to stabilize where they live. He reiterated all that
is occurring is all are on a first name basis, there is development, people are displaced
and move out of town and they bring in out of towners. He enjoys advocating for people
and wants to advocate for average people. He commented money and power influence
people and they get their way at every single corner, turn and vote and the same people
who do this keep getting elected. You go through the meetings and it always turns out
the way the Board wants it, and they are very, very confident. He did not think it was
good because the people are left with this town.
Mr. Brian Fitzpatrick objected and stated they have been working on this for 30 years.
James Arena, Briny Breezes Q209 agreed with Mr. Fitzpatrick. He has only been here
a couple times and it seems like Mr. Mignoli does not like the Board. He asked if the
Board could control public comments. Mr. Arena explained he was born and raised
here. They want to see responsive development and the Board is doing the best they
can. He stated they do not want to be here until 9:30 P.M. for every meeting. Chair
Grant explained the First Amendment and Sunshine Law allow for public comments and
the Board would not want to interfere when this gentleman wants to speak. He wants
other people to join him or be against him as an advocate for the average people,
although there is no other average person stating what he is stating. Chair Grant agreed
some Board members for five years made decisions because they were elected. In a
democracy there is a self-determination form of government, and citizens chose the
people who have the authority to make decisions. There are appeals processes as well.
He is excited to see everyone here and now they will move forward with the vote.
Board Member Romelus stated they are all average people as well. Board Member Katz
disagreed with Board Member Romelus. They are educators and as career teachers, he
thought they were above average.
Vote
The motion passed unanimously. .
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B. Discussion and Consideration of the Responses to the RFP/RFQ for the
115 N. Federal Hwy Infill Mixed Use Redevelopment Project Development
Proposals
Attorney Duhy explained the Board issued an RFP for the disposition of property for a
multi-use development and got five responses. Staff analyzed the responses as has
their financial analysts. The respondents are present for presentation and for the Board
to deliberate and asked questions of the respondents. Staff has proposed procedures.
She noted there is a Cone of Silence in the RFP, which is a waivable requirement if any
of the Members spoke with the respondent about the RFP. If so, they can waive the
requirement. There is a prohibition against speaking to staff or a CRA Board Member in
the RFP, which can be waived. Board Member Katz requested the waiver and by virtue
of publicly disclosing the information in their presentations at the CRA Advisory Board
meeting. Attorney Duhy explained the language pertains to the Cone of Silence for 72
hours within awarding the RFP. Chair Grant stated his discussion with Mr. Weiner did
not involve the RFP/RFQ. Board Member Katz stated it was not about the RFP/RFQ,
but it was about development.
Motion
Board Member Katz moved to waive the requirement. Board Member Romelus
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Grant requested the developer share what was discussed during their present.
Attorney Duhy explained the CRA proposed each presenter be given 20 minutes for
their initial presentation and 20 minutes to answer Board questions. Chair Grant
requested if they want a 15-minute presentation, they can use the rest of their time for
questions or they can do the full 40 minutes and break down the time at their discretion.
The presenters would be given a time limit, not a time requirement. Board Member
Penserga encouraged a 15-minute maximum presentation.
Attorney Duhy recommended the following order of presentations as: US Construction
Inc., Related Urban Development Group LLC, Hyperion Group LLC, E2L Real Estate
Solutions LLC, and Affiliated Development LLC.
Attorney Duhy reviewed the Recommended Meeting Procedures attached in the
meeting backup. Board Member Romelus requested moving the financial viability of the
entity to the front of the agenda so they will know if they are financially able to build the
development. There were no objections to hearing from Financial Consultant, Barry
Abramson, before the presentations. Chair Grant read the RFP/RFQ Proposal
Evaluation and Selection Process from the handout. A Tally sheet was also part of the
meeting backup. Attorney Duhy explained the RFP has broad categories of
requirements. There is a full page of disclosures. If there was a compelling reason to
waive any criteria, it is within your rights and they can make their selection on the best
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B. Discussion and Consideration of the Responses to the RFP/RFQ for the
115 N. Federal Hwy Infill Mixed Use Redevelopment Project Development
Proposals
Attorney Duhy explained the Board issued an RFP for the disposition of property for a
multi-use development and got five responses. Staff analyzed the responses as has
their financial analysts. The respondents are present for presentation and for the Board
to deliberate and asked questions of the respondents. Staff has proposed procedures.
She noted there is a Cone of Silence in the RFP, which is a waivable requirement if any
of the Members spoke with the respondent about the RFP. If so, they can waive the
requirement. There is a prohibition against speaking to staff or a CRA Board Member in
the RFP, which can be waived. Board Member Katz requested the waiver and by virtue
of publicly disclosing the information in their presentations at the CRA Advisory Board
meeting. Attorney Duhy explained the language pertains to the Cone of Silence for 72
hours within awarding the RFP. Chair Grant stated his discussion with Mr. Weiner did
not involve the RFP/RFQ. Board Member Katz stated it was not about the RFP/RFQ,
but it was about development.
Motion
Board Member Katz moved to waive the requirement. Board Member Romelus
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Grant requested the developer share what was discussed during their present.
Attorney Duhy explained the CRA proposed each presenter be given 20 minutes for
their initial presentation and 20 minutes to answer Board questions. Chair Grant
requested if they want a 15-minute presentation, they can use the rest of their time for
questions or they can do the full 40 minutes and break down the time at their discretion.
The presenters would be given a time limit, not a time requirement. Board Member
Penserga encouraged a 15-minute maximum presentation.
Attorney Duhy recommended the following order of presentations as: US Construction
Inc., Related Urban Development Group LLC, Hyperion Group LLC, E2L Real Estate
Solutions LLC, and Affiliated Development LLC.
Attorney Duhy reviewed the Recommended Meeting Procedures attached in the
meeting backup. Board Member Romelus requested moving the financial viability of the
entity to the front of the agenda so they will know if they are financially able to build the
development. There were no objections to hearing from Financial Consultant, Barry
Abramson, before the presentations. Chair Grant read the RFP/RFQ Proposal
Evaluation and Selection Process from the handout. A Tally sheet was also part of the
meeting backup. Attorney Duhy explained the RFP has broad categories of
requirements. There is a full page of disclosures. If there was a compelling reason to
waive any criteria, it is within your rights and they can make their selection on the best
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interests of the CRA to complete the project as contained in the RFP's. It is the Board's
prerogative to evaluate all proposals, how they meet the requirements of the submission
and how it benefits the CRA. It does not need to be broken down. If notes are taken, it is
part of the public record. Attorney Duhy explained the RFP said they can make a
determination of who to award to, which proposer to select, or to defer a decision at the
December meeting. She recommended making a decision tonight
US Construction Inc. Financials from Mr. Abramson.
Mr. Abramson, President of Abramson & Associates Inc., explained they are a real
estate and public/private advisory firm with many decades of experience including many
projects in Florida. Mr. Abramson reviewed Attachment 13 and explained in reviewing
all the proposals, he got to the essentials and material differences and in doing so, he
chose to look at the one-time costs or revenues, and annual revenues. He presented
the numbers in today's dollars, which will increase with market escalation. He focused
on 2022 estimates for annual revenues and costs, which would not have a material
impact on the data. He gave annual numbers for two points in time: the first year of
stabilized year of operation with full taxation, after a project is constructed and is in
operation and the assessor assesses it in full value, and then 10 years after that. In
future years, the proposals may play out differently.
