Minutes 02-14-83 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING AT CITY HALL, BOYNTON
BEACH, FLORIDA, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1983 AT 7:00 P. M.
PRESENT
Carl Zimmerman, Chairman Bert Keehr,
Robert Gordon, Secretary Deputy Building Official
Vernon Thompson, Jr., Vice Chairman City of Boynton Beach
George Ampol
Joseph Moore
Paul Slavin
Lillian Artis, Alternate
ABSENT
Leo Grossbard, Alternate (Excused)
Chairman Zimmerman called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. M.
He introduced the Members of the Board; Lillian Ar%is, Alternate
Member; and informed everyone that Leo Grossbard, Alternate Member,
was excused because of iilness. Chairman Zimmerman also introduced
Bert Keehr, Deputy Building Official, who was there to give the
Board technical information, and Patricia Ramseyer, Recording
Secretary. He recognized the presence of Councilman Joe deLong
and also two candidates for Council, Morton~Goldstein and Nick
Cassandra (former Member of the Board of Adjustment).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
COMMUNICATIONS
Secretary Gordon advised there was just one~ communication, which
was regarding one of.the applications. Chairman Zimmerman said
it would be read when the application is reviewed.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1983
Secretary Gordon moved, seconded by Mr. Slavmn, to approve the
minutes as presented. Messrs. Moore, Ampol, and Thompson
abstained from voting as they were not present at the meeting of
January 20, 1983. A vote was taken on the motion, and the motion
carrmed 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
Chairman Zimmerman announced that the Board would take the
variances in the order in which they were advertised, which he read.
In regard to the public hearing which the Board would hold in
connection with each one of the applications, Chairman Zimmerman
said the Board follows a definite procedure.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT _MAtNQ~ES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
First, Chairman Zimmerman said'they would have a summarization of
the application by Mr. Gordon, Board Secretary. Then the applicant
or his agent would have an opportunity to come to the microphone
and further explain~the application and give anything further that
he wants to in connection with his case.
Chairman Zimmerman advised that the applicant can have a brief
rebuttal, if needed, near the close of the public hearing. He
stated that any letters that have been received by the Board Secre-
tary will be read. Next, anyone in the audience that wants to
speak for the approval of the application can.then come to the micro-
phone and state their reasons. After that, the Board will hear
those that are opposed.
Chairman Zimmerman stated that it was good for the folks who do
come to the microphone and all of the Board Members to remember
the Board is very much limited in making their decisions to the six
conditions in Section 10 of the Building Code in reoard to the
duties of ~he Board of Adjustment.
After the public hearing is closed, Chairman Zimmerman informed
the audience that the Board has the duty of sorting out the facts
and trying to decide which way to go on the application - either
for or against.
Chairman Zimmerman continued by saying the applicant is expected,
in coming forward, to show what special conditions, circumstances,
or hardships exist. Then he is to try to show that the hardship
was not caused by the applicant; that the applicant should not be
granted any special privileges by this Board; that the Board
should not try to deprive the applicant of the rights ~hat other
property holders in that district have under the terms of the
Ordinance. In granting a variance, Chairman Zimmerman said the
Board should only consider the minimum variance that is necessary.
Lastly, any changes granted or variances given should be harmonious
to the area and not injurious to the public welfare, Chairman
Zimmerman advised.
Parcel #1 Lots 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383 - CHERRY HILLS
Recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 64; Palm Beach County
Records
Request: Relief from 10' side yard setback requirement
to 3'6" on four properties
Address: 530-532/534-536 N. W. 12th Ave.
Applicant: Barry L. Seaman for Palm Beach Housing
Authority
Secretary Gordon read from the application as follows:
"Property is presently zoned: R-2 Formerly Zoned: R-2
Denial was made upon existing zoning requmren~nts from which re-
lief is required: R-2 zoninq requires a ten foot (10') side
yard setback.,
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BOARD OF ~ADJUSTMENT MINUTE,S
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
"Nature of exception or variance required: Applicant is requesting
that the side yard setback be reduced to three foot six inches
(3'6"). (On all four (4) properties).
Name of Applicant: Palm BeachCounty Housing Authority
3432 West 45th Street, West Palm Beach
Signature of Applicant /s/BarryL. Seaman"
Barry L. Seaman, 3432 West 45th Street, West Palm Beach, came
forward. He told Members of the Board one~.important'.factor of the
variance he was requesting on the four buildings is that the
variance is in between his buildings and not out to an adjacent
property owner, where he was reducing the variance he was request-
ing. Mr. Seaman said these units are part of a total rehabilita-
tion program that was going in the Cherry Hills area at the north
end of Boynton Beach.
Originally., when they acquired the property, Mr. Seaman said the
property was zoned multi-family. This was prior to the Compre-
hensive Land Plan. Mr. Seaman informed Members of the Board that
they have been working on this for many years. The Comprehensive
Land Plan was~.changed to R~2, so they-.had to redesign their
initial concept of these buildings. Mr. Seaman said they need to
have additional square footage in each one in order to meet their
HUD minimum property standards and meet their rehabilitation pro-
gram over there, which is one of the most important things.
A part of what Mr. Seaman wanted to show'the Board tonight was
where they came from and what they started with, and the properties
that they bought over there. Mr. Seaman asked if anyone had been
in Cherry Hills to see what it looks like over there. Chairman
Zimmerman thought most of the Members had, He knew he had been
over there.
Mr. Seaman said they originally walked in there and acquired eighty
units, representing mostly one bedroom units with families of up
to ten people living in one bedroom. Through their rehabilitation
program, Mr. Seaman said they will reduce that density down to 38
units, creating two 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplexes. He showed two
bedroom duplexes, which will stay two.bedroom, duplexes, so they
were not increasing the density in any way on the units they were
speaking of.
Mr. Seaman showed the four units they were talking about right now
and the units they acquired. Originally, he said each one of the
units were two one bedroom units in the Cherry Hills area (12th
and 13th). What they did over there was basi~cally take two of the
units, connect them together, put an extra bedroom and bath, and
they made a three bedroom, two bath unit out of each side instead
of four one bedroom units. Chairman Zimmerman asked what Avenue
that was on. Mr. Seaman answered that it was on 12th. Basically,
they face on 12th and 13th Avenues, 'both'~iin the 400 block and the
500 block of these two streets, Mr. Seaman added.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Mr. Ampol asked if it was all CBS ~anstruction. Mr. Seaman replied,
"Yes." Mr. Se~aman showed some of~the "finished products" or ones
they finished over there. He pointed out that it has made a
"terrific" impact in that area, both in living conditions and every-
thing else. What they are doing here, Mr. Seaman told the Board, is
continuing the revitalization of the total neighborhood With the
request they are asking for.
