HomeMy Public PortalAbout05 28 2020 MeetingMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM,
FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 AT 8:30 A.M., IN THE WILLIAM F. KOCH,
JR. COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE TOWN HALL, 100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM,
FLORIDA. NOTE: THERE WAS LIMITED PUBLIC ACCESS TO TOWN HALL. THIS TOWN
COMMISSION MEETING WAS ABLE TO BE ACCESSED ONLINE, INCLUDING ALLOWING
FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Present and
Participating
Also Present &
Participating:
Thomas Smith
Malcolm Murphy
Robert Dockerty
Curtiss Roach
Jorgette Smith
Amanda Jones
Gregory Dunham
Edward Nazzaro
Rita Taylor
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Alternate Board Member
Town Manager
Staff Attorney
Town Clerk
III. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING 03-26-2020
Vice Chairman Murphy moved, and Board Member Roach seconded the
motion to approve the minutes of March 26, 2020 and all voted AYE at
roll call.
IV. ADDITIONS, WITHDRAWALS, DEFERRALS, ARRANGEMENT OF AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Meeting Dates
1. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
a. May 28, 2020 at 8:30 A.M.
b. June 25, 2020 at 8:30 A.M.
c. July 23, 2020 at 8:30 A.M.
d. No August Meeting
VI. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Declaration of Ex -Parte Communication
There was none.
B. Administer Oaths
Due to the nature of the virtual meeting, Town Clerk Taylor
swore in individuals at each application instead of all at once
at the beginning of the meeting.
C. Applications for Development Approval
1. 3377 N. Ocean Blvd.
a. Declaration of Ex -Parte Communication
There was none.
Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
Held 5-28-2020 @ 8:30 A.M.
b. Administer Oaths
Town Clerk Taylor swore in Mark Marsh and Keith Williams.
C. An application submitted by Mark Marsh, Bridges, Marsh &
Assoc., as Agent for East Bluff Trust, the owner of
property located at 3377 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf Stream,
Florida, which is legally described in metes & bounds,
portions of Lots 5 and 6 of Gulfstream Ocean Tracts.
(1) LEVEL 2 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW for
improvements to hardscape structures (gates,
walls, trellises, walkways, etc.) & landscape
improvements.
Mark Marsh, Architect for the project, stated the plans had
changed since the previous approval a year ago and that Keith Williams
would be presenting. Mr. Marsh pointed out there was a new entry gate,
some privacy gates, a new ramp that was added by the client, some
modifications to privacy and retaining walls and a relocated beach
access to the ocean. Keith Williams, with Nievera Williams Design,
stated they had made some adjustments and modifications to the overall
plan, hardscaping and planting. Mr. Williams stated the overall design
was pretty much the same as was presented a year ago, but they had some
communication with neighbors to the south and increased landscaping and
buffering to about 16' overall, and that was from four to five feet
higher than the original. He added they had increased the wall to
eight -foot -high, and for retaining purposes the wall extends further
east than what was allowed due to some miscalculation. He said that wall
had been removed and they were now conforming. Mr. Williams stated there
were some changes on the west that had originally been mostly grass but
now consisted of a limestone walkway that slowly ramps up around a
planter wall. He added there is a long, linear lap pool with an overflow
that drops down to the lower elevation of the west end. He added there
were five gate locations. Mr. Williams stated the walkway design was
essentially the same except for the fountain, which was modified to run
right up into the walkway with stones that appear to be floating in the
water and they extended the walkway slightly east because of the outdoor
grill. Mr. Williams pointed out they had discussions with the neighbors
regarding screening so they were proposing at the southeast corner of
the building a large sea grape tree about 20' tall, then more sea grapes
about 16' high and then sloping down to 101, then eight feet and
engaging into the existing vegetation, which is anywhere from four to
five feet high. Chairman Smith asked if those trees were there now, to
which Mr. Williams answered in the negative. Mr. Williams then showed
slides of the different gates.