Mr. Abramson explained a one-time net initial cost was the CRA has a cost to acquire
land for a project, or a garage which is included and further explained his methodology.
Board Member Penserga inquired why the second row was redacted. Attorney Duhy
explained the information was articulated as confidential trade secrets. The question is if
it is, a judge would need to make that determination, so if during the proposal, if asked
by the public and E2L does not want it released, there is a special process to do that.
The Board has the confidential information. It is part of his analysis, but it cannot be
disclosed to the public.
Mr. Abramson explained the analysis is an estimation of tax increments and he
consulted with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's office. The good news for
the public side is they anticipate an uptick in property evaluations when they assess
property in January and the market is robust. He developed estimates for residential,
commercial and hotel uses, not using the proposers estimates for Tax Incremental
Financing (TIF). He applied a consistent set of assumptions for units for residential,
market rate, affordable, retail and hotel uses. Proposals in three cases call for the CRA
to be directly impacted by parking revenue and the entire garage in the Affiliated for sale
component. E2L proposed involving a non-profit and bond financing, which will involve
the City's financial advisor. Hyperion wants to fund 150 public spaces and get revenue
and be responsible. He used conservative assumptions that these are operating, break
even propositions. Revenue and expenses are on par, so there is little money left to
offset debt. These really are not anticipated to be any kind of a bonanza in terms of
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generating net income. He spoke with City's financial advisor for bond terms leaning
conservatively
Affiliated proposed 573 parking spaces, 236 apartments, half for affordable housing, but
for only 15 years from closing, which is likely for only 13 years of operation. There will
be 11K square feet of retail and 6K square feet of office. It includes the 508 Ocean, the
Oyer and another property. They proposed the CRA purchase the garage when done
for $10.3M. Affiliated was strong regarding their residential component, and paying for
parking 316 spaces, which would pay $720 a year per space and another 50 spaces as
an offset for expenses, but no estimate for what commercial space would rent for. In his
experience with estimates, put operating expenses in the range on a per space basis,
with revenues for residential, it would be optimistic to get the same revenues for
commercial and public parking. If they bought a garage, there would not be enough
money to cover debt service. Chair Grant asked if there was no economic value for the
City, in general to have a parking garage. He thought there would be a non-economic
value to the CRA and City to own and control the parking and learned it depends on the
terms. In the Affiliated proposal, they are requiring a large part of parking 300 plus
spaces be leased for 50 years and another 50-year period option for the use of the
residential building. In all the proposals, there are 150 spaces. He would look to the
CRA and City to decide whether the 150 spaces is usable by the public and not used by
commercial, but assuming it is, it is a benefit whether they get no money for it at all not.
Having a garage is a benefit regardless who owns it, but the non-economic advantage
of the CRA or City owning it as an inheritance is they gave greater control, but there is
responsibility and risk.
In terms of TIF retained in the CRA, they are not guaranteeing an exact amount of
money via sunset, they are proposing they be reimbursed 95% of the taxes through to
sunset period which is about $22K retained by the CRA after the 95% is given. He
thought, as there is more activity in the area and if the market is more accepting of
paying for parking, it may pan out. The CRA is giving up 95% of TIF in return for an
income restriction on the 118 units, which both last about the same amount of time,
which is to the sunset of the CRA when they propose the income restriction disappear.
If paying $10.3M for a parking garage, even if more optimistic, it may yield a few
hundred thousand of net revenues against a $13.3 negative. If the CRA wanted to bond
the $10.3M garage, it would have $660K in principal and interest payment and from a
zero to a quarter million against the $660K which would result in a negative $3M.
The E2L proposal included 839 parking spaces, 237 residential units, almost 29K
square feet of commercial space and a 100-room hotel. The residential units were
proposed to be 10% affordable units via income restriction for 20 years. They are
proposing to pay in phases $3.1 M and are not asking for any other CRA funding. They
will build the garage, a YMCA and retail space with a non-profit entity created for a
public benefit. The entity would have bond financing at over $30M including the YMCA
and the YMCA would pay rent to the debt service. The E2L estimate showed a positive
cash flow to the CRA after looking at TIF, but Mr. Abramson could not get there in terms
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of assuming the project would do more than cover its debt service, use up the TIF and
leave net zero for the CRA. The City's financial advisor reinforced his assumption, this
would require a guarantee of financing from the CRA, so there would be an issue of a
$30M debt guarantee. The City would own the garage after the bond term and there
may be the potential for long-term positive net revenues. There would be a benefit with
the YMCA. The master developer, who is E2L, is not the developer of the private
projects. There is a capable residential developer as a sub-developer, there is no
developer on board for the hotel, it is a complex financial structure and CRA would
negotiate with the Master Developer as there is a double layer there with another
developer, which is not an optimal structure.
Mr. Abramson stated his focus with Hyperion was on the west block and not the east
block of the project. The project would use the CRA and Oyer property. They are asking
for $3.9M as reimbursement for the cost of their providing 150 parking spaces. The
CRA would benefit from the parking revenues, but with a questionable market for public
parking, he did not assume there would be net operating income after the expenses.
The proposal seeks an abatement of 75% of the taxes, (not TIF) on the total taxes for
15 years stepping down gradually to full taxes in year 20. Of the whole taxes, 75% is
greater than the TIF and there is a net revenue of negative of $300K. It did not look like
the best financial deal.
The Related proposal had two alternatives. One is a market rate/workforce and the
other is affordable. The market rate is 30% and affordable, and affordable is 46%. In
each case, they only need the core RFP property and not the Oyer property. Assuming
the CRA does not go ahead on the purchase of the Oyer property, there is a net
negative of $4.5M instead of $8.5M. They propose to lease the land, not purchase and
propose a one-time $745K initial lease payment and stabilization fee. In the affordable
proposal, they proposed 20% of the development upon stabilization, estimated to be
$2.25M, which assumes a large developer fee that is characteristic of large
developments. They are asking the CRA for $5M of capital funding up front and in each
case, they propose the lease payments would be 15% of net cash flow, after net debt
service which, with the market rate units, were estimated to be $142K and it would grow
at a higher rate of inflation. The affordable proposal would not start until year 11 of
operation, which was estimated to be $165K in future dollars. The larger issue with the
percent and cash flow is they are variable and somewhat risky, and the City would also
want to negotiate those terms carefully. Other ongoing revenue in the affordable
component is the asset management fee starting at $15K a year, growing at about 4%
per year. They propose no TIF, so each will have a net negative cost of$8M in the first
and $6M in the second category and a positive annual flow in today's dollars of about
$576K and $366K in the second category in the first stabilize year. If they back out, it is
still $400K positive and in the second initial period it does not assume the $366K. Their
income restrictions are to last in perpetuity.
