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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 8-A_4/9/1998 • J F Ft. 1016,, VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA ,� , Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive ''� c°� Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 • (561) 575-6200 3 ti11` Fax: (561)575-6203 VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 18, 1998 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The. Tequesta Redevelopment Committee held ' a. regularly scheduled meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Wednesday, March 18, 1998. The meeting was called to order at 9 : 01 A.M. by Chairman Carl Hansen. A roll call was taken by Betty Laur, the Recording Secretary. In attendance were: Chairman Carl C. Hansen, and CO-Chair Ron T. Mackail. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford, Village Clerk Joann Manganiello, and Planner Michelle Falasz. Co-Chair Joseph Capretta was absent due to a medical appointment. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA • Village Manager Bradford requested the agenda items 4 and 5 be reversed. Co-Chair Mackail made a motion to accept the agenda as amended. Chair Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Ron T. Mackail - for • The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the agenda was accepted as amended. • Recycled Paper REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 2 III. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were no communications from citizens. IV. DISCUSSION REGARDING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VISION STATEMENT FOR U.S. HIGHWAY ONE CORRIDOR IN TEQUESTA Village Manager Bradford reported the Village had received a letter from Cindy DiFilippo of Commissioner Karen Marcus' office regarding meetings they were having about the Eastward Ho movement. The Village Manager explained that cities south of Tequesta--Jupiter, Juno, and Palm Beach Gardens--had created a U.S. One corridor study, and Commissioner Marcus' office had inquired whether Tequesta would be interested in doing a similar study to see what types of land uses are desired along U.S. One. Village Manager Bradford commented that Tequesta's circumstances were different from those of the other cities. Planner Michelle Falasz reported she had checked Tequesta' s land use classifications along U.S. One, and found they were all commercial, which would agree with the Eastward Ho concept of keeping that area commercial. Planner Falasz had spoken with Damian Peduto, Planner for Juno Beach, who had shared their study and explained that Juno Beach was improving the roadway by updating their curb and gutter and beautifying, with the goal of bringing in commercial development and more ' people; but were not widening the roadway because they wanted to slow traffic. Co-Chair Mackail recommended that the Village should pursue any monies available to enhance U.S. One landscaping. Planner Falasz reported that U.S. One was built out in the Tequesta area, so any funds would not go for road widening. DOT had already addressed ingress/egress issues and closed Bridge Road access to the north. Planner Falasz commented that Tequesta' s U.S. One landscaping did not compare to that REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 3 of Jupiter just south of Tequesta. Co-Chair Mackail responded that DOT had stated there was a visibility problem and did not allow as much landscaping through Tequesta. Co- Chair Mackail expressed his disappointment that Tequesta had not been able to get red brick pavers, and landscaping like that on PGA Boulevard. Planner Falasz commented that Juno Beach planned to use landscaping as a traffic calming device; Co-Chair Mackail expressed his hope that Tequesta could do that also. Chair Hansen reported he had attended an Eastward Ho meeting which had focused on revitalization of U.S. One; and the name had come about to bring. focus to the east because for many years everyone was moving west. Chair Hansen stated he saw U.S. One in Tequesta as the Village' s new downtown, and therefore considered U.S. One very important. Chair Hansen commented that Tequesta was fortunate in that the Village did not have as much to do along U.S. One as their southern neighbors, but should pursue drainage and landscaping improvements and keep up with Ordinance 377 . Village Manager Bradford directed Planner Falasz to monitor and be involved in the Eastward Ho movement and report back what. the Village needed to do. Vic Strahan, Vice Chair of the Community Appearance Board, reported that when DOT had restructured U.S. One and installed the current median islands, the Community Appearance Board had submitted a plan which DOT did not accept, but only allowed oak trees and grass. mr. Strahan suggested that if funds were available, the landscaping could be increased on either side of the roadway, which would help offset the sparse landscaping on the islands. Mr. Strahan explained that Jupiter had used their own money along with funds from . the County and DOT to provide the landscaping immediately south of Tequesta and over the bridge, and that they had to provide maintenance. Mr. Strahan stated he did not believe DOT would allow more landscaping to be placed in Tequesta' s median islands, and REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 4 that they would look better in a few years after the oak trees grew. During discussion, regarding whether Tequesta should formulate an Eastward Ho mission statement, village Manager Bradford