HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes P&Z 091200• CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
PLANNING AND ZONING COMIVIISSION
September 12, 2000
MINUTES
The Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Palm. Beach Gardens,
Florida, was called to order by Chair John Nedvins at 6:30 P.M. in the Lobby ofthe Municipal Complex,
10500 North Military Trail, Pahn Beach Gardens, Florida, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Principal Planner Tun Norquest announced a conflict existed because the Council Chambers was a polling
place and voting for the run-off election would not end until 7 p.m. on the date ofthe meeting scheduled
for October 10. It was the consensus of the Commission to begin the meeting at 7 p.m. or as soon
thereafter as the room could be cleared of voting equipment.
ITEMS BY GROWTH MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
There were no items by the Growth Management Director
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Solomon made a motion to approve the August 22, 2000 meeting minutes as amended to change
"Rosenthar' to "Rubin ". Mr. Rauch seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous 6-0 vote.
PLANNING AND ZONING CONIlVIISSION
The roll was called by Betty Laur, Secretary for the meeting.
Present
Absent
John Nedvins, Chair Joel Charming
John Glidden, Vice Chair
Dennis Solomon, Chair Pro Tern
Craig Kunkle, Jr.
Barry Present
Ted Rauch, Alternate
Also present were Senior Planner Talal Benothman, Principal Planners Tim Norquest and Steve Cramer,
Planner John Lindgren, and. City Attorney Leonard Rubin.
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Public Hearing (Continued from 8!12/00) and Recommendation to City Council
Petition PUD -00.08: PUD Master Plan Approval for The Isles Residential Development
Codeur & Hearing, agent for DiVosta & Company, is requesting a rezoning from Planned
Development Area (PDA) to Residential - Low Density 3 (RL -3) with a Planned Unit Development
(PUD) Overlay district to construct 379 residential units. The 180 -acre site is located at the southeast
corner of Military Trail and Hood Road, on the west side of Alternate AIA. The site will contain a
5,300 square-foot town center, a 1,600 square foot swimming pool, four tennis courts, and a 400
square foot maintenance building. (07- 42S -43E)
Planner John Lindgren presented a power point review of the staff report.
Rick Greene, Vice President of DiVosta and Company, provided a power point presentation which
highlighted such items as the project being at 42% of allowable density, that 6.6 additional acres of lakes
had been provided to eliminate flooding in Plat 4, that two roadways through the site and meandering
sidewalks along Military Trail had been provided, and that the project was anticipated to provide
$352,000 annually in tax revenue to the City when completed. Mr. Greene noted that the petitioner had
forwarded changes as per conditions 5, 14, 15, 19, and 23 to staff on September 6. The petitioner
objected to providing landscaping in the medians and road shoulders, mastarm lighting, crosswalkpavers,
and overhead power on Hood Road only; felt that the10- foot -wide paver strips every 100' along the
• southeast and southwest boundary roads were not practical, objected to providing guest parking, and
objected to maintaining the east -west roadway bisecting the project after it became a public road. Mr.
Greene explained that the neighborhoods would be responsible for maintaining the private roads, and the
public roads would be maintained bythe City. Mr. Norquest pointed out that the north -south link would
not be on the Comprehensive plan, therefore it would be private and would be maintained by the
petitioner. Mr. Lindgren explained that trees were to be placed along the roadway. Mr. Greene offered
to change the trees to Royal Palms instead of live oaks ifthe City preferred, and explained the trees could
be placed in root barriers to avoid problems with roots in the future. Mr. Lindgren explained that
regarding condition one, a meeting was scheduled with representatives of DiVosta, WCl, and the City
to discuss responsibility for landscaping in the medians and road shoulders, magtarm lighting, crosswalk
pavers, and overhead power on Hood Road. Chair Nedvins suggested the petitioner be responsible for
22% of the Hood Road items in the event the road required additional work, with which staff indicated
agreement. Mr. Solomon expressed his opinion that the project would benefit from guest parking.
During discussion of the east -west roadway, Mr. Kunkle expressed his opinion that the maintenance
should remain the responsibility ofthe petitioner. Mr. Present indicated he saw the east -west road as an
internal road, and favored a second access on Hood Road. Mr. Present expressed a safety concern that
it would be difficult to turn left onto Military Trail. and stated he felt a second access was needed. The
petitioner indicated their desire for only one access. During further discussion ofthe east -west roadway,
Chair Nedvins questioned whether it was reasonable to require the developer to maintain the road until
FDOT allowed the City to take over the responsibility. Mr. Norquest expressed willingness to revisit this
issue at City Council level.
