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CCMtg10-09-06WSMinLONGV6~OOI- CITY COMMISSION ~~ Longwood City Commiission Chambers 175 West Warren Avenue Longwood, Florida HISTORIC I~I,~TRICT COMMUNITY WORKSHOP MIhTUTIS - OCTOBEI~t 9~, 200.6 '7:00 P.N[. Present: Mayor John C. Maingot Deputy Mayor Dan Anderson Commissioner Mike Holt Commissioner. H.G. "Butch" Bundy, Jr. Commissioner Brian D. Sackett Donovan A. Roper, Special. Counsel John J. Drago, City Administrator Linda F. Goff, Recording S~ecret~~.ry Paul. Sizemore, Interim Director of Community Services Ryan Spinella, Executive. A.ss:istant _ Absent: Richard S. Taylor,. Jr., City Attorney (Excused) Teresa. S. Roper, Acting City Attorney (Excused) Sarah. M. Mirus, City Clerk (Excused) 1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Maingot called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2. BUSINESS. A. Discuss lot splits, character of the Historic District and two proposed developments within the Hiistoric District. Michael Towers, 754 Fleet Financial Court, inquired if he could pick up where he left off last meeting. . Deputy Mayor Anderson requested introducing to everyone why the meeting was being held since they specifically ~,vdnted i:eedback from the property owners within the Historic District. . Mr. Towers said he would like to hear from the people within the District anal take into account their concerns and outlook. He said he would relinquish his time to the residents of the Historic District. Mayor Maingot stated they would like to see what his proposals were. He explained- the reason for the Workshop this evening was that Mr. Towers is proposing certain structures for development within the Historic District. He said CC 10-09-06/3.13 that citizens who reside in the District and/or fellow residents thathave dealings .. _ within the Historic District are aware. the reason for this Workshop is to hear their opinions and comments. The Commission can. hear their needs and their perception of the Historic area. He declared all projects must be maintained by the current Code; both the Longwood Development Code and the Historic District Code Book. Mr. Towers said he first wanted to clarify they were not proposing townhomes, but single family homes. He stated they were proposing six (6) individual homes for the Bay Avenue project. He said prior to the most recent Code change in June, they did meet both the Historic District Code Book and the Longwood Development Code from a site plan layout. He said this was discussed with City staff in January and they could make modifications. They have since retained Dix Lathrop, the same architect hired to create the Historic Code Book. He met with Mr. Dix a few days ago and there were. some changes. he felt might be beneficial. He stated the Pine Avenue project was adjacent to the Panacea building. He explained they were proposing three individual single family homes. This project was discussed with City .staff in January. He said it met the Historic Code Book . requirements as far as setbacks and also the Longwood Development Code. The ingress and egress was changed for both of these projects at staffs' request. He stated the Police Department had comments in regards to the ingress and egress to both and these changes were based upon their suggestions. He declared the Pine Avenue project has several benefits, including the: front of the Panacea building and it actually hides the back of a commercial building on State Road 434. He said these were the two projects they were proposing. in the Historic District. He affirmed he would like to hear the public comments and then be given the opportunity to respond. Mayor Maingot said they would now hear from the. public. Shari Rosefelt, 278 Blackwater Place, thanked the Commission for agreeing to this Workshop. She said. she was not in favor of building homes in the Historic District in which lots had to be split or Code had to be changed to cram in homes. She said she was in favor of building homes in the District that reflect the charm and enhance the District. She affirmed she has been attending the City Commission meetings for two years and whenever the Historic District was mentioned, it was mentioned with pride. She declared this pride was reflected in the Community Building and it helps fit the tone for the area. She asked not to change the existing Code of the Historic District,. and not to allow construction of multiple buildings on one lot. She stated not to allow the splitting of lots, or allow the area to be overbuilt. She said they need to determine the best means of preserving and enhancing the integrity and the important features of Longwood's Historic District in rehabilitation and new .construction projects. If they want to continue to speak about Longwood's Historic District with pride, .she declared they needed to leave the Development Code alone and deny changes to the charm of the area. CC~ 10-09=06/314 Commissioner Sackett requested to refrain from applauding or booing, and also ~~ refrain from using terms that maybe: infectious, such as horrible. ~~ Judy Putz, 280 West Warren Avenue, said. in 1991 when the Historic District was admitted to the National Register of Hi.sto~°ic