explained that Tequesta already had six traffic lanes, curb and gutter, and landscaped median islands, so there was really nothing to be done at this point. The Village Manager explained that Juno' s circumstances were much different, since they had no curb and gutter and they did not have six traffic lanes, and they had done the study to justify their position to DOT. The Village Manager commented that it was probably hopeless to make any changes along U.S. One in Tequesta, since DOT always did just what they wanted. Village Clerk Manganiello stated that Ms. DiFillipo did not suggest that Tequesta do a formal U.S. Highway One Corridor Study. However, Miss DiFillipo did think it would be an opportune time for Tequesta to go "on record" as to it' s mission statement for U.S. Highway One, if Tequesta so desired. Village Clerk Manganiello believed that Mr. Strahan's suggestion of landscaping along the road sides could work. Chair Hansen concluded that staff should continue to attend the Eastward Ho meetings and report back by placing any important items on this committee' s meeting agenda. Co-Chair Mackail inquired whether the closure of Bridge Road had impacted the Village, to which Village Manager Bradford responded the intersection was safer, but merchants were not happy. Co-Chair Mackail stated that Commissioner Marcus needed to be reminded she had promised funds to the Village for Parks and Recreation. V. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BRIDGE ROAD STREETSCAPE PLAN AND TEQUESTA PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Village Manager Bradford stated that this presentation was REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 5 staff' s response to the Village Council' s request that he come up with plans for Tequesta Plaza and Bridge Road, one of the Village Manager' s objectives. The plans presented had been prepared by Architect Lisa Lemanowicz, Gee & Jenson, who was present at the meeting. Village Manager Bradford explained that these plans corrected some poor planning in the Village, and this plan would eliminate the Tequesta Plaza Shopping Center, and continue to correct Tequesta' s problem of previously having eight shopping centers within one square mile. One shopping center had already been eliminated and replaced with the Tequesta Oaks development. The Village Manager reported that the new owners of Tequesta Plaza were Mr. Palmieri, and John Zuccarelli from Trenton, New Jersey, who seemed reasonable and who was listening to the Village and wanted to do what he believed was good for Tequesta. Village Manager Bradford explained that if and when Mr. Zuccarelli came forward with a plan, it might not be anything like the plan before the Committee, so that it was important to be sure the same concepts were in his plan. Concepts presented in the staff plan had come from the majority of the ideas presented at the May 1997 charrette conducted with property owners and business people in this area. A major concept was to have storefront units along the back of the current shopping center building facing Bridge Road in order for Mr. Zuccarelli to maximize his return on his investment and for the Village to have more income. Another concept was to open Bridge Road from Tequesta Drive to more traffic to make it a more central commercial area, since closed access from U.S. One had been a major problem. A new street was proposed from Tequesta Drive (with on-street parking) to Bridge Road, cutting through Tequesta Plaza. This would also create a block, with corner properties that could become more valuable. The on-street parking would provide parking and create a main street, central business district, old-town type of atmosphere, which was desirable. The plan depicted a building for a satellite facility for REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 6 Jupiter Medical Center along Tequesta Drive. Village Manager Bradford explained that they wanted high visibility with their name seen on Tequesta Drive. Jupiter Medical Center' s reaction had been they liked the plan but did not believe they needed that much space, and they were currently working to try to make a deal with real estate agents for Mr. Zuccarelli. Village Manager Bradford reviewed the rest of the plan, showing how commercial and/or Village facility/cultural facility areas could be assigned. Co-Chair Mackail stated his position that the Village should take the lead in order to create the desired atmosphere. Co-Chair Mackail commented that the Village wanted a cultural facility, and that substantial monies were available from the State for those types of uses; and the Village also wanted a pedestrian-friendly environment. Co- Chair Mackail recommended that the Village work in partnership with businesses to help them establish locations where they would be comfortable, and that the Village take the lead and be in control. Chair Hansen commented that the Village had a fantastic opportunity in that the owner of Tequesta Plaza was interested in working with the Village, and possibly interested in someone else making an investment in Tequesta Plaza. Chair Hansen suggested the Village contact Lighthouse Gallery, since they Were very interested and wanted to expand their main facility, but needed commitments. Chair Hansen stated Lighthouse Gallery would like to be in partnership with the Village, and suggested contacting Coastal Players to learn their present situation, since they would also like to be in partnership with the Village. Chair Hansen commented that the Village should take