The US Construction proposal included 228 units with 20% income restricted in
perpetuity. They propose to use the core property which is a $4.5M negative. They want
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a waiver of impact fees which is just over $2M which is a negative to the CRA, an
abatement of 90% of the incremental total tax basis resulting from improvements are
about a $6.7M negative costs against ongoing a $282K negative number for 10 years
and following that, it will flip to a positive number of about $500K in 2022 dollars. Mr.
Abramson noted his analysis did not focus on zoning issues regarding allowable
density.
Chair Grant commented he was looking for further information on: parking, an overview
of transportation, aspects of multi-modal, construction partners and how they plan to
build on time and under budget, management of property experience, and community
benefits.
US Construction
Dustin Salzano, Chief Financial Officer, 1053 Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, stated
their plan is a downtown destination for living, shopping, and dining. They listened to all
the objectives of the CRA. Their primary force is a walkable downtown and promoting
pedestrian activity. He asked the Board keep a few facts in mind. Their plan involves
only CRA parcels. The plan they present is by right and has no variances. Without these
hurdles, the plan has the path of least resistance. As for parking, their plan coupled with
the 150 CRA spaces will require 601 total spaces. The cost to provide the parking is
substantial, but they did not ask for reductions and contributions. The parking garage
has a bridge that connects to the second floor of another building. If the goal is to
promote connectivity, they did not want a stand-alone structure, so they fully activated
the ground floor of their parking garage. They approached this from a traditional
standpoint. The financial contribution they will ask the CRA for is reasonable
considering the size and scale of the project.
There will be 228 total residential units. Of the units, 46 are dedicated affordable low to
moderate income units. The plan has 20K square feet of commercial and 601 parking
spaces. US Construction is a comprehensive real estate development firm, construction
management firm, and asset management firm specializing in ground up, new
construction multi-family, mixed-use projects. Over the last fifteen years, they have
been responsible for over $1 B in development activity with over 1,500 total units. Over
the past four years, they built over $300M in South Florida with most of it in Palm Beach
County. Their firm is well regarded in the way they transformed the waterfront in Delray
Beach. He and John Farina, the Chief Executive Officer are the two principals of the
firm. Abraham Katz is a dedicated senior project manager, overseeing the day-to-day
construction of operations in the field, and Brian Petrun, Director of Construction,
oversees the internal project management team and will provide direct support for
Abraham and his team in the field
He introduced Ira Lubert, Lubert Adler Funds, is their investment partner. Mr. Lubert has
over $35B of assets under management. He is an active investor in Palm Beach
County, and he is engaged in opportunity zones, who is interested in the Promenade
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and who provided a commitment for financing. They teamed up with Van Arnem and
Southcoast Partners. They collaborated with local residents and partnered with RLC
Architects, Juan Casito, who is intimately involved in the design and details. Van Arnem
and Southcoast will help attract the best in class local subcontractors.
Juan Casito introduced himself and stated the plan meets all City Codes. The plan
respects the historical character and scale of the area and will be a cohesive pedestrian
friendly environment. The plan includes a commuter rail station, but does not include
buildings fronting Ocean Avenue, which have not been acquired. He believes the
buildings should be repurposed and incorporated to be part of the new downtown. This
is an organic approach with a system as the framework and it is designed to be a good
walkable block. There are shorter road segments to promote street connectivity and
retain active uses on the pedestrian level. By revitalizing existing city blocks, it will retain
its historic framework. Their proposal included NE 4th Street and NE 1 Avenue, and
Barista Way and Dewey Park are transformed into dynamic active uses. The alleyway
should be retained as an alley during certain periods of the day and improved to make it
a multi-purpose space. He noted pedestrian zones are required by City Code. They
spoke to City planning staff and the dimensions and requirements for the pedestrian
zones and they are incorporated in the design. The plan has an east west axis using NE
1st Avenue connecting to US 1 to 4th Street and the future train station. The north/south
access controls the plan, which is NE 4th Street. The City discouraged abandoning or
blocking the street as they felt the street was important. Chair Grant disagreed with the
City as now there would be pedestrians and cars on the same road at the same time.
The street is anchored on the south with Dewey Park and on the north facing Boynton
Beach Boulevard with commercial space and pedestrian zones. The street is lined with
active uses. The design is coastal. South of the Promenade is a six-level, mixed-use
building lined with residential and commercial on the east side. The garage is
completely lined with commercial and residential uses on the east side and the west
side will be restaurants facing Dewey Park. On the north and south side are active uses.
The upper levels have all the parking and the garage is screened with materials and
finishes related to the project. The north side, facing the Promenade has a mural. No
parking lots fronting roads were proposed. The north side of the Promenade is a mixed-
use building, which is an eight-story apartment and commercial building. It has active
uses. The west end of the building connects to the garage over 1st Avenue. He noted
the buildings meet the bulk massing and Code. Their proposal meets the urban design
guidelines. The proposal meets three principals of great urban planning and
architecture, integrative mix of uses, formation of pedestrian friendly spaces and
creation of a sense of place.
John Farina, President and CEO of US Construction, 1053 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray
Beach, commented they think they are the best starting point for the project and their
company is selective in what they chose to build. They responded because they believe
they can make a significant improvement to Boynton Beach. He and Mr. Salzaar will be
involved in every aspect of the project. They provide personal attention, vision to their
developments and have skin in the game. He requested the Board chose them to have
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a landmark in Boynton Beach. They have a beautiful, practical plan that can be
executed. Their plan promotes connectivity and has active uses at the pedestrian level,
and it meets the spirit and vision of the RFP and CRA. It fits with the urban fabric of the
City while creating a walkable City grid. They hide the garage and cars and will create
active retail and interactive pedestrian experiences. It is the right size and in character
to the architectural surroundings.
Board Member Katz noted the proposal does not include the Oyer property and other
businesses. The residential component and some parcels to the east may come to the
table. He asked if they would try to incorporate CRA or adjacent businesses and
learned they would.
Vice Chair Hay asked about the alleyway and their local hiring plan. He learned the
alley would be improved with pavers and landscaping and function as a service road
during the day and off hours, and be closed at night for pedestrian activity. They would
use bollards. The Oyer site was not included, but those buildings are part of the City's
history. The building could be improved or repurposed, but the scale and character
should be retained. The hiring plan would promote local subcontractors. They would
have an onsite event and invite all local contractor communities and talk about the
project, introduce them to the plan and walk them through the bid process so they can
be part of the project. They also have an internship program where participants learn
from them and they teach about construction, development and property management.
Board Member Romelus requested clarification they were strongly encouraged not to
close off NE 4t" Street and learned they were. It would still be a through street. There is
flexibility if it is a private street as opposed to a public street. Board Member Romelus
stated it seems often the planning staff is doing their job, but it impedes innovation or
development from occurring because they are bound by the book. She asked that staff
be mindful of this when making recommendations to developers on potential projects as
they have their own thoughts or ideas. It raised concerns for her as it is a potential
benefit.