Board Member Dockerty asked if the neighbors had weighed in
on this. At this point, Mr. Mark Pickard, a neighbor to the south, was
sworn in by Town Clerk Taylor. Mr. Pickard thanked Town Clerk Taylor
for her professionalism and responsiveness over the last few months and
added that she was a fountain of knowledge and a real gem to have in the
Town. Mr. Pickard stated he and his team had been on the phone with her
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
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quite a bit and she and her team had helped see things through and made
this a much easier process. He stated that screening between their
homes remained an issue and there were areas where they would prefer
higher screenings, specifically in the area where there are eight and
ten footers, but he appreciated the efforts that had been done thus far.
Mr. Pickard requested that the heights don't come down from the proposed
heights and they preferred to see them flourish and grow. He added that
they hoped the plantings would take place sooner than later, at least
along the border, so they could enjoy the screening, as there is nothing
there right now. Chairman Smith asked if the new heights discussed
earlier were acceptable to which Mr. Pickard stated that higher would
have been better, but they were fine with the 16' as long as their
privacy was protected. He added they had confidence that Bess and her
team were going to live up to her stated objective of making it as lush,
thick and bountiful as it was previously.
Vice Chairman Murphy made a motion to recommend approval of a
Level II Architectural/Site Plan based on a finding that the
improvements to hardscape structures (gates, walls, trellises, walkways,
etc.) and landscape improvements meet the minimum intent of the Design
Manual and applicable review standards with the following conditions:
1. Any minor modifications in the approved landscaping shall be
submitted to the Town Manager for review and approval and any major
modification shall be brought back to the ARPB for review and approval,
prior to commencement of landscaping.
Board Member Roach seconded the motion and all voted AYE at roll
call.
2. 2943 Polo Drive
a. Declaration of Ex -Parte Communication
There was none.
b. Administer Oaths
Town Clerk Taylor swore in Richard Jones and Dave Bodker.
C. An application submitted by Seaside Builders as agent
for 2943 Polo LLC, the owner of property located at 2943
Polo Drive, Gulf Stream, Florida, which is legally
described as Lot 13, Plat of Gulfstream Properties.
(1) DEMOLITION PERMIT to demolish existing
buildings.
(2) LAND CLEARING PERMIT to clear area for new
construction.
(3) LEVEL 3 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to
construct a one-story, single family, Gulf
Stream Bermuda style, 4,314 sq. ft. dwelling
with 2 one car garages, 300 sq. ft. guest
cottage and swimming pool.
Mr. Richard Jones, of Richard Jones Architecture, began the
presentation by showing some photos of the current property and stated
that a one-story Bermuda style home, 5,240 square feet total gross with
a two -car garage is what is being proposed. Access is provided through a
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
Held 5-28-2020 @ 8:30 A.M.
circular driveway and features a swimming pool at the rear of the
property, with a detached guest cottage and an entry courtyard, he
added. Mr. Jones stated they have increased setbacks on both the front
and rear of the property, are under the maximum height and over the
landscape barrier required by 50. The guest cottage is self-sufficient
with its own bathroom and is connected via an open-air arbor and has an
outdoor summer kitchen, he added. Vice Chairman Murphy asked what color
the roof tile was going to be, and Mr. Jones answered it would be a gray
tile roof. Board Member Roach asked what the height of the roof was on
the guest cottage to which Mr. Jones answered it was about 16.51, with
the eave height at 10.61. Board Member Jones asked what the shutter
colors were going to be to which Mr. Jones answered they were Benjamin
Moore Historic Color 115, Georgian Green. Chairman Smith asked if the
tile color was one previously approved by the Town, to which it was
answered in the affirmative. Board Member Dockerty loved that it was a
one-story home and thought it looked fantastic. Chairman Smith asked if
they could get a color sample to Town Clerk Taylor before it goes onto
the house. Town Manager Dunham stated that green was an acceptable
color, but the Town typically liked to go with a darker shade. Mr. Jones
agreed to bring a sample in and stated if they needed to go darker, they
could go down to the next color on the historic palette.
