05-27-1993 VC PH-MMINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING
OF THE
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HELD THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1993
Present: V.A. Marks, M. D., Mayor
Gail H. Vastola, Vice Mayor
Jeffrey H. Atwater, President Pro Tem
Tom Valente, Councilman
Judy M. Pierman, Councilman
Charles O'Meilia, Acting Village Manager
George Baldwin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Deputy Village Clerk
Absent: Dennis Kelly, Village Manager
Kathleen F. Kelly, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Marks called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of Council
were present, except Councilman Pierman who arrived at 7:10 p.m. All members
' of staff were present.
PURPOSE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear comments from the Public
concerning a proposed Ordinance amending the Village Code, Chapter 6, Article
V, Signs and Outdoor Displays.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Larry Hendrick, Property Manager for Crystal Tree Centre, 1201 U. S. Highway
One, North Palm Beach, addressed the Council regarding the concerns of the
business owners at Crystal Tree. Mr. Hendrick stated that existing signs
should be grandfathered in, with new signs conforming to the code. He further
stated that awning signs are necessary for visibility because there is an
overhang at Crystal Tree which impedes the public's view of signs on windows
or fascia. Mr. Hendrick was especially concerned with the outdoor building
lighting, which he says is needed for purposes of security, economics, and
aesthetics. Mr. Hendrick requested that Crystal Tree be allowed .to keep their
outdoor lights, and produced a petition signed by the tenants, asking for same.
Peter Hotchkiss, 3651 N. 54th Ave., Hollywood, owner of Village Square Plaza
in North Palm Beach at 420 U. S. Highway One, stated that his main concern
was to have the main pole sign grandfathered in, as some tenants do not have
visibility from U.S. Highway 1. Mr. Hotchkiss also stated that the variance
' procedure was inadequate, since it only allows for dimensional restrictions.
Ruth Staehle, Designer Fabric Collection at Crystal Tree, opposed the revised
sign code on the basis that her only sign is on the awning outside her store,
and if she had to remove that, her business would have no visibility other than
' Minutes of Public Hearing
Held Thursday, May 27, 1993
from across the street at center. Ms. Staehle also requested that the Council.
reconsider allowing the outdoor lighting.
Jeremy Allen, representing Creative Works at Crystal Tree, told the Council that
the lighting at Crystal Tree is really an issue of aesthetics, and should be
encouraged in more locations, rather than prohibited.
Manny Grinn, 536 Greenway Drive, addressed the Council with his opposition to
various regulations and restrictions, including monolithic signs, window signs,
awning signs, and maxium window usage for signs. Mr. Grinn gave his
examples of conflicting and/or vague definitions as stated in the proposed sign
code.
The Public Hearing recessed at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of convening the
Regular Session, and reconvened at 7:32 p.m.
Mr. Maronian, owner of The Philadelphian at 420 U_ S. Highway One, stated his
opposition to the proposed sign code, specifically the prohibition of neon signs
and pole signs. Mr. Maronian felt that these changes would destroy many
businesses along U. S. Highway One.
P. M. McGarry from The Ice Cream Club at Crystal Tree, told the Council that
the white lights referred to previously are lights that are used at night when
businesses are closed. Mr. McGarry feels that those who have working
businesses at night should be allowed to have the lights on at night. Mr.
McGarry stated that he is open until 11:00 p.m., but many customers do not
realize he is open. He also stated that the lights, in addition to their aesthetic
value, lessen crime activity in the plaza. He mentioned also that some
businesses who operate at night have teenage employees, who should not be
working alone in an unlit area.
Councilman Valente stated that he would put forth a motion to postpone action
on the proposed sign code during the Regular Session, in order to provide more
review of citizens' concerns as presented during Public Hearing.
All persons present were advised that this Public Hearing was not required by
law, but rather, was held as a matter of choice by the Village to familiarize all
business owners and residents of proposed changes, and to receive input from
all concerned for the purposes of working together.
Patrick Robinson, a tenant at Crystal Tree Plaza, stated that he is in agreement
with the Village in making the Village a beautiful place, and feels that the lights
at Crystal Tree are beautiful. On the other hand, he feels that disallowing
those lights would harm the businesses concerned, and would ultimately cause
suffering to everyone in the Village.
' Richard Rickard of Boulevard Paints & Decorating at ?63 Northlake Blvd. told
the Council that small businesses such as his could not afford to advertise on
TV, and relied on signs for advertising.
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Minutes oP Public Hearing
Held Thursday, May 27, 1993
Teddy Brown, Manager of the Ted Brown Building at 513 U. S. Highway One,
spoke about the poor economy and how much tougher it would be for North Palm
Beach small businesses if the proposed restrictions were enacted.
Nancy Hebrank, 900 U. S. Highway One, owner of the BP Stai3on, agreed that
appearance is important, but feels that the existence of the business takes
precedence over appearance.
With no further comments Prom the Public to be heard, the meeting adjourned at
7:55 p.m.
thleen F. Kelly, Village Cler 4
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