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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHandouts_Regular_Tab 19_05/12/2011 � . , Additional Backup Item 19 Since 1979 DeRose Design Consul1 STRUCTURAL • CIVIL • LAND PLANNING • �NVIRONN�N www. derosec � 470 South Mdrews ave. • Suite 2� ❑ 633 N.E. 167th St. • Suite 923 Pompano Beach, FL 3�69 North Miemi 8each, FL 33162 954942-7703 • Fax 954-942-7933 30�249-3674 + Fax; 305-249-3410 May 10, 2011 Village of Tequesta 357 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, FL 33469 Attn: James M. Weinand, Fire Chief RE: GMH Tequesta Holdings LLC Special Exception Application OPN: 10003A Dear Mr. Weinand: This letter is in response to comments received on May 2, 2011 in the Village of Tequesta Department of Community Development staff report for the above referenced project. The outstanding comments, and our responses, follow: Staff Analvsis Comment 4g: Rehabilitation facilities must be equipped with a controlled space, effectively screened from public view, for arrivals and departures of patients. This space shall be large enough to accommodate an ambulance for transporting patients in and out of the facility. The proposed rehabilitation facility includes the following two areas for arrival and departure of patients (see Sheet SP-1 and LP-2): Area 1. It is the main entrance located on the southwest corner of the building. Landscaping is used as screening along the perimeter of the site. Further screening will be required for site plan approval. Area 2. It is the ambulance access located on the southeast corner of the building. Landscaping is used as screening along the perimeter of the site. Further screening will be required for site plan approval. RESPONSE: Additional landscaping, consisting of an additional layering of hedges, groundcovers and dense groupings of pines, palms and medium size canopy trees will be added fo the interior side of the perimeter fence. Due to the limited planting width outside of the existing fence (3 fo 4 ft.) and abutting sidewalk, all additional plantings will be provided on the interior side of the perimeter fence. Cabbage palm clusters will be provided along fhe edge of parking across from the pafient arrival and departure area. Additional shrubs will a/so be provided around the ambulance access area. 10003A. staffreport. resp.051011.j cf Comment 4h: Rehabilitation facilities shall be surrounded on all sides by a fence or wall located as close to the property lines as is practical. The fence or wall shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height but may be as high as ten (10) feet, measured from finished grade, in order to ensure privacy for both rehabilitation facility patients and for Village residents. RESPONSE: We request a waiver for the minimum 6 ft. fence height for the perimeter fence. The existing fence height present/y ranges from just over 5 ft. to 6 ft. Comment 4h: The north fence toward the Village Water Plan consists of a 6'-0" chain link fence without concrete columns. According to the Village Water Plant survey, the fence belongs to the Water Plant. The applicant needs to provide a fence toward the water plant. The proposed fence needs to be landscaped (interior and exterior sides) in accordance with the principles_ set forth at Sec. 22-84 of the Village Code of Ordinances. RESPONSE: The Village has confirmed that the applicant owns the chain link fence on the north side of the property. We are requesting a waiver to maintain fhe fence at its present /ocation and eliminate the required landscaping required on the north side of the fence per Sec. 22-84 of the Code of Ordinances. Additional landscaping is provided on the entire length of the south side of the fence, as indicated in the /andscape plans previously submitted. Comment 4h: Further review of the detailed design features of the gate and fence will be reviewed before site plan approval. The existing chain link fence and proposed landscape will offer a limited buffer toward the Village water plant. There should be further considerations about protecting the water plant considering its critical role in the community. RESPONSE: As indicated above, additional landscaping has been provided along the /ength of south side of fhe north fence to provide protection of the water planf along the north property line. Criteria for Grantinq Special Exception Comment 4: To this date, the Village has not received a letter from the Sterling House approving the proposed landscape buffer (April 28, 2011). RESPONSE: An e-mail from representatives at Sterling House approving the proposed /andscape buffer between fhe two properties was forwarded to Village staff on May 2, 2011. 