Chairman Zimmerman noted that their plan here was a little different
than any of the others. Mr. Seaman explained it was because these
they could connect together and make duplexes out of them. A few
already have duplexes, but Mr. Seaman said he needs to add some
additional square footage to meet their requirement to put them
under the program. He thought the important part was that the
variances are between the buildings and not out to adjacent property
owners on the variance. Mr. Seaman said they were asking none on
that side of their bUildings, so it was all within.
At one time, Mr. Seaman said he came in and got a variance on two
units he indicated to the Board Members~ where they added additional
living space. He said it was about 1-1/2 years ago. Basically, Mr.
Seaman said they would be doing the same thing, taking the building
and adding some additional things to the inside of their two
duplexes.
As of right now, Mr. Seaman informed the Board Members the~-Housing
Authority has~expended~,~2..6Million. Dolla~s in CherryHills and the north end
of Boynton Beach in rehabilitating homes over there. According to
their drawings, Chairman Zimmerman asked if they had enough square
footage as far as government requirements to get the loan. Mr.
Seaman answered that they already have the loan, because they have
had it, but he explained that he needs the square footage mn order
to finish his plans and put it out for bid. Chairman Zimmerman
asked, "~And· have your plans approved?" Mr. Seaman answered, "Yes."
Mr. Ampol asked how many buildings they were planning. Mr. Seaman
informed him that the buildings are already existing. Mr. Ampol
meant renovating. Mr. Seaman advised there would be four duplexes,
or eight units.
Secretary Gordon asked if the five cinder block shelters that are
up there now were the buildings. Mr. Seaman answered, "Yes." Secre-
tary Gordon asked if they were going to be'demolished. Mr. Seaman
replied, "No. They are the buildings." He showed plan~ and added,
'Just like these were the buildings that we started with, and this
is what we are ending up with." Someone commented, "Quite an
improvement~'
Mr. Seaman told the Board Members they looked at the Cherry Hills
area. Due to the zoning, they really could not tear the buildings
down and do new construction because you had a 66'x100', or 6,000
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
square feet. That ~would totally wipe out any decent rental that you
could put in for housing over there and' make it affordable for the
tenants to pay for. Mr'. Seaman stated that they had to go mn under
the grandfather and do "rehab" on most of them, at. the .~same tim~
keeping in mind that it ~was to try and create decent housing and
yet reduce density, which they have.
Vice Chairman Thompson recalled this was a special case. As a
p~erson familiar with this, it seemed to him that special privileges
were given to this which, in Vice Chairman Thompson's personal
opinion, should not' have been. He knew of nowhere in Boynton where
the City would allow demolishing of the whole neighborhood and
starting "from scratch." Granted, they' could not ~have known, and
they ~were asking now for 3.6 abutting property, which is a full
step. Vice Chairman Thompson called attention to the fact it is
cloSe. He recollected he sat on the Board and voted in favor of
changing two of those units where he connected the two of them
together. Now, Vice Chairman Thompson noted, Mr. Seaman was ask-
ing that they have separate units and let it stand at 3.6 separating
them, which is totally different than the connecting of two build-
ings which were four apartments and making them two. That way,
Vice Chairman Thompson pointed out they created more space but here,
he could not see where the improvement is. Vice Chairman Thompson
did not see an improvement.
Mr. Seaman stated that the improvement was there. He told Members
of the Board he did not need a variance on all of the work there.
Connecting the two together fell within the Code, so no variance
was given on any of those connecting the two buildings together.
Mr. Seaman said he met all of those criteria ~f through the Building
Department., building permits, and everything else.
Chairman Zimmerman recalled Mr. Seaman was before the Board once
before asking to join two duplexes into a four unit-multi-family
setup, and the Board turned it down on the basis of the zoning.
Mr. Seaman interrupted to say he went before the Zoning but was
never befOre this Board to ask for the connecting of duplexes.
Mr. Slavin thought that before, somebody came before the Board under
the guise of being from HUD. Subsequently, Members of the Board
found out it was a private developer who had an entry into HUD to
get money or use HUD's money to build and had these as rental
units. He recalled this happened.! about a year or so ago.
Secretary Gordon remembered it was Mr. Auslander. Mr. Slavin
agreed that it was Mr. Auslander. He believed it was a private
builder, and he had some connection with HUD. He asked Mr. Seaman
if he was right. Mr. Seaman answered, "Yes.'
Chairman Zimmerman ascertained that Mr. Seaman had not been before
this Board but had been before the Planning and Zoning Board. Mr.
Seaman explained that he went before the Planning and Zoning Board
based on that original concept back in 1978. He said it was R-3 or
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
multi-family. When they acquired the property, Mr. Seaman said
everything was fine.. They could do what they wanted to do back
then. In the meantime, the Comprehensive Land Plan became
effective, which changed their whole concept. Mr. Seaman told the
Board Members they had to back up and redesign their total package.
If you look at the drawing iq'self with the four units the way they
are setting on the property, Mr. Seaman reiterated that his
variance was between his two buildings to get the additional square
footage. If he was going to take those four..units and he was add-
ing that little additional square footage in between the two
together and these two together; Mr. Seaman showed what he would
end up with for the Cherry Hills area. He thought it was very
important for that area.
If he cannot do it, .Mr. Seaman told the Board Members that area
would lose eight two bedroom units that are desperately needed.
Chairman Zimmerman pointed out t.hat there ~was a little conflict
between Mr. Seaman's application and the drawing. In the appli-
cation, he was asking for a 3'6" variance, or reducing the side
setback to 3'6", which Chairman Zimmerman said varies on each one
of the four buildings. He admitted it was not a great variance
but added that there is a variation on each one of the buildings.
Chairman Zimmerman asked how they could overcome that. Mr.
Seaman replied, "Surveys." He advised that each one of them will
meet the surveys, the way their buildings are drawn, other than the
one Mr. Keehr just pointed out to him where he might have to extend
the building. He showed Members of the Board.what he meant, and
said the architect was a little bit off on it.
