Tradition Town Hall SW Civic Lane Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987

Transcription

1 TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL AGENDA March 18, :30 a.m. Tradition Town Hall SW Civic Lane Port St. Lucie, Florida Please Note Location 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda Approval 4. Announcements 5. Chairman s Comments Special Notes There will be a meeting of the Gubernatorial Committee following the regular Council meeting The next Council Meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2016 at Indian River State College in Stuart 6. Council Member Update 7. Public Comment On Consent Agenda Items 8. Consent Agenda A. Financial Report January 31, 2016 B. Minutes February 19, 2016 C. Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR D. Town of Lantana Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR E. Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-2ESR F. Village of Royal Palm Beach Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-2ESR G. Wellington Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR 9. Resolution in Support of Proposed U.S. Senate Bill Everglades for the Next Generation Act 10. Village of North Palm Beach Charrette Work-In-Progress Presentation 11. Southeast Florida Greenways & Trails Project 12. All Aboard Florida Update 13. Public Comment 14. Staff Comment 15. Adjournment Agenda items are available on our website at Phone: (772) Fax: (772) admin@tcrpc.org Special Needs:Participants with special needs can be accommodated by calling the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council at least 2 working days prior to the Meeting. We can be reached by phone at (772) , by fax at (772) , or by at admin@tcrpc.org.

2 TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS AND ALTERNATES MICHAEL DAVIS, Chairman JACQUI THURLOW-LIPPISCH, Vice Chairman REECE PARRISH, Secretary-Treasurer INDIAN RIVER COUNTY COMMISSIONER PETER O BRYAN Alternate Commissioner Joseph Flescher COMMISSIONER TIM ZORC VICE MAYOR RANDY OLD, City of Vero Beach Alternate Vice Mayor Jerome Adams, City of Sebastian MAYOR HARRIS WEBBER Town of Orchid Alternate Mayor Joel Tyson, City of Fellsmere ST. LUCIE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAULA LEWIS Alternate Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky COMMISSIONER TOD MOWERY Alternate Commissioner Kim Johnson COUNCILMAN RON BOWEN, City of Port St. Lucie Alternate Councilwoman Shannon Martin, City of Port St. Lucie COMMISSIONER THOMAS PERONA, City of Fort Pierce Alternate Commissioner Reginald Sessions, City of Fort Pierce MARTIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER JOHN HADDOX Alternate Commissioner Doug Smith COMMISSIONER ED FIELDING Alternate Commissioner Sarah Heard COMMISSIONER JACQUI THURLOW-LIPPISCH, Town of Sewall s Point Alternate Commissioner Peter Conze, Town of Jupiter Island PALM BEACH COUNTY VICE MAYOR HAL VALECHE Alternate Commissioner Melissa McKinlay COMMISSIONER PRISCILLA TAYLOR Alternate Commissioner Shelley Vana COMMISSIONER PAULETTE BURDICK Alternate Commissioner Steven L. Abrams COUNCILWOMAN ANNE GERWIG, Wellington Alternate Commissioner Paula Ryan, City of West Palm Beach COUNCILMAN JEFF HMARA, Village of Royal Palm Beach Alternate Commissioner Allie Biggs, City of Pahokee COUNCILMAN BRUCE GUYTON, City of Riviera Beach Alternate Commissioner Mitch Katz, City of Delray Beach COUNCIL MEMBER MARCIE TINSLEY, City of Palm Beach Gardens Alternate Mayor Abby Brennan, Village of Tequesta MAYOR JAMES DUBOIS, Town of Lake Park Alternate Vice Mayor David Norris, Village of North Palm Beach GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES DOUG BOURNIQUE, Indian River County MICHAEL HOUSTON, Martin County TOBIN OVERDORF, Martin County MICHAEL DAVIS, Palm Beach County PETER SACHS, Palm Beach County KELLY SMALLRIDGE, Palm Beach County MARK LLANO, Palm Beach County REECE PARRISH, St. Lucie County STEVEN M. WEAVER, SR., St. Lucie County EX-OFFICIOS ANN BENEDETTI, SJRWMD KATHY LAMARTINA, SFWMD LOIS BUSH, FDOT, Alternate LYNDA KOMPELIEN WESTIN, SFRTA JENNIFER SMITH, FDEP

3 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 6 From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Council Member Update Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to give Council members an opportunity to provide a brief update on planning activities, issues of concern, and accomplishments in their local areas. The exchange of information is intended to: 1) allow members to learn and gain understanding from each other s experiences; and 2) help identify opportunities for working together on projects or legislative matters across the region. In addition to sharing information between counties and municipalities, the Council member updates will give the various legislative aides and representatives in attendance at Council meetings a snapshot of activities in the region from various perspectives. Council members are encouraged to provide a brief update at the meeting. Recommendation For informational purposes only.

4 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8A From: Date: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Subject: Financial Report January 31, 2016 Attached are the following financial statements for January 31, 2016: Balance Sheet Revenue Report Expenditure Report Recommendation Council should review and accept this report and direct that it be filed. Attachments

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8 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8B From: Date: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Subject: Minutes February 19, 2016 Introduction The Minutes of the February 19, 2016 Council meeting were posted to Council s website at Recommendation Council should approve the Minutes of the February 19, 2016 Council meeting. Attachment

9 MINUTES OF THE TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL FEBRUARY 19, 2016 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Chairman Davis called the meeting to order at 9:34 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. He led the pledge of allegiance and requested roll call. The following members and alternates were present: Indian River County: Martin County: St. Lucie County: Palm Beach County: Gubernatorial Appointees: Ex-Officios: Council Staff: Commissioner O Bryan Commissioner Zorc Vice Mayor Old Commissioner Fielding Commissioner Haddox Commissioner Thurlow-Lippisch Commissioner Conze, Jr. Commissioner Mowery Commissioner Lewis Commissioner Perona Vice Mayor Valeche Commissioner Burdick Councilwoman Gerwig Councilman Hmara Councilmember Tinsley Mayor Dubois Councilman Norris (Alternate) Douglas Bournique Michael Houston Tobin Overdorf Michael Davis Peter Sachs Reece Parrish Steven M. Weaver, Sr. Lois Bush, Florida Department of Transportation Kathy LaMartina, South Florida Water Management District Ann Benedetti, St. Johns River Water Management District Lynda Westin, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Michael Busha Phyllis Castro Kim DeLaney 1

10 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Liz Gulick Stephanie Heidt Dana Little Peter Merritt Council Attorney: Keith Davis The Executive Director announced a quorum is present. AGENDA APPROVAL Commissioner Fielding moved approval of the Agenda. Commissioner Mowery seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Motion ANNOUNCEMENTS Staff provided information regarding the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization s (MPO) Commuter Challenge program. The MPO is organizing this countywide program with Palm Tran, Tri-Rail, Sky Bike, and others to encourage people who drive to work within or to/from Palm Beach County to instead take public transit, walk, bike, and/or carpool during the month of March. Staff indicated there will be a Street Painting Festival on February in downtown Lake Worth. In order for Council members to understand all the programs Council is working on throughout the region, staff provided Council members with a copy of Council s work program for Staff noted there are different categories that show new, potential, continuing, and recently completed projects. Staff indicated there are 42 open contracts with different local governments and vendors/agencies. Staff noted prior to the last five years, regional planning councils (RPCs) received state funding to conduct statutorily mandated work for the state. Staff indicated for the past five years no state funding has been allocated to RPCs, and the Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA) has made the decision to request project-specific appropriations rather than a general appropriation. It was decided the RPCs will develop a plan for a project regarding identification of industry clusters statewide. Staff indicated FRCA will be working with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to create this project for them by working with the local economic development organizations and local governments. Staff noted Senator Latvala has put in an appropriation for $1 million, and Representative Diaz is looking to put this in at $2 million. Staff indicated if any Council member has contact with Senator Latvala or Representative Diaz or their staff, there are talking points available. Staff also noted FRCA has commissioned a firm called IdeaBar to help rebrand and relaunch their website. Staff indicated IdeaBar is a group of Palm Beach Post reporters and website experts that will help improve the image of the RPCs, and show what RPCs are capable of by addressing issues on a regional basis. Staff provided information regarding Bike Month, noting there is an item on the agenda that includes a resolution to proclaim March as Florida Bike month. Staff noted this is an opportunity to 2

11 DRAFT Subject to Modifications raise awareness about cycling and cycling safety and its contribution to health and quality of life, and the mobility of Florida. Staff indicated the RPCs received a National Association of Development Organizations Award for its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan. Staff noted all ten RPCs work together on a statewide approach using the same methodology for their economic development programs. Staff noted the March 18 th Council meeting cannot be held at the current location and asked if any Council members may know of a location that might be available. CHAIRMAN S COMMENTS Chairman Davis stated it is an honor to serve as Chairman and he is looking forward to a productive year for Council. Chairman Davis noted he, Commissioner Mowery, and the executive director attended the FRCA policy board meeting in Tallahassee. He stated it is clear there is an image problem for RPCs, and we need to do a better job of articulating what we do and the great value that RPCs provide statewide. Chairman Davis provided an image of Florida at night from the space shuttle, noting the image clearly shows we are a region. He indicated Senator Bill Nelson will be speaking later in the meeting, noting Senator Nelson flew on space shuttle Colombia and one of the things that struck him when he was there is it is a region. Chairman Davis stated this image points out why we have to look at things not only from a local perspective, but also as a region when it comes to transportation, water, and the economy. He indicated his priorities as Chairman are the continuation of Council s 2016 Legislative Priorities. He stated it is obvious from a water perspective and through the debates over where, how fast, and how much water goes into our ecosystem, it is critical to move Everglades restoration projects forward. He stated it is his hope that with the power and intellectual capacity of Council, federal, state, and local agencies can be pushed to find some solutions. Chairman Davis indicated Senator Nelson will be speaking about some of his proposed legislation, and later in the agenda Council will be discussing a resolution of support for state level legislation. Chairman Davis stated his second Council priority for 2016 is looking at the issue of housing from a regional perspective. He noted most local governments represented on Council have issues with affordable housing and how to address attracting large business and talent to our region. He stated this is also an issue for teachers, firefighters, policemen, and others. He stated there have already been conversations with Palm Beach County administration on how Council might be able to facilitate this issue not only for the four counties in our region, but on a more broader scale. He stated Council support would not be in terms of financing, it would be more of a role to help host and facilitate summits and bringing groups together to develop ideas on policy and approaches that will work. Chairman Davis thanked the public for their participation, noting it is important for their voices to be heard. Vice Mayor Valeche indicated that in terms of water there is a lot of legislation and planned projects that have not been funded. He stated he would like to see a compilation of all the projects that are being contemplated, because we do not need to re-invent the wheel. Chairman Davis stated it would be good to have the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the water management districts (WMDs) present to Council what they have accomplished since legislation was signed in December 3

12 DRAFT Subject to Modifications of 2000, and what they expect to occur in the next few years. Vice Mayor Valeche asked if Congress recently passed a water bill. Chairman Davis stated they did about a year ago, and there are rumors there might be another water bill this year, which is not unusual in an election year. He indicated Senator Nelson will have a better sense of this, because he is proposing alternate legislation to take some Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects out of water resources development to help move them along. Commissioner Fielding stated even if the 68 proposed projects are completed, they will only handle about 200,000 acre-feet, and we need at least 1 million acre-feet. He stated he wants Council to engage in the concept that what is scheduled is terribly insufficient. He noted in the last 4 to 5 months the South Florida WMD has been given direction from a new director to focus entirely on completing projects. He indicated this is acceptable, but we need to be aware the proposed projects are insufficient to handle both the discharge and getting sufficient water for the Everglades. Chairman Davis stated an update from both the ACOE and WMD will be very helpful and he will work with staff to invite both agencies to present at a future meeting. Commissioner O Bryan noted the housing issue is one for a lot of counties around the state, with many counties hosting summits to tackle this very important issue. He also noted when talking with the local chamber business leaders, they have expressed the same issue. He stated when they try to expand, they want to hire people, but it is hard for the individuals to find either apartments or rental homes they can afford on a starting salary. He indicated this is a timely, economic development issue and he fully supports Chairman Davis priority to bring the housing issue forward. Commissioner Burdick stated Palm Beach County has a plan, it just needs to be implemented. She said part of the issue is for policymakers to stick to a plan. She stated a lot of local governments opt out of the plan, because they hear from the communities that do not want affordable housing, or the developers do not want to pay the dollars. COUNCIL MEMBER UPDATE Commissioner Fielding indicated there was a recent two-day symposium at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. He stated one of the things that came out of the symposium is that use of seawalls and riprap is a total failure for stabilization of the shoreline for the long-term. He noted the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) researched this and suggests that living shorelines are best. Commissioner Fielding encouraged Council members to give consideration to this when looking at their planning and development regulations. He also noted that there was information provided from the Florida Institute of Technology research on the adverse effects of muck, especially for the Indian River Lagoon. He stated a way for local governments to reduce the amount of muck going into the lagoon is by changing the way aquatic weeds are sprayed. He stated muck is a releaser of nitrogen, which is an extremely harmful element to our water bodies. He noted currently there is a very heavy brown algae bloom at the north end of the lagoon, and to the south there are constant releases from the lake that kill off the seagrasses. He stated the lagoon is in very dire straits and we need to focus on things that we can do to improve our waters. Chairman Davis encouraged Council members to look at the living seawalls, which his firm designs. 4

