City of Coconut Creek Planning & Zoning Board Minutes Meeting No. 2008-03
	Date: March 12, 2008 Time: 7:00 pm
	Kind:  Regular
	4800 West Copans Road, Coconut Creek, Florida, 33063

Tape 1

1.    The meeting was called to order by Chair Lisa Aronson at 7:02 p.m.

2.    Present upon roll call:

Chair Lisa Aronson

Vice Chair Doug Young

Edward Hammel

Morris Chase

Michael Jessup

City Attorney Paul Stuart

Absent: Debra Voorhees

Also present: Deputy Director of Development Services Scott Stoudenmire, City Attorney Paul Stuart, Director of Development Services Sheila Rose, Development Review Supervisor Liz Aguiar, Main Street Project Coordinator Jim Hetzel, and Assistant City Clerk Jacquelyn Cook. 

3.    Approval of Minutes:  Meeting No. 2008-02 – February 13, 2008

            MOTION:         Young/Chase  - To approve the Minutes of Meeting No. 2008-02 –

 February 13, 2008

                                    Upon roll call, the motion was passed on a 4-0 vote.

4.    *Village of Marbella: a Rezoning Application to modify the previously-approved Village of Marbella PMDD (Planned Main Street Development District) as it relates to landscape design elements, site design standards, and project identification for the project located on the north side of Sample Road and west of Lyons Road. (QUASI-JUDICIAL) (PUBLIC HEARING)

            Chair Aronson requested that all speaking on the two items be sworn by the court reporter and also that all speakers sign in at the podium. 

            Deputy Director of Development Services Scott Stoudenmire explained that Agenda Item Nos. 4 and 5 were companion items with Agenda Item No. 4 being the PMDD rezoning amendment.  Noting that Attorney Barbara Hall was present on behalf of the applicant Pompano Imports, who would be making a presentation, he added that Agenda Item No. 5 was a Site Plan application, which is consistent with the Village of Marbella PMDD. 

            Mr. Stoudenmire elaborated that during the Site Plan review, it was determined that an amendment to the PMDD was necessary, which would result in a better project.  He also advised that City staff would review and possibly amend the Main Street Design Standards.  He then briefly reviewed the amendments, which involved two alternative design solutions: (1) Spacing and placement of trees and palms for retail frontage and on street parking areas; and 2) One-way access street type addition.  He added that there is an amendment for all references regarding canals to be changed to canals/bioswales and an additional amendment which refers to “green” elements, specifically solar power and water features.  The third amendment related to water and wastewater regarding temporary lift stations.  The fourth clarifies the Sample Road setbacks; the fifth clarifies the percentage of green roof areas; and the sixth changes all references to Creek Commons back to Main Street within the PMDD application.

            Mr. Stoudenmire stated regarding the Site Plan application, Agenda Item No.5, the applicant had to demonstrate whether or not the intensities would fit within the Site Plan, which included 297,000 square feet of retail office space, a 150-room hotel. and 764 residential units.  The application also included a development option that includes an 112,000 square foot urban style automotive dealership.  He advised that City staff recommended approval of both items.

            Attorney Barbara Hall of Greenberg Traurig, representing Jonathan Chariff, Principal of Pompano Imports, the developer and owner of the property, introduced the development team.  Noting that in February, 2007, a rezoning had been approved for a 19.1 acre parcel of land to the PMDD Main Street District, Ms. Hall displayed several graphics showing the location of the parcels.  Beginning a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Hall explained how the project fit into the MainStreet development and displayed Scheme A, as well as Scheme B, which is the alternative displaying the auto dealership.  She related that the primary changes included changing “canal” to “bioswale”, modification of tree spacing, and “one-way access way” street type.  She then briefly discussed the new bioswale designation for drainage issues and pointed out that Broward County is not in favor of canals as they reduce water quality and introduce pollutants into the water system.  The bioswale is a functioning, viable waterway that would not contribute pollutants and would actually clean the water.  A table was displayed showing what was approved by the PMDD and what the Site Plan required.  At Vice Chair Young’s inquiry as to the numbers pertaining to retail space being incorrect, discussion ensued.  Ms. Hall agreed as to the number appearing to be incorrect and indicated that she would verify the numbers.