10003A. staffreport. resp.051011.jcf Comment 4: The proposed landscape for the Old Dixie Highway right-of-way will be a requirement of the site plan approval process. RESPONSE: A proposed /andscape plan for this area is currently being prepared and will be submitted to fhe Village during the site plan approval process for review prior to obtaining Palm Beach County agency approval. Proof of submittal to Palm Beach County will be provided to the Village prior to final site plan approval. The applicant has had conversafions wifh Palm Beach County regarding the proposed landscaping► a/ong the right-of-way and the County has indicated that the proposed plantings are acceptab/e pending review. Comment 7: With regard to landscaping, further landscape features will be requested before the plan approval process (please see attached Village landscape architect analysis letter). Perimeter Hardscape/Landscape: 1.a.i. Because the green space in the right-of-way is more than 35' wide along Dixie Highway and 10' wide along Village Boulevard, its appearance is an important part of the exterior of the site. Although the applicant is in the process of preparing plans for this area, we will definitely need information regarding types of plant material, sizes and quantities and planting criteria from Palm Beach County prior to site plan review. In addition, the applicant should address whether sod and irrigation will be installed and maintained in areas that are not being planted. RESPONSE: A detailed planfing design for the O/d Dixie right-of-way will be provided upon comp/etion for review and comment. All sodded areas between the edge of pavement and sidewa/k will be fully irrigated along Village Boulevard and O/d Dixie Highway. 1.a.ii. I disagree that there is not sufficient space for finro (2) layers or two (2) rows of plant material between the fence and sidewalk along Old Dixie Highway. Presently, a Buttonwood hedge is planted in this area and there is clearly space between the hedge and the sidewalk (see attached photos). The proposed Cocoplum and Spanish Stopper hedges are nice, but a minimal improvement over the existing hedge. I still feel additional plant varieties and layering are necessary to upgrade the existing appearance. RESPONSE: As stated before, 4 ft. of width (3 ft in front of existing columns) does nof provide sufficient growing room for a 7 gallon shrub and a row of 3 gallon material in front, 10003A.staffreport. resp.051011.jcf specifically when abutting a public sidewa/k. A hedge maintained af 3 to 4 ft. heighf is typically maintained at a 3 ft. width. As the �llage has requested 7 gallon shrubs in this /ocation, if is expecfed that this line of shrubs will be maintained af 5 to 6 ft. in height and will easily fill the 4 ft. wide planfing area within approximate/y 2 years after planting. Over-planting this area will result in the 3 gallon material proposed in the front to be over taken by the 7 gallon shrub material and die out 2 to 3 years after p/anting. The attachedphoto provided by staff tit/ed "Existing West Fence" depicts the existing sing/e row of hedge material and the two pictures clearly indicate the hedge being maintained at fhe edge of sidewalk and no room for an additional row of planting in this area. As an alternative, two rows of 3 gallon shrubs in lieu of the 7 gallon material can be provided in front of the fence to provide the layering effect requested. 1.b. Please note on the plan where the larger (18'-24' ht.) Oak and Magnolia trees will be installed. RESPONSE: This will be provided upon submittal of revised plans. 1.c. The schematics of the fountain, gates, fence and signage are sufficient at this point. Prior to Site Plan Review the applicant will need to submit detailed plans and elevations that tie all of these elements together. RESPONSE: Additional details regarding the proposed improvements will be discussed and reviewed with the �llage during the site plan approval process. 1.d. The recent submittal of the Tree Preservation and Removal Plan is very helpful in determining the status of the existing plant material. Please note on the plans that the existing plants will be maintained and protected during the development of this project. RESPONSE: This note will be provided upon submittal of revised plans. 2.a. Per the recent response letter, GMH shall provide a letter from the owner of the Sterling House facility, prior to the Special Exception meeting, stating that the proposed landscape buffer is acceptable. 