07-11-2001
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
Planning and Zoning Board
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, July 11, 2001
6:30 p.m.
Chairman Garthwaite called to order the regular meeting of the Planning and
Zoning Board at 6:30 p.m., July 11, 2001 in the Community Center, 102 N.
Riverside Drive, Edgewater, Florida.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Mr. Masso, Mr. Mullen, Mr. Vopelak, Mrs. Zeese,
and Chairman Garthwaite.
Also present were; Lynne Plaskett, Planning Director; Bonnie Wenzel, Planning
Secretary; Robin Matusick, Legal Assistant and Ken Hooper, City Manager
AFPROV AI. OF MINUTES
Chairman Garthwaite stated the minutes of June 13, 2001 would be added to
the August 8,2001 meeting agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Garthwaite explained how the meeting would be run.
CU-OI03 - Brendan and Taneal Cahill, B&C Signs, contract purchasers,
requesting a Conditional Use for property located at 2225 Guava Drive to
allow light manufacturing in the form of a sign shop.
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and background information.
Brendan Cahill, B&C Signs, asked what shrubs on the site would have to be
replaced before an Occupational License would be issued. Ms. Plaskett gave
him the approved site plan for the property. Mr. Cahill thought the fence on
the site plan was still intact on the property, just that it was overgrown with
weeds. He asked if what they need to do is return the site to the state of the
original site plan. Ms. Plaskett stated that was correct.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Mullen made a motion to approve the Conditional Use per staff's
recommendation that the original landscaping and buffering to adjacent
residential uses be replaced prior to occupational licensing approval. Mr.
V opelak seconded. Motion Passed 5-0.
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VA-OI04 - Charles and Jill Armitage, owners, are requesting a variance from
the required 50-foot setback from the Mean High Waterline to 25-feet (at the
closest point) for property located on the east side of Riverside Drive and
north of Lamont Street.
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and background information. She stated that the applicant has revised their
plans to show a distance that it is further than the requested 25-feet from the
Mean High Waterline. At the closest point there is an additional 3'_ 6". There is
absolutely no encroachment into the wetlands vegetation area. She further
stated there was a letter sent to the Planning Department from Mr. Ebert, a
Riverside Drive resident, asking the Board to deny the request. Ms. Plaskett
read the letter into the record.
Mr. Vopelak asked about the lot size and area of uplands and wetlands. Ms.
Plaskett stated a portion of the property was under water. Mr. Mullen asked if
applicant was proposing a single-story home. Ms. Plaskett stated that was
correct.
Mr. Jim Morris, applicant attorney, stated that the applicant was satisfied with
staff's recommendations. He further noted that the site plan was developed
with input from staff. He continued that the City requires one (1) inch of
stormwater be retained and this plan provides for four (4) inches of runoff
retention. Mr. Morris added that the design of the house incorporated the
unique shape of the lot. He also stated that the applicants have no objection to
building a single-story home, and did not see how Mr. Ebert would be affected
by the construction of this house.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Vopelak made a motion to approve the variance request with staff's
recommended conditions of: The building construction be held to single story,
to ensure properties on the west side of Riverside Drive will be afforded an
unobstructed river view; all stormwater shall be approved by the City Engineer,
and the Planning Director shall approve all planting adjacent to wetlands. Mr.
Masso seconded. Motion Passed 5-0.
VA-OI05- Eugene Braucht, owner, is requesting a variance from the rear yard
setback requirement of 10-feet to two (2) feet and from five (5) feet to three
(3) feet from the existing home to the waters edge to construct a swimming
pool, spa, and screen enclosure for property located at 604 Seagull Court.
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave background
information and a summary.
Mrs. Zeese asked why staff could not recommend approval of the variance. Ms.
Plaskett replied that none of the criteria were met. Mr. Vopelak thought they
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recently heard a similar case regarding a pool. Ms. Plaskett stated the previous
case was not as close to the property line. She further noted that the applicant
is willing to work with the Board, they will reduce the size of the pool, use
paver blocks as opposed to the concrete decking, anything within reason to
obtain the variance, staff became aware of this after the recommendation was
made. Mr. Mullen asked if there would be any interference with Florida Power
and Light in the rear of this property. Ms. Plaskett stated there would be none.