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Chair Nedvins declared the public hearing open. Sharon Long, Garden Woods, questioned whether next
to the place where The Isles was going through the power line would be buried and that there would be
no connection to Banyan, which was confirmed. It was stated that there would be a landscape buffer
provided along Linden Avenue. Ms. Long expressed appreciation on behalf of Garden Woods residents
for DiVosta's cooperation. Gus Constantine, Lake Catherine, indicated he was planning to move to The
Isles and asked ifthe road from Military Trail would go over the railroad tracks, to which staff responded
FEC would probably not grant a crossing. Hilda Gomez, Garden Woods, thanked staff and DiVosta for
their sensitivity and for working with Garden Woods, and questioned if DiVosta would maintain the
parcel on Linden. Mr. Greene responded that was still under DiVosta ownership and would be
landscaped and maintained by DiVosta. Donnie Pickard, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints,
questioned whether access to the church, located on Hood Road, would be affected. Response was that
the project had no access on Hood Road so it should not be affected. Carolyn Chaplin, Jupiter, stated
she hoped to be the first resident and was happy with the project. Hearing no further comments from the
public, Chair Nedvins declared the public hearing closed. A poll indicated the majority of the
Commission did not consider guest parking necessary.
Mr. Glidden made a motion to recommend to City Council approval of Petition PUD -99-08 with
the following conditions:
• 1. The applicant, successors, or assigns shall be responsible for the installation and
maintenance of the landscaping in the medians and road shoulders along Hood Road and
Military Trail, adjacent to their site; the homeowners association documents shall provide
language providing for this long -term responsibility. This responsibility includes the
installation of mastarm lighting, crosswalk pavers, and overhead power. The applicant has
the option to establish an escrow account for the purchase and installation of landscaping
in the Hood Road right-of-way; the amount of money placed in said escrow account would
be subject to City Approval. Applicant will continue to work with staff to determine the
final details regarding the responsibility for installation and maintenance of landscaping
but shall maintain responsibility for approximately 22% of the cost of any additional future
expenses. (Planning and Zoning)
2. Prior to this petition being heard as a public hearing by City Council, the applicant shall
submit to the City their method of satisfying the code requirement for the preservation of
at least 25% of the critical upland habitat on site. The applicant has indicated that they
will either provide land off -site or pay money in- ieu -of for the critical upland habitat. If
the applicant decides to pay money in- lieu -of, then the applicant shall bear the cost of two
(2) appraisals for the value of the upland that will not be preserved on site. Members of
the appraisal institute (MAI) shall conduct both appraisals. The applicant shall select one
of the appraisers, and the City shall appoint the other appraiser. These appraisals shall
be analyzed to determine the amount of money in- lieu -of upland preserve that will be paid
to the City. Prior to final approval by City Council, the applicant shall submit to the City
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September 12, 2000
the money in lieu -of the upland preserve. (]Manning and Zoning)
3. Prior to first reading by City Council, the applicant shall revise the site plan to include a
meandering sidewalk along Hood Road. (Planning and Zoning)
4. Prior to the first certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall install the meandering
sidewalk along Hood Road that is adjacent to the site. (Planning and Zoning)
5. Access to this site along Military Trail and Alternate AlA shall not be impeded in any
manner; the use of gates at the Military Trail entrance and at the future Alternate AlA
entrance shall not be permitted. (Planning and Zoning)
6. The east -west public roadway through the site, as shown on the City's Thoroughfare Plan,
shall not be privatized. (Planning and Zoning)
7. The applicant, successors, or assigns shall be responsible for the roadway maintenance of
the east -west public road through the site, including landscaping, until and unless FDOT
opens up the connection at Alternate AlA. (Public Works)
is 8. The applicant, successors, or assigns shall be responsible for providing uplighting in the
Military Trail and Hood Road landscaped medians, if permitted by FDOT. The applicant
shall also use shields in these medians to deflect light from oncoming traffic. (Public
Works)
9. Prior to first reading by City Council, the applicant shall revise the landscape plan so that
the trees around the lakes are clustered in threes (no more than 15 feet in width), the
clusters are 40 feet apart, and the clusters are no closer than 75 feet to any drainage
structure. This requirement may be amended pursuant to any future adopted City
standard. Applicant shall continue to work with City Forester to determine whether Royal
Palm trees would be more appropriate than oak trees. (City Engineer & City Forester)
10. The Military Trial right -of -way plantings shall be completed within one year of the
issuance of the first land development permit for the site. (Planning and Zoning)
11. No building permits except for the clearing of exotic vegetation shall be issued until a
revised Surface Water Management System for Unit (2) has received final approval from
the City of Palm Beach Gardens and all other applicable governments and/or agencies,
including a schedule for implementing the plan and a definitive commitment for funding
the required improvements. (City Engineer)
12. Prior to first reading by City Council, the applicant shall revise the site plan to include a
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September 12, 2000
12 -foot by 35 -foot maneuvering apron for the loading zone shown on the plan. (City
Engineer)
13. The applicant shall field locate all trees to prevent any conflicts with the existing drainage
system. (City Engineer and City Forester)
14. Prior to construction plan approval, the applicant shall submit written authorization from
the utility owners for horizontal Construction/plantings within the utility easements. (City
Engineer)
15. All required site directional signage shall be reviewed and approved prior to the issuance
of the final certificate of occupancy. (City Engineer)
16. Prior to first reading by City Council, the applicant shall revise the site plan and landscape
plan so that the tree locations are consistent with the illustrated cross section (Site Details,
Sheet 2); i.e., within the road right -of -way. (City Engineer)
17. Prior to first reading by City Council, the applicant shall revise the site plan for the
subdivision showing the changes on the special Town Center site plan. (City Engineer)
is 18. Prior to the issuance of the first building permit, the applicant shall apply for, obtain, and
submit to the City, a Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Standard Permit.