this opportunity and seek partners, and work closely with them; and do everything possible to promote cultural facilities. Co-Chair Mackail expressed his opinion that if the Village of Tequesta could locate their Village Hall in this area, other opportunities would take place because of REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 7 that, and that the Village should think ahead and build a Village Hall large enough so that they did not run out of space in the future. Chair Hansen commented that he would like to work with Mr. Zuccarelli and with Lighthouse Gallery to see how they visualized the Plaza, and commented if the village Hall wete located in Tequesta Plaza that would create opportunities, and recommended that within six to twelve months the Village come to agreement how that would take place. Chair Hansen stated he liked the plan, that finally something seemed to be happening on that property, and agreed with a statement made by Village Manager Bradford that if one had a plan in hand it was much easier to talk to people about your ideas and the Village now has a plan to use as a starting point and show that the Village wants to do something. Vic Strahan commented as an interested party in the Tequesta Plaza location that' the Plaza had been going. downhill rapidly, that he had been a tenant there since 1982, that since Goodner' s had closed the situation had become much worse, that the small bar was gone, end that his business was affected but his lease was not up for another two years, and the degree of cooperation by the Village would affect him. Mr. Strahan expressed his opinion that the Village had contributed to the situation at Tequesta Plaza by their on and off dealings with Mr. Felhaber, and commented it was nice to have a plan but he feared it would delay redevelopment of the plaza. Mr. Strahan expressed great concern, explained there were only 3-4 businesses left in the plaza, that it was becoming less viable each day, and that it was becoming an embarrassment to be there. Mr. Strahan urged the Village to take some responsibility in recognition of the efforts to stay alive made by the businesses left there. Mr. Strahan stated Tequesta Plaza was the best location for accessibility and convenience for the people of Tequesta to shop. Chair Hansen responded explained the Village Council had been extremely concerned with the businesses and their survival and would like Mr. REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 8 Strahan' s business to stay there, since he believed the plan would not be complete without commercial businesses. Village Manager Bradford commented that this property had been the subject of a marketing study by Goodkin Research of Miami, one of the most reputable research firms in the United States, to see exactly what would be needed to make the property viable. Mr. Felhaber had paid a large sum to have the marketing study done, which it was believed from • subsequent conversations and the interviews conducted by Goodkin, showed the location not to be good for a traditional shopping center, since there was too much square footage for standard commercial stores in this area. Village Manager Bradford stated that what would work was a combination of commercial, civic, and cultural, which was what Goodkin had recommended to Mr. Felhaber, who promptly sold the property. The Village Manager expressed hope that Mr. Zuccarelli would hot try to utilize the property as a shopping center, since it would not work, even with the 252 new apartments proposed by Mr. Van Brock and even with the residents of Tequesta Oaks across the street. Village Manager Bradford commented that Mr. Zuccarelli had a plan for a new facade, and it looked like the shopping center on PGA Boulevard where Barnes and Noble was located. Village Manager Bradford stated the Village understood how Mr. Strahan and the other merchants felt, and that this property was the nucleus of the central business district and a better location could not be found., but it was now going through a transition. Co-Chair Mackail agreed with the Village Manager, commented that the Village had tried to buy the property but unfortunately could not deal with Mr. Felhaber, and expressed his concern for the businesses within the Plaza. Co-Chair Mackail explained that his idea with the Village being in partnership would be to be able to help the businesses by relocating them during renovation of the Plaza and then moving them back. Village Manager Bradford commented that W. Felhaber had spent a large amount of money to hire Goodkin Research, which had told Mr. Felhaber the same thing the Village had been telling him REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 9 for years, and the Village Manager expressed his opinion that if something different other than a shopping center was done that people would come. Village Manager Bradford commented that NationsBank had bought Barnett Bank, and Mr. Zuccarelli was trying to work with them to establish a satellite facility; however, they would probably need to close the one at County Line Plaza in order to do so; and there was a real possibility that Barnett' s present parcel would be developed into something completely different. Mr. Strahan commented it was his understanding that Mr. Palmieri was negotiating with other types of businesses to bring diversification for financial stability and he believed he had given up on the idea of a 100* traditional shopping center. Mr. Strahan stated he was really disturbed that this renovation process might last 