13 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Commissioner Perona noted the City of Fort Pierce is looking again to move its wastewater treatment plant, and have engaged a special committee to look at this issue. He noted the plant does not fit in with the state-of-the-art marina, port, museums, and schools in the area. He stated this is probably one of the most valuable pieces of property in the city. Commissioner Lewis stated she was mildly amused to discover that while we are currently trying to push for Everglades restoration, there are other parts of the nation that are overwrought with us, because they feel Florida is getting too much of the funding. Chairman Davis stated there is a lot of Everglades envy across the country. Commissioner Lewis noted there are some flood suppression efforts individuals would like to see move forward, because the main mission of the ACOE is the protection of life. She indicated she is heartened to hear there is quite a large proportion of the funding going to Florida. Commissioner O Bryan noted that at the Florida Association of Counties legislative conference in Tallahassee in early February the most disturbing issue is a coordinated effort to remove home rule authority from counties and cities. He stated this is something Council needs to be aware of and vigilant against. He indicated there are 21 bills floating around that have some form of preemption in them, and another 18 bills impact our ad valorem taxes. He noted a couple of representatives, who were formally local elected officials now serving in Tallahassee, spoke to the group and expressed the same concern that there is an orchestrated, coordinated effort to remove home rule rights. He noted earlier in the week Senator Simpson fought an amendment to a bill to override any existing local fertilizer ordinance that banned the fertilizing, but outcry was so loud Senator Simpson withdrew his amendment. Vice Mayor Norris indicated North Palm Beach is continuing its progress on a new master plan with the assistance of Council staff. He stated there was an amazing week-long charrette a few weeks ago that totally invigorated the residents. He stated he is very positive about the future and cannot praise staff enough. He noted Vero Beach is on the list of potential projects and offered his assistance if they have any questions. Vice Mayor Valeche stated he agrees with Commissioner O Bryan on the subject of preemption. However, he stated one thing he would like to see preempted is Uber. He stated this has been dealt with on a county basis throughout the state, but believes there needs to be statewide regulation on Uber. Vice Mayor Valeche stated the county s local planning agency approved the Indian Trail Groves project on Northlake Boulevard last week. He asked staff if Council is a consultant on the Avenir project. Staff indicated no. Vice Mayor Valeche also noted the county has approved a project called West Lake, formerly Minto West, in the Acreage, and now Palm Beach Gardens has approved Avenir, which includes 3,000 homes. He stated he is not sure how the traffic issues will be addressed with this amount of additional homes and only one road coming east. He stated there is not a mechanism to widen Northlake Boulevard beyond a couple lanes. He also noted there is a proposal at the intersection of Beeline Highway and Northlake Boulevard to do an urban interchange. He noted there is a very large infrastructure back log in the county that has been neglected over the past 5 to 6 years, and the county administrator has identified about $700 million in projects, some of which are new. He stated funding has been a serious discussion in the county, with talk of perhaps a one cent increase in the sales tax in combination with the school board, or possibly through a bond. He stated he believes this issue will probably be on the ballot in November 5

14 DRAFT Subject to Modifications as a referendum. Staff noted if the county decides to transmit the Indian Trails Grove project, it will be as a comprehensive plan amendment brought before Council in March or April. Vice Mayor Valeche stated it will be in the next transmittal round, because this project is moving rapidly through the process. Commissioner Burdick stated the MPO s Commuter Challenge is a very exciting cultural move to involve individuals through a very comprehensive approach, which she believes everyone will enjoy. She noted the living shorelines in the City of Lake Worth are outstanding. She indicated that in the past there were no identified oystercatcher birds in Palm Beach County, but now they have come back and there are several nesting pairs. She stated this is not only good for the shorelines, but it enhances ecotourism for the county, because people are coming from all over the world to rent kayaks to get in the water and take pictures of the oystercatchers. Chairman Davis requested someone from the county environmental office provide information to Council on the living shorelines. Commissioner Conze noted the Town of Jupiter Island is immersed in an effort to move 1.65 million cubic yards of sand back onto their beaches. He stated there is also the issue of Miami attempting to siphon off sand from one of the town s preserves, which represents about 50 years worth of potential sand re-nourishment for the town. He stated there is on-going communication with the ACOE to try to get Miami to understand the nature of the ocean body and that by filtering this sand into their reserve, they are depleting the town s reserve. Staff noted Council has taken action on this issue and Council s recommendation will be forwarded to Commissioner Conze. Vice Mayor Old indicated the City of Vero Beach has been working on their cultural arts area, noting Council staff is in the final stages of the charrette process that began in September. He stated he is very pleased that the community has been enthusiastic and it is taking on a life of its own. Commissioner Thurlow-Lippisch noted her town is in the middle of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon and getting bombarded again by polluted water. She indicated the town is in the process of re-working its sign ordinance after the Supreme Court ruling last year. She said it has been very tricky, because they have always been able to say they want black and white signs, but they can no longer discriminate, such as saying a political sign can have color, but everything else must be black and white. She stated this will change the character of the town. Councilmember Parrish noted that on his drive to the meeting, the manager of the City of Fellsmere mentioned Council and how impressed he is with our work during a radio interview. He thanked Council members for electing him secretary/treasurer and said he will do his best. Commissioner Mowery expressed his pleasure with spring training and what is coming to Palm Beach County. He noted the City of Port St. Lucie has the Mets, a World Series championship team, and invited everyone to come to the third largest city in the state. Councilmember Overdorf thanked everyone who recently came out and supported Harbor Branch at the Love Your Lagoon event. He stated this event showed how business is able to support an environmental cause and they were able to raise some money for a member to do his research within the lagoon. He noted another way business and the environment are combining in Palm 6

15 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Beach County is a large development where they are doing a restoration project at Hatcher park in Jupiter. He noted this is a way that business may have impacts on a large urban area, but is able to restore a park that will be there forever. Councilmember Houston asked Council members traveling south after the meeting to look to their right toward I-95 at the St. Lucie River, which he said looks like chocolate milk or bad coffee. He stated Commissioner Fielding made some important points, noting there is a group that has a paddleboard business in Stuart that has closed down. He stated people can no longer fish in Stuart, because the silt content is so high, and in the Indian River there is a plume moving up and down the channel. He stated we need to begin to look at other solutions, suggesting creating a partnership between agriculture and urban growth that looks at tying the interest of both groups together to do something to prevent more water coming off agricultural properties. He stated there are transfer of development rights programs around the country that have tried different things, and he encouraged the region to begin to say there is a coupling of land use to large regional environmental issues. Council Member Tinsley indicated Vice Mayor Valeche made some interesting points regarding traffic that should be discussed under agenda item 10. She stated the Honda Classic held its kickoff event the previous night, and invited everyone to attend the event. She noted the Honda Classic has been a wonderful addition to the city and the entire north county, and has brought in over $2 million in charitable contributions to the area. Councilwoman Gerwig noted that because of the rain it has been a difficult equestrian season for Wellington. She indicated the international polo club is up for sale which is a huge impact to the region, noting the equestrian industry has an economic value of approximately $200 million for the county. She stated with the sale issue, polo is susceptible and she would like to do whatever we can as a region to maintain that part of our equestrian industry, but we are left without control over how that happens, because it is all private investment. Councilman Hmara stated he shares Vice Mayor Valeche s concerns about the traffic impacts from the growth in the western and northwestern parts of Palm Beach County. He noted West Fest will be held in Royal Palm Beach at Commons Park February 26 th through the 29 th. He stated there will be live country music and a chili cook-off competition. Lois Bush indicated the vision and policy elements for the update of the Florida Transportation Plan have been completed and the implementation element will be developed this year. She stated she has copies for distribution and encouraged Council members to visit the website. Kathy LaMartina stated the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is putting together a couple new tools to keep everyone informed and updated on water issues. She noted one of these tools is Just the Fact sheets, noting she has with her for distribution one on the wet/dry season. The other tool is a daily operations update, which she said will be distributed through to all elected officials. She offered to add anyone to the list who wants to receive these updates. She indicated the SFWMD is trying to get creative on how to move water and are discussing two new ways to move additional water south. One is using the C4 detention basin, which is historically used for just flood control, but will now be used to move some water south. She stated they will also be placing some water into aquifer storage recovery wells. Chairman Davis 7

16 DRAFT Subject to Modifications asked for the entire Council to be put on the list for information. He stated because water is a Council priority for 2016, he would like to ask the Colonel of the ACOE and the executive director of the WMD to provide updates at future Council meetings on what is being accomplished with Everglade s restoration and how Council can assist. None. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Sachs moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Valeche seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Motion Items on the Consent Agenda were: 8A, Financial Report November 30, 2015; 8B, Financial Report December 31, 2015; 8C, Minutes December 11, 2015; 8D, Resolution in Support of Florida Bike Month; 8E, Town of Hypoluxo Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 15-1ESR; 8F, Indian River County Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR; 8G, Village of Royal Palm Beach Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR; 8H, City of Vero Beach Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR; and 8I, Intergovernmental Coordination and Review Log. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Commissioner Burdick moved approval of the recommended committee appointments. Commissioner Houston seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Motion CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 16-1ESR Chairman Davis recused himself from voting on the item, because he was one of the principal architects of the environmental component for this project at his former firm. He stated although he no longer works there, in the spirit of avoiding any misperceptions he is recusing himself. Staff indicated Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes requires RPCs to review local government comprehensive plans prior to their adoption. Council s role is to provide comments on adverse effects on regional resources and facilities identified in the Strategic Regional Policy Plan, and extrajurisdictional impacts that would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plans of affected local governments within the region. Staff indicated the current amendment being submitted by the City of Palm Beach Gardens is to change the future land use designation on 4,673 acres from rural residential to mixed use development and modify the urban growth boundary to include the subject property. Staff noted the proposed development, known as Avenir, is located on Northlake Boulevard in the western portion of the city. Staff s presentation of this item was suspended due to the arrival of Senator Nelson. 8

17 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Chairman Davis said it was a great honor and pleasure to have the senior Florida Senator present. He noted Senator Nelson s family has been in Florida since 1929 and he has the distinction of having flown on the space shuttle Columbia. He indicated Senator Nelson started his career in 1972 in the Florida Legislature and served in the U.S. Congress for 6 terms before being elected to the Florida Senate in Chairman Davis stated Senator Nelson is great advocate of public service and a great advocate of environmental and water issues. Senator Nelson thanked Chairman Davis stating it is good to see all the Council members and expressed his appreciation for support on these issues. He noted that while serving in the state legislature in the 1970s, one of the bills he was able to forward was the state s first comprehensive land planning bill, the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act of He stated this was the forerunner to the Growth Management Act of He indicated that out of the original legislation came the movement of regional planning commissions, which is exceptionally important because problems need to be solved on a regional basis as well as on a municipal or county basis. He stated that in 1975 he had to convince the state legislators that planning for growth was not communist, and there was a growth boom that had been happening in Florida since World War II. He stated he was not getting anywhere until he received the endorsement of the Florida Association of Counties which helped him get his legislation passed. Senator Nelson thanked Council for what it does and the plethora of items being reviewed on the agenda. He indicated what he wants to talk about is water. He stated the problems began in the late 1920s when the Tamiami Trail was built. The water started backing up water and aided in the drowning of 2,000 people around Lake Okeechobee in a massive hurricane. He stated Lake Okeechobee did not have defined boundaries, but when the waters came and people started to populate around the lake, the question was one of flood control, and that is why the SFWMD was originally known as the Flood Control District. He indicated for over a half century the idea was flood control and moving the water off the land, which is why the big canals were dug to divert the water to tide. He stated we have come to understand this messes us up and is the complete reverse of what mother nature intended. He stated the water was intended to start in the north at Shingle Creek, come down through the Kissimmee Basin and be cleaned by the Kissimmee River, because it is a meandering stream and the water moved slowing to the south through the river of grass. He stated we reversed everything and began sending too much freshwater to tide and affecting our estuaries. He also indicated part of the problem is supplying water for 6.5 million residents and trying to supply a very large agricultural industry. He stated Everglades restoration is intended to be a 50/50 partnership between the state and the federal government. He noted that because we have had an extraordinary rain period over the last several months, releases from Lake Okeechobee have occurred to relieve the pressure on the dike, with this water coming east to the St. Lucie River and west to the Caloosahatchee River and polluting the water. He stated several years ago a water bill was passed to construct a massive reservoir area of 9,000 acres called C-44, which is currently under construction and will be completed in Senator Nelson noted Congress passed a water bill in early December. He indicated the next step is to get the ACOE Chief s report into the water bill so construction projects can be authorized. He noted the water bill is not just for Florida, but for the entire country. He indicated we need to get the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) authorized so we can begin work to move the water to the south, and not dump it into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. He indicated one of the 9

18 DRAFT Subject to Modifications projects occurring is to raise the level of the Tamiami Trail to hold more water. The project is to build bridges in place of the road dikes. He indicated one bridge has already been completed with authorization for the ACOE. Senator Nelson stated last week the ACOE was asked to raise the canal that is parallel to the Tamiami Trail a foot and therefore give the water pressure to get in under the mile-long bridge and send the water south into Everglades National Park. He stated the sad thing is Everglades National Park is starving for water, and there has been too much water to the north of the Tamiami Trail in Stormwater Treatment Area 3 and wildlife is drowning due to the excess water. He noted that the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes have been given a 90-day permit, and Florida Power and Light Company has been given a 30-day permit to flood those lands. Senator Nelson thanked everyone for the privilege of being able to work for the State of Florida. He noted that the SFWMD needs emergency declarations in order to do what they need to do, and in the meantime he will work to pass bipartisan legislation that authorizes the CEPP through the next water bill and then work to get the appropriations in order to keep the projects moving forward. Senator Nelson stated he understands the water issues well, because he grew up in Indian River County and understands the lay of the land. He stated that as a young state legislator he was naive when trying to pass the Comprehensive Planning Act. He stated he worked with the environmentalists and the ranchers who were at odds, but now they are all pulling in the same direction, particularly north of Lake Okeechobee, where huge conservation easements areas are a win for everyone. He stated they are a win for the ranchers who want to continue their ranching heritage for themselves and their children, because they are able to earn some money from the land. It is a win for the environmentalists, because it keeps the polluted water from getting polluted going into the Kissimmee basin and Lake Okeechobee. And it is a win for the taxpayers, because it is the cleanest and most inexpensive way to clean up the water. Senator Nelson asked if the Chairman would allow questions. Chairman Davis thanked Senator Nelson for addressing Council and for his decades of public service to not only Florida, but the entire nation. He offered Council s support of his legislation this year. Senator Nelson stated he is going to the Stuart Airport to have the SFWMD staff take him over the dike and also see the progress on the construction of the C-44 project. Commissioner Conze stated it was a wonderful coincidence to meet the Senator today, and Senator Nelson noted they had attended school together. Commissioner Conze noted the electorate in Florida voted effectively through Amendment One to dedicate up to $750 million dollars for the purchase of land for water conservation. He noted there have been options to buy certain large parcels of land, particularly on the south side of Lake Okeechobee. He asked what can be done to induce the legislature to finally hear the will of the people and allow and permit these expenditures to be made for the benefit of all of the people of Florida. Senator Nelson stated the people of Florida did overwhelming vote for Amendment One, which the constitution says is to be used as a dedicated source of revenue for the acquisition of environmentally endangered lands and to provide monies for the 50/50 compact between the State of Florida and the federal government for Everglades restoration. He noted there are now efforts to get the legislature to take $200 million of the $750 million for the acquisition of land and instead use it for salaries and other government functions. He indicated he would suggest if that is all we can get, then we should get that even though that is not what the constitution. 10