Chair Grant ask about the bridge or covered walkway from the garage to covered
residences and learned the bridge will be 18 feet in height. He asked if there was any
agreement or contract with FEC or Brightline. There will be consistent landscaping
between the commuter rail and their project and learned they had not contacted the
railways, but they can explore it. He inquired about maintaining the current businesses
and what the community benefit to the existing community was. It was explained they
have not reached out, but if selected they will improve the alley to improve all benefits
there. Chair Grant queried if there is dedicated office space and learned there is office
and retail on the ground floor. They have a lot of additional spaces lining the parking
garages. The alleyway does not have a sidewalk and it will remain an alleyway for
services and vehicles and as an active public plaza in the evenings. First Avenue has a
six-foot sidewalk and landscaping and probably parking on either side of the street and
then active uses per the site plan. Chair Grant commented Promenades with closed
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streets are pedestrian areas. If you allow cars there it loses a little friendliness. The
entrances to the garage are on 1st Avenue and the alleyway is a city street. They can
pay the fees to close it to the City, which would be advantageous. There are electric
bikes, scooters, and bus routes are incorporated, but protection of people who need the
most protection is not readily apparent because cars will be permitted on the road. Chair
Grant asked what their plan for the art tax was and learned a mural was incorporated
into the garage and Dewey park will be redesigned and have artwork. As to the
pedestrian area on the Promenade, the way they plan the garage is to align it with the
entrance from the ice cream shop. Public use is important and the plan could be
redesigned.
Related Urban Development Group, LLC
Tony DelPozzo and Jordan Davis, Related Urban, 2850 Tigertail Avenue, Miami, were
present with Cesar Nieto, Principal CM Design and Development, the project architect.
Mr. Davis explained at the last CRA Advisory Board, they consistently heard if any of
the developments serve everyone in Boynton Beach, can everyone in Boynton Beach
afford to live in these projects and can any of the proposers maintain the character of
Boynton Beach. He advised they have deep levels of affordability compared to the other
proposals to serve all constituents in Boynton Beach to ensure they can live comfortably
in their neighborhood over the long term. They also are different from any other
proposers from a track record of development, financing perspective, strategy in making
the Boynton Beach CRA a true partner versus just acquiring properties outright and
providing the greatest diversity of incomes in the project. At the end of the day, the
Board's job is to select a developer with full certainty they can execute their proposal
and he advised Related is that group.
Mr. Davis explained Related has an unmatched development and financing track record
in South Florida and they have completed over 100K units with 25K of the units
affordable and workforce housing and over 75K units market rate, luxury and high-rise
condominium units. That represents $50B in completed developments. None of their
competitors can match that record. Some of their work with Marina Village was
Boynton's first-large scale Master-Planned community. They get the scale of the
Related Group, but Related Urban specializes in community development and
public/private partnerships. That is all they do. They have constructed projects in
partnership with the City of West Palm Beach, Orange County, City of Tampa, Miami
Dade and they completed $1.8B in public/private development in the last five years.
They specialize in affordable, workforce and market rate, mixed income developments.
They built $500M Liberty Square, $650M River Park in Miami and the $450M West
River Master Plan in Tampa.
Mr. DelPozzo explained revitalizing urban communities is a passion of George Perez,
their founder, who is a renowned developer in South Florida. Some of the financial
institutions they do business with, in addition to Lubert Adler, was viewed. They get the
best financing. Related Group is family-owned company, having $200M plus in
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corporate liquidity and $400M in corporate net worth, which means they do not need
investors or complicated approval processes. They have raised three qualified
opportunity zone funds turning $90M of equity into those projects.
Mr. Davis explained when they reviewed RFP/RFQ, they knew they could develop a
signature gateway, mixed-use development without sacrificing the City's history. They
are the only proposer to preserve the Oyer and Hurricane Alley properties as they do
not want to disrupt the fabric of the community. The properties are nearly 100 years old
so they are important so as not to lose the historic character on Ocean Avenue. They
also proposed to activate the underutilized Hurricane Alley behind the properties to be a
world-class public art destination, creating an exciting experience for those at the
Brig htline Station and for residents to engage with and to connect the Oyer and
Hurricane Alley properties to Dewey Park in a much more activated manner.
There is the potential to acquire other properties. There is a group in the community
who does not want to lose the feel of this node, and they have accomplished a
signature mixed-use project the CRA is looking for. They are proposing 213 Class A
mixed-income units in a signature Related development. As for public benefits, they
included an immense array of benefits such as 150 public spaces, a grocery store, live-
work units, dedicated office space, and dedicated micro-retail space for small business
and entrepreneurs who may not need a large retail space, but want new space in which
to operate in. They are the only proposer to have a historic art alley. They committed to
National Green Building Standards Gold Certification. They provided a letter of support
from a multi-modal partner, Velosia, to help ensure a walkable development, and bring
in Uber and Lyft to create a true dedicated multi modal program to be fully transit
oriented. They provided two affordability scenarios; one is a true affordable
development that includes units at 50% of AMI that can benefit servers and seniors.
They included workforce and market rate. The scenario provides upward economic
mobility. They also provided a market rate scenario that includes dedicated workforce
and unrestricted market units. In both scenarios, they used the City of Boynton Beach
requested AMI levels and Palm Beach County workforce AMI to get the density bonus.
Mr. Davis advised they are the only proposer that proffered a true community
engagement process and they will deliver the community's vision. The alley is
underutilized and it will be an art anchored redevelopment. Mr. Perez endowed the
Perez Art Museum in Miami and made it his mission to deliver world-class museum
quality art in all his developments regardless of the income level served. The company
specializes in mixed use. They have developed City Place, West Palm Beach, City
Place Doral. They have several developments in Brickell City Center, and completed
several billion dollars in iconic Transit Oriented Developments in South Florida. They
also helped pioneer Wynwood as an emerging mixed-use district. The delivered the first
institutional quality Class-A mixed-use development with luxury residential premier
restaurant, boutique office space and world class public art and they will bring that
expertise to the CRA. They bring class A finishes to all they do, no matter what income
level is served. They bring resort style pools, state of the art fitness centers and other
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best-in-class amenities. Although they are building deeper levels of affordability, they
are not sacrificing quality.
Related owns their own construction and property management companies and by
having the construction company, they control the subcontractor selection process.
They have committed to 20% to 25% local hires and have an apprenticeship program
certified through the State of Florida, which will be incorporated into this development.
By having their own construction company, they can reduce the time it takes to close
the project, reduce costs and via their property management company keep operating
costs down. It is a firm commitment. The details of the development proforma show it
has an affordable workforce and market rate component which can better serve the
community and the local residents including the elderly. They use low income housing
tax credits and bonuses which lower construction costs which provides for deeper
affordability without sacrificing o quality of the design. They are the eight largest
affordable/workforce developer in the country and the sixth largest multi-family
developer in the country. An outline of the timeline was viewed. This is a qualified
opportunity funds investment and they have the funds, having raised $90M to date. The
members reviewed the public benefits. The project will have a 75-year ground lease.
By doing so, as a landlord, they will have a long-term say of what happens to the
project. It is a true public private partnership and they share asset manager fees
developer fees and every bit of the profitability with the CRA. He noted TRG managed
over 100K units, have over 15K units under management. They operate efficiently, keep
costs down, they lease up their projects quickly and have a proven track record.
Board Member Penserga had no questions and was impressed with the proposal. They
need strong credible partners with a long history of completing affordability and make
sure there are equal furnishings and finishes to ensure all have the same level of
dignity.
