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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes P&Z 05149640 CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION May 14, 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 7:30 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 Carl Sabatello, Chairman Christopher Jones William Mignogna Tom Paganini Thomas Pastore Jeff Ornstein, Alternate Absent Diane Carlino, Vice Chair John Glidden Also present at the meeting were City Council Liaison David Clark, Assistant City Manager Greg Dunham, Assistant City Attorney Paul Golis, Planning and Zoning Director Richard Walton, Principal Planner Bristol Ellington, and Planner Mark Johnson. ITEMS BY PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR Planning and Zoning Director Richard Walton announced that agenda item VIII, Workshop: Petition SP -95 -08 and agenda item IX, Public Hearing: Petition -95 -05 regarding Palm Beach Communications Company, had been postponed to May 28, 1996 and the public hearing would be readvertised for that date. ITEMS BY CITY COUNCIL LIAISON There were no items by the City Council Liaison. • Planning a Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 SPECIAL RECOGNITION Robert Greer introduced three Star Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 132 who had attended the meeting in order to meet their requirement to attend a public meeting, observe the types of communication used, and to then write a report on the subject. Minutes of April 23, 1996 - Mr. Jeff Ornstein made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. William Mignogna. Mr. Jones abstained. The motion carried by unanimous 5 -0 vote. SITE PLAN & APPEARANCE REVIEW CODWITTEE Recommendation to City Council: Petition SP-96-02, by Frank Palen, agent for Creative Trust Inc. and Devonshire Venture Limited Partnership, to request an amendment to the site plan for • Parcel M -22 within PGA National Resort Community. (16 -42S -428) Mr. Ellington reviewed the staff report dated May 9, 1996. Mr. Ornstein questioned whether the City Engineer was satisfied that the lakes would maintain water, to which Planning and Zoning Director Walton responded that there were concerns regarding the methodology. Mr. Frank Palen, Agent for the Petitioner, discussed the view from The Island and from Dunbar Woods, and commented that converting open parking spaces into garages had been suggested by The Island to shield the view. Steve Tendritch indicated that the Petitioner was willing to replace the parking spaces with garages if that was the desire of the Site Plan and Appearance Committee. Chairman Sabatello emphasized that both The Island and Dunbar Woods Condominium Associations must be satisfied before this petition proceeded to City Council. A poll was taken of the Committee to determine whether they preferred garages or heavy landscaping and a berm to block the view, as already approved. The poll was unanimous in favor of the landscaping. Mr. Ornstein suggested a 3 -foot high garden wall with landscaping • 2 • • r� Planning a Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 to assure that the view of cars would be blocked. During ensuing discussion of the landscaping, Mr. Mignogna recommended that mature landscaping be provided. Mr. Palen described the lakes as hydrologically connected to the main PGA canal system and commented that the same water level would be maintained in these lakes as throughout the entire PGA National community. Mr. Palen commented that the one -foot seasonal elevation shift was standard throughout PGA National, and that since the lakes were an amenity for the residents as well as functioning as drainage utilities, that littoral plantings as approved by SFWMD would be installed around the edges of the lakes. Chairman Sabatello expressed his opinion that some type of equipment was needed to maintain a constant water elevation, since some waterways were being deleted by the applicant, and the water features in this community were a major factor. Mr. Tendritch expressed concern that such a permit might be unobtainable, and clarified that the water level east of the pump station was the level throughout PGA National. During discussion, Mr. Tendritch explained the proposed system. Chairman Sabatello expressed his opinion that a weir could be installed since The Island had installed a check valve, weir and recharge pump approved by SFWMD. Mr. Tendritch indicated he would check into the matter. Chairman Sabatello stated that a condition would be written which would provide the flexibility for the Petitioner to design a system to maintain the elevation of the waterways and the lakes, to which the Petitioner was in agreement so long as it was permittable. Mr. Ellington discussed signage and requested the plans be revised before presentation to City Council. Comments by the Committee members included recommendations for mature landscaping and maintenance of the