19 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Councilmember Overdorf thanked Senator Nelson for addressing Council. He noted when he was a grad student he worked on the restoration of the Kissimmee River, where they actually had money allocated under Presidents Bush, Sr. and Clinton to help out with restoration efforts within Central Florida. He stated that now, 20 some odd years later, we may have another Bush or Clinton coming into office and nothing has changed. He stated that Senator Nelson mentioned these efforts are a 50/50 partnership between the state and the federal government, and the state has been putting up money for restoration. He stated the state desperately needs the federal side of the partnership, and asked if the Senator would comment on that. Senator Nelson indicated there have been times over the decades the federal government has responded when the state has not. Councilmember Overdorf stated that it has overwhelming been the state doing the funding. Senator Nelson stated the federal government obviously has to do its part, and that is what they are trying to do. Chairman Davis thanked Senator Nelson for attending. Vice Chairman Thurlow-Lippisch asked staff to continue with the presentation on the City of Palm Beach Gardens comprehensive plan amendment. Staff moved to the conclusion of the report in order to allow the city and applicant time to address Council. Staff noted there are seven recommendations contained in the report that are intended to be constructive comments to assist the city with planning the project and strengthen the city s comprehensive plan. The recommendations are to: 1. Include the 2,407-acre area proposed to become a future conservation area in the note on the Future Land Use Map and designate this area as Conservation land use rather than Mixed Use Development. 2. Establish plan policies clearly outlining the goals and objectives for restoration of the conservation area and a commitment to work with Palm Beach County and the SFWMD on the combined design and long-term management and operation of the Avenir and Mecca Farms restoration areas. 3. Include a phasing plan as part of the proposed amendment that would require construction of a balanced mix/ratio of housing and commercial uses through the build out of the project. 4. Establish minimum net densities for Avenir neighborhoods and districts that meet minimum transit-supportive density standards. 5. Adopt a series of transit-supportive plan policies for this area that will positively influence the design of Avenir to better accommodate transit options. 6. Illustrate the boundaries of the areas to be developed as part of the proposed amendment. 7. Work with the Town of Jupiter and City of West Palm Beach to resolve their concerns and extrajurisdictional issues. Staff noted the report also includes a letter from the Town of Jupiter and resolution adopted by the City of West Palm Beach that describe their concerns related to traffic and other issues. Staff recommended Council approve the report and authorize its transmittal to the City of Palm Beach Gardens and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Commissioner O Bryan asked what the proposed residential density will be. Staff indicated 0.68 gross density, noting Council s policy plan recommends a net density of 8 units per acre for transit. Commissioner O Bryan stated staff indicated there will be water and sewer service provided for the homes that are part of the urban service area, and asked if those outside the urban service area will 11

20 DRAFT Subject to Modifications be on septic. Staff indicates that it is their understanding, but indicaed the city could provide a more definitive answer. Natalie Crowley, director of planning and zoning for the City of Palm Beach Gardens, indicated the city has been working on this project since 2013 with the current owners of the property. Ms. Crowley indicated there are many important locally-oriented parts of this project that involve zoning that will help to address some of the Council staff recommendations. She indicated these include the rezoning petition, the master plan approval, the design guidelines, and the proportionate share agreement. She noted there has been substantial evolution of the master plan since it was first submitted in June of She stated the original plan included a whole development area to the north with over 7,600 residential units. She indicated at that time the city had a number of concerns, particularly that there had been no public outreach. She stated the applicant did do extensive outreach and returned in October of 2014 with a substantially revised master plan. The revised plan eliminated entirely the northern development and the residential units were dropped to 4,760. Ms. Crowley noted that Council staff had provided the city with comments on the initial submittal, which are appreciated and helped to strengthen the plan. She stated the next evaluation of the plan was in January of this year to further incorporate some of the higher quality wetlands in the southwest corner, and the residential units were again reduced to 3,735 units. She noted that based on city staff s recommendations and feedback, the applicant incorporated workforce housing into the program to be specifically located in the town center, and increased the nonresidential for additional employment opportunities. She stated the final plan that was unanimously approved by the city council further reduced the residential to 3,000 single family units to include workforce housing in the town center; and a slight increase in the non-residential by 140,000 to 2,540,000 square feet. She noted that as part of the proposal, there are 180 acres dedicated for public use, which includes a 55-acre city park; a 60-acre civic recreation facility; a 15-acre city annex for city services; and a 50-acre parcel for economic development. Ms. Crowley stated what Council is considering today is the land use amendment for the project that will change the land use from Rural Residential to Mixed Use Development. She noted the current land use allows for 405 residential units, which would need to utilize wells and septic. She provided a copy of the proposed future land use map, stating the note on the map that provides a cap to the mixed use land designation and reiterates what was approved and what was transmitted to the state, which is the latest program for 3,000 single-family units. With respect the staff comment regarding making the 2,407-acre area as part of the land use map, Ms. Crowley indicated that including just that piece of information will provide a limited perspective of what is being proposed. She stated the fact is that over the last three years during the review process ensuring this land is protected as conservation land was a very big part of the conversation. She stated there is a part of the resolution for this development order that specifically requires this area be protected. She indicated there will be a requirement for this to be platted as a conservation area and be delineated in the master plan, with the easement ultimately being deeded to a governmental agency, most likely Palm Beach County. She noted letters have been received from both Vice Mayor Valeche and Rob Robbins from Palm Beach County s Department of Environmental Resources Management stating the county s willingness to accept the property. She noted the city is approximately 53 square miles with over 48 percent of the city perpetually dedicated as conservation. She stated that conservation can be achieved without necessarily 12

21 DRAFT Subject to Modifications showing it on the land use map. She noted there has been public discussion of the city council s desire to have the area ultimately converted, but now is not the correct time. She stated the city is currently working on very specific delineations of the conservation area due to the connector road which may impact the CSX railroad crossing. With respect to Council s second recommendation for establishing plan policies outlining the goals and objectives for restoration, she indicated the resolution requires a preserve area management plan, which requires the specific logistics of how the restoration is to occur. She stated the city is creating an amazing connection of publically owned lands for environmental restoration to naturally accommodate the wildlife corridors and water restoration, which will increase the city s percentage of conservation land by 7 percent, making the entire land base 56 percent dedicated to conservation. Ms. Crowley indicated Council s recommendation to include a phasing plan in the amendment to address the balance between housing and commercial is an excellent comment. However, she noted the city included this in the resolution, which is what they feel is appropriate. She noted there is a phasing chart that has been adopted as part of the development plan that contains a specific condition of approval that stops residential development after each phase until 50 percent of the commercial is actually built. She stated this is to ensure the applicant is not able to front-load all the residential. She indicated there is a 50-acre economic development parcel that will be given to the city for marketing to their targeted industries, which includes medical, aerospace, and office. She stated this parcel will not only balance the commercial uses, but also employment opportunities to balance that with the development of residential homes through the life of the project. With respect to Council s recommendation to establish minimum net densities for the neighborhoods and districts to meet minimum transit-supportive standards, Ms. Crowley indicated the low densities in the application do not support transit or compact walkable communities. She stated criteria the city considered in the comprehensive plan amendments are level of service and compatibility with the surrounding land uses and residential communities. She said the city engaged a consultant to help with the design of walkable neighborhoods within the development standards. She noted there will be a requirement for a one-acre park within each neighborhood within a quarter mile radius, which will be in addition to the 180 acres that have been dedicated in the development, and also a requirement for a ¼ mile walk within the town center and workplace district. She noted that there is a proposed farm-to-table operation as part of the master plan. Ms. Crowley indicated there are transit plans and policies in the city s comprehensive plan that address Council s comment to include transit-supportive policies to positively influence design. She stated there were two traffic studies done for this project; one dealing with concurrency for the county and the other study was specifically done for the current comprehensive plan amendment. She stated that when those levels of service failed, the city decided to develop a strong program that would have a positive impact on traffic. She indicated the program includes: 2,407 acres dedicated as conservation; workforce housing; phasing chart dealing with the balance of the commercial, residential, and office; a requirement for the applicant to coordinate with Palm Tran to bring transit to the project; and a requirement for the applicant to do bus shelters along Northlake Boulevard in accordance with the city s bus shelter design criteria. She noted the applicant is also required to do a multi-modal center within the town center that includes a park-and-ride lot and bike sharing facility. Finally, the applicant is required to incorporate transportation demand management strategies that 13

22 DRAFT Subject to Modifications shall include ride sharing and a compressed work week within the workplace district. Ms. Crowley stated one of the biggest issues was addressing Northlake Boulevard and some of the specific road improvements. She indicated the city wanted to ensure the infrastructure was loaded up front to address the impacts. She stated the applicant agreed to construct a connector road connecting Beeline Highway to Northlake Boulevard, which is a 4.2 mile section of road, within the first phase. She indicated the applicant has committed to widen Northlake Boulevard, which is not a requirement for concurrency, but a key transportation demand management strategy the city developed to ensure that it was incorporated to address the project s impact. With respect to the Council comment regarding delineating the boundary area to assure development will be done as represented and be compatible with the airport, Ms. Crowley indicated this is done in the master plan. She noted that it is not associated with the comprehensive plan amendment, but does clearly define the boundary areas of the development. She stated the city and the airport have an interlocal agreement and have been working together on this project. She stated the city has also been working with the Town of Jupiter and the City of West Palm Beach to address their extrajurisdictional concerns. Ms. Crowley stated that many of the issues and comments raised are very good. She indicated the city believes these conditions of approval are appropriately located within the resolution, because the comprehensive plan is legislative and not self-amending. She stated the resolution requires the designation of mixed use be rezoned to a Planned Community Development, so having the resolution and the rezoning are both needed in order to implement this project. She stated the city believes this is an incredible project that will provide the public benefits of parks, recreation, fire and police services, and economic development. She stated the fiscal analysis is very positive, and the alternative of having 405 ranchette homes on well and septic would be an environmental catastrophe. Commissioner O Bryan noted that a lot of the conservation lands that were shown that were protected through platting and easements were skinny little fringe areas that are not good examples of conservation areas. He noted the city could go through the process of changing the land use for the entire parcel to mixed use, and even if the applicant has signed development orders and agreements, in the future they can say they do not want to move forward with the development plan. He noted the city would have then up-zoned the land and if the applicant sells the land there is nothing to prevent the new buyer from saying they have the right to develop the entire parcel as mixed use. He said a new developer would be guaranteed the land use rights, and the city s agreements may not be enforceable. He stated the best course of action is to show the conservation land on the map to ensure it is preserved as a large, contiguous area. Ms. Crowley stated that the requirement in the code would trigger the necessity of adopting a resolution. She stated that if the current applicant walks away, a new applicant will not have the same rights, because the comprehensive plan only achieves half of the requirements. She stated there is no way to determine what might occur, but the city believes they have built in those protections. Commissioner O Bryan asked how easy it is for the city to change a resolution, as compared to their comprehensive plan. She stated the requirements that relate to Chapter 163 are elements of the comprehensive plan dealing with the levels of service and compatibility, and those are appropriately located in what was submitted. She stated local governments have to be consistent with the statutes and what their requirements are so one could look at comprehensive planning in today s day and age as being a 14

23 DRAFT Subject to Modifications pretty straight forward issue based on the recent growth management legislation. She stated the city feels the conditions have been addressed appropriately in the resolution. Council Member Tinsley noted one of the developments within the city is Evergreen, which is an Audubon signature sanctuary, with hundreds of acres of wetlands and uplands throughout the community. In this development, she stated the slivers are SFWMD jurisdictional wetlands and uplands. She stated in the city s comprehensive plan conservation areas are memorialized by plat, by conservation easements, and by jurisdictional wetlands. She noted that this has been done at the airport and the communities within the city. She stated this has also been done in the neighboring community of Abacoa, in the Town of Jupiter. She stated this development is not only consistent with the city s comprehensive, but also with the comprehensive plan of the county. Commissioner O Bryan stated that in Indian River County when a parcel is zoned residential and it is going to be developed, they plat out the conservation area. He stated his concern is that the city is changing the land use for a very conservative density and uploading the entire parcel, including all the conservation areas, to a higher development level. He stated if there is going to be conservation, why not just designate it now, so there will be no issues in the future. Ms. Crowley indicated it is the city s goal to designate the land as conservation; however they want to first get the connection established across the CSX railroad to Beeline Highway. Commissioner Fielding stated that for him it gets down to the contrast of what we continue to do and looking forward to sustainability. He stated that some point we need to stop and start thinking about how there is not enough water now and how we will deal with that issue. He stated we need to start thinking more in a more sustainable long-term basis for future generations. Councilmember Weaver stated that in the phasing it seems the city is allowing the applicant to build all the residential units and with only 100,000 square feet of commercial development, and not the professional office or medical. Ms. Crowley stated that within each phase the minimum amount of commercial that is required is 50 percent of what is shown in each phase and the 100,000 square feet she referred to is just for the first phase. She indicated that the other half is in terms of professional office where the city is going to be actively marketing and working with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County to get the jobs to the city, which will help mitigate the traffic. She stated the commercial is tied to each phase, and medical office is an allowable use within the commercial designation. Councilmember Weaver asked if there is phase specificity for the affordable housing elements. Ms. Crowley indicated it is in the first phase. Councilman Hmara noted that from a western community point of view, one of the primary concerns is traffic impact. He stated that of all the development he has seen proposed for the western community area, this is the first one that actually offers something that might mitigate the potential traffic impact, and he is inclined to view the proposal favorably. He asked staff to comment on whether or not the recommendations in the report have been adequately addressed by additional information that was provided by the city. Staff stated the recommendations have been addressed, but there is not a guarantee all of those things will happen. Staff stated that when looking at the comprehensive plan amendment, staff is recommending the amendment guarantee those things. Staff pointed out that the note at the bottom of the city s map indicates how many acres are to be used for parks, and other things. However, conservation has been left out, and staff believes 15