Board Member Romelus requested clarification on the 30% and 46% perpetuity and
learned it means there will be restrictive covenant agreements to ensure those
properties will remain affordable for the life of their existence. The affordable scenario
has 20% of the units at 40% of the County AMI levels, 20% of units at 80% of the
County AMI and 11 units at 100% of the County AMI, which all fit within the Boynton
moderate and middle-income levels. All residents will have the ability to live there. In the
affordable scenario, it is 46% and the workforce scenario is a little less affordability
because it is more of a workforce/market rate-oriented development. The reason they
provided two scenarios, it was not a purely affordable component to it, they thought it
made sense to offer that alternative and based on the feedback they received, it seems
that it would add to the project to have a deeper level of affordability to ensure all
residents have the opportunity to live in Boynton. Thirty percent of the total units would
be affordable. The other proposal was for 46% of the units to be affordable. In the
affordable scenario, 40% of AMI are targeting $24K to $34K for household income. For
the 100% AMI, it targets $60K to $85K and 80% of the units they target $48K to $68K.
Ms. Shutt confirmed the information meet the requirements of the RFP.
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Vice Chair Hay liked they were preserving Hurricane Alley and they had fast funding
sources. He learned there would be a 7,600 square feet grocery store component.
Board Member Katz thought they should incorporate the Oyer project and that the
exclusion of it meant the CRA purchased a $3.5M property and they will now need to
find another buyer or rehabilitate the property. He voted to purchase the property to
incorporate it. He had asked the proposers what their position was with acquiring
adjacent properties. Mr. DelPozzo stated they were unsure where the CRA was in
purchasing property. They are open to incorporating those sites. They had heard a lot
about the local and historical feel. They welcome working with the CRA as a true
partner. Board Member Katz noted this location is adjacent to a main street and asked if
that space will have additional retail. He also did not favor a grocer at this location
noting northeast Boynton and the HOB is considered a food desert, but this location
would be adjacent to luxury apartments. The grocer would be a smaller, more specialize
type, but they are open to retail and suggestions.
Chair Grant commented the CRA wants people living and working here. There are only
337 parking spaces plus the 150. Mr. DelPozzo commented they could fit additional
parking in the structure they provided in their proposal. They could create 477 parking
spaces. The picture showed a seven-story garage with 477 spaces, but they provided
really a five-story parking garage so they can carve out different programs they
negotiate with the CRA. They have only one entrance through the main drive of the
building, and they may want to open an entrance at 4th. They did not want to overtake
the alley by the grocery store and garage to have a continuous activated façade. They
kept true to the pedestrian zone all the way around the site. Even though they did not
activate the facade of the garage, they provided a colonnade along the entire frontage
on 4th. It improved the pedestrian walkability of the site. From their last meeting, there
were some comments about the unit mix. When they present changes, the development
team has to rework the proforma. With the Related Group, they are there until people
move in. Related can incorporate half the units having under 750 feet. The one
bedroom is less than 750 SF. They can replace the one bedroom with three-bedroom
units within the same envelope. What they are gaining in square footage in construction
would result in gaining value in rent. They would not change the affordability
requirement of the development. They can swap units without having a substantial
impact on the proforma or footprint.
Chair Grant recessed the meeting at 8:32 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:53
p.m.
Hyperion Group LLC
Rob Vescler, Principal and CEO Hyperion Group, stated Hyperion was founded in
2002, and is a South Florida based development firm. Their core competence is
impactful, transformative, mixed-use development. Their team is highly skilled with
experience with premiere development firms in the world. He noted the other
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development team and acknowledgement them as credible. They will be closing on the
Camalier property in a matter of weeks. They are the only proposer that can offer a mix
of hotel, office, residential at the density that is sought, and they are open to the type of
open spaces that can be provided. Their plan includes both sides of the street and over
600 residences. They presented their plan for both sides, but Mr. Abramson only
evaluated the west side of the street. The goal is to effectuate something that works in
sync for the whole intersection that creates a more vibrant downtown. Their plan
includes 75K square feet of retail including a 25K square foot grocer on the west side of
the garage at the base. The hotel will have 150 rooms, 26K square feet of office,
multiple areas of open space, all thoughtfully programed to flow to each other from
Dewey Park, extending it to the corner, taking the Oyer site and creating a large public
area. It would be transformative and a destination where people would visit from other
places and it would be a boom to the business owners and residents of the City. Their
plan includes workforce housing, which they can increase, that would be on the west
side of the site. They can have half the units below 750 square feet and interplay
between the units and the workforce housing. Since relaunching in 2020, they have four
major projects in the pipeline with over 1,000 units in development. They have their
partner with Winter Properties, a related company of standard companies, and with
Winter, they have established a platform they can grow and develop. They will start with
what they will establish on the east side.
In 2020, Mr. Vescler was the President of Residential Development at Silverstein
Properties in New York, working with Larry Silverstein who owned and redeveloped
downtown New York after 911. They have some key people from Silverstein, Jordan
Thayer is their head of acquisitions. The person who would be president of the project
was Glenn Fidgie, who develops icon products such as the World Trade Center, the
Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World, and numerous projects at Miami World Center.
It is important they bring perspective from other parts of the country. They are working
in West Palm Beach breaking ground on a project in two months. Starwood Capital was
their limited partner having access to financial resources to accomplish any size project
and they have worked in opportunity zones. They love Boynton Beach, and they want to
be a good neighbor and be part of the growth of Boynton Beach, win or lose. They
became engaged with the local community. They will be an option for Kim Kelly and
other business owners if they want more options. They have a contract on the ice cream
shop and can incorporate it hereby providing more green space. They are the only ones
that could create a destination.
Winter Properties is their strategic partner. The west side of the street would be a $75M
property and the combined project is close to $250M. They have funds committed to
work with them and have demonstrated capabilities. Local partners are Cast
Construction, a premier contractor in Palm Beach County and South Florida, and they
are building with them in South Florida and West Palm Beach. Gensler Architects, is a
partner and a world class architect with a lot of experience in master plans. Jordan
Thayer, 999 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, reviewed the breakdown of different uses.
They can program what the Board wants. The parking garage on the west side has 150
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spaces and 22K square feet of office space on the north end. It is walkable to the future
Brightline station. Under the office, at the base of parking garage is a 24K square foot
grocer. They have been speaking with different brokers who have expressed it is a
unique location for a boutique specialty grocer, such as Trader Joe's. As to residential
housing, they would allocate 5% to workforce housing, which is now allocated all to the
west. On the east site is a 150-room hotel. The east and west have 56K square feet for
Ace Hardware and new businesses. Dewey Park would be expanded at their cost, and
perhaps extended further if the corner site is available. It is a transformative project for
the downtown.
Board Member Katz had no questions. He liked increasing the green space and open
area.