water level. Mr. Palen stated the following language to be used in a condition regarding water level maintenance: Water elevations in on -site lakes shall be constantly maintained at a level using a methodology approved by the City Engineer. In response to discussion regarding whether to require addition of a clause 3 • Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 stating that the level would be no less than a specified height, Architect Gabriel Salazar indicated that this might limit flexibility to the extent that a proper system could not be designed. Mr. Jeff Ornstein made a motion to recommend approval of Petition SP -96 -02 with all six of staff's recommendations and with an amendment to condition 5 which shall read that all reference to all signage both on -site and off -site shall be removed from the plan prior to going to City Council, and a condition shall be added that the Petitioner shall heavily landscape the north and south portions of his property to shield the parking areas from The Island and Dunbar Woods apartments that are existing, and an additional condition that water in the lakes shall be maintained by a methodology to do so that would be satisfactory to the City staff and City Engineer. Therefore, approval was subject to the following conditions: 1. If the grass parking reserve is going to be utilized prior to being paved, the applicant shall comply with Section 159.110 entitled, Grass Parking, subsection (H) , of th e City's Land Development Regulations. 2. Prior to the issuance of the first building permit, a lighting plan for the parking lot, which meets the criteria set forth in Section 159.110(D) (4) entitled, Lighting, of the City's Land Development Regulations. 3. The new covered entry on the southwest corner of the building and the gatehouse shall provide a clearance height of 13' -611, the same as all other entryways. 4. The security gates shall provide a clear opening width of 14 feet and shall be equipped with a KNOX key switch for emergency access. 5. Project signage shall return for review and approval by the City. • 4 • Planning & Zoning Commission Kinutes May 14, 1996 6. The fourteen conditions of development as set forth in Resolution 42, 1991, attached hereto shall remain in full force and effect. 7. Petitioner shall heavily landscape the north and south portions of his property to shield the parking areas from The Island and Dunbar Woods apartments that are existing. 8. Water level in the lakes shall be maintained by a methodology satisfactory to the City staff and City Engineer. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tom Pastore, and carried by unanimous 6 -0 vote. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION • Workshop: Petition PUD - 9 6 - 02, by Anthony S. Oliver, agent for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance, P.G. Partners and Oakbrook Corporate Center Property Owners, Association, Inc., is requesting to amend the Oakbrook Center PVV and the Flame Building PUD to seek site plan approval for 142,000 square feet of office space, 48,000 square feet of retail space and a 5,700 square foot drive -in bank. The two developments, totaling 13.58 acres, are located at the southwest corner of PGA Boulevard and G.S. Highway One. (4-42S-43B) Principal Planner Ellington reviewed the staff report dated May 8, 1996. Chairman Sabatello complimented staff on their excellent review of this petition, but expressed disappointment in the long list of problems. Ed Oliver, Oliver & Glidden Architects, agent for the Petitioner, commented that the developers were Andrew and Peter Brock, who had turned around the Publix shopping center on Northlake Boulevard; and John Preston, who represented a substantial development interest with multiple ownerships throughout the country and in Florida, and had purchased and turned around the Harbor Shops. Mr. Oliver commented on the prior owner's foreclosure problems, to which Chairman Sabatello requested that focus stay directed on the site plan, City Council direction, and the importance of the corner. Mr. Oliver introduced • 5 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 other team members: Tim Messier, Civil Engineer; Joe Pollock of Kimley -Horn; Hank Skokowski and Jay Bridge, Urban Design Studio; and Mr. Walen, Project Engineer from Oliver & Glidden. Chairman Sabatello explained that the Commission could either consider a new project, or an amendment to the original approval in which the original approval would be constantly referenced. Mr. Oliver explained that his team was aware of the requirement to install arches, a water feature, fountain, etc., before a certificate of occupancy would be granted for a building; however, would request a waiver of that condition because the new project was not the same as the old project. Developer Andrew Brock explained that an important point to realize was that this project was not a retail shopping center, but a financial services