(Planning and Zoning)
19. Prior to the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy, the applicant, successors or
assigns shall provide a bus stop pull -off and shelter completely out of the right -of -way. The
size and location of the bus stop pull-off and shelter shall be coordinated with the City of
Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County, and the School District. The applicant shall be
relieved of this responsibility if the Palm Beach County School Board will allow their buses
to enter this community to pick up students at the community center. (Planning and
Zoning)
20. The applicant, successors or assigns shall post a notice of annual school boundary
assignments for students from this development in a manner required by the Palm Beach
County School District. (Planning and Zoning)
21. Prior to first reading by City Council, the applicant shall revise the site plan to include the
location of all proposed sales and construction trailers. (Planning and Zoning)
22. The applicant, successors, or assigns shall conduct three biennial signal warrant studies of
the Hood Road and Alternate AlA Intersection beginning at the issuance of the 50th
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September 12, 2000
certificate of occupancy. The applicant, successors, or assigns shall pay their fair share for
a traffic light when one is warranted and approved by Palm Beach County (for the
entrance along Military 'Nail). (Planning and Zoning)
23. Upon approval of the development order, the applicant shall secure a "Seacoast Utility
Authority Capacity Allocation Commitment for Public Water and/or Sewer Service."
which shall be verified by the delivery of a fully executed copy of the document to the
Planning and Zoning Division within 30 days of granting of the development order.
(Planning and Zoning)
24. No building permits for more than 194 single -family dwelling units shall be issued until
construction begins for the widening of Alternate AIA (State Road 811) from Hood Road
to Gardens Boulevard from 4 -lanes to 64anes. (City Engineer)
25. No building permits shall be issued for more than 282 single -family dwelling units or after
December 31, 200, whichever occurs first, unless construction begins for a third east
approach left turn lane at the intersection of PGA Boulevard and Military Trail. (City
Engineer)
• 26. The build -out date of this project is June 30, 2003 as referenced in the January 13, 2000
traffic impact analysis. For the purposes of this condition, the project shall be considered
built -out if all building permits have been issued and the applicant is actively engaged in
the development of the site. (Planning and zoning)
The following waivers are approved:
1. Minimum building site area - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which require a minimum
building site area of 6,500 square feet, to allow for as little as a 4,250 square -foot building
site area.
2. Minimum building lot width - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which require a minimum
building lot width of 65 feet, to allow for as little as a 36 -foot wide building lot.
3. Maximum building lot coverage - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which allows a maximum
building lot coverage of 35 %, to allow for up to 50% building lot coverage.
4. Maximum building height - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which allows a maximum
building lot height of 36 feet, to allow for a portion of the community center (the clock
tower feature) to be 42 feet in height.
5. Minimum front setback - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which require a minimum front
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September 12, 2000
setback of 25 feet to allow for as little as a 14 -foot front setback.
6. Minimum side setback - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which require a minimum side
setback of 7.5 feet to allow for as little as a 3 -foot 1 -inch side setback.
7. Minimum rear setback - Section 71(c) and Section 75, which require a minimum rear
setback of 10 feet to allow for as little as a 5 -foot rear setback.
8. Littoral planting zones - Section 173 which requires littoral planting in the lakes on the site,
to not require littoral plantings in all the lakes on the site.
Mr. Kunkle seconded the motion, which carried by 42 vote with Mr. Solomon and Mr. Present
voting against the motion. Mr. Solomon expressed his opinion this was a good project and a lot
of problems had been solved but he believed the project would have been better if the T- cul -de-
sacs had been re- designed, and if a neighborhood park and a couple of small areas for guest
parking had been included. Mr. Present commented there were a lot of good things about the
project, but that he had a problem with the design, that the 80' right -of -way could have been
smaller since there would probably never be a connection granted by FEC, and also expressed his
concern regarding safety with only one access and it being hard to turn left onto Military Trail
• when exiting the project.