            Continuing the PowerPoint presentation, Architect Jonathan Cardello, Add, Inc., described the project.   He elaborated that additional features included the greenway along Sample Road, a water feature to filter the water, and a community lake next to the hotel. The car dealership would include a café as well as an atrium.  Mr. Cardello said that the parking garage stairwells would have public art installations,  which would be approved by the City Commission. Three-story residential townhouses with outdoor porches would be incorporated along the bioswale, and a balcony or roof access would be provided for each of the town homes, as well as common green areas.  Mr. Cardello said that the bioswales also provide a habitat for small forms of wildlife, as well as butterflies, which would give the area some distinctiveness.  The parking garage for the office building was set back from the street with a water feature in the front and a green roof.  He pointed out several features on the building regarding sustainable elements.  At Mr. Stoudenmire’s request, Mr. Cardello also discussed the differences between Scheme A and Scheme B, in which Scheme A included retail space and Scheme B included the car dealership.  Several phases of the project were displayed starting with the car dealership and six buildings.  He then spoke regarding several sustainable elements in the project including; solar screens that prevent heat from entering the building; solar daylight screens that provide shading and add daylight; and green screens which provides areas for plant growth on the buildings.

            Doug Smith, EDSA, Land Planning and Landscape Architecture, stated that this was a very exciting project, and he felt the City had established a wonderful vision and was on the edge of demonstrating sustainable building practices.  He spoke further on green roofs in the project noting that the extensive green depicted indicated six inches of soil or less supporting groundcovers.  The intensive green roof exceeded the six inches and might go to a foot or more of soil depth to support larger material.  Mr. Smith then discussed the entrance to the project and stated that Date Palms would be used with flowering trees in between with 30 feet of spacing.  Other areas have tree spacing of 20 feet.  He elaborated in the bioswale and pointed out that from the promenade and sidewalk areas, there would be a four-to-five foot elevation area between the water level and sidewalk and a series of step downs with plants in between, which catches and filtrates water.  Bubblers would prevent the water from becoming stagnant.     He described the bioswale as being multi-functional and allowing utilization of storm water.

Mr. Hammel inquired as to the depth of the water in the bioswale.  Werner Vaughn, Winningham & Fradley, Inc., Engineers, explained that the bioswales could be from 18 inches to a six foot maximum depth.  Mr. Young noted that in the original plan this was designated as a canal and asked how the change would affect the retention percentages.  Mr. Vaughn responded that the volume should remain the same and, because the water is being stored above the water table, depth is not an issue and the surface area remains the same.  Mr. Chase asked if the water would be moving or stagnant.  Mr. Vaughn explained that all the water features are interconnected and there would be movement.

            Mr. Smith explained that the bodies of water have become created wetlands, which provides a better filtration system, as well as more diversity of plant types and wildlife.  He noted that 50 percent of the plants would be native with 80 percent having low or medium water requirements. The plants in the bioswale and the wetland areas would attract butterflies.  The streetscape elements would include light pavers along with benches and trash receptacles that are either recyclable or have renewable resources as part of the material. 

Chair Aronson asked what type of insects the water elements would encourage, and  Mr. Smith stated that beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and butterflies, are attracted to those types of environments.  Mr. Hammel expressed concern regarding the difference between the bioswale and the canal, and Mr. Smith explained that the canal is a hard edge, bulkhead condition; the bioswale would have a softer edge that would allow the water to filtrate through the natural vegetation system and is aesthetically pleasing.  Discussion ensued regarding the differences between a canal and the bioswale, and it was again noted that Broward County liked the bioswale concept.  Mr. Hammel inquired as to safety concerns regarding the bioswale, and Mr. Smith explained that the bioswale changes in elevation throughout its length and there would be no more than an 18-inch step in any zone and would transition in depth.  Mr. Stoudenmire added that it was designed in an acceptable slope that meets traditional safety guidelines.  Mr. Vaughn spoke regarding meeting the requirements pertaining to the safety slope and buffer. Mr. Jessup inquired as to the width of the swale, and Mr. Cardello explained that from edge to edge it is 39 feet, which meets the MainStreet Guidelines.  Ms. Hall then referred to Vice Chair Young’s earlier question regarding retail space on the table, the original Scheme B had 166,272 square feet of retail rather than the 116,272 that was in the presentation.