Vice Chair Hay understood the one-time net initial cost would be $12,415,000 and the
next one would still cost $296K at the end of 2025 and 2026, and then another cost of
$296K in 2035 and 2036. It has 13 units at 5%. Mr. Vescler explained that analysis was
on the west side only. What was shown on one side does not necessarily translate to
the entire presentation. They are approaching the CRA as a land owner with a bigger
site than what is in the RFP. Most of the presenters focused on the west side of the
street. They are talking 12.5%, that is 8.5% already spent and the 3.9% they are asking
reimbursement for regarding the garage. The entire project would include the land for
209 N Federal Highway and the east site. The cost the company is bearing is more than
what is shown. As to the TIF and the negative number, what is negative will be a
positive when the TIF runs out as the City benefits from the full tax. Vice Chair Hay
asked if the east side will remain on the table if they do not get the west side and
learned it was still on the table. They will develop the east site into something different.
They will be a good neighbor.
Board Members Romelus and Penserga had no questions or comments.
Chair Grant commented this is more conceptual than the other applicants. He asked
who the community partners for the apprenticeship program are and he understood they
want to expand Dewey Park. He asked if they would be paying the City to help maintain
the park. Mr. Vescler commented they are open and can handle the maintenance
themselves or extend it. They were in touch with Palm Beach State College and Career
Source to establish apprenticeships and they expressed support for the project. Cast
committed to 20% small business enterprise of 15% minority women while working to
establish any thresholds they want in terms of local hiring. Chair Grant commented
there is no commercial, residential or retail in the parking garage on the west side.
There is an office building to the north and a grocer in the bottom. There will be cafes
and restaurants. There is a mobility hub on the southern end of the parking garage.
Chair Grant asked if the 150 public parking spaces was a combined total or if there is
more on the west side as there are additional public parking spaces on the east side.
Besides the 150 public parking spaces, they programmed all the parking spaces per
zoning. There will be 200 parking spaces for the public to use when visiting retail
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establishments. They are allocated for the public, but for different uses. Parking on the
east is for the hotel. Mr. Vecsler explained they planned the parking per zoning and 150
above the required spaces, but they would want to talk and sometimes you can
combine parking so as to not overload. Chair Grant looked at the South Florida Rail
Agency and they have different train stations. One is Cypress Creek with a commercial
component, so it must have a commercial aspect to have a destination along with
residential units. They can do it, but the reason why they do not see significant office
space is there is risk and if done to scale, they can absorb that risk, which they can
bring to the table.
Vice Chair Hay pointed out a sliver of office space on the north side. The property will
provide at least 20K square feet of office space given the requirements to wrap the
garage to the north. Mr. Vecsler stated feedback from planning was to have something
on Boynton Beach Boulevard so they looked there to put office space. They tried to
maximize what they can provide. It is 26K square feet of office and it would be an
important thing to incorporate. Hopefully they would have a train stop and intermodal at
the end of the garage.
E2L RE Solutions LLC.
Mark Hefferin was present with Kelly Hefferin and Antonio Balestrieri, Jack Weir,
President and Founder of East Wind and Michael Tribble. The team members are Baker
Barrios and others who worked on Town Square, so they have worked together. Verdex
Construction is their new construction partner for the residential component and Fin
Frock on the garage. Mr. Weir stated East Wind is the developer on High Ridge Landing
so they are familiar with City processes. They have proven financial capability, and
letters in the packet with PNC Bank were enclosed. They closed six transactions and
one in September. More recently they sold property in Orlando, so they have their
finances in their proforma. It is a woman-owned business with a long-time relationship
with the Vice President of Asset Management Stephanie Miller. They are familiar with
workforce housing, compliance, the basics of property management and they manage
four properties for them and potentially a fifth.
Mr. Hefferin advised they are familiar with the public art requirements and have the
workforce housing component covered. They worked with South Tech, Palm Beach
State College and S.A. Nelson to support workforce housing. They came in with six
concepts. They also believe to make this a complete project, they would work with other
owners to acquire additional property. Mr. Hefferin commented they asked for
redactions and earlier in the day sent in a revised sheet. They offered $4.49M and their
paperwork shows the net annual revenue is positive in year one out to 2036. He hoped
Mr. Abramson would update that information. They are not asking for CRA money. All
the money in TIF and parking goes back to the City, which accelerates an economic
benefit. They would have to acquire four other properties. They were unsuccessful in
acquiring the gas station, and they would build around the space to make it part of the
project, which is a challenge. Two parking options were to just work with the CRA
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property that generates 839 parking spaces. He suggested the City own 239 parking
spaces if they have the train station and YMCA. It will continue to be a more challenging
issue. If built out, the entire site would have 914 spaces to the end of the Bradley Miller
property. If they do scheme A with City and/or CRA owned property, they do not need
the Miller property for the garage. If they do extend it, they would need the site for a
seven-story garage. The corner is under contract and they would be interested in
moving into that space. They would build their new space to the north of the alley, which
is 66 feet wide. There would be 22K square feet on the ground floor of the alley and
they would raise the Oyer building and create a space to work on both sides of the alley
that could accommodate emergency vehicles. All else would be designed for
pedestrians. They would expand Dewey Park with a dog park next to the hotel. When a
train station is built, the ground floor will be a service area and the YMCA would be on
the top floor. They initially programed 22K square feet, but they need 35K square feet
and if there is a children's after school program, it may require an off-site component.
The residential portion contains 257 units and work units on the ground floor. They
encompassed a pool and amenity area in the confines of residential. They are keeping
the alley behind Ace Hardware open and 4th Street will stay open. Ace Hardware is not
yet ready to sell, but there was some interest.
Mr. Hefferin commented they did not submit a lot of pretty pictures and they focus on
what could be on site and how to mold it to meet the needs of the City. There could be
hotel or housing, additional workforce or affordable and there is some office market
here. To the rear, there is 30K square feet proposed for a grocer if they get additional
land. It is a challenging project. To keep existing business operating, they have to build
the garage first, then residential, and then move businesses in. They would demolish
the Oyer property and build. He thought it was a five-year project. The phasing plan was
reviewed and the funding sources were viewed. They redacted the pricing because if
they negotiate, the price should be confidential.
Jack Weis explained the mix of units is 45 one bedrooms, 45 two bedrooms and 10 are
three bedrooms. Fifty-seven of the units are under 750 square feet. They proposed
originally 10% workforce housing, which was 26 units. Twenty-five percent of the units
were at 60% to 80% of AMI, 25% at 80% to 100%, and 25% of the units up to 120% of
AMI and 25% up to 140%. They submitted enhanced workforce housing that would go
increase to 30% using the same ladder. The largest percentage of work units was at the
60% to 80%. The proposal was predicated on external funding, without CRA funding
through the County exchange program or the new Gap program. They did not propose
an affordable housing structure using tax credits. It introduces two elements, one was
the time table of tax credit allocation process with Florida Housing particularly the 9%
tax credits. Alternatively, if affordable housing remains in perpetuity, it depresses the tax
revenues and a developer can partner with a non-profit and eliminate a large portion of
the tax payments there. The master developer structure is standard. As for TIF and
parking fees, it is the City or CRA's choice if they want to charge, but they must have
funds coming in and they will charge to park. Their calculations, at CRA sunset was just
under $20M in revenue. There is always risk. He hoped there is some clarity that can be
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given. They are confident in performing. Mr. Hefferin reviewed a conceptual drawing of
what the YMC would look like.
