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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Miscellaneous_05/06/1996_Redevelopment Committee f � f� VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA a ; , , Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive `' Tequesta, F7orida 33469-0273 • (407) 575-6200 � ` Fax: (407) 575-6203 �- o s o 9 4 f, �H COUM� VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 6, 1996 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Redevelopment Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Monday, May 6, 1996. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 A.M. by Chairman Joseph N. Capretta. A roll call was taken by Betty Laur, Recording Secretary. Committeemembers present were: Chairman Joseph N. Capretta, Ron T. Mackail, and Carl C. Hansen. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford and Village Clerk Joann Manganiello. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Com�nitteemember Mackail made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Committeemember Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for Carl C. Hansen - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as submitted. III. CON�IUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS (Non-Agenda Items) Reciiclr�d I'nj�e� Redevelapment Comm.i.ttee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 2 ----------------------- There were no comrnunications from citizens for non-agenda items. IV. RE�TIEW OF COASTAL PLAYHOUSE FACILITY NEEDS. SUSAN EMILY, PRESIDENT, COASTAL PLAYHOUSE. Susan Emily introduced her husband, Royce Emily, who had helped in the renovation of the current home of Coastal Playhouse, and Ray wo1f, who ran the box office. Mrs. Emily explained that she had written a letter to the Village Manager informing him that the Coastal Players' lease on the old Lighthouse Plaza Cinema would not be renewed beyond June 30, 1996, and asking for any help the Village could provide to help them remain in Tequesta. Mrs. Emily discussed former facilities which had been used by Coastal Players over the years until they had obtained their present facility--their first real "home". Having their own facility had made a big difference in that they had many volunteers they had never had �efare. Mrs. Emily explained that their organization had something to offer to the entire community--that they gave lessons, that actors could start at ground level, and that yaung people were hearing songs from Broadway shows they had never heard. before since arts programs were being phased out of the schools. Mrs. Emily stated that the Coastal Players had believed they would have two years in their present facility when they began their renovation, and explained that they had started with $9,000 and had accomplished a$65,000 renovation through utilization of volunteers, donations and very hard work that was now comp].etely paid for, and had a current balance of $4,300 in the bank. Reviews of performances held over the past year were distributed to the Committeemembers. Mrs. Emily reported that rehearsals were currently in. pragress for a musical about the composer, Julie Stein, and that a previous Cole Porter musical had been sold out. A children's theater program had been offered for a year, which was very important since it was not offered in the schools. Two musicals and three plays had been performed Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 3 ----------------------- during �he past year's regular season. Mrs. Emily described their present facility as having such good acoustics that a microphone was not needed. Their landlord, the DiVosta organization, had told them that they could remove everything from the building when they vacated: approximately 285 theater seats, lighting, a 10-ton air conditioner, a sound system, a stage, etc., which meant they owned everything needed for a theater--even a front drape which had recently been danated--except the a.ctual building. Mrs. Emily commented that during their eight years �n Jupiter they had been in.visible, �ut in Tequesta the Village had paid them attention by awarding them two much appreciated grants and by including them in the description of the Village as the home of Burt Reynolds Theater and Caastal Players. This had given their organization a profi].e they had never had before. Mrs. Emily commented they had searched for an appropriate building bu� had not found what they really needed, and described their organization as a completely volunteer grass roots theater with an annual budget of $52,000. The facility needed was described as no larger than 10,000 square feet and no less than 8,�00, with ceiling height to accommodate a sloped floor and to provide proper acoustics, Mrs. Emily explained that the Coastal Players were not asking to be given anything, and told the Committee that they paid rent o� $1,000 mon�hly for their present facility. Chairman Gapretta inquired whether discussion had taken place with Mr. DiVosta regarding the possibi.Iity of staying J.onger in their present building, to which Mrs. Emily responded she had tried to reach Mr. Di�tTosta but could never get past h.is representative; however, her understanding was t.hat the building the theater currently occupied contained electrical equ.ipment for McCarthy's building, so that it cou�d not be demolished until after McCarthy's had been. tarn down. Chairman Capretta speculated that DiVosta would construct a new building for McCarthy nearby and that McCarthy's would