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Minutes 04-17-01 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERSf CITY HALLf BOYNTON BEACHf FLORIDA ON TUESDAY, APRIL 17~ 200:t AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Gerald Broening, Mayor Ronald Weiland, Vice Mayor Bruce Black, Commissioner Mike Ferguson, Commissioner Charlie Fisher, Commissioner Kurt Bressner, City Manager James Cherof, City Attorney Janet Prainito, City Clerk Ao Call to Order - Mayor Gerald Broening Tnvocation - Evangelist Lucille Grubbs - First Born Church Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Commissioner Charlie Fisher Mayor Broening called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Evangelist Lucille Grubbs gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Commissioner Charlie Fisher. D. IF YOU WISH TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION: · FI'LL OUT THE APPROPRI'ATE REQUEST FORM · GI'VE I'T TO THE CI'TY CLERK (ON THE DAr'S) BEFORE THE "OPENINGS" PORTION OF THE AGENDA HAS BEEN COMPLETED. · COME TO THE PODIUM WHEN THE MAYOR CALLS YOUR NAME E. Agenda Approval: 1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections 2. Adoption Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Ferguson seconded the motion that carried unanimously. II, PUBLIC AUDIENCE: INDIVIDUAL SPEAKERS WILL PRESENTATIONS (Yellow Card) BE LIMITED TO 3-MINUTE Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Hr. Herb Suss thanked the City Manager for promoting Janet Prainito from Interim City Clerk to City Clerk. This shows other departments that if an employee has the requirements for the job, they have an opportunity to move up within the department. Mr. Suss also pointed out that participants in the City's C.O.P.s program have been giving out summonses and he has determined that this program has issued approximately $350,000 in fines. Assuming that 60% of these fines are collected, he would like to see the funds used to hire new police officers. r4s. Dee Zibelli said that the water conversation packets handed out at the last Commission meeting were excellent and very helpful. Also, Ms. Zibelli said that for a long time she has been advocating promoting people from within City departments if they have the qualifications and said she is very happy to see that Ms. Prainito was promoted to City Clerk. Reverend Robert Walker, 216 NW 13th Avenue, Boynton Beach complained about a condemned and abandoned house located at 210 NW 13th Avenue, which is right next to his property. He said the roof was taken off and tarp placed on the roof. The City temporarily nailed plywood on the house yesterday. He is concerned that if there is a severe wind or hurricane he and his family are in danger because the plywood could be blown off into his house. Also, he said that when it rains, the rain would get into the house and give off an offensive odor. The house is also infested with roaches and rats and drug addicts are utilizing the house. Reverend Walker would like to know when the house would either be repaired or demolished. He said they are afraid to leave their property because there are always people hanging around. Mayor Broening said that someone would speak to him tonight. Mr. Bressner indicated that Ms. Octavia Sherrod would speak with him and that there would be follow up on his complaint. III, ADMINISTRATIVE: A. Appointments to be made: Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Appointment To Be Made Board Length of Term Expiration Date III IV Mayor I II III IV Mayor I II III IV Mayor I II III I II III IV III IV Mayor I II II III IV Mayor I II III I II III IV Mayor I II IV Ferguson Fisher Broening Weiland Black Ferguson Fisher Broening Weiland Black Ferguson Fisher Broening Weiland Black Ferguson Weiland Black Ferguson Fisher Ferguson Fisher Broening Weiland Black Black Ferguson Fisher Broening Weiland Black Ferguson Weiland Black Ferguson Fisher Broening Weiland Black Fisher Children & Youth Advisory Bd Reg Children & Youth Advisory Bd Reg Children & Youth Advisory Bd Reg Children & Youth Advisory Bd Reg Children & Youth Advisory Bd Alt Children & Youth Advisory Bd Alt Children & Youth Advisory Bd Stu/Reg/Voting Children & Youth Advisory Bd Stu/Voting Children & Youth Advisory 8d Stu/Reg/NonVoting Bldg. Bd of Adj & Appeals Reg Bldg. Bd of Adj & Appeals Reg Bldg, Bd of Adj & Appeals Reg Bldg, Bd of Adj & Appeals Alt Bldg. Bd of Adj & Appeals Alt Cemetery Board Reg Cemetery Board Alt Code Compliance Board Code Compliance Board Code Compliance Board Code Compliance Board Reg Reg Alt Alt Community Relations Board Reg Community Relations Board Reg Community Relations Board Reg Community Relations Board Alt Community Relations Board Alt Education Advisory Board Reg Education Advisory Board Reg Education Advisory Board Reg Education Advisory Board Alt Education Advisory Board Alt Education Advisory Board Stu Education Advisory Board Stu 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 :L yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 3 yr term to 4/04 1 yr term to 4/02 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 1 yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 I yr term to 4/02 i yr term to 4/02 Library Board Reg 3 yr term to 4/04 Library Board Reg 3 yr term to 4/04 Library Board Alt 1 yr term to 4/02 Library Board Alt 1 yr term to 4/02 Nuisance Abatement Board Reg Nuisance Abatement Board Reg Nuisance Abatement Board Reg Nuisance Abatement Board Alt 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 I yr term to 4/02 3 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 I Weiland Planning & Development Bd Reg II Black Planning & Development Bd Reg III Ferguson Planning & Development Bd Reg iV Fisher Planning & Development Bd Alt Mayor Broening Planning & Development Bd Alt Mayor Bmening Recreation & Parks Board Reg ! Weiland Recreation & Parks Board Reg II Black Recreation & Parks Board Reg 1IT Ferguson Recreation & Parks Board Reg IV Fisher Recreation & Parks Board Alt Hayor Broening Recreation & Parks Board Alt 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 I yr term to 4/02 I yr term to 4/02 3 yr term to 4/03 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 3 yr term to 4/04 I yr term to 4/02 1 yr term to 4/02 ~V Fisher Senior Advisory Board Reg Mayor Broening Senior Advisory Board Reg T Weiland Senior Advisory Board Reg 1I Black Senior Advisory Board Reg ][[! Ferguson Senior Advisory Board Alt IV Fisher Senior Advisory Board Alt 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 2 yr term to 4/03 1 yr term to 4/02 I yr term to 4/02 Mayor Broening Employees' Pension Board Reg 3 yr term to 4/04 Weiland Firefighters' Pension Board Reg 2 yr term to 4/03 Black Firefighters' Pension Board Reg 2 yr term to 4/03 Mayor Broening Police Officers' Pension Bd Reg 2 yr term to 4/03 [! Weiland Police Officers' Pension Bd Reg 2 yr term to 4/03 Commissioner Ferguson made the following appointments: 1. Lori Wilkinson as a regular member to the Children and Youth Advisory Board 2. Dorothy Davis as an alternate member to the Children and Youth Advisory Board 3. Richard Kurtz as a regular member to the Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals 4. Hack IvlcCray as an alternate member to the Cemetery Board 5. Tom Walsh as an alternate member to the Code Compliance Board 6. Juanita Summers as a regular member to the Community Relations Board 7. Judith Braswell* as a regular member to the Education Advisory Board 8. Donna Harmening as an alternate member to the Library Board 9. Lee Wische as a regular member to the Planning and Development Board 10. Chuck Frederick as a regular member to the Recreation & Parks Board 11. Lillian Bruzzese as an alternate member to the Senior Advisory Board Commissioner Ferguson tabled his student appointment to the Education Advisory Board ]Et was later determined that Ms. Braswell could only serve in the alternate position, since she is not a City resident, but has a child who attends Boynton Beach Schools. Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17~ 2001 Commissioner Fisher made the following appointments: 2 3 4. 5. 6. 7. Hattie Miller as a regular member to the Children and Youth Advisory Board Robert Mulroy as a regular member to the Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals Dee Zibelli as an alternate member to the Code Compliance Board Ron Washam as a regular member to the Community Relations Board Diana Tedtmann as a regular member to the Education Advisory Board Judith Sanders as an alternate member to the Library Board James Barretta as an alternate member to the Planning and Development Board. Margaret Murphy as an alternate member to the Recreation and Parks Board Commissioner Fisher tabled his regular voting student appointment to the Children and Youth Advisory Board and his alternate appointments to the Nuisance Abatement Board and Senior Advisory Board. Vice Mayor Weiland made the following appointments: 3. 4. 5. o 7. 8. 9. Moved Dee Zibelli from an alternate member to a regular member to the Code Compliance Board Stewart Heyer as an alternate member to the Community Relations Board Alice Otis as a regular member to the Library Board Tom Warnke as a regular member to the Nuisance Abatement Board Wayne Cwynar as a regular member to the Planning & Development Board James McMahon as a regular member to the Recreation and Parks Board Bernice Joyce as a regular member to the Senior Advisory Board Larry Schone as a regular member to the Fireflghters' Pension Board Roger Cash as a regular member to the Police Officers' Pension Board Vice Mayor Weiland tabled his regular appointment and student regular/non-voting appointment to the Advisory Board on Children and Youth and his alternate appointments to the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals and the Education Advisory Board. Commissioner Black made the following appointments: Moved Mack McCray from an alternate member to a regular member to the Cemetery Board James Miriana as a regular member to the Code Compliance Board Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 4. 5. 6. 7. Hansome Jones as an alternate member to the Community Relations Board Aly Gore as a student alternate member to the Education Advisory Board Mike Fitzpatrick as a regular member to the Planning and Development Board Dan Winters as a regular member to the Recreation and Parks Board Robert Taylor to the Firefighters' Pension Board Commissioner Black tabled the following appointments: Alternate appointment to the Children and Youth Advisory Board Regular appointment to the Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals Regular appointment to the Education Advisory Board Regular appointment to the Library Board Regular appointment to the Nuisance Abatement Board Regular appointment to the Senior Advisory Board Mayor Broening made the following appointments: 1. Mary Morera as a regular member to the Children and Youth Advisory Board 2. Spencer Calder as a regular voting/student to the Children and Youth Advisory Board 3. Brita Peterson as an alternate member to the Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals 4. Brenda Lee Williams as a regular member to the Community Relations Board 5. Peter Kelly as a regular member to the Nuisance Abatement Board 6. Edward Currier as an alternate member to the Planning &, Development Board 7. Betty Pierce as a regular member to the Recreation and Parks Board 8. Betty Collins as a regular member to the Senior Advisory Board 9. Sue Kruse as a regular member to the Employees' Pension Board 10. Ralph Diaz as a regular member to the Police Officers' Pension Board Mayor Broening tabled his alternate appointments to the Education Advisory Board and the Recreation and Parks Board. Vice Mayor Weiland said that he objected to two of the appointments and had a question on one appointment, which dealt with Ron Washam's Board Application, which he did not have in his packet. Mr. Bressner said that it had been received. Vice Mayor Weiland said he objected to the appointments of Lee Wische and Michael Fitzpatrick to the Planning and Development Board. 6 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Mr. Bressner stated that with regard to Ms. Alice Otis' appointment to the Library Board, she had indicated that she did not want to serve on the Library Board and would like to serve on another Board. Her application states that she only wished to serve on the Planning and Development Board. Ms. Otis' appointment to the Library Board was withdrawn by Vice Mayor Weiland. Commissioner Ferguson stated he objected to the appointment of Mr. Dan Winters to the Recreation and Parks Board. Commissioner Fisher questioned if Mr. Lambert has now been excluded from becoming a member of the Code Compliance Board? Commissioner Fisher noted he recommended Ms. Zibelli as an alternate and she was moved up to a regular member. Commissioner Black noted in the back-up material provided by staff, an applicant must prove that he is a registered voter and a City resident. Mr. Barretta has not met those requirements. Mr. Bressner stated that staff has not received the requested information to qualify him for appointment to the Planning and Development Board. Commissioner Fisher said he would remove his appointment of Mr. Barretta to the Planning and Development Board. Attorney Cherof reported that Commissioner Fisher still has two alternate positions to fill since his alternates have been moved up by subsequent nominations. Commissioner Fisher said he would like to discuss this first. Mayor Broening called for a motion to approve the amended list of nominations. Motion Commissioner Ferguson moved to approve the amended list of nominations. Notion seconded by Commissioner Fisher and unanimously carried. Mayor Broening said that each objection would be dealt with individually. With regard to moving Ms. Zibelli from an alternate to a regular member of the Code Board, Commissioner Fisher pointed out that Mr. Lambert has been serving as a regular on this Board and does not feel he should be moved from a regular to alternate. Vice Chair Weiland said he agreed with Commissioner Fisher, but also felt that Ms. Zibelli would do a good job as well as a regular member. Commissioner Fisher did not feel that this justified not reappointing Mr. Lambert as a regular member and noted that he appointed Ms. Zibelli as an alternate so that Mr. Lambert could be reappointed as a regular member. Mayor Broening called for a motion. 7 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve the appointment of Dee Zibelli as a regular member to the Code Compliance Board. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Weiland. Motion carried 4-1 (Commissioner Fisher d/'s$~nt/ngJ. Commissioner Fisher tabled his alternate appointment to the Code Compliance Board. Vice Mayor Weiland felt that a monopoly has been created on the Planning and Development Board and there have been many people over the years who have wanted to become members of this Board, but there are never enough openings. Further, Vice Mayor Weiland said that during the past year he has noted derogatory newspaper articles towards staff and the City, which were attributable to Mr. Wische. Vice Mayor Weiland felt this was improper conduct for the Chairman of a City Advisory Board and he feels there is time for a change on this Board for new people to serve. IVlr. Ferguson noted that there were two new appointments tonight to the Planning and Development Board. Mr. Ferguson stated that Mr. Wische has done an excellent job of chairing the Board for the past four years and feels he should be retained on the Board. Hotion Mr. Ferguson moved that Lee Wische be appointed to the Planning and Development Board. Motion seconded by Commissioner Black. Mayor Broening requested that the City Clerk call the roll. The motion carried 3-2 (/¥ayo/' B~'oen/ng and Y/£e Playor ~'e//and d/ssen#ng), Vice IVlayor Weiland stated with regard to Mr. Mike Fitzpatrick, Mr. Fitzpatrick has for a long time been a member of the Recreation and Parks Board. A few months ago, he was appointed an alternate to the Planning and Development Board and Mr. Fitzpatrick is a strong advocate for greenways. Vice Chair Weiland assumed the main reason that Mr. Fitzpatrick wished to serve on the Planning and Development Board was to oversee how projects address greenways in the City. Vice Mayor Weiland felt that the Planning and Development Board was not the proper venue for Mr. Fitzpatrick's issues and that he is not totally focused on planning and development issues. Commissioner Black stated Boards need to be diversified and that Mr. Fitzpatrick would bring a different view to the Board. Commissioner Black felt that greenways are an important issue to the City and nominated IVlr. Fitzpatrick because he does present a different point of view to the meetings. Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Mayor Broening also felt that the Planning and Development Board needs to develop a sensitivity toward environmental issues, which Mr. Fitzpatrick can do. Mayor Broening also felt that Boards need to be diversified in their membership. Commissioner Fisher also felt that when issues come before the Planning and Development Board, a greenways point of view should be looked at whenever the opportunity arises, which Mr. Fitzpatrick can offer. Motion Commissioner Ferguson moved to approve the appointment of Mike Fitzpatrick as a regular member to the Planning and Development Board. Motion seconded by Commissioner Fisher and carried 5-0. Commissioner Black said that he had spoken to Mr. Charlie Frederick and informed him that his name was on the list for nomination to the Recreation and Parks Board. Mr. Frederick informed him that he did not wish to serve on that Board. Commissioner Black said he could speak for Mr. Frederick and asked Commissioner Ferguson to remove his nomination of Mr. Frederick to the Recreation and Parks Board. Mr. Ferguson withdrew his nomination of Mr. Frederick from the Recreation and Parks Board and tabled his appointment. Commissioner Fisher requested that after all the appointments are made that they be furnished with a summary of the appointments. Commissioner Ferguson said he has a moral issue with Mr. Winters and would like to have a voice vote not to appoint him to the Recreation and Parks Board. Mayor Broening said he could accommodate the request for a voice vote, but that Commissioner Ferguson has not presented enough facts upon which they could make a decision. Commissioner Ferguson said that he wanted to go on record to opposing Mr. Winters' appointment. Mayor Broening called for a motion. Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Dan Winters to the Recreation and Parks Board. Notion seconded by Vice Mayor Weiland. Notion carried 4-1 (Comrnis~ioner Fergu~on ~'~sen~'ng). Commissioner Fisher said he would like to appoint Mr. Mike Friedland as an alternate member to the Planning and Development Board since Mr. Barretta does not qualify. 9 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach~ Florida April 17~ 2001 Motion Commissioner Fisher moved to appoint Mike Friedland as an alternate member to the Planning and Development Board, Motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and carried 5-0. IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRESENTAT/ONS: A. Announcements: None B. Presentations: 1. Proclamations: a. Recall Round-Up Day - April 17, 2001 Mayor Broening read the proclamation declaring April 17, 2001 as Recall Round-Up Day and presented the proclamation to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ness. Deputy Fire Chief Ness urged anyone who has outdated hazardous items to bring them by Fire Station 3 to be disposed of. Mr. Bressner requested Deputy Fire Chief Ness to inform the audience about the radio station grant. Deputy Fire Chief Ness reported that the Fire Department received a grant from the Department of Community Affairs to acquire an AM radio station to be used to provide emergency notification during times of emergencies, such as hurricanes. The City will be able to provide evacuation notices, routing information and all other necessary emergency information to residents by merely tuning in to their AM radio. It is anticipated that this will be operational by the beginning of the summer. Certificate of Accomplishment for Sarah Beans - Presented by Mayor .]erry Broening Mayor Broening requested that Sarah Beans take the podium. Mayor Broening read and presented Ms. Beans with a Certificate of Accomplishment. Presentation of plaque to Vice Mayor Ron Weiland and Commissioner Bruce Black in recognition of their support and contributions to HeadStart - Joy Currier Ms. Currier presented a plaque to Vice Mayor Ron Weiland and Commissioner Bruce Black on behalf of the children of HeadStart for supplying pizza to the children on 10 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 special occasions. Commissioner Black also thanked all the various pizza vendors in the City who have donated pi77a. V. CONSENT AGENDA: A. Minutes: 1. Regular City Commission Meeting of April 3, 2001 Bo Bids - Recommend Approval - All expenditures are approved in the 2000- 2001 Adopted Budget Extend the "ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR SAFETY CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT", BID #060-1412-01/KR, for one additional year to the vendors listed below for an annual estimated expenditure of $100,000 Primary Secondary Third Ritz Safety Equipment, Inc. Safety Equipment Company Magid Glove & Safety Mfg. w Extend the "ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR BRASS FI-I-rINGS AND ACCESSORIES", BID #065-1412-00/CJD, to Ferguson Underground, Inc. with an estimated annual expenditure of $200,000 Extend "CO-OP ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL", BID #011-1411-00/C]D, to various vendors as indicated with the City of Boynton Beach's anticipated expenditure of $626,80O Approve the piggyback of the U. S. Communities, Government Purchasing Alliance Contract #RQ00-341360-16C to Micron Electronics Inc. for the purchase of computer equipment up to $25,800 for the completion of the Wastewater Telemetry System Project and to facilitate the software upgrade to Windows 2000 Approve the purchase of one CT3300/633 75hp 3ph 460v Flygt Submersible Pump with 40' of motor cable from Ellis K. Phelphs & Company of Riviera Beach, Florida, as a replacement pump for Lift Station #317, by piggybacking a City of Boca Raton Bid #99-025 C. Resolutions: 1! Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17f 2001 Proposed Resolution No. R01- 164 Re: Approving the execution of a Financial Assistance Agreement with Palm Beach County for landscaping improvements along Congress Avenue from Old Boynton Beach Road to Quantum Boulevard Proposed Resolution No. R01-165 Re: Authorizing and directing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a statewide mutual aid agreement between the Department of Community Affairs and local governments Proposed Resolution No. R01-166 Re: Approving an [nterlocal Agreement between Palm Beach County and the City of Boynton Beach regarding the acceptance of grant funding in the amount of $325,000 as reimbursement for the construction/retrofitting of 20 existing stormwater outfalls to the Lake Worth Lagoon (Intracoastal Waterway) Proposed Resolution No. R01-167 Re: Approving the designation of Voting Delegates to Palm Beach County League of Cities as follows: Delegate: Commissioner Charlie Fisher Alternates: Mayor Gerald Broening Vice Mayor Ron Weiland Commissioner Bruce Black Commissioner Mike Ferguson City Manager Kurt Bressner Proposed Resolution No, R01-168 Re: Approving the submittal of a Palm Beach County Development Regions Grant Round V (Year 2001) Core and Competitive Grant Application, allowing for the reservation of these funds to use as incentive to potential businesses in the Redevelopment area Proposed Resolution No. R01-169 Re: Approving the designation a Representative and Alternate to the Metropolitan Planning Organization Proposed Resolution No. R01-170 Re: Approving the appointment of Vice Mayor Ron Weiland as Representative and Commissioner Charlie Fisher as Alternate to the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Association (COBWRA) Proposed Resolution No. R01-171 Re: Approving the appointment of Commissioner Mike Ferguson as Representative 12 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 and Commissioner Charlie Fisher as Alternate to the Multi- Jurisdictional Issues Coordination Forum Proposed Resolution No. R01-172 Re: Authorizing a reduction in the cash surety for the project known as the Hampton Inn (Addition) from $35,750 to $1,800 10. Proposed Resolution No. R01-173 revision of the Fire Rescue Advanced transport fees Re: Approving a Life Support ambulance 11. Proposed Resolution No. R01-174 Re: Authorizing the reappointment of Group ]Insurance Solutions, ]~nc. as the City's group health insurance consultant Ratification of Planning & Development Board Action: Outpatient Clinic - 2401 S. Seacrest Boulevard - Request for approval of a site plan modification to construct a 2,900 square foot medical office building on a 0.72-acre lot (7',4B/.£D ON ~ARCH 6~) Approve Change Order #9 (final change order) in the amount of $28,898.10 for demobilization and remobilization for the site wall construction to secure the East Water Treatment Plant site. Approve the purchase of software, license and support for LaserFiche Document Imaging project from R&S 1Integrated Products in the amount of $66,602 for the Police Department Approve the purchase of computer equipment for Document Imaging project from Southern Computer Supplies in the amount of $19,041.33 for the Police Department Approve the purchase of an enterprise-wide geographic information system to include software, data, and asset inventory collection services from Geospan Corporation in the amount of $96,100 from Accounts 001- 1511-513-54-30 ($1,500) and 001-5000-590-02-53 ($94,600) by piggybacking the City of Boca Raton's RFP #2000-111 Review of Proposed Change Order to construct 100 Block of Ocean Avenue (Seacrest to 1st Avenue) - Recommendation to not proceed at this time 13 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17~ 2001 Approval of Payments for SHIP Grants totaling $31,359 to 424 SW 10th Avenue ($15,000) and 1629 NE 3rd Street ($16,359) K. Ratification of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) items: la. Lot 14 & Portion of 15, Block 1, Happy Homes Heights - (Willie Ward) - Request relief from the LDR, Chapter 2, Zoning, Section 5.f.2.a. to allow a single-family home on a substandard lot zoned R-2 including variances for lot frontage, lot area and rear setback lb. Lot 15 (Portion) & 16, Block 1, Happy Homes Heights - (Willie Ward) - Request relief from the LDR, Chapter 2, Zoning, Section 5.f. 2.a. to allow a single-family home on a substandard lot zoned R-2 including variances for lot frontage, lot area and rear setback Mayor Broening removed Item K since a card had been submitted. The person that submitted the card requested that the card be removed. Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried. VI. CZTY MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Process for Artwork in City Mr. Bressner stated this is a request that staff develop a procedure for the provision of art in the CRA. A staff team is addressing this project with the possibility of establishing an Art's Commission. The team is also being asked to develop a process to include art on public and private property in the CRA that would encompass murals and other works of art and would also involve the development of standards and criteria to distinguish between what is art and what is marketing. Mr. Bressner requested that the Commission request that staff continue with this work via a motion. Motion Commissioner Fisher moved that staff continue in the direction it is going with regard to artwork in the City. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Weiland and unanimously carried. B. Status Report on Possible Improvements to Girl Scout Park ]4 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach~ Florida April 17, 2001 Mr. Bressner reported that Girl Scout Park is a 9-acre parcel and was originally used during the 1960's as a campground for the Girl Scouts. In 1983, the County gave the property to the City. IVlr. Bressner referred to the report that was prepared by the Parks Department included in the agenda packet which sets forth some interim improvements that could be made to the site. The park has been used over the years for fishing and picnicking and now it is being proposed that more permanent improvements be made to the site. Staff is recommending that the issue be referred to the Recreation and Parks Board to gather public comment and come up with an action plan for possible development options for the property. Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried. Mr. Bressner asked .John Wildner, Parks Director, if it were possible to have a report back within 30 to 45 days? Mr. Wildner stated that the Recreation and Parks Board would have to set a special meeting to hold a public hearing and IVlr. Bressner said that a special meeting is warranted in this case. Vice Mayor Weiland inquired if staff would be able to work in unison to obtain permits while the public input is being gathered? Vice Chairman Weiland would like to be able to move forward after the 45 days once the public input has been gathered. Mr. Wildner stated that he would coordinate the project with the Engineering Department regarding permitting. Refunding of 1992 Utilities Bonds - Appoint Banc of America Securities LLC as sole underwriter for the proposed refunding of a portion of 1992 Utility Bonds and direct staff to work with the underwriter to finalize the bond issue and present it to the City Commission Mr. Bressner reported that staff is recommending that the Commission appoint Banc America Securities LLC as the sole underwriter for the proposed refunding of the 1992 utility bond issue and to direct staff to work with the underwriter to finalize the bond issue. It will then come back to the Commission for approval. Mr. Raymond, the City's Bond Counsel, is present tonight to answer any questions. Mr. Bressner stated due to the change in the interest rates and the difference between the interest rates on taxable and tax-exempt securities, there is an opportunity for the City, through refinancing, to realize a real savings of $1.5 million. This would also release an additional $1.2 million that was set aside as a reserve against future debt service. Mr. Bressner said this was being presented tonight because of the uncertainty of future interest rates. Mr. Bressner thanked IVlr. Guidry, Ms. Diane Reese and Mr. Raymond for their work on the project. 15 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Commissioner Fisher inquired if interest rates changed during the process could the process be stopped? Mr. Mark Raymond, of Moyle, Flanigan, Katz, Raymond & Sheehan took the podium and said that the refinancing cannot proceed without coming back to the Commission. Commissioner Fisher inquired if it would take more than two weeks before the paperwork would be ready and Mr. Raymond stated that it would, due to the fact that the Commission only meets twice monthly. Mr. Bressner stated if necessary, a special meeting could always be called. Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve. Motion seconded by Mr. Fisher and unanimously carried. Review staff report on renovation vs. demolition of old high school building next to Children's Museum and consider conducting "town hall" meeting moderated by CRA or other advisory board to take comment on the proposed removal or renovation of the structure Mr. Bressner stated that staff is recommending that this item be referred to the CRA for that Board to conduct a Town Hall Meeting of interested parties to gather input regarding removal or renovation of the structure. Mr. Bressner reported that the structure is in extremely poor condition and would require a significant amount of money to be refurbished. The cost for refurbishing would range between $3 million to $5 million, exclusive of any internal remodeling. The cost of demolition and removal would be approximately $250,000. Mr. Bressner acknowledged that many people have a sentimental attachment to the building because it had once been the City's high school. However, Boynton Beach now has a new high school. Ms. Marie Shepard, One Ridge Pointe Drive, Boynton Beach, stated she is a native of Boynton Beach and that her father settled in Boynton Beach in 1912 and her mother came in 1913. Ms. Shepard noted that the City's new retention pond was built on property that their family had previously owned. Ms. Shepard said that she and her siblings all graduated from the Boynton High School. Ms. Shepard requested that every effort be made to preserve and renovate the old high school and stated that persons who had attended the school have very fond memories of the school. Ms. Shepard was of the opinion that the school could serve the City in many positive ways and could be a focal point for the City as it continues to grow. Wayne Owens, Chairman and co-founder of the Charter School of Boynton Beach said he was present tonight to show that there is a use for the old high school and that he would like to put their Charter School into the building because there is no price you can put on education. Mr. Owens would like to see education continued in the school and that Boynton Beach is one of the last municipalities in the County to get a charter 16 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 school. Mr. Owens said their school would focus on computer technology and foreign languages beginning in Kindergarten. Their curriculum is taken from the A.D. Henderson School in Boca Raton, which is one of the top four elementary schools in the State of Florida. Mr. Owens felt that his school could accommodate between 350 to 400 students in the old high school, which would help to eliminate school overcrowding in Boynton Beach. The school would also be open in the evening to the parents. Ms. Pamela Owens distributed an informational packet to the Commissioners regarding the Charter School. Ms. Owens stated that she is the principal and co- founder of the Charter School of Boynton Beach. The packet contained a preliminary proposal for the space and the justification of the need for the space, as well as other pertinent information. They intend to include community programs, social services, senior services and other educational services. With regard to financing, Ms. Owens would like to have a special meeting to discuss this. Ms. Owens stated there are funds available from the Florida Department of Education through the Palm Beach County School District. Also, hurricane shelter funds could be utilized, as well as application for historic site preservation. Iris. Owens would like to rename the school Mangrove Park Academy. IVls. Owens stated that they are ready to move forward by August 1St and all that is remaining is finding a site. Commissioner Fisher asked if the Commission was being asked to approve staff's recommendation or to table the item? Mayor Broening stated that the Commission was being asked to approve staff's recommendation that the CRA conduct public hearings to discuss the possibility of demolition of the old high school. IVlayor Broening agreed that the CRA was the proper agency to address the issue before it comes back to the Commission for a decision. Vice Mayor Weiland said he would also like to determine what the cost would be to move the building and to look for a piece of land to place the building on, and then look to a foundation to raise money to renovate the building. Commissioner Black said that it is time to move forward on this, to make a decision and he would like the public forums to begin as soon as possible. Commissioner Fisher requested that if it is eventually recommended to demolish the building, he would like to be able to salvage as much as possible of the building. Motion Commissioner Black moved to support staff's decision to refer the issue of the old high school to the CRA to conduct a series of Town Hall IVleetings and bring the item back to the Commission. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Weiland and unanimously carried. ]7 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach~ Florida April 17, 2001 PUBLIC HEAR/NG: 7:00 P.M. OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS THE AGENDA PERM]Frs Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance on Adoption on Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Plan and Implementation Plan (~RO~O$£D ORD~NANC£ NO. 0~-20) Mr. Bressner stated that a presentation will be made tonight regarding the Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Plan prepared by Michele Mellgren & Associates, Inc. Mr. Bressner noted that the report had been presented to the CRA last week and received a very good review. The CRA is recommending that the Plan move forward. Mr. Bressner stated he viewed this report as the second rung on the great ladder of opportunity, the first rung being the establishment of the CRA. Mr. Bressner viewed the report as an action plan to allow the CRA and City to move forward. (A cop? of the report/s attached to the or/g/nal of these m/nutes.) Mr. Bressner felt that there is a four-step process that the CRA, staff and Commission may want to consider in implementing the plan. The first step is that the Comprehensive Plan will have to be amended. This is a lengthy process and that the application could be ready for the reviewing agencies by .luly. The final recommendations concerning the modifications to the Comprehensive Plan cannot be done until February 2002. The second step is addressing the zoning revisions that have been identified. Staff can move forward with the revisions because they are not tied to the Comprehensive Plan. The third step deals with amenity and/or design items that have been identified that can also be worked on while the Comprehensive Plan process is proceeding. The fourth and final element would be addressing any zoning amendments that may be required after the Comprehensive Plan revisions have been completed. By following this four-step process, by February or March, some of the necessary zoning items would already be in place. Ms. Mellgren took the stand and stated that she prepared the report in conjunction with the firm of Hughes Hall, Inc. and Ms. Molly Hughes, the principal of that firm is also present tonight. Ms. Hughes also addressed the Commission and mentioned the importance of revising the City's land development regulations and that she would be available to assist with this aspect of the planning. Ms. Hughes said she would be glad to answer any transportation questions that may arise after the presentation. Ms. Mellgren stated she has identified five planning areas and will point out some of the major issues and opportunities. After that she will review the recommended programs and projects that the CRA needs to undertake in order to initiate redevelopment. Ms. Mellgren pointed out that the CRA is starting from scratch and the Federal Highway Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Corridor is a string of uncoordinated land use and development. There are no historic districts or roads or downtown buildings to rehabilitate, which puts the City behind the market competition. However, by starting from scratch the CRA can create a vision for the downtown and the supporting surrounding communities. Ms. Mellgren said she would continually stress the primary importance of establishing sufficient density and intensity of residential uses in order for the population to grow to support the mixed-use development and the neighborhood-serving retail being recommended. The City needs to invite redevelopment into the City and has had a redevelopment plan in place since 1984 and not much has taken place. Ms. Mellgren said that she has identified five planning areas within the redevelopment area while Mr. Mike Rumpf pointed out the areas on the map. Area i on the northernmost area of the Corridor and Area 5 on the southernmost area of the Corridor are the entrances to the City. Areas 2 and 4 are the gateways to downtown. The final area, which is Area 3 is the downtown area. For Planning Area 1, which begins at the northern City limit to the C-16 Canal, Ms. Mellgren pointed out that the area is open and residential in character. Gateway Boulevard is the major point of activity and is in the middle of this area. Next reviewed was the zoning and land use. The area is zoned for 10.8 dwelling units to the acre and there is density of 38.3 units to the acre. There are a number of parcels that are underutilized or vacant and includes mobile home sites. There is inadequate parking, landscaping and buffering with strip mall commercial. There are older single family uses throughout and there are some stable communities to the south, which are on lots with very large front, rear and side setbacks. The overall area is mixed with multi-family development in good condition. Planning Area 2 begins at the C-16 Canal to NE 6th Avenue, and MLK Boulevard is centrally located in the middle of this planning area. There is only one zoning designation which is C-4 and includes uses that are incompatible with a residential neighborhood. Uses in this area include vehicle-related uses, car washes, auto parts, U-Haul with outdoor storage, and adult entertainment. The density around the southern edge of this area ranges from 40, 18.1 and 17.9 units to the acre. Overall, the residential area is designated mixed-use, but the actual land use is not mixed-use. Planning Area 3 is the core downtown area that extends from the north edge of the Mangrove Nature Park to SE 2nd Avenue on the south. Its land use is mixed use and is zoned CBD. There are nine (9) lots that are contiguous to the railroad that are C-4 zoning. There has been no mixed-use development here, which is what is needed. Back in 1984 the original CRA plan called for mixed-use development to include a waterfront park, a hotel project and a marina retail-mixed use project. Planning Area 4 extends from SE 2nd Avenue to 13th Avenue. Densities are much greater than what is allowed and there are densities that have 30, 20.3, 18.6 and 18 19 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17~ 2OO1 units to the acre. Again the maximum allowable would be 10.8 dwelling units to the acre. The west side is predominately commercial and the uses are uncoordinated and unrelated. Planning Area 5 extends to the southern City limits. Woolbright Avenue and SE 23rd are two major intersections with traffic lights. In this area there are densities of 27.7, 25.4, 32.2, and 21 units to the acre, which has the 10.8 dwelling units per acre zoning. There is also a fifth development that has 5.3 units to the acre, which is allowed. Area 5 is a mix of land uses with no logical order of development. Some are in a state of decline and there is a great deal of outdoor storage and display. Even though these parcels are not within the City limits, they appear to be in the City limits and it detracts from the corridor. Ms. IVlellgren said she would next focus on the downtown core area. The following are issues and opportunities that the City should address: 1. An opportunity exists to establish a focal point in downtown to generate activity. 2. Encourage mixed-use development. 3. Create some pedestrian activity in a vibrant atmosphere and residential uses are essential to support the non-residential uses. 4. Require urban form and create development standards that address density, intensity and building mass. 5. Encourage public activity in all of downtown. 6. Public parking will be crucial in the downtown area and it is important that parking only be provided on the west side of Federal Highway. 7. Define pedestrian spaces through building placement and development standards. 8. Create a safe pedestrian environment. 9. Establish an aesthetically pleasing identity to create visual enrichment through street furniture, lighting fixtures, architectural and color treatments and signage. The issues and opportunities for the gateway areas are similar to those that are present at the entrances to the City, which Iris. Mellgren highlighted as follows: · Establish a sense of community to provide for mixed used development with a non- residential component that would be neighborhood serving. · Protect community character. · Require a transition to urban form and establish development standards to form a logical transition to the downtown. · Provide for adequate housing opportunities and set standards that would encourage a variety of housing styles to increase the population to support the downtown. · Require compatibility between uses to protect the neighborhoods which can be accomplished through the Land Development Code. · Enhance the visual appearance of the community by providing adequate safeguards. 20 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Ftorida April 17~ 2001 The following strategies are recommended for the entire Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Area: · Provide consistency between existing uses and the zoning and land use map. · Emphasize major activity nodes. · Improve visual appearance with coordinated signage program. · Consider a public presence, such as a fire station, police station or public library in area 2, which should be located west of the railroad tracks, because it has no public presence whatsoever. Ms. Mellgren stated she is recommending ten programs and six specific projects to initiate redevelopment within the Federal Highway Corridor and they are contained on Page 82 of her report as follows: Amend the Comprehensive Plan to create a mixed use-high for the core downtown area and a mixed use-low that would apply to the gateways to the downtown. The mixed use-low should be residentially oriented with supporting neighborhood commercial. Once the mixed use high and Iow is created, implement it by implementing a land use plan amendment. Create new development standards for the mixed use-high to eliminate restrictions on density, but maintain control over the visual appearance. increase the maximum conditional height in the core area from 100' to 150' in order to invite redevelopment and create incentives to get developers into the downtown area. Finally, encourage tourist-oriented uses with a water theme. Eliminate the restrictions on density, but control the visual appearance. The maximum height should be increased to 75' and eliminate the vehicle-oriented uses. Create new zoning districts for the R1A and RiAA located east of Federal Highway. These are water oriented, single family detached homes. Consider reducing the minimum yard requirements so that the lots could be redeveloped with larger houses, which would increase the value of these properties. Protect neighborhood communities and establish distance separation between residential uses and uses that serve alcoholic beverages (excluding restaurants), including adult entertainment facilities. These non-conforming uses should be amortized out over a certain period of time. 21 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17~ 2001 Develop a signage program to address height, placement, size, lettering, color, etc. and define what signage is. Develop a design program for structures, signage and street furniture to include colors and architectural themes and create Land Development Regulations for areas 2, 3 and 4 to address building placement, parking, parking location, mixed uses and pedestrian chanalization and incorporate the guidelines stated on page 87. Ms. Mellgren identified six projects that the CRA and the City should undertake to begin redevelopment as follows: Project 1: Addressed in the 1984 downtown redevelopment plan was to include a convention style hotel and this is still a viable project. Assemble three to five acres in the core downtown area to market it for this purpose. Project 2: Assemble land for public surface parking to be located west of Federal Highway. Be sure that as demand for parking grows, the parcel could be converted to a parking garage. Project 3: Address the City entrance signage. Project 4: Establish a public presence to provide community stability. Project 5: Address the outdoor storage located on the south end of the corridor, which is a blighted condition and coordinate this with the County to eliminate those uses within the County pockets. Project 6: Provide pedestrian crossings at major nodes of activity. Ms. Mellgren concluded her report by stating the City needs to take some bold steps to create a population base to support the redevelopment and to invite redevelopment. The City should take innovative steps, rather than utilizing programs that other redevelopment areas have used. Commissioner Fisher referred to Ms. Mellgren's report that states on Page 83 that there be no drive-thru facilities as opposed to making drive-thrus a conditional use and Ms. Mellgren stated this was correct. Commissioner Fisher had concerns about this. Commissioner Fisher asked about the difference between hotels and motels. IVls. Mellgren replied that entrances to individual motel units are on the outside and their entrance is from the outside, whereas with a hotel you would enter a lobby in order to enter the individual units. Commissioner Fisher would also like timeshares and bed and 22 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17~ 2001 breakfasts defined. Also, Commissioner Fisher questioned how serious the City wants to get with outside display for retail purposes and felt this also needed further redefining. Commissioner Fisher also questioned why a private developer would not be allowed to build a parking garage and Mr. Bressner pointed out that the CRA is positioning themselves to be the Parking Authority and this will be a policy decision that the Commission would review the recommendations of the CRA. Commissioner Fisher also questioned why auction houses would not be a permitted use and he had concerns regarding this. Also, he would like wholesaling better defined. Mayor Broening inquired by increasing the heights of the buildings, would underground parking be permitted? Ms. Mellgren said she would have to refer to staff on this for clarification. She stated that the zoning code that provides for shared parking needs to be clarified. However, if someone builds, they have to meet their parking requirements. Mr. Mike Fitzpatrick, 101 SW 4th Avenue, Boynton Beach said that he read the report and agrees with all the recommendations, but he would like to know what is being done to provide for greenspace. Mr. Fitzpatrick estimates there are approximately 35 acres of public park in the CRA area. Mr. Fitzpatrick pointed out that the City Code calls for six acres per 1,000 residents. Mr. Fitzpatrick is proposing that a 200' wide corridor run the full length along the FEC railroad tracks which is approximately 3.5 and comes to 92 acres. Combining these 92 acres with the 35 acres, would give the City 1,095 acres, which comes to 12% for greenspace and 88% for concrete and asphalt. By placing greenspace along the railroad tracks this would provide additional noise buffers, help define boundaries, and provide a safe pedestrian bikeway. Motion Commissioner Black moved to approve 01-20. Motion seconded by Mr. Ferguson. Attorney Cherof read the title of the Ordinance. Attorney Cherof pointed out that when the Ordinance is passed, it represents an amendment to the existing CRA Plan and will be the vehicle by which staff would bring forward Land Development Regulations to implement the concepts and recommendations being proposed. Quintus Greene, Development and CRA Director, took the podium and pointed out when the CRA Board approved the Federal Highway Corridor Plan, it was approved with three conditions as follows: On Page 85 of the Report, it states "grocery or food stores with a minimum size of 27,000 square feet", members felt this was excessive and members felt that :~5,000 square feet would be more appropriate. 23 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 Mayor Broening asked how the CRA members came up with 15,000 square feet? Ms. Mellgren replied that Publix Grocery Stores has the smallest infill, full-service grocery store among the major grocery store chains and they have a prototype of a little over 27,000 square feet for their smallest store called "the urban gorilla". If this were limited to 15,000 square feet, this would eliminate a major food chain coming in that could help stabilize the neighborhood. On Page 87, recommendation 9, members had some concern that a design theme was already being established in the downtown area. Members questioned if they wanted to create their own theme or go with the one in place. The members recommendation was to reword this as follows: "Develop a design program for structures, signage and street furniture that includes implementation of a color palate and architectural themes in the context of the downtown gateway community". On Page 99, the last paragraph of the page, the CRA Board recommended that this paragraph be deleted. Attorney Cherof pointed out that the Statute provides capping the build-out of development in the CRA to 30 years. However, those provisions of the Statute have no application to Boynton Beach's CRA because this City's CRA was adopted before the effective date of the Statute. Ms. Mellgren suggested that if the Commission wanted to stay with the 27,000 square foot figure, it be increased to 28,000 to allow enough leeway in design. Mayor Broening suggested changing the language without stating a figure. Mr. Greene suggested putting in a range between 15,000 to 28,000 square feet. Mr. Bressner said it is important to include the range, otherwise people could come in with some small detrimental uses. Also, Ms. Mellgren pointed out that if a range was not put in, someone might come in and want to build a huge grocery store, which is what the Plan is trying to prevent. Commissioner Ferguson suggested the square footage be between 15,000 to 30,000 square feet. Commissioner Black amended his motion to include the deletion of the last paragraph on Page 99, that the "grocery or food stores have a minimum range of 15,000 to 28,000 square feet and implementation of a color scheme. Commissioner Ferguson requested that the range be between 15,000 to 30,000 square feet and Commissioner Black amended his motion further to change 28,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet. Commissioner Ferguson seconded the amended motion. Motion carried 5-0. 