24 DRAFT Subject to Modifications that is important. Staff noted the city has done a great job looking at all those elements, but after the comprehensive plan amendment is done, Council will not have another chance to look at this, and things may change later by resolution. Staff stated the focus of the recommendations is on the amendment and making the amendment and the city s comprehensive plan as strong as possible. Staff stated the policies Ms. Crowley mentions are not in the comprehensive plan, but in zoning resolutions and other documents. Staff stated the strongest back stop to a city s code and platting process is a strong comprehensive plan. Commissioner Burdick requested more information on the transit district concept. Ms. Crowley indicated the city brought this up, because they do not currently have a contract with Palm Tran to service that area. However, the MPO 2050 plan does have some anticipated transit, so the city worked with the MPO to include this policy. She stated they will be pushing in the proportion share money with the county to include capital for transit, specifically buses, and the city hopes that a condition of approval that addresses some of the operational expenses will help advance some type of transit. Commissioner Burdick asked if ongoing operational expenses are part of the agreement. Ms. Crowley stated yes, and the plan is to look at some type of ongoing district to help fund the operational expenses. Under public comment, Ken Tuma with Urban Design Kilday Studios and on behalf of Avenir Holding stated he is available to answer any questions regarding the project. He noted that everything that was presented by the city has been agreed to by the developer. Kevin Foley noted that he served on Council for 26 years, and on the Palm Beach County planning and zoning board for 21 years. He stated that he has read some of the recommendations and focused special attention on Palm Beach Gardens recently, because a friend is about to become a Councilmember. He noted that there are 38 municipalities in Palm Beach County and 4 municipalities in Martin County, as well as additional municipalities in Indian River and St. Lucie counties. He stated he does not remember a municipality that has 50 percent of its territory in conservation, and that this particular project will have 51 percent of its acreage to add to that. He stated be believes this is a great project, with the proposed north/south arterial being a wonderful connection to an area where companies are locating and will offer employment opportunities. He stated he believes some of the additional commercial area will keep a lot of the activity for services and employment in the area. He stated there will be impacts to Northlake Boulevard, and he has spoken with George Webb from the county who said a portion of it will initially have to be expanded to six lanes and maybe ultimately to 8. Mr. Foley stated that SR 7 has always been slotted from the south end of the county all the way through Okeechobee Boulevard and up to Northlake Boulevard, noting the northern most section of the road is already to Ibis. He said they went so far as to add a 200 foot right-of-way and to the east to buffer Grassy Waters. He stated proper design of the north/south corridor for critter crossings and water crossings will be an excellent addition. He stated he believes the City of Palm Beach Gardens is one of the finest municipalities in the region, and they ought to get the benefit of the doubt. Drew Martin stated he does not think the presentation gives the real story. He stated that if it is not in the comprehensive plan, the land will not be protected. He also noted the Audubon Signature Program designation mentioned earlier is not the same as Audubon Florida. He stated the reason the development looks so good is because of the way Palm Beach Gardens has handled things in the 16

25 DRAFT Subject to Modifications past and is a great place to live. He stated they do have a lot of open space, but he does not think this will be the case in the future. He stated this development is not compatible with anything around it. He stated the pictures that were shown of Ibis make it look busy, but it is actually a very peaceful community with no workforce housing, no commercial. He stated the city has a lot of area that is not currently being protected, and if they are not going to put in a conservation easement from the beginning, there will be no guarantees. He noted the road has been left out of the plan, but it will have a tremendous impact to the area. He stated there is no way they will be able to handle the traffic, and Mr. Webb has said the county is going to be hit with huge impact fees. He stated Council is making a development of regional impact decision on this project, and this was always slated to be developed at 456 ranchette homes, because that would fit in the area. He indicated they are now talking about commercial, workforce housing and all kinds of other elements that are completely changing what was originally proposed. He noted that if we ever get to the point where people do not drive their cars very much, this will not matter. However, right now people use their cars everywhere they go. He said one of his greatest concerns is this road will just increase traffic in other places, and there is no way to facilitate this project with the existing road system. He stated we need to seriously think where we are going in Palm Beach County. He said the City of Palm Beach Gardens should not be moving west with this kind of intense development. He noted they have attempted to improve the project, but he believes that there needs to be a very strong comprehensive plan element that guarantees this land will be protected. Commissioner O Bryan moved approval of the staff report with the condition of amending the first recommendation to designate the 2,407 acres as conservation on the future land use map. Councilmember Weaver seconded the motion. Motion Commissioner Zorc stated he would like to hear the opinion of the applicant on this additional request. He stated there are a lot of requirements being asked of the applicant, and it seems this will never be financially feasible for them unless they start the unit cost at a million dollars. He stated the applicant will have to agree to these conditions and he would like to ask them to respond. Mr. Ken Tuma, with Urban Kilday Studios and representing the applicant, indicated Joanne Davis, who is part of the project team, was also present. He stated the note that is on the city s comprehensive plan identifies specially the amount of units, density, commercial and retail that is available. He said the 2,407 acres are going to be conservation and dedicated to a public agency, which has been agreed to on behalf of the owner, and along with the city they prefer not to have it in conservation at this time. He stated there are issues to work through and they do not know the final alignment of the proposed roadway that will go over the CSX railroad crossing. He noted that the applicant has spent three years working with consultants, city, county, and community and they would like to move forward with the comprehensive plan amendment as presented by the city. Councilmember Houston stated this is a great example of a municipality carefully weighing a lot of issues and one of the key things some of the comments failed to understand is this is a regional location. He stated he believes the city has done a very good job of balancing non-city regional issues, including nonresidential issues. He stated he is very familiar with this property and agrees it will be extremely complicated if the land use amendments are attached to the alignment of the north/south roadway. He stated this is a very environmentally sensitive connection and they will need to be creative. He said that between the housing, mixed use and potential for transit, this is a great example of how you do a plan well in what is the core of a significant regional area. 17

26 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Councilmember Houston complimented staff on putting together a very good proposal of comments for discussion. Council Member Tinsley thanked Ms. Crowley for her presentation and stated as a planner she agrees that this is not the time to assign the conservation designation. She indicated the city is still working on the plan and need to meet with several government agencies, and for the last 20 years they have done comprehensive plan amendments this way so they will not have to go back and do another amendment. She stated the city takes this project seriously and has worked with the community and adjacent municipalities. Council Member Tinsley requested the motion be amended to exclude Council comments, and include the presentations of Palm Beach Gardens' staff and the applicant. Councilmember Weaver stated that after hearing the discussion regarding the 2,407 acres that need to be dedicated, he understands the city is not currently able to pin down the exact acres until the plans for the road are done. He stated he is withdrawing his second to the motion. Chairman Davis called for a second to Commissioner O Bryan s original motion. Councilwoman Gerwig asked for clarification of the motion. Commissioner O Bryan stated the motion is to amend the first recommendation to require the 2,407 acres be shown on the future land use map. Councilwoman Gerwig asked if the argument against that is it is too soon to do that. Commissioner O Bryan stated the city has not yet determined the location for the north/south connector road. He said they could designate 2,390 acres and give them a strip that can later be dedicated to conservation. He stated he does not know why they need to have 2,400 acres not designated because of one road segment. Chairman Davis called for a second, which there was none. Councilwoman Gerwig stated she would like to make a motion to transmit without the conditions, but include the Palm Beach Gardens presentation and the applicant s presentation. Councilmember Houston seconded the motion. Motion Commissioner O Bryan asked if the motion is to transmit without any recommendations. Councilwoman Gerwig answer yes, because they have already been addressed. Councilmember Weaver stated he believes the staff recommendations need to be included. Chairman Davis called for discussion on including Council staff recommendations and the city s presentation. Council Member Tinsley stated she would like to have the comments excluded, because they have already been addressed. Councilwoman Gerwig asked for clarification of what it means for Council to leave in or take out the comments. Keith Davis stated the motion on the table is to approve the report, but not adopt the staff s recommendations as part of the report. Councilwoman Gerwig asked what the repercussions if the recommendations are not included. Mr. Davis stated the comments would not move forward. Council Member Tinsley indicated she wanted to clarify that she asked that the presentations that address the recommendations be included. Councilman Hmara stated that he does not understand why the comments would be excluded if the presentation was an effort to address them. He stated one possibility is to include both the recommendations and the presentation. Councilwoman Gerwig indicated she would like to revise the motion to include both. Mr. Davis stated there is a motion and a second on the table to approve the report without the staff recommendations, but with the city and consultant presentations. Mr. Houston noted the recommendations are included in the presentation. Commissioner Conze asked why there is a request to not include the recommendation, noting that is Council s responsibility. Chairman Davis 18

27 DRAFT Subject to Modifications stated that the recommendation is to not submit the recommendations of Council staff, but to include the presentations of the city and consultants. Upon being put to a vote, the motion failed. Councilmember Sachs moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Overdorf seconded the motion. Motion Council Member Tinsley asked for the city s presentation to be included. Seeing no objections from the motion makers, Chairman Davis stated the motion is to submit the recommendations as proposed by Council staff and include the City of Palm Beach Gardens presentation. Upon being put to a vote, the motion carried with Councilmember Houston opposed. REFINANCING OF REVENUE NOTE ON COUNCIL S OFFICE BUILDING As directed by Council at the December meeting, staff has been working on the refinancing of the note on Council s office building. Staff noted that since the December meeting where the 13-year note starting at 3.86 percent and for the final years would be 3.97 percent, the first three years will be at 3.74 percent. Staff stated the current recommendation is for Council to adopt Resolution 16-02, with the understanding that Council will target a minimum of $2,500 additional payment per month toward the principal balance; and 2) authorize the executive director, in consultation with Council s attorney, to finalize negotiations with TD Bank consistent with Resolution Commissioner O Bryan moved approval of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Haddox seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Motion RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED HOUSE BILL 989 AND SENATE BILL 1168 Staff indicated these two bills will dedicate about $200 million to the restoration of the Everglades and the correction of too much water going east and west, and not enough water going south. Staff indicated HB 989 is out of committee and waiting to be heard on the house floor; and Senator Negron s bill, SB 1168, still has to go through the General Appropriations and full Appropriations subcommittees. Staff stated the recommendation is for Council to adopt a resolution in support of these two bills and approve their transmittal to the governor and legislature. Commissioner O Bryan moved approval of the staff recommendation, noting Senator Negron s bill was amended to include an additional $75 million for spring protection. Commissioner Haddox seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Motion Under public comment, Mr. Martin stated he is in favor of the resolutions. Chairman Davis stated he would like to defer Agenda Items 13 and 14 to the next meeting. Commissioner O Bryan motioned to table Agenda Item 13, Village of North Palm Beach Charrette Work in Progress Presentation and Agenda Item 14, All Aboard Florida Update. Councilwoman Gerwig seconded the motion, which carried with Commissioner Conze opposed. Motion 19

28 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Commissioner Conze stated he was opposed stating the Chairman had not asked for discussion. Chairman Davis called for discussion. Commissioner Conze asked if it is within the realm of possibility that Council is going to either support or recommend against All Aboard Florida (AAF). Staff indicated this would have to be put on an agenda, and this is only an update. Commissioner Conze requested the AAF project be put on the next agenda for full discussion with consideration as to whether or not Council will stand in favor of or opposed the AAF recommendation. Chairman Davis noted the AAF update is a standing agenda item for Council. Mayor DuBois indicated Council has prepared a list of objections and recommendations and has already weighed in on this matter. Commissioner Conze stated he would do his homework. Chairman Davis asked staff to provide Commissioner Conze background material on the AAF project. Tabled to next meeting. Tabled to next meeting. VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH CHARRETTE WORK-IN-PROGRESS PRESENTATION ALL ABOARD FLORIDA UPDATE PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Martin stated that Gael Silverblatt left the meeting, but she had wanted to talk about the importance of the Lake Worth living shoreline. Mr. Martin stated Gail s comment is that the City stopped a 600-foot planting of mangroves along Bryant park, leaving just the seawall and riprap and that it also took out 1,500-feet of mangroves along the golf course shoreline. He stated the SFWMD is also permitting the loss of mangroves. He said he read an article about Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in an area with mangroves and there was no loss of life, because the mangroves absorbed the storm surge. He stated we need to really emphasize the importance of living shorelines and how they work. He asked Council to talk about the urban service boundaries for the counties and how far west we want the counties to go, because the more west development moves, there will be more impacts on traffic and drainage. He stated he supports Senator Nelson s comments on the importance of the water bill. STAFF COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Davis adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. This signature is to attest that the undersigned is the Secretary or a designated nominee of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and that the information provided herein is the true and correct Minutes of the February 19, 2016 meeting of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Date Signature 20