stay in business in its current l.ocation during the construction period; therefore, Chairman Capretta theorized that there was a possibility that Mr. DiVosta might a11ow a month-to-month renta.Z with 60 days notice Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 4 ----------------------- required when he actually needed to demolish the building. Chairman Capretta explained that 5everai scenarios had been discussed regarding possible utilization by the Village or Lighthouse Gallery af the old Publix building, that Mr. Felhaber was �uing the Village, that the presen,t Lighthouse Gallery would probably be available at a later date, that BRITT was evidently moving; and commented that the Village could probably help the Coastal Players get needed time and then consider working them into one af the possible scenarios. Chairman Capretta stated that he considered the Coastal organization an asset to the Villaqe. Chairm.an Capretta inquired whether musicals were more successful than plays, to which Ms. Emily responded that musicals brought in people but cost more to produce, while straight plays brought in money. The Cole Parter musical had cost $8,000, and had taken in $11,000, so that there had only been $3,000 profit; therefore, a variety was needed in order to make money and in order to offer the opportunity for everyone to do theater. Committeemember Mackail commented that he could contact Mr. DiVosta on behalf of the Coastal Players. Committeemember Mackail also commented that it appeared that the three cultural organizations in the Village--Coastal Players, Lighthouse Gallery, and Camelot--were not working towards the goal of the Village, which was to create a cultural center for visual and performing arts; and should unite to come up with a locatian an.d/or a facility that could be shared by all three. Committeemember Mackail expressed the opinion. that if the organizations did not work together that they would share the same fate as BRITT and would not be able to stay in the Village. Mrs. Emily agreed, but explained that the Camelot theater plan was for 560 seats which was larger than that needed by Coastal Players. Committeemember Mackail commented that Tequesta could not compete with Jupiter in the commercial area, but could be unique by establishing itself as a cultural center. Chairman Capretta discussed the possibility of the Coastal Players using the BRITT building, since it probably would be vacated in June, and suggested that the landlord might let it be used until he sold it on a month-to-month basis with Redevelopment Conunittee Meeting Minutes May 5, 1996 Page 5 ----------------------- a 60-day eviction notice. If the Coastal Players could gain time by either staying in their current facility or moving into the BRITT building, they could then look for a perm.anent facility. Chairman Capretta suggested that the Coastal Players contact Lighthouse Gallery, who might be interested in sharing facilities, and who evidently wanted to purchase the old Publix building for renovation or ta build a new building on that site. Chairman Capretta commented that the Village had discussed possible renovation of that building to be shared by Lighthouse Gallery and Village Administration. Chairman Capretta also commented that the Village had offered to obtain an option on seven ac�es downtown for a cul'tural center, but Lighthouse Gallery and BRITT had not been interested. Committeemember Mackail urged Mrs. Emily ta meet with Sir John of Camelot to formulate a plan for shared facilities, and Harry of Lighthouse Gallery. Mrs. Emily agreed that the organizations were compatible, and explained that Coastal Players had learned how to share facilities. Committeemember Hansen questioned whether Coastal Players would be able to pay going rate rents in the future. Mrs. Emily explained that the organization could never pay $5,200 rent which the Jupiter High School now charged, or $7,000 rent for the BRITT building--even by subleasing the building for other euents; but expected to be able to pay more than $1,000 per month in the future. Rather than pay such high rent, Mrs. Emily stated she would rather be making payments towards the purchase of a permanent facility. Vil.lage Manager Bradford questioned whether the existing Lighthouse Gallery building of 8,000 square feet would suffice for Coastal Players, to which Mrs. Emily responded that the size was good but the ceiling height was too low, and a theater really needed additional height for acoustics, a sloped floor, and to hang light$. Village Manager Bradford suggested the 6,000 S.F. Dollar General Store location, although it would have to have the floor sloped and the ceiling raised, to which Mrs. Emily responded she liked that location. Mrs. Emily reported that Coastai Player� had used the JTJC building far seven years, although it only had 10-foot ceilings, and that older ladies in the vicinity had enjoyed being able to walk ta see the Redevelopanent Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 6 ------------------------ performances. Mayor Mackail stated he would speak to Mr. DiVosta and Viliage Manager Bradford stated he would call Mrs. Emily to discuss the property owned by Mr. Felhaber. Tom Little commented that he believed Mr. and Mrs. DiVosta would be am.enable to helping, and that Coastal Players should keep their focus on trying to get an extension in their present facility. Mr. Little suggested that if Coastal Players could come up with ways to minimize the liability to the DiVosta