HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011-03-07 Workshop MeetingBAL HARBOUR VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING - MARCH 7, 2011
A Workshop Meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was held on Monday, March 7, 2011,
at the Sea View Hotel (9909 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Florida).
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 7:05
p.m. by Mayor Rosenfield. The following were present:
Mayor Jean Rosenfield
Assistant Mayor Joni D. Blachar
Councilwoman Patricia Coheni
Councilman Martin Packer
Councilman Jaime M. Sanz
Alfred J. Treppeda, Village Manager
Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, Village Clerk
Richard J. Weiss, Village Attorney
Andrea Greenblatt, Administrative Assistant
As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was led by Carolyn Travis,
Village Director of Tourism Marketing.
3. DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF BAL
HARBOUR SHOPS: Mayor Rosenfield explained the purpose of the workshop
meeting.
Councilwoman Cohen arrived.
John Shubin, Esq., Shubin & Bass, P.A., Representing the Bal Harbour Shops,
explained the intent to share and receive input regarding the Whitman vision for the future
of Bal Harbour Shops. He explained that they would discuss how the retail needs of the
Shops and the needs of the residents of the Village would result in a variety of alternative
expansion plans. He clarified that the plans were very rough and would include the
possibility of a new Village Hall.
Mr. Shubin discussed the special relationship and history over the years between the
Village and the Shops. He explained that the Shops sat on the original barracks that
housed the first taxpayers and incorporators of the Village, including Stanley Whitman in
1945. He reported that the Shops was opened in 1965. He discussed the reputation of the
Shops for high -end quality. He noted that the Bal Harbour Shops was family owned and
privately controlled. He discussed the positive relationship between the Village and the
Shops.
Mr. Shubin explained their request to upgrade and expand the Shops, to stay competitive
in the environment. He reviewed the Shops' role as a civic infrastructure and the heart of
1 Councilwoman Cohen arrived after the Pledge.
the Village. He noted that the Whitmans were not asking for the Village's money to
upgrade the Shops, but explained that the expansion had the ability to dramatically support
the Village financially and allow it to say no to future residential development, without
having to worry about the impact on the Village's finances and growth.
Mr. Shubin explained that if the Shops didn't make the necessary changes through an
expansion, it would risk falling behind the quality curve. He explained that the Shops would
remain open during any expansion.
Mr. Shubin introduced Mr. Stanley Whitman, to discuss his vision for the Shops.
Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops, addressed the Council. He reviewed his history
and the Shops history with the Village. He discussed the number of luxury merchants who
wanted to come to the Shops but were unable to, due to the lack of space. He addressed
the need for the Shops expansion, due to the lack of space and the risk of retailers going
elsewhere, which would be bad for the Shops and the Village. He reported that Louis
Vuitton wanted a larger space, but the Shops didn't have it so they were leaving. He noted
that in addition to more stores there was a proposal for a high -end Cobb cinema and a
venue by Barton G.
Mr. Whitman introduced his grandson, Matthew Lazenby, to review the ideas regarding the
expansion, which were very rough plans.
Matthew Whitman Lazenby reviewed the existing layout of the Shops (via an architectural
model) and adjacent buildings. He discussed a traffic stacking issue at the main entrance
of the Shops onto Collins Avenue (south bound), which would be addressed in the
proposed plans. He also discussed problems with the existing spiral ramp system for the
parking garage, since it required drivers to have to enter each level, which the plans also
addressed.
Mr. Lazenby reviewed the preliminary expansion plans (via an architectural model), utilizing
the Church and Village Hall 'properties.
Mr. Lazenby explained that in order to address the traffic concern on Collins Avenue a plan
was proposed, which was endorsed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT),
to turn a 90 foot right-of-way into a multi -lane entrance., which would eliminate or mitigate
the stacking problem on Collins Avenue entering the Shops.
Mr. Lazenby explained that the proposed expansion would include a department store on
the corner of 96th Street and Bal Bay Drive. He discussed plans to include a 100,000
square foot (approximately 50 additional stores - a 50% increase) addition for stores,
anchored by a 90,000 square foot specialty department store (equal to the size of Neiman
Marcus). He discussed the proposal to relocate the Church by the Sea and Village Hall to
other locations. He explained that the Shops was working with the Church by the Sea to
relocate to the intersection of Park Drive and Bal Bay Drive (one proposal). He proposed
also building a new Village Hall at the site of the current Public Works site, to create a -civic
center between the Shops, Village Hall, and the Church.