Places,. the. firm of Yielding and Provost wrote the Historic District Design Guidelines for Longwood, Florida. She said these guidelines state that new development in the District shall respect and re-enforce the existing character of the area. They went on to say the. construction of a new building on a vacant lot has an obligation to continue the existing building spacing and that the most important spacing was between buildings because it is the most visible. She said to allow the construction of multiple buildings, all of a similar size and sr~le located 6-9 feet apart was totally against the character of this District. She said another serious concern was the capacity of the infrastructure. She said there was very little that could be done to add new parking to the streets. She stated it becomes, very important for each development to provide adequate parking on site. She e~cpressed concern about the storm sewers. and how much run off they ca.n accommodate. She asked what would happen when the infiltrators fill with silt aJid stop functioning. She said the Historic District includes the downtown and stated many tax dollars had been spent on improvements. She declared every Longwood citizen should have some input in the future. She mailed out 4S0 letters to Longwood citizens and Historic Society members asking them to attend this meeting or return the enclosed petition. She mailed each Commissioner a copy of this letter. She said she had a total count of approximately 175 ret<irned i;o her. She affirmed this District was extremely important to the citizens of Longwood. She said the Commission had created a beautiful downtown and requested they leave the Codes as they are and not allow cookie cutter row homes or, towrhomes, Terry Hotard, said he resides in Winker Pa.~k and has owned property in the Historic District in Longwood since 1983. He confirmed he has owned property and paid taxes in Longwood since 1983. His property is located at the southeast corner of Bay and Wilma. He said the Historic District was very appealing and very attractive. He said there was a l~~rge v,~cant lot next to his building that has never been developed and it provides rode~its. He stated there was a vacant lot across the street where a house that was le~ining was finally taken down. He said they needed to get something done. He would like to see the vacant lot next to liim be built on with something everyone vi Longwood could be proud. He declared he was ready and willing to put money into his property. He said other than the doctor's office being constnicted on Bay Avenue, lie has not seen much development in Longwood for a long; time. He stated he would not invest funds on improving his property until he sees other things happening in the Historic District. He has talked with other property owners that are in the same position and want to see something happening. He e:ncouraged the Commission to let something happen. Charles Cameron Winfree, 241 West Warren Avenue, said he has met and talked ~. with each Commissioner and found all to be very helpful in straightening out Longwood. He stated there were many problems in the past with the Historic CC 10-09-06/.S 15 District and in the past few years there had been a tremendous effort put forward. He said he did not want something developed that does not belong here. He stated they needed to stay with the current Codes and not overcrowd. He said they needed to keep the standard of living for those who live here the same and not lower it. He stated they wanted to keep Longwood beautiful, peaceful, and open. Jeff Dix, Dix Lathrop and Associates, helped Mr. Drago with the Master Plan. He said he was here to offer what the intentions may have been when the Historic Code Book was developed. He stated Mr. Towers had come to him with his plans and showed him what his intentions were. He said they have not done any work on these plans, but had discussed a couple of issues. He mentioned a lot of what the Master Plan had to do with the scale of property was really important. He said the scale of a building that had proportions that weren't too wide was important. They took the notion that most buildings should look like it was an old-house that could be turned into retail one day, or an office, depending on what the market demanded. He stated the past couple of years the market has transitioned to more residential. He said one of the purposes of the book was for buildings to be established so they can change over time. He affirmed development that could change over time was sustainable development. Joan Manti, 242 and 216 West Warren Avenue, said she met the other day and saw the plans. She said she was not against development and empty lots would be lovely built with this type of idea. She declared her only concern was the. parking issue. She stated the driveways with these proposed homes were~neutral and not individual. She said these were large homes and people living in them would have ~' . at least two cars. They would not be able to park in their driveways because other people would have to use the driveways to get to their garages. She .stated there was a parking issue and if that could be fixed, this development was