organization while construction was going on around the building, that might be the catalyst needed far them to be able to stay on a month-to-month basis. Mr. Little suggested getting former Village Mayors and older residents involved who could support Coastal Players in their efforts with Mr. DiVosta. Dick Anschetts commented his organization would be interested in working with Coastal Players. Mayar Mackail stated he would call Mr. DiVosta, and Chairman Capretta advised Mrs. Emily that someone from the Village would contact her in a week ar two. v. REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF VILLAGE' S MASTER PLAN AND FACILITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. LISA LEMANOWICZ, R. A., PHIL CRANEI,L, AIA, GEE & JENSON Architect Lisa Lemanowicz explained that six different schemes involving three sites had been developed as alternative ways to develop new municipal facilities. The following sites were discussed, with altern.ate schemes proposed for each site: Tequesta Flaza Site: Proposed relocation of the �Tillage Hall and Public Safety functions to that loca�ion. Scheme A-l: Renovation with Public Safety function Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 7 ----------------------- located to the east, direct access by Fire Department to Tequesta Drive, Village Hall sandwiched between Public Safety functions and the Public Safety apartment building, with two additional apartments located behind the administration building. Scheme �,.-2: Basically the same as Scheme A-1, renovation with Public Safety function located to the west, direct access by Fire Department to Tequesta Drive, Village Hall sandwiched between Public Safety functions and the 2-story Public Safety apartment building. Both of the renovation plans would require expending funds to make sure the buildings were structurally sound and to meet environmental concerns. Scheme B: Demolition of all existing buildings and new construction of two buildings, the Public Safety to the west and Village Hall functions to the east with a baulevard between the buildings connecting Tequesta Drive to Bridge Road. Architect Phil Crannell explained that since this scheme involved new construction that each dollar spent would be invested in materials and systems that would have a very long life, compared to the renovation schemes. Since this plan provided a more central location for the Village Hall between Tequesta Drive and Bridge Raad, it could support the a�ts and crafts and boutique developments which were starting to emerge in some pians for Bridge Road. Tequesta Drive Site: Proposed expansion of the existing Village Hall, garage, Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 8 ----------------------- and anne� building, with Public Safety functions solely on that site. Scheme C: Renovation with enlarged Police Station, with second story addition for Public Safety Apartments, enlarged apparatus bays, enlarged annex building for Fire Department. Bridge Road Site: Proposed relocation of the Village Hall to that location. Scheme D-1: New 2-story Village Ha11, 3 existing buildings to be removed, Public Safety located off site. Scheme D-2: New 2-story Village Hall, 2 existing buildings to be removed, Public Safety located off site. Village Manager Bradford explained that the Bridge Road site utilized the former Sun Trust property and the Caurtyard of Tequesta property and estimated the approximate cost of acquisition at possibly $400,Q00 per parcel. Committeemember Hansen suggested visual.ization of what the Village would like to have as a starting point, forgetting about the cost far a moment. Committeemember Hansen �xplained that his own. vision would allow municipal facilities to remain on Tequesta Drive. Safety facilities would remain on the present Village Hall camplex site, and Administratian facilities would move to Tequesta Plaza, rahich could provide control of that area, and cultural facilities would be included for Coastal Players and Lighthouse Gallery. Committeemember Hansen stated he would like to work in that direction, if possible, but cost would have to be considered. Mayor Mackail agreed, expressed his opinion that Bridge Road seemed to be a dying area, and explained that he would like to estab].ish a cultural center and the Village administration at the entrance to the Village which wou.ld bring traffic to the businesses, and the Redevelopm�nt Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 9 ----------------------- business district could be revitalized. Mayor Mackail suggested that Tequesta Plaza businesses could either be relocated or stay there in conjunction with the Villaqe facilities. Mayor Mackail commented that this plan would probably cost more, but money must be invested in the community and the Village tax base would be increased by future new developm.ent so that there wauld be a break even point where the Village would begin to benefit by having taken the first move to make the Village a better place. Chairman Capretta suggested that public reaction wauld be negative to an announcement that new m.unicipal facilities were planned at a cost of approximately 7-1/2 million dol2ars unless the announcement was made in conjunction with other planned improvements such as the Sterling House grand opening, Mr. DiVosta's plan to tear down the old K-Mart and construct a new buildinc� for McCarthy's and to build 150 new apartments, the Lighthouse Gallery purchase of Tequesta Plaza which they planned to demolish, and the Village plan to