            Mr. Young requested explanation of the one-way road.  Mr. Smith displayed the graphic and pointed out that on the eastern edge of the project for traffic circulation and connectivity purposes, a road was necessary, particularly for emergency vehicles.  With further development to the north, the one-way road would turn into a full street.  Discussion ensued regarding the road and the traffic.  Chair Aronson asked about signage denoting that it is a one-way road, and Mr. Cardello advised that this had been reviewed the City staff. 

Chair Aronson requested that the entrances be identified for the residential parking garages.  Mr. Cardello reviewed all the building entrances on the graphic.  Mr. Hammel asked if the drainage requirements could be met without the bioswale, and  Mr. Vaughn explained that the bioswale was needed for volume purposes.  Discussion ensued regarding this issue.  Mr. Cardello explained that the bioswale is a sustainable design element and there could be signs along the bioswale that would point out educational features.  Chair Aronson stated that she lives on a drainage lake and there is not a requirement for a fence and that there are approximately 15 homes surrounding the lake.  She asked if the Board could request signage for the bioswale from a safety standpoint.  Discussion ensued.  City Attorney Paul Stuart suggested there should not be warning signs because there are no warning signs posted elsewhere in the City for a lake or canal.   Ms. Hall, acknowledging the concern, offered that since the same water can be stored by minimizing the depth, this could be coordinated with City staff.  Mr. Vaughn pointed out that the six-foot depth is a typical environmental area--a wetland--and as the water depth changes, the plants would change.  Mr. Stoudenmire added that the bioswale issue has been discussed with the engineering and development staff, and this is a preferable alternative to a canal.  It does meet the Broward County standards and slopes and actually exceeds them.  He added that site plan has preliminary engineering design; final engineering does not take place until after site plan approval.  Mr. Stuart added that there is water everywhere in South Florida and all have standards and slope requirements. Normally, if the slope standards are met, the safety requirements are met as well.  Vice Chair Young then suggested requiring an amendment regarding the depth; however, Mr. Stuart advised that without final engineering, a depth can not be ascertained.  Ms. Hall suggested adding wording to minimize depths below 18 inches to the extent feasible.  

            Vice Chair Young asked if staff was satisfied with the tree spacing in the project, and Mr. Stoudenmire stated that staff was satisfied and planned to revisit the overall MainStreet standards regarding tree spacing. Noting that the MainStreet Standards require large palms, Mr. Smith indicated that is the reason Date Palms were chosen.  Chair Aronson asked who would be responsible for maintenance of the palms, and Mr. Stuart noted it would be the City’s.  Director of Development Services Sheila Rose confirmed the acceptability of Date Palms. 

            Chair Aronson asked if the hotel had a corporation identification, and Ms. Hall noted that no one was identified as of yet.  Mr. Cardello stated it is planned for 500 square feet per room, which would give the flexibility of it being a business hotel or a suite for a higher-end hotel.  Ms. Hall also stated that there has not been a decision between Schemes A or B; however, a building permit must be obtained within 24 months or one-12 month extension.  Chair Aronson then asked about the phasing of the project, and Ms. Hall explained that build-out would not occur for 8 to 10 years, although Mr. Cardello indicated it could be done sooner if the market demanded.  Chair Aronson asked if the lighting design would be dealt with later, and Mr. Stoudenmire responded that a MainStreet amenities package was being developed and would be presented to the Board and the City Commission for an amendment to the Main Street Design Standards.  Main Street Coordinator Jim Hetzel elaborated that staff  is working with the MainStreet consultant to amend the Standards to incorporate an amenities package to address site lighting, garbage receptacles, benches and other issues. The consultant is developing amenity packages with different themes to enable the City Commission to choose a theme for the entire Main-Street area, the applicant has agreed with this process.  Chair Aronson asked if that would affect the Promenade project that is under construction, and Mr. Hetzel explained that most of the Promenade is internalized, although but they have committed to lighting along the perimeter greenway.