Vice Chair Hay thought building the project in five phases was much for him. He noted
he does not have site control, so he asked how he could count the properties in the
plan. It was explained there are two options, just CRA properties, which is the Oyer
property, and hold out property owners will decide if they want to be part of the project
or not. Vice Chair hay commented they have not always been on the same page with
the Town Square project, which soured him. The plan seemed complicated to him and
he was not there yet, and he needs more convincing. Mr. Hefferin responded they
learned tough lessons together. Mr. Hefferin advised they did not have the proper
agreements in place, but they do now.
Board Member Romelus put on record the issues they have are with a different
developer so it was unfair to hold the presenter to the error another developer has
made. Vice Chair Hay agreed but thought when you have that experience, you must
consider it. Chair Grant understood the Town Square was a joint developer project and
the parties did not seem to work well when the contract was signed. Chair Grant liked
the YMCA coming downtown. They have office space as part of the projects, and he
understood they may not have all the properties in place, but it was a discussion for the
December meeting.
Board Members Penserga and Katz had no questions
Chair Grant referenced scheme B and stated they did not have the components
separated in the package. It is the downtown. They cannot have just residential and
retail. They need other aspects. He understood the sentiments of people who have
been here for decades, but he commented they are growing the City and they want to
keep the same identify and not lose their current components. The important part for
him is the people and not the buildings as the two Oyer buildings are not signature
architectural designs.
Chair Grant recessed the meeting for a short break at 9:57 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Affiliated Development
Jeff Burns, CEO, Affiliated Development, thanked the Board and stated this will be
their fourth public/private partnership in Palm Beach County in three years and this
project will be an anchor and the next urban hot spot. The project, "The Pearce" has
multiple uses combined to create continual activity and energy. It will have multi-family,
office, retail, restaurants, public uses and a parking garage with 150 spaces for the
public. One thing that makes Boynton Beach unique is the people. They finalized an
exclusive letter of intent with Hurricane Alley Raw Bar. They really took the time to learn
the needs of the community. Ms. Kelley's restaurant will continue to serve people in the
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future and Macoviak will relocate their insurance office to the Pierce and display their
100-year old sign as a public art component. They have the only proposal that includes
the Ocean Food Mart as they have executed an agreement to purchase the property
and buy out their lease. The project name, The Pierce, was named after Charlie Pierce,
the Barefoot Mailman. They met with Brightline executives. The location was a
convenient spot for a commuter stop and Brightline provided a letter indicating they
were discussing for this opportunity with Affiliated.
Mr. Burns advised they put together a request for proposal, not a request for options.
They have contracts signed and they completed the legwork up front. They are a locally
based company with offices in Broward and Palm Beach County that build
developments that create a social impact in the communities they invest in. They have
constructed over $500M in public/private partnerships over the past 15 years, including
over $162M of the same in the last three years. In 2019, they executed in one of the first
qualified opportunity zones with the Ft. Lauderdale CRA before the regulations were
posted. In 2020, Affiliated had a closing of$125M using Affiliated Housing Impact Funds
which are local police, fire and general employee pension plan funds, so those
organizations can see projects occur in their community. They closed on three different
large-scale loans totaling $100M during the pandemic. Their banking relations span
across multiple transactions with financial institutions. The proposal they submitted
included bank references attesting to their ability to borrow. If there is a negotiation
needed between Affiliated and the CRA, a decision is made on the spot.
Mr. Burns advised development is a team sport and they rely on the best in the
business. All on his development team are people they have worked with on prior
projects. Moss and Associates is their general contractor, and this is their sixth
collaboration. Castle Residential, is their property management company and this is
their sixth collaboration. EBI Consulting is their civil engineer also their sixth
collaboration. MSA Architect for architectural services and this is their fifth collaboration.
Spino O'Rourke is their interior designer and their fifth collaboration. Sachs Caplan is
their Real Estate Attorney and their third of fourth collaboration. Kimley Horn is their
third collaboration and AAL Architectural Alliances is their landscape engineer and WGI
is the civil engineer. They work closely with Moss to ensure they engage as many
people in the construction of the project, which is done through job fairs right before
starting. They have apprenticeship and mentorship programs.
Mr. Burns reviewed similar projects that were public private partnerships is the 613 in
Ft. Lauderdale with the CRA during the pandemic. The development has workforce
housing. They constructed the Bohemian on Lake Avenue in Lake Worth Beach. This
was their second project with Lake Worth Beach, the first one being the Mid. They are
also making accommodations for a Brightline stop and the development has workforce
housing as they were one of the first county exchange programs with GL Homes and
they took their obligation and built it for them. The Grand in West Palm Beach closed a
few months ago. It will have 309 units with the CRA, City and HCD. It will provide over
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200 workforce housing units. With many people moving in from out of state, the
development is especially needed.
Affiliated sought to create an impressive pedestrian experience that draws people in to
something a little bit greater so instead of having a boxed structure, they wanted to
create a development to attract people and move them around in a unique manner.
There will be unique public art to create a sense of community people want to be in.
There will be a freestanding rooftop bar. The ground floor commercial space will have
off shoots and they are thinking of having a wine and coffee bar on the corner near
Dewey Park. The project is a Transit Oriented Development. When riders leave the train
stop they were contemplating having an Uber waiting lounge so riders will have a place
to go. He thought it would eventually be a Brightline stop. Mr. Burns noted 79% of the
space is available to the general public. There will be 236 mixed-income workforce
units. The apartments are urban with a lot of raw materials with luxury finishes, such as
Italian cabinets and quartz countertops. A lot of people work from home. Apartments are
the new offices.
There will be nine workforce housing units offered to those earning between 60% and
80% of the AMI. There will be 53 units at 80% to 100% of AMI, 56 units at 100% to
120% of the AMI and 118 market rate units. They have different levels of rent
restrictions to create a diverse environment. Affiliated partnered with Stanton and
Bowery Hospitality for the restaurant component. There will be an incubator in the office
space and there will be 573 parking spaces in the garage. If it is public parking, and the
CRA or City should own it. They clarified and discussed the cost analysis and he
pointed out the City or CRA would own an asset. He also wanted to correct there is an
$11M to $13M asset that would held by the CRA. They would have a lease in place to
provide revenue and the CRA could bond it and get financing for. They could bring
vendors or bars into that space to provide their products during certain events. The deal
they made with Hurricane Alley, they do not want to temporarily displace them. They
would build a single building on Boynton Beach Boulevard, bring them in and then
demolish the old building. There would be a pedestrian bridge from parking to the main
building. They have agreements they use with other cities.
The total cost is $73M. Mr. Burns explained they will build a garage on their credit, get
the financing, do the guarantees, and make sure it is built and, then give the CRA the
keys. This is not a sale to make money: the objective was to get enough money to pay
for the initial cost, to pay off lenders and the rest of the project can service itself. They
will sign a lease for residences, providing over $300K of immediate revenue every year.
The CRA can also meter certain spaces for further revenue. Affiliated will pay $5.5M
with all included and it was noted Affiliated are not merchant builders. They will be
someone for the long term. They are building in a qualified Opportunity Zone and they
will need to remain there for 10 years. They were asked to provide an RFP. They spent
a lot of time in the community engaging residents. They are getting ready to build their
second public/private development in Ft Lauderdale, their second public/private
partnership in Lake Worth is almost complete and they are hoping to build their second
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public/private partnership in West Palm Beach. Mr. Burns hoped this is a good start for
their relationship.