center for national corporate financial services tenants. Mr. Brock explained that the 1980's high -rise concept had been changed to reflect a 1990's campus style development of lower, smaller buildings with many amenities. Mr. Brock commented that the • development team believed that although the corner was important, the emphasis of the project should be on PGA Boulevard since that was the overlay district; and explained that many amenities between the buildings would bring people outside to experience a park -like setting. Mr. Brock explained that the originally approved plan was not economically viable and would not work in today's environment, and the development team had worked to design a plan which would meet both City requirements and John Hancock's requests. Mr. Brock explained that many of the failures and problems of the approved plan had been eliminated and requested that the comparison between the approved plan and the new plan compare bad points of the original plan as well as good points. Mr. Oliver compared the two plans, and pointed out that the lot coverage on the original was 36W and only 22% on the proposed plan, and that there had been 31.4% open space on the original and 29% was now proposed. Mr. Oliver clarified that the numbers and graphics presented were based on the proposed plan. Mr. Oliver reviewed the new plan, referring to renderings. Mr. Brock explained that the design was intended to draw people out of the office buildings to utilize the outdoor areas. Discussion ensued regarding specialty retail uses, during which Mr. Brock explained that the project was intended to attract an upscale clientele tenant base, and presented a rendering of the one -story retail bank. Mr. Oliver explained the emphasis on PGA Boulevard. ® 6 • Planning & zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 Henry Skokowski provided a brief overview of the project, and described the landscaping. 50% of the trees were Palms, including several Medual Palms, Royal Palms lining the entrance and around the rotary feature, a significant number of Washingtonian Palms clustered in groups of seven, several Coconut Palms. The balance of the trees were shade trees. Mr. Skokowski described special treatment areas utilizing classic design features which would be incorporated at US 1 and PGA Boulevard, a gateway element at the entrance to the project, paver blocks, a trellis element, and a hand - carved Italian fountain visible from PGA Boulevard. Mr. Skokowski described the PGA landscape strip. Discussion ensued regarding the retaining wall. During discussion of the sidewalk patterns, Mr. Skokowski verified that the sidewalks had not been designed to connect since parking pavement was also utilized as walkways. Chairman Sabatello requested that areas for people to enjoy the outside space be pointed out. Mr. Skokowski responded that one such area was the area in front of the large building, and explained that the intent behind the design of the area around the fountain was for use by pedestrians, but not as an area to relax or to eat lunch. Mr. Ornstein described the fountain area as • an attractive nuisance which he believed would be hazardous because of traffic. Mr. Skokowski described the signage, which consisted of four sign types. Principal Planner Ellington requested that existing ground signs be identified on the plan and incorporated into the signage theme, and questioned whether existing tenant wall- mounted signs would be incorporated into the new signage theme. Joe Pollock addressed external and internal traffic concerns. Chairman Sabatello questioned whether the configuration of buildings would be retained if the curb cut closest to U.S. 1 was not approved, to which Mr. Oliver responded that the applicant was confident approval would be received; however, if it were not received, the building would still be retained on the corner. Mr. Pollock described the access from PGA Boulevard and how it met DOT standards, and the access from Ellison Wilson Road. Mr. Pastore expressed his opinion that the proposed configuration to get to the bank drive - through was not ideal. During further discussion, Mr. Pollock described four access points on the rotary, explained that existing median openings on PGA Boulevard would be closed by DOT, described utilization of the Ellison Wilson Road access, and commented that he would have statistics available for the next meeting regarding the reduction in footage and reduction in traffic. • 7 • Planning & Zoning Commission minutes May 14, 1996 Comments by Commission members included concerns by Mr. Jones regarding the internal circulation problems, the entrance off PGA Boulevard to the bank, the existing Flame Building's dead -end parking, the rotary which could be more people oriented, the rear views of buildings fronting on PGA, the ability of the Ellison Wilson Road entrance to handle heavy traffic, and requested that the parking garage elevation