            Chair Aronson opened the public hearing.

            Robert Perkis, 4531 N.W. 68 Court, asked if the bioswale might violate ADA requirements because there would be no railings but noted that the City has existing wetland preserve areas that do not seem to present a problem.  Mr. Stoudenmire responded that the ADA compliance officer did not flag this project; however, it would be reviewed again in the building permit process.    

            Chair Aronson closed the public hearing.

            Ms. Hall thanked the Board for all the time spent reviewing this project, and Chair Aronson thanked staff for all the work done.  Mr. Hammel, acknowledging the work by the staff and the applicant, expressed concerns regarding safety.   

MOTION:         Young/Chase - To approve Agenda Item No. 4, subject to minimal depths on the bioswale and compliance with all DRC requirements throughout the project.

                        Upon roll call, the motion was passed on a 4-1 vote with Mr. Hammel voting nay.

5.    *Village of Marbella: a Site Plan Application for the development of a mixed-use, commercial and residential project and potential automobile dealership within the Village of Marbella PMDD (Planned Main Street Development District) for the project located on the north side of Sample Road and west of Lyons Road. (QUASI-JUDICIAL) (PUBLIC HEARING)

The Chair called a recess at 8:50 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:00 p.m.

Chair Aronson commented on the project, which had undergone considerable review, and she commended the innovative design including the green concepts that had been incorporated.  She stated that the bioswale issues could be addressed as the project moved forward.

MOTION:         Hammel/Jessup - To approve Site Plan related to the Village of Marbella PMDD as identified on Agenda Item No. 5, with the proviso that staff be instructed to pay special attention to meeting or exceeding the minimal safety requirements applicable to the bioswale depth when engineering has submitted to the City for further approvals, and subject to DRC requirements.

Vice Chair Young stated that he had some comments on the Site Plan and requested that the motion and second be withdrawn.  Mr. Hammel withdrew the motion.

Vice Chair Young  asked how the 2-acre parcel would be utilized to benefit the entire parcel.  Ms. Hall explained that a drainage easement has been acquired from the Self-Storage property that allows a piping of the primary parcel to the drainage parcel.  It would be a voluntarily created wetland.  The Vice Chair then asked if it would be a passive park for the residents.  Ms. Hall explained that it would not be a park but rather an overlook.  Mr. Cardello added that the gazebo and meandering sidewalk is part of the overall greenway, which addresses Lyons and Sample Roads.  Vice Chair Young asked about the density of the parcel.  Ms. Hall advised that only the main parcel is included in the density, which is 19.1 gross acres.  Chair Young commented that he would like to see the greenway extended to combine the two parcels, which would include the right-of-way.  Mr. Stoudenmire advised that  the adjacent property owners can be included and the landscaping issues can be addressed.  Vice Chair Young then asked regarding the number of townhouses in the project, and Ms. Hall explained that under Scheme A, there were 44 townhouses and 40 live/work units; in Scheme B, there are 44 townhouses and 33 live/work units.  Chair Aronson asked for description on a live/work unit, and Ms. Hall explained that a live/work unit allows office use on the first floor and living space on the two floors above. 

MOTION:      Hammel/Jessup - To approve the Site Plan related to the Village of Marbella PMDD as identified on Agenda Item No. 5, with the proviso that staff be instructed to pay special attention to meeting or exceeding the minimal safety requirements applicable to the bioswale depth when engineering has submitted to the City for further approvals, and subject to DRC requirements.

                     Upon roll call, the motion was passed on a 5-0 vote.

6.    Correspondence and Reports

None.

7.    Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Jacquelyn Cook

Assistant City Clerk