4-5 years, which was not good. Mr. Strahan commented that the Village's plan was grandiose and they were trying to justify placing a Village Hall on the property, but many residents felt a new Village Hall was not needed, or felt a new one should be built next to the present Village Hall, and believed the Village should not go into debt on top of that just incurred to build the new RO plant. Village Manager Bradford explained that the village had felt they needed more space for the past ten years, that a professional needs assessment study showed the Village needed more space, and that the Village had always said they did not have to be in Tequesta Plaza, but could build next to the present Village Hall. Village Manager Bradford stated that did not solve the problem faced by the businesses in Tequesta Plaza, since Mr. Zuccarelli would probably take 2-3 years to complete transition of the Tequesta Plaza property, and that he believed Mr. Zuccarelli was looking at converting to office space. Chair Hansen commented that none of the Village Council members had a burning desire to put the Village Hall at Tequesta Plaza, and none of them wanted it there to be able to say the REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 10 Village had a fancy facility, but that the reason for discussing it was to make something happen there by providing an enticement. Co-Chair Mackail expressed his opinion that the Village should have condemned the property, and that the Village had now lost BRITT, and that Lighthouse Gallery, Coastal Players, and BRITT had all asked the Village for help. Co-Chair Mackail explained that Juno Beach and Jupiter were both trying to get Lighthouse Gallery to move to their communities and if the Village did not do something they would lose Lighthouse Gallery, which if that were lost the attraction to Tequesta was lost. Village Manager Bradford commented that lots of changes were coming to northern Palm Beach County, including Abacoa, and the Village must be proactive or they would be left behind if they kept the status quo and 'would become another Lake Park. Gary Van Brock inquired what the Village could do to keep Lighthouse Gallery here. Co-Chair Mackail responded that The wolf Corporation, which had done a report for Lighthouse Gallery, had been very impressed that the Village had provided funds to finish the library when the County ran out of money. Co-Chair Mackail explained that Lighthouse Gallery owned their building and if they sold it they would have funds, and he knew someone who might want to buy it. Co-Chair Mackail commented with such a nucleus in place, the Village could take a leadership position and go to the State of Florida and request money. Co-Chair Mackail stated there were cultural grants available, which would take time, but in the meantime other things could happen within the community, and everyone needed to think together to make this happen. Mr. Van Brock commented that Lighthouse Gallery would be a viable user and they were willing to relocate to a specific site and seemed to be looking for some kind of a grant. Village Manager Bradford commented maybe the Village could pay some money to make it happen-- maybe buy the land, maybe buy a building, maybe have a referendum--but there were ways and means the Village could help the Gallery do what they needed to do. Mr. Van Brock .f REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 11 expressed his opinion the Village should not lose Lighthouse Gallery. Co-Chair Mackail reminded Mr. Van Brock that he had given the Village an option on land and Lighthouse Gallery had_ made a commitment in writing and BRITT had verbally committed, but the Village could not afford the price, so the Village was not the stumbling block since they could not justify spending so much above the appraised value. Mr. Van Brock explained that Lighthouse Gallery at that time had been waiting for the Village to give them a site. Co-Chair Mackail stated he had spoken with Mr. Frankenthal, who related the Gallery was reorganizing their Board to bring in some strong boardmembers. Mr. Van Brock expressed his opinion that the Gallery really wanted to do something but just needed a meeting of the minds. Co-Chair Mackail commented to Mr. Strahan that he did not want to build a building to put a tax burden on the Village residents, but wanted the Village not to be a ghost town. Mr. Strahan commented that Mr. Zuccarelli and Mr. Palmieri had invested $1.3 million and would not get any return on that money unless they did something, and asked how the Village was going to pacify them over the period it would take to implement this plan. Village Manager Bradford commented this plan did not require Lighthouse Gallery, that it could be office buildings--but that this was just a concept. Secondly, the Village did not have to pacify Mr. Zuccarelli--all he had to do was bring in a plan and the Village would consider whether or not they would approve it. Village Manager Bradford stated he was just suggesting it would take longer than he thought because he would not be able to fill the building as a traditional shopping center. The Village Manager stated if Mr. Zuccarelli came in with a plan to build a shopping center that the Village would not stop him, but might ask him to do something on the north side of Bridge Road, and this plan was just a. concept which would accomplish a number of goals. Village Manager Bradford explained that Mr. Zuccarelli had some of the same goals, but had different ways to accomplish them. Mr. Van Brock expressed