lovely. Roberto Rosania, 103 Mound Street, said he has lived in Longwood since 1986. He said he was not in favor of construction of this nature. He stated he has quite a bit of civil engineering experience and in his experience they would be confronted with more traffic. He said this inearis more vehicles and more commercial vehicles. Hilda Reeves, 262 West Bay Avenue, said she had no objections to building in the City of Longwood. She stated dividing lots and cramming in that many houses was not workable for the people of Longwood. She said they have heard for years that everything needed to be kept historical and go through the Historic Society. She declared this definitely did not have a historical feel. Gary Hill, 282 High Castle Lane, said he was the owner of the property on 116 Bay Avenue and currently resides in a development similar in design to this. He said they were in the early stages to build on their lot. He stated he didn't. know if fie would be motivated to build with this as a possibility next door. His position was that he did not have. enough information to make a decision. He said he would be in support~of the residents who are here and have been here. He declared' ,J he would like to live here, but he would also like to see the area grow. CC 10-09-06/316 Marv Volkenin~ 241 West Bay Ave:sue, ::aid she would like to know what size lot ~ was being subdivided and into what size parcels. She said she lives on a l0U x ~~'' 100 foot lot and according to the map the smallest lot on Bay is 50 x 100 foot. She suggested a 100 x 100 foot lot only be allowed to be split down to 50 x 100 foot. She stated this would be in keeping with the District. She said there was a problem with drainage and traffic as it is. She said she hoped they would use logic.. Mr. Rosania pointed .out they had Liberty Plaza at County Road 427 being developed and this would add to the traffi~~. Mrs. Putz said she received several letters from people who received petitions and she read a couple of the letters in opposition. She read a letter from Ann Cooper who lives in Casselberry, and Dorothy Pierson who was involved with the Historic Society and establishment of the historic District. She also received responses from Nancy Hammond, Raymond and Jean McWilliams, Shirley :Fads, Cameron Winfree, John Urich, and many others she named who oppose this development. She stated she did not oppo:;e townhomes and tight structures; she just opposed them here and hoped th.e Commission would rethink this. Joan Russell said she had more questions than problems. She said she has lived in Longwood since 1970. She inquired lot si~:es were currently allowed by the Building Code and what was being proposed. She declared she did not understand why developers would buy in the Historic District and then want to alter everything they liked. She said she opposes anything that was contrary to the Historic District as it now stands. Tammy Uliano, 224 West Magnolia Aven~~e, said she received letters from Mrs. Putz and Mr. Towers and came to see ~vha~t this was all about. She stated she was a bit offended to hear someone say Longwood does not put money into rebuilding. She declared there has been a lot of effort in making this whole area better and more beautifitl. She said slle also does not have a problem with townhomes. She said they own a small horse near the Police Station and her son is growing up in this area. She stated she was worried and had concerns about the long term affect in 10-15 years. She affirmed the City Commission has done a tremendous job in Longwood. She said the gentleman that did not want to develop his land tultil someone else took initiative ~md did so was the wrong way to think. Florence Radun, 241 Lazy Acres Lane, said she would like to know if the City was still considering the large project; at the; Pic`n Save with all the stores and the live in community, plus the Liberty Plaza on County Road 427. She said if they have all of that .going in; why would they need this in the Historic District? She declared by letting this happen it would become a virus. Michael Rolinsky, 115 Ruby Red Lane, said he has lived here 15 years and has seen a lot of growth and changes. However, he has also seen a lot of neglect. He said his subdivision has had holes in :front of drainage areas over the past four (4) months that they cannot seem to fill these. he said they were overbuilding anal CC 10-09-06/`t 17 there was no where for the drainage to go. He said they needed to take care of the __ natural ways fo take care of drainage of the rain. Kristen Roy, said she was from Altamonte Springs, but she and her husband own ~ the Clouser House at 211 West Warren Avenue as their business. She wanted to go on record saying they were struck by lightening and received damage from a fire after three years of renovations and large investments. She said they had a love for historic homes and would like to see that atmosphere preserved. She stated if they do start introducing more traffic and more dense population it would distract from the overall historic atmosphere they were trying to create. She declared she would like to see the current lot sizes respected and retained. Jack Bauer, 135 West Pine Avenue, said