24 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 VIII. IX. XI. E. F. G. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Reconsideration of Purchase of 3.5 acre site (Commissioner Ferguson) (Suggest Table Until May 2001) Proposed Resolution No. R01- Re: Selection of consultant for Martin Luther King 3r. Blvd. study (May 1, 2001) Discuss adoption of an Emergency Water Conservation Rate for all water customers of the City of Boynton Beach Utilities ('T,4~'ZED Presentation by .loe McCann - Smith, Ballard, Logan, P.A. (May 1, 2001) Future Annexation Areas (May 2001) Status report on new meeting schedule for advisory boards (May 2001) Application for funding from County DIP and RAP funds for a footbridge for Girl Scout Park (RAP), 17th & Seacrest Boulevard Traffic Control and Hester area traffic calming (DIP) and Seacrest Landscape Island Tmprovements (DIP) H. Motions to Reconsider (May 2001) Consider changing date of Municipal Election from March to November (May 2001) _3. Update on Senior Citizen Center Programs and Usage DEVELOPMENT PLANS: None NEW BUSINESS: None LEGAL: A. Ordinances - 2nd Reading - PUBLIC HEARING None Ordinances- 1~ Reading 25 Meeting Minutes Regular City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida April 17, 2001 1. Proposed Ordinance No. 01-18 Re: Abandonment for Boynton Commerce Center Attorney Cherof read proposed Ordinance No. O1-18 by title only. Motion Commissioner Ferguson moved to approve Proposed Ordinance No. O1-18. Motion seconded by Commissioner Black. City Clerk Prainito polled the vote, The vote was unanimous. 2. Proposed Ordinance No. 01-19 Re: Amending Section 13-20. Special Events; providing for clarification of regulations and streamlining of the application process Attorney Cherof read proposed Ordinance No. O1-19 by title only, Motion Commissioner Ferguson moved to approve Proposed Ordinance No. O1-19. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ferguson. City Clerk Prainito polled the vote. The vote was unanimous. C. Resolutions: None D, Other: None XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None XZII. OTHER: A. Informational Items by members of the City Commission Commissioner Black stated that today he provided the City Manager, City Attorney, the Mayor and Commissioners with his letter of resignation, effective April 30, 2001. The reasons for his resignation were very personal and he had too many obligations to meet that included his family and employment. 26 Meeting Minutes Regular Cib/Commission Boynton -neath, Florida April 17, 2001 X'rV. AD3OURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:55 p.m. All'EST: ,~'~ CleFk . Recording Secretary (3 tapes) Commissioner Commissioner 27 FEDERAL HIGHWAY CORRIDOR COMMUNITY REDE~LOPMENT PLAN Prepared For: The City of Boynton Beach Prepared by: Michele Mellgren & Associates, Inc. in association with Hughes Hall Inc. April 3, 2001 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Plan was prepared to serve two purposes. First, the Plan will update the existing Community Redevelopment Plan consistent with Ch. 163, Part III, F.S. in order to include the recently expanded boundaries of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) proximate to Federal Highway, north and south of the original CRA area. Second, the Plan provides recommendations for projects and programs, including amendments to the adopted future land use plan and zoning code, to be undertaken by the City to create a catalyst for desired development and redevelopment in the corridor generally, and in the downtown core specifically. Existing conditions within the Corridor were thoroughly examined and evaluated. They indicate that there are a variety of challenges and oppommities for development and redevelopment. The core downtown area that lies between a line extended across the north edge of Mangrove Nature Park on the north and S.E. 2na Street on the south continues to be the central focus of the corridor that should feature the highest level of development to establish its importance. The areas on the north of downtown, up to the C- 16 canal, and on the south down to an extension of S.E. 13th Avenue provide the gateways to downtown. The gateways should provide a transition to the downtown urban form, thereby framing the downtown, while providing sufficient housing opportunities to support downtown activities and businesses. The two remaining areas outside of the gateways to downtown, extending to the city limits, are the entrances to the city. The entrances must present an aesthetically pleasing appearance while preserving the predominantly residential character. Each of these five areas presents unique issues. Collectively, these five planning areas will form a hierarchy of development that will result in economic growth and a pedestrian oriented vibrant downtown, while creating individual community identities. Specific recommendations to guide the City toward realization of orderly and aesthetically pleasing development and -- redevelopment in the Federal Highway Corridor are detailed in Section VI of this Plan, and summarized as follows: Amend the Comprehensive Plan text to create two subcategories of land use within the land use plan designation of Mixed Use. There should be a Mixed Use-High (MU-H) for the Mixed Use-Low (MU-L) for the gateway communities. The residential with neighborhood serving retail. 2. Amend the FUture Land Use Plan Map to redesignate the downtown as MU-H and to redesignate the gateway communities as MU-L. ge Create development standards for the MU-H district, which is the core downtown area, that address an increase in the maximum allowable height; elimination of restrictions on density but maintaining control of the visual appearance of development; elimination of automobile or thoroughfare oriented uses; and, allowing residential uses by right if the first floor of development is dedicated to commercial, retail or office uses. Create development standards for the MU-L district that include an increase in the maximum allowable height; elimination of restrictions on density but maintaining control of the visual appearance of development; elimination of commercial uses that are either thorOUghfare oriented orare not neighborhood serving uses; allowing drive through uses only as a conditional use; and, increasing the allowable size of grocery or food stores. 5. Create new zoning districts for the R1A and R1AA communities east of Federal Highway, proximate to the Intracoastal Waterway, that would allow for redevelopment of lots with greater lot coverag~ and a reduced size of required yards. 6. Provide regulations that would allow for appropriate locations of houses of worship, schools and similar institutions so that there is a balanced distribution of these various types of land uses. 7. Protect residential neighborhoods by creating distance separation requirements between residentially planned or zoned land and facilities which sell or serve alcoholic beverages. Provide for the amortization of such existing facilities. 10. Develop detailed signage standards to improve the aesthetic appearance of the Corridor. The standards should define the advertising on commercial vehicles as signage and prohibit the parking of such vehicles in a manner that constitutes placement of signs. Develop a design program for structures, signage and street furniture, to include a color palate and architectural themes. Create land development regulations to address building placement, amount of parking, parking location, mixed uses and pedestrian chanalization. CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF EXHIBITS Section I. II. III. INTRODUCTION POWERS OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Overview of Corridor Planning Area I Planning Area II Planning Area III Planning Area IV Planning Area V IV. MARKET ANALYSIS V. REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES: ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES VI. REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS iv 7 9 9 20 30 38 49 56 76 82 Programs Comprehensive Plan Amendments New Development Standards Zoning Code Amendments Design Criteria Specific Projects Convention Hotel Public Parking Signage Public Presence Outdoor Storage Pedestrian Crossings 82 83 85 87 87 88 88 88 89 89 VII. NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS OF REDEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES Traffic Circulation Community Facilities Effect on School Population Relocation Environmental Quality VIII. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES GENERAL STATEMENT RELATING TO THE CRA Relationship to City's Comprehensive Plan Safeguards to Ensure Redevelopment Activities Follow the Redevelopment Plan Safeguards to Ensure Financial Accountability Providing for a Time Certain and Severability X. SOURCES OF REDEVELOPMENT FUNDING AND FINANCING XI. REFERENCES CONSULTED XII. APPENDIX 90 90 91 91 92 93 94 98 98 98 98 99 100 103 104 Table 3.1. 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 4.1 4.2 4.3 7.1 LIST OF TABLES Existing Corridor Land Use Designations Existing Corridor Zoning Districts Area I Existing Zoning Designations Area I Existing Land Use Designations Area II Existing Zoning Designations Area II Existing Land Use Designations Area III Existing Zoning Designations Area III Existing Land Use Designations Area IV Existing Zoning Designations Area IV Existing Land Use Designations Area V Existing Land Use Designations Area V Existing Land Use Designations Comparison of Hotels and Hotel Units Retail and Office Supply and Demand in the Reduced Regional Market, 2015 Retail and Office Supply and Demand in the Expanded Regional Market, 2015 School Capacity and Enrollment, 2000-2001 Page 12 13 26 27 35 36 43 44 54 55 61 62 67 72 73 92 iv LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit 1.1 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3:16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 Boundary'of Corridor Study Area Planning Areas Street Layout Water Main ~,~ayout Open Space Area I Boundary Area I Land Use Area I Zoning Area II Boundary Area II Land Use Area II Zoning Area III Boundary Area III Land Use Area III Zoning Area IV Boundary Area IV Land Use Area IV Zoning Area V Boundary Area V Land Use Area V Zoning V Page 6 10 14 17 18 19 21 22 23 31 32 33 39 40 41 50 51 52 57 58 59 INTRODUCTION Redevelopment efforts in the City of Boynton Beach commenced in August 1981 when the City established the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (cRA) in accordance with Chapter 163, Part 3, F.S. On May 4, 1982, the City of Boynton Beach declared a portion of the downtown area to be suffering from slum and blighted conditions, as evidenced in Resolution 82-KK, and established a Community Redevelopment Area (also referred to as CRA) that initially contained 180 acres. The original boundary of the CRA included a core portion of the Federal Highway corridor from the Boynton Canal on the north to SE 6th Avenue on the south. In April of 1983, pursuant to its finding of necessity, the City commenced preparation of the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Plan comprising a redevelopment program pursuant to the Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 as amended from time to time. The plan was subsequently adopted on August 21, 1984. The Redevelopment Plan examined the current conditions at that time, the market oppommities, and made some key recommendations for redevelopment that focused on the downtown area, which centered on Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway. Broadly, the plan recommended the creation of a unique identity for downtown that should be pedestrian friendly, marine focused and oriented toward the water. To achieve this broad goal, the plan made three key recommendations. First, the plan recommended construction of a mixed use developmer~ consisting of a public waterfront park, specialty retail and residential uses. Next, the plan recommended construction of a hotel with convention space in order to recapture the City's share of the tourism industry. The third broad recommendation was the creation of a marina and marine related uses east of Federal Highway along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). At the time that the original Community Redevelopment Plan was prepared and those recommendations were made, the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) was planning roadway improvements in the area. The DOT had previously made improvements to Boynton Beach Boulevard. The next phase of planned work was to construct a bridge at Boynton Beach Boulevard that spanned the ICW, and then remove the existing bridge at Ocean Avenue. The redevelopment plan contained recommendations that were based upon the DOT roadway work being completed. The plan was specific in stating that the success of the recommended redevelopment concepts would hinge upon the construction of the Boynton Beach Boulevard bridge, and removal of the Ocean Avenue bridge to the south. The planned bridge, however, was never constructed because of neighborhood preservation issues raised by residents, and the Ocean Avenue bridge continues to provide access to the east in this immediate area. The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency subsequently expanded the boundary of the original CRA. The expanded area included an additional 518.76 acres of land lying west of the Florida East Coast Railroad to Interstate 95, between the Boynton Canal on the north and Ocean Avenue on the south. The redevelopment plan text was updated to provide recommendations for the expanded area, that included focusing on Boynton Beach Boulevard as a gateway to Boynton Beach and preservation of the residential character of the expanded CRA area, which was composed mainly of residential land uses. 2 In September 1996, the City of Boynton Beach conducted a citywide visioning session: More than 100 community representatives participated in the American Assembly process, which resulted ina policy statement that addressed seven key issues of concern. Among these were commercial revitalization and economic development. The City utilized this policy statement to commence the process of specific planning efforts for the redevelopment of downtown and the marina areas, as well as for major roadway corridors. These efforts resulted in the Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Master Plan (20/20 Plan) that was completed in September 1998. The 20/20 Plan addressed the seven key issues identified during the American Assembly Process and restated them in terms of specific goals and objectives. A number of these goals and objectives will be addressed in part or in whole through the preparation of the Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Plan. Generally, these focus on uses and needed development .standards within the Federal Highway Corridor, and are summarized as follows: Goal 2: Commercial Revitalization Objective 2.1 - Expand the CRA boundary to increase financial resources during redevelopment plan implementation. Objective 2.4 - Prepare overall design standards for the entire length of Federal Highway within the City. Goal 3: Downtown Redevelopment Objective 3.1 - Create specific areas in the downtown that are pedestrian and bicycle friendly, and where mixed uses and infill deVelopment are encouraged. Objective 3.2 - Prepare conceptual area plans and design criteria for the cultural center/marina area district that addresses such issues as mixed uses, signage and landscaping. 3 Through the documented conditions of slum and blight contained in the 20/20 Plan, the CRA board evidenced the need to expand the CRA to include those portions of the Federal Highway Corridor to both the north and south City limits, consistent with Objective 2.1 of the 20/20 Plan. These are referred to as the North Subarea and the South Subarea. While the boundaries were expanded, the redevelopment plan text was not updated to include this additional land area. This plan, therefore, will serve two proposes. First, it is a redevelopment plan for the Federal Highway Corridor that focuses on uses and development standards along Federal Highway. Second, it is of sufficient scope and format to meet the requirements of Chapter 163.362 to allow for the Community Redevelopment Plan text update for the expanded CRA area. The boundaries of this expanded area, on which this redevelopment plan is focused, are the city limits on the north, the ICW on the east, the municipal boundary on the south, and the Florida East Coast Railroad and Palm Boulevard on the west. The entire Federal Highway Corridor area now contains approximately 1,094.98 acres. The legal description for the North and South Subareas is contained in the Appendix. Exhibit 1.1, which is contained on page 6, depicts the boundaries of the Federal Highway Corridor, including the North and South Subareas of the CRA that were added. The boundaries of the expanded Community Redevelopment Area were drawn to take into account the need for physicaI redevelopment as well as the need to protect neighborhood areas from the presence of blighting influences. Properties located within the redevelopment area that are not presently in need of redevelopment assistance, are threatened by the nearby presence of blighting conditions and, therefore, are included to preserve their long term 4 viability. As a general standard, the boundary of a proposed redevelopment area includes areas which clearly meet the slum or blight criteria, as well as areas that may not be considered individually, but which are otherwise necessary to achieve the objective of eliminating blight and preventing its spread. Additionally, some physically sound areas were included in the expanded redevelopment area based on the their functional relationship to the Federal Highway Corridor and the uses contiguous to it. Federal HighWay Corridor Redevelopment StUdy BOundary of Corridor Study Area ~/~/Roads 0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Date: March 30, 2001 SECTION II COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of the :City of Boynton Beach was 1982 pursuant to Resolution 82-KK. As authorized by the Community the City of Boynton Beach has delegated powers to the Boynton Beach Florida Statutes that are necessary and convenient to undertake efforts. The powers of the CRA are contained in Section 163.3701 FlOrida These include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following activities: deemed necessary for community redevelopment, except that the use shall require specific approval from the iCity Commission; Hold, improve, clear, or prepare any acquired property for redevelopment; ispose of property acquired within the Community Redevelopment Area for uses in accordance with the adopted community redevelopment plan; Carry out programs of repair and rehabilitation; Plan for and assist in the relocation of persons displaced by redevelopment activities; Receive and utilize tax increment revenues to fund redevelopment activities; such funds and make such expenditures as are necessary to carry out the : Community Redevelopment Act of 1969; and vacate; plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways or other places. CRA may undertake any additional action not specifically mentioned above if is necessary to undertake redevelopment efforts, except that the following powers remain under the control of the Boynton Beach City Commission, pursuant to Section 163.358, Florida Statutes: 7 The power to determine an area to be a slum or blighted area, or combination thereof; to designate such area as appropriate for communitY redevelopment; and to hold any public hearings required with respect thereto; The power to grant final approval to community redevelopment plans and modifications thereof; The power to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds as set forth in Section 163.385, Florida Statutes; The power to approve the acquisition, demolition, removal, or disposal of property as provided in Section 163.370(3), Florida Statutes, and the power to assume the responsibilitY to bear loss as provided in Section 163.370(3), Florida Statutes; and, The power to approve the development of community policing innovations. 8 SECTION III ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Overview General Description The Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Area, including the North and South Subareas of the CRA, is comprised of approximately 1,095 acres. The Corridor contains a variety of uses broadly described as including various intensities of residential and commercial uses; light industrial uses; office uses; recreational areas; and, seve?al conservation overlay sites. There are also vacant tracts within the area, as well as instances of non-residential developed parcels that are under utilized or developed but abandoned; victims of economic difficulties. The redevelopment area can be divided into smaller planning subareas. These smaller planning areas are defined by general development characteristics. Exhibit 3.1, which is shown on the following page, depicts the five small planning areas within the corridor. Area I extends from the C-16 Canal to the north City limits and is coincidental with the North Subarea of the expanded CRA. Area II lies between the C-16 canal and just south of a line extended from NE 6th Avenue across Federal Highway to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Martin Luther King Avenue is centrally located in this planning area. Area III extends from the southern edge of the second planning area southward to a line extended from SE 2na Avenue across Federal Highway to the ICW. Area Ill includes both Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. Area IV extends from the southern edge of the third planning area south to a line extended from approximately SW 13th Avenue to the ICW. 9 Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Boundary of Study Area %,,/Railroads 0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.'5 Miles Date: March 30, 2001 north side of the lumberyard that is located on the west side of Federal Highway and the the east side mark the southern edge of planning Area IV. The last planning southern edge of the fourth planning area and the municipal some planning areas share a few similar characteristics, such as Areas contain multifamily uses on the east side, there are sufficient various areas to warrant individualized attention to each one. example, uses, densities, intensities and proximity to the core Each of these small planning areas plays an important role in the Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Area as a designations within the entire Federal Highway Corridor are discussions of each planning area that follo'~- this overview each icts the Future Land Use Plan Map designations that exist within designations information is displayed in Table 3.1, which is on 3.1 demonstrates, there are a variety of land use designations within the the central portion of the Federal Highway Corridor centered on the largely designated Mixed Use, the other areas feature a mix of designations without any apparent order or hierarchy of land uses. 11 Table 3.1.Existing Corridor Land Use Designations Abbreviation Land Use Designation Density Allowed LDR MoDR MeDR HDR OC LRC R Low Density Residential Moderate Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Special High Density Residential Office LOcal Retail General Commercial(2) Mixed Use0) Recreational 4.84 du/ac 7.26 du/ac 9,68 du/ac 10.80 du/ac°) 20.00 du/ac (1)This land use category also exists with a conservation overlay designation (2)Also designated mixed use if use and development meet specified requirements Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map", updated June 18, 2000. Signage for commercial uses throughout the Federal Highway Corridor lacks any continuity or coordination. Sign designs have no unifying theme with regard to architectural details, landscaping, color, size or placement. Additionally, some signs are in need of maintenance or repair. Overall, commercial signage detracts from the appearance of the corridor. It was also noted that there are two signs in different places on the north end of the corridor that purport to mark the municipal boundaries. Conversely, the city limits on the south end are not clearly marked. Zoning & Housing Units - Z6ning districts and parcels for residential uses are depicted in the exhibits included in the detailed discussions of the planning areas that follow this overview. There are an estimated __ residential units within the redevelopment area. Table 3.2, which is on page 15, presents the zoning districts identified in the area. 12 Table 3.2--Existing Corridor Zoning Districts Abbreviation Zoning District R1A R1AA K1 PUD CBD C1 C2 C3 C4 REC Source: City of Boynton Density 5.80 du/ac 5.40 7.26 { 10.80 du/ac Map", updated Jan. 2000. Street Layout and Circulation- The street layout within the Federal Highway Corridor can be broadly described as predominantly a modified grid pattern, with streets on the east side of the corridor terminating in cul-de-sacs or deadends because of the Intracoastal Waterway. Federal Highway itself is a major north-south merial connecting the eastern seaboard of the United States. It runs through the eastern, mainland portion of Florida. Through the City of Boynton Beach, it is currently a four-lane divided highway with bike lanes in both directions and sidewalks along both sides. The speed limit within the city limits varies between 35 MPH and 40 MPH. Exhibit 3.4, which is on the following page, depicts the street pattern within the area. The Florida East Coast (FEC) Railroad also runs along the eastern portion of Florida and, in the City of Boynton Beach, just west of Federal Highway, forming the western boundary of the Corridor study area from the C-16 canal southward. Since the railroad tracks run along the west side of Federal Highway throughout the'City, it tends to separate the more 13 Exhibit 3.2 - Street layout 14 commercial Federal Highway area from the more residential western areas. The locations at which the tracks can be crossed are important for access and traffic circulation between the west side and the east side. Each of the cross streets at the signalized intersections on Federal Highway provides access to the west including FEC railroad crossings. The majority of other streets, however, do not cross the tracks. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has developed a system for access management for roadways such aS Federal Highway. Access management is a comprehensive approach to the control and regulation .of all aspects of highway access. This is done by assigning a specific classification to roadways. These classifications contain separation standards for access features such as driveways, medians and signals. The portion of Federal Highway located within the City of Boynton Beach is classified by FDOT as an "urban minor medal" with an Access Classification of "5, Restrictive." Restrictive means the opposing lanes are separated by a median. For a Classification 5, the desirable driveway connection spacing is 245 feet, the desirable median opening spacing for a directional opening (limited turning movements allowed) is 660 feet and for a full opening (all turning movements allowed) is 1,320 feet. Desirable spacing between traffic signals is 1,320 feet. Traffic volumes were obtained from FDOT's Transportation Statistics Office. Within the City of Boynton Beach, FDOT maintains three permanent, monitored traffic counting sites along Federal Highway. One is located just north of Ocean Avenue, one is just north of Woolbright Road and the other is south of Woolbright Road. The 1999 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) north of Ocean Avenue is 21,000 vehicles. North of Woolbright Road the AADT is 20,500 vehicles, and south of Woolbright Road the AADT is 26,500. FDOT also 15 records the AADT for previous years to provide a historical record. Over the previous three years there has been a growth rate of just less than one percent per year. Traffic accidents cause personal and/or physical damage, increase traffic congestion and, in the worst case, result in loss of life. A review of accident data can help identify accident prone locations and help determine why accidents occur. These data may also aid in determining what measures should be implemented in order to help reduce the number of accidents at problem locations. The accident summary for Federal Highway in Boynton Beach during the year 2000 shows a total of 302 incidents. North of Ocean Boulevard there were 115 incidents, with almost 15 percent occurring in the 200 and 300 blocks. South of Ocean Boulevard there was a total of 187 incidents, with almost 30 percent occurring in the 1500 and 1600 blocks; proximate to Woolbright Road. Infrastructure - The City of Boynton Beach 1996 Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report indicates that the entire Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Area is served by public water and sewer lines provided by the City. Exhibit 3.5, contained on the following page, shows the layout of public water lines. Exhibit 3.6 which follows Exhibit 3.5 and is on page 20,-shows the layout of sewer lines within the study area. Open Space Areas - The Federal Highway Corridor features a number of public park and recreational areas. All but one of these, Pence Park, has an orientation toward the Intracoastal Waterway. In addition to the public parks, there are approximately twelve points of access to the water by way of public streets. Exhibit 3.7, shown on page 21, shows the location and type of open space and recreational areas. 16 Exhibit 3.3 - water lines 17 Exhibit 3.4 - sewer lines 18 Federal Highway Co~idor Redevelopment Study · Open Space /~ ~/' Roads 0.5 0 0.5 I 1.5 Date: March 30, 2001 lViles PLANNING AREA I 2O Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Planning Area I " N $~/Planning Area I A ~ City Bo..dary / Railroad Roads Parcels 1000 0 )Water Federal Highway CorridOr Redevelopment Study Plan Area I Future Land Use /,~/Planning Area I City Bo~nda~j ~ Roads Parcels 0.2 N 0.2 0.4 ~les Date: March 30, 2001 Federal Highway Corridor Redeveloprmnt Study Plannir~l Area I Planning Area I City BoUndary P,~ads Parcels 0.2 0 0.2 0.4 Miles Date: March 30, 2001 Planning Area I Overview Planning Area I extends from the northern city limits to the C-16 canal, which forms a physical and psychological boundary from the adjacent planning area to the south. Within this portion of the corridor, the FEC railroad right of way is contiguous to Federal Highway on the west side, while the western boundary of the corridor study area extends west of that, lying along 4th Street, which is also Palm Boulevard. The eastern side of this planning area extends to the Boynton Beach municipal limits that is roughly the centerline of the ICW in this area. Street Layout and Circulation The FEC rail line, which is contiguous to and elevated above Federal Highway in this area, serves to sever the continuity of this portion of the corridor and directly affects the development appearance of it. Land lying west of the tracks in the study area is not readily noticeable or highly visible. Additionally, the railway severely limits access from the west onto Federal Highway. Planning Area I has only two access points from the west onto Federal Highway. The first is at Gateway Boulevard, which is a signalized intersection with full median openings. Because Gateway Boulevard provides direct access to and from Interstate- 95, this intersection is a major node. The second access is from NE 15th Avenue, which is roughly 700 feet north of the C-16 Canal; the southern edge of this planning area. The intersection of NE 15th Avenue provides a full median opening, but it is not a signalized intersection. Additionally, NE 15th Avenue is a local street that provides access to the surrounding single family residential neighborhood that lies to the west of Federal Highway. 24 In addition to limiting access, :the rail line, in conjunction with the Federal Highway right of way, defines the appearance of the corridor. The expanse of the two rights of way convey an appearance of very low density or open area, which is underscored by the landscaping enhancements completed by the FDOT. As a result, a sense of community exists largely only on the eastern side of Federal Highway in planning Area I. Land within the eastern portion of Planning Area I is constrained by Federal Highway on the west and the Intracoastal Waterway on the east. Parcels tend to be narrow and extend the full width between Federal Highway and the ICW. As a result, there are numerous direct street and driveway access points on the east side of the planning area. The driveway separation in this area, however, is-generally close to the 245-foot separation that is considered desirable by the FDOT for this portion of Federal Highway. Zonin~ The zoning districts in planning Area I and the existing uses are not inconsistent. The Coastal Management Element of the Comprehensive Plan, however, noted that one multi- family development, which is located on the ICW in roughly the middle of the planning area, has an existing density of 38.3, which exceeds the land use plan and zoning designation of 10.8 dwelling units per acre. There are a number of residential parcels or lots inthe central and northern portion of Area I east of Federal Highway that are either under utilized or vacant. Similarly, there are commercially zoned parcels that are either vacant or developed but not to the level of development permitted under the zoning regulations. The commercial zoning districts on the east side of Federal Highway are long and narrow, paralleling the roadway. Commercial lands in this location were likely to .have been established many decades ago to benefit from the railroad. At that time, the train was 25 important to and .served the community, and Federal Highway was a small, two lane road. Over the years, however, the importance of the railroad to the community has diminished. At the same time, Federal Highway has been widened and medians added to address the shift in modes of transportation. The necessary right of way to accomplish the roadway improvements was taken from the east side of Federal Highway since the west side bordered the FEC. The end result is commercial parcels of land of marginal depth that invite strip development or isolated free standing uses that lack landscaping; a desirable transition to the adjacent residential properties; and, often, feature inadequate parking. Table 3.3 depicts the zoning districts that exist in Area I. Table 3.3.--Area I Existing Zoning Designations Abbreviation Zoning District Density R1A R1AA R3 PUD C2 C3 REC Residential, Single Family Residential, Single Family Residential, Multi-fatally Planned Unit Development Commercial, Neighborhood ' Commercial, Community Recreation 5.80 du/ac 5.40 du/ac net 10.80 du/ac Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Official. Zoning Map", updated Jan. 2000. Land Use Land use in Area I is predominantly residential, with a mix of single-family, multi- family and mobile homes. The east side Federal Highway has a variety of housing and housing conditions that range in allowable zoning density from 5.4 to 10.8 units per acre. Two recreational areas are located on the east side that provide access to the Intracoastal Waterway. The west side of Federal Highway, beyond the FEC railroad, contains less varied 26 housing, and Conditions are not as varied. Table 3.4 shows the land use districts that exist in planning Area I. Density Allowed LDR Low HDR LRC Local Retail R ReCreational °)AlsO designated mixed use if use and development meet specified requirements 4.84 du/ac 10.80 du/ac°) Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map", updated June 18, 2000. Residenti..~ - On the east side of Federal Highway, there are a few lower density communities. The ones on the southernmost end of the planning area are in stabile condition, and showing signs of upward transition. This neighborhood appears to have been constructed around the 1950s as a first wave of retirement homes. It was noted that redevelopment in these lower density communities has started to occur, beginning particularly with those lots that front on the Intracoastal Waterway. Modest homes in these areas are giving way to large, two story residential units. The lower density community on the northern end of Area. I appears older than. its southern counterpart, and consists largely of moderate to marginal homing with an overall appearance of a neighborhood in decline. Numerous newer multi- family communities exist throughout this planning area that range from attractive to exclusive in appearance. Interspersed are two main pockets of mobile homes that are can be described as in a state of deterioration. Note that there are three areas of residential land use that have 27 alternative designations to go from low density residential to high density in two areas, and from high density to local retail in a third area. The west side of Federal Highway within the corridor study area, north of Gateway Boulevard, contains a planned unit development that is separated and insulated from Federal Highway. The development is elevated well above the grade level of Federal Highway, and has berming and fencing on its perimeter, with no direct access onto the highway. South of Gateway Boulevard, is a commercial node and then a large area of modest residential units in need of rehabilitation, as well as pockets of mobile home parks that are in a state of deterioration. Commercial - Some commercial uses flank portions of Federal Highway. On the east side of Federal Highway, commercial land uses include vacant lands; several one-story shopping plazas; a motel; a topless bar; restaurants; and, both an active and an abandoned gas station. As noted above, parcel depth has been diminished over the years due to improvements to Federal Highway. On the west side there are only two commercial nodeS. The northern node is centered on and oriented toward Gateway Boulevard more than Federal Highway. It contains marginal, one story neighborhood strip mall retail uses. The location, orientation and nature of these retail facilities, in conjunction with the barrier created by the railroad right of way, indicate that they are not likely to serve either Federal Highway users or the preponderance of residential uses in this planning area, which are located on the east side of Federal Highway. The southern node is centered around NE 15th Avenue. Commercial uses include a funeral home as well as several vacant tracts of land. 28 The intersection of Gateway Boulevard and Federal Highway, which should be considered a major node, contains residential on the northwest comer and commercial uses on the three remaining comers. The northeast comer features a gas station and the southeast comer is a restaurant with a large setback from the comer. The southwest comer features the marginal retail discussed above, and is set far back from the intersection due to the FEC right of way. Recreation - Area I features two recreational sites on the east side of Federal Highway, proximate to the Intracoastal Waterway. The southern recreational area is a functioning boat ramp park. Because of the facility's proximity to the inlet, the park serves much of the South County area. As a result, there has been an increase in noise, traffic and parking that has presented issues for the surrounding community. The City of Boynton Beach has undertaken a project to increase parking at the facility. Just north of the boat launch area is open space that will be developed with approximately $1.725 million in funding provided by Palm Beach County. The site will be developed with active and passive recreational facilities and will mitigate the open space in the boat launch facility that will be replaced with the additional parking that will be provided. 29 PLANNING AREA H 3O Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Planning Area II d~/Planning Area II City Boundary / '~,/P~ilroad ..'~;~,,,,,~;/ROadS I Parcels i:~ ," ,~---~ Water 500 0 500 1000 Feet Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Planning Area II Future Land Use !Parcels , 0.06 0 0,06 0.12 Miles , I Date: March 30, 2001 Federal Highway Corddor Redevelopment Study Planning Area II Zoning ! I I I /~ Planning Area I City Boundary Roads ,Parcels 0.2 0 0.2 0.4 lViles Date: March 30, 2001 Planning Area Il Overview Planning Area II extends from the C-16 canal on the north to just south of an extension of NE 6th Avenue on the south. The FEC railroad right of way is the western boundary of the planning area. The centerline of the Intracoastal WaterWay is the eastern edge of Area II. The FEC is roughly 75 feet west of Federal Highway on the north end of the area. On the southern end of Area II, however, the railroad right of way is roughly 200 feet west of Federal Highway. Martin Luther King Avenue, which is NE 10th .avenue, is the center of this planning area: Street Layout and Circulation The FEC railway has a direct impact on circulation and land use patterns in Area II. Access to Federal Highway from land to the west of the FEC is limited to only two points. Martin Luther King Avenue is the first access point. This intersection is signalized and has full median openings. Martin Luther King Avenue contains some commercial uses and is a focal street for the residential community that surround it. Further, this street is the only one in Area II that provides citizens with northbound access on Federal Highway. As a result, this intersection should be considered a major node. The second FEC crossing is at NE 6th Avenue, which provides southbound access to Federal Highway for the residential community to. the west. NE 6th Avenue is not signalized and provides no median break. 34 On the east side of Federal Highway, streets are predominantly a grid pattern. Access to Federal Highway is provided by each of the east-west avenues at intervals that range from approximately 280 feet and more. From the north boundary of Area II to Martin Luther King Avenue, driveway separations are generally close to the 245-foot DOT guideline. South of there, however, driveway spacing varies. On street parking is available in this portion of Federal Highway. Zoning There are four zoning districts present in planning Area H. These are shown in Table 3.5. The zoning districts and existing uses are not inconsistent with one another. The Coastal Management Element of the .Comprehensive Plan, however, noted that three developments on southern edge of the planning area have densities of 40, 18.1 and 17.9 units per acre, which exceed the existing land use plan and zoning designations. Table 3.5.--Area II Existing Zoning Designations Abbreviation . Zoning District Density R1A Residential, Single Family 5.80 du/ac R1AA Residential, Single Family 5.40 du/ac net R3 Residential, Multi-family 10.80 du/ac C4 Commercial, General Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Official Zoning Map", updated Jan. 2000. There is only one commercial zoning district in Area II, which is the C4, General Commercial district. This is the most intense commercial district available within the City of Boynton Beach, and is intended to facilitate development along major trafficways. According to the Code, the intent of C4 zoning is to preserve the design integrity of major highways by 35 grouping "highway uses," which include local serving commercial uses as well as uses that lean more toward industrial in their nature. Federal Highway in this vicinity, however, is surrounded by residential uses with no transition in land use from residential to the heavy commercial and, as in planning Area I, the commercially zoned land is of marginal depth on both sides of Federal Highway. As a result, the C4 zoning district category allows for some uses that are traditionally considered incompatible when contiguous to, or a part of, residential communities. Land Use There are only two land use designations in Area II, which are shown in Table 3.6. Existing land use in Area II is commercial along the entire length of Federal Highway: East of the commercial strip is residential land. These properties have a land use designation of mixed use, but are zoned residentially at densities of 5.8, 7.26 and 10.8 dwelling units per acre. Some residential lots appear to be non-conforming with regard to minimum size and width. Many of the houses are in need of maintenance. Overall, the land appears to be underutilized, and the neighborhood in need of cod~ enforcement. Table 3.6.--Area II Existing Land Use Designations Abbreviation Land Use Designation Density Allowed MX Mixed Use 40 du/ac GC General Commercial(1) °)Also designated mixed use if use and development meet specified requirements Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map", updated June 18, 2000. 36 The commercial land uses include .vacant lots and auto related facilities such as car ~ rental, car Wash, auto parts and repair; an adult entertainment establishment; a U-Haul rental ....... with outdoor storage and display; outdoor boat sales; offices; restaurants; and, retail. The more intense commercial useS that exist in Area II, such as the ~auto related facilities, outdoor storage and display, and adult entertainment are incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the marginal depth and overall size of many of the parcels, particularly on the west side of Federal Highway, do not allow for adequate landscaping, parking and buffering. Additionally, many structures are situated on or near the Federal Highway fight of way line. In addition to the commercial and residential uses, there is an Elks club located on the east side of Federal Highway. Beyond this, however, no other similar types of uses, community uses, public facilities, or open spaces were noted in Area II. - ~ Land uses at the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and Federal Highway are .... very low scale retail uses. These include a vacant structure, vertical blinds shop, seafood market and a barbeque. 37 PLANNING AREA HI Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Planning Area !11 NPlanning Area III City Boundary Railroad Roads Parcels Water N 1000 Feet Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Plan Area !11 Future Land Use .,~/Planning Area Ill ~ / 2 city Boundary :.,.,~./~m,-oad. o,os o o. os ,_.>.,./' Roads ,--- Parcels ~ Water Date: March 30. 2001 0.12 IWles Federal Highway ~rfidor Redevelo~~ ~udy Planning Area III ~ Planning Area I '-~--' Ci~ Boundary ~ ,~s 0.2 0 0.2 0.4 ~les Date: March 30, 2001 N Planning Area III Overview Planning Area IH contains the heart of downtown Boynton Beach, and includes the original Community Redevelopment Area. A line extended from the north edge of Mangrove Nature Park forms the north boundary of the planning area. The eastern city limits, which is roughly in the centerline of the lntracoastal Waterway channel forms the east edge. The south edge of Area III is formed by SE 2nd Avenue. The western boundary is the FEC railway. Street Layout and Circulation The street pattern in Area III is a downtown grid with access to Federal Highway from both the east and west sides of the roadway. This planning, area has two signalized intersections on Federal Highway, which are at Boynton Beach Boulevard and' Ocean Avenue. These two intersections are 1,056 feet apart, which is 20 percent short of the spacing desired by FDOT. Typically, FDOT desires a minimum of 1,320 feet between intersections. These two intersections provide full median openings. The balance of the median openings are directional, meaning that only limited mining movements are allowed, and vary in separation. Driveway access in this area varies in distance separation. Accident reports for the year 2000 show that 115 incidents, or 15 percent of all accidents on Federal Highway, were concentrated in this planning area, specifically in the 200 and 300 blocks just north of Boynton Beach Boulevard. 42 Boynton Beach Boulevard provides direct access to Interstate 95 from Federal Highway and, as such, should be considered a node of activity. Boynton Beach Boulevard, as a major fight of way, terminates at Federal Highway. Ocean Avenue, which is just to the south, carries traffic across the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean beaches and, therefore, should also be considered a major node of activity. The Ocean Avenue bridge has recently been rebuilt with enhanced architectural features. The FEC railway does not have a significant impact in this planning area as it does in the two planning areas to the north. On the northernmost end of Area III, land between the railway and Federal Highway is approximately 200 feet deep. Land between the FEC and Federal Highway continues to gain depth throughout the balance of the corridor. On the southern edge of Area III, there is more than an estimated 400 feet between the two transportation corridors. FEC crossings are frequent in Area HI, which provide ready access to the Federal Highway Corridor for land to the west. Zoning Approximately nine lots spanning across NE 4* Avenue contiguous to the railway are zoned for heavy commercial uses. Beyond that, however, the balance of land within Area III is zoned Central Business District. Table 3.7 shows the zoning districts that exist in Area III. Table 3.7.--Area RI Existing Zoning Designations Abbreviation Zoning District Density CBD C4 Central Business District Commercial, General Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Official Zoning Map", updated Jan. 2000. 43 The CBD zoning district is intended to provide a focal point in the community that integrates a variety of office, retail and residential uses. The district standards, densities and intensities are designed to create a synergy between permitted uses and to create a critical mass ofupscale development that establishes a pedestrian environment and promotes the local economy. Land Use The land use designation in Area III is depicted in Table '3.8. The land use designations and the existing uses are not inconsistent. The northeast portion of this planning area has a special conservation overlay district. This is the Mangrove Nature Park that is a natural preserve containing scenic boardwalks that lead out to the Intracoastal Waterway. Table 3.8.--Area Ill Existing Land Use Designations Abbreviation Land Use Designation Density Allowed MX Mixed UseO) GC General Commercial(e) portion also designated conservation overlay (2)Also designated mixed use if use and development meet specified requirements Some: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map", updated June 18, 2000. The northernmost portion of Area III contains a propane gas outlet and a large Goodyear facility on the west side between Federal Highway the FEC right of way; uses similar to those in Area II as they are suggestive of heavy commercial uses. Other uses on the north end, however, include low scale community serving retail and businesses. 44 The intersection of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway contains commercial uses. An Eckerd drugstore is under construction on the northwest comer. The southwest comer features a gas station. The nOrtheast comer contains Boynton Plaza, which is small scale strip shopping plaza in moderate condition with front-field parking. Construction of a stormwater retention pond has recently been completed. The pond is located between the mangrove park and the existing shopping center. Immediately north is St. Marks Church and school facility. The southeast comer of the intersection contains a very low scale motel. Land along Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue is in a variety of uses and appears to be under utilized, particularly when considered in conjunction with the Central Business District zoning that is in place. Along the west side of Federal Highway, between the gas station at the comer of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, there is a large vacant lot that is designated for parking for the church that is immediately to the south. Veteran's 'Park is also located in this area. The church, in addition to the parking lot, also has extensive parking behind the building. Across .Federal Highway is the remote drive in facility for Bank of America and, to the south of that, the main building for the bank, Other uses south of this area include retail and office. Along Ocean Avenue on the east side of Federal Highway, there is a marginal, one story strip retail development. The north side of Ocean Avenue in this area is contiguous to the Intracoastal Waterway and the uses are marine oriented that include charter fishing and diving businesses, and two successful waterfront restaurants. A mixed use development project with a marina has been approved and is scheduled to begin construction in the near furore. The marina portion is nearing completion. Construction of the mixed use portion, 45 which will feature restaurants and retail on the ground floor with residential units above, has been delayed several times because of various issues, but is anticipated to commence in the near future. The west side of Ocean Avenue has been newly renovated and enhanced with streetscape elements. This block-long area features small scale retail and restaurants in a pedestrian environment. The intersection of Ocean Avenue and Federal Highway, which is another major node, is low scale development, which is emphasized by the width of Federal Highway. The intersection contains retail and office uses, except for the northeast comer which has a bank building. Note that the drive in for the bank building is located between the main building and the motel that is in the southeast comer of Boynton Beach BOulevard and Federal Highway. Recommendations for planing Area m were included in the original CRA plan, and then subsequently contained in the Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Master Plan that was f'malized in September 1998. The original CRA plan envisioned further development specifically of the area between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. The CRA plan suggested the following in this area:- A waterfront public 'park/specialty retail/residential project that occupies the northeast comer of the Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway intersection, replacing the existing strip shopping center; A hotel project that would overlook the waterfront amenities; both the marina and the mangrove park; and, ca A marina project that would include specialty retail shops and more restaurants. 