Chairman Zimmerman noted that Mr. Seaman would hold it to the 3'6"
on each one rather than what is on the d.rawing. Mr Seaman replied,
"Yes. Definitely." Chairman Zimmerman said Mr. Seaman wanted to
lengthen the addition to get the square footage they need instead
of varying the depth of the addition. Mr. Seaman said that was
corre ct.
Mr. Keehr, Deputy Building Official, advised that this would be
required because of the advertising.
Vice Chairman Thompson commented that it was the criteria they had
to base their decision on. He said a special decision has been
given already to the property in question. Vice Chairman Thompson
knew of no cases in the City of Boynton Beach where houses are so
congested. He said this would not be allowed to take place in the
first place. That, right there, is a special privilege that was
once granted already, Vice Chairman Thompson pointed out.
Chairman Zimmerman called attention to the fact that there are
several conditions existing here that, to some extent, are grand-
fathered in. He believed the lot frontage was not according to
the present day Code. The lot overall area is not according to
Code. The minimum square foot area is not according to the present
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA 'FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Code for R-2; the front setback is not, and the other side setbacks
are not. Chairman Zimmerman said they are legal non,conforming
conditions.
Mr. Seaman was aware of what Chairman Zimmerman was saying and
agreed. He informed Members of'the Board that the City was the
one that invited them in to do the renovation for them. The City
picked the area to renovate. Mr.'Seaman said they went out and
acquired the properties, based on the fact that the Building
Department was working with them. The Planning Department was
working with them and everything else, and they acquired all of
these properties to renovate that area. Mr. Seaman said all of
these facts were known on what they were going to try to do over
there. He reminded them that this has been-a long time, since 1978,
to renovate this area.
Mr. Seaman took excePtion to.not spot zoning his original request.
He said he was told he could hook them together to start with way
back when they first acquired them. Mr. Seaman stated that they
regrouped to come up with another concePt'an~t~-i~to stay as close
within all of the guide'lines ~a~?the!~.'.~ 'wanted to see.
Vice Chairman Thompson noted the property was R-2 since 1975; yet
they had that limited bit of space of 543 square feet, which does
not meet the City Code. He said it takes 750 square feet to meet
the City Code. Mr. Keehr told Vice Chairman Thompson he had to
realize that this is an existing situation. Although it is non-
conforming, what Mr~ Seaman is proposing to do is improve,on this
non-conformance, which the City does allow~ What Mr. Keehr was
saying was what is there is legally non-co.nforming. He said the
City would not allow him to make it more non-conforming (in other
words, decrease the size), but Mir. Seaman can add to it as he pro-
posed to do, and that is legal. Mr. Keehr advised that where the
legality comes in is in the setbacks. He said the 543 does meet
the Minimum Housing Code of the City. When you are talking about'
R-2, Mr. Keehr said you are talking about 750 feet per unit.
Vice Chairman Thompson, to make sure he understood what Mr. Keehr
was saying, called attention to the fact that under R-2, they are
talking about 750 square feet. He pointed out that.'this is R-2,
always was R-2, and was always 543 square feet. Mr. Keehr agreed
that is correct but informed Vice Chairman Thompson that these
duplexes wer. e built in 1959. Mr. Keehr did not know the criteria
in 1959 for the square foot requirements for a duplex. He did not
even know if it was zoned R~2 in 1959, as his map only went back
to 1962. Mr. Keehr said they could very well have been zoned R-3
at the time, which he believed Mr. Barry Seaman knew. Mr. Keehr
did not know, as he had no records that would give him that infor-
mation.
Mr. Ampol asked, "Because this construction was completed in 1959,
it made it legal non-conforming?" Mr. Keehr answered, 'That is
correct."
Mrs. Artis asked Mr. Seaman if he was putting units closer together.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Mr. Seaman answered, "No. The units are basically staying just like
they are. In other words, the little additional space that you put
here is added to the living room area to make an entrance way into
it. It meets the HUD minimum property standards- We are actually
including a little more living space in each unit. ' Mrs. Artis
determined they were actually going to be closer together.
Chairman Zimmerman replied, "Yes. Right there, where those small
additions are being added." Mr. Seaman said they are designed in
such a way where they are closer together; there will be no
windows to keep away from the noise factor from one unit to the
other. He said they would be putting the doorways adjacent and
he showed how they woUld be. In any of these buildings, Mr. Seaman
said they try to take into consideration the peace and enjoyment
of any tenant living in there.
If they do not, Mr. Seaman repeated that the area will lose eight
units. Mrs. Artis asked about the doors. Mr. Seaman told her the
doors are facing out to the-sides each way. Chairman Zimmerman
added, "Some east, and some west." He said one building will have
it on the east, and the adjoining building will have it on the
west. Chairman Zimmerman said the doors will be facing each other,
actually, except they will be staggered. Mr. Seaman indicated the
end where ~they would make the doors so they would not be facing
out with each other, a solid wall to take down the noise factor,
and wher~-~the~'would'.put the walkway.
Mr. Seaman showed the buildings where they added all of the living
space. Mrs. Artis was wondering about putting them so close
together. Mr. Seaman said it was no closer together than if you
loOk at a lot of duplexes and the way they are designed. He said
they have apartments where you have doorways like that with a
common wall between them. Mr. Seaman stated that they are
conscious of the sound factors and everything else. He also said
they are conscious that the housing over there is desperately
needed, especially the two bedrooms, because most of what they
have designed so far have been three bedrooms and they have a lot
of smaller families that they cannot house.
Secretary Gordon observed that all of the conversation has been
on four buildings. He asked, "What about the fifth?" Mr. Seaman
informed him there are only four. Chairman Zimmerman clarified
that the one at the end is occupied now.
Mr. Seaman reiterated that they are asking for no variance
between their buildings and any adjoining property. They are only
asking for a variance between their units in order to design it
properly. Mrs. Artis asked if they were planning a courtyard. Mr.
Seaman answered, "Yes. There will be a courtyard just like these
other ones designed around them."
Mr. Slavin asked if Mr. Seaman mentioned that the setback would only
affect these four buildings. In other words, Mr. Slavin questioned
how close these four buildings would be to any existing structure.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Mr. Seaman answered that they would not be any closer~ to any outside
structure at all. What Mr. Slavin was' trying to determine (although
he saw the buildings and everything else) was what can be done
around it, if anything. Mr. Seaman could not tell him what could be
done on both sides because he did not own that property. Mr.
