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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-2024 VC WS-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 01, 2024 Susan Bickel, Mayor Deborah Searcy, Vice Mayor Lisa Interlandi, President Pro Tem Kristin Garrison, Councilmember Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Leonard G. Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Mayor Bickel called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. All members of Council were present. All members of staff were present. Mayor Bickel provided a preview of the meeting along with a reminder that any residents wishing to speak must complete a public comment card and turn it into the Village Clerk prior to the opening of public comment emphasizing that all public comments will be 3 minutes only. For any comments longer than 3 minutes, residents were advised to reach out to Council after the meeting. C3 REGIONAL MIXED -USE DISTRICT ON THE FORMER TWIN CITY MALL SITE Mr. Huff introduced the agenda, discussing the timeline of the C3 project and the Master Plan. Mr. Huff provided handouts to go along with the C3 slide show presentation. Mr. Huff began his presentation by providing a brief overview of the Master Plan's strategy followed by explaining the C3 Master Plan's planning process and timeline. Mr. Huff explained that the Master Plan first began with a series of events over a series of months to discuss Village matters including the Twin City Mall site. Mr. Huffs presentation proceeded into the time line of the Master Plan which was adopted October 27, 2016 explaining the Master Plan's Prioritized Targeted Redevelopment Areas- Northlake Promenade Shoppes (Twin City Mall) page four (4) of the Master Plan. Mr. Huff stated that in April 2019 the identified developer Dover Kohl presented Village Council with a presentation focusing on the C3 district and height discussions. Mr. Huff elaborated on a previous Twin City Mall site discussion providing a slide from the Master Plan (slide number nine (9), page 16), that provided options for the plaza including height dimensions. Mr. Huff explained that this plan option did not and could not move forward without a potential developer for the site. Mr. Huff proceeded to explain the Master Plan Tour of the plan dated October 20, 2016, Mr. Huff detailed the potential redevelopment of the site providing examples such as City Place and Mizner Park also including enhancements to both the Village of North Palm Beach and the Town of Lake Park. Minutes of the Village Council Workshop Session held May 01, 2024 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Huff detailed the enhancements an interconnected system of walkable blocks and small streets, where buildings line streets and face parks and open spaces. The grocery store would be moved east to have visibility from US-1. There would be a mix of building types including townhouses, low-rise multi family, high-rise multi family, retail and mix use, parking -on street, garages, and behind buildings. The transitions to adjacent areas would be harmonious -like and redevelopment would be equitably divided between the Village of North Palm Beach and Town of Lake Park. Mr. Huff proposed the question "What is a High -Rise?" Mr. Huff provided an explanation on what a High Rise is from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and ICC (International Code Council) informing the Council that according to the sources a High -Rise is considered 75 feet or six (6) stories; depending on the density of the area a high-rise building can be taller. The jurisdiction makes the final decision on the building factoring in the population of the area, land availability, infrastructure capacity, and the aesthetic. Mr. Huff provided the former manager's October 2021 meeting notes from a discussions with the current developer regarding the Twin City Mall sites FAR (Floor to Area Ratio) of 1.8 to 2.0 and potential height. Mr. Huff emphasized there was not much information to detail on; Mr. Huff provided a detailed definition and explanation of FAR (Floor to Area Ratio). Mr. Huff continued to discuss the Master Plan's time line from 2022-2023. In June 2022 the C3 district plans were introduced by the Town of Lake Park, July 2022 the developer gave a Twin City Mall site conceptual design presentation to the Village, lastly the Introduction of zoning text amendment and a discussion regarding the C3 Zoning District regulations was in November 2022. Mr. Huff proceeded to discuss the timeline of events from February 2023 until September 2023, as well discussing 2024 timeline of events beginning with January until present time. In January 2024 the Developer canceled a Joint meeting with Village of North Palm Beach and Town of Lake Park, the Developer also held a Community Meeting here in North Palm Beach on the Village Place Project, and lastly on May 1 Village of North Palm Beach will host a Special Workshop meeting and a joint meeting with Lake Park will be held on May 2 at Town Hall to discuss the Lake Parks project plans for Twin City Mall. Mr. Huff provided a brief overview and explanation to residents pertaining to the Master Plan and Site Plan. Mr. Huff explained the difference between the Master Plan and Site Plan, explaining the Master Plan is a Comprehensive Plan laying out roads, stormwater and concurrency relating to traffic. There is no building structure, just the foundation to build. The Site Plan provides the information of what will be built. Mr. Huff elaborated on the Joint Planning, Zoning, and Advisory Board Meeting scheduled for May 8 stating that there will be a recommendation from the PZAB to Council on whether to move forward with subsequent meetings. Mr. Huff wanted Council and residents to be aware that all meetings with the developer were only requests from the developer to proceed with the project. Mr. Huff made an indicated to Council that the developer would like the opportunity to present the project plans to the Village. Mr. Huffs presentation concluded with elaboration to the Council and to residents that no tax dollars will be used for the project; Mr. Huff stated that the project will be completely funded by the developer. Mr. Huff concluded the C3 Twin City Mall Site presentation. Mayor Bickel opened Public Comment. Mayor Bickel read the following emails that were received for public comment: Minutes of the Village Council Workshop Session held May 01, 