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31 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8C From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review Draft Amendment to the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR Introduction The Community Planning Act, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, requires that the regional planning council review local government comprehensive plan amendments prior to their adoption. The regional planning council review and comments are limited to adverse effects on regional resources or facilities identified in the strategic regional policy plan (SRPP) and extrajurisdictional impacts that would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan of any affected local government within the region. Council must provide any comments to the local government within 30 days of the receipt of the proposed amendments and must also send a copy of any comments to the state land planning agency. The amendment package from the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony includes text amendments to the Future Land Use and Coastal Zone Management elements of the comprehensive plan. This report includes a summary of the proposed amendment and Council comments. Summary of Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment is to revise Objective 1 in the Future Land Use Element; revise Policies 4.3 and 4.6 in the Coastal Zone Management Element; and add new Objective 12 and Policies 12.1 through 12.8 in the Coastal Zone Management Element. The proposed amendment represents the town s Evaluation and Appraisal Report-based amendments. The proposed amendment addresses new requirements in Section , Florida Statutes, related to reducing the risk of flooding. The town s consultant reported that the proposed changes were coordinated with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in order to meet the intent and purpose of the new legislative requirements. The Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony is a relatively small coastal residential community that is largely built-out. The majority of the changes to the comprehensive plan focus on redevelopment. New Objective 12 indicates that redevelopment in the coastal areas will be based

32 DRAFT Subject to Modifications on principle strategies and engineering solutions intended to eliminate inappropriate and unsafe development in those areas. The policies supporting this objective call for: coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine appropriate and safe development strategies; establishment of avoidance and accommodation strategies to reduce the risks from coastal flooding; analysis of opportunities to reduce stormwater runoff within areas experiencing flooding and storm surge; and maintenance of low impact development design guidelines to reduce stormwater management loads and mitigate flooding impacts in areas vulnerable to high tide events, storm surge, flash floods, stormwater runoff, and related impacts of sea level rise. Regional Impacts No adverse effects on significant regional resources or facilities have been identified. Extrajurisdictional Impacts Council requested comments from adjacent local governments on March 2, No extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Conclusion No adverse effects on regional resources or facilities and no extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Recommendation Council should approve this report and authorize its transmittal to the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Attachments 2

33 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 General Location Map 2 Text Changes in Underline and Strikethrough Format

34 Jupiter Inlet Colony Exhibit 1 General Location Map

35 Exhibit 2 Text Changes in Underline and Strikethrough Format

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39 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8D From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review Draft Amendment to the Town of Lantana Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR Introduction The Community Planning Act, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, requires that the regional planning council review local government comprehensive plan amendments prior to their adoption. The regional planning council review and comments are limited to adverse effects on regional resources or facilities identified in the strategic regional policy plan (SRPP) and extrajurisdictional impacts that would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan of any affected local government within the region. Council must provide any comments to the local government within 30 days of the receipt of the proposed amendments and must also send a copy of any comments to the state land planning agency. The amendment package from the Town of Lantana contains a proposed change to the Future Land Use (FLU) Map of the comprehensive plan. This report includes a summary of the proposed amendment and Council comments. Summary of Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment is to assign a FLU Map designation of Public Ownership to a acre property that was recently annexed into the town. The subject property is located at 1810 Lantana Road. It is situated on the south of Lantana Road between High Ridge Road and I-95. The property, which is currently developed, is the site of the Central County Transfer Station operated by the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County. Regional Impacts No adverse effects on regional resources or facilities have been identified.

40 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Extrajurisdictional Impacts The proposed amendment package was circulated by the Palm Beach County Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee Clearinghouse Coordinator on March 4, No extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Conclusion No adverse effects on regional resources or facilities and no extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Recommendation Council should approve this report and authorize its transmittal to the Town of Lantana and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Attachment 2

41 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 General Location Map 2 Future Land Use Map

42 Exhibit 1 General Location Map Town of Lantana

43 Exhibit 2 Future Land Use Map Solid Waste Authority Transfer Station

44 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8E From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review Draft Amendment to the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-2ESR Introduction The Community Planning Act, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, requires that the regional planning council review local government comprehensive plan amendments prior to their adoption. The regional planning council review and comments are limited to adverse effects on regional resources or facilities identified in the strategic regional policy plan (SRPP) and extrajurisdictional impacts that would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan of any affected local government within the region. Council must provide any comments to the local government within 30 days of the receipt of the proposed amendments and must also send a copy of any comments to the state land planning agency. The amendment package from Palm Beach County contains nine proposed changes to the Future Land Use (FLU) Atlas, and text changes to the Future Land Use and Transportation elements of the comprehensive plan. This report includes a summary of the proposed amendments and Council comments. Summary of Proposed Amendment A. Proposed County Initiated Amendments 1. Natural Area Additions The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation on three sites totaling acres to Conservation. Site A, the Jackson Riverfront Pines Natural Area, is 3.01 acres located along the north fork of the Loxahatchee River on Riverside Drive, approximately 0.3 miles south of County Line Road. The existing FLU designations on Site A are Low Residential, 2 units per acre (LR-2) and Low Residential, 3 units per acre (LR-3). Site B, the Hungryland Slough Natural Area, is acres located along the west leg of the C- 18 Canal right-of-way, approximately 3.3 miles south of the intersection of Pratt Whitney

45 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Road and Bee Line Highway. The existing FLU designation on Site B is Rural Residential, 1 unit per 10 acres (RR-10). Site C, the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area, is acres located along the west leg of the C-18 Canal right-of-way, approximately 3.4 miles southeast of the intersection of Pratt Whitney Road and Bee Line Highway. Palm Beach County has acquired these parcels for the purposes of environmental preservation, restoration, and conservation. The proposed amendment was requested by the Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management Department in order to protect and restore existing natural resources and to provide passive recreational opportunities for the general public. Portions of Sites B and C will be incorporated into the Northeast Everglades Natural Area trail system, which will connect the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area and several county natural areas to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. 2. Westgate Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA) Modifications The proposed amendment is to revise text in the Transportation Element related to the Westgate/Belvedere CRA TCEA. The amendment proposes to: 1) remove a cap on individual use types to allow flexibility while maintaining the cap on overall vehicle trips; 2) delete the requirement to adopt an inclusionary housing policy, because the CRA has already implemented such a policy through the Westgate Overlay provisions of the Unified Land Development Code; 3) revise policy language related to mixed use, multimodal, transit, and other transportation alternatives to encourage internal trip capture to provide transit alternatives, and connections to downtown West Palm Beach; and 4) delete the requirement that the county evaluate the feasibility of extending Westgate Avenue from Haverhill to Jog Road, because this extension was previously deleted from the Thoroughfare Right-of-way Identification map. The Westgate/Belvedere Homes CRA was established in The CRA is bounded by Florida Mango Road, Military Trail, Belvedere Road, and Okeechobee Boulevard and managed by the Westgate/Belvedere Homes CRA. The goal of the CRA is to partner with the public and private sectors to improve infrastructure and to foster economic development within the CRA boundaries. The Westgate/Belvedere Homes CRA TCEA was adopted to provide traffic concurrency relief as an incentive for development and redevelopment that could not materialize due to capacity restrictions on the roadway network. The proposed amendment was requested by the CRA to reflect the current conditions as well as to increase flexibility in order to encourage redevelopment within the CRA boundaries. The county staff report concluded the changes would further encourage development and redevelopment in the area. 2

46 B. Proposed Private Future Land Use Atlas and Text Amendments 1. Gulfstream Polo Properties DRAFT Subject to Modifications The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation from Low Residential, 2 units per acre (LR-2) to Low Residential, 3 units per acre on acres; Low Residential, 2 units per acre to Medium Residential, 5 units per acre (MR-5) on 9.69 acres; and delete previously adopted conditions of approval. The properties are within the Gulfstream Polo Properties Planned Unit Development (PUD), which includes a total of acres. The subject property is located in the Urban Suburban Tier on the east side of Lyons Road, south of Lake Worth Road and west of the Florida Turnpike. The site is located within the West Lake Worth Road Neighborhood Plan area and the current uses are residential and equestrian. The site currently has three FLU designations over the entire property, including: Low Residential, 2 units per acre (21.21 acres); Low Residential, 3 units per acre (58.71 acres); and Medium Residential, 5 units per acre ( acres). The proposed change would increase the residential development potential by 35 units, from 948 to 983 dwelling units. The proposed amendment would also consolidate all of the prior ordinance conditions of approval on the LR-3 and MR-5 portions into a single ordinance that applies to the entire site. Adjacent land uses to the property that is proposed to change to Low Residential, 3 units per acre include: Low Residential, 3 units per acre to the north, east, and west; and Low Residential, 2 units per acre to the south. Adjacent land uses to the property that is proposed to change to Medium Residential, 5 units per acre include: Medium Residential, 5 units per acre to the north, south, and west; and the Florida Turnpike to the east. The previously adopted conditions of approval establish a cap on the number of dwelling units, require consistency with the West Lake Worth Road Neighborhood Plan, establish minimum usable open space of 5 percent, and require connectivity to all existing and future developments identified in the neighborhood master plan. The county s Traffic Engineering Department indicated the proposed amendment would result in an increase of 360 net daily trips and 27 AM and 42 PM net peak hour trips. The county staff report concluded the proposed amendment and conditions of approval are consistent with the West Lake Worth Road Neighborhood Master Plan and there are adequate public facilities and services available to support the amendment. 2. Central Park Commerce Center The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation on acres from Rural Residential, 1 unit per 10 acres (RR-10) to Economic Development Center (EDC) with conditions of approval. The subject property is located on the north side of Southern Boulevard (State Road 80), west of the L-8 Canal, and approximately 3 miles west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The site is located at the eastern edge of the Glades Tier of the Managed Growth Tier System, and within the Glades Area Protection Overlay (GAPO) of the Comprehensive Plan. This parcel is part of a larger configuration of parcels owned by the applicant, PBA Holdings Incorporated (PBA, formerly Palm Beach 3

47 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Aggregates). The site is currently vacant and is part of a larger area that has development approval for excavation. The intent of the amendment is to allow development of the site to a maximum of 491,749 square feet (SF) of light industrial uses with 2,786,577 SF of warehouse uses, or other allowable uses not exceeding the equivalent traffic. Adjacent land uses include: the Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) West County Energy Center to the west; the South Florida Water Management District L-8 Reservoir to the north; a wildlife corridor and L-8 Canal to the east; and an undeveloped parcel supporting asphalt and concrete operations and State Road 80 to the south. The proposed amendment also includes text changes to the FLU Element and Map Series to: 1) amend GAPO policies to allow the Economic Development Center FLU designation and Employment Center use within the GAPO; 2) allow the Economic Development Center FLU designation in the Glades Tier, limited to the subject property; and 3) revise policies and maps to designate the subject property as a Limited Urban Service Area. The GAPO was adopted into the comprehensive plan in 2004 to protect the Everglades Agricultural Area from encroachment by uses detrimental to the agricultural activities, conservation areas, and Everglades restoration projects. The GAPO was intended to complement other provisions in the comprehensive plan prohibiting the expansion of urban and suburban activities into the agricultural production areas in the Glades Tier. The Glades Tier is generally located west of the L-8 Canal, water conservation areas, and includes the Glades Communities. The focus of Glades Tier objective and policies is the coordination with Glades area municipalities, to promote infill development within those communities, and protect the agricultural base. The applicant has indicated the intent of the proposed changes is to allow for development of an employment center that includes a large-scale data center. The data center is a centralized computer storehouse that provides information technology infrastructure for single or multiple commercial or government clients. This type of facility is often planned and developed with enhanced construction features to address natural disaster and security concerns. These facilities are heavy power users and typically include uninterruptable or redundant power sources. The applicant has indicated the subject property offers certain functional advantages for a data center, because it is adjacent to the FPL power plant and has a relatively high elevation. The subject property is located in the county s Rural Service Area, an area of the county where the extension of urban services is not foreseen during the long range planning horizon. The proposed amendment includes designation of the subject site as a Limited Urban Service Area, which will allow for a mix of urban and rural levels of service. The county staff report indicated that generally there are adequate public facilities and services available to support the amendment. According to the County s Traffic Engineering Department, the amendment would result in an increase of 11,255 net daily trips and 1,078 AM and 1,146 PM net peak hour trips based on the proposed development plan. The analyzed roadway links are projected to meet the level of service standards. 4

48 DRAFT Subject to Modifications The county staff report concluded the proposed employment center use of the subject property is not anticipated to negatively impact the immediately surrounding uses, and the proposed use could provide significant public benefit of land use balance and employment opportunities. The proposed conditions of approval include: 1) limit the maximum square footage based on traffic impacts; 2) require that the FLU and Limited Urban Service Area designation be reconsidered if development of the site for a user making use of the uninterrupted power source or other unique site attributes has not commenced within three years following the effective date of the amendment; and 3) residential uses are prohibited. C. Proposed Agricultural Reserve Related Amendments 1. County Initiated Pre-Existing Commercial Delray Growers The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation on 1.00 acres from Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to Commercial Low with an underlying Agricultural Reserve (CL/AGR). The subject property is located on the northeast corner of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Sundy Road. The subject property is currently vacant and is a portion of an acre parcel also included in this amendment package listed below under Delray Growers. The intent of the proposed change is to make the land use consistent with the Commercial General zoning designation that occurs on a 0.69-acre portion of the site. The property has had a commercial zoning since The proposed change is being applied to one acre in order to allow the property to be rezoned to a commercial zoning district and meet the one acre minimum acreage requirement for commercial zoning. The subject property is in an area with a mixture of uses including Industrial, Agricultural Reserve, and Commercial Low. The county staff report indicated this is a corrective amendment to assign a CL/AGR future land use designation to a site with an existing commercial zoning designation. This amendment would allow the subject site to develop with commercial uses up to 4,356 SF. The county staff report indicated there are adequate public facilities and services available to support the proposed amendment. 2. Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text The proposed amendment is to revise policies in the FLU Element related to commercial and non-residential development within the Agricultural Reserve Tier. This amendment is one result of a year-long process directed by the Board of County Commissioners to consider changes to Agricultural Reserve provisions proposed by a group of property owners in early This amendment would revise the policies regarding the ability for sites to obtain and develop using commercial and mixed uses and planned development districts in the Agricultural Reserve Tier. Currently, the ability for a site to obtain or develop with non-residential uses other than agriculture is extremely limited in the Tier. This amendment will address Board direction to consider allowing smaller commercial sites than Traditional Marketplaces, and to establish guidelines to be able to review proposed nonresidential amendments on a case-by-case basis. In addition, a history of this effort and its objectives are proposed to be added to the General Objective of the Tier 5