Mr. Lazenby reviewed three different architectural renderings, which displayed ideas for the
face of the Shops along 96th Street, which would be the emphasis of the expansion. He
reported that they liked all the plans and didn't have a preference at this point.
Bal Harbour Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes 03707720fl 2
Mr. Lazenby named Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale's Soho as possible
tenants to occupy the •90,000 square foot department store space.
Mr. Lazenby reviewed renderings for several proposed improvements to Bal Bay Drive.
The first proposal showed a single security gate around the same location as theexisting
one. The second proposal, with a more drastic change to the existing, showed lush
landscaping along Bal Bay Drive with pavers and fountains, using Village land since it
encroached on that. Another plan showed two security gates further north (one on Bal Bay
Drive and one on Park Drive), in lieu of the existing one.
Mr. Lazenby reviewed a proposed new entrance to the Shops on Bal Cross Drive, which
would be a 90-foot multi -lane entrance on an existing right of way. He noted that proposal
would include drastic improvements including trees, fountains, and pavers. He explained
that the existing access to the Fairfield Manor would be maintained in that proposal.
Mr. Lazenby reviewed slides for the proposed Village Hall site. He explained that it would
be up to the Council on how the Village Hall would look. He noted that one plan showed
the park being relocated and the second one showed the park remaining at its current
location.
Mr. Shubin explained that there were also additional proposed uses, as part of the
proposed expansion.
Mr. Shubin introduced Barton G, world-renowned restaurateur and event planner.
Barton G. Weiss, Barton G, reviewed the history of the Barton G brand. He shared his
vision for a multi -purpose venue (ballroom/event space), to meet the needs of the
community. He discussed the venue being used for fashion shows, social galas,
celebrations, corporate business meetings, weddings, fashion shoots, charity benefits, etc.
He explained the positive aspects including increased sales, collaborative on events, the
ability to cater to a large crowd, prestigious brands, co -branding, increased resort tax,
increased sales at the Shops, increased room nights at Bal Harbour hotels, and the
regional draw. -
Mr. Shubin introduced Mr. Welman, to present the concept of a Cinebistro.
Jeremy P. Welman, Chief Operating Officer - Cobb Theatres, reviewed slides and the
history of the Cobb Theatres since 1921, with over 200 screens in the southeastern United
States today. He discussed the proposal for a Cobb Theatre Cinebistro, which would be a
fully integrated premium cinema and dining concept. He explained that they would provide
premium in -theatre dining, for those 21 and older. Mr. Welman discussed the concept for
reserved seating, concierge service, valet parking, chef -driven menus, extensive wine
cellar and top shelf full service bar, digital sound cinema, etc. He explained that the
proposal would be for five to six screens, with 450 leather rocking seats.
Mr. Shubin introduced Mr. Dabby, to discuss the projections to the economic impact of the
proposed expansion to the Village.
David Dabby, Dabby Group, real estate and valuation consultant, reviewed the financial
benefits of the expansion. He noted that everyone had a stake in protecting the Shops'
position of prominence and quality, since the Shops directly benefitted all of the
households, through a direct financial benefit and a quality of life benefit. He reviewed a
teal Harbour Village Uouncil w orlshop Meeting Minutes .v37O77Z I i 3
slide presentation. He reported that the Shops was the largest contributor of real estate
taxes to the Village ($428,000 last year/close to $500,000 including personal property
taxes). He explained that when all of the other taxes and financial benefits of the existing
Shops were considered the amount increased to $1,511,000 (including real estate and
personal property tax, resort tax, occupational licenses, liquor taxes, electrical franchise
taxes, utility taxes, communications services taxes, and the half -cent sales. tax). He
explained that the proposed expansion would increase that amount (with a first year
projection of $3,981,000.00 as direct financial benefit to the Village or 27% of the total
revenues). He reported that after that the annual benefit projected would be $2,462,000.00,
or 17% of total revenues collected by the Village. He added that over a ten-year period, the
existing Shops would have a $19 million cumulative direct impact. He noted that with the
proposed expansion impact the projection would be $31 million. Mr. Dabby explained that
on a per unit basis, it would amount to $10,800.00 per household, over 10 years, of a direct
financial benefit in terms of taxes. He discussed that as being a tremendous financial
benefit to each household, in addition to a benefit of the Shops supporting the premium
real estate values that existed in the Village as well as the quality of life. He discussed the
importance to enhance the Shops over the years, to accommodate retailers and to prevent
them from movingto other facilities.
Mr. Shubin urged the Council and residents to considerthe expansion through some sort of
process going forward, at the next or a future Council meeting.