his opinion that if Mr. Zuccarelli REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 12 beautified the property, kept the existing tenants and attracted a few more, at least that would be a lot better than it was now. Village Manager Bradford commented that Mr. Zuccarelli wanted the Village to move into the property, and saw the value of doing something on the north side of Bridge Road. Village Clerk Manganiello commented that one of the most important aspects of this plan was the focus on Bridge Road, and the Village could proceed with the streetscape plan to enhance the property values, help drainage, help existing businesses on that road, possibly attract new businesses, and should be addressed regardless of what Mr. Zuccarelli did with Tequesta Plaza, and requested the Committee consider approval of the Bridge Road streetscape project. Chair Hansen commented that doing something about Tequesta Plaza and Bridge Road was one of the Village Council objectives for this year, and that staff had been following up on that, which had resulted in the plans before the Committee at today' s meeting. Chair Hansen stated he would like the Committee to urge the staff to work with partners and show Mr. Zuccarelli these concepts, and also to approve the landscaping plan for Bridge Road. Co-Chair Mackail expressed his agreement, and stated he would like to move forward and would like the landscaping to be accomplished. Co-Chair Mackail recommended placing a time frame on the concept of a partnership arrangement with Mr. Zuccarelli and with Lighthouse Plaza, to try to have a date certain to have all players involved with a common goal with an objective and implementation program to accomplish goals. . Co-Chair Mackail suggested less than a one-year deadline, and stated that the Village could expedite the approval process for Mr. Zuccarelli. Chair Hansen requested a formal motion to contact possible partners for doing something at Tequesta Plaza and work with them within a time period. Betty Nagy questioned whether the medical facility could be REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 13 built first to attract others to the Plaza, to which Village Clerk Manganiello responded that building could be done along Tequesta Drive, still leaving the present shopping center intact. The Village Clerk suggested that if the medical facility building was erected first, then possibly Mr. Strahan could move into that building while renovation of his space was accomplished. Mr. Strahan agreed but expressed his opinion that the Village must start talking to Mr. Zuccarelli right now. Co-Chair Mackail agreed. Co-Chair Mackail moved that the Village pursue the landscaping plan design and concept on Bridge Road, and work with Mr. Zuccarelli and Mr. Palmieri, and get Mr. Zuccarelli in to talk and to agree on a time certain to work in conjunction with the business owners and associated tenants in Tequesta Plaza today to come up with a common goal for the Village. Chair Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Betty Nagy cautioned against landscaping and then building the medical building and having to re-landscape, and was assured the Village would not do that. Co-Chair Mackail stated the Jupiter medical people were very anxious to move forward. Lois Yaffee, owner of My Book Place on Bridge Road, stated she was representing the business owhers on Bridge Road at this meeting, and requested that notices be sent to them of each meeting. Ms. Yaffee reported negative comments regarding the Village Council that nothing had been done for ten to twelve years, and to please get something going. Co- Chair Mackail explained that notices of all the meetings were published in the newspaper and Mrs. Nagy could also REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 14 help inform them regarding the meetings. Co-Chair Mackail stated it was unfortunate people felt nothing had been done because the Village Council had worked very hard and that Tequesta Oaks and the library had been accomplished. M. Yaffee requested that the Village Council keep the momentum going. Co-Chair Mackail explain that Mr. Felhaber had been the stumbling block. Village Manager Bradford advised that although everyone was very enthusiastic about revitalization, it must be balanced against cost. Co-Chair Mackail commented the residents never wanted a tax increase, but had to only look at their back yards to see what could happen. Co-Chair Mackail commented on the value of annexation to increase the tax base and bring more residents into the Village. Mr. Strahan commented that most comments were pure speculation, and suggested that the Village Manager put their concepts and plans into writing and have the newspaper publish it to try to show people something was happening, since the most frequent question he was asked was "When are they going to do something?" Co-Chair Mackail expressed disappointment that Mr. Van Brock had not done more to help, and eXpressed his own willingness to do whatever was necessary to make something happen. VI. ANY OTHER MATTERS There were no other matters to be discussed. VII. ADJOURNMENT Co-Chair Mackail made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chair Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Ron T. Mackail - for REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 18, 1998 PAGE 15 The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 A.M. Respectfully submitted, ietty Laur Recording Secretary ATTEST: Joann Manganiello Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: