HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Environmental Advisory Committee_Tab 02_7/13/2022Agenda Item #2.
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
STAFF MEMO
Meeting: Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) - Jul 13 2022
Staff Contact: Thomas Bradford, EAC Chair Department: Environmental Advisory
Committee
Draft Recommendations to the EAC on the Recreation and Open Space Element, v1 of the VOT
Comprehensive Plan for Consideration of the Village Council and Staff.
SUMMARY: '04
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Agenda Item #2.
Village of Tequesta
Environmental Advisory
Committee
Memo
To: Environmental Advisory Committee Members
From: Thomas G. Bradford, Chair, EAC
Cc: NA
Date: June 1, 2022
Re: Draft Recommendations to the EAC on the Recreation & Open Space Element, vl
of the VOT Comprehensive Plan for Consideration of the Village Council and Staff
VOT Resolution No. 24-19, which created the EAC, requires the EAC "...to within the
bounds of the Village's Comprehensive Development Plan, develop recommendations for
goals, objectives and policies relative to sustaining and improving the environment of the
Village of Tequesta." To this end, the EAC is now reviewing the Recreation & Open Space
Element of the VOT Comprehensive Plan in two phases, vl, v2,. In order to keep the review
process manageable only one of the versions will be reviewed at each EAC meeting. This
memo addresses vl.
Items usually highlighted in yellow are noted places where an environmental matter is
stated in the Element. However, in this case, every Goal, Objective, and Policy in the
Recreation & Onen Space Element is potentially an environmental matter making
hijzhlighting unnecessM. There are 36 combined Goals, Objectives and Policies to be
commented on in this Conservation Element. I will try to break this down into 2 separate
parts over 2 months or more of EAC meetings to keep it manageable. This equates to
approximately 18 items to comment on per month. TGB comments are my thoughts on the
item. EAC proposed Options are my suggestions of what we should tell the Village about
the item.
You are encouraged to review the Element or sub -element and propose where you see
environmental issues requiring EAC review potentially overlooked in this memorandum
or make suggestions on how to modify or add to the comments and options provided herein
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Agenda Item #2.
to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff. The link to the VOT
Comprehensive Plan is as follows:
http://tequesta.org/84/Community-Development
Pertinent sections pertaining to environmental issues within the Recreation & Open Space
Element, vl, of the VOT Comprehensive Plan and my comments are as follows:
RECREATION & OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
Goal: 1.0.0 - The development of a sustainable recreation and open space system that adequately
provides for the current and projected recreational needs of the Village and enhances its built and
natural environment by providing active and passive recreation opportunities.
TGB Comment to EAC: Sounds fine to me.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Fine as written.
Objective: 1.1.0 - Maintain community and neighborhood parks and facilities meeting the current
and future needs of all age groups in Tequesta.
TGB Comment to EAC: This statement, on its face, limits Tequesta to two types of parks;
community and neighborhood. The categories of parks in the United States include: town squares,
large city parks, pleasure grounds or cultural parks, neighborhood parks, and pocket parks.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Tequesta should strive to provide an assortment of parks instead of limiting the types to be
provided to two, namely community and neighborhood parks. Categories of parks in
Tequesta should include: town squares, large city parks, pleasure grounds or cultural parks,
neighborhood parks, and pocket parks.
Policy: 1. L I - Provide recreation facilities which offer sufficient choice and variety for all age
groups.
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Agenda Item #2.
TGB Comment to EAC: Yes, this is good and it logically means that in order to provide sufficient
choice, other types of parks beside community and neighborhood parks should be an available
option provided in Tequesta.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Modify to read: "Provide recreation facilities and types of parks which offer sufficient
choice and variety for a multitude of preferences and age groups."
Policy: 1.1.2 - Continue the implementation of recreation programs for Tequesta Park that
complement and enhance the use of the Village's recreational facility assets, with periodic
evaluations of how these programs are meeting the recreation needs of the Village.
TGB Comment to EAC: I would change the way this policy is written. See my suggestion.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Continue the implementation of recreation programs for T-equesta Dart' that complement
and enhance the use of the Village's recreational programs and facility assets, with per-iodie
evaluations of how these programs are meeting the recreation needs of the Village every
5-7 years. The next evaluation will occur by no later than 2029.
Objective: 1.2.0 - As part of the development approval process, require that recreation areas be
provided as a part of the development, or accept a recreation fee in lieu of land, where and when
appropriate, in order to maintain a sustainable recreation system for the community.
TGB Comment to EAC: What constitutes a "recreation area?" I would re -write this as appears
below.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Re -write to read: "As part of the development approval process, require that recreation
areas and facilities be provided as a part of the development, or aeoept require a recreation
impact fee in lieu of land and the provision of on -site recreational facilities, 3- h la�-ana
when apppr-e e., in order to maintain a sustainable recreation system for the community.
Tequesta will develop a Recreation Element policy defining "recreation areas" that will
exclude on -site water retention areas, but may include on site swimming pools and on -site
exercise (Gym) facilities. An ordinance effectuating an on -site recreation facilities and/or
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Agenda Item #2.
recreational impact fee requirement shall be presented for Village Council consideration
by June 1, 2023."
Policy: 1.2.1 - The Village shall continue to zone all properties utilized or targeted for recreation
and open space purposes as R/OP, Recreation/Open Space.
TGB Comment to EAC: A statement of the obvious.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Fine as written.
Objective: 1.3.0 - Continue to coordinate development which allows safe and easy access to
recreational facilities outside and within the Village's corporate limits in a manner that is
consistent with the Transportation Element of this Plan and the Village of Tequesta Capital
Improvement Program.
TGB Comment to EAC: This is good because the reference to the Transportation Element means
provision of sidewalks, paved pathways, bicycle lanes and trees for shade via adopted and
implemented streetscape plans.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Fine as written.
Policy: 1.3.1 - The Village should provide for safe access to recreation areas by making road
improvements and pathway improvements compatible with surrounding development patterns and
consistent with the Village Capital Improvement Program and Transportation Element.
TGB Comment to EAC: This is fine for me with the change I made below.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Re -write to read: "The Village shoul shall provide for safe access to recreation areas by
making road improvements, pathway improvements and streetscape improvements
compatible with surrounding development patterns and consistent with the Village Capital
Improvement Program and Transportation Element."
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Agenda Item #2.
Policy: 1.3.2 - Existing roads and thoroughfares should be considered as primary locations for the
accommodation of bicycle traffic when they lead to the Village's park and recreation facilities and
encourage bicycle paths in the parks.
TGB Comment to EAC: Yes, but the Village Council prefers that bicycle accommodation be made
in the unpaved portions of the right-of-way. Also, all roads lead to a park and recreational facilities.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Re -write as: "Existing unpaved portions of road and thoroughfare rights -of -way, if
available, should be considered as primary locations for the accommodation of bicycle
traffic when they lead to the Village's park and recreation facilities. Where space is
available, the Village should consider placement of bicycle paths in parks it owns or
operates. If right-of-way is not available, modification of the roadway proper can be
considered for modification to accommodate bicycles."
Policy: 1.3.3 - Obtain easements or use road rights -of -way for bicycle and pedestrian paths well
in advance of development where they are desired consistent with Complete Street principles.
TGB Comment to EAC: OK with me.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Fine as written.
Policy: 1.3.4 - In providing pathways with safe access to recreational areas, the Village should
coordinate this activity with surrounding involved governments by reviewing Comprehensive
Plans and Capital Improvement Programs of adjacent governments as part of the annual
budgetary process.
TGB Comment to EAC: Agreed, but where has the Village identified in its plans where it wants
pathways with safe access to recreational areas for this very same process?
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Fine as written, but for the intergovernmental coordination to work properly the Village
must identify in its plans where it wants pathways with safe access to recreational areas.
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Agenda Item #2.
Objective: 1.4.0 — Continue to expand recreational facilities with the growth of the Village to meet
the needs of the residents and Level of Service Standards.
TGB Comment to EAC: Another statement of the obvious. If the Village did not do this then they
would, over time, potentially drop below their adopted level of service standards which is
indicative of incompetence and a black eye for the Village.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Fine as written.
Policy: 1.4.1- Preserve currently allocated recreational areas within the Village by zoning those
parcels and properties R/OP, Recreation/Open Space district.
TGB Comment to EAC: I would amend this to include open space areas owned by the Village as
well.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
Re -write as: "Preserve currently, or potentially, allocated recreational or open space properties,
with particular emphasis on such lands owned by the Village, by zoning those parcels and
properties R/OP, Recreation/Open Space district."
Policy: 1.4.2 - Strive to meet minimum standards for recreation open space, service areas, and
facilities as established in the Policy 1.4.5 of this Element.
