HomeMy Public PortalAbout1987-05-19 Workshop Meeting48
A workshop
held on Tuesday
Village Hall.
Mayor Richard H
were:
COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 19, 1987 WORKSHOP MEETING
meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was
, May 19, 1987 in the Council Chamber of the
The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. by
. Olsen. The roll was called and those present
Also present:
Mayor Richard H. Olsen
Asst. Mayor Estelle Stern
Councilman James E. Boggess
Councilman Sol M. Taplin*
Louise K. Miller,
Richard J. Weiss,
Carole S. Morris,
Village
Village
Village
Manager
Attorney
Clerk
As a quorum was present, the meeting was begun.
This workshop session was called to hear the report of Mr.
Malcolm Drummond, representing the firm of Harland Bartholomew
and Associates, Inc., relating to zoning of the ocean front
district. Mrs. Miller introduced Mr. Drummond, noting that
Harland Bartholomew was the firm which did the original planning
of the Village in 1947. His report will address land use,
accompanying changes to the comprehensive plan, and possible
impact fees.
Mr. Drummond began his presentation by reviewing the scope
of his study, to look at the present development of the ocean
front district. Factors included in this were: the intensity of
use, a desire to prevent the single large monolithic structure
being constructed, and further to avoid the "canyon effect". As
a result of his study (a copy of which is on file in the Office
of the Village Clerk), ten recommendations were offered, they
were:
1. Reduce the floor area ratio.
2. Establish a maximum square foot base floor area
per structure so as to encourage several buildings on a
site.
3. Limit the longest dimension of any single wall of a
structure.
4. Reduce the number of dwelling units per acre.
5. Provide incentives for more than one building on a
site, setbacks from Collins Avenue and for lower
buildings on the west half of the oceanfront parcels.
6. Building could be increased above 17 floors only if
they lower building on other parts of the site.
*Mr. Taplin arrived as Mr. Drummond was being introduced.
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7. Allow for some reduction of side yards on large
lots where multiple buildings are proposed rather than
a large single structure.
8. Place a maximum height of 20 stories under all
circumstances.
9. Prevent the future creation of larger structures on
the west side of Collins Avenue.
10. Limit the extent of variation that can be granted
under the Variance Procedure.
Discussion of the recommendations then ensued. Mr. Taplin
disapproved of the idea of multiple buildings on a site. He felt
that a single building sitting further back from Collins Avenue
would not only be more desireable but would be more feasible from
the standpoint of a developer. He emphasized the importance of
an ocean view in the sale of these properties. Mr. Taplin
further suggested a system of trade-offs be developed which would
give developers incentives to keep buildings setback from Collins
Avenue. Mr. Herbert Davis, 10230 Collins Avenue, expressed
concern that the Village is undertaking a re -zoning of the ocean
front as a result of one property. He further queried as to what
is wrong with the existing zoning. Mr. Matthew Blank, 9801
Collins Avenue, suggested that the plans for the Bal Harbour Park
structure be forwarded to Mr. Drummond for his review. The
Council, noting that this variance has already been granted
concurred that such an action would be inappropriate. Mr. John
Bruno, 50 Park Drive, encouraged the Council to review zoning
studies made in the past prior to taking any action. Mr. Lou
Brandt, of the Regency Spa, noting that his property is most
likely to be affected by this zoning called on the Council not to
place him at an unfair disadvantage. Moreover, he noted that
some consideration needs to be accorded the developer - he must
be able to receive financing for a project. Mr. Stanley
Whitman, of the Bal Harbour Shops, noting that the Harland
Bartholomew, had done a great deal of work for him in the past,
expressed the thought that only a "passing seagull" would notice
a difference in height of buildings. Mr. Boggess, agreed that
the potential height of buildings is not a problem but expressed
a desire to see the footprint of buildings reduced. Mr. Taplin
stated, with Mr. Boggess and Mrs. Stern concurring, that the
multiple building concept may not be marketable in this area.
The current market, in Bal Harbour, is for large (5,000 - 6,000
square foot) apartments with an ocean view. Mrs. Stern added
that clients are practically waiting in line for such units to
become available. Mayor Olsen expressed sentiments that height
is not a problem but a reduced footprint is desireable. He
further noted the importance of having a proper zoning code in
place as older buildings along the ocean front begin being
replaced. He suggested, that in view of the input received at
this meeting, Mr. Drummond revise his recommendations and report
back to the Council. Mr. Drummond agreed to do so and will
include such items as height trade-offs in exchange for setbacks
from Collins Avenue and smaller building footprints. He will
also prepare accompanying changes in the comprehensive plan.
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Mr. Boggess, noting that much discussion had involved the
variance granted Marc Kovens (Bal Harbour Park - formerly the
Beau Rivage property), requested that the Council be sent
background information of this item. Mrs. Miller will follow
through on this.
Mr. Drummond called the attention of the Council to another
portion of his report dealing with impact fees. Such fees in
essence, require developers "to pay their own way". He noted
that the trend in Florida is toward such fees. He suggested that
the Village consider an impact fee (one-time charge) of $500 per
dwelling unit and noted that a draft ordinance is included in his
report. Mr. William Whitman, 189 Bal Bay Drive, expressed
opposition to such fees stating that all utilities and roads in
the Village are already in place. He felt that, under these
circumstances, the imposition of impact fees would be taking
advantage of developers. Mayor Olsen and Mr. Boggess noted that
the concept warrants further study as additional police and city
services are required - also the Village has an aging sewer
system in need of major overhaul. Mr. Stanley Whitman, of the
Bal Harbour Shops, pointed out that, some years ago, Miami Dade
Water and Sewer had offered to takeover our system, perhaps this
offer should be re -investigated.
As there was no further business a motion was offered by Mr.
Taplin and seconded by Mr. Boggess to adjourn the meeting. The
motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m.
ATTEST:
Village Clerk
Mayor