Recommendation to City Council
Petition SP- 99 -18:
La Posada Senior Living Facility at Regional Center DRI
A request by Urban Design Studio, agent, for site plan approval of a senior retirement community
with 301 living units and a two-story community center. The site is approximately 22.5 acres in size
and is located on Gardens Parkway within the Regional Center Development of Regional Impact
(DR[), immediately north of the Gardens MaIL
Senior Planner Talal Benothman reviewed proposed waivers and concerns raised during the August 8,
2000 meeting and explained that staff supported six of the seven waivers Previous comments of the
Commission were discussed.
Vice Chair Glidden announced that Mr. Nedvins did not feel well and had left the meeting.
Dodi Glas, Urban Design Studio representing Westport, agent for the petitioner, responded to comments
and staffconcerns. Ms. Glas commented that the stacking issue had been addressed to stalF s satisfaction,
that architectural information had been provided, a Y berm and additional landscaping on all perimeters
had been provided, as well as landscaping on the north Loop Road and on the perimeter at the east side
of the site. Other changes made by the petitioner were revision of signage to be more consistent with
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September 12, 2000
the MacArthur Center guidelines and to incorporate the architecture, materials, and colors consistent with
the project. As a result of comments from Fire and Police that they needed to be able to find their way
around easily, the petitioner proposed ground signs to provide identification for types of buildings and
identification signs for the buildings themselves, plus apartment unit directory signage. The requested
waiver for trees and structures to be allowed within the lake maintenance easement tract had been
approved by Northern Palm Beach Improvement District, and staff indicated their support contingent
upon the applicant addressing concerns raised by the City Engineer prior to City Council presentation.
Signage was discussed. Staffwas requested to be sure plans were fully loaded with notes on architectural
details including size, etc. Mr. Glidden requested this application return one more time with size oftrim,
ornamental detail, and detail offacade pilasters. Mr. Glidden suggested the petitioner define many areas
showing how many inches wide and how many inches of projection out, and that these would then
become the standard by which to judge all architectural details on all buildings in the future. Architect
Craig Davis explained that the carport columns consisted of-wood cladding around steel columns and the
finished size would be 8 "x 8 ". Discussion ensued. Petitioner was requested to submit more detail on the
handrail. Staff requested that all requested materials and information be submitted before City Council
presentation. Mr. Glidden requested a material cut sheet for the handrail. It was agreed petitioner did
not need to return to this Commission.
Mr. Solomon made a motion to recommend to City Council approval of Petition SP -99-18 with
Ob the following waivers and conditions, and recommendation for approval of an amendment to the
Master Signage Program for the Regional Center DRI approved by Resolution 64,1998, to modify
the design and location of proposed ground signs.
•
1. Prior to the issuance of the first building permit, the petitioner shall obtain written
authorization from applicable utility companies authorizing the horizontal
construction/planting within utility easements. Utilities shall only be allowed in buffers in
accordance with Section 147 of the City Code.
2. Prior to City Council meeting, the petitioner shall revise the site and landscape plans to
reflect the location of fire hydrants and meter preventer assemblies in locations acceptable
to the City Engineer and Seacoast Utility Authority.
3. Prior ro City Council meeting, the petitioner shall revise the site and landscape plans to
shift the water main in Section A -A east 75 feet or to a location acceptable to the City
Engineer and Seacoast Utility Authority.
4. Prior to City Council meeting, the petitioner shall revise the site and landscape plans to
relocate the water main in Section D-D away from the storm sewer and the proposed royal
palms to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and Seacoast Utility Authority.
5. Prior to City Council meeting, the petitioner shall revise the site and landscape plans to
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September 12, 2000
relocate the water main in Section F -F away from the gravity sewer line to a location
acceptable to the City Engineer and Seacoast Utility Authority.
6. Prior to City Council approval, the City of Palm Beach Gardens and South Florida Water
management District must review and approve the modifications to the Surface Water
Management System for the Regional Center.
7. Any condition contained in the City's approval of the modifications to the Surface Water
Management System that affects individual parcels within the Regional Center must be
addressed prior to site plan approval for any parcel within the Regional Center.
8. No Building Permits except for the clearing of exotic vegetation shall be issued until a
revised Surface Water Management System for Unit 19 has received final approval from
the City of Palm Beach Gardens and all other applicable governments and / or agencies,
including a schedule for implementing the plan and a definitive commitment for funding
the required improvements.
9. The petitioner shall present to the City of Palm Beach Gardens a permit from the Florida
Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to relocate the Gopher Tortoises off -site, prior
• to issuing the clearing permit
10. The petitioner shall install the 25-foot Atlantic Boulevard buffer in conjunction with the
construction of North Loop Road, including the sidewalk to Atlantic Boulevard.
11. The Petitioner is responsible for the maintenance of Gardens Parkway, Fairchild Gardens
Avenue, and New Loop Road (north and east) landscaping and irrigation abutting the
subject property, if for any reason the Regional Center Owners Association terminates its
maintenance of said areas.
Said maintenance shall comply with landscape maintenance standards recommended by
the City of Palm Beach Gardens and shall commence upon installation of landscape
materials.
12. Prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy for each building, the Landscape Architect
of record shall certify that all associated landscaping with each building is complete. Prior
to issuing the last certificate of occupancy for the entire development, the Landscape
Architect of record shall certify that all landscaping for the development has been
completed per all the approved landscape plans.
13. The petitioner shall comply with the signage program approved by the City Council for the
Regional Center DRL
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September 12, 2000
14. Should the approved land use of the development change in the future, a comprehensive
re- evaluation of parking demand on site based on the new land use will be conducted and
the petitioner shall comply with the recommendations of the City and the findings of such
study.
15. All utility equipment located on top of buildings must be lowered and effectively screened
so that they are not visible from ground level.
16. All covered parking spaces must be assigned and the additional 21 parking spaces must be
identified and marked for future conversion into parking spaces, should the need arise.
17. Applicant shall take into consideration any comments not yet made by the City Engineer
with the exception of moving existing trees.
18. Applicant shall take into account comments made by Vice Chair Glidden for the applicant
to submit drawings and sheets showing detailed explanation of size and color of raised
stucco bands and all architectural details to be detailed as to size and how much they
protrude and to include a drawing of sufficient scale on the handrail used throughout the
• property.
Approved Waivers:
1. A waiver to allow an increase in the number of covered parking beyond the maximum 5 %.
The waiver is requested for 209 covered parking spaces.
2. A waiver to allow the placement of covered parking in the front and rear of principal
structures and reduce the setback requirement for such structures to less than the 100 feet.
The waiver is requested for 70 feet in the front along Gardens Parkway Blvd, and 100 feet
in the rear along north New Loop Road.
3. A waiver to eliminate two sidewalks. One is on the south side of north New Loop Road and
the other along the western side of New Loop Road immediately adjacent to apartment
building 2.
4. A waiver to allow a reduction in the required 15 -foot landscape buffer on land adjacent to
public rights -of -way. The waiver is requested for the entire 15 feet along the northern
perimeter of the site on north New Loop Road The request also includes a 3.5 and 8.7 foot -
waiver along the eastern perimeter of the site in front of apartment building 2.
5. A waiver to allow a reduction in the street side setback in front of apartment building 2.
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The requested waiver is for 23.7 and 18.5 feet.
6. A waiver to allow structures and existing vegetation within the lake maintenance easement
tract The waiver is requested for the community center, existing trees, and the enclosed
and elevated structure next to the community center.
7. A waiver to allow three additional ground signs, two of which to be located along Gardens
Parkway and one along north New Loop Road, and one directional sign located at the main
entrance of the site.
Mr. Present seconded the motion. During discussion of the motion, Mr. Kunkle questioned
whether there was protection against the City Engineer mandating excessive tree removal. Mr.
Benothman explained that might be difficult because the new code prohibited encroachments.
John Gary, Attorney, advised that when the City Council approved the lake maintenance
easements, he had spoken, and had asked for clarification to be included that the City Council had
the absolute right to waive the requirements of removing landscaping or prohibiting things within
the 20' maintenance easement. Growth Management Director Manning had said she believed that
was already clear enough and that she was going to put a letter into the file stating it was
interpreted that City Council had the authority to waive that if requested. Mr. Gary noted he
• believed it would have been better to place that statement in the LDR's but it was not done that
way; however, there was clear discussion on the record that this could be waived. Principal
Planner Steve Cramer confirmed that was what happened, and staff indicated they would
recommend approval of this waiver. The vote on the motion was 6-0 for approval.
Workshop:
Petition SP- 00 -06: Costco Addition
Mulvanny Architects, agent for Costco Wholesale, Inc., is requesting approval of a site plan
amendment to expand an existing building by approximately 2,280 squarefeet for a larger tire center.
The 11.1 acre site is located approximately 314 of a mile east of the intersection of Northlake
Boulevard and Interstate 95, on the south side of Northlake Boulevard 09- 42S -42E)
Planner John Lindgren reviewed the staffreport. In response to a question regarding whether there was
a beautification committee for Northlake Boulevard, Mr. Lindgren responded that the Northlake
Boulevard Task Force consisted of representatives from Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Park, North Patin
Beach, and Patin Beach County to improve the aesthetics of Northlake Boulevard. Mr. Lindgren
explained that the project was not required to comply with Art in Public Places, and that the tire center
was used to install tires and batteries purchased on site, which had been approved as a conditional use
in the original approval. Mr. Lindgren commented that the additional parking spaces would be added all
over the site, and that landscaping would be replaced along the property lines. Steve Haas, Mulvanny
Architects, and David Geer, Seminole Bay land Company, Landscape Architect, explained that 541
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September 12, 2000
parking spaces were being provided, and requested that the existing carrotwood trees on site be allowed
to remain. Mr. Kunkle requested information at the next meeting regarding the cost to replace the trees,
sizes, and number of trees. Mr. Rauch felt there should be a walkway to the tire center; however,
petitioner explained that Costco did not want to encourage pedestrian access, and that customers would
pick out their tires inside the store and then Costo would handle everything from there. Mr. Glidden
requested a depiction of the triangulated land area, large trees to soften the east side of the building,
addition of landscaping along the perimeter, screening the view on the east side so it could not be seen
from across Canal C -17, and that items be shown accurately on the plans. Mr. Geer explained that the
City Forester had asked for a fence as a screen. Mr. Glidden requested low, medium and high
landscaping and no fence. Mr. Rauch expressed concern that there was no defined walkway from the
front around to the tire center. Discussion ensued. Applicant indicated they would look at possibilities
of striping the pavement or extending the sidewalk. Staff indicated that handicap parking requirements
were already met.
Workshop:
Petitions SP -00 -12 & CU- 00-01: FirelPolice Station No. 3
Gee & Jenson, Inc, agent for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, is requesting approval of a site plan
and conditional use for an 8,620 square foot firelpolice station that will include a 3,363 square foot
• fire station, a 3,448 square foot truck bay, a 1, 809 square foot police sub - station, and a future 4,500
square foot training facility in Phase 2. The 8 -acre site is located on the northeast corner of Howell
Lane and Northlake Boulevard 04- 42S -42E)
Planner John Lindgren reviewed the staffreport and responded to questions. Mr. Lindgren explained that
the substation at the entrance to PGA Boulevard would probably remain, and that he had not seen a plan
for the proposed training facility. Audrey Huggins of Gee and Jenson, agent for petitioner, answered
questions. Scott Fetterman, Deputy Fire Chief, indicated there was not yet a plan for Phase U. Tom
Rolowski, Gee & Jenson, explained that the prototype plan of Delray Station #5 had been used because
it was one ofthe more efficient stations and that it had been in existence approximately five years. The
plan for this station was the same as the Mirasol plan only flipped around because of the site. Mr.
Solomon requested the applicant provide photographs of the Delray site. It was confirmed there was no
training facility at the Delray site and that the proposed facility would be used for training of both fire and
police personnel. Mr. Glidden indicated the comments the Commission had made regarding a covered
entry for the Mirasol station applied to this project. Mr. Glidden requested a floor plan in 11" x 17" size.
The dead -end parking was indicated as being for staff use; however, Mr. Fetterman explained that all
traffic flow from drive aisles would be limited and that all the parking would be used when meetings were
held. Mr. Glidden commented the drawing should reflect that the lines on the back board were not
signage. In response to a question regarding architectural detail, the applicant indicated that would be
clarified by the photographs of the Delray station. Mr. Glidden advised applicant must be sure
mechanical equipment was screened and to look at comments made for the Mirasol station since some
would apply to this station Direction was to set this project for public hearing.
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September 12, 2000
Workshop:
CV Center Linkages Plan
A request by City Staff to approve a City Center Linkages Plan for vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian
circulation within an area generally bounded by the Regional Center planned development on the
north. Prosperity Farms Road on the east, RCA Boulevard on the south, and Mlitary Trail on the
west
Senior Planner Talal Benothman reviewed the staff report, and explained that the Palm Beach County
Board of County Commissioners had requested the City to formally adopt the City Center Linkages Plan
as submitted, prior to the County's adoption of the amended CRALLS designation for PGA Boulevard.
The plan would divert traffic from major roadways, providing secondary and tertiary roadways as well
as pedestrian/bicycle linkages.. Mr. Benothman indicated there were developers who had proposed to
modify this petition; however, staff recommended approval as submitted. In response to questions, Mr.
Benothman verified this was an intentional process of getting the County to accept a lower service level
on PGA Boulevard because the City believed it to be okay, and that allowing other roads to pick up
some ofthe traffic would soften the blow. Mr. Benothman explained that iffuture roads within the plan
were built to City specifications and were public right -of -ways, then minor alignments would not be a
problem. Mr. Kunkle questioned why this plan was for only a piece rather than for an entire area. Mr.
Benothman responded that there were other improvements in process, for example widening some
segments of Alternate AlA. Mr. Benothman confirmed that if approved by the City, then the City would
have to initiate a Comprehensive Plan amendment for any future changes. A request was made to clarify
on the plan the existing roads as opposed to future roads. Discussion ensued. Mr. Kunkle expressed
concern that he did not want to have to spend half an hour to go from I -95 to U.S. One. Principal
Planner Cramer clarified there was no problem going from primary to secondary roads, noted that general
guidelines for right -of -way widths, etc. would be provided to the Commission, and commented this plan
was necessary to have the development plan for the City. Mr. Benothman explained that other
improvements were proposed for other roads which would be provided to the Commission, as well as
a copy of the traffic study for other roads, and the Commission would see that without this plan and
without the other improvements it would be impossible to accommodate the projected development. Mr.
Solomon noted concurrency had created a trap for everybody and if it was desired to build more projects
and there was not enough road capacity, then an intellectual way had to be found to circumvent the rule
passed in the first place. Mr. Solomon questioned ifthe City was willing to widen PGA to accommodate
all the traffic whether that would solve all the problems. Mr. Benothman stated he did not believe the
City was willing to do that. Mr. Solomon commented this was the price that must be paid because the
City did not want to widen a main east -west corridor, and he believed rights ofprivate landowners would
be adversely affected if the Commission recommended approval to the City Council; and that the
proposed roadways would be public rights -of -ways that could not be changed without major land use
amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Staff indicated there would be a public hearing and a display
ad in the newspaper; however there would not be notices mailed to individual landowners because this
was not a land use change. Mr. Solomon asked what the County would do if the City did not adopt this
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September 12, 2000
plan. Mr. Benothman responded that the County would not approve the CRALLS designation which
would stop development on PGA Boulevard. Mr. Solomon commented maybe the developers should
go back to the State legislature who created concurrency and perhaps the concurrency law should be
amended to liberalize the levels of service permitted on the roads. Mr. Glidden commented he believed
this was more than just a bandaid to solve developers' problems and was also in lime with an intentional
direction taken by the Planning staff who had identified this area as a City Center where they wanted
traffic slowed. Mr. Solomon commented traffic could be slowed by posting speed limit signs. Mr.
Benothman commented the concept of a City Center was a multi -use area. Mr. Glidden commented that
it seemed to him if the private owners of land where these roadways were proposed to go through were
concerned they would be here tonight. Mr. Benothman commented that most ofthe connections within
the Regional Center DRI were established in 1984, and everyone who bought property there after 1984
knew those connections were there. Mr. Present commented a lot of the linkages were natural
connections, that the planners had done an excellent job, that the roadways were required in order to have
future development, that this was an opportunity to get a crossing from the railroad, and that if it would
relieve traffic on PGA Boulevard he was all for this plan. Mr. Glidden commented on the graphic
methodology which did not accurately depict some items and Mr. Benothman advised the map would be
corrected for the next meeting. Mr. Glidden suggested ifthe County had any latitude to make changes,
then alternate levels of delivery on design and construction of passageways should be provided instead
of requiring City specifications on all roads. Dodi Glas described the roadway through Legacy Place,
which was meeting code, but explained that the developer had expressed concerns with the 60 -foot right -
of -way required by the City Engineer on the straight section. Discussion ensued regarding design and
calming devices. Ms. Glas commented there was a lot of gray area between the engineering and the
planning standards regarding the public right -of -ways versus public easements. Mr. Glidden suggested
that ways to soften impacts of roadways going down the middle of private properties be explored. Mr.
Norquest explained the City Engineer's office believed ifthey allowed a "substandard" roadway section
or right -of -way that it made the City directly liable for any accidents on that road. Vice Chair Glidden
declared the public hearing open. Attorney John Gary commented his firm, Gary, Dietrich & Ryan,
represented quite a few ofthe property owners in this area and advised that the developers did not know
this item was on tonight's agenda. Mr. Gary commented the developers had been working together for
the past 30 -45 days regarding the CRALLS and the linkage plan, since they would not be able to build
without it, and had put together a matrix of every development proposed in the City except for the
Vavrus and Briger properties because no activity was currently proposed for those properties. The
matrix projected the maximum usage on the properties into the amount of impact fees, the amount of
taxes, and the amount of roads that would be required, and attempted to look at the linkage plan.
Attorney Gary expressed his opinion that the next 45 -90 days would be the most important ever faced
by this City and if it worked out right it would be an unbelievable opportunity because of what the
developers were willing to do to make this happen, and that he had advised Commissioner Marcus ofthis
opportunity. Mr. Gary noted that at the same time, there must be flexibility, and in order to make the
linkages plan work certain roads would have to be changed. Mr. Gary pointed out a road in the Coulter
property which was shown as part of the linkages plan which if the linkage plan was adopted it would
have to be a public road; however, Coulter had submitted to the City a request to let that part ofthe road
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September 12, 2000
that ran through the apartment complex be a private gated road. Coulter wanted to build a high -end,
luxury apartment complex, and that part of the road would only serve those apartments anyway. Mr.
Gary commented that the developers were hoping that things like this could be negotiated, and Coulter
had indicated they could not build the high -end apartments if the road had to be a public road, because
in order to get the rent and to spend the money, a gated project was needed. Mr. Gary commented
Kimbley -Horn had stated in a letter that this road served no purpose or need for public ingress and egress
from the property. Mr. Gary commented some of the County Engineers believed the same thing, but
would not state that publicly since the County, Commissioner Marcus, and the City were negotiating.
Mr. Glidden commented that project was coming before this Board. Staff advised this was a workshop
between the staff and the Commission and there would be a public hearing later. Mr. Glidden stated the
Commission wanted to hear from people both positively and negatively impacted. Mr. Kunkle expressed
interest in the matrix. Mr. Gary indicated he could provide copies to anyone who contacted him.
Because ofthe importance ofthis issue, Mr. Kunkle suggested a meeting which only addressed this issue.
Mr. Present suggested Mr. Gary and the developers consult with staff to see what minor changes could
be agreed upon before the next meeting. Mr. Gary indicated it was more complicated than that now
because the County was a player and he hoped there could be a series of meetings. Mr. Gary advised that
by Friday the County and City Engineers were supposed to have an accurate traffic count on various
roads, and once that was done the development community would try to negotiate with the County and
with the City some ofthe issues the developers could not live with and which were not required to make
• things function properly. Mr. Glidden requested that Mr. Gary get a copy ofthe matrix to each member
of the Commission. Mr. Cramer responded he had a copy and would provide copies to the
Commissioners. Mr. Solomon commented the Commission would like to see as much flexibility as
possible but it seemed the County would be doing this, so lobbying must take place; and also commented
that school concurrency would probably create another box someday. Mr. Gary commented if anyone
wanted more information or to discuss this matter he would be happy to do so, and he believed the
developers would also do so. Mr. Glidden advised consensus was to hold a separate meeting for this
issue if staff felt it was important to do so. Discussion ensued. Mr. Cramer commented this must be
adopted before October or November by the City and the City had no problem with easements versus
platted streets, but would like the roads built to City standards, and the City should discuss that with Mr.
Gary and the development community. Mr. Solomon noted that since that seemed to be a major issue
and the crux ofthe problem; therefore, an analysis should be done ofthe differences in cost, construction,
methodology, etc., in order to arrive at a reasonable solution that would not sacrifice such things as
safety.
OLD BUSINESS
A handout update on items referred to City Council was provided to the Commissioners by Principal
Planner Jim Norquest. Mr. Norquest commented there had been discussion at the last meeting of a
process authorized by the new land development code whereby developers of large projects could go
before the City Council for a preliminary workshop. Mr. Norquest invited the Commissioners to attend
the October 5 City Council meeting at which a workshop was scheduled for WCI Parcels 4.03 and 4.06.
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September 12, 2000
Mr. Glidden asked ifthe Commissioners could comment, to which Mr. Norquest responded the workshop
was listed as an item for discussion at the end of the meeting and the Commissioners could have the
opportunity to comment if the Mayor wished. City Attorney Rubin advised that the Chair of Planning
and Zoning Commission should make the request to the Mayor that the Commission be allowed to
comment. Mr. Present commented the Commission wanted to get the message out that it was nice ifthe
developer wanted to go before the City Council first but not to go around the Commission, and it was
a respect issue that the City's workshop include the Commission. Discussion ensued. Vice Chair Glidden
commented the Commission did not want to be left without a clear direction of their duties.
Mr. Solomon commented he preferred only the smaller size plans; complimented staff on their excellent
job and on the minutes. Mr. Glidden requested a large aerial photograph of the City to be mounted in
the Council Chambers so that the Commission could see parcels adjacent to and surrounding those under
consideration. Mr. Norquest commented that staff also wanted to include aerial photos in the staff
reports. Mr Rauch commented the medium size plans were helpful.
ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
• There were no items by the City Council Liaison.
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• Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2000
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. The next regular meeting will
be held September 26, 2000.
APPROVED:
0
_i Chair
,ii Chair
A�n I�CL�
etty LauF
Secretary for the Meeting
•
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