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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. 49 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. 50 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