10003A. staffrepo rt. res p.051011.jcf RESPONSE: An e-mail from representatives at Sterling House approving the proposed landscape buffer befween fhe two properties was forwarded to Village staff on May 2, 2011. Interior Hardscape/Landscape: 1.a. I disagree with the applicant's view of the proposed landscaping at the loop road. Minimal plantings have been added to the loop road from the originally submitted plans. If this road is to designated a"walking path", then additional trees, palms and shrubs need to be incorporated in this area. RESPONSE: GMH Tequesta Ho/dings has great/y increased the amount of p/antings within all properiy buffers, around the building, in the recreation area and within the courtyard. The proposed /andscaping great/y exceeds the amount of plantings required by code throughout fhe properties grounds and GMH feels the amounf of /andscaping provided along the walking path allows for the open park-like setting intended for this area. Plant List, Details and Specifications Sheet: 1. Based on my past experience reviewing plans and inspecting projects for the Village of Tequesta, the majority of the plans include shrub and groundcover heights and spreads. I find having this information eliminates any "grey areas" on whether a plant is Florida Grade #1 or of sufficient size. RESPONSE: Specifying heighfs of container grown shrubs and groundcovers is provided, but does vary depending on the season, current demand and nursery provider. However, specifying fhe spreads of these same p/ant materials is even more difficult and varies greatly for the same reasons as indicated above. The Planting Detail and Speci�cation sheef provided for fhis project requires that all p/ant materials be F/orida Grade No. 1 or better and shall a/so meet the FL Grades and Standards index, which has minimum spread requirements and governs the quality and standards of all plant materials provided for fhis project. All plantings installed will be inspected and adherence to this requirement will be enforced. Landscape Plan/Survey/Site Plan Discrepancies: 1. Please label the generator on the landscape plan. 10003A.staffreport. resp.051011.jcf � RESPONSE: The generator will be labe/ed on the revised plans. Findinqs Required for Approval Comment 5: Nuisance factors detrimental to adjacent and nearby properties and the village as a whole. Nuisance factors shall include but not necessarily be limited to noise, odor, smoke, glare, electrical interference and/or mechanical vibrations. The proposed rehabilitation facility includes a security plan with provisions to prevent nuisance factors that could be detrimental to adjacent and nearby properties and the Village as a whole. The applicant proposed: smoke detection, fire suppression system, adequate site lighting and patient conduct policy as part of their preventive approach. Further review will be conducted before the site plan approval process. RESPONSE: Additional details regarding the proposed systems will be provided for the Village's review as parf of the site plan approval process. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, . ��� . ice Cabrera-Frias, E.I.T. JCF/adr 10003A. staffreport. res p.051011.jcf Amended Backup Item 14 RESOLUTION NO. 3-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A WEBSITE POLICY REGARDING THE POSTING OF CERTAIN THIRD PARTY INFORMATION AND SITE LINKS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Tequesta desires to adopt a policy that will allow certain third party information or off-site links to be posted on the Village of Tequesta website under specific circumstances; and WHEREAS, the Village Council believes that the adoption of such a policy will serve the interests of the public and will benefit both residents and businesses in the Village of Tequesta. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1 The Village Council hereby approves and adopts the "Third Party Postings/Links to Third Party Sites" policy attached hereto as Exhibit A. Section 2 The Village of Tequesta website webmaster is directed to implement this policy by posting same at the appropriate location on the Village of Tequesta website, and by administering the policy according to its own terms. Section 3 This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Third Party Postings/Links to Third Party Sites The Village of Tequesta will only post information from, or provide hyperlinks to, public schools, Village sponsored events, organizations that offer government provided services, and those organizations that have qualified and been accepted as sponsors for Village programs and/or events. Postings and/or hyperlinks shall remain active for no longer than thirty (30) days. The above referenced third party postings contained within this site are provided by the Village of Tequesta as a courtesy to the above referenced entities and organizations. The postings are not to be construed as endorsements by the Village of Tequesta. The above referenced links contained within this site will allow you to leave the Village of Tequesta web site. The linked sites are not under the control of the Village of Tequesta and the Village is not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. This Village of Tequesta is providing these links only as a convenience and the inclusion of any link is in no way an endorsement by the Village of Tequesta. By utilizing this portal to access other off-site web pages or other web sites you are doing so at your own risk and are willingly accepting same.