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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes P&Z 040996CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION April 9, 1996 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was called to order by Chairman Carl Sabatello at 7:34 P.M. in the Assembly Room at the Municipal Complex, 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called by Secretary Melissa Prindiville: Present Absent Carl Sabatello, Chairman John Glidden Diane Carlino, Vice Chair William Mignogna Thomas Pastore Christopher Jones Tom Paganini Jeff Ornstein, Alternate Also present at the meeting were City Council Liaison David Clark, Assistant City Manager Greg Dunham, Assistant City Attorney Paul •s Golis, Planning and Zoning Director Richard Walton, Principal Planner Bristol Ellington, and Mark Johnson. ITEMS BY PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR There were no items by the Planning and Zoning Director. ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL LIAISON There were no items by the City Council Liaison. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of March 12. 1996 - Vice Chair Diane Carlino made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Jeff Ornstein. The motion carried by unanimous 7 -0 vote. SITE PLAN & APPEARANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE Workshop: Petition SP- 95 -25, by Hank Skokowski, agent for Winn Dixie, is seeking site plan approval for the expansion of the Winn Dixie • Supermarket within the Gardens Park Plaza Shopping Center located at the southeast corner of Northlake Boulevard and Military Trail. (24- . Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes April 9, 1996 428 -42E) Principal Planner Bristol Ellington introduced Mark Johnson, new Planner. Mr. Ellington reviewed the staff report dated April 4, 1996. Mr. Ornstein suggested that the petitioner be required to furnish a certified survey to resolve the square footage issue. Discussion ensued regarding the 50 landscape requirement and the number of trees involved. Hank Skokowski, agent for the petitioner, explained that eight parking spaces were planned at the old Barnett Bank location, and reviewed the new landscaping areas and the deleted and added parking spaces. Mr. Skokowski reported that the petitioner's assessment of current landscaping was that it was 60o in compliance with current code, and that the deficiency was in shrubs. Mr. Skokowski explained that the petitioner would amend their package to include a new sign at each of the two entrances, and monument signs to replace the pole signs, incorporated with landscaping in the signage areas. Mr. Skokowski reviewed the expansion area on the elevations. Chairman Sabatello questioned what material and color would be used for the new coolers, and advised that if the cooler was modular metal, that the petitioner must address the color and how it would be viewed by nearby residents .. and from Military Trail. Mr. Skokowski described the new front facade, and the proposed landscaping for that area and for the dry retention area along Northlake Boulevard. Mr. Skokowski explained that, in addition, other proposed items were new handicap signage, new markings and signage for cart corrals, etc., which would provide a general upgrade of the front of the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. City Forester Hendrickson's requests for improvements at both entrances, both pole signs, and plantings in the parking lot were agreed to by Mr. Skokowski. Mr. Skokowski explained that color swatches for architecture would be provided, and the colors would match those already in the center; and that typical Winn Dixie Marketplace architecture would not be followed. Chairman Sabatello requested a photograph of a building which had been built in this area with the same architecture proposed for this building. Signage calculations for the Winn Dixie Marketplace sign were discussed. Whether trees would be provided to soften the back and whether the new facade would be visible from northbound Military Trail traffic was discussed. Mr. Skokowski verified that the dip in the roadway at the Northlake Boulevard entrance to the shopping center would be filled. Vice Chair Carlino suggested that some provision be added to require Winn Dixie to take carts back into the building, to which Planning and Zoning Director Walton responded that there was no code requirement which would apply. Mr. Jones expressed concern regarding the long brick wall and requested that some relief be provided, expressed a • 2 • • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes April 9, 1996 personal preference to reverse the colors on the towers, was assured by Mr. Skokowski that there was sufficient clearance for parking in front of the towers, and suggested the existing sidewalk pavers be replaced to enhance the project. Mr. Ornstein advised that the location for the cart corrals must be added to the site plan, and suggested that carts be prohibited on the lot so that Winn Dixie would have to adopt the Publix policy of using employees to take each cart back. Mr. Skokowski was asked to check on Winn Dixie's cart policy, since Mr. Ornstein stated there had been six carts scattered around the parking lot that day when he had made a visit to the site. Mr. Ornstein requested landscaping and a wall around the cart corrals; agreed that some relief was needed for the long wall; and requested that the word "Marketplace" be made the same size letters as 4Winn Dixie" and centered on the newly created architecture. Mr. Ornstein expressed concern with the visibility of the outdoor coolers, and advised that they must be tied down and that Palm Beach County had recently prohibited them from being outdoors. Mr. Skokowski responded to