46 The waterfront projects would bring population into the downtown area to support the desired retail and restaurants. The hotel project woUld serve a similar purpose, as well as capture the City's share of the tourism industry. Note that the CRA plan Conducted a market study and concluded that the area would support a hotel. The marina project would not only bring population to the downtown, but would also enhance the water orientation of this area, which is a valuable asset. Parking for-these suggested' developments was not directly addressed, other than to note that it would have to be carefully coordinated. The CRA plan also envisioned a pedestrian environment along the west side of Federal Highway, as well as along Boynton Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. All of these recommendations were made, however, predicated on the completion of the Boynton Beach Boulevard Bridge that FDOT had planned to construct across the ICW. The bridge was not constructed, and the existing Ocean Avenue bridge will remain in place. The Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Plan that was completed in 1998 also contained recommendations for this immediate portion of planning Area m. The 20/20 Plan, like the CRA plan, envisioned a waterfront plaza and overall redevelopment of the northeast comer of the Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway intersection. It also called for a pedestrian environment along Federal Highway, recommending building placement near the property line. Retail uses were envisioned along both sides of Federal Highway, with pedestrian access placed mid-block. The 20/20 Plan did not discuss a specific mixed-use marina project, and did not consider the hotel concept recommended in the CRA plan, but did address parking. The 20/20 Plan noted that parking to serve the proposed retail uses would be critical in attracting people downtown, particularly during the initial phases of operation. As a result, the 20/20 Plan proposed parking in the northeast comer of Federal Highway and Ocean 47 Avenue, behind the buildings that have street frontage. This parking was proposed to serve the commercial uses that would be located on both the east and west sides of Federal Highway. 48 PLANNING AREA IV 49 Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Planning Area IV / /~/Planning Area IV City Boundary I~lilr(md Parcels ~Water N 1000 0 1000 2000 Feet Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Plan Area IV Future Land Use 0.1 N 0 A 0.1 Date: March 30. 2001 0.2 IViles Federal Highway Corridor Redeveloprmnt Study Planning Area IV R Zoning ~ Planning Area I ~/ Roads '-~-~., Parcels 0.2 0 0.2 0.4 Miles Date:. lVlarch 30, 2001 Planning Area IV Overview The north boundary of Planning Area IV is S.E 2nd Avenue. The eastern edge is the municipal boundary, which is roughly the centerline of the Intracoastal Waterway. The southern edge of Area IV is approximately an extension of SE 13th Avenue. The western edge of the corridor in this area is the FEC railway. In this portion of the corridor, Federal Highway is in the middle of the study area. Street Layout and Circulation The street system and circulation on the west side of Federal Highway is a traditional grid pattern In contrast, land on the east side of Federal Highway is representative of newer development. Streets are curvilinear and serve only the development in which they are located, providing no interparcel access. Planning Area IV contains no signalized intersections. There are only two streets that intersect with Federal Highway that also provide crossing to the west at the FEC railway. These two streets are SE 5th Avenue and SE 12th Avenue. While these two streets intersect with Federal Highway, there are no median openings at these intersections. There is, however, a median opening at SE 10th Avenue. Zoning The zoning districts in Area IV are varied, and accommodate single family and multifamily development, as well as office, commercial and recreational uses. The zoning districts that are present are shown in Table 3.9. 53 Table 3.9.--Area IV Existing Zoning Designations Abbreviation Zoning District Density R1AA R2 R3 OC C3 REC Re amily Community 5.40 du/ac net 9,60 du/ac 10.80 du/ac SOurce: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Official Zoning Map", updated Jan. 2000. The existing uses are not inconsistent with the uses permitted in the various zoning categories. The Coastal Management Element of the Comprehensive Plan, however, noted that there were four development's that had densities that exceed those allowed by zoning. These are the Sterling Village condominiums and three other contiguous developments. The first was noted as having a density of 30 units per acre; the next of 18 units per acre; the third of 20.3 units per acre; and 18.6 units per acre at Sterling Village. The maximum allowable density under the existing zoning is 10.8 dwelling units per acre. Land Use The land use designations present in Area IV are shown in Table 3.10, which is included on the following page. Existing uses and land use plan uses are not inconsistent, although several developments have densities greater than otherwise permitted. Existing land uses in Area IV are mixed. The northeast quadrant of this planning area is occupied predominantly by Sterling Village, which is a garden-style multifamily condominium development. Field inspection of Sterling Village indicated that many of the units are seasonally occupied, and occupants are largely age 55 and older. South of this is Boynton Isles. This development is single family detached community that has a water 54 orientation. Contiguous to the east side of Federal Highway on the southern end of the planning area is a pocket of commercial development that includes the Women's Club, office uses of which one or more is vacant, and a restaurant. Table 3.10.--Area IV Existing Land Use Designations Abbreyiation Land Use Designation Density Allowed LDR MeDR: HDR LRC R Low Density Residential. Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Local Retail Recreational 4.84 du/ac 9.68 du/ac 10.80 du/ac Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map", updated June 18, 2000. The west side of the Federal Highway in Area IV is commercial. Uses are uncoordinated and unrelated. These include several banks; a restaurant; several fast food establishments; a church located in a defunct shopping center; personal services; and, several vacant parcels. The overall impression of this portion of the planning area is marginal and in a state of decline. The aforementioned commercial uses on the west side of Federal Highway wrap around an area of residential duplex development. This small community is surrounded on the east, south and a portion of the west by commercially zoned land. The balance of the west side of the residential area is contiguous to the FEC railway. Pence Park, which is a public recreational facility, is to the north of this community. 55 PLANNING AREA V 56 Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study Planning Area V Planning Area V City Boundary Railroad Roads Parcels Water 1000 0 N Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Study PI V N 0.2 0 0.2 0.4 Mile Date: IVlarch 30, 2001 Federal Hig Plannin Area V Zoning Stud~ ~, Planning Area I ~,' City Boundary ~ R6ads Parcels 0.2 0 0.2 0.4 Miles Date: rvlarch 30, 2001 N A Planning Area V Overview Corridor from the southern edge the the western boundary. The parcels of the east side Area V, occupies the balance of the Federal Highway limits. ~The centerline of is numerous significant part With the exception of. Federal Highway around SE 21 planning area can be described immediate development in side of has ~d pattern, the street layout in this Streets were designed to serve only the Planning Area V has two signalized~ intersections on Federal Highway, which are at Woolbright Road and at SE 23~d Street. ~ese two interSeCtions provide full median openings. Additionally, these are the only two east-west streets that provide access to the west across the year 2000 show that 187 incidents, or 30 percent of all accidents on Federal Highway, were concentrated in this planning area, specifically in the 1500 and 1600 blocks, which is the intersection of Woolbright Road. This intersection features large shopping centers on the south corners and a signalized pedestrian crossing just south of the intersection. 60 The intersections of Woolbright Road and SE 23rd Street with Federal Highway are important because of their size and the fact that they provide western access. As a result, these should be considered major nodes. Zoning A broad range of zoning categories exist in Area V, which are shown in Table 3.11. Table 3.11--Area V Existing Zoning Designations Abbreviation Zoning District Density R1AA R1 R3 C2 C3 C4 REC Residential, Single Family Residential, Single Family Residential, Multi-family Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Community Commercial, General Recreation 5.40 du/ac net 7.26 du/ac 10.80 du/ac Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Official Zoning Map", updated Jan. 2000. The existing uses are not inconsistent with the uses permitted under the applicable zoning districts. The Coastal Management Element of the Comprehensive Plan, however, noted that there were five developments that had densities that exceed those allowed by zoning. These existing densities were 27.7, 25.4, 32.2, 21 and 5.3 units per acre. The maximum density permitted by the zoning district for the first four developments is 10.8 units per acre. The fifth development has zoning that allows a maximum of 5.3 units per acre. As a result, these residential communities are non-conforming uses. 61 Land Use Land use designations in Area V are extremely varied. Table 3.12 depicts the existing furore land use designations. Table 3.12--Area V Existing Land Use Designations Abbreviation Land Use Designation Density Allowed LDR MoDR MeDR HDR LRC R Low Density Residential Moderate Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential. Special High Density Residential Local Retail General Commercial Recreational 4.84 du/ac 7.26 du/ac 9.68 du/ac 10.80 du/ac°) 20.00: du/ac(2) °)This land use category also existS with Recreational designation (2)Also designated conservation overlay district Source: City of Boynton Beach, FL, "Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map", updated June 18, 2000. Area V contains not only a mix of land uses, but these uses are arranged with no apparent logical order. Commencing on the northwest comer of Woolbright Road and Federal Highway and then traveling south, uses include a lumberyard, which is a permitted use at this site; a Publix shopping center; medical offices; assisted living facility; residential; gas station; motels; and, miscellaneous free standing retail uses. In the southern portion, these uses appear marginal, uncoordinated and in a state of decline. The east side of Federal Highway at the southern end of Area V is not within the City of Boynton Beach. Uses in this area, however, include outdoor storage and display of various items such as statues, bird baths and similar ornamental items. The poor appearance of these retail facilities detracts from the area. Continuing north on Federal Highway to the southern 62 city limits, uses include multifamily units and Jaycee Park, which is a public, passive recreation area with ICW orientation. North of that, there are more multifamily units, and then a number of commercial sites that are either vacant, or developed but abandoned. Continuing north, there is more multifamily and then various commercial uses that include fast food and a Winn-Dixie shopping cemer that has a bank on the outparcel located at the comer of Woolbright Road and Federal Highway. The northeast comer of Federal Highway has a gas station, with residential units contiguous to the north side of the gas station parcel. 63 SECTION IV MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction The Community Redevelopment Agency redevelopment plan that was adopted in August 1984 recommended the development of a convention style hotel within the Central Business District, which is also planning Area III in this analysis. Additionally, both the CRA redevelopment plan and the Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Master Plan suggested mixed use developments, to include retail, in the core downtown area. Approximately 17 years has passed since the initial recommendation for a hotel, additional retail space and office uses that was contained in the CRA plan. This section of the Federal Highway Corridor Study, therefore, will review the hotel market at this time as well as the market for mixed use retail to determine if prior recommendations are still viable. Hotel Market Analysis The CRA plan adopted in 1984 examined conditions in what was identified as the competing markets; the Lake Worth and Delray Beach downtown districts. The plan noted that Boynton Beach's location between these two areas indicated that the City could expect to share in some of the advantages and disadvantages experienced by the surrounding areas. The CRA redevelopment plan found that in 1984, the "least favorable market indicator" was the number of hotel and motel units available. At that time, Boynton Beach had 239 hotel and motel units combined, compared to 598 total units in Delray Beach and 828 units in Lake Worth. While a breakdown of the number of units by hotel or motel was not provided, the CRA plan stated that the units within Boynton Beach were not only smaller in number, but provided in comparatively smaller facilities that could not accommodate meetings or conferences. As a result, the plan indicated that Boynton Beach was likely not capturing the full economic benefits of the convention and tourism industry. Almost 17 years has transpired since the recommendation to take advantage of this market segment through siting of a convention type hotel in the core downtown area. As a result, a review of current market conditions is warranted to determine if the recommendation for placement of a hotel is still a valid land use consideration. The data contained in Table 4.1 on the following page provide information concerning hotel and hotel units within both the County and the regional market area, which includes not only Delray Beach and Lake Worth as included in the original CRA plan, but also Manalapan that is just north of Boynton Beach. A convention style Ritz- Carlton hotel has been constructed in Manalapan since completion of the CRA plan and, therefore, must be included in the regional market area. Note that only hotels are examined is this analysis, and not motels since they do not provide convention or banquet facilities, or other "full service" amenities found in hotels. The classification to determine whether a facility is a hotel or motel has been taken from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Hotels and Restaurants Master Listing of Accounts prepared January 8, 2001. The State determines whether a facility is a hotel, which is classified as 02, or is a motel, which is classified as 03. The first half of Table 4.1 compares the number of hotel facilities in the City of Boynton Beach to those in all of Palm Beach County. Boynton Beach has approximately 65 6.2 percent of all hotels' in the County, compared to neighboring Delray Beach and Lake Worth, each of which have 4.6 percent of all hotels in the County. The Ritz-Carlton in Manalapan constitutes 1.5 percent of all hotels in Palm Beach. Similarly, Boynton Beach has 4 hotels that constitute 36.4 percent of all hotels in the market region, compared to 27.3 percent each for Delray Beach and Lake Worth, which each have 3 of the 11 hotels in the market region. Manalapan's hotel represents 9.1 percent of the hotels in the market region. The data were then examined to compare hotels that had 100 rooms or more, since that would be the very minimum number desired to support banquet or conference facilities. These data show that Boynton Beach has 3 hotels with 100 or more rooms, compared to the County that has a total of 43 hotels with 100 or more rooms, which equates to Boynton Beach having 7 percent of all hotels with 100 or more rooms in Palm Beach County. This compares to Delray Beach that has 4.7 percent of the hotels with an excess of 100 rooms. Lake Worth and Manalapan each have only 2.3 percent of the hotels with more than 100 rooms. Similarly, Boynton Beach has a greater percentage of the market region's hotels with 100 rooms or more. The City has three such hotels which represents almost 43 percent of the hotels in the market region. It should be noted, however, that one of these is a Holiday Inn Express located proximate to Interstate 95. Although the hotel does provide meeting rooms, it is of minimal size featuring only 100 rooms, and is not representative of typical conference resort hotels. A second hotel in Boynton Beach is the Holiday Inn - Catalina on North Congress Avenue, which has been reported to Boynton Beach Planning staff as maintaining a high occupancy rate due to flight crews fi.om Palm Beach International Airport. As a result, the higher percentage of 66 hotels with greater than 100 rooms in Boynton Beach may be diminished because of these two unique circumstances. Further, a review of the number hotels with 100 rooms or more in the regional market shows that each of the competing areas --- Delray Beach, Lake Worth and Manalapan --- have one water oriented hotel facility with conference or meeting room space. The City of Boynton Beach, however, has no such facility. The second portion of Table 4.1 examines the number of units available, rather than the number of hotel facilities. Palm Beach County has a total of 10,063 hotel units. The data in Table 4.1 show that Boynton Beach is competitive with Delray Beach. Boynton Beach has 740 hotel units for 7.4 percent of all units in Palm Beach County, while Dekay Beach has 790 hotel units for a total of just under 8 percent of all units countywide. Lake Worth has a total of 255 units and Manalapan 270 units, which is equal to 2.5 percent and '2.7 percent of all hotel units in the County, respectively. Similarly, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach are competitive with each other on a regional level, with Boynton Beach maintaining 36 percent of all hotel units within the region, while Delray Beach has 38.4 percent. Boynton Beach and Delray Beach each have slightly more than 4 percent of the units countywide that are located in hotels that have 100 units or more, as well as roughly the same percentage of similar Units compared on a regional basis. Once again, however, Boynton Beach has no units in a conference sized hotel with a water orientation, while Delray Beach enjoys almost 41 percent of such units; Lake Worth 16.7 percent of similar units; and, Manalapan more than 42 percent of the region's units in conference sized hotel facilities. The hotel in Delray Beach with a water orientation is the Marriott Delray Beach located on North Ocean Boulevard with 260 units. The similar hotel in Lake Worth is the Gulfstream Hotel located on the west side of 68 the Intracoastal Waterway. This hotel features only 106 rooms and is a minimal conference hotel. It has a total of 2 meeting rooms that seat only 5 to 12 people, and a total of 2 banquet rooms that accommodate a maximum of 50 to 100 people. The third regional hotel is the Ritz-Carlton in Manalapan that has full meeting and conferencing facilities, and features 270 rooms with a water orientation. This analysis examined existing market conditions in the County, as well as in the competitive market regiOn as initially examined in the original CRA plan and expanded to account for the newer development in Manalapan. The results indicate that there is still a market niche for a conference-sized hotel with a water orientation within the City of Boynton Beach. While the CRA plan suggested a hotel with 100 to 200 rooms, it is recommended that the City of Boynton Beach consider a hotel that approaches or slightly exceeds the upper end of this size to be competitive with the Marriott in Delray Beach that has 260 rooms and the Ritz-Carlton in Manalapan that has 270 rooms. According to the Palm Beach Property Appraiser's office, the Delray Beach hotel is situated on approximately 4.5 acres, which equates to an estimated 754 square feet per hotel room. The Manalapan resort site is approximately 6.8 acres includ~g its extensive pool, patio and deck areas, which equate to 1,097 square feet per hotel room. These data indicate that the City of Boynton Beach should consider a redevelopment site for a hotel that ranges between 3.5 acres and 5 acres to accommodate a convention type hotel that has 200 rooms. Retail Market Analysis In addition to recommending a convention type hotel, the original CRA plan suggested mixed uses to include retail and office. Specifically, the CRA plan suggested 69 an additional 50,000 square feet of r.~:::,zail, including restaurants, and an additional 20,000 to 30,000 square feet of office use. The Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Plan provided similar recommendations with regard to uses, although it did not specify a target square footage of additional uses. In recommending additional non,residential uses in the downtown area, the CRA plan considered population distribution in the regional market that includes Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Lake Worth, as well as income and homeownership as an indicator of market stability. Si~.~e the CRA plan was prepared almost 17 years ago, however, a reexamination of market projections is warranted. The Planning Division of Palm Beach County completed a "Commercial Needs Assessment Report", revised through December 1999, that examined office and retail demand projected in .the year 2015. The study focused on portions of Palm Beach that are west of the subject study area, but considered supply and demand for retail and office throughout all of Palm Beach County. The Needs Assessment utilized smaller planning sectors that are used by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). While the focus of the analysis was on areas west of the Federal Highway Corridor, the Needs Assessment considered all of Palm Beach County to take into account mobility, travel patterns and relationships between the various smaller planning sectors that were utilized. The Federal Highway Corridor is not isolated within a singular smaller planning sector. Further, issues such as future population distribution and mobility greatly affect the demand and specific location for retail and office. As a result, the data contained in the Needs Assessment study were examined at several different levels to determine future supply and demand for office and retail. 70 A reduced regional market area was considered, which extended from Interstate 95 east to the Atlantic Ocean, .north to a line south of Forest Hill Boulevard, and south to a line that is north of Clint Moore Road. This is a narrowly defined area that encompasses MPO planning sectors 43 and 53, and is referred to as the reduced regional market. The second area that was examined included the first area, but extended more westerly to Florida's Turnpike. This second area includes MPO planning sectors 42 and 43, which are north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, as well as 52 and 53 that are roughly south of Boynton Beach Boulevard. As a result, the core downtown of Boynton Beach lies approximately halfway between these northern and southern planning areas. Referred to as the expanded regional market, this area takes into account personal mobility within the general vicinity. The data for the third planning area that were considered included all of Palm Beach County, which provides for regional mobility. The supply and demand data for offices uses in the year 2015 for these three areas was taken from the "Commercial Needs Assessment Report". This information is summarized in Table 4.2, which is on the following page. These data for the reduced regional market indicate that in the year 2015, there will be a surplus of retail space totaling approximately 317,700 square feet. At the same time, however, these data indicate that there will be a deficit of office space in this area that totals more than 1.9 million square feet. The retail demand that was calculated throughout the Needs Assessment analysis is based upon population within a give sector. A predetermined square footage of retail per capita was used for neighborhood, community and regional retail facilities within a given MPO planning sector to determine the amount of total square footage that would be 71 Table 4.2.