builc� a new Municipal building and Public Safety Complex. This would set forward the idea of a new Tequesta, which people would �avor. Chairman Capretta commented that the Village should begin �o create the understanding that new facilities were needed, and focus groups could be established which would discuss the matter. Chairman Capretta explained that consultants hired by the Country Club had suggested focus groups with wide representation, including "aginners" (people against everything) to provide a negative viewpoint. Chairman Capretta commented he believed the above scenario could take place this year, therefore, the next Redevelopment Committee meeting must be advertised so that the room would be fil.led and the announcement made that focus groups would be established to involve the residents. Chairman Capretta explained the Hawthorne effect, which was a principle developed from a famous engineering study which involved workers and showed that they were satistied with results when �heir input had been considered whether or not those results matched their suggestions. Chairman Capretta suggested that a sign be erected with a large thermometer which would show the current assessed value of the Village and the $400,000,000 goal, and the level af inercu.ry would be increased each time a building permit was issued. This would be a selling tool Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 10 ----------------------- to show that the Village could afford new projects. Mayor Mackail expressed the opinion that everyone was ready to do something and the timing was now for the Village to take the lead and establish a package to sell to the public. Chairm.an Capretta recommended that a package be put together this summer describing the new Tequesta for presentation to Homeowners Associations in the fall; and that the next meeting of the Redevelopment Committee be advertised and an announcement placed in the newsletter to generate interest stating that the Committee would discuss plans for a new public safety building. .At that meetinq the whole scenario would be revealed. Discussion ensued rec�arding which project m�ght start first. Village Manager Bradford commented that purchase of Tequesta Plaza was being actively pursued. Chairman Capretta expressed the opinion that new apartments would stimulate the Tequesta business community since shoppers would be provided and thEy would be close enough to walk to shopping facilities. The Committee discussed the advantage to Mr. DiVosta of establishing a Village ac3ministration and cultural cornplex at Tequesta Plaza. Chairman Capretta suggested that the old Flame Restaurant would either need to be torn down or another use found since there was insufficient parking for a restaurant. Village Manager Bradford suggested that the Vil.lage might want to become involved in current negotiations for Tequesta Plaza if they were interested in that property as a future site. Village Manager Bradforcl reported that the owner of the BRITT building had contacted him, and that although the site was not large en.ough for a municipal building, both the adjacent Chinese restaurant and the lat across the street on Tequesta Drive were for sale. Chairman Capretta compared the two properties and commented that by comparing what both offered, the BRITT location would only be worth half as much as Tequesta Plaza, and was therefore priced too high. Chairman Capretta commented that a plan should be developed around two assumptions favored by the Committee: Locating �he Public Safety facility on the existing Village Hall Complex land, and locating the Village Administration facility downtown. Chairman Capretta suggested a facility Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 11 ----------------------- in Tequesta Plaza which the Lighthouse Gallery could share with Village Administration. It was pointed out that Lighthouse Gallery had hired an architect and wanted to build a new $4 to $6 million building, which Chairman Capretta doubted that Lighthouse Gallery possessed the economic ability to accomplish. Architect Cranell explained that since strip centers were constructed in sections that it would be easy to demolish only the old Publix Building so that a new building could be constructed on that site, and existing businesses could remain. The old Publix Building was d.iscussed as a possible theater site since it had the high ceilings necessary for a legitimate theater. Mayor Mackail comm�nted that Bridge Road could become a cultural center, but the Village would need to take the lead. Architect Cranell suggested that the back of the strip center could. be changed architecturally to make that a legitimate street and not just an alley, which would change the image of Bridge Road. The possibility of Coastal Players and Ligh�house Gallery obtaining State grants was disc�ssed. Mayor Mackail expressed concern regarding the old Lighthouse Gallery building, and stated he did not want it to sit empty and commented that a business might want to relocate there. �ln. advantage ta Lighthouse Gallery's relocation to Tequesta Plaza was they would have much more space to hold weekend art shows. Councilman Meder, who was present in the audience, suggested that in order to combat any problems resulting from Lighthouse Gallery moving from Gallery Square North, all Village functions could be left at the present site and a new scenario created which would utilize the old Lighthouse Gallery building, the present site, and 60 feet from the park