Mr. Dave Bodker, landscape architect, explained the landscaping,
in great detail, that would be put on the property and the vegetation
that would be kept and some relocated. He added that the property is
going to be raised about two feet with a retaining wall, so the five-
foot hedge will essentially be a seven -foot -high hedge. Town Manager
Dunham brought the tree disposition list to the board's attention and
asked Mr. Bodker to go through the tree removals. Mr. Bodker stated
that most of the trees being removed were along the north side in the
rear of the property and most were palm trees, a small guava tree on the
north side. He added that the ones being removed from the sides were
because they were too close to the construction of the new house. Board
Member Smith asked about the raising of the property two feet and asked
him to expound. Mr. Dockerty stated there would be a low, segmented
block, retaining wall on either side of the property that has a finished
side facing the adjacent properties. Chairman Smith asked if any of the
neighbors had issues. Mr. Bodker noted that Mr. Lyons had gone through
the plans and was concerned about how much light would be lost, so they
proposed a clusia hedge instead of fishtail palms rather than put such a
high barrier on either side. No other comments from any neighbors.
Board Member Dockerty made a motion to recommend the approval of
a land clearing permit to clear the land for construction, noting that
the landscape architect has provided a tree disposition list on page L-1
of the set of plans. Board Member Roach seconded the motion and all
voted AYE at roll call, minus Vice Chairman Murphy who was having
internet issues and was not present at the time of voting.
Board Member Dockerty made a motion to recommend the approval of
a demolition permit to demolish all structures on the site. Board
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
Held 5-28-2020 @ 8:30 A.M.
Member Roach seconded the motion with all voting AYE at roll call, minus
Vice Chairman Murphy who was having internet issues and was not present
at the time of voting.
Board Member Dockerty made a motion to recommend the approval of
a Level III Architectural/Site Plan based on a finding that the
construction of a one-story 5,240 sq.ft. single-family Gulf Stream
Bermuda style home with two (2), one (1) car attached garages, a
swimming pool and 300 sq. ft. guest cottage meets the minimum intent of
the Design Manual and applicable review standards with the following
conditions:
1. Prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, the owner of the
property shall prepare and sign a Gulf Stream Driveway
Removal Agreement.
2. Any minor modifications in the approved landscaping shall be
submitted to the Town Manager for review and approval and any
major modification shall be brought back to the ARPB for
review and approval, prior to commencement of landscaping.
3. The chip color for the shutters needs to be approved by the
Town Staff or brought back to the ARPB Board, if necessary.
Board Member Roach seconded the motion with all voting AYE at roll call,
minus Vice Chairman Murphy who was having internet issues and was not
present at the time of voting.
Assistant Town Clerk Basel stated that Vice Chairman Murphy had
called in to say that wi-fi was down at his house and asked that we have
Alternate Board Member Jones sit in for the remainder of the meeting in
his stead.
3. 2775 Ave. Au Soleil
a. Declaration of Ex -Parte Communication
There was none.
b. Administer Oaths
Town Clerk Taylor swore in Mr. Chester Snavely, Jr.
c. Application submitted by Chester C. Snavely, Jr. &
Therese P. Snavely, owners and agent of property
located at 2775 Ave. Au Soleil, Gulf Stream, Florida,
legally described as Parcel 1, Lot 93 and Parcel 2,
1101x70' described in metes & bounds, both located in
Place Au Soleil Subdivision.
(1) LAND CLEARING PERMIT to demolish all buildings
and pavement on the property and remove non-
native and diseased trees.
(2) LEVEL 3 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to
demolish all buildings and pavement on the
property, remove some non-native trees and
plants, grade, irrigate, sod and seed property.