-- Retail and Office Supply and Demand in the Reduced Regional Market, 2015 Use Supply Demand Total Retail 7,427,470 sq. ft. 7,109,743 sq. ft. Total Office 3,545,999 sq. ft. 5,534~773 sq. ft. Difference 317,727 sq. ft. Retail Sector 43 2,531,334 sq. ft. 3,807,506 sq. ft. (1,276,172) sq. ft. Sector 53 4,896,136 sq. ft. 3,302,237 sq. ft. 1,593,899 sq. ft Office Sector 43 883,133 sq. ft. 2,960,181 sq. ft. (2,077,048) sq. ft. Sector 53 2,662,866 sq. ft. 2,574,592 sq. ft. 88,274 sq. ft. Note: Parenthetical numbers indicate future deficit or need for the stated use Source: Palm .Beach County, FL, Planning Division, Commercial Needs Assessment Report, revised December 1999. needed. The projected population within a planning sector, therefore, determined the amount of retail that the given sector could support. The methodology, however, does not take into account mobility and transportation routes. As a result, it would not be appropriate to consider the data contained in Table 4.2 as a definitive analysis of need within a specific sector. Similarly, office space demand was calculated with a formula that also involved planning sector population. The methodology utilized was predicated on a predetermined ratio of 253 employees for each 1,000 people. The sector population was, therefore, divided by 1,000 and then multiplied by 253 to determine the number of employees within a sector. That result was then multiplied by 200 square feet of office, which is, according the study, the amount of office space per employee in an average, new suburban office. The resulting number was the estimate of the amount of square feet of office space required for the population within a given sector. As with retail uses, 72 however, this methodolOgy does not take into account issues such as mobility and transportation routes. The second analysis of the data included a review of the expanded regional market. This analysis assumes that there is the potential for mobility of population within the larger region, but not necessarily throughout the entire county. Table 4.3 shows the results of the supply and demand in the year 2015 in the expanded region. Table 4.3.-- Retail and Office Supply and Demand in the Expanded Regional Market, 2015 Use Supply Demand Difference Total Retail Total Office 23,723,756 sq. ft. 14,409,857 sq. ft. 29,009,181 sq. ft. 22,751,140 sq. ft. Retail Sector 42 8,115,938 sq. ft. 12,250,989 sq. ft. Sector 43 2,531,334 sq. ft. 3,807,506 sq. ft. Sector 52 8,180,348 sq. ft. 9,648,449 sq. ft. Sector 53 4,896,136 sq. ft. 3,302,237 sq. ft. Office Sector 42 6,285,127 sq. ft. 9,634,393 sq. ft. Sector 43 883,133 sq. ft. 2,960,181 sq. ft. Sector 52 4,578,731 sq. ft. 7,581,974 sq. ft. Sector 53 2,662,866 sq. ft. 2,574,592 sq. ft. (5,285,425) sq. ft. (8,341,283) sq. ft. (4,135,051) sq. ft. (1,276,172) sq. ft. '(1,468,101) sq. ft. 1,593,899 sq. ft. (3,349,266) sq. ft. (2,077,048) sq. ft. (3,003,243) sq. ft. 88,274 sq. ft. Note: Parenthetical numbers indicate future deficit or need for the stated use Source: Palm Beach County, FL, Planning Division, Commercial Needs Assessment Report, revised December 1999. The data in Table 4.3 examine the expanded regional market, and indicate a deficit or need for both additional retail and office space in the year 2015. The data for the expanded area indicates a need for almost 5.3 million square feet of additional retail space, and more than 8.3 million square feet of office space. 73 In comparing the data contained in Table 4.2 and Table 4.3, it becomes apparent that the difference in the projected deficit is a result of a projection of greater population, bearing in mind that demand for both types of uses is predicated on the population within a given MPO planning sector. The additional population is projected west of Interstate 95 and results in a very dramatic increase in both retail and office demand within .the expanded regional market. Note that these numbers do not take into account any increase in population east of Interstate 95 that could occur as a result of redevelopment but not anticipated at the time that the population projections were prepared. The third area analyzed was the entire area of Palm Beach County. Overall, the Needs Assessment found that there would be a deficit of retail totaling approximately 1.35 million square feet in the year 2015. At the same time, however, the analysis determined that there would be a surplus of office space of approximately 14.7 million square feet. This gross number assumes, however, an ability and willingness to traverse all of Palm Beach County for both retail and office needs. This includes retail needs that would otherwise be met on a reduced regional level. As a result, these data suggest that there may be a need to examine the distribution of these non-residential uses, but they do not necessarily suggest an adjustment to the square footage of either retail or office uses. The Commercial Needs Assessment merits consideration as an important tool for analyzing the demand of non-residential land uses in Palm Beach in order to determine if there will be a reasonable balance of competing land uses in the furore. This can assist county planners in assessing requests for land use amendments as well as determining if the general distribution of land use designations will meet future needs. On a more area specific basis, however, the study may not be the appropriate tool to determine the exact 74 square footage of retail and office uses. The analysis is a useful guide, however, in that it provides an indication of need by region. Note that the report stated that other considerations such as reduced density in the far west and a movement toward infill development in the east will play an important role in determining where non-residential uses will ultimately locate. In summary, the expanded regional analysis of market demand for retail and office space in the year 2015 appears to be the most balanced approach to determining future need. This approach allows for some mobility of population but does not make an assumption that the entire population will traverse the County. In effect, examining the expanded regional market assumes that individuals will travel some distance outside of their immediate community, but not necessarily travel long distances for retail and employment on a regular basis. The result of the data analysis for future retail and office demand indicates that the population growth and employment in the general region of the core downtown area of Boynton Beach will support additional retail and office uses in the downtown area. While the data from the Needs Assessment analysis indicates a def'mitive square footage of retail and office uses, it is recommended that these numbers be viewed as indicators of deficit or surplus and not be relied upon as a definitive area of development because of variables that cannot be expressly quantified. These would include, for example, variations in population growth and population mobility. Nevertheless, the Needs Assessment analysis shows that a demand for commercial and office will exist. The exact square footage of commercial and office space that is constructed will be determined by land availability and market demand. 75 SECTION V ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES: REDEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES General Description Current development patterns and land uses within the entire Federal Highway Corridor present challenges and oppommities for development and redevelopment that provide the framework for an overall approach to redevelopment strategies. The original CRA plan adopted in 1984 and the Boynton Beach 20/20 Redevelopment Plan that was finalized in 1998 both identified the Central Business District, which is planning Area III, as the primary focus of activity, although each of those plans recommended somewhat differing approaches to development or redevelopment. Existing and planned development, and current or recently completed improvements in Area III continue to emphasize the importance of this planning area as the focus of activity, with the four. remaining planning areas serving to create a functional and orderly hierarchy of development that will enhance the success of the core downtown. Broadly, Areas II and IV, which are contiguous to the north and south edges of the downtown, respectively, are the gateways to downtown. These planning areas should contain mixed use residential and non-residential developments of lesser intensity than the downtown, with commercial uses that serve the surrounding neighborhoods. Areas I and V, which are the northernmost and southernmost areas, are the entrances to the City of Boynton Beach. These areas should invite residential uses at intensities that will provide additional population base to assist in sustaining the Central Business 76 District. Land uses, development intensities and standards should emphasize this gradual transition into the core downtown. To undertake this approach to development and redevelopment within the Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Area, the issues and opportunities identified through the analysis of existing conditions are evaluated to formulate general redevelopment strategies. Because Area III is the focal point within the Federal Highway COrridor, it will be addressed first, followed by consideration of Areas II and IV that flank the downtown, and then by the outer edges of the Corridor that are defmed by Area I and Area V. The Downtown: Area III Both the original CRA Plan and the 20/20 Redevelopment Plan provide elements that merit consideration and implementation in one, unified approach. Both plans called for a mixed use project to be located within the downtown redevelopment area. Similarly, both plans recognized the need for such development to provide a node of activity in the downtown; the importance of a pedestrian orientation; and, the importance of adequate public parking. The 1984 CRA Plan also identified an oppommity to capture a share of the tourism market by providing for a convention style hotel. The water orientation of the downtown provides a unique opportunity for pedestrian oriented, mixed use activity that could include residential uses as well as destination office, retail and restaurants. The downtown is not only privileged to have the Intracoastal Waterway on its east, but also to have the unique 500 block on Ocean Avenue on the west side of Federal Highway, as well as potential points of redevelopment and, hence, pedestrian interest, immediately to the west of the geographic 77 limits of the Corridor. At the same time however, Federal Highway that forms the spine of the Corridor is an arterial roadway that has the main purpose of moving vehicular traffic north and south; not catering to pedestrian traffic moving east and west. Because of these: issues and opportunities, redevelopment approaches within Area III should focus on several key elements to' ensure success. Overall, these will establish a compacmess and Critical mass of development and population to establish the downto~wn as a destination area, and to ensure its success and long term viability. The general goal in Area III is to create a pedestrian oriented destination. These following strategies will assist in achieving this broad goal: Establish a focal point. Attract a stabilizing focus of development, such as the convention style hotel recommended in the 1984 CRA Plan, to locate east of Federal Highway to take advantage of the water orientation. The analysis indicates that there is a market opportunity for this use. The hotel will provide a focal node of activity; an initial residential component to establish a population in the downtown; and, an injection of economic activity for the CRA. Encourage mixed use development. Continue to promote and encourage the mixed use, marine oriented project to be located north of Ocean Avenue proximate to the Intracoastal Waterway. The mixed use project, similar to a hotel, will provide pedestrian activity in the downtown area and contribute toward a vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, encourage residential components in development projects to build a population base in the downtown. Create a destination atmosphere. Permitted uses should be only those that are destination types of uses, and not those that typically rely upon the capture of drive- by traffic. Destination types of uses include, for example, personal services, specialty retail, offices, full service restaurants and residential uses. Conversely, vehicular oriented uses include, by way of example, vehicular related uses, fast food restaurants and "drive-thru" facilities. Require urban form. Create development standards in the downtown that require intensity, bulk and building massing to establish the downtown area as a focal point. Building height at heights greater than that allowed in the surrounding areas should be encouraged. 78 Encourage public activity in all of downtown. Provide public parking in a centralized area within the downtown. It is very important that the parking is located on the west side of Federal Highway to allow pedestrians the opportunity to explore points of interest west of the parking, as well as to cross Federal Highway to explore areas of activity on the east side proximate to the ICW. Because Federal Highway serves as a physical and psychological barrier, pedestrians that initiate their visit to downtown by parking on the east side of the highway will:not cross it to explore areas of interest to the west. Define pedestrian spaceS.; Require reduced building setbacks to better define pedestrian spaces. Specifically, parking lots located between the use and the public rights of way should be discouraged or prohibited. Create a safe pedestrian environment. Require development that fronts along Federal Highway to be designed in a manner that discourages mid-block crossings by Pedestriansi ~d emphasis, es the comers as important nodes of activity. Establish an aesthetically pleasing identity. Create an~ aesthetic identity for the downtown use and rhyt~ic placement of public street other types of enrichments, as well as creation and design criteria that address architecture, colors and signage in addition to general: development standards. The Gateways to Downtown: Areas II and IV These two planning areas are the front doors to the downtown core area; the gateway neighborhoods. As such, they will serve two broad functions. First, their appearance must convey their important role as gateways to downtown. Currently, however, many of' the existing uses, and the appearance and placement of development features do not create the desired appearance of gateway neighborhoods. Additionally, many of the existing types of commercial uses do not promote a sense of neighborhood. Rather, they cater to drive-by traffic on Federal Highway. Second, these planning areas must provide sufficient housing opportunities to build the critical mass of population necessary for a successful downtown area. The general goal is to create identifiable communities that provide the gateways to downtown. As a result, the following strategies to accomplish this are as follows: Establish a sense of community. Provide for mixed use development that is predominantly residential, with non-residential components that serve the immediate community. Non-residential uses should be neighborhood serving in nature, as opposed to those uses that are heavy commercial uses, those that are automobile oriented, or those that are generally not considered to be neighborhood oriented. 79 Protect community character. Establish standards to protect the character of the residential community that could be affected by the develOpment of multiple, of [] Req in [] Provide for a variety of for a of housing ; that allow supporting tO Enhance 1 ~' visual appearance of thc :uses or land protect the visual The Entrances to the City_: Planning Areas I and V Planning Areas I and V have the pivotal role of being the entrances to the City of Boynton Beach. As such, it is important that these two planning areas provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance; a good first impression. Additionally, while Areas I and V contain commercial uses, the impression is one of residential character. The overall goal, therefore, for these two planning areas is to provide a strong residential base that is aesthetically inviting. Many of the strategies for these two areas are similar to those of adjacent planning areas, with a notable exception concerning a lesser intensity of use. The following strategies will further the overall redevelopment goal: Encourage a ~variety of housing. Develop intensity standards that allow for a variety of housing styles and types at intensities that will assist in supporting the downtown area and general economic expansion. 80 r~ Protect community character. Establish standards to protect the character of the residential community that could be affected by the development of multiple, similar types of uses. This will encourage a diversity of nonresidential, uses. Additionally, non-residential uses should be community serving in nature, as opposed to those uses that are heavy commercial uses, those that are automobile oriented, or those that are generally not considered to be neighborhood oriented. Require a transition to the adjacent gateway neighborhoods. Create development standards in the city entrance communities that establish a logical transition to the gatewaY communities. Building scale, massing and placement should be less intense than that of the adjacent planning areas, but substantial enough: to announce an arrival in the City. Require compatibility between rises. Create development standards that provide for adequate setbacks and buffering between residential and non-residential uses to protect the residential neighborhoods. Enhance the visual appearance of the community Ensure that uses or land development regulations provide adequate safeguards to protect the visual appearance .of the community. In addition to these strategies that are specific to the defined planning areas, the following strategies are recommended for the entire Federal Highway Corridor Community Redevelopment Area: Provide consistency between existing uses and the zoning and land use map. There are instances within the planning areas where zoning is not consistent with land use, or where existing uses are not consistent with zoning requirements. Regulations should be created and implemented to provide conformity. Emphasize major activity nodes. Nodes of activity or transitions to other neighborhoods, such as the major signalized intersections, should be emphasized through mechanisms such as building placement, orientation and architectural features. Improve visual appearance with coordinated signage. Signs throughout the entire corridor lack aesthetic appeal and continuity of style. Regulations can address these issues. Consider a public presence. The entire Federal Highway Corridor is devoid of any public presence. EstablisbAng a public building such as a library, fire station or similar usc could contribute to community stability by providing a landmark or focus. 81 SECTION VI REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS The programs and projects listed below will implement the redevelopment strategies discussed in Section V. These programs and projects should be. implemented to eliminate or decrease the blighting influences found in the Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Area, as well as enhance the corridor's long term viability. Comprehensive Plan Amendments Recommendation 1: Amend the Comprehensive Plan text to create two subcategories of land use within the land use plan designation of Mixed Use, amending the current language as appropriate. The first category should be a Mixed Use-High (MU- H) and the other a Mixed Use-Low (MU-L). The MU-H would apply to the core downtown area, which is Planning Area III. The MU-L would apply to the gateway communities, which are Planning Areas II and IV. The MU-L designation would be less intense than the MU-H, with an emphasis on residential with neighborhood serving retail. Purpose: This will establish the requisite legal basis for land use plan and code amendments. Recommendation 2: Amend the Future Land Use Plan Map to redesignate the downtown, Area III, as Mixed Use-High, and to redesignate the gateway communities, Areas II and IV, as Mixed Use-Low. Purpose: This will establish the desired hierarchy of land uses leading into the downtown area. 82 New Development Standards Recommendation 3: Create development standards for the MU-H district. Specifically consider eliminating restrictions on density, but maintaining control of the visual appearance of development. Creative, well planned development will be able to provide additional residential units that will contribute positively to a vibrant and successful downtown while meeting height limitations imposed by the City. According to the current provisions in the zoning code, height is restricted throughout Boynton Beach to 45 feet with a maximum Central Business District density of 40 units per acre and a conditional maximum height of 100 feet. Because of the very compact area of the downtown in combination with the desire to make the downtown a clear focal point in the community, this intensity of development is not sufficient to achieve the desired goals for downtown development and redevelopment. As a result, the City should not include a density maximum in the future MU-H, which is the recommended designation for Area III, and increase the maximum height in Area III from 100 feet to 150 feet. This will create a more prominent visual focal point and establish the desirable level of activity in the downtown area. Additionally, consider eliminating the following uses that may otherwise be permitted or conditionally permitted in the current CBD zoning category: [] Auction houses [] Bus terminals Drive-thru facilities [] Funeral homes Motels (not hotels) [] Outdoor storage or display 83 ca Private parking garages (allow public parking garages) -- ca Vehicle related uses, such as: gas stations; auto parts, storage, rental, display, repair [ facilities; detailing or car washes ....... Consider allowing the following that are otherwise conditionally permitted or not addressed in the current CBD zoning category: r~ Allow multi-family residential uses as a permitted rather than conditional use if the entire first floor is dedicated to commercial, retail or office uses ca Specifically encourage tourist oriented uses that have a water orientation Purpose: This will encourage development and redevelopment that is pedestrian and not automobile oriented, as well provide an attractive development environment for a conference style hotel. Recommendation 4: Create development standards for the MU-L district. Specifically, as with the MU-H district, consider eliminating restrictions on density, but -- maintaining control of the visual appearance of development through height limitations. _ ~l Increase the maximum height in these two areas only to 75 feet and eliminate density requirements. This height is half of that which is recommended for the downtown area and will provide an appropriate transition from the gateway communities to the central business area. In addition, consider eliminating the following types of vehicle oriented, non- neighborhood serving uses that may be otherwise permitted in the current gateway neighborhoods: Adult entertainment establishments Auction houses Bus terminals Lumber yards and building material stores, including sales to contractors Rooming and boarding houses ...... 84 Sale of ammUnition and firearms n Taxicab parking Trade or business labor pools [] Outdoor storage and display Vehicle and boat service related uses, such as: gas stations; auto parts, storage, rental, display, repair facilities; detailing or vehicle washes [] Wholesaling Consider allowing regulations that provide for the following: [] Grocery or food stores with a minimum size of at least 27,000 square feet ca' Drive-thru facilities only as a conditional use Purpose: This will establish an aesthetically pleasing, logical transition into the downtown area; provide for neighborhood serving uses rather than those that are lxansient or vehicle oriented; and, provide additional population to support the downtown. Recommendation 5: Create new zoning districts for the R1A and R1AA communities east of Federal Highway, proximate to the Intracoastal Waterway that would allow for redevelopment of lots with greater lot coverage and reduced front, side and rear yards. Purpose: This would encourage redevelopment of water oriented lots with residential units that would provide a substantial increase in ad valorem revenues: Zoning Code Amendments Recommendation 6: Provide for appropriate locations of houses of worship, schools and similar institutions to ensure that they have a balanced distribution throughout the community. Purpose: Such regulations will ensure a balance of these community serving land uses throughout the City. 85 Recommendation 7: Protect residential neighborhoods. It has been generally recognized that there are some uses which, because of their very nature, are identified as having serious objectionable characteristics. Specifically, there are studies that exist that demonstrate that adult uses result in an adverse secondary effect on adjacent properties. Further, it is recognized that local governments have powers to regulate establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. As a result, the City should consider developing regulations for the placement of facilities that serve alcoholic beverages, particularly adult entertainment facilities that serve alcohol because the deleterious effect on surrounding areas that have already been declared to be in a blighted condition. Distance separations between land that is land use planned or zoned to allow residential uses and facilities that provide for the sales of alcohol should be established in the range of 750 feet to 1,500 feet, consistent with requirements in other municipalities. The ability of adult facilities that serve alcohol that do not meet the distance separation requirement should be amortized. Recommendation 8: Develop signage standards that address in detail issues such as sign height; .width; style; lettering; color; placement; landscaping; and, content. Define signage, including a definition concerning advertising on commercial vehicles and prohibition of parking such vehicles in a manner that constitutes signage proximate to the right of way. Require new signs or substantial repairs to existing signs to comply with the regulations. Purpose: Detailed sign regulations will greatly enhance the appearance of the corridor. 