2024 Page 3 of 6 Susan Hoff, 907 Marina Drive, unit 301, "Hello Council Members, I am not able to attend the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st. I would like to go on record however. I am in favor of developing this area by bringing in some solid commercial businesses such as restaurants and shops as well as condos. However, the current plans that I have viewed are far beyond the size of a development that would fit in with the model we have currently for the Village of North Palm Beach. As I have said before, whatever is developed on this site will set the standard for developments going forward in our Village. I do not want to see our uniquely quiet Village become another Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Singer Island, etc. If this developer is allowed to go forward with the current plans, this will no longer be "The Best Place to Live under the Sun." Thank you for your consideration." Susan Thomas, 716 1 Nighthawk Way, "I am in support of this project for the following reasons: NPB needs to increase the tax base, this will allow us to maintain the wonderful amenities we have. I like that the Council has recognized this site for higher density, as it is perfect for this being the only NPB site south of Northlake and west of Us 1, it's its own island. It is cost prohibitive for Children who grew up in North Palm to return to the Village and most of the rentals in NPB are older. NPB needs more housing that is affordable and new, the rental units planned for this project will offer an alternative. I love that an old center that has little draw will have the chance to be a destination with a town center type feel. I'm impressed with the developers Cypress Realty and am familiar with their other projects." The following public comments were made in person: Noe Guerra, 832 Anchorage Drive, began his statement by describing the Village and the comfort residents have in the Village. Mr. Guerra recommended that Council define and identify the Village's Downtown, describing the historic buildings that were torn down and replaced with storage facilities. Mr. Guerra stated that Council needed to look toward a progressive and unified sense of what residents are wanting as a downtown. Mr. Guerra referenced the proposed developments along US-1 with a 14-story building stating the Village residents would like to keep with the characteristics of the area. Mr. Guerra stated that the project should be done economically with being mindful of the developers concerns. Mr. Guerra also referenced the zoning policy, reduction of the FAR, and recommended finding a balance when it came to density within the Village. Carla Watson, 540 Inlet Road stated that she agreed with Mr. Guerra, and gave recommendations for the development shops and restaurants. Ms. Watson stated that she did not support the development of three 14-story buildings. Ms. Watson also discussed traffic at 5 pm on Anchorage Drive and U.S. 1 stating that the traffic is lined up to the Post Office. Ms. Watson concluded her statements by supporting the development of 4 to 6 story buildings and requesting that the Village remain a Village. Penny Blake, 108 Paradise Harbour Blvd. 515, stated that she had concerns with the infrastructure and the ability to manage the size of developments. Ms. Blake began listing the potential office space (900 multi units, retail space, office space) Ms. Blake also stated she had concerns with traffic from the developments that were happening in Lake Park. Ms. Blake asked for more information prior to being in agreeance with the proposed developments in the Village. Lisa Jensen, 606 Shore Road stated she also have the same concerns as the previous speakers but she was also is in favor of a transformational project at the site. Ms. Jensen stated that she preferred the height not as a high, with more green space and trees. Ms. Jensen stated that the shops and restaurants require support from the people and with the support of the people it would be a good development. Minutes of the Village Council Workshop Session held May 01, 2024 Page 4 of 6 Rita Budnyk, 804 Shore Road stated that she agreed with a lot that had already been said and read her comment into the record. The Village Manager's workshop memo to council states "The C3 Regional Mixed Use District is a significant aspect of our Village's zoning and development strategy, promoting mixed -use development that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to create vibrant and sustainable communities." What has been presented thus far by the TCM developer does not seem to keep this goal in mind. We are a village, and any development should reflect the unique characteristics of our Village. A City Place, rebranded as Rosemary Square, a Downtown at the Gardens, now being torn down and reconstructed, or a Harbourside type development do not promote a vibrant and sustainable community. In looking at the developer's renderings thus far, it is clear that there is not enough green space or integrated recreational facilities. I am sharing this link, https://lObest.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best- city-park-2023/, to offer ideas about integrating recreational areas in a sustainable manner. The common factor is natural green space, native trees and plants, seating areas, walkways, and natural looking water features. The height of the buildings and the traffic flow also need to be looked at in detail. Perhaps consider an inner access road, rather than relying on the existing roads. Bottom - line: As a longtime resident who loves this Village, the developer can and should be expected to design a sustainable development that complements our Village, not overwhelm it. Thank you for your time". Ron Okolichany, 417 Northlake Drive provided a brief overview of the redevelopment of the Twin City Mall location meeting and gave his viewpoint of the project and the developer. Mr. Okolichany stated that the developer is trying to put a 50-lb project on a 10-1b lot which is overkill, too high and dense for the location, and lastly the project is out of touch with what the residents want to see. Mr. Okolichany ensued in discussion regarding the joint PZAB meeting schedule for May 8, stating adequate time was not allocated to review and understand the agenda and attachments. Mr. Okolichany concluded his statements by recommending Council postpone the scheduled May 8 joint PZAB meeting with Lake Park to allow Council and the public to review the agenda and attachments in its entirety. Todd Vittum, 412 Quadrant Road, stated there has been an understanding from several Village business owners that if this project is approved they will move from US-1 and Northlake Blvd to a location West of I-95. Mr. Vittum asserted business owners have expressed their concerns that the traffic and sustainability issues will not be met and their businesses will die. Mr. Vittum explained that the proposed project was too big, the wrong thing for the wrong place. He stated that he was in agreeance with a project on that site but not the currently proposed project. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Rd S, ensued in a discussion to Council pertaining to Council and Board Members remotely joining a meeting and also providing Councils previous take on the C3 project. Mr. Ryder stated that he agreed with prior comments stating that the information was not being made available in ample time for board members and residents review. Mr. Ryder suggested that Council seek outside legal advice for options before approving the Master Plan. Mr. Ryder discussed the Dover Kohl 2019 plan "How to transform the Master Plan into a Zoning Code"? Mr. Ryder concluded his statements by providing Council and the public with the preferred/suggested building specs for the development. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive stated that her initial concern was the height of the project, briefly disclosing her participation in the charrettes and public meetings with an expectation of buildings being (4) four stories high. Ms. Phillips suggested that the branding of the Village should not reflect a city block as one will see in Boca Raton or Miami. Ms. Phillips also stated that the Village residents' vision was different from the developer the residents' vision was lower density and Minutes of the Village Council Workshop Session held May 01, 2024 Page 5 of 6 height, fitting the look of the Village. Ms. Phillips asked the question, "What will the Village look like in 20 years?" Tim Hullihan, 840 Country Club Drive generally addressed the Council by suggesting two topics to look into beginning with the notion of tax revenues providing a quote from Chuck Marohn "The job of the Village/City Council is not to find sources of tax revenues but to create a resilient economy." Mr. Hullihan provided an example of a resilient economy. North Palm Beach residents spend their North Palm Beach dollars at North Palm Beach businesses. Mr. Hullihan asserted projects that are focusing on the Master Plan and code rewrite will not produce a resilient economy. Mr. Hullihan briefly stated his experience with affordable housing was that multi -storied construction was too expensive to have affordable housing buyable. In closing, Mr. Hullihan stated that if the goal was to have affordable housing, then make sure the type of construction was able to produce. Mayor Bickel closed Public Comment. Mayor Bickel opened Council discussion Councilmember Puyol stated that he did not have enough information to make a decision. Mr. Puyol also stated that affordable housing, mass transits or walkability for the workforce would be needed for the future of the Village. Councilmember Puyol concluded his statements be stating that more information was needed prior to making a decision regarding the transformation of Northlake Blvd and US-1. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she shares some of the same concerns as residents, and also agreed that more information was needed to make a decision on the Master Plan. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that Council has to assure that what is in the Master Plan is compatible with what is supported by Council. President Pro Tem Interlandi also addressed the residents and offered compassion with their concerns that the C3 project was a perfect fit for the community. President Pro Tem Interlandi asserted that residents will have the opportunity to hear future plans and voice their opinion at future workshops, and public meetings. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that Council had not yet received any information to vote, explaining that the C3 zoning did not change. Vice Mayor Searcy explained that what was changed was what the Developer could get if they provide enough public benefit. Vice Mayor Searcy continued by explaining the Village's FAR (2.75), assuring the public that the new development would not look like other 22-story buildings and also assuring that the project would not be like the Nautilus project in Lake Park and that the Village would remain a Village not a downtown. Mayor Bickel provided her opinion on the project, stating that she was not in support of the height and density. Mayor Bickel discussed her opinion further and proposed the question on behalf of residents "Will it be possible to walk back from the original 14- stories and 2.75 FAR that was agreed upon with the developer?" Mr. Rubin ensued in a discussion answering Mayor Bickel's question by explaining the previous mentioned 14- story buildings and 2.75 FAR are all maximum limits the developer can receive. Mr. Rubin eluded to Vice Mayor Searcy statements mentioning that the developer is not entitled to anything, the developer will only receive the maximum limits with enough public benefit. The developer will have to give something to the Village to get more in return. Mr. Rubin concluded his discussion by asserting the final decision will reside with the Council and the PZAB. Mayor Bickel proposed the question of whether or not the scheduled May 8 PZAB meeting should be delayed. Minutes of the Village Council Workshop Session held May 01, 2024 Page 6 of 6 Discussion ensued: Delaying the meeting continues to delay the ability to receive more information on the project. Continuing the May 8 meeting allows and give the developer the opportunity to present and sell their project to the Village and residents. The PZAB is not obligated to vote on the Master Plan at the May 8 meeting, the meeting is a recommendation meeting with a request to Council to move forward. Mayor Bickel eluded that the scheduled May 8 joint PZAB meeting will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing the board members are not obligated to make a decision at the scheduled meeting. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. L\oo uWcL F,,ulfq Marq ettaFells, Deputy Viflage Clerk