Ms. Vicky Braught, owner, stated to the Board they were willing to make
reasonable adjustments to be able to have their pool. She provided the Board
with letters from her neighbors in favor of the variance.
Chairman GarthWaite asked if they have contracted someone to install the pool.
Ms. Braught responded they had, and he was present to answer any questions.
Chairman Garthwaite asked what is done when a pool is located so close to the
house. Dominic Solitario, Blue Haven Pools, stated it violates the angle of
repose (if you have a three (3) foot deep pool you have to be a foot further from
the foundation of the house), he presented a letter from his staff's engineer
which will be submitted to the building department when applying for the
permit. He stated they use double steel, six (6) inches on center and that it
becomes a thickened wall and would be shored along the house.
Discussion ensued regarding the engineering of the pool.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Vopelak made a motion to approve the variance from rear yard setback
requirement of ten (10) feet to two (2) feet and from five (5) feet to three (3)
from the existing home to the waters edge to construct a swimming pool, spa,
and screen enclosure, with the condition that the City Engineer approve a plan
for three (3') foot decking or paver blocks with appropriate swale(s). The
engineered plans for angle of response must be approved by Building Official.
Mr. Mullen seconded. Motion Passed 5-0.
VA-OI07 - Dennis Carvalho, owner, is requesting a variance from the Mean
High Water tine setback requirement of 50-feet to 3I-feet (at the closest
point), to construct a single story single-family home on .I5:t acre of
property located on a portion of Lots 17 and 18 in the Pelican Cove East
Subdivision, on the east side of Pelican Lane.
Ms. Plaskett gave background information and a summary. Chairman
Garthwaite opened the public hearing. At this time Ms. Plaskett read into the
record a letter of support from a resident of Pelican Cove East.
Dennis Carvahlo, owner, gave some background information regarding his
purchase and planned use of the lot. He felt his request was reasonable due to
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the setback previously being 3D-feet, and they would keep with the character of
the existing neighborhood.
James Treder, 17 Pelican Lane, stated he lived next door to this property and
wanted to know if his house is sitting back 3D-feet off the line. Ms. Plaskett
looked at the survey and said it appeared as though his house was about 10-
feet back further from Mr. Carvahlo's proposed house. He discussed with Ms.
Plaskett the location of his home to the Mean High Water Line, Ms. Plaskett
stated Mr. Treder's home was 25-feet from the Mean High Water Line and Mr.
Carvahlo was asking to be 31-feet from the Mean High Water Line. Mr. Treder
concluded that as long as it was compatible with the rest of the properties he
does not have a problem.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Mullen made a motion to approve the variance with the condition that the
City Engineer approves engineered stormwater plans to ensure the runoff will
not go into the river. Mr. Masso seconded. Motion Passed 5-0
Chairman GarthWaite called a recess at 7:20 p.m.
Chairman Garthwaite called the meeting back to order at 7:30 p.m.
CPA-OIOI Sam Merrill, authorized agent, requesting a Comprehensive Plan
Amendment concerning approximately 487.60 acres of property known as
"Edgewater Lakes".
Chairman GarthWaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and background information.
The applicant chose not to address the Board at this time.
Mr. Loescher, Omni Circle, voiced concerns about the water usage of the golf
course, and the size of the lots in the development. Ms. Plaskett stated that
these concerns should be voiced when the Board reviews the Development
Agreement, they are currently discussing the Land Use Change. Chairman
Garthwaite noted that the Development Agreement spells out how the
development would have to be built.
Mr. Steve Joyce, 36th Street, did not understand what the land use change was.
Ms. Plaskett responded that the property currently has a county land use
designation, as it was annexed into the City it is required that a City land use
designation be assigned, these are map designations. Mr. Joyce continued
stating that when he bought his property he was told it was abutting wetlands.
Ms. Plaskett stated the property will also have a designation of Conservation,
this will protect any environmental issues that may be associated with the
property.
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Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Mullen made a motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Mr. Masso seconded. Motion Passed 5-0.