Mr. Ornstein's question whether 21 feet was enough width to accommodate trucks that the minimum was actually 20 feet and that this had been addressed at the DRC meeting. Mr. Ornstein asked that this matter be studied, since he believed a problem would be created by the 21 -foot width. Mr. Ornstein suggested that the center comply with the new landscape code. Other ideas suggested by Mr. Ornstein were to remove seven parking spaces to provide space for landscaping and to remove the parking places in front of the towers. Mr. Skokowski verified that the parking spaces located in the rear were for employee use. Chairman Sabatello stated that this renovation would be a big improvement for the shopping center; clarified that direction was to provide additional landscaping to come as close to code requirements as possible, commented that the appearance of the coolers should determine whether more landscaping was needed at the back of the building; and agreed that the signage size for the marketplace sign should be reduced. Mr. Skokowski commented that he understood that the coolers needed to be properly treated aesthetically with views screened from public view. Chairman Sabatello suggested that the massing of the towers could be larger in depth and width, and stated that colors would be discussed at a future date. Mr. Ornstein suggested the petitioner provide photographs of outside coolers at other centers to show the size. Mr. Skokowski was requested to check whether any roof mounted equipment would be changed. Workshop: Petition PUD- 95 -04, by Karen Nagy, agent for Shell Oil Company, requesting to rezone a 0.52 acre site from CG -1, General Commercial District, to a Planned Unit Development, with an underlying zoning of CG -1, to convert the existing gasoline station with two service bays into a foodmart and install five (5) new gas dispensers under a new canopy. (05- 42S -43E) 3 Planning & Zoning commission Minutes April 9, 1996 Principal Planner Ellington announced that Mr. Felton was present to represent the petitioner, and reviewed the staff report dated April 4, 1996. Mr. Ellington responded to questions raised by Chairman Sabatello that staff could not verify that the concerns required in 1990 had been addressed by the petitioner, however, the petitioner had not been the same. Mr. David Felton commented that this was a difficult site because of previous roadway takings, and that the petitioner desired to work with the City to come up with a functional station which would work for everyone. Mr. Felton reported that in 1990 Gulf had been converted to BP, and a later petition had been made to the City to change the sign to Shell and to improve landscaping. The current petition would upgrade the entire station. Mr. Felton disagreed with staff' s comment that they were upgrading from four to five gas dispensers, and explained that there were now six on the site. Director Walton verified that the station currently met code. Chairman Sabatello commented that Donnini did a good job of maintenance, keeping the appearance of stations throughout the area very presentable, and expressed concern that another operator might not do that well. Mr. Mignogna left the meeting at 8:50 P.M. • Doug Snyder, Architect, explained that under this proposal the existing three service bays would be converted into a convenience store, and reviewed the floor plan for the store, the location of fueling pumps and parking, and the proposed exterior building materials. Chairman Sabatello explained that this was one of the most important corners in the City and that a typical a gas station look converted into a convenience store would not be acceptable. Chairman Sabatello commented that the landscaping must be outstanding. Mr. Ellington explained that staff had requested that the petitioner work with DOT to be allowed to place landscaping within the right -of -way around the retention areas. Chairman Sabatello requested that the petitioner ask DOT for permission to convert the retention area into a water feature. Petitioner responded that DOT had granted permission for the landscaping. Mr. Ornstein commented that he was not in favor of any waivers, and that the petitioner, coming in as a PUD, needed to do something for the City, and disagreed that 1700 feet of convenience store was necessary. Mr. Ornstein stated that the petitioner would need to have the best landscaping and building of any service station in the world in order for the City to consider the request. Mr. Ornstein stated that the present building was not acceptable. Mr. Jones agreed, and stated that the project needed to be high class and have a lot of character. Vice Chair Carlino stated she was not in favor of the project as presented. Mr. Paganini suggested that the size of the 4 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minute's April 9, 1996 building be reduced. Mr. Snyder explained that a reduction would necessitate demolition of the present building and that the proposed renovation was within the existing footprint. Director Walton proposed recirculation of the site. During discussion of the site, Mr. Snyder commented that parking had been based on one space per 200 square feet, and that the total number of spaces was seven; and also commented that the tanks would not be changed. Mr. Snyder explained that filling the tanks could be sequenced at low traffic times to lessen the impact of parking spaces being unavailable for use during those periods. Jim Donnini, operator for the site, verified that delivery times could be requested. Mr. Pastore raised the issue whether road takings would compromise non- conforming issues. Director Walton responded that could be possible for existing uses, however, this was a new proposal. Mr. Pastore expressed concern that setbacks and greenspace