as was done in Scenario C. Councilmember Meder expressed his opinion that there would not be a great advantage in locating the Village Hall across from townhouses. Mayor Mackail pointed out the success of the Juno Beach Town Hall which was located in a residential area. Chairman Capretta discussed Village control of the players and announcement of their plans in order to qain public support, to which Councilmember Meder responded that the word "control" should be replaced with "coordination" which would be better received by the public, and pointed out that a year ago the Mayor had announced that DiVosta Redevelopment Cammi.ttee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 12 ----------------------- would very shortly announce a Mini Mizner Park development. Mayor Mackail explained that Mr. DiVosta had changed his direction because he believed it would not work economically, to which Councilmember Meder responded that there had been no communication at all during the past year from Mr. DiVosta to the public so that their attitude was they would believe it when they saw it. After further discussion, Village Manager Bradford responded to Mayor Mackail that if the Village owned Tequesta Plaza that they could break even on a cash flow basis by keeping the current leases in place, and would come out ahead so long as they did not renovate and require new landscaping. Mr. Little commented that the Village should not have spent the maney to do the landscaping at the present Village Hall site to comply with Ordinance 377. Village Manager Bradford explained that the Village had to set an example to show compliance and that it was hoped the landscaping could be retained in any future facility improvements. Committeemember Hansen commen.ted that Councilmembers had run on the platform of developing the downtown for several years, however, then learned that not much could be accomplished because the players were sitting with the cont�ol. Chairman Capretta discussed the possibilit�r of making it more expensiue to hold onto vacant land, in order to do stimulate development. Further discussian ensued regarding possible acquisition of the Felhaber property. The Committee agreed that the Village should acquire the Felhaber property and that Village Manager Bradford should begin negotiations. Coun.cilmember Meder suggested it be added to do the agenda �or the upcoming Council meeting that week. Discussion ensued regarding the proper way to do proceed so that the price would not increase, which it would if it became known in a public meeting that the Village was interested. Village Manager Bradford explained that he could quietly begin negotiations with Mr. Felhaber and if he got a p�ice that made sense then a signed offer would be presented to do the Village Council for their vote to purchase. Tom Little questioned whether the Village had enough water Redeveiopment Cammittee Meeting Minutes May fi, 1996 Page 13 ----------------------- to supply the new development planned by Mr. DiVosta. Mr. Little questioned how much money the Village could raise to construct building facilities. Village Manager Bradford explained that the Village could legally borrow $35-$36 mill.ion, but the Village's capacity was between $7 and $10 million based on non ad valorem revenues which would be pledged to pay the debt; or General Obligation bonds could be approved by the voters up to $35-$36 million. �Village Manager Bradford explained that the Village did have the capacity provide enough water to service the downtown development planned by DiVosta. Committeemember Mackail made a motion to allow the Village Manager to actively coordinate the central business district with the other organizations within the Community who are interested in revitalization of that Iocation. Com�ni.tteemember Hansen seconded. the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for Carl C. Hansen - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Chairman Capretta commented that the Village had set up a positive program encouraging development during 1996 which would save developers n�oney and provide an accelerated process, which had not been successful in getting Mr. Van Brock to do proceed, and recommended trying a negative approach by pursuing with the County Property Appraiser raising the assessed value of the Dorner Trust land, and requiring something to stop stormwater draining from Dorner land and flooding other areas. Chairman Capretta requested that Mayor Mackaii contact Mr. DiVosta to discuss his plans and the fact that he was a key player in the whole scenario. Village Manager Bradford explained that �the County Appraiser could be presented with data showing that the Dorner land was under va3.ued, that special assessments could be imposed, and specia.I taxing districts under State Statutes could be set up for projects such as streets, landscaping, or street lighting. Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 Page 14 ----------------------- IV. ANY OTHER MATTERS There were no other matters to do be brought before the Committee. IV. ADJOURNMENT Committeemember Mackail made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Committeemember Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for Carl C. Hansen - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 11:34 A.M. Respectfully submitted, ` j� � .�-�� = , ='e�--�-�-�--� � � J • Betty / Laur Recording Secretary ATTEST: G�..... /�..�.� J ann Manganie o Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: �.. /3 � 9 9