be expanded. Mr. Ornstein expressed concern that the plan was not pedestrian friendly, that the PGA Boulevard frontage needed improvement, that the corner needed something much better than a bank building, and that the curb cut on Ellison Wilson from the parking garage would be a problem. Mr. Ornstein requested that a definite building plan be provided at the next meeting, stated that selling off parcels must adhere to a Unity of Control, stated he was opposed to the east curb cut on PGA Boulevard, commented that the plan must meet the 40 -foot setback from Ellison Wilson Road, stated that the Ellison Wilson Road entrance needed improvement similar to the PGA entrance, suggested that buildings could be moved so that parking could be south of the buildings, and expressed concern that pedestrians would not use the rotary and trellis areas. Mr. Paganini requested clarification of the pedestrian circulation, expressed concern with the east entrance, and questioned water drainage, to which Mr. Messler responded that there would be underground storage. Mr. Pastore requested fewer waivers, expansion of landscaping to include more shade trees, and expressed concern with the eastern curb cut off PGA Boulevard, as well as the safety of the Ellison Wilson Road access. Chairman Sabatello's requests included clarification of the 4 -lane roadway, clarification of compensation proposed in some areas to offset requests in other areas, improvement of the circulation in regard to the rotary, and improvements to the corner. In summary, the Planning and Zoning Commission made the following comments and requests: GENERAL DESIGN: 1. Pavers are used at only two of the four four -way intersections. To provide better symmetry, each four -way intersection should be treated similarly. 2. Expand the feature at the intersection of PGA Boulevard and U.S. Highway One. is 8 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 3. Consider moving buildings closer together and placing parking in rear of property. 4. Expand entrance feature at main entrance on Ellison Wilson Road. S. Treat all building elevations equally with architecture and landscape, particularly those on Parcels "D" and "E". 6. Concerns were raised that the project did not have a "campus" design. INTERNAL CIRCULATION: 1. Provide more pedestrian interconectivity within and out of the site. 2. Eliminate the curbcut on parcel "C" or provide greater justification for its necessity. 3. Internal intersections and the roundabout are too close to each other for smooth traffic flow and could create a dangerous situation. 4. Reevaluate the design along Ellison Wilson Road. Consider the high volume of traffic that will be generated. 5. Consider an entrance from Ellison Wilson Road to the proposed parking garage rather than an exit. 6. Reorient buildings so entrances are better aligned to other buildings. 7. Connect deadend parking of the Flame Building to the project. 8. The plaza should be more of a pedestrian space as opposed to a vehicular space. 9 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 LANDSCAPING: 1. Landscaping along the building frontages of U.S. Highway One and PGA Boulevard should be enhanced. 2. The area between the sidewalk and road along PGA Boulevard should be landscaped according to the requirements of the PGA Boulevard Overlay. In general, landscaping along PGA Boulevard should be much more intense. 3. Provide more shade trees in the landscaping pallet. WAIVERS: 1. Redesign project to eliminate the need for waivers. 40 2. Meet the required 40 -foot setback on Ellison Wilson Road for the parking garage. MISCELLANEOUS COMIENTS: 1. Choose one site plan. A site plan option for the building on Parcel "F" will not be considered. 2. The inner radius of the island in the circular drive feature should not exceed 20 -feet. 3. Show existing ground signs on the site plan. Incorporate them into the sign package. 4. Existing wall- mounted signs should conform to the wall - mounted sign details proposed for the project. 5. List positives of the proposed plan. 6. A Commissioner indicated that fee simple lots would not be 0 10 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes • May 14, 1996 acceptable and requested a Unity of Title and Unity of Control for the development. 