Slavin asked Mr. Seaman if he was saying he was speaking for the
County. Mr. Seaman replied, "Yes." By the same token, Mr. Slavin
pointed out that if people alongside of th~se lots may want to
build and may not have the room to build duplexes, and 'if the Board
grants Mr. Seaman a variance, they must grant the people a variance
becaUse, after all, the Board cannot have any special privileges.
Mr. Seaman understood what Mr. Slavin was saying. He commented
that Cherry Hills is a very unique, area to. start with because most
of that whole area is all platted in 25 foot lots. Most of the
building lots over there, unless they are grandfathered, cannot be
built on to start with because theyiare n~derthe City's minimum Code.
Mr. Slavin said that was the problem.. Mr. Seaman explained that
what they did was go over and acquire additional lots over there
next to their other properties. He said they were acquiring 25
foot lots and another one that. is almost 60 foot, and they are
turning them into green areas. Mr. Seaman emphasized that their
whole concept was to renovate the Cherry Hills area and make it a
decent place to live.
The way Chairman Zimmerman' underStood it, they had the four build-
ings on six lots. The lots were divided to give a little more
square footage whenthey~we~originally built years ago. Mr. Seaman
did not know what they had in their minds years ago when they
built. He assured Chairman Zimmerman that they were not changing
that configuration at all~ Chairman Zimmerman continued by saying
to the west, there is an existing duplex which is occupied. To
the east, there is a multi-family unit. Mr~ Seaman informed him
there is a 50 foot lot. Chairman Zimmerman remarked, "Oh, there
is a vacant lot in there?" Mr. Seaman replied, "Yes." He said
it was a 50 foot lot (two 25 foot lots) and then there is a two
story multi-family building. Chairman Zimmerman asked if they
had acquired this vacant lot. Mr. Seaman answered, "Not yet. We
are looking at lots that we can acquire." Chairman Zimmerman
thought maybe Mr. Slavin was asking about that vacant lot there.
Mr. Seaman told Members of the Board he could not say anything
to that now-other than they are acquiring some an'd looking into
it. HUD is the ultimate decision on what Mr. Seaman can acquire
in his budget also. Chairman Zimmerman commented that of course,
that was something they had to consider. Mr~ Slavin asked who
was financing this project - HUD or Palm Beach County. Mr. Seaman
answered, "HUD" He said they borrowed the money from HUD, which
they will pay back over a period of four years.
Chairman Zimmerman believed that was enough discussion and told
Mr. Seaman he would have an opportunity to come back. Secretary
Gordon advised that there were no communications for or against
the application.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Chairman Zimmerman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak
in favor of the variance. There was no response. He asked if
anyone was opposed to the granting of the variance. There was no
response. Mr. Seaman had nothing further to say.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
Vice Chairman Thompson guessed this was supposed to represent a
hardship. Sometimes in trying to eliminate, Vice Chairman Thompson
thought they created hardships. Here is one where those in
authority were trying to eliminate, and Vice Chairman Thompson
thought they created a hardship or will in the future, Since this
did not change zones, he thought the Members .of the Board should
make sure there is.a renovation, and~,.he ~asked Mr~ Keehr what percentage
of the property it should be. Mr. Keehr advised it has to be at
least 50~. Vice Chairman Thompson stated if.it reaches that point,
then it would not have to comply with the present zoning,, and the
present zoning, after the Board passes on it, is still R-2.
Personally, Vice Chairman Thompson could not see how that could be
a hardship and stated that it is not a hardship because the hard-
ship here would create a hardship on the other property owners,
which could ask for the same privilege. At the same time, as was
pointed out, Vice Chairman Thompson called attention to the fact
that Mr. Seaman might acquire the adjacent property. If so, he
might ask for the same privileges on that one. Vice Chairman
Thompson felt it was something that should not have ~been allowed.
Now that it has taken place, he admitted they could not change that
part of it, but it should not have been allowed in the first place.
Vice Chairman Thompson did not think Palm Beach Housing Authority
had really a hardship.
Mr. Slavin pointed out that there are four buildings up now, and.
when the plans were originally submitted to Mr.. Keehr's department,
permits must have been issued to build. Mr. Keehr informed him
that they were issued in .1959. Mr. Slavin exclaimed, "To build
these four units?" Mr. Keehr said 'that was right. Chairman
Zimmerman admitted they did not have much of a Building Department
then but they did issue permits. Mr. Keehr 'informed Members of the
Board tha~ he actually has drawings on record. If these premises
originated in 1959, Mr. Stavin did not know what the Codes were then
and, by Mr. Keehr's own statement, he did not know.what was existing
then. Mr. Slavin determined that it may be what Mr. Seaman was
asking for may have been proper then. Mr. Keehr said one thing is
for certain; in 1959, these four duplexes were legally permitted.
Mr. Slavin asked, "Including the setbacks as outlined?" Mr. Keehr
answered, "Yes sir. ' Mr. Slavin asked Mr. Keehr if he would say
this was grandfathered in. Mr. Keehr replied, "Without question."
Mr. Keehr referred to the question Vice Chairman Thompson asked him
relating to percentages. In the standard Code, .he said the City
required 50~ to bring it up to Code. In the zoning regulations, in
order to condemn or rebuild a nonconforming structure to conform,
Mr. Keehr said it is 70~. He wanted to bring it out that there is
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
a difference mn percentage. Chairman Zimmerman asked Mr. Keehr if
he knew about what percentage was being renovated here. Mr. Keehr
estimated that perhaps they were getting~close to 35~ or 40~. He
added that it was hard for him to put a figure.~ .Chairman
Zimmerman pointed out that the roof and wal~ls were~l, going to stay
the way they are.
Mr. Slavin called attention to the fact they were talking about
renovation, and this,i~s~ new construction. Mr. Keehr disagreed,
saying it ~£~ renovation. Chairman Zimmerman reiterated that the
foundation, roof and walls remain "as is." He said there would
be new additions put on, and new windows, plumbing, and every-
thing else has to be supplied. Secretary Gordon recalled he
asked Mr. Seaman that question, and Mr. Seaman had said, "Yes.
CBS renovation."
Secretary Gordon asked if there was any landscaping connected with
this. Mr. Seaman said they were being completely sodded, sprinkler
systems are being put in, and a privacy fence is going up. He
said it will be completely landscaped with sidewalks and parking.
Even the trash container in front will be hidden behind the
privacy screen.
It sounded good to Chairman Zimmerman. He noticed that the units
that they had renovated up to now show those improvements. Mr.