Board Member Penserga had no questions, Board Member Romelus commended Mr.
Burns and the team working with local business owners to bring their vision to life. It
was a well thought out and strongly vetted proposal. She had no questions.
Vice Chair Hay asked if they would move Hurricane Alley to the Bradley Miller area and
asked if it would be larger and learned it would. It will have a larger foot print and have a
mezzanine, upstairs and larger patio seating area.
Board Member Katz noted Mr. Burns has an agreement with Ocean Mart. He
questioned if they were able to acquire adjacent properties such as Ace Hardware, if
they would add addition retail or restaurant space on the first floor. He was not opposed
to having higher levels for parking and using the ground floor for additional retail.
Chair Grant asked about ingress and egress for the parking garage. There would be an
entrance for the parking garage on 1st Avenue and 4th. Chair Grant thought another
proposer had a higher use and added commercial to the parking. He wanted to know if
Affiliated would be flexible if the CRA wants to add other aspects of commercial
development. If there is a train station, they want people stopping off. He was glad he
got the hard corner on Ocean Ave and Federal Highway. He also liked the aspect of
keeping history alive by saving the sign on the Oyer building
Chair Grant opened the floor to public comment.
Barbara Ready, 34001 Biaz Bay, Boynton Beach, saw interesting ideas for the
downtown and thought some should be explored further. Only one developer offered to
pay to save the Oyer building. She is a supporter of historic preservation. She thought
saving one more piece of our history was a good thing. It would be a bookend, having
the Old High School, the Magnuson building and then the Oyer property. The Related
Group offered to help pay to fix the Oyer building and offered no TIF, and offered a 75-
year lease.
Kim Kelly, 529 E. Ocean Avenue, appreciated all the presentations, and stated the
Related Group never contacted her. She noted the Related Group indicated they
wanted to restore the building, but commented they have not been in the building. She
advised the building needs a lot of work and if they did so, she would be displaced for
two years. She thought Related means well, but what Affiliated offered is game
changing. She requested the Board think of existing businesses and what they have to
offer.
There was an online comment from Anthony Fasano in support of Affiliated and the
Pierce, have witnesses the positive effects they spur.
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Another online comment was received from Gregory Hisan, voicing support for the
Affiliated proposal.
Board Member Romelus received a text message from Mr. Fitzpatrick in support of the
Related Group. Chair Grant advised he received the same message.
Chair Grant received a text message from Jim Knight stating the low turnout is due to
how well they are running the City.
There was a comment card from Chet Atkinson in support of Affiliated Development.
A comment card was also sent via email from David Strauss, Chair of Hollywood Police
Officer's Retirement System in support for the Affiliated proposal.
Jeff Morano, a resident since 1972, supported the Affiliated proposal.
John Georges, a credit investor in the Affiliated Fund, supported the Affiliated proposal.
Lance Aker supported the Affiliated proposal.
James Donnelly supported the Affiliated proposal.
Joan Oliva, the Executive Director of the Lake Worth Beach CRA, supported the
Affiliated proposal.
Mr. McNally noted the following two online letters of support for Affiliated from Drake
Garnsey and E. Powers.
Chair Grant received a text from Barbara Ready asking who would be responsible for
maintenance costs of a private road and noted neither group said who would pay to fix
the Oyer property and a single-story building on Boynton Beach Boulevard was a waste
of space.
Jake Harrington, 450 N. Federal Highway did not believe the consultant that all the
proposers are money losers, rather they are qualified builders in qualified opportunity
zones. He thought whoever is selected should sharpen their pencils because they could
all use more parking. He noted there is a lot of talk about open, public and green space.
He lives across the street from open space and it is a dangerous area. He was more
concerned about underdeveloped areas. An open space without a commitment to safety
would be scary. He would like to take the half house walk home from here feeling safe.
Board Member Romelus noted she received a text from Court McQuire requesting it be
read into the record. Chair Grant approved. "As the Chair of the Boynton Beach Arts
Board, I feel the presentation by Affiliated supports our community best. Thanks for all
your presentations." Chair Grant received the same text as well.
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An online comment was made by Mark Meyer requesting the board listen to the
concerns of business owners and the community and select the developer that will
follow through with the development that will enhance the community and make it a
place people will want to live and work in. Also, he noted as climate change magnifies
they will need infrastructure that looks towards the future that integrates open, green
and smart designs.
Public comment was closed.
It was explained how the ranking would proceed.
Chair Grant recessed the meeting for a short break at 10:54 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 11 p.m.
Chair Grant read the tabulated results as follows. US Construction 21 points; Related
Urban LLC 11 points; Hyperion Group 19 points; E2L Real Estate Solutions 18 points;
and Affiliated Development 6 points. Affiliated Development was the clear winner and
he requested a motion to accept them.
Board Member Romelus explained Related was the only group to provide work force in
this area in perpetuity and it stood out. Since the Board wants to increase affordable
housing in the downtown and in the City, she felt the board should continue to champion
the cause and their decision should reflect it. She noted this was different and nearly
50% of their units was workforce. Fifty years from now they can have mixed income
housing in the downtown core and people would not be priced out as had occurred in
Delray. Affiliated will potentially be their partner. She wanted them to increase the
number of affordable units and the Board find a way for workforce housing can be
included in their plan in perpetuity. It has been done around the country. That was why
she did not pick affiliate. She wants to see how they make it work. Related Urban did it
because it is possible. They need to figure it out before she would cosign any purchase
and Development agreement. She wanted Affiliated to make a commitment for
affordable housing in perpetuity in Boynton Beach.
Attorney Duhy explained this is an RFP to negotiate a Purchase and Development
Agreement. The Board would make a selection and start negotiations. If negotiations fall
through the Board could come back or adopt the ranking as a proper ranking and
motion to move forward with the first choice ranked respondent.
Based on the CRA Attorney move forward with the highest ranked member of the group
with her comments added.
Motion
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Board Member Katz moved to enter into negotiations with Affiliated and if things fall
apart, then enter into negotiations with Related. The motion would not be to adopt all
the rankings and automatically go down the line if needed. Board Member Penserga
seconded the motion.
Board Member Penserga thought Affiliated was the best applicant. Related and
Affiliated had the best history, track record and could make it happen. He noted
Affiliated already spoke with the community, which impressed him. He looked at their
other projects and their staffs. He was impressed with their long-term commitment they
built and keep building. He fully supported the motion. He liked the comment by Mr.
Farrington about the Dewey Park corner gets dark. Open spaces can be terrible without
lighting and security and he will require that of a future development.
Board Member Romelus wanted consensus about her comments and to explore how
that could be made possible. Board Member Katz and Vice Chair Hay had no problem
with affordable housing. Board Member Penserga was open with Affiliated explore how
they can make workforce housing available in perpetuity.
Vote
The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Grant thanked the applicants and proposers.
10. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Grant adjourned the meeting at 11:12 p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
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