RZ-OI02, Sam Merrill, authorized agent, requesting rezoning for
approximately 487.60 acres, to RPUD. This property is located on the west
side of U.S. I, north and south of Volco Road.
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and background information.
Sam Merrill chose not to speak at this time.
Mr. Vopelak asked if we were changing the zoning to PUD. Ms. Plaskett stated
they were recommending the rezoning concurrent with the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment. Mr. Vopelak asked if the PUD overrides the existing zoning. Ms.
Plaskett stated that PUD is a zoning classification. She continued saying that
the PUD gives the developer and staff more flexibility.
Ms. Plaskett stated the developer has to comply with everything in the
Development Agreement, whether it is lot size, location of certain amenities,
the re-zoning itself does not do that.
Mr. Joyce, of Omni Circle asked if zoning covers habitats for endangered
species. He further stated that when he bought his property he was told that
everything behind him was going to stay as it was. Ms. Plaskett stated there are
environmental analysis reports, the developer has to have formal site plan
approval and subdivision plat, which actually lays out the number of lots. Mr.
Joyce went on record to say if the proposed plan was what they wanted to do,
he was against it. Mr. Loescher concurred.
Mr. Vopelak voiced his concerns about growth in Florida and the water supply.
He further noted that concerning the golf course he would like to be assured
that in the future the 280 acres of open land are never developed, and remain
open area. He would like something in the Development Agreement that
assures those in the city that those 280 are not going to have any
houses/dwellings on them. He also voiced concerns that there were no
playground, or parks in this development.
Doris Hill, Uncoln Road, felt the golf course development was good and that it
left a lot of open land. She further stated that she felt this development would
be wonderful for the City and that this was our chance to get good
development in the City.
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Cory Sapp, Travelers Palm, stated she was a realtor in the area and that we
needed a place to put all of the people. She felt this was a good opportunity
and the City needed the growth.
Liz Baker, Victory Palm, had concerns about the schools. She wondered where
the extra children would go to school. She felt the schools were already
overcrowded and that we could not afford to educate our children, and that
this was a problem everywhere.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Masso asked if they could include in the motion some kind of provision
that we can keep the green/open area always open. Ms. Plaskett stated that
could be discussed in the Development Agreement.
Mr. Masso made a motion for a favorable recommendation to City Council.
Chairman Garthwaite passed the gavel to Vice-Chairman Masso and seconded.
Motion Passed 5-0.
DA-OIOI- Sam Merrill, authorized agent, requesting a Development
Agreement associated with 487.60 acres of property known as "Edgewater
Lakes" to develop a golf course community.
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and read portions of the Development Agreement so the public would
understand what was being discussed. Mr. Vopelak asked about the recreation
impact fees. Ms. Plaskett stated those were charged to each lot when a building
permit is issued. She further stated that the fees go into a fund to provide
recreational facilities for the citizens of Edgewater. Mr. Vopelak felt there
should be some recreational facilities in the immediate proximity of the
development. Chairman Garthwaite stated that this was an agreement between
the City of Edgewater and the developer of Edgewater Lakes.
Elizabeth Donahue, Umbrella Tree Drive, asked how much the bond was for.
Ms. Plaskett stated $1.5 million to assure the golf course would be developed.
Ms. Donahue asked if the golf course was public or private. Ms. Plaskett stated
it would be a public golf course, privately owned. Ms. Donahue also had
concerns about the environmental issues and how the residents in the area with
wells would be affected. Sam Merrill, Zev Cohen and Associates, stated that
preliminary assessments have been completed, yet there are many more
assessments and permits to be acquired before any development can
commence. If any problems arise during that process the community may have
to be redesigned, or mitigation may take place. He further noted that permits
from St. Johns River Water Management District must be obtained for
stormwater and that if wells were dug St. Johns may monitor them for impact
on other properties. The development was designed with the environment in
sight.
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There was discussion about the traffic impact on Volco Road and how it may be
improved in the future to accommodate the influx of traffic from the
development.
Mrs. Zeese asked what type of business would be in the commercial portion of
the property. Tim Howard, owner, stated neighborhood business such as
cleaners, banks, insurance offices and beauty salons. He stated there would be
no large businesses such as grocery or anchor stores.