Seaman pointed out that they talked about whether this would Set a
precedent and the Board would have to give other owners the oppor-
tunity for a setback. He said if they would go back and check their
records, there have been othem setbacks in the Cherry Hills area
that were granted, so the precedent was already set in terms of
whether someone is entitled to it or not.
Chairman Zimmerman said the Board Members still had to determine
whether actually there is an existing hardship that this variance
will help correct. He thought that was the problem Vice Chairman
Thompson had. Mr. Seaman felt the hardship was that if the
variance was not granted, the units would not get renovated. He
said he had the money to do so, and it had nothing to do with
dollars and cents as to whether he could renovate them or not.
Chairman Zimmerman said Mr. Seaman owns them and has to make use
of them in some way. Mr. Seaman agreed and said without the
variance, he cannot renovate them, which certainly creates a hard-
ship. Chairman Zimmerman asked Mr. Seaman if he intended to leave
them stand.that way. Mr. Seaman said he wo~ld have no other
choice. He said he asked for the minimum that he could get by
with.
Mr. Ampol asked if it would be under the supervision of the Build-
ing Department when the renovation is under construction so that
it will meet the Building Department specifications. Mr. Keehr
answered, "Yes sir. The Building Department will make their normal
inspections."
- 11 -
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Mr. Slavin noted that all of this'now is not' conforming, yet 25 or
26 years ago, these units coUld~ve3been,~ilt, and there would have
been no problem. He asked who created %he hardship. 'Vice Chair-
man Thompson said 'it was created by those mn authority in the City
government by platting it at 25 feet or granting them permission to
build. It was not the fault of Mr. Seaman or the City's present
Building Department. However, Vice Chairman Thompson said the
Board Members had a responsibility under the presen~ Code. The
present Code will not allow it. He said the Board Members do have
that responsibility, to see that things built in this City or
renovated to a certain degree meet the present Code. Vice. Chairman
Thompson told the Members they cannot get away from that.
Vice Chairman Thompson recalled that they said the property was
bought after 1975, which means Mr. Seaman bought a problem. It
was not the City's doing for him to buy the property, nor was it
anyone else's but Mr. Seaman's doings. After. 1979 or whenever he
bought it, Vice Chairman Thompson was saying Mr. Seaman should
have been allowed to renovate it under the present R-2 zone because
they have their present Code now, which took place in 1975, four
years before he purchased the property. All they were doing was
enhancing the problem more and more, Vice Chairman Thompson told
the Members. He added, "from year to year until it runs out.
Where is 'it going to stop?"
Chairman Zimmerman observed that the improvement was not of a
character that Vice Chairman Thompson thought was necessary to meet
the present Code. At the same time, Mr. Seaman noted that Vice
Chairman Thompson was saying that when he (Mr. Seaman) bought the
properties in 1979, he bought his own problem. Prior to buying
them, Mr. Seaman got in touch with both the City Council, Building
Department, and everything else~ to see if they would meet the Code
and if the City would allow it. He said their answer was "Yes,''~ so
it was bought under those conditions, that the City was going to
allow all of this.
Mr. Seaman said they bought in good faith to renovate
what the City wanted done to start with, so they did buy them
under-good faith that everybody would work and renovate that
neighborhood. He called attention to the fact that the City has
an existing condition over there, and it is just going to sit and
deteriorate. Now.the City has an opportunity to bring it back to
some kind of decent living order for the people living over there.
No developer is going to walk into Cherry Hills and renovate it,
Mr. Seaman told Members of the Board. "It is not going to happen."
Mr. Seaman thought it created a definite hardship on the people
living there and said the City needs to have decent housing over
there.
Mr. Seaman thought what they put together and what they are doing
met all of the criterias. He told the Members they are meeting
the City's requirements. It is not more than 50~ of renovation,
as they are already existing. With slum land, Mr. Seaman said you
can go back in there, buy the things, throw them together, put
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
doors on it, 'create anotheri,~.Slnm, and still meet the Code. Mr.
Seaman said they were trying to do somethi~ng that would not let that
happen with what they have. If you renovate them just like they
are, Mr. Seaman pointed out they would have another slum. He
said they are trying to eliminate this.
Chairman Zimmerman asked if the units would be rented out. Mr.
Seaman informed him that they are rented and maintained by the
Palm Beach County Housing Authority maintenance crews to keep them
in good shape. Chairman Zimmerman thought that was very important.
According to the transfer of title, Mr. Slavin saw that 41 lots
were involved originally. .Now they are talking of six. He asked
what happened to the other 35 lots. that are scattered around the
area. Mr. Seaman answered t~hat all of the lots~.~they bought are
renovated. Mr. Slavin asked if he meant this is all that is left.
Mrs. Seaman replied., "Yes. This is my last phase to complete the
work in that area.' He said they started since 1979 and the talk-
lng stage since 1977. Mr. Slavin noted the transfer of title
stated ·-. 1980. Mr. Seaman advised that was when they actually
acquired the property.
Mr. Ampol expressed that from what he saw on the pictures, it was
a great improvement to Cherry Hills, and he knew the City needs
some decent housing in that area. Due to the fact there was a
legal nonconforming project up there, Mr. Ampol did not think the
Board should punish Mr' Seaman.
Mr. Ampol made a motion to grant the variance, seconded by Mr
Moore. '
Chairman Zimmerman forgot to mention before that in granting a
variance, according i%o the Code, the Board needs five affirmative
votes in order to carry the variance (5 out of 7 votes is
required) .
A roll call vote was taken by Patricia Ramseyer, .Recording Secre-
tary, at the request of Chairman Z-immerman:
Mrs. Artis - Aye
(Although Mrs. Artis had mixed emotions,
she voted ' Aye". )
Vice Chairman Thompson _ No
Chairman Zimmerman _ Aye
Mr. Ampol - Aye
Secretary Gordon _ Aye
Mr. Slavin - Aye
Mr. Moore _
Aye
Although Mr. Slavin agreed with Vice Chairman Thompson that all
they were doing was complicating the situation, .he said when you
weigh the various factors involved.here, there is an opportunity
to provide better housing that is sorely needed.
The motion carried 6-1, and the variance was granted.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Parcel #2 Lots 25 & 26, Block 7, BOYNTON HEIGHTS ADDITION
REVISED PLAT, recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 64,
Palm Beach County Records
Request: Relief from lot area requirement of 7500 sq.
ft. to 6,000 sq. ft. and relief from lot
width requirement of 60' to 50 ' for permitted
usage within zoning category
Address: 215 W. Ocean Ave.