7. The City does not diferentiate between retail and "Specialty retail ". If you so choose, please provide a list of restrictive uses. The petitioner was requested to provide a narrative describing the changes to the project with all plan revision submittals. Workshop: Petitioa PUD- 96 -01, by Donaldson S. Searing, agent for Mr. Steven Lovas, for an amendment to the Comfort Inn POD for the demolition of an existing one -story 1,880 square -foot commercial building and construction of a two -story 7,688 square -foot ancillary building and other site changes. The 1.85 acre site is located east of U.S. Highway One, approximately one -tenth mile south of PGA Boulevard. (4-42S-43S) Principal Planner Ellington reviewed the staff report dated May 9, 1996. Mr. Ellington clarified that a condition would be • required that no restaurant would be allowed. Attorney Rick Saper provided a presentation which included a brief history of the project, which was originally approved in 1988. Mr. Saper explained that Mr. Lovas had purchased the hotel in January, 1996, and planned to increase occupancy by adding the proposed improvements. Mr. Saper commented that the kitchen was a small prep kitchen for Continental breakfasts, and briefly described the proposed plan. Donaldson Hearing, agent for the petitioner, presented an aerial to illustrate the original PUD which had been designed around the bank building which had existed at the time. Mr. Hearing reviewed the site plan for the project improvements, which would remedy flaws in the original plan. Comments by Mr. Hearing in describing the new plan included re- grading so that the new building elevation would be at the same level as the existing hotel, moving check -in to the new building, improved parking, a courtyard, a swimming pool, a 730 square -foot office, a kitchen prep area with associated breakfast eating area, relocation of the generator building to the rear, a covered patio area and restrooms ancillary to the pool, second floor multi - purpose meeting space, improved directional signage, and improved landscaping. Mr. Hearing stated Petitioner's agreement with 11 Planning & Zoning commission Minutes • May 14, 1996 comments made by the City Engineer and stated that those would be addressed. A landscaping waiver to the 90% native requirement was requested around the pool area only, in order to utilize more tropical plants. Mr. Hearing explained that there was sufficient parking for the increased meeting space, and a parking study by Kimley -Horn during a one -month peak season had shown that there had been in excess of 50 cars in the parking lot at 9 P.M. on only one day. In response to Mr. Ornstein's questions, Mr. Hearing described the signage bollards and the rear lighting. Mr. Ornstein requested that the lighting be located on the site plan. Architect Jose Obeso described the architecture as complimentary to the existing building. Mr. Ornstein requested that details be provided on the plans for screening, walls, and landscaping. Mr. Jones requested that the proper plans be provided to match elevations, and that handicap parking be improved and clarified on the plans. • After discussion, Chairman Sabatello clarified that any equipment outside the building must be properly screened, landscaped and detailed with enough space provided for the equipment. Mr. Ornstein requested that signage better conform to the project. In response to Mr. Mignogna's concerns, Mr. Hearing explained that the parking lot elevation on the south side of the building would be lowered and that more detail would be provided for the berming at the 6 -foot retaining wall on the south end of the property line. Mr. Ellington requested clarification of square footage on the plans. Chairman Sabatello requested that at the next meeting duplicate presentations be avoided. In summary, the Planning and Zoning Commission made the following comments and requests: 1. Provide a comprehensive lighting plan that illustrate proposed as well as existing lighting in compliance with Section 159.110(D) (4) entitled, "Lighting ", of the City's Land Development Regulations. 2. Design project with 10 -foot wide parking spaces and provide the appropriate landscape plan. • 3. Move handicapped parking spaces closer to entrance. 12 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes ® May 14, 1996 4. Provide updated floor plan and confirm consistency with elevation drawings. 5. Provide accurate square footage numbers. 6. Appropriately screen and landscape all outdoor machinery (a /c, generator, pool equipment). 7. Provide detail drawings of the signage bollards at the entrance. 8. A public hearing will be held before the Commission on June 11, 1996. Provide notarized confirmation that the applicant has given ten day notification of the public hearing to all property owners within 500 feet of the site. The petitioner was requested to include a narrative describing the changes to the project with all plan revision submittals. • OLD BUSINESS Assistant City Attorney Golis reported the status of the Westwood Gardens situation was that the requested letter had not been provided. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before the Commission. 13 40 Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes May 14, 1996 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, upon motion by Mr. Ornstein, seconded by Mr. Pastore, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 P.M. next meeting will be held May 28, 1996. APPROVED: CarlPabatello, Chairman (Absent) Diane Carlino, Vice Chair (Absent) John Glidden v William Mignogna Thomas Pastore Tom Paganini "I= 14