86 Desi~ Recommendation 9: Develop a design program for structures, signage and street furniture, that includes color palate and architectural themes, to be implemented in the downtown and gateway communities. Purpose: The program will create a sense of identity and visual appeal for the redevelopment area. Recommendation 10: Create land development regulations for Areas II, III and IV that address building placement, parking, parking location, mixed uses, and pedestrian chanalization. Incorporate the following guidelines: o Landscape programs and standards shoult~ be developed Parking for uses should not be located contiguous to Federal Highway Shared parking standards should be reviewed Standards for payment in lieu of providing parking should be developed for Area III [] Buildings on Federal Highway should have the appearance of multi-story structures Incentives should be provided for developing mixed use projects []Pedestrian unloading or drop-off areas should be considered as a requirement Standards to identify nodes of activity, such as signalized intersections, should be developed within the corridor [] Structures should be designed to discourage mid-block crossings on Federal Highway by providing pedestrian access at the comers of intersections Purpose: Development standards will create a sense of place, reduce the blighted appearance, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Federal Highway Corridor. Specific Projects to Implement Redevelopment Project 1 - Convention I-Iotel: Assemble a three to five acre size parcel of land in the downtown, which is Area III, and market it for a convention style hotel. The market analysis contained in Section IV of this study indicates that there is a market 87 niche in Boynton Beach for a water oriented convention type hotel recommended in the 1984 CRA plan ...... While acquisition of land for use as a hotel site may eliminate some of the retail uses from the tax base, the net result would be a significant increase in the tax base. The increase would result from new construction designed for better utilization of land. For example, in the year 2000, the Lake Worth water oriented hotel, which is of minimal convention size, had a taxable value of more than $2.5 million that resulted in ad valorem revenues of $69.6 thousand. Similarly, the Delray hotel property had a total taxable value of more than $19.9 million for total ad valorem revenues of almost $524.8 thousand, while the Manalapan property was valued at $64.4 million for a total of $1.22 million in ad valorem revenues. Project 2 - Public Parking: Assemble property in the downtown area, which is Area m, on the west side of Federal Highway for use. as surface parking. As demand increases, the property could be developed as a parking garage to serve the downtown area. The garage could contain mixed uses at grade level and on upper stories to enhance activity in the downtown. Project 3 - City Entrance Signage: Clearly mark the arrival and departure points to the City of Federal Highway by installing visible, attractive, signs at the appropriate locations. Remove any existing signs that are no longer at the entrance to the city due to municipal expansion. Consider identifying the downtown and gateway communities as well. Project 4 - Establish a Public Presence: All planning areas except planning Area II have some type of public presence. Establish a highly visible public use in Area 88 II. A library, fire station or police substation would be an ideal use in this area to provide service to the northern portion of the city. Location on the west side of Federal Highway wOuld be preferable for fire or police facilities to reduce noise impacts on adjacent residential uses. If a public facility is located on the west side, the CRA should work with the Department of Transportation to obtain a median opening for emergency vehicles. Project 5 - Address Outdoor Storage: Outdoor storage and display presents visual blight at both the south end of the corridor and in Area II. At the south end of the corridor, where outdoor display is located largely in the unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County. The City should initiate efforts to work with Palm Beach to discontinue this practice. In the remaining areas that are within the City of Boynton Beach, the City should amortize out the outdoor storage and display within the Federal Highway Corridor. Project 6 - Provide Pedestrian Crossings: At major nodes of activity such as signalized intersections, implement a program for unique materials and designs for pedestrian crossings. In addition, work with :the Department of Transportation to "bulb out" the sidewalks at these intersections. This will afford pedestrians slightly more non- vehicular area, and tends to have the effect of slowing traffic somewhat because of the visual perception of small travel lanes. 89 SECTION VII NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS OF REDEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES The redevelopment area contains a number of residential units. The following section describes the potential impacts of redevelopment efforts on the residential neighborhoods of the redevelopment area and surrounding areas. While the potential impacts of the recommended programs and projects have been identified, it is possible that impacts resulting from implementation of redevelopment actions may be undetermined. As a result, the potential neighborhood impacts of site specific projects will be evaluated as each is presented for consideration by the Community Redevelopment Agency. Traffic Circulation The redevelopment area contains an existing roadway network that services the entire area, with Federal Highway serving as the main' transportation artery of the corridor. Because Federal Highway serves the surrounding neighborhoods and major redevelopment is anticipated to occur proximate to it, redevelopment activities are not anticipated to effect traffic circulation within the residential areas. The major effects of redevelopment efforts on the existing roadway system will occur through efforts to revitalize and redevelop the core downtown area; Planning Area HI. The development and redevelopment of a compact downtown core should have a positive effect by encouraging alternate means of transportation, particularly where employment, 90 entertainment and housing are within walking distance of each other. A recommended component of redevelopment in Area III, along with the gateway communities of Area II and IV, is sufficient housing to support the downtown. This will afford residents the opportunity to walk or utilize alternative modes of transportation for work, shopping or dining. Although implementation of individual redevelopment projects may require improvements or modifications to the existing roadway network, these localized impacts will be reviewed when specific project design is undertaken. Architectural design should minimize pedestrian and vehicular conflicts, while signage programs and design guidelines will enhance the general appearance of the corridor. Cornmuni _ty Facilities and Services Redevelopment activity within the Federal Highway corridor redevelopment area is expected to have a positive impact on community facilities and services. The plan proposes 4o add a public presence in Planning Area II, where such a presence does not currently exist. In addition, the plan proposes residential development and redevelopment of areas around the core downtown that will provide a variety of housing for all individuals, and commercial development and redevelopment that will be neighborhood serving. Effect on School Population There are no existing public schools within the redevelopment area. There are however, a number of schools located proximate to the redevelopment area that accommodate residents of school age. Table 7.1 shows the design capacity of permanent structures for these schools and the 2000 - 2001 student enrollment. 91 Table 7.1. - School Capacity and Enrollment, 2000-2001 School Design Capacity Enrollment Forest Park Elementary Galaxy Elementary' Poinciana Elementary ROiling 619 602 1,344 1,747 Note: Poinciana Elementary is a magnet school 640 710 688 860 1,388 2,845 Source: Palm Beach County School District Planning & Real Estate Division As these data indicate, school overcrowding is prevalent at virtually all standard public schools that serve the redevelopment area, just as it is throughout South Florida. One of the recommended components of this redevelopment plan includes the provision of additional housing units to strengthen the viability of the core downtown area. The additional housing units anticipated, however, will likely be apartment units located proximate to the downtown. Because of the unit style and location, it is likely that the resident population of these units will be predominantly single or two person households~ As a result, the impact on the school population should be minimal. The .effects of specific redevelopment projects with a residential component that creates a net increase in housing should be considered on an individual basis as they are proposed. Relocation Impacts As a result of redevelopment activities, relocation activities are anticipated to occur. It is not the intent of this redevelopment plan for the CRA to undertake activities that would cause large scale dislocation of existing residents. Rather, it is anticipated that residential 92 redevelopment projects undertaken by the private sector may initially result in the need for relocation on a temporary basis, but will ultimately result in additional housing units available in the redevelopment area. Environmental Quality The redevelopment programs and projects suggested by this plan are intended to improve the overall environmental qualiW. The architectural guidelines, improved signage and zoning changes for will have a positive impact on surrounding residential areas. 93 SECTION VIII GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES The underlying concept behind the goals and objectives contained in the original Community Redevelopment Plan for the downtown core are still applicable, with minor revisions to address changing circumstances. The concept of those goals and objectives are included within this section. Additional goals, objectives and policies have been added to address the entire Federal Highway corridor. GOAL 1: The Community Redevelopment Agency will undertake programs and projects to establish a unique identity for the Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Area. Objective 1.1: Community planning areas shall be identifiable Policy 1.lA: Develop a coordinated signage program that effectively identifies the entrances to each of the planning communities. Policy 1.lB: Develop a strategy to promote these community planning areas to citizens and the general public. Policy 1. lC: Ensure that each planning community has a public presence Policy i. 1D: Utilize the waterfront orientation as a unique feature in the redevelopment of the downtown. Policy 1.1E: Create an environment that encourages a variety of full time activity in the downtown. Objective 1.2: Community planning areas shall form a hierarchy that lead to the core downtown. Policy 1.2A: Creme zov~:~'~g and land development regulations that allow for the greatest building height and diver~ry of mixed uses in the downtown. 94 Policy 1.2B: Create zoning and land development regulations for communities adjacent to the downtown that allow for a height and mix of uses that provides a transition into the downtown Policy 1.2C: Maintain existing height regulations for the two planning communities that are the entrances to the city. Objective 1.3: Community planning areas shall include a balance of sustainable, functional land uses. Policy 1.3A: Land uses within the downtown area shall be mixed uses that include residential, destination commercial, retail and restaurants with a marine orientation. Policy l:3B: Permitted land uses within the downtown area shall be destination uses and not those with a vehicular orientation. Policy 1.3C: Land development regulations for the downtown community shall discourage single user commercial uses with front field parking. Policy 1.3D: Land uses within the communities that form the gateways to downtown shall be mixed uses that include residential and neighborhood serving retail. Policy 1.3E: Within the communities that form the gateways to downtown, general commercial uses that have a vehicle orientation shall be discouraged. Policy 1.3F: A range of residential styles and intensities shall be encouraged within the communities that form the gateways to downtown. Policy 1.3G: A range of residential styles and intensities shall be encouraged within the communities that are the entrances to the city. Policy 1.3H: Land development regulations shall address buffering and setbacks between residential uses and non-residential uses to protect the community. GOAL 2: The Community 'Redevelopment Agency shall foster economic growth and redevelopment within the Redevelopment Area. Objective 2,1: Provide incentives for development and redevelopment. Policy 2. lA: Land use plan designations to allow for mixed use development, as recommended by the redevelopment plan, shall be initiated by the CRA. Policy 2. lB: Land development regulations shall provide alternatives to parking requirements in the downtown area. 95 Policy 2.1C: Land development regulations shall encourage maximum site utilization for ...... Policy 2.1D: The Community RedevelOpment Agency shall pursue the construction of area. Its be of parking improvements. Objective 2.2: Maximize economic value of development and redevelopment Policy 2.2A: Development and redevelopment projects that provide for increased employment opportunities for residents shall be encouraged. Policy 2.2B: When possible, CRA funding for projects shall be structured to encourage investment in redevelopment and rehabilitation, in either the same project or adjacent areas. Policy 2.3C: The Community Redevelopment Agency shall initiate programs and projects that focus on business development and act as catalysts to leverage additional investment by private enterprise. Objective 2.3: Encourage public activity in the downtown community Policy 2.3A: The Community Redevelopment Agency shall develop a program to market the downtown. Policy 2.3B: The CRA shall develop a strategy to provide for regularly scheduled special events in the downtown area GOAL 3: The Community Redevelopment Agency will pursue activities and projects that will create an aesthetically pleasing environment. Objective 3.1: Provide for appropriate land uses in the Federal Highway Corridor. Policy 3.lA: Uses that have a vehicular on'entation shall not be permitted in the downtown community, or in the communities that are the gateways to the downtown. Policy 3.1 B: Adult entertainment and similar thoroughfare uses, such as tattoo parlors, fortune tellers, body piercing shops, head shops and other similar uses, shall not be permitted to locate within the redevelopment area. Policy 3. lC: Land uses that incorporate outdoor storage or display shall not be permitted. 96 Objective 3.2: Provide for appropriate land development regulations. Policy 3.2A: Land development regulations shall provide a coordinated signage program for the redevelopment area. Policy 3.2B: The CRA shall develop an architectural theme and color palate for the redevelopment area. Policy 3.2C: The CRA shall develop and implement a streetscape program that may include street furniture, special signage, u~que crosswalk treatments and landscaping. 97 SECTION IX GENERAL STATEMENT RELATING TO THE CRA Relationship to City's Comprehensive Plan It is the intent of the Community Redevelopment Agency to conform all of its proposed programs, projects and activities to the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan and the adopted code of ordinances. In this regard, portions of the comprehensive plan, future land use plan map and the land development regulations will need to be amended to allow for redevelopment activities as recommended. Safeguards to Ensure Redevelopment Activities Follow the Redevelopment Plan The following activities will ensure that redevelopment actions will be consistent with the adopted redevelopment plan: The CRA shall file an annual report with the State's Attorney General Office and the City of Boynton Beach. The report shall contain an overview of the activities of the CRA as allowed by the redevelopment plan. c~ The CRA shall be fully subject to the Florida Sunshine Law and will meet at least on a monthly basis in a public forum. The CRA shall provide adequate safeguards to ensure that all leases, deeds, contracts, agreements and declaration of restrictions relative to any real property conveyed shall contain restrictions or covenants to mn with the land and its uses, or contain other provisions necessary to carry out the goals and objectives of this plan. Safe~jards to F. nsure Financial Accountabili _ty The CRA shall maintain adequate records to provide fro an annual audit that shall be conducted by an independent auditor. The findings of the audit shall be presented at a meeting 98 of the CRA and such f'mdings shall be forwarded to the State Auditor General's Office by March 31s~ of each year for the preceding year that shall mn from October 1st through September 30th. The annual audit report shall be accompanied by the CRA's annual report and shall be provided to the Town for public review and availability. Legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation shall be provided to inform the public of the availability for review of the annual audit and annual report. Providing for a Time Certain and Severabili _ty All redevelopment activities of a contractual, financial and programmatic nature shall have a maximum duration, or commitment of up to, but not exceeding, thirty years from the date of adoption by the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach. The start date for the thirty year period for the redevelopment area shall be from the adoption and approval date of the Federal Highway Corridor Redevelopment Plan by the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach. 99 SECTION X SOURCES OF REDEVELOPMENT FUNDING AND FINANCING This section provides a general review of potential sources of funding for redevelopment programs, and a description of the funding sources applicable to each of the improvements or projects identified in the plan. In general, a variety of financing options are presently available to the Community Redevelopment Agency, which include the following: Tax Increment Revenues Tax increment is typically the major source of funding for redevelopment projects under the State of Florida Community Redevelopment Act. This increment, which is deterrm'ned annually, is equal to 95 percent of the difference between the mount of ad valorem taxes levied each year by each applicable taxing authority on all taxable lands and buildings; property within the redevelopment area; and, the amount of ad valorem taxes that would have been produced by the current millage rates prior to establishment of the Redevelopment Trust Fund. Both of these amounts are exclusive of debt service millage of the taxing authorities. The ability of the Community Redevelopment Agency to utilize this funding method requires two key actions. The first is the establishment of a redevelopment trust fund as required by F.S. 163.387 as the repository for increment tax funds. The second is the provision, by adopted ordinance of the City, for the funding of the redevelopment trust fund for the duration of the redevelopment plan. 100 Redevelopment Revenue Bonds The provisions of F.S. 163.385 allow the City of Boynton Beach or the Boynton Beach CRA to issue revenue bonds to finance redevelopment actions, with the security for such bonds being based on the "anticipated assessed valuation of the completed community redevelopment." In this way, additional annual incremental increases in taxes generated within the CRA is used to fmance the long term bond debt. Prior to the issuance of long term revenue bonds, the City or the CRA may issue bond anticipation notes to provide initial funding for redevelopment actions until sufficient tax increment funds are available to amortize a bond issue. General Revenue Bonds For the purposes of financing redevelopment action, the City of Boynton Beach may also issue general obligation bonds. These bonds are secured by debt service millage on the real property within the City and must receive voter approval. Community_ Development Block Grants (CDBG) The City of Boynton Beach is a recipient of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These CDBG monies may be able to be used for a variety of direct benefit programs in portions of the redevelopment area. Additionally, portions of the redevelopment area may be eligible for area-wide improvements, which includes capital improvement projects. 101 Land Sales/Leases Acquisition of property, and it preparation for development, are powers available to the Community Redevelopment Agency6 under the provisions of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. The resale or leasing of Such' land to. private~ developers can provide another source of income within the CRA, as well assist: in "jump starting" redevelopment efforts. Direct Borrowing From Lenders The CRA is also authorized to fund redevelopment projects and programs through direct borrowing of funds. Depending on the particular project funding requirements, the CRA may utilize both short and long term borrowing. Although terms and conditions may have a direct bearing on the use of a particular commercial lending institution, the CRA may be able to obtain a very competitive interest rate and terms. 102 REFERENCES CONSULTED Boynton Beach Intracoastal Group. "Study of Federal Highway in Boynton Beach." December 1997. City of Boynton Beach. "Chapter 2: Zoning." no date. City of Boynton Beach. "City of Boynton Beach Future Land Use Map." June 2000. City of Boynton Beach. EAR-Based Amendments to Ci_ty of Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan. 1999. City of Boynton Beach. Land Development Regulations. no date. City of Boynton Beach. 1996 Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report. February 1997. City of Boynton Beach. "Official Zoning Map." 18 July 2000. Duncan Associates, Inc. Boynton Beach Vision 20/20 Redevelopment Master Plan. September 1998. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, Bureau of Licensure. "Master Listing of Accounts Sorted by County, Class and File Number." 08 January 2001. Florida. Florida Statutes, Sec. 163, Part III. 2000 supplement. Hunter/RS&H, Inc. Community Redevelopment Plan. no date. Jacksonville, FL. Palm Beach County. "Commercial Needs Assessment Report." August 1999. Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Public Access System. http://www.co.palm- beach.fi.us. February 2001. Urban Design Studio. Boynton Beach Community_ Redevelopment Plan. November 1983. Walter H. Keller Jr., Inc. City of Bowtton Beach Comprehensive Plan: Coastal Management Element. December 1988. Coral Springs, FL. 103 APPENDIX 104 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH NORTH SUBAREA CRA EXPANSION - LEGAL DESCRIPTION Beginning at a point of intersection of the West right-of-way line of the lntmcoaslaI Waterway with the Nor~_ ..~e ,of.g~ South half iS ½) of the North half(N ½) of Section 15, l~nge 43, Towmhip 45, said ut o ~ o~mc r~ ~ oroecnon 1:~ to a poItlI 011 tile W~St [in~ or,aid Section thence southerly along the West lineofsaid Section 15 mr[he SW comer of Section 15, being also the NW corner °fSection 22, Range 43,: ToWnshiP 45; thence continuing South along thc West line of Section 22. Range 43. Township 45. to a point o~ the North right-of-way line otrthe Boynton Canal (C-I6); ormeny extensmn orme ~.est line of Parcel A ~ Estates, a subdlv~sion recorded in Plat Book 2I. Page 98. Palm Beach County Public Records; d~nce soa~herly along said extension and the said East line ofParcei A to the SE comer thereo~ Ihence westerly along the South line of said Pnrcel A to the Nort~cest comer oflot 12 Wiims Way a subdivision that is recorded in Plat Book 23, Page 110 in sam Public Records; thence southerly, along the East line of said lot 12 and its southerly extension, and muthedy along the East line of lot 15 in said Wiirns Way to the Southeast corner thereof; thence southerly, westerly and easterly along the ensterty boundary lines of two parcels of land ~ in ORB 1006. Page 97. and ORB 1709 Page 430' to a point on the North line ofthe Lake Addition subdivision in Plat Book 1 !. Page 71 in said Public R~:ords; thence sontherly a distance of 7 feet more or less to a point on the North line of lot 17 Block 2 in said Lake Addition; thence westerly along the North line of said lot 17 and the North line of lot ! 8 and 19 to a point 25 feet wesmrly of the Northeast comer of said lot 19; thence south ~e~ly along a line parallel to the East line of said lot t9 to a point on the Noah right-of-way line of NE l0n Ave.; thence continue on the previous course to a point on the South tight-of-way line of said NE 10e Ave. said point also being a point on thc North line oflot 19, Block 3 in said Lake Addition; thence westerly along the North line ofsaid lot I9 Block 3 to the Northwest corner thereof; then~ southerly along the West line of said lot 19 Block 3 and continuing southerly along the West line of lot 26 in said Block 3 and southerly along the extension of said W~a't line to the Northwest corner of lot 20 Block 4 in said Lake Addition; thence ~asterly along the North line of said lot 20 Block 4 a distance of 25.g2 feet more or less to a thence southerly along a line parallel to the East line of said lot 20 Block 4 to a point on the South line of said int20 Block 4; thence w~'tefly along the South line of said lot 20 Block 4 to the Southwest comer thereof; them:o southerly along the extension of the West line ofsaid lot 20 Block 4 to the Northwest comer of lot 22 Block 5 in said Lak~ Addition; thence continue southerly along the West line of said lot 22 Block ~ to the Northwest comer of lot 22 Block 1 Boynton Place as rocordedin Plat Book 1 ! Page 40in said County Records; recorded in Plat Book I I in Palm subdivision; thence northerly along the East llne of said lot 9 to the Not. east corner thereof~ and alsobeing a point on the South right-of-way line ofNorthenst 7~ Avenue; thence ~ along said South right-of-way line ~o the Northwest corner of lot 1, Block 2 in said Boynton piaco; thence southerly along the West line of said lot I to the Southwest comer thereo2 ~amce eastc~'ly along the South line of said lot I to the Southeast corner thereo2 thence continue easterly nn the easterly ~ion of said South line of said lot 1 to a point on the East right-of-way line of N.E. 7* Street; thence northerly along said East right-of-way m the Northwest comer of lot 18, Block 7 Lake Addition n subdivision ns recorded in Plat Book i I, Page 71 in said Public Records; thence easily along the North line of said lot lgto apoint on the West right-of-way line of the Inffao0a.qal Wat~way; thenm northerly a~t meandering along the West right-of-way line of the lntmcoasml Waterway to the Point of Beginning. SOUTH SUBAREA Be~innin~ at a point of intersection of the center lin~ of East Ocean Avenue with the West right.of-C.0nY iin~ of th~ lnu-aconstal Wateo~y, nm westmty along said centre- lin~ of East Ocean Avenue to the cenm' ~ of SE 6~ Stre~ thence southerly along the center line of SE 6* Street to the cen~r line of SE 2~ Avenue; thence westerly along center line of SE 2"~ Avenue to the center line ofU. S. Federal H~hway No. 1; thence southerly along the cettt~ line ofU. S. Federal Highway No. I to the center line of SE 6*' Avenue, thence westerly along the center line of SE 6* Avenue to the East right-of-way line of Florida East ~ Rail Road (l~C RR); thence sontheriy along said East right-of-way line of PEC RR to a point st the intewsecti~ with the wemmty extra.on of the South line of lot 20 Delray Beach'Estates as recorded in Palm Beach County Public Records in Plat BOOk 21, Page 13, and located in Section 4, Range 43, Township 46; thence S. 72d 45' 15" E along said westerly extension and along the South line of said lot 20, and along its easterly extension a distance of 680.2 i feet to a point at the intersection with the East fight-of-way line of Federal Highway (U.S. 1), said South line being the South boundary line for the City of thence northerly along the East right-of-way line ofU. S. Federal Highway No. i to a point of inters~n ~ith ~e..S~. th line of the South 50 feet of the North East qUarter (NE%) ofthe South West quarter (SW ~) of the North East quarter (IrE t,4) of Section 4, Range 43, Township 46; l.