Applicant: David R. & Iris M. Gerkens
Secretary Gordon read from the application as follows:
"Property involved is described as follows: Lots 25 and 26, Boynton
Heights A~dition- Revised Plat, Block 7, Plat Book 10, Page 64
Property Address 215 W. Ocean Ave.
Property ms presently zoned: R-1-A Formerly Zoned: R-1
Denial was made upon existing zoning requirements from which relief
is required: R-1-A zoning requires minimum lot area of 7,500 sq. ft.
and minimum lot frontage of 60 ft.
Nature of exception or variance required: Mininum Lot Area = 7500
sq. ft. - The variance calls for 6,000 sq. ft. A variance of 1500
sq. ft. will be required.
Minimum Lot Width = 60 feet - The variance calls for 50 feet
A variance of 10 ft. will be required
Name of Applicant: David R. and Iris M. Gerkens
403 N. W. 32nd Court, Apt. 203
Pompano Beach, Florida 33064"
Chairman Zimmerman noted there were two variances in this one
application for the same property.
David R. Gerkens, 403 N. W. 32nd Court, Apt. 203, Pompano Beach,
Florida 33064, the applicant, told Members of the Board there was
no additional ground available from which to try to purchase the
width which is required for the area. There is an existing house
on each side. Other than that, Mr. Gerkens thought everything
else was more or less spelled out in the application.
Chairman Zimmerman observed that in the site plan, Mr. Gerkens has
a garage or carport sitting at an angle in the front yard. He
asked Mr. Gerkens whether it was a garage or carport. Mr. Ge.rkens
had not yet decided whether it is a carport. He explained the
reason he had it angled was because of the minimum side yard.
Mr. Gerkens said he would have to angle it in order to make use of
it to get a car in there. He pointed out that turning it like at
90° is not enough room. Chairman Zimmerman noted that it seemed
to fit on there.
Chairman Zimmerman commented that it appeared to be landlocked.
He said there is an alley in the rear. Mr. Keehr called attention
to one piece of information the Secretary should read pertaining
to the lot, which came by telephone this afternoon.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
'Secretary Gordon read:
" es '
Agn M...Clarity, 1319 DeSota Drive, Pacifia, California
called at 2:40 .P.M., February 14, 1983 and voiced an
objection to the application because her aunt is senile.
She was switched over to Bert Keehr. She wants a copy of the
Minutes When they are finished and a copy of the contract.
Betty (Betty Boroni, City Clerk) will send a copy of the
contract tomorrow (February 15, 1983)."
Mr. Slavin did not know what legal bearing this had to the
problem before the Board. He felt it was a little bit late if Mrs.
Clarity was referring to the Seller, Agnes M. Dillmann, ahd if
Mrs. Clarity wants copies of the Board's Minutes and.a copy of the
contract. Mr. Slavin did not know if the Members of the Board
could legally proceed with this. In other words, whatever the
Board Members do left or right, Mr. Slavin Warned they may be
slapped with a lawsuit or what have you. He asked Mr. Keehr if,
in his experience, anything like this has ever come up before.
Mr. Keehr replied, "No sir, but a telephone call would not
constitute any type of legal meaning to halt any meetings." He
clarified that it was brought up as the City felt it was necessary
to bring up all information pertaining to a variance. Mr. Keehr
believed it was a personal matter that the Board should not get
involved with. Mr. Slavin agreed. Mr. Ampol believed it should
come in the category of an unsigned letter. He said there was
no legality whatsoever to a telephone call, and he did not know
why Mrs. Clarity should come in at such a late date asking for a
contract. Chairman-Zimmerman stated that all the Board was
concerned with now was that it gets into the Minutes. He said her
interest was no more than someone in the audience coming up to
speak against it or that they would receive in a letter. Chair-
man Zimmerman told the Members they should consider what reasons
Mrs. Clarity gave, which were very brief. He did not really know
that Mrs. Clarity stated a reason.
Mr. Slavin said the reason Mrs. Clarity gives is that she claims
her aunt ls. senile. Chairman Zimmerman did. not think 'it made much
sense. Mr. Slavmn again asked if that would affect Members of the
Board. He was projecting into the future, for the sake of argument,
if this comes up before a Court of law. Mr. Slavin called attention
to the fact that Mrs. Clarity is Mrs. Dillmann's niece, and she
called from California. If everything Mrs. Clarity claims is
proven, Mr. Slavin asked what the contract between Mr. and Mrs.
Gerkens and Mrs. Dillmann ,i'S worth. He acknowledged that was their
problem and not the Board's but said the Board did not want to be
caught in the middle of this thing.
Vice Chairman Thompson advised that the variance hearing is on the
property, not on the contract. Chairman Zimmerman felt the Bo---ard
was in its rights to continue and this has been recorded in the
Minutes. Secretary Gordon reminded Chairman Zimmerman that it has
always been the policy of the Board to read every communication
that ever-comes in.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
For his information, Mr. Gerkens asked who the phone call was
from. Secretary Gordon furnished him with the information. Mr.
Gerkens asked if Mrs. Clarity claims she is a niece of Mrs. Dillmann.
Secretary Gordon said she must be, because she said "her aunt"
Mr. Gerkens informed Members of the Board that the contract was
handled through a Realtor, who happened to be in the audience.
He thought maybe she would know something about it and the Members
of the Board may want to ask her.
Mr. Ampol wanted to make a motion to disregard any telephone calls.
Chairman Zimmerman and Members of ~the Board agreed the Board is
obligated to listen to anyone in the audience and also to have
any other communications in the Minutes. He thought, in most
instances, telephone calls fitted into~the same category. Chairman
Zimmerman said it was the important thing to get them into the
Minutes. Chairman Zimmerman told Mr. Gerkens he would be given a
chance for rebuttal later on.
Chairman Zimmerman asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of
granting the variances.
Mickie Wynn, Mickie Wynn Realty, stated that her office is on the
Federal Highway, opposite the Flagship Ban~k. She sold the property
to Mr. Gerkens. Before she sold the property, she took the seller
to Charlie Adams, Attorney in Delray. He questioned Mrs. Dillmann
and declared her competent. Because of her age, Mrs. Wynn told the
Members of the Board she would not list the property until she
knew Mrs. Dillmann had been declared competent by an attorney.