Mr. Chester Snavely Jr. explained that the property had become
very run down and the house had been in disrepair for at least ten years
or more. He added that the lot was under agreement to the next-door
neighbor to combine the lots and put a substantially larger house than
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
Held 5-28-2020 @ 8:30 A.M.
what he has now. Mr. Snavely went on to explain when that contract
didn't materialize, executors of the Lavoi Estate asked the Town to
remove the demolition requirement so they could more easily market the
property and when he found that out he was concerned because the house
needed to come down and he didn't want to see someone come in and just
put a band-aid on the house and flip it. Mr. Snavely said he was
concerned for the neighborhood, so he bought the house and his intent
was to remove the house, the foundations, the floor slab and sod the
area. He added he was going to temporarily install a sprinkler system
to sprinkle the lot and that the only tree worth saving was a large
mango tree at the rear of the property and all others were diseased and
overgrown. Mr. Snavely will be leaving the clusia hedge and the
overgrown ficus plantings, which he will trim down and get back to a
healthy condition. Chairman Smith stated that with the removal of all
the trees, it will just be a big open space with no trees other than the
borders and asked if Mr. Snavely was going to irrigate the property.
Mr. Snavely stated he was not going to irrigate. He said he was going
to sod where the house was being removed and sprinkle the remaining and
they would keep it mowed and maintained. Chairman Smith asked if his
long-term idea was to market the property in the future to which Mr.
Snavely said he wasn't in any hurry and that was not his intent at this
time.
Assistant Town Clerk stated that Vice Chairman Murphy wanted it
put on the record how very appreciative of everything Mr. Snavely has
done for the neighborhood and Town. Chairman Smith, as well as the rest
of the board, concurred and added that everyone living in Place au
Soleil was going to be very happy with what Mr. Snavely is doing.
Chairman Smith asked if there had been any comments from the neighbors
to which Town Clerk Taylor stated there had been no contact from any of
the notices that were sent out.
Board Member Roach made a motion to recommend approval of a land
clearing permit to clear property of non-native and diseased trees to
prepare for new sod and irrigation. The motion was seconded by Board
Member Dockerty with all voting AYE at roll call.
Board Member Roach made a motion to recommend approval of a Level
III Architectural/Site Plan to demolish all buildings and pavement on
the property and to grade, irrigate, sod and seed the property. Board
Member Dockerty seconded the motion and all voted AYE at roll call.
4. 1555 N. Ocean Blvd.
a. Declaration of Ex -Parte Communication
There was none.
b. Administer Oaths
Town Clerk Taylor swore in Cynthia Spray, Lee Lavigne
and Natalie Bak.
c. Application submitted by Cynthia C. Spray, CCS
Architectural Enterprises, Inc. as Agent for the
owners, Rene & Ubrada Lavigne, legally described in
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
Held 5-28-2020 @ 8:30 A.M.
metes and bounds in Government Lot 1, lying east of
State Road AlA, Palm Beach County, Florida.
(1) DEMOLITION PERMIT to demolish pool house & 2
concrete balcony railings.
(2) LEVEL 2 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to
construct an amended loggia and circular
stairway on the east end of the loggia, replace
the balcony railings with metal pickets and
finish the interior changes that were
demolished.
Ms. Cynthia Spray, of CCS Architectural Enterprises, Inc., stated
they had some natural architectural progression and some changes
throughout the duration of the project thus the reason they were back
before the ARPB. Ms. Spray explained they would be demolishing the 351
sq. ft. cabana and the second -floor balcony railings. They want to add
a 161x40' colonnade loggia in its place with a summer kitchen, living
and dining area. In her presentation, Ms. Spray showed how they were
removing the capstone columns and balustrades on one of the windows in
the rear with the intent of matching them to the new loggia. Ms. Spray
reiterated that the view was the most important part of the project and
they were looking to modify the three windows in the rear center of the
house at the ground floor and second floor to be two large picture
windows at each level. She explained that the columns on the loggia had
been refined and the spiral staircase had been moved to the outside of
the loggia. In the front of the house, she pointed out they were
removing the balustrades and putting railing on to match the loggia
railing in the rear of the house. She added they were also replacing the
front door, which is a wood -paneled double door and they were replacing
it with glass panes to match the rhythm of the design.