Mayor Rosenfield opened the meeting to public comment.
Leigh Anderson, 9800 Collins Avenue — Fairfield Manor, discussed the Shops proposal
to move their entrance to be in front of the Fairfield Manor (Bal Cross Drive). She was
under the impression that the Fairfield owned a portion of the road and the Shops owned
the other portion. She noted that nobody had come to the Fairfield Manor regarding any
input or compensation for their land. Mr. Whitman clarified that the plat book (PB 44-98)
was clear that all of the streets in the residential area were dedicated to the use and
enjoyment of the adjoining property owners. He explained that the Shops didn't own half of
the street and the Fairfield Manor didn't own half of the street, but they both had a right in
the record plat (an easement) to its use and enjoyment. Ms. Anderson questioned the
amount of her property that would be taken and how much she would be compensated. Mr.
Whitman explained that a large portion of the Fairfield Manor front lawn was in the 90 foot
right-of-way.
Juan Arcila, managing partner of Bal Harbour Quarzo Hotel, spoke in favor of the
expansion.
Allen Fisher, A Senior Vice President with SunTrust Bank, spoke in favor of the
expansion.
Frederic Mark, on behalf of his Chairman Mr. Tony Moray who purchased the Beach
House Hotel site in Surfside, spoke in favor of the expansion.
Dan Holder, 24 Bal Bay Drive, President of Shaker Villas, voiced concern with moving
the Security District gate, closing part of the Shaker Villas driveway, noise from the Church
bells, music from outside venues, and traffic. He spoke on the importance of maintaining a
peaceful place to live.
Ernest Halpern, 9999 Collins Avenue, spoke against the expansion, due to noise and
t3al Harbour village Council workshop Meetmg Mmutes 0370 (IDA. 1 4
traffic.
Don Orner,10245 Collins Avenue, questioned who would pay for the costs for the plans.
Mr. Shubin explained that there would be no expenditure of public funds or public credit.
Lisa Morales, the Palace 10101 Collins Avenue, voiced concem with additional parking
needs, additional cost for police/security, traffic, entrance/exits for holidays, etc. Mr.
Shubin explained the increased parking areas and advised that a site study would be
conducted to address traffic issues/concerns.
Mr. Ratzker, 10155 Collins Avenue, voiced concern regarding adequate parking and
requested that environmental studies (carbon dioxide, etc.) be done.
Steve Greenberg, Fairfield Manor, voiced concern about the entrance to the Shops in
front of the Fairfield Manor and spoke against closing the Shops entrance on Collins
Avenue. He suggested providing additional lanes within the Shops property, not the
Fairfield Manor property. He voiced concern regarding traffic for the Fairfield Manor
residents and its affect on their property value. He was also concerned with the affect on
the pedestrian access gate that was located on that street. Mr. Lazenby explained that the
plans were preliminary and he was happy to discuss them with the Fairfield Manor
residents. Mr. Greenberg discussed concern regarding the length of time for construction
and its affect on the residents.
Betsey Bystock, 80 Park Drive, requested that the Shops provide a proposal that had
positive changes and didn't negatively affect the Fairfield, Shaker Villas, etc. and would not
create more problems to impact the Village.
Stuart Sobel, 271 Bal Cross Drive, discussed the life-style center that was being
proposed. He questioned if the new Village Hail would include .a police station or if the
station would stay at the Shops. He spoke in favor of the expansion being considered and
the Village seeing if the proposal met the needs of the community.
Dorothy Blau, 10245 Collins Avenue, discussed how special the Shops and Village are.
Brian Mulheren, 10245 Collins Avenue, voiced concern about parking, traffic, and noise.
He discussed the revenue projection, but noted that it wasn't about the money. He
discussed the lack of green space, recreation space, etc. in the Village. He questioned
what compensation the Village would receive. He noted that there wasn't an agreement
with the Church to sell their property and there wasn't a negotiation with the Village. He
thought that some expansion was okay, but not a catering hall and movie theatre.
Mayor Rosenfield closed the meeting to public comment. She clarified that the Council had
been open and hadn't made any conclusions on the issue. She explained that the Council
would have further open discussions on the issue.
4. ADJOURN: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by
consensus of the Council at 8:53 p.m.
13a1 Harbour -Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes U.370%TAT11 5
Attest:
Ellisa L, Horvath, M
illage Clerk
yor Jean Rosenfie
Bal Harbour Village Council Workshop Meefing minutes 037D 1110-11 6