requirements could not be met without a new layout for the building. Mr. Snyder verified that restroom access for the general public would be from the outside, however, a secured door inside would allow access by employees. Vice Chair Carlino expressed concern with traffic circulation on this site. Chairman Sabatello requested a graphic depicting cars sized to scale at service pumps and showing the number allowed for stacking in • specific areas, to help the Committee better visualize the traffic circulation. Mr. Snyder explained that the greatest portion of customers came for gas and that picking up convenience store items was incidental. A study had indicated that 20% of the customers came specifically for convenience store items and that they would be utilizing the seven parking spaces. The station areas by the field dispensers also acted as parking spaces, for which municipalities did not usually grant credit. Chairman Sabatello pointed out that some parking spaces were used by employees. Director Walton commented that a recent Palm Beach County study had indicated dramatic improvement in traffic to stations after conversion to food marts. Mr. Jones expressed concern that the large retail area would make gas sales incidental and that the focus needed to be on gas with a smaller retail operation to lessen traffic problems. Mr. Felton explained that in some other municipalities that they had been requested to reduce their parking areas because of crime. Mr. Felton commented that the traffic flow did work in other stations. Mr. Donnini responded to Vice Chair Carlino regarding beer and wine sales that beer was already sold at this station, and that their license was for beer only. Mr. Jones questioned whether there was a formula for calculating the number of gas pumps, to which Mr. Felton responded that normal procedure was to install as many as would work on a site while retaining proper flow, and that many stations now offered the option to pay at the pump, which helped cars move in and out faster. Mr. Ornstein expressed his opinion that demolishing the present building might be economically feasible, reduce the number of required AA -is 5 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes April 9, 1996 waivers, reduce the required paving, and concur favor with the City. Mr. Ornstein commented that he believed the community needed service bays a lot more than the retail items sold in a convenience store. Mr. Ornstein expressed his opinion that one ground sign was sufficient and that the signage on the building needed improvement. Chairman Sabatello expressed his opinion that he did not want the building to look like a station for a specific company, so that if the company changed the building would not have to be changed; and that the Commission wanted a beautiful, generic building, complimentary to the other commercial buildings on that corner and maintained to the level that those buildings were maintained. Chairman Sabatello commented that if the petitioner was requesting a long list of items to help them improve operations that the City would ask that the property appearance be improved to be more of an asset to the City. Direction was provided to the petitioner that renderings and plans should be very specific, with tree types, heights, and appearance specified. Renderings should be properly sized and not just conceptual drawings, with landscaping depicted at the proper heights. Chairman Sabatello stated that his biggest concern was that when Shell sold the station to another company and another operator was in place that the appearance did not deteriorate, and also commented that the colors needed improvement. Mr. Snyder commented that this was a business • which needed to weigh the need to prosper against the requests by the City, and that the petitioner would work to make the City comfortable with the project. Chairman Sabatello clarified that if Shell decided not to go through with this improvement that the City would need to be sure everything was in compliance as to existing landscaping, etc.; however, that was not the direction that he hoped would be taken. Mr. Snyder commented that the petitioner would work to try to meet the concerns of the City. OLD BUSINESS Assistant City Attorney Golis reported that he had written a letter requesting a copy of the Declaration of Covenants for the Westwood Gardens Homeowners Association, but had received no reply. Chairman Sabatello questioned whether the one -year period for newsracks to come into compliance was about to expire. Attorney Golis commented that the attorney for the Palm Beach Post had expressed surprise that colors in the final ordinance were not the same as first discussed. Attorney Golis had assured her there were no surprises, and that the matter had been throughly considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and by the City Council. Attorney Golis stated he would check the date for compliance. NEW BUSINESS 6 • Planning & Zoning commission Minutes April 9, 1996 Chairman Sabatello commented on the strings lights on buildings which had been previously discussed, and the concern that they were used as signage at times other than the holidays. Chairman Sabatello proposed that some method of stopping this practice be instituted that could be used at a future date if the lighting became offensive. -40 40 7 • I* Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes April 9, 1996 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, upon motion by Vice Chair Carlino, seconded by Mr. Ornstein, nanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M. ex meeting will be held April 23, 1996. APPROVED: Car , Chairman Diane Carlino, Vice Chair (Absent) John Glidden William Mignogna Christopher Jones J ff s in, Alternate Melissa Prindiville, Secret y 8