Board Member Smith asked if the windows in the rear were bigger
than the original windows to which Ms. Spray answered in the
affirmative. Chairman Smith concurred that there seemed to be a lot of
glass. Mrs. Lavigne stated the actual living room windows would remain
the same size but instead of having three windows, they were going to
have two. Ms. Spray added they were keeping the same width, but they
were stretching them up and down to enlarge and capture the view. Board
Member Roach asked if the ratio of glass fell within the criteria of
glass display to which Ms. Spray answered in the affirmative. Board
Member Roach asked what the percentage was, and Ms. Spray did not have
the calculation on hand. Board Member Smith was concerned with all the
different window styles, some arched, some picture, etc. Mrs. Lavigne
stated they were keeping the exact same style that is currently there
and although it looked square in the drawing, she said they actually had
a small angle. She added they were trying to harmonize all the windows
to have a similar look instead of some being straight and some being
angled. Board Member Smith said the style was divided glass on
everything and then big glass on the new ones in the middle. Mrs.
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
Held 5-28-2020 @ 8:30 A.M.
Lavigne stated they were going for a cleaner look right in the middle
because it looked very congested as is. Board Member Jones stated she
preferred the look of the three windows to the two big panes and it
stood out like a sore thumb. Ms. Spray stated they could put in
muntin's and do a two over three that would match the rest of the fabric
of the fagade and then the variation in the window wouldn't be so
pronounced. Board Member Jones asked if the detailing around the
windows would remain intact to which Mrs. Lavigne stated that it
presently had cast stone on it so they would have to remove that to put
the windows in and then replace the cast stone. She added that if you
are sitting inside the house it is very difficult to see the ocean from
the narrow windows. Board Member Smith agreed with Board Member Jones
and stated she thought the panes needed to be there to make it all flow.
There was much discussion back and forth between the board, Mrs. Lavigne
and Ms. Spray about the new proposed windows matching the character of
the house. Chairman Smith proposed they come back to the ARPB regarding
the windows and although the Board agreed that it would expand the view,
the windows didn't look at all like they were designed into the original
architectural design of the home, so he asked them to bring something
back that was more conforming to the house. More discussion was had
regarding the permits with Ms. Spray, Town Manager Dunham and Natalie
Bak. Town Manager Dunham recommended they could move forward with the
loggia permit with the exception they would not work on the windows
until a revision was submitted, and the Board approved the final design.
Assistant Town Attorney Nazzaro stated that procedurally the motion
would need to be approved with the loggia and the approval for the
windows would be postponed to the next ARPB meeting. Chairman Smith
asked if the demolition also included changes to the south balcony to
which Mr. Nazzaro stated that it was up to the Board based on the status
of the Code.
Board Member Dockerty made a motion to approve a demolition
permit less the four windows on the east facing property to demolish an
existing 351 sq. ft cabana and two (2) second floor balcony railings.
The motion was seconded by Board Member Smith with all voting AYE at
roll call.
Board Member Dockerty made a motion to approve a Level II
Architectural/Site Plan based on a finding that the proposed
construction of a 171611x40' loggia with a circular, metal stairway on
the rear of the dwelling and two (2) second -floor balcony railings meet
the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards
with the following conditions:
1. Any minor modifications in the approved landscaping shall be
submitted to the Town Manager for review and approval and any major
modifications shall be brought back to the ARPB for review and approval,
prior to commencement of landscaping.
2. This motion does not include the four windows on the east side
of the property.
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Minutes of ARPB Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
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Board Member Smith seconded the motion with all voting AYE at
roll call.
VII. ITEMS BY STAFF
There were none.
VIII. ITEMS BY BOARD MEMBERS
There were none.
IX. PUBLIC
There were none.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 10:48 A.M.