49 DRAFT Subject to Modifications to provide the history and context for the existing and proposed policies in the plan. This amendment will also relocate existing language relating to county bond purchases. The Agricultural Reserve is approximately 22,000 acres of unincorporated land west of the Florida Turnpike and north of the Broward County line. The Agricultural Reserve was established in 1980 to facilitate preservation of agriculture. In 1998 the Board of County Commissioners directed the development of a master plan with the purpose to preserve and enhance agricultural activity and environmental and water resources in the Agricultural Reserve, and produce a master development plan compatible with these goals. A Final Master Plan was completed in October 2000, but it was never adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. In 2001, findings of the master plan were incorporated in the FLU Element. These policies are listed under Objective 1.5, The Agricultural Reserve Tier. The proposed changes to the FLU Element are provided in strikethrough and underline format in attached Exhibit 18. The proposed changes are summarized as follows: Incorporating Agricultural Reserve History and Intent. The changes propose to add language regarding the history of the master planning effort and the bond issue to both establish the context of the Tier policies in the plan and to eliminate any further confusion regarding the status of these items. The purpose of this change is to reduce confusion regarding the status of the master plan and the purpose and intent of the regulatory items in the plan. This amendment proposes to eliminate this confusion by clearly establishing in the plan the basis of the fundamental objectives and principles that lead to the tier policies. The master planning effort was grounded in fundamental objectives and principles that were developed with the Board of County Commissioners. These elements provided the foundation for all of the research, document preparation, bond issue, final master plan, and policies that were originally adopted. Further, the amendments propose to relocate and expand language regarding the retirement of density resulting from the county purchases through the bond. Additional Opportunities for Small Commercial. The amendment proposes to revise language related to commercial and mixed uses to reflect Board of County Commissioners direction to consider allowing additional opportunities for neighborhood service commercial projects at a smaller scale than the Traditional Market Place zoning district and to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This amendment proposes revisions that would allow the Board of County Commissioners greater flexibility to review amendments on a case-by-case basis, while retaining the primary tenet of each regulation as identified in the master plan documents. The proposed changes will retain the objective of the tier to preserve and enhance agricultural activity and environmental and water resources. In order to continue this objective and to ensure that new development meets the same and equitable requirements as past approvals, the amendment proposes to continue the requirement that new development contribute to this objective by meeting preserve area requirements for properties greater than 16 acres. 6

50 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Planned Development Revisions. This amendment proposes to eliminate the requirement that all commercial development be in the form of an Agricultural Reserve Traditional Marketplace Development (AgR-TMD) zoning district, but retains the design, scale, character, and preserve intent of this requirement and applies it to a newly proposed Agricultural Reserve Multiple Use Planned Development (AgR-MUPD) zoning district. The county staff report concluded the proposed amendment will support the original intent of the Agricultural Reserve master planning effort while considering the Board of County Commissioners direction to allow opportunities for small commercial uses and taking into account the development pattern that has resulted through the implementation of the current policies in the plan. The proposed amendment is intended to apply to the Delray Growers, Alderman Commercial, and Homrich Commercial FLU amendments described below. 3. Delray Growers The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation on acres from Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to Commercial Low with an underlying Agricultural Reserve (CL/AGR). The subject property is located on the northeast corner of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Sundy Road. The subject property is currently vacant, but is the former site of an airplane hanger, farm equipment welding and repair shop, and nursery. The county is processing a FLU amendment for one acre of the subject site at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Sundy Road as a part of the County Initiated Pre-Existing Commercial amendment described above. The intent of the amendment is to change the future land use designation to allow commercial retail uses to be developed on the property. Adjacent land uses include Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to the north, east and south; and Industrial with an underlying AGR (IND/AGR) to the west. The Delray Equestrian Center, a acre preserve for the Delray Marketplace Traditional Marketplace Development is adjacent to the north. The Delray Self Storage and Four Seasons PUD are located to the west of the subject property. The county staff report indicates that the Delray Growers application is not consistent with current policies that govern the Agricultural Reserve, because the site is not within a ¼ mile of Lyons Road and is not proposed in the form of a Traditional Marketplace Development. However, the proposed text amendment described above (Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text) allows the Board of County Commissioners to consider the subject property and other FLU amendments for smaller commercial opportunities in the Agricultural Reserve on a case-by-case basis. The county s Traffic Engineering Department indicated the proposed amendment would result in an increase of 2,542 net daily trips and 51 AM and 329 PM net peak hour trips based on a condition of approval limiting the development potential to 91,000 SF of 7

51 DRAFT Subject to Modifications commercial retail uses. The county staff report concluded there are adequate public facilities and services available to support the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment would expand the commercial node that is proposed for the County Initiated one-acre portion of the site and square-off the remainder of the site with commercial use. The proposed amendment is consistent with the Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text amendment described above. 4. Alderman Commercial The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation on acres from Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to Commercial Low with an underlying Agricultural Reserve (CL/AGR). The subject property is located on the northeast corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Lyons Road. The subject property is currently developed with 38,000 SF of packing plant and a portion of the site in row crops. The proposed amendment would allow the development of a commercial shopping center with a maximum potential of 133,642 SF. Adjacent land uses include Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to the north, east, and west; and Commercial Low with underlying AGR (CL/AGR) to the south. The Countryside Meadows PUD is adjacent to the north of the subject property and the Canyon Towncenter Traditional Marketplace Development exists to the south. The county staff report indicates that the Alderman Commercial application is not consistent with current county comprehensive plan policies that govern the Agricultural Reserve, because: 1) approving an additional 15 acres of commercial would exceed the 80-acre limit for Agricultural Reserve Traditional Marketplace Development identified in Policy 1.5-l; 2) the site is not proposed to be in the form of a Traditional Marketplace Development required in Policy 1.5-m; 3) the subject property is not listed as a planned development option listed in Policy a; and 4) the applicant is proposing a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.20, which exceeds the maximum limit of 0.10 for Commercial Low sites in the Agricultural Reserve identified in Table III.C.2 of the comprehensive plan. However, the proposed text amendment described above (Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text) allows the Board of County Commissioners to consider the subject property for commercial development. The proposed amendment would change the development potential of the site from a packing plant with existing potential of 100,231 SF to 133,642 SF of commercial development. The county s Traffic Engineering Department indicated the proposed amendment would result in an increase of 3,864 net daily trips and 248 AM and 404 PM net peak hour trips based on the maximum development potential of 133,642 SF of commercial uses. The county staff report concluded there are adequate public facilities and services available to support the proposed amendment. The county staff report recommended approval of the proposed amendment with the conditions: 1) Development on the site under the Commercial Low future land use designation is limited to a maximum of 133,642 square feet of commercial general or equivalent traffic generating uses; and 2) the proposed amendment is subject to the county initiated commercial text amendments to the comprehensive plan adopted concurrently. 8

52 DRAFT Subject to Modifications 5. Homrich Commercial The proposed amendment is to change the FLU designation on acres from Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to Commercial Low with an underlying Industrial (CL/IND) with conditions of approval. The subject property is located north of Boynton Beach Boulevard and west of State Road 7. The subject property currently contains a nursery. The applicant has proposed a voluntary condition of approval to limit development of the site to a maximum of 29,400 SF of Commercial and 197,100 SF of light industrial uses. Adjacent land uses include Agricultural Reserve (AGR) to the north, west and south; and Institutional (INST) to the east. The Atlas Peat and Soil, a chipping and mulching facility, lies adjacent to the north; and Bethesda West Community Hospital is located directly to the east. The county staff report indicates that the Homrich Commercial application is not consistent with current county comprehensive plan policies that govern the Agricultural Reserve. The proposal to introduce Commercial Low with an underlying Industrial FLU west of State Road 7 would contribute to incompatibilities with surrounding agricultural land uses and is inconsistent with Policy 2.1-g. Also, the proposed amendment is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan because: 1) the subject property is not located within a ¼ mile of one of the identified intersections specified for commercial development in Policy 1.5-k; 2) approving an additional 14 acres of commercial would exceed the 80-acre limit for Agricultural Reserve Traditional Marketplace Development identified in Policy 1.5-l; 3) the site is not proposed to be in the form of a Traditional Marketplace Development required in Policy 1.5-m; 4) the subject property is not listed as a planned development option in Policy a; and 5) the applicant is proposing a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.20, which exceeds the maximum limit of 0.10 for Commercial Low sites in the Agricultural Reserve identified in Table III.C.2 of the comprehensive plan. However, the proposed text amendment described above (Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text) allows the Board of County Commissioners to consider the subject property for commercial development. The proposed amendment would change the development potential of the site from 87,000 SF to a proposed maximum of 29,400 SF of Commercial and 197,100 SF of Light Industrial. The county s Traffic Engineering Department indicated the proposed amendment would result in an increase of 1,264 net daily trips and 225 AM and 294 PM net peak hour trips. The county staff report concluded there are adequate public facilities and services available to support the proposed amendment. The county staff report recommended denial of the proposed amendment due to its location west of State Road 7. The county staff does not support the addition of new industrial future land use designations without a comprehensive analysis considering appropriate locations, uses, extent, and intensity, and for those requirements to be added to the comprehensive plan subject to Board of County Commissioner direction. 9

53 DRAFT Subject to Modifications 6. Agricultural Reserve Farm Residence Text The proposed amendment is to add new Policy j to revise language regarding residential development rights within the Agricultural Reserve Tier. The proposed amendment would allow an agricultural property with an existing residence to sell development rights from all but one acre for the house. Under current rules, residential development not part of an Agricultural Reserve Planned Development (AgR-PDD) is subject to the subdivision density of one unit per five acres. Property-owners with a residence must have 5 acres to meet the single-family residence density. Any remainder of the property can become part of an AgR-PDD and obtain a density of one unit per dwelling acre, but development rights cannot be sold from the 5 acres associated with the dwelling. Based on direction from the Board of County Commissioners, the proposed amendment would change this requirement for properties having both an existing single family residence and an existing Agricultural Classification designation as of April 30, This amendment is one result of a year-long process directed by the Board of County Commissioners to consider changes to Agricultural Reserve provisions proposed by a group of property owners in early During the process, some property-owners who reside on small agricultural properties expressed a concern that the current rules are unfair because other property owners in the Agricultural Reserve had been able to sell development rights at one unit per acre, but they had been unable to do so because of a residence on the property. These owners wish to maintain a home on one acre and be permitted to sell development rights from the balance of the property. Under current rules, they are prohibited from selling development rights from 5 acres because that is the minimum acreage required to meet density requirements for a residence in the Agricultural Reserve. Most of the affected properties in the Agricultural Reserve have nursery operations. The county staff report indicated there are about 45 parcels with homes that are not located in an Agricultural Reserve Planned Development or in subdivisions predating the Agricultural Reserve. Of these 45 parcels, about half of them have an agricultural classification on some portion of the property. These 23 parcels would yield about 90 development rights if permitted to sell development rights based on one unit per acre, minus one acre for the home. The county staff report recommends denial of the proposed amendment because it grants development rights that do not exist to properties whose density entitlements have already been exercised. County resident owners of small agricultural properties have raised the issue that current rules are inequitable because properties without homes have been able to sell development rights at a rate of one unit per acre. However, the county staff assessment is that an inequity does not exist, because pursuant to the comprehensive plan each parcel has the opportunity to develop one unit per 5 acres as a subdivision, or one unit per acre if the requirements for a planned unit development are met. The proposed amendment could create an inequity, because it would grant a small number of 10

54 DRAFT Subject to Modifications property-owners the ability to have both one unit to five acres and to sell one unit per acre on most of the property. Regional Impacts The Agricultural Reserve is recognized in the Economic Development section of the SRPP as a significant regional resource because of its unique potential for agricultural production important for providing food resources nationally. The cumulative effect of the proposed amendments related to the Agricultural Reserve would result in a reduction in the number of acres in agricultural production and an increase in commercial, industrial, and residential uses. The direct impact of the proposed amendments on the potential for agricultural production in the Agricultural Reserve is very small, because the proposed FLU Atlas changes only affect about 40 of the approximately 22,000 acres in the Agricultural Reserve. The potential future impact of the proposed text amendments providing greater flexibility in converting from Agricultural Reserve to commercial uses is not known. However, the overall trend in the reduction of agricultural uses in the Agricultural Reserve is of concern, because the conversions result in the loss of a regional resource that may never be recovered. Extrajurisdictional Impacts Palm Beach County staff has indicated the amendments were circulated through the Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee process. No extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Conclusion Council supports the Agricultural Reserve text amendments that clarify the commitment to preserve and enhance agricultural activity and environmental and water resources in the Agricultural Reserve. Specifically, these include the text changes to sections A.1 through A.3; B.1 and B.2; and C.1 through C.8 in the Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text changes provided in Exhibit 18. Other text changes included in the Agricultural Reserve Commercial text amendment and the proposed amendments related to Delray Growers, Alderman Commercial, Homrich Commercial, and the Agricultural Reserve Farm Residence Text do not further the goal of preserving and enhancing agricultural activity and environmental and water resources in the Agricultural Reserve. Council encourages the county to take a stronger position in protecting agricultural use in the Agricultural Reserve. Recommendation Council should approve this report and authorize its transmittal to Palm Beach County and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Attachments 11