The property was sold, and Mrs. Wynn informed the Board that Mrs.
Dillmann went to Phillip T. Crenshaw, At.torney at Law, Lake Worth,
and signed the sales contract. Ms. Wynn emphasized that there is
no question about Mrs. Dillmann being senile or incompetent.
Ms. Wynn said she knew the circumstances. The niece came from
California when she first learned the property was on the market,
caused quite a disturbance in the home, .so she was asked to leave.
Secretary Gordon said this was not relating to the Board's problem.
Chairman Zimmerman said someone did have a question about it, and
the Members were all satisfied now, .so Ms. Wynn would not have to
explain it any further.
Mr. Slavin said the fact that Mrs. Dillmann went to an attorney and
the attorney certified her as being competent would never !'~.hold
water" inca court of law. He thought all of this should be
stricken from the record. Mr. Slavin thought the Board should work
on what they have to. Ms. Wynn did not want any dissention.
Chairman Zimmerman told her the Board would be glad to hear any
reasons Ms. Wynn could see that would show that there is a hardship
here or anything she might have on the questions the Board makes
their determinations on.
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
The only hardship Ms. Wynn could see in this case would be for the
owner of the lot not being allowed to build on it. When that
street was plotted, Ms. Wynn said the lots were all plotted on 25
foot lots, and the houses on that 'side of the street are on two 25
foot lots. Ms. Wynn assumed the houses on both sides of most of
the~stre~et were but she had not checked it out, but down to Seacrest
on that particular street, on the north side of %he street, she
said the houses are on 50 foot lots. Ms. Wynn said another owner
was here tonight who has the house on the other side of that lot,
and there has been no objection from him to building. Ms. Wynn
could not see any reason why the Gerkens could not utilize that
lot with the number of footage they are planning to put into that
house. Chairman Zimmerman agreed that it seemed to present a hard-
ship. Ms. Wynn said it was no hardship to the neighborhood but
it is to the lot owner'who wants to utilize his own property.
Joseph Marotta, 225 West Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, informed
Members of the Board that he lives two houses away west of this
particular vacant lot and on the same side of the street. He had no
objections to having a variance granted to Mr. and Mrs. Gerkens. Mr.
Marotta thought it would be an improvement to the neighborhood and
said they would be Very happy to have them.
Chairman Zimmerman asked if anyone else wished to speak in favor
of the variance. There was no response. He asked if anyone was
opposed to the granting of the variance. There was no response.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
Vice Chairman Thompson thought, they had a clearcut case, wherein
this property is landlocked; there is no additional property. The
hardship is that the Board cannot, as they know under State law,
deny any person the use of their property. If they deny it, Vice
Chairman Thompson said that would be exactly what they would be
doing because it is a hardship because of that.
Secretary Gordon asked Mr. Gerkens if the home he intended build-
ing would be for his own use or if it would be rented out. Mr.
Gerkens replied, "For our own~use."
Vice Chairman Thompson moved to grant the request, as applied for,
based on the fact that a hardship exists; there is no available
land, and the Board cannot, under the State law, deny a person the
right of the use of his property. Secretary Gordon seconded the
motion.
At the request of Chairman Zimmerman, a roll call vote was taken
by Mrs. Ramseyer, Recording Secretary:
Vice Chairman Thompson _ Aye
Chairman Zimmerman _ Aye
Mr. Ampol - Aye
Secretary Gordon _
Mr. Slavin Aye - Aye
- 17 -
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
Mr. Moore - Aye
Mrs. Artis ~ Aye
Motion carried 7-0. The variances were granted.
Parcel ~3 Ail that part of the E½ of the NE~ lying W of DiXie Hwy
(US 1) less the N 40.'; E 150' of S 150' of the N 180';
and the S 1910', Section 33, Township 45 S, Range 43 E.
Subject to easements and R/Ws of record
Request: Relief of 20' front setback requirement to
7'7" ~ for proposed edge of new canopy
Address: 1625 S. Federal Hwy.
Sunshine Square Shopping Center
Applicant: Itamar Goldenhol~.z, Agent for
The Building Co.
Secretary Gordon read from the application as follows:
'This is described as Sunshine Square Shoppinq .Center, 1625 South
Federal Highway (Woolbright & U. S. 1)
Property is presently zoned: C-3 Formerly zoned: C-1
C-3 zoninq requires a min~- ~ront setback of 20'-
Nature of exception or variance required: Proposed edge of new
canopy front yard setback to be 7' 7" ~, pro~sed supDortinq
colu~as front yard setback to be 14' 7"+. A variance of 12' 5"
will be required. --
Name of Applicant: Itamar J. ~oldenholz, Architect,
Goldenholz-Fischer Architects, PA
800 W Cypress Creek Road, Suite 510
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309"
Mr. Itamar Goldenholz, Architect, Goldenholz-Fischer Architects,
thought most of the Members of the Board were familiar with what
they have been working on for the last year and a half and that
was the renovation of the existing Sunshine Square Shopping
Center. He said the existing bank sits as part of the total
shopping center, which they have now.
On .their-original application for the .renovation of ~he shopping
center, Mr. Goldenholz said they have 'included the future expansion
of that bank as part of the overall site plan. At the time, they
did not know the exact configuration, nor did they know the total
square footage of the expansion. While they were working on the
overall shopping center and actually toward the conclusion, the
bank contacted them, and Mr. Goldenholz said they were able to
sign their lease with the owner of the shopping center, and he-
was auth6rised to proe'eed with the drawings of' the..expansion of
the bank. '
From the overall shopping center at the time and after they
finish the work, Mr. Goldenholz told the Board Members they
learned the land they were working with was smaller than they
- 18 -
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
thought. He said some of the frontage of the street on Woolbright
was taken away from the shopping center years ago. With that fact~
Mr. Goldenholz said they learned that the existing columns and
existing facilities for the drive-in, which was ~abandoned, was on
the property line (literally on the sidewalk). When they came to
renovate the bank and expand it, the owners of the bank requested
to retain three drive-ins. Otherwise, they could not operate the
bank.
Initially, Mr. Goldenholz said they thought to leave the canopy the
way it was and keep the operation the way it is now and just
renovate the bank itself. When they showed the bank what they
were doing to the rest of the shopping center (a very expensive
renovation, updating the architectural look of it, as those
Members who saw it would probably appreciate), Mr~ Goldenholz said
they recommended to the bank that they go.'into the same type of
architecture _ at least, upgrade the building and the canopy at
the same time. Mr. Goldenholz told the Board Members the bank
received it with enthusiasm.