-wst Addmon, a subdivision recorded tn Plat Book 22, Page 44, Palm Beach County Pub/ic Records; thence northerly along said West line of Tradewinds Estates First Addition a distance of 50 f~t; thence westerly on a line parallel to the South tine of the South 50 feet of the North East auarter :f. the ~ W?t. qua~ er (~.W tA) or the North East quarter ('NE sA)of' Section 4, Range 43, Township o, I~ lhe East right-of-way line ofU. S. Federal Highway No. I _al thL l?: flu. s. t point on th, m_e ?.t. lot !~, ~gs.=ubdiv~s~on, a subdlv~sum recorded in Plat Book 20, Page 47, Palm Beach oLmty PubLic Rec~; liamce east~dy, northerly, and v,~st~ly along South, East, and Norlh lin~ of said lot 9, ~ Subdivision, to a point on the East right-of-way line ofU. S. Fc~Tal Highway No. I; thence easterly and along said North right-of-way line of Bamlmo Lane to a point that is 300 feet west of the West right-of-way line of the lnuacoastnl Waterway;, thence nom~erly a distance of 94.5 feet to a point on the South right-of-way line of a finger canal; thence easterly and along said South tight-of-way line of the finger canal to the West right-of-way line of the lntmc~_~l Waterway; thence northerly and along the West right-of-way line of the Intrncoasml Waterway to the center line of East Ocean Avenue and Point of Beginning. Less and exeJu~ting the following areas: A parcel or'land situated in Section 4, Range 43, Township 46, more particularly ~d as all of lots 59, 66, 67, 68, 72 through 76, 78 through 112, Tradewinds ~ Amended Plat, a subdivision recorded in Plat Book 21, Page 73, Palm Beach County Public Records; and all the lots and a private road known as Miller Road in Killian's Subdivision, a subdivision recorded in Plat Book 23, Page 195, Palm Beach County Public Records. A parcel of land situated in Section 4, Range 43, Township 46, mom particularly dascn'bed as all of lots 40, 43, 44, 46, 52, 53, 56, 57, lots 54 and 55 less the west 231 feet, m~l Tra~ A less the West 150 feet of the East 167.83 feet of the South 200 feet of saki Tract A (as measured parallel with the South and the East lines of said Tract A), ali in the Tradewinds l:_,t-.e~__ Amended Plat, a subdivision recorded in Plat Book 21, Page 73, Palm Beach County Public Records. WEST SUBAREA Beginning at a point of intersection ~:~ right-of-way line of thcr C~X R~: said Township 45; ~and the thence S 12d 29'00" W along said East right-of-way line a distance of 1341 line of Wells ~ 21; thence S 89d 28'47" E alOng said center line a distance of,~ extension ofthe west line of lot 23 block I of said Woodland on thc nm'therly thence S Id 26'17' W along said extended line and west line of lot 23 a distance of 126.2 feet m the Somhwest comer+hereof, nnd the Northeast comer of lot 5; thence N 89d 28:47' W along the north line of said lot $ a distance of 50 feet ~o the Northwest ~omm' thence $ id 26'I7" W along the West line of said lot 5 and along the We~tlines of lot 24 nmi $ block 2, nnd lot 3 block 3' all in said Woodland Hills adis~ance of 505.81' feet to fl~e Somhwest comer of said lot 3 block 3; thence N 89d 28'47" W along the South line oflot 2 block 3of said Woodland Hills a distance of 25 f~tm a poim:; thence S I d 36'31' E ~ntinuing along the:said railroad East right-of-way ~ a distance of 1847 feet to the intersection point with the North right-of-way line of State Road 804 (Boynton Beach'Blvd,); thence S 8gd 06'29" W along the North right-of-way line of said State Road 804 a di.~mce of 106.75 f~-t m a point and continuing through the n~xt ~trses along said North right-of-way line; thence N 33d 25'49" W a distance of78.11 feet; thence S 87d 52'I2" W a distance of 230.63 ~et to West right-of-way line oflndnsuial Avenm~ as shown on Boynm~ Industrial Park a subdiv~s' ion ~cerded in said official records in Plat Book 25, Page 232; thence N Id 53'31" along said West ri~t-of-way line a distance of ~4.10 ~ thence S g~d 06'29" W a distance of 2'/9.06 feet to a point on the West ri~-of-wa~y kine of West ~ Avenue, thence norther~ ami alon__g said .West right-of-way line of West Indusu~ Avenue ~o a point on the North right-of-way line of Boynm~ Canal (C-16); thence W~st along said North right, of-way line of Boynton Canal to the Point of Be~_'p_~ing. J.-'~U}A?A - - -" - - - -'- - ~E~s~DOC 4  BOYNTON BEACH CITY COMMISSION MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT CARD FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - PUBLIC AUDIENCE Fill in the information called for below and give to the City Clerk prior to the start of~th~City Commission Meeting. A~ddress ~~ Telephone # ~--'J~[ ~- '(~g'~',-"~(~(' -'~ summary of Matter to be ~ddresSe~~ If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at thi~ meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. {F.S. 286.0105) The City shah furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual With a disability an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity conducted by the City. PleaSe contact Joyce Costello, {561) 742~6013 at least twenty-four hours prior to the program or activity in order for the city t° reasonably accommodate your request. ~ BOYNTON BEACH CITY COMMISSION MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT CARD FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - PUBLIC AUDIENCE Fill in the information called for below and give to the City Cler~rior to the start of the City Commission Meeting. ~ ~ Address ] / Telephone ~ / ~' . .~ ma~ Of Matter to be A~~~' - ~ ~~~ If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim r. ecord of the proceedin§s is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. {F.S. 286.0105) The City shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity conducted by the City. Please contact Joyce Costello, {561) 742-6013 at least twenty-four hours prior to the program or activity in order for the city to reasonably accommodate your request. ~ NOTICE OF VACANCY · Effective April 24~,~'2001, there is a vacancy on the City Commission of the City of Boynton B~ach,~Florida, for the Commission seat for District !!. Pursuant to city Charter Sectioi~ 51, the City Commission has the power, by majority vote, to fill the vacancy until the next municipal election, with a qualified individual. The qualified individual must be a resident of District !T, and must have resided in District 1! for a period of not less than one (1) year. All interested qualified individuals should file a request for consideration with the City Clerk. Request for consideration forms are: available at the City Clerk's Office. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:00 p.m. - April 30, 2001 at the i i # - Ct¥ Clerk s Office. LEGAL DESCRIPTI'ON FOR DI'STRI'CT i'! Bounded on the north by the south boundary of District IV. Bounded at the east by a line beginning at F.E.C. Railroad and N.E. 22nd Avenue; thence running south along the F.E.C. Railroad to the center line of the Boynton Canal C-16; also by a line beginning at the center line of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Boynton Canal C-16; thence running south along the center line of the Intracoastal Waterway to the center line of Ocean Avenue; also by a line beginning at the F.E.C. Railroad and Ocean Avenue; thence running south to the center line of S.E. 2nd Avenue. Bounded on the south by the north boundary of District III. Bounded on the west by the City's corporate limits. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION Thank you for your interest in serving on the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, and for taking the time to complete the form below. Please print or type all answers clearly. Deadline for submission: S:00 p.m. - April 30, 2001 ! am requesting that the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida consider me for appointment to the vacant commission seat for District_II. hereby certify that I am a registered voter and a resident of District Il', and have been resident of District I! for a period of not less than one (:[) year. NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: - EDU CATION: Are you currently serving on a City board? !f yes, please list board. Have you served on an advisory board in this, or any other city, in the past? !f yes, pleas~ list boards and dates of service: What personal qualifications do you posses which you feel would make; you a good candidate for this appointment? Feel free to attach a resume or additional sheet. Return the completed form to the City Clerk's Office, 100 East Boynton Beach Boulevard, City Hall. Mailing address: P. O. Box 310, Boynton Beach, FL 33424-0310. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. - April 30, 2001 SIGNATURE: DATE: crn/admin/mayorcom/comvacancy/applicaUon 2 BOYNTON BEACH CITY COMMISSION MEETING PUBLIC COMMENT CARD FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - PUBLIC AUDIENCE Fill in the information called for below and give to the City Clerk prior to th~tart of the City Commission Meeting. Name Address Su'~a~ of Matter tlbe Ad, ~ressed If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. (F.S. 286.0105) The City shah furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity conducted by the City. Please contact Joyce Costello, (561) 742-6013 at least twenty-four hours prior to the program or activity in order for the city to reasonably accommodate your request. DEVELOPMENT ORDER OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PROJECT NAME: Lots 15 (Portion) & 16, Block 1, Happy Home Heights APPLICANT'S AGENT: Robert Dwelle APPLICANT'S ADDRESS: PO BOX 337, Boynton Beach, FL 33425 DATE OF CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING: April 17, 2001 TYPE OF RELIEF SOUGHT: Lot area, lot frontage, rear yard setback. LOCATION OF PROPERTY: NE 12th Avenue DRAWING(S): SEE EXHIBIT "A and B" ATTACHED HERETO. X THIS MATTER came before the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida appearing on the Consent Agenda on the date above. The City Commission hereby adopts the findings and recommendation of the Community Redevelopment Agency Board, which Board found as follows: OR THIS MATTER came on to be heard before the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida on the date of hearing stated above. The City Commission having considered the relief sought by the applicant and heard testimony from the applicant, members of city administrative staff and the public finds as follows: Application for the relief sought was made by the Applicant in a manner consistent with the requirements of the City's Land Development Regulations. The Applicant X HAS HAS NOT established by substantial competent evidence a basis for the relief requested. The conditions for development requested by the Applicant, administrative staff, or suggested by the public and supported by substantial competent evidence are as set forth on Exhibit "E" with notation "Included". The Applicant's application for relief is hereby X GRANTED subject to the conditions referenced in paragraph 3 hereof. DENIED 5. This Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance by the City Clerk. 6. All further development on the property shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this order. 7. Other ~o DATED: ~-lS-oI · ~, 'L'""'2 ~o~.~ 15 & 16, BLOCK 1, HAPPY ~TS, LOT FRONTAGE, LOT AR~, AND R~R 8 ETBAC ~D EVELOPM EN~UC EXHIBIT "E" Conditions of Approval Project name: Lots 15 (Portion) & 16, Happy Home Heights File number: ZNCV 01-005 (Lot area, lot frontage, rear setback) Reference: Zonin Code Variance Application dated March ] 2001 DEPARTMENTS 1NCLUDE REJECT PUBLIC WORKS Comments: NONE X UTILITIES Comments: NONE X FIRE Comments: NONE X POLICE Comments: NONE X ENGiNEERING DIVISION Comments: NONE X BUILDING DIVISION Comments: NONE X PARKS AND RECREATION Comments: NONE X FORESTER/ENVIRONMENTALIST Comments: NONE X PLANNiNG AND ZONING Comments: NONE X ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT BOARD CONDITIONS Comments: NONE X ADDITIONAL CITY COMMISSION CONDITIONS Comments: To be determined. MWPJpat S:\PLANNING\SHARED\WFSPROJECTS\LOTS 15 & 16, BLOCK 1, HAPPY HOME HEIGHTS, LOT FRONTAGE. LOT AREA, AND REAR SETBACK~CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CDC ZONING CODE VARtANCE.DOC LOCATION MAP CDC Properties EXHIBIT "A, '0 1/8 0 ~ L~ EXHIBIT "C" ;A;--:, ,,z,;; ~ HEF DIRE APPf STA~ fLOr 'AZ ~' ?° 5"7 ' O0 gONE "C", )MI RqlTY PANEL ). l'/u 196-0004-C PROF TION UNLE SHO~' WITH AND; EXHIBIT "D" A~ The Boyaton Beach Faith Based Co~,~,,unity Development Corporation (CDC) is proposing the construction of two single-family homes on a parcel of land located in the Martin Luther King Blvd North Neighborhood as defined in the City of Boyaton Beach's Vision 20/20 planning document. The total parcel of land consists of 2 lots and a portion ora 3ra lot. Two of the lots are 40 feet wide and the remaining piece is approximately 32 feet wide for a total width of 112 feet. The CDC is proposing the construction of two single-family homes on the three lots. Each new home will sit on a piece of land approximately 56 feet wide by 95 feet deep (5296 sq fi). The neighborhood is zoned entirely R2. This zoning designation requires 60-foot lots and 6000 square feet of area; However, Eighty-five percent of the developed single-family homes in this comrmmity are built on lots of fifty (50) feet or less in width. This means that eighty five percent of the existing homes would not conform with the current zoning requirements. Therefore the R-2 zoning regulations for this corarnunlty are clearly not consistent with the vast majority of the property in this commtlnit~. This creates a situation that is exact opposite of the typical situation. The CDC is applying for a variance to build homes consistent with the rest of the cornm~lllity, not deviating from the rest of the coiiiii~anity. This zoning designation creates a tremendous barrier to the development of this cooling,unity. There are 15 scattered lots in this co~,~,tmity that are less than 50 feet in width. All of these tots would be not be developable under these regulations, and would sit vacant. This would only propetuate the slum and blight conditions in the neighborhood. The CDC wishes to work with the City on an on going basis to revise these burdensome regulations and begin the development of the ¢omm~mity. Each vacant lot in this community provides an opportunity for a homebuyer to fi~lfill their dream of homeownership and an opportunity to add value to the community. The CDC is committed to working with the City to make that a reality. B. The platting, zoning and construction of the other homes in the community occurred well before the CDC was even in existence. The actions of the CDC in no way created these circumstances. C. The CDC is not receiving any particular benefit over other individuals or developers; the CDC only requests that it be permitted to construct homes that are consistent with 85 percent of the homes in this coin~mJty, which are under the same zoning designation. D. The City of Boyaton Beach funded the CDC in order to provide housing opportunities to low and moderate-income first time homebuyers and to develop and increase the value of this comm~lnlty. The CDC currently has two qualified homebuyers that have overcome many obsticules to qualify for a loan. These two f~milies are ready and waiting to move into the proposed homes. By only pe, mltting the construction of one home, a family would be denied a rare oppommity to occupy a brand new residence. Additionally, if the CDC were to only build one home, the cost of the home would increase due to the increased land cost. This increase would, in turn, eliminate both buyers. The CDC wishes to increase the tax base and property value of the community. Building two homes instead of one would double the tax output. Two homes would also reduce vacant land in the community, thereby increasing home values. Additionally, if the CDC built only one home on the 2 lots, that home would look very out ofcharactcr. Since the CDC's homes are only 35 feet wide, there would be a yard space of 38 feet on each side of the house. This would give the appearance of a vacant lot on each side of the home. Maintaining this large lot would place a higher financial burden on the property owner. This could potentially result in a poorly maintained lawn, always a con~n~unity eyesore. Small lawns are much easier for an owner to maintain, less costly, and consistent with the concept of building affordable housing. E. There are 110 single family homes in the community that sit on lots that are fi~y (50) feet or less, including the home right next to the CDC's proposed site. In fact, immediately to the north of the CDC's proposed site on NE 13t~ Ave there are four homes that were constructed four years ago that look nearly identical to the homes the CDC is proposing. Ail four homes were built on fffiy (50) foot lots. The CDC is only requesting the minimal amount needed to construct two affordable homes that will be compat~le with eight-five percent of the other homes in the community. F. The intent of the ordinance is to prevent building on smaller lots located in communities where the majority of the homes are set on larger lots. Those squeezed in homes would certa/nly be out of character in the neighborhood. This is clearly not the case in this coi~i~unity. The CDC's proposed homes will appear quite compat~le with the other homes in the comm~mity. The CDC's homes will eliminate vacant land in the coi~}anity, make affordable housing opportunities available to low income first time home buyers, and make a positive impact on the value of the surrounding residences. DEVELOPMENT ORDER OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PROJECT NAME: Lots 14 & 15 (Portion), Block 1, Happy Home Heights APPLICANT'S AGENT: Robert Dwelle APPLICANT'S ADDRESS: PO BOX 337, Boynton Beach, FL 33425 DATE OF CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING: April 17, 2001 TYPE OF RELIEF SOUGHT: Lot area, lot frontage, rear yard setback. LOCATION OF PROPERTY: NE 12th Avenue DRAWING(S): SEE EXHIBIT "a and B" ATTACHED HERETO. X THIS MATTER came before the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida appearing on the Consent Agenda on the date above. The City Commission hereby adopts the findings and recommendation of the Community Redevelopment Agency Board, which Board found as follows: OR THIS MATTER came on to be heard before the City Commission of the City of Boynton Beach, Florida on the date of hearing stated above. The City Commission having considered the relief sought by the applicant and heard testimony from the applicant, members of city administrative staff and the public finds as follows: Application for the relief sought was made by the Applicant in a manner consistent with the requirements of the City's Land Development Regulations. The Applicant X HAS HAS NOT established by substantial competent evidence a basis for the relief requested. The conditions for development requested by the Applicant, administrative staff, or suggested by the public and supported by substantial competent evidence are as set forth on Exhibit "E" with notation "Included". The Applicant's application for relief is hereby X GRANTED subject to the conditions referenced in paragraph 3 hereof. DENIED 5. This Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance by the City Clerk. 6. All further development on the property shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this order. ,. ~ ,__ ~ ~ ~ S:kP~NNING~SHARED~WPXPROJECTSkLOTS 14 & 15 BLOCK 1, HAPPY HOME ~LOT FRONTAGE, LOT AR~, REAR SETBAC~DEVELOPMENT ORDER~I~IIIIJ[~ EXHIBIT "E" Conditions of Avvroval Project name: Lots 14 & 15 (Portion), Happy Home Heights File number: ZNCV 01-004 (Lot area, lot frontage, rear setback) Reference: Zoning Code Variance Application dated March L 2001 DEPARTMENTS INCLUDE REJECT PUBLIC WORKS Comments: NONE X UTILITIES Comments: NONE X FIRE Comments: NONE X POLICE Comments: NONE X ENGINEERING DIVISION Comments: NONE X BUILDING DIVISION Comments: NONE X PARKS AND RECREATION Comments: NONE X FORESTER/ENVIRONMENTALIST Comments: NONE X PLANNING AND ZONING Comments: NONE X ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT BOARD CONDITIONS Comments: NONE X ADDITIONAL CITY COMMISSION CONDITIONS Comments: To be determined. ~vzw~pal SAPLANNING\SHARED\W~PROJECTS\LOTS 14 & 15 BLOCK 1, HAPPY HOME HEIGHTS, LOT FRONTAGE, LOT AREA, REAR SETBACK~GONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CDC ZONING CODE VARIANCE.DOC LOCATION MAP CDC Properties EXHIBIT "A" '0 1/8 'o 400 '80n MILES~ 0 x EXHIBIT "B":. , EXHIBIT "C" FI )D ZONE "C", C(. [MUNITY PANEL NO. 120196-0004-C EXHIBIT "D" A. The Boynton Beach Faith Based Cornrmmity Development Corporation (CDC) is proposing the'construction of two single-family homes on a parcel of land located in the Martin Luther King Blvd North Neighborhood as defined in the City of Boynton Beach's Vision 20/20 planning document. The total parcel of land consists of 2 lots and a portion ora 3~a lot. Two of the lots are 40 feet wide and the remaining piece is approximately 32 feet wide for a total width ofl12 feet. The CDC is proposing the construction of two single-family homes on the three lots. Each new home will sit on a piece of land approximately 56 feet wide by 95 feet deep (5296 sq fo). The neighborhood is zoned entirely R2. This zoning designation requires 60-foot lots and 6000 square feet of area; However, Eighty-five percent of the developed single-family homes in this comrmmity are built on lots of fifty (50) feet or less in width. This means that eighty five percent of the existing homes would not conform with the current zoning requirements. Therefore the R-2 ZOning regulations for this commultlty are clearly not consistent with the vast majority, bfthe property in this community. This creates a situation that is exact opposite of the typical situation. The CDC is applying for a variance to build homes consistent with the rest of the commnnity, not deviating fi:om the rest of the co ...... tmity. This zoning designation creates a tremendous barrier to the development of this co~m~maity. There are 15 scattered lots in this co~mity that are less than 50 feet in width. All of these lots would be not be developable under these regulations, and would sit vacant. This would only propetuate the slum and blight conditions in the neighborhood. The CDC wishes to work with the City on an on going basis to revise these burdensome regulations and begin the development of the comrmmity. Each vacant lot in this community provides an opportunity for a homebuyer to lq~lfill their dream of homeownership and an oppommity to add value to the COmmunity. The CDC is committed to working with the City to make that a reality. B. The platting, zoning and construction of the other homes in the community occurred well before the CDC was even in existence. The actions of the CDC in no xvay created these circumqtances. C. The CDC is not receiving any particular benefit over other individuals or developers; the CDC only requests that it be pel'mltted to construct homes that are consistent with 85 percent of the homes in this co~unity, which are under the same zoning designation. D. The City of Boynton Beach funded the CDC in order to provide housing opportunities to low and moderate-income first time homebuyers and to develop and increase the value of this COmmmaity. The CDC CUlTelltly has two qualified homebuyers that have overcome many obsticules to qualify for a loan. These two families are ready and waiting to move into the proposed homes. By only permitting the construction of one home, a family would be dcnfied a rare opportunity to occupy a brand new residence. Additionally, il'the CDC were to only build one home, the cost of the home would increase due to the increased land cost. This increase would, in mm, ellm~nate both buyers. The CDC widaes to increase the tax base and property value of the commUllity. Building two homes instead of one would double the tax output. Two homes would also reduce vacant ld~td in the COmmullity, thereby increasing home values. Additionally, if the CDC built only one home on the 2 lots, that home would look very out of character. Since the CDC's homes are only 35 feet wide, there would be a yard space of 38 feet on each side of the house. This would give the appearance of a vacant lot on each side of the home. Mainta~g this large lot would place a higher financial burden un the property owner. This could potentially resuk in a poorly maintained lawn, always a com,-unity eyesore. Small lawns are much easier for an owner to maintain, less costly, and consistent with the concept of building affordable housing. E. There are 110 single rarely homes in the COmmm~ that sit on lots that are tL~ (50) feet or less, including the home right next to the CDC's proposed site. In fact, immediately to the north of the CDC's proposed site on NE 13'~ Ave there are four homes that were constructed four years ago that look nearly identical to the homes the CDC is proposing. All four homes were built on ~ (50) foot lots. The CDC is only requesting the mln~mal amount needed to construct two affordable homes that w/il be compatible with eight-five percent of the other homes ia the commmllty. F. The intent of the ordinance is to prevent building on smaller lots located in communities where the majority of the homes are set on larger lots. Those squeezed in homes would certainly be out of character in the neighborhood. This is clearly not the case in this co~,~,mity. The CDC's proposed homes will appear quite compatible with the other homes in the community. The CDC's homes will el~,~ate vacant land in the co,n,~.mity, make affordable housing opportunities available to low income first time home buyers, and make a positive impact on the value of the surrounding residences.