55 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 General Location Map 2 A-1 Jackson Riverfront Pines Natural Area Aerial Map 3 A-1 Jackson Riverfront Pines Natural Area Location Map 4 A-1 Hungryland Slough Natural Area Aerial Map 5 A-1 Hungryland Slough Natural Area Location Map 6 A-1 Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area Aerial Map 7 A-1 Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area Location Map 8 A-2 Westgate CRA Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 9 A-2 Westgate CRA Boundary Map 10 B-1 Gulfstream Polo Properties Aerial Map 11 B-1 Gulfstream Polo Properties Location Map 12 B-2 Central Park Commerce Center Aerial Map 13 B-2 Central Park Commerce Center Location Map 14 B-2 Central Park Commerce Center Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 15 B-2 Glades Area Protection Overlay Map & Area Features 16 C-1 County Initiated Pre-Existing Commercial Delray Growers Aerial Map 17 C-1 County Initiated Pre-Existing Commercial Delray Growers Location Map 18 C-2 Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 19 C-2 Agricultural Reserve Location Map 20 C-3 Delray Growers Aerial Map 21 C-3 Delray Growers Location Map 22 C-4 Alderman Commercial Aerial Map 23 C-4 Alderman Commercial Location Map 24 C-5 Homrich Commercial Aerial Map 25 C-5 Homrich Commercial Location Map 26 C-6 Agricultural Reserve Farm Residence Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 27 C-6 Existing Comprehensive Plan Agricultural Reserve Planned Development District Policies 28 Map LU 1.1 Managed Growth Tier System

56 Hungryland Slough Natural Area Central Park Commerce Center Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area Gulfstream Polo Homrich Commercial Alderman Commercial Delray Growers Jackson Riverfront Natural Area Westgate CRA Exhibit 1 General Location Map 13

57 Exhibit 2 A-1 Jackson Riverfront Pines Natural Area Aerial Map 14

58 Exhibit 3 A-1 Jackson Riverfront Pines Natural Center Location Map 15

59 Exhibit 4 A-2 Hungryland Slough Natural Area Aerial Map 16

60 Exhibit 5 A-2 Hungryland Slough Natural Area Location Map 17

61 Exhibit 6 A-1 Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area Aerial Map 18

62 Exhibit 7 A-1 Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area Location Map 19

63 Exhibit 8 A-2 Westgate CRA Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 20

64 21

65 Exhibit 9 A-2 Westgate CRA Boundary Map 22

66 Exhibit 10 B-1 Gulfstream Polo Properties Aerial Map 23

67 Exhibit 11 B-1 Gulfstream Polo Properties Location Map 24

68 25

69 Exhibit 12 B-2 Central Park Commerce Center Aerial Map 26

70 Exhibit 13 B-2 Central Park Commerce Center Location Map 27

71 Exhibit 14 B-2 Central Park Commerce Center Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 28

72 29

73 Exhibit 15 B-2 Glades Area Protection Overlay Map & Area Features 30

74 Exhibit 16 C-1 County Initiated Pre-Existing Commercial Delray Growers Aerial Map 31

75 Exhibit 17 C-1 County Initiated Pre-Existing Commercial Delray Growers Location Map 32

76 Exhibit 18 C-2 Agricultural Reserve Commercial Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 33

77 34

78 35

79 36

80 37

81 38

82 39

83 40

84 41

85 Exhibit 19 C-2 Agricultural Reserve Location Map 42

86 Exhibit 20 C-3 Delray Growers Aerial Map 43

87 Exhibit 21 C-3 Delray Growers Location Map 44

88 Exhibit 22 C-4 Alderman Commercial Aerial Map 45

89 Exhibit 23 C-4 Alderman Commercial Location Map 46

90 Exhibit 24 C-5 Homrich Commercial Aerial Map 47

91 Exhibit 25 C-5 Homrich Commercial Location Map 48

92 Exhibit 26 C-6 Agricultural Reserve Farm Residence Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 49

93 Exhibit 27 C-6 Existing Comprehensive Plan Agricultural Reserve Planned Development District Policies 50

94 51

95 Exhibit 28 Map LU 1.1 Managed Growth Tier System 52

96 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8F From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review Draft Amendment to the Village of Royal Palm Beach Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-2ESR Introduction The Community Planning Act, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, requires that the regional planning council review local government comprehensive plan amendments prior to their adoption. The regional planning council review and comments are limited to adverse effects on regional resources or facilities identified in the strategic regional policy plan (SRPP) and extrajurisdictional impacts that would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan of any affected local government within the region. Council must provide any comments to the local government within 30 days of the receipt of the proposed amendments and must also send a copy of any comments to the state land planning agency. The amendment package from the Village of Royal Palm Beach includes a text amendment to the Future Land Use (FLU) Element of the comprehensive plan. This report includes a summary of the proposed amendment and Council comments. Summary of Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment is to revise Policy LU to reduce the maximum density from 18.0 to 14.0 dwelling units per gross acre for the Multi-Family High Density Residential FLU designation. The proposed amendment also makes a similar change to the section explaining and defining the FLU categories shown on the FLU map. The village staff report indicates the purpose of the change to 14.0 units per acre is to allow the high density designation to be consistent with the village code requirements related to open space, recreation, and parking. The density of 18.0 units per acre promoted the need for variations to the village code to accommodate the higher density. Regional Impacts No adverse effects on regional resources or facilities have been identified.

97 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Extrajurisdictional Impacts The proposed amendment package was submitted to the Palm Beach County Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee Clearinghouse Coordinator on February 8, No extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Conclusion No adverse effects on regional resources or facilities and no extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Recommendation Council should approve this report and authorize its transmittal to the Village of Royal Palm Beach and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Attachments 2

98 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 General Location Map 2 Text Changes in Underline and Strikethrough Format

99 Village of Royal Palm Beach Exhibit 1 General Location Map

100 Exhibit 2 Text Changes in Underline and Strikethrough Format

101

102 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 8G From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review Draft Amendment to the Wellington Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 16-1ESR Introduction The Community Planning Act, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, requires that the regional planning council review local government comprehensive plan amendments prior to their adoption. The regional planning council review and comments are limited to adverse effects on regional resources or facilities identified in the strategic regional policy plan (SRPP) and extrajurisdictional impacts that would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan of any affected local government within the region. Council must provide any comments to the local government within 30 days of the receipt of the proposed amendments and must also send a copy of any comments to the state land planning agency. The amendment package from Wellington includes a text amendment to the Transportation Element of the comprehensive plan. The amendment is related to adoption of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan. This report includes a summary of the proposed amendment and Council comments. Summary of Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment is to revise the Transportation Element of the comprehensive plan by updating pedestrian and bicycle Policies ; adding a pedestrian pathways map; and adding a bicycle lanes map. The updated policies support Objective 1.1, which calls for motorized and non-motorized transportation systems that are safe, convenient, and efficient, and consist of arterial, collector, and local roadways. The pedestrian pathway and bicycle lane maps provide detailed linkages of neighborhoods, schools, and other community centers. The maps have been developed in coordination with the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element related to bicycle, pedestrian, and linked open space facilities; and with the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization s Master Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation Plan.

103 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Regional Impacts No adverse effects on significant regional resources or facilities have been identified. Extrajurisdictional Impacts Wellington has indicated that the proposed amendment was submitted to the Palm Beach County Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee. No extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Conclusion No adverse effects on regional resources or facilities and no extrajurisdictional impacts have been identified. Recommendation Council should approve this report and authorize its transmittal to Wellington and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Attachments 2

104 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 General Location Map 2 Pedestrian and Bicycle Policies Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline 3 Pedestrian Pathways Map 4 Bicycle Lanes Map

105 Exhibit 1 General Location Map Wellington

106 Exhibit 2 Pedestrian and Bicycle Policies Text Changes Showing Strikethrough and Underline

107 Exhibit 3 Pedestrian Pathways Map

108 Exhibit 4 Bicycle Lanes Map

109 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 9 From: Date: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Subject: Resolution in Support of Proposed U.S. Senate Bill 2481 Everglades for the Next Generation Act Introduction Senator Bill Nelson is sponsoring a Congressional bill to amend the Water Resources Development Act to provide for expedited project implementation relating to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The proposed bill will provide the Secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers with the flexibility and authority to more quickly advance individual CERP projects by eliminating additional Congressional authorization (Attachment 1). Currently there are 68 individual project components identified in the CERP. Only three of these projects are under construction and one is fully completed (Attachment 2). Background and Analysis The Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, Indian River and Lake Worth lagoons, and the St. Lucie River Estuary are imperiled ecosystems and critical to the economy and quality of life in the Treasure Coast Region and all of Southeast Florida. In December 2000, CERP was signed into law to restore health to these ecosystems, while maintaining urban and agricultural water supply and flood control. Council s top 2016 legislative priorities are Restore the Everglades and Eliminate Harmful Freshwater Discharges into the St. Lucie River Estuary and Indian River and Lake Worth Lagoons (Attachment 3). Senate Bill 2481, the Everglades for the Next Generation Act strongly supports Council s 2016 legislative priorities and should accelerate the construction and completion of CERP projects. Resolution is provided for Council adoption in support of U.S. Senate Bill 2481 (Attachment 4). Recommendation Council should adopt Resolution and authorize its transmittal to the U.S. Secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Congress, and President of the United States. Attachments

110 ATTACHMENT 1

111

112

113 ATTACHMENT 2

114 ATTACHMENT 3

115 ATTACHMENT 4 DRAFT Subject to Modifications RESOLUTION #16-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL REPRESENTING THE 54 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF INDIAN RIVER, MARTIN, PALM BEACH, AND ST. LUCIE COUNTIES, FLORIDA SUPPORTING U.S. SENATE BILL 2481 (EVERGLADES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION ACT) FOR EVERGLADES RESTORATION AND REDUCING HARMFUL FRESHWATER DISCHARGES TO THE ST. LUCIE AND CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER ESTUARIES AND THE INDIAN RIVER AND LAKE WORTH LAGOONS WHEREAS, the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River estuaries, and Indian River and Lake Worth lagoons are imperiled ecosystems and waters of the state; and WHEREAS, the health of these ecosystems is critical to the economy and quality of life of the Treasure Coast Region and all of southern Florida; and WHEREAS, U.S. Senate Bill 2481 should result in actions to more quickly advance CERP projects to restore the long-term health and ecological and economic productivity of these ecosystems of statewide and national importance; and WHEREAS, U.S. Senate Bill 2481 is in support of and consistent with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council s 2016 legislative priorities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL FULLY SUPPORTS U.S. SENATE BILL 2481 TO RESTORE THE EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM AND ELIMINATE HARMFUL FRESHWATER DISCHARGES TO THE ST. LUCIE AND CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER ESTUARIES AND THE INDIAN RIVER AND LAKE WORTH LAGOONS. DULY ADOPTED by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council this 18th day of March Michael Davis Chairman Michael J. Busha Executive Director

116 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 10 From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Village of North Palm Beach Charrette Work-In-Progress Presentation Introduction Council has been providing charrette and other citizen-based planning services to its local governments since Council has pioneered the charrette process beginning with the Downtown Stuart Charrette. Since then it has led 92 charrettes and collaborated on 23 others (see Attachment A). Council has formed partnerships with three other regional planning councils, working outside the region on several occasions. Currently, Council staff is working closely with the Village of North Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization and others to establish a new vision and redevelopment master plan for the village (see Attachment 2). A work-in-progress presentation has been prepared to inform Council about its healthy collaboration with the village and about the charrette process in general. These types of efforts represent an important part of Council s work program related to providing vital services and assistance to local governments in the region. Background Charrette means cart in French. Various architectural school legends hold that at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in 19 th century Paris, students were still sketching their assignments in the carts being used to carry their boards away to be juried. Today a charrette is a practical planning technique which blends public participation, detailed planning, and development of implementation tools. The charrette s principal focus is on the creation of useful physical planning products rather than processes, hence its popularity as a physical planning and design tool to address challenges shared by the community. Charrettes also provide an opportunity for the greatest public involvement in the decision-making process about future growth and development. Lasting seven to ten days, a charrette includes an experienced urban design team working with citizens in a series of high-speed intensive creative sessions, concentrating on specific design problems, reaching a consensus, and expressing solutions in graphic form. The team then combines all of this information into an overall illustrative plan and written report, which forms the basis for a community s master development/redevelopment plan.