TGB Comment to EAC: Why did they add the word "Strive?"
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Re -write to read: "Meet and maintain the minimum standards for recreation open space,
service areas, and facilities as established in the Policy 1.4.5 of this Element."
Policy: 1.4.3 - Encourage the use of private recreation facilities within the Village and work
cooperatively with the private sector to provide public recreation areas in future developments as
part of the site plan review process
TGB Comment to EAC: See comments and proposed changes to Objective: 1.2.0 above.
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Agenda Item #2.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Re -write to dovetail with the recommendations for Objective 1.2.0 above: "Require the use
of private recreation facilities and/or the payment of recreation impact fees within the
Village to facilitate private sector provision of public or private recreation areas in future
developments as part of the site plan review process."
Policy: 1.4.4 - Through cooperative arrangements, encourage the use of existing school and
publicly owned recreation facilities in the North County area to meet the recreation needs of
Village residents.
TGB Comment to EAC: Sounds good, unless the cooperative aspect results in increased usage of
Tequesta facilities by schools and other governments.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o OK as written so long as increased demand and use of Tequesta facilities is not detrimental
and reciprocity is realized by Tequesta citizens by allowing use of the facilities of others.
Policy: 1.4.5 - The following Level of Service Standards, shall apply to recreation and open
space facilities within the Village of Tequesta.
Classification Area/Activity Standard (Unit/Population)
Neighborhood Parks 2 acres/1,000
Community Parks 2 acres/1,000
TGB Comment to EAC: According to the Village, the State recognizes Tequesta Park as enabling
Tequesta to meet the Community Park Unit/Population adopted. With a population of 6,200, VOT
needs 12.4 acres for a Community Park. Tequesta Park is around 50 acres. We meet this
requirement.
For Neighborhood Parks we also need 12.4 acres for a population of 6,200. We have Constitution
Park @3 .7211 acres; Remembrance Park @ 1.7566 acres. Is Village Green considered a
Neighborhood Park? If so add 2.96 acres for Village Green. Are there others? If not, the total for
Neighborhood Parks is 8.4377 acres, short of the 12.4 acre requirement. Perhaps this explains the
VOT desire to make stormwater retention ponds near Remembrance Park a part of that park? If
they rezoned the parcel just east of South Cypress Drive to R/OP Recreation /Open Space VOT
would automatically gain another 1.0344 acres in their Neighborhood Park deficit while staying
in compliance with Policy 1.4.1 above which requires preservation of currently allocated
recreational areas within the Village by zoning those parcels and properties R/OP,
Recreation/Open Space district.
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Agenda Item #2.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o It appears the Village falls short of the adopted level of service for Neighborhood Parks.
The Village should address this discrepancy with a degree of urgency.
Policy: 1.4.6 - The Village shall continue maintaining and enforcing landscaping regulations
which establish landscaping and open space definitions, standards and regulations consistent
with Florida Friendly Landscaping requirements.
TGB Comment to EAC: The Village has some landscaping and open space definitions, standards
and regulations in Sec. 78-394. However, the EAC has recommended these FFL requirements be
applied to all zoning districts, which the Village Council has not yet acted upon.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Judiciously enforce the current requirements of the Village Code pertaining to Florida
Friendly Landscaping (FFL) and open space definitions, standards and regulations in Sec.
78-394 and update the same as may be needed from time to time. Expand the applicability
of FFL to all zoning districts of the Village as recommended by the EAC to the Village
Council in 2022.
Policy: 1.4.7 - The Village should continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Government
and Palm Beach County to direct the development of the Coast Guard property north of CR 707
for future recreation/open space, culture/civic and/or other appropriate public use. Since there is
similar federally owned property south to CR 707 within the corporate limits of the Town of
Jupiter, the Village should investigate coordination with their work toward similar development
of the entire area.
TGB Comment to EAC: Are they really certain they want this land designated for future
recreation/open space, culture/civic and/or other appropriate public use? I think the land south of
CR 707 is over developed.
EAC Proposed Options: Options to consider for recommendation to the Village Council and staff
are:
o Explain to the public why Tequesta should work cooperatively with the Federal
government and Palm Beach County to direct the development of the Coast Guard property
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Agenda Item #2.
north of CR 707 for future recreation/open space, culture/civic and/or other appropriate
public use. Why not leave the undeveloped?
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