When they brought in 'the drawings to get a building permit, Mr.
Goldenholz told the Board they ran into some flak because of the
other problem of having the overall shopping center parking. Last
week, the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved what they
have, and right now Mr. Goldenholz informed the Members they have
another meeting going on at the Community Appearance Board. He
hoped the Community Appearance. Board would approve what they have.
At this point, Mr. Goldenholz stated they are two or three months
behind, not due to the City's fault but due to the circumstances
they have had from construction that have made them very edgy.
A.s a matter of fact, as of 12:00 o'clock today, they were in their
office wondering when they were going to start construction
because the contractors are not going to hold %heir prices any
longer. When they let it out two or three months ago, Mr.
Goldenholz said the contractors gave them a price. Now everything
is going up again.
Mr. Goldenholz said what they are looking for is a request to
allow (rather than leave the existing canopy the way it ms now and
the columns the way they are) them to remove that section. He
thought they had six columns there, and they are proposing two
only rather than all six. Instead of having it on the property
line, Mr. Goldenholz advised they are moving with the columns 14
feet away so the traffic will be easier, and the overall look of
the whole overall canopy will be part of the total building, and
they are better proportioned.
Mr. Goldenholz told the Board they are adding landscaping, which
is not a part of the variance.
Chairman Zimmerman asked if they would still be able to maintain
three of the drive-in tellers. Mr. Goldenholz answered, "Yes."
He said they have one against the building and the other two
- 19 -
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 1983
islands, but they are eliminating the one which is sitting there
now on the sidewalk. That will be taken off, but they cannot take
it off unless the Board allows this.
In order to get the setback required by the Code, Chairman Zimmerman
asked how many would they have to take. Mr. Goldenhotz replied,
"I will wind up with one (one drive~in), and~ we could not operate
with that. Grant you, it is primarily a drive-in bank." Chair-
man Zimmerman noted they were making some concessions, and they
wanted the City to make some concessions. Mr Goldenholz
replied, "Right." '
Mr. Keehr believed some of the Members might be a little befuddled
on what Mr. Goldenholz was talking about if he 'does not have a
drawing. Mr. Goldenholz did not have a drawing. Mr. Bert Keehr,
Deputy Building Official., showed the Members a drawing he made.
Several Members commented that they had an idea of what he meant
because they had looked at it. Mr. Keehr pointed out the Esso
station and the bank, which has a canopy that. goes all the way out
to the fron~ now. He said what Mr. Goldenhol.z wants to do is
tear it all down and then build another one that would be about
7 foot back from what it is now. Mr. Ampol asked if that would
be 7 foot back of the existing. Mr. Keehr said that was right.
He stated that actually what Mr. Goldenholz was doing was
improving the situation from what it is today. In tearing it
down, he must comply with exist~ing setbacks.
Mr. Slavin Called attention to the statement made by Mr. Goldenholz
when he said the City took some of his property away. Mr.
Goldenholz did not tkink it was the City; it was the County. Mr.
Slavin determined it was when they widened Woolbright Road.
When they redesigned the whole shopping center parking lot, Mr.
Gotdenholz said they were not aware of that 'take off of five or
"X" amount of feet. When they were doing it all and they hit the
curb, they .saw they'needed an extra f. iv~ feet instead of losing
cars down the road. This was~part of the overall loss that they
had.
Chairman Zimmerman informed Members of the Board that Mr.
Goldenholz was.the designer of the entire facade. Vice Chairman
Thompson recalled when that small drive.in bank was first built,
they asked for a variance on the side. There was a problem
because they wanted to put the sign much higher than what it is,
and the City Code would not allow it. Vice Chairman Thompson was
on the Board and Chairman Zimmerman was on the Board also. Vice
Chairman Thompson asked if by.one ~ariance being granted, would it
cause a conflict. Mr. Keehr answered, "No That particular
variance was meant for the bank on the corner. It was not for
that particular bank." Vice Chairman Thompson said it was the one
right behind the service station.
- 20-
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY
1983
Chairman Zimmerman believed it was the same bank. Mr. Keehr asked
how many years ago that was. Secretary Gordon answered, "About
five years ago." Mr. Keehr advised that would not affect tonight's
decision.
Mr. Slavin pointed out that sign would not remain anyway. Mr.
Goldenholz advised they would be removing it. As a matter of
fact, the planting to be up there is not requiring a variance,
to Mr. Goldenholz's knowledge. Chairman Zimmerman.ascertained. that
they were going to reconstruct that building a good. deal from what
it is now. Mr. Goldenholz said it will 'be a very handsome building
on the corner - He remarked that it is an eye'sore..to them right
now until they do all of that to the building in the background.
At least this will comply and they will enhance each other in the
same coloration.
Mr. Slavin spoke to Mr. Linkous, whom?~he thought was the Managing
Agent for the shopping center, and Mr. Ronald Linkous told him it
would be an entirely new structure. Mr. Linkous showed Mr. Slavin
what it was all about. Mr. Slavin thought the request was a little
vague.
Chairman Zimmerman asked if there was any correspondence pertain-
ing to t'he application. Secretary Gordon advised there was none.
Chairman Zimmerman asked if. anyone in the audience wished to speak
in favor of granting the variance. There was~ no response. He
asked if anyone wished to speak against granting the variance.
There was no response.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
Secretary GOrdon saw no problem with it, and moved that the
variance be gVanted. He thought it would f'a~l-i.n 1.ine with the
rest of the"new architecture--going up .at Sunshine Square. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Slavin.
Mrs. Ramseyer, Recording Secretary, took a roll call vote on the
motion, as requested by Chairman Zimmerman:
Chairman Zimmerman _ Aye
Mr. Ampol - Aye
Secretary Gordon _ Aye
Mr. Slavin - Aye
Mr. Moore - Aye
Mrs. Artis - Aye
Vice Chairman Thompson _ Aye
Motion carried 7-0, and the variance was granted.
Nick Cassandra
Mr. Cassandra, a former Board Member, thanked his colleagues and
Board Members for sharing with him'their vast experience so he
- 21-
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 14, 11983
would be a better citizen .of Boynton Beach. He hoped their paths
would meet again.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the
meeting was properly adjourned at 8:32 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Ramseyer
Recording Secretary
(Two Tapes)
- 22 -