117 DRAFT Subject to Modifications The success of the charrette process stems from its ability to address design issues, which are usually at the root of public opposition to future growth and change. The resolution of these design issues results in fertile common ground for resolving long-standing conflicts and reaching community consensus. One local elected official has described their resulting charrette master plan as a business plan for redevelopment, outlining the specific steps and physical interventions the community must undertake to be successful and competitive. Others have likened it more to an economic development service rather than a planning service. Recommendation For information only. Attachments 2

118 ATTACHMENT A TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL CHARRETTES since 1989 COUNCIL LED: Allapatah Ranch (MC) Atlantis Greenacres (PBC) Bartow (PC) Becker Road - Port St. Lucie (SLC) Belle Glade (PBC) Belle Glade/Glades Region Master Plan (PBC) Booker Park, Indiantown (MC) Boynton Beach Civic Center (PBC) Boynton Beach Downtown (PBC Canal Point (PBC) Children s Env. Learning Center (SLC) Coconut Creek Coral Springs Parkland (BC) Cutler Ridge Mall (DCA) Davie-Hollywood-Seminole Nation (BC) Delray Beach Downtown (PBC) Delray Beach North Federal Highway (PBC) East Stuart (MC) El Portal (DCA) Encida (DCA) Fellsmere (IRC) Flagler Beach (FC) Fort Lauderdale Gateway (BC) Fort Pierce Downtown (SLC) Fort Pierce Eastward Ho! Partnership Waterfront Block (SLC) Fort Pierce/HD King (SLC) Hobe Sound (MC) Hollywood II (BC) Hutchinson Island Greenway (SLCMC) Indiantown - Booker Park (MC) Jensen Beach Community Center (MC) Jensen Beach Downtown (MC) Jensen Beach Green Turtle Café (MC) Jupiter Farms (PBC) Jupiter TOD (PBC) Kenwood Estates (PBC) Lake Park I (PBC) Lake Park II (PBC) Lake Worth (PBC) Lake Worth Beach (PBC) Lake Worth Park of Commerce (PBC) Lake Worth TOD (PBC) Lauderdale Lakes (BC) Lauderhill (BC) Margate (BC) Miami Shores El Portal(DC) Miramar/West Park (BC) Naranja (DC) North Federal Highway Boca Raton (PBC) North Lauderdale Tamarac (BC) North Miami (DC) North Miami Beach (DC) North St. Lucie County (SLC) North US 1/Seven Cities Charrette (PBC) Northwood Business Development Corporation (PBC) Oakland Park (BC) Old Cutler Road (DC) Overtown (DC) Pahokee (PBC) Pahokee /Glades Region Master Plan (PBC) Palm Beach Royal Poinciana (PBC) Palm Beach Gardens TOD (PBC) Perrine (DC) Plantation (BC) Pleasant City (PBC) Pointe West (IRC) Princeton (DC) Rio (MC) Riviera Beach CRA (PBC) Royal Palm Beach (PBC) SeaWind (MC) Sebastian CR 512 (IRC) Sebastian US 1 Corridor (IRC) Sewall s Point (MC) South Martin County (MC) Southern Plaza Eastward Ho! Partnership (PBC) SR 7 Transit Supportive Land Uses (PBC) Stuart Cove Road Stuart Eastward Ho! Partnership (MC) Taylor Creek (SLC) Ten Mile Creek (SLC) Treasure Coast Regional Greenways (PBC, SLC, MC) Urban Redevelopment Area Military Trail Corridor (PBC) V-2 Ranch (SLC) Vero Beach Arts Village (IRC) Village Green (SLC) Village of North Palm Beach (PBC) Village of Royal Palm Beach SR 80 (PBC) West Palm Beach CSX-FEC Connector (PBC) West Palm Beach South Dixie Highway (PBC) West Palm Beach Transit Village (PBC) Weston Town Center (BC) White City (SLC)

119 COUNCIL ASSISTED: Abacoa (PBC) Agricultural Reserve (PBC) Fort Pierce - Avenue D (SLC) Boca Raton Downtown (PBC) C-9 Basin (BC) Fort Pierce - Delaware and Orange Avenue (SLC) Delray Beach Pineapple Grove (PBC) Fort Pierce Marina (SLC) Greater Lake Okeechobee (PBC) Juno Beach (PBC) Lantana (PBC) Pearl City (PBC) Port of Fort Pierce (SLC) Riviera Beach (PBC) San Castle Neighborhood (PBC) South Beach (SLC) Stuart Downtown (MC) Tequesta Downtown (PBC) Tequesta Golden Triangle (PBC) Town of Wellington (PBC) WCI (PBC) West Palm Beach Downtown (PBC) Winter Park Mall (OC) KEY: BC Broward County DC Dade County FL Flagler County IRC Indian River County MC Martin County OC Orange County PBC Palm Beach County PC Polk County SLC St. Lucie County

120 ATTACHMENT B

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122 DRAFT Subject to modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 11 From: Date: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting Subject: Southeast Florida Regional Greenways & Trails Plan Introduction The purpose of this item is provide an overview of the Southeast Florida Regional Greenways & Trails Plan, which was completed in December Funded by the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on behalf of the seven-county Southeast Florida region, the Greenways & Trails Plan includes regionally significant hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails and is synchronized local plans as well as the statewide Greenways and Trails Plan maintained by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Council was the project manager for the plan s development, which included extensive public participation from local governments, MPOs, state agencies, advocacy groups, and the public. Overview and Analysis As part of the evolving transportation landscape, greenways and trails facilities play an increasing role as non-motorized transportation facilities. Well-developed greenways and trails networks are hallmarks of many of the most successful regions and communities. Intended for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians, these links provide mobility, expand recreational opportunities, connect community destinations, contribute to healthy lifestyles, and add value to communities. Greenways and trails projects are funded through a variety of sources, with grant funding as an increasingly important component. Projects identified within a regional plan, such as the Southeast Florida Regional Greenways & Trails Plan, are inherently more competitive for securing grant funding, which has been maintained as a baseline consideration in the development of the network. This advantage is especially timely given the State of Florida 2015 establishment of the SUNTrails program, which provides $25 million annually for the development of regionally significant greenways and trails projects. The Greenways/Trails Plan is intended to serve as a conceptual guide for MPOs, local governments, state agencies, and others for prioritizing and advancing projects over time to help develop an integrated network of non-motorized connections throughout the region. In addition, the regional

123 DRAFT Subject to modifications perspective is designed to further inform facility development in an effort to align facilities across county lines where feasible. The Palm Beach MPO initiated the Greenways/Trails Plan as part of its long-range planning activities, with a request to Council to manage the project. The initial planning scale was focused on the network within the Treasure Coast Region, and subsequently, the scale was expanded to encompass the larger seven-county Southeast Florida region. The Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan, which is developed and maintained by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), was utilized as a baseline plan. This statewide plan includes opportunity maps that indicate existing, planned (funded), and conceptual facilities, with locally identified priority corridors for land trails, paddling trails, and ecological greenways. The FDEP corridors represent preferred alignments within which implementing agencies, such as local governments and user groups, are expected to develop the actual facilities. The East Coast Greenway which is a unique 3,000-mile facility from Maine to Key West that traverses Southeast Florida, was also incorporated into the baseline maps. Working on behalf of the Palm Beach MPO, Council developed a regional scale planning effort that began with identification of existing greenways and trails facilities within the seven counties. Extending roughly 300 miles from Indian River County to Monroe County, this area includes five MPOs and one TPO, two water management districts, two Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) districts, seven county governments, and 119 municipal governments. Three regional workshops were conducted at the regional scale, with participation from all MPO/TPOs, many local governments, scores of representatives from federal and state agencies, utilities, user groups, and the public. Existing greenways/trails data for each county was compiled by the MPO/TPOs and refined with input from local governments and other users. With input from a broad array of stakeholders, it was determined that regionally significant facilities appropriate for inclusion in the Greenways/Trails Plan would be required to meet the highest standards established by the U.S. Forest Service. These include three types of facilities: Multi-Use Paved Trails, which are a minimum of 10 feet in width, and for use by pedestrians and cyclists; Multi-Use Unpaved Trails, which are a minimum of 10 feet in width, and for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians; and Unpaved Hiking Trails, which are a minimum of 5 feet in width and for use by pedestrians exclusively. Following the determination of facility types, criteria were developed to identify those facilities considered to be facilities of significance enabling a connected and meaningful greenways/trails system. These criteria include the following: Multi-county facilities that cross into adjacent counties Connections to regional parks and recreational facilities Connections to state or federal parks or preserves Connections to regionally significant educational, cultural or historic destination (e.g., colleges, universities, historic landmarks, museums) 2

124 DRAFT Subject to modifications Connections to locally designated downtowns or central business districts Connections to premium transit stops or hubs (e.g., Tri-Rail stations, intermodal facilities, West Palm Beach trolley, MetroRail in Miami-Dade) The resulting county maps along with the regional seven-county map are included as Attachment 1. The complete plan is included as a supplement on Council s Website. In addition to the land-based facilities, the Greenways and Trails visioning process included a highlevel focus on blueways, which are water trails for non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This aspect of the planning process included coordination with FDEP, a review of the Florida Paddling Trails Opportunity Map, and a broadly-attended regional paddling trails workshop. The plan includes preliminary blueways maps for each county (Attachment 2). A separate concerted effort among the environmental resource entities will be needed to further define paddling trails, launch facilities, and paddling amenities such as stopovers and portages. The Greenways/Trails Plan represents thousands of miles of facilities that require implementation by a number of different entities for the vision to be realized. The complex nature of facilities that cross municipal boundaries and multiple property owners, along with the potential for multi-county facilities, requires coordination among many partners. Further, while the plan provides a regional perspective for Southeast Florida, the most effective implementation will occur within individual counties, often at the initiative of local governments, agencies, and user groups. FDEP has volunteered to maintain the regionally developed maps on the FDEP website for access by all users. It is anticipated that annual updates to the Greenways/Trails Plan will be initiated annually by the participating MPOs and TPOs with participation by stakeholders identified to-date. The Palm Beach MPO has indicated that in intends to continue working with Council to facilitate annual regional workshops to help assemble new and updated information, modify the maps as appropriate, and identify projects for regional collaboration. Updated maps would then be transmitted to FDEP for assembly and posting. A separate effort is anticipated to advance the planning of a regional paddling trails system, which will require further definition, consideration of environmental features and constraints, and upland access points. The most recent opportunity to advance a regionally significant project from the Greenways/Trails Plan involves the SUNTrails network, which is being determined by FDEP with input from the Florida Greenways and Trails Council. SUNTrails represents a new $25 Million annual funding source established by the Legislature in 2015 for the development of regionally significant trails in Florida. In addition to the Coast to Coast Connector, which is a central Florida trails connection between St. Petersburg and Titusville, one other regionally significant trail will be selected for funding through At its February meeting, the Florida Greenways and Trails Council preliminarily selected the East Coast Greenway as one of seven potential trail networks for funding. Council provided a letter supporting this selection (Attachment 3). A final selection for SUN Trails funding will be made at the Florida Greenways and Trails Council meeting on March 31 in Tallahassee. The inclusion of the East Coast Greenway as a hallmark facility within the Southeast Florida Greenways & Trails Plan has been significant in advancing the competitiveness of the project and provides strong evidence for the value of the Greenways/Trails planning effort. 3

125 DRAFT Subject to modifications Conclusion The identification of a regionally significant network of greenways and trails is a complex, multidisciplinary effort that requires extensive coordination among a number of governments, agencies, and organizations. Advance planning at a broad scale is necessary to identify and secure multijurisdictional alignments across municipal or county boundaries and maximize the utility of greenways and trails networks. In addition, knowledge of desired alignments for regional facilities provides greater efficiency for transportation investments, enabling the greatest leverage of facility funding with other transportation and land use projects. Implementation of the Greenways/Trails Plan will help create a more competitive, better connected region and healthier communities. Recommendation For information only. Attachments 4

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139 DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 12 From: Date: Subject: Staff March 18, 2016 Council Meeting All Aboard Florida Update Introduction The purpose of this item is to provide an update regarding activities related to the Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) proposed All Aboard Florida (AAF) project. The project is intended to provide new high-speed intercity express service between Miami and Orlando on the Florida East Coast (FEC) rail corridor. Pursuant to the company s application for a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is processing an environmental impact statement. Background In 2012, FECI introduced the AAF project, which proposes new intercity express rail service between downtown Miami and Orlando, with additional stations in downtown Fort Lauderdale and downtown West Palm Beach. The project has been the subject of extensive Council, local government, and public discussion since its announcement. As currently proposed, the project would provide sixteen daily round-trip trains, totaling 32 additional trains on the corridor with maximum speeds of 79 miles per hour (MPH) south of West Palm Beach; 110 MPH between West Palm Beach and Cocoa; and 125 MPH from Cocoa to Orlando. The company has indicated the FEC rail corridor will continue to carry freight service through Florida East Coast Railroad, which is projected to increase over time. Although the rail corridor is privately owned, it is included in the Florida Department of Transportation Strategic Intermodal System, which prioritizes it for statewide transportation funding to advance economic competitiveness and quality of life. General Project Updates Quiet Zones Palm Beach County municipalities in the AAF Phase 1 segment from West Palm Beach to Boca Raton are proceeding with local evaluations to consider the establishment of quiet zones. On March 16, 2016, FRA staff has scheduled an informal quiet zone work session with local governments in the Phase 1 segment to review documentation and provide assistance as needed.

140 DRAFT Subject to Modifications FRA staff has indicated they will be available to participate in additional work sessions with local governments in the AAF Phase 2 corridor once the project construction schedule becomes established. To date, the cities of Lake Worth and Delray Beach have published Notices of Intent (NOI) to establish quiet zones encompassing their respective city limits. It is anticipated the remaining local governments will likely publish NOIs by the Summer of 2016 to enable the entire Phase 1 segment to be designed as a continuous quiet zone commensurate with the planned completion of construction in the Fall of Marine Navigation In its review of the AAF project, Council has consistently raised concerns regarding marine navigational conditions at the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie River FEC railroad bridges. The bridges are antiquated, with a need for updated machinery and infrastructure to enable faster and more consistent operations. In addition, the bridges are low with limited vertical clearance when they are in the down position, which creates conflict for boaters and first responders. To improve navigation at the bridges, AAF has identified a set of potential improvements for modernization. In addition to replacement of bridge machinery and electrical components, the bridges could be structurally rehabilitated with modification and replacement of bridge spans. The results from the improvements could include increased vertical clearance, faster and more reliable drawbridge operations, and reduced total down-time during railroad operations. Although no bridge funding is included in the AAF project budget, the bridge reconstruction project could be an appropriate candidate for funding through the federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, which is designed for largescale, regional infrastructure projects. The deadline for the next round of TIGER grant applications is April Preliminary discussions have occurred with the Jupiter Inlet District and Florida Inland Navigational District, as both agencies could partner with AAF to enable the bridge reconstruction and necessary dredging. George Gentile, Jupiter Inlet District Chair, will provide additional information at the Council meeting regarding this potential project. AAF Required Grade Crossing Improvements Pursuant to the December 11, 2015 Council meeting discussion regarding which grade crossing improvements will be installed and paid for by AAF, Council submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FRA for relevant correspondence between FRA and AAF. To date, no additional documentation has been provided by FRA to address this request. Recommendation For information only.

141 COMMUNICATION PACKAGE MARCH 2016 Living Shorelines Fact Sheet Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources 1 Management 8 Urban Service Boundary Map of the Treasure Coast Region 2 Page Thank you letter from the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization to Dr. Kim DeLaney of Council staff 3

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