Marilyn Weaver, Liza Clinton Road, voiced concerns over the traffic impact near
her home. Mr. Merrill stated that improvements may take place if needed.
Discussion ensued regarding the schools and environmental issues.
Mr. Vopelak asked what assurances do they have that the 280 acres will stay
undeveloped. Ms. Plaskett stated the drawings are preliminary and the
Development Agreement is a draft, changes may be made as issues are
addressed, there will be a cap in the agreement for the amount of development.
Mr. Hooper noted that once the D.A. is finalized it cannot be changed unless
the developer goes back through this process.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Vopelak made a motion for approval with the provision that the green areas
shall remain forever green.
Chairman Garthwaite asked if he meant where the golf course is now remains
green? Mr. Vopelak stated yes, that there be no development ever in the golf
course area, and the wetlands, this would be 280 acres that would never have
homes put on them. Ms. Plaskett stated that according to the latest drawing
that would be correct, but it has to be known that some of this may change.
She further stated that there is a cap in the Development Agreement that
cannot exceed 1.9 units per acre or 900 total units.
Mr. Joyce, Omni Circle, asked if the vote taken was legally binding. Chairman
Garthwaite stated it was. Robin Matusick, legal assistant, added that this is just
a recommendation, it still has to go before the City Council.
Mr. Vopelak made a motion to approve with the provision that the development
will never exceed 1.9 units per acre on the 487 acres. Mr. Vopelak then
amended his motion to read: maintain the 280 green acres and shall build no
more than 900 units on the remaining 200 acres. Mr. Hooper stated that the
motion could be to approve the D.A. with exhibit liB" as presented with no
changes, not to exceed the 1.9 units per acre, gross density. Mr. Masso
seconded the motion. Motion Passed 4-1, Mr. Mullen voted no.
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CPA-OI02- amendment to the Future Land Use Map from Low Density
Residential to Commercial with Conservation Overlay for 2.42:1: acres of
property located east of U.S. Highway 1 and north of Ranken Drive per
Development Agreement between the City of Edgewater and GDP
Development, Inc.
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and background information.
Mr. Phillip Fong, GDP Development, stated this was part of a Development
Agreement. The developer has done his part of the agreement and now the
City is doing theirs. Mrs. Zeese asked if there was any development planned for
this property. Mr. Fong replied no. Mr. Vopelak asked if there were houses
behind this commercial area. Ms. Plaskett responded that there were only
houses to the south.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Masso made a motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Mr.
Mullen seconded. Motion Passed 5-0.
RZ-OI03 - Rezone 2.42:1: acres of property located east of U.S. Highway 1 and
north of Ranken Drive, per Development Agreement between the City of
Edgewater and GDP Development, Inc. from R-I (Single Family Residential) to
B-3 (Highway Commercial).
Chairman Garthwaite opened the public hearing. Ms. Plaskett gave a summary
and background information.
Chairman Garthwaite closed the public hearing.
Mr. Mullen made a motion to approve the rezoning. Mr. Vopelak seconded.
Motion Passed 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Planning Director's Report
Ms. Plaskett asked the Board if they would like to continue having the
draft ordinances in their packets. After some discussion it was decided
they would continue to receive the draft ordinances with the final going
to Council.
Ms. Plaskett noted the backlog of items to come before the Board and
suggested having two (2) meetings in August. Mr. Vopelak stated he
would not be available in August. It was decided to have two (2) meetings
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in September to get caught up, they would be held on September 12,
2001 and September 26, 2001.
Ms. Plaskett stated she would like to have a workshop with the Board
regarding how the meetings should be run, and to discuss some major
items that will be coming before the Board in the future. The workshop
would be scheduled an hour before the first meeting in September.
2. Chairman's Report
Fill Board Vacancy
Much discussion ensued regarding the applicants and their qualifications.
The Board also discussed having the Board openings advertised more
aggressively.
Mrs. Zeese moved to recommend Kristine Pluscec to the Board. Mr.
Mullen seconded. Motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Mullen made a motion to recommend Anton Heeb to the Board. Mr.
Masso seconded. Motion passed 5-0.
AD JOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting
adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Bonnie A. Wenzel
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