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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2195 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2006 - 5:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order Chairman Castro called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Present: Chairman: Anne Castro Vice-Chairman: Patricia Flury Board Members: Robert Anton John Bertino City Manager: Ivan Pato City Attorney: Tom Ansbro City Clerk: Louise Stilson CRA Consultant: William Salim Absent: Board Member: C.K. McElyea Mr. >Bertino motioned to excuse Mr. McElyea; seconded by Mr. Anton. The motion carried unanimously. 2. Approval of Minutes of February 14 2006 Mr. Anton motioned to approve the Minutes of February 14, 2006; seconded by Vice- Chairman Flury. The motion carried unanimously. City Attorney Ansbro advised the Unsafe Structures Board met today and the COPA needs to come because the Building Official did not get access to the building, however, those arrangements were made today. He indicated the Building Official is convinced that the building needs to be torn down. The Jai Alai sign hearing was continued until May 17, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. in order for the attorney for Jai Alai to rebut our findings. 3. Update on Iler's project to codify the CRA Zoning_Regulations Mr. Leeds advised we have a Scope of Services from the Iler Planning Group, but it is missing some items and Mr. Moskowitz requested some changes. The total cost for the project is $117,000. He had some new information to bring to the Board's attention. The County is considering a new program that would hire outside consultants to prepare zoning regulations for 2-4 selected cities in the County, Coconut Creek, Wilton Manors, Pompano Beach and Dania Beach. The County would like to pick two cities and prepare the CRA Zoning Regulations for . these cities. He was told we were a front runner and we may find out in a month if we would be selected. He provided the County with a copy of the Iler Planning Group Scope of Services. The County put out a request for Letters of Interest for work that includes assisting the preparation of model municipal development and zoning regulations corresponding to new land use plan designations; formulating an extensive public participation and outreach process; and working directly with interested municipalities to insure that the model municipal code addresses local needs. This will be a consortium of consultants hired by the County to prepare the first two sets of zoning regulations; one for Dania Beach and one for Pompano. His concern is that it is free, but we want to insure that it is the best thing for the City. He noted in order to change the CRA correctly, we need to create the districts and rezone the entire area. The Iler Planning Group proposal covers these issues; the County has not committed to this. His recommendation would be to go with the Iler Planning Group. Chairman Castro is concerned because we may not be selected by the County and we would delay the project for several months; she also is concerned as to why the County is willing to do this for a City unless they are trying to incorporate it into a larger framework. Although saving money would be nice, she does not think this would be prudent or smart. Mr. Bertino had similar trepidations; he would need assurance that the program would be tailored for the City's needs, not the County's. Mr. Anton commented we need to weigh all our options. The trust factor between the City and • the County is not good due to the airport and other issues. Mr. Leeds indicated the selection of the cities would not be a County Commission matter, staff would select the cities. He noted Mr. Iler said that if his Scope of Services was approved in March, he would start in April; the zoning code would be completed by December; and it would take an additional three months to rezone the entire area. The County would take an additional three months after that. His request tonight is whether the Board wants to proceed with Iler or the County. Mr. Anton feels we need to continue in the direction we are going, but we should look at the County option. Vice-Chairman Flury does not think it will be free from the County; she does not know the County's agenda, but she believes the staff has been given orders and is doing what they were told. She indicated that by hiring their own consultants for each city it would give them a knowledge base they may not already possess, which could position them with the airport, port, or other entities. Her preference is to go forward with the Iler Planning Group. Mr. Anton is concerned about how responsive the County would be because we are not paying the bill. Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, March 1,2006—5:30 p.m. • Chairman Castro suggested we move forward with the Iler Planning Group and ask the County if it would deter them from considering us as a potential City. She also suggested we could do a dual track with the County for the process, and compare outcomes. Mr. Leeds responded we have to apply for the County program; and if we ask them to do it, his staff would need to spend a lot of time with them, as well as with the Iler Planning Group. Mr. Bertino motioned to move forward with the Der Planning Group, and tell the County that we are not interested in applying at this time; seconded by Vice-Chairman Flury. The motion carried unanimously. 4. Discussion Items: 4.1 Possible LOI brochure City Manager Pato noted he previously distributed a color brochure from the City of Oakland Park which they are using as a method of promoting redevelopment ideas. He suggested this is a marketing tool to use if and when we develop a vision for a portion of the CRA or other area in the City. It is an instrument to bring people interested in helping us achieve our plan. This brochure was developed by a company with whom we have previously done business. Chairman Castro commented this relates to Item #4.4. She indicated developers have asked her what we are looking for and where we want it; they are not looking to partner with the City. She noted Oakland Park was very specific with descriptive drawings of blocks and streets, and in some cases tried to offer incentives with a partnership. She thought the Board should discuss a process and vision for the City. Vice-Chairman Flury agreed with Chairman Castro's thinking, however, she stated we do not have a real CRA, and we do not have money so we cannot pick up parcels in the downtown area, and we cannot talk to developers about what we would like because we do not own the property. She thinks that Federal Highway will never develop into a larger area because of the size and traffic. She suggested NE I" Avenue as an area for someone to create a streetscape image. The first step would be for someone to purchase all the properties in that area. City Manager Pato noted the Casa Beni project calls for closing a portion of NE lst Avenue, which would force traffic away from Dania Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway. He noted that at some point the Commission needs to discuss where development should occur. He indicated there is a proposed mixed-use project north of the Pirates Inn that is very attractive. Mr. Bertino commented if we could zone the downtown area and develop a concept, people would be more likely to develop because they would know what they could build. He indicated that people who own the land think it is worth more than developers are willing to invest if they do not know what the Commission will let them build. He noted we need a vision of how we want the City to develop. Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,March 1,2006—5:30 p.m. Chairman Castro remarked this is what the Iler Planning Group will do for us. She thinks a key to the downtown is the tract that is north and south of City Hall. In addition to NE 1st Avenue, she would like to see NW 1st. She noted that she noticed properties for sale and thought about asking the County for more funds to purchase the properties that we could then sell to developers. Mr. Bertino indicated that $35,000 per unit is the magic number as to what land is worth. He commented we need to have the vision and he thinks this is an excellent idea to get things moving. Mr. Anton realizes that zoning is the key to controlling the prices. He noted we tried to purchase properties and the prices skyrocketed; we also had problems with eminent domain; and he does not see the capability of the City purchasing properties until we get the zoning in place. He thinks we need to develop a plan. Chairman Castro commented the illustrations would show what we want, and the zoning would be changed to coincide with the illustrations. She would not propose going through attorneys to purchase properties, but would like another process, such as the straw man process. Vice-Chairman Flury commented there is no bad piece of property, and we should not wait for all of the zoning program to be in place because it could be a year or longer. She suggested we could do one or two areas for the streetscape, including height limitations. • Vice-Chairman Flury motioned to go forward with developing a conceptual development plan,including height limitations. City Manager Pato asked if the Commission would be comfortable if he brings something forward that picks one street where there are certain developments that are moving forward, and plant a mixture in between projects that have been approved. He will bring plans forward for the Commission to approve within 60 days. Mr. Leeds cautioned that we would need an architect that is interested in preparing this type of plan for NE 1st Avenue as a pilot program. Chairman Castro cautioned we are only looking for an artist's rendering of what we want it to look like. The Commission could then make adjustments to what it looks like. Mr. Leeds commented if we want to do it as simple as possible, we could do conceptual photo simulations. He indicated we need to build flexibility into the height. Mr. Bertino commented one problem is the undersized lots that need to be amalgamated. He is opposed to tall buildings, and suggested we may want to consider units, as opposed to height. City Manager Pato cautioned the first step is to develop a concept and begin to market an idea; the specifics would be dealt with when people come in with projects. He indicated there would be space between buildings which could be pedestrian friendly walkthrough areas. The first pass Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, March 1,2006—5:30 p.m. is to plant the concept and invite people to come and talk to us. The Commission has the option to consider every project individually. He agreed we should start with one area and develop a rendering. Mr. Anton wants both sides of Federal Highway that are starting to develop. He would like something similar for the NW section with shops and mixed use, however, he does not want to mirror the east side of the street. He likes the concept of staggered height buildings. City Manager Pato commented the Commission should not dispose of any tools they may need to achieve their goals. He suggested Eminent Domain may need to be used on some properties. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bertino, and carried unanimously. 4.2 List of parcels provided by Community Development Mr. Leeds noted the map shows all the individual properties larger than 1.5 acres. Most are already developed, but have potential for redevelopment. Most are also located along Dania Beach Boulevard and east of Federal Highway. The property across from City Hall, 1.9 acres, is not included on the list. He will have the map coded for the Commissioners so they can identity property owners with the parcels. He indicated most of the parcels were impacted by wetlands that restrict the acreage to be developed. He noted the Winn Dixie parcel has potential for redevelopment. • Vice-Chairman Flury stated she would be interested in acquiring the fireworks company parcel. Mr. Bertino noted the owner has turned down $7M for the property. Mr. Leeds commented he was contacted by a law firm that indicated the property owner would be interested in relocating to an area on Ravenswood Road, if property was available. He agreed that the fireworks company property has one of the best views for development. Chairman Castro said she had discussions with developers who are looking to purchase property on Ravenswood Road and build-to-suit the fireworks company. In exchange, they would get the current site and redevelop it. She suggested the developers consider properties off Ravenswood Road, and noted it is hard to answer questions if we do not have a consensus among the Commission. She suggested we ask the County for funds. Mr. Anton thought County Commissioner Rodstrom had talked about a five year program to acquire and sell properties before the City would absorb any debt service. Chairman Castro asked if we could have a straw person to inquire about properties for the City of Dania Beach. Attorney Salem is concerned about the straw person because in order to a get loan from the County to fund the purchases, we need appraisals. Minutes of Regular Meeting 5 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, March 1,2006—5:30 p.m. • City Manager Pato remarked we need to think out of the box; there are other options such as creating our own TIF, or business improvement district. City Attorney Ansbro advised cities and CRA districts do not have the power to tax; only the Legislature. Chairman Castro suggested the City Manager, City Attorney and Mr. Leeds brainstorm and bring back ideas. City Attorney Ansbro commented that several years ago we dealt with Ed Stone and Associates who did a nice Master Plan. He suggested we should contact them. 4.3 System for agents to act on behalf of the City for land acquisition and method to tie- into the County program to request funds Discussed under Item #4.2. 4.4 How to provide direction to developers willing to build Discussed under Item #4.1. • 5. Adjournment City Clerk Stilson advised the next scheduled CRA meeting is April 5'", which is one of the days that the City Manager and three Commissioners would be attending Broward Days in Tallahassee. She asked the Board if they wanted to reschedule the meeting for another day or wait until the May 3, 2006 meeting date. The Board concurred to meet the week following the regular meeting date. Chairman Castro adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 0"' ATTEST: ANNE CASTRO CHAIRMAN - CRA t ° -1a LOUISE STILSON, CMC CITY CLERK Approved: May 3, 2006 • Minutes of Regular Meeting 6 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, March 1,2006—5:30 p.m.