he respects the comments heard and he asked Mr. Dix to reiterate his comments as they were more pertinent than any. Mr. Dix said Sustainable Development was what he was referring to and this was something a lot of Historic Districts were dealing with. He explained Sustainable Development can switch from one use to another and be flexible over time. He said how to keep an area like this alive and viable was tricky. He stated he was hearing a lot of talk about a lot split and said he didn't remember that part when doing the Code. He discussed proportions .and said there were lots in the District that were wide and to not allow a lot split would ruin the proportion. He stated a property owner would be allowed to build a large, wide building on that lot. He suggested it may be more appropriate to keep lots to a reasonable size that comfortably allows for its uses, parking, and retention. He declared it was all .~ about scale and detail. Mr. Winfree said with regards to usability as the architect was referring to, look at what was built Here in recent times.. He said the.Putz home meets the criteria and was also a business. The Community Building has the flavor and meaning of the Historic District. He stated varying lot sizes was part of what makes this Historic District. Mark Yon, 1746 Graystone Court, said he owns Lot 34 across from this property on Bay Street. He advised he previously owned the property of the proposed project and through his realtor it was sold to Mr. Towers. He said he was put to task to obey the guidelines put forth by the District and by the City. Through a one and a half year design process they have fmally designed a building that has been approved. He advised this came in well over budget and he has not complained because he knew what he was .faced with. He said there was not enough information about this development to know whether it bothers him or not. He stated his building would be built to be sustainable. He asked that the quality of construction, development, and the extensive engineering he was put to task to deliver would apply to this gentleman and anyone else who wants to build in the Historic District. He said this was a very enj oyable place and he would enjoy an office and working here. He said it must be maintained and enforced, but they also need to be open minded and flexible at times so it can be developed. He _~ declared things like the .sidewalks and brick roads would invite developers here. CC 10-09-06/318 He asked everyone be open.minded, but at the end, require everyone to live by the same rules. Kenny Yates,. 527 Southport Drive,. addressed the fact that the flex use Mr. Dix discussed would become the cancer of this kind of density. He addressed parking issues. He said Historic Longwood tc~ him has been single family homes. He said you cannot access his parents' home now because of parking for the medical building behind them: He declared a decision had to be made whether making this residential or commercial. Mr. Hillyer said they have already had the architect warn about the- guidelines and style and other requirements. He said he ne;eds to decide if he wants to break ground and return to this type of corrununiiy. He declared they were attracted to the landscaping, the brick streets, and the sense of community. He personally will now want to get more information be:fore starting with an architect and go through the process. His hope was that this can all. work together and maintain a sense of community. Commissioner Holt left the Chambers at 7:58 p.m.~ and returned at 8:.00 p.m. Mrs. Marti said her property at 242 West ~Narren was 150 feet wide and there currently was a single residential home on the property. She said it could, perhaps some .day, be a small business.. She said if ihs goes through she would be foolish ~ financially to not .subdivide her .lot and make three townhouses there. Jamie Wright, 141 West Jessup Avenue, said he works for Dix Lathrop and worked extensively on the .guidelines for tree Historic District. He declared they spent a lot of passionate time working on the Code book .and studied it extensively. He said the character of this District was very unique and shares a lot with other Historic Districts.. He said it was important to keep in mind the ability to have amulti-use structure. He stated it was a matter of doing this appropriately with the correct type of design. He declared mixed-uses are very vital in a District such as this, assuming you account for parking and drainage. He said they.plan to extend their offices on property next: to the Mona Lisa Restaurant which was a mixed-use property. He stated they were considering living quarters above their offices. He reiterated it was important to keep the mixed-use potential and said this was a way to make Historic Districts flourish. Mr. Towers said he didn't want anyone or i:he Commission to continue with the assumption they were the bad guys coming into the block. He said they started off extremely well intentioned by starting with the Historic Preservation Board asking what they would like to see and what was permissible. They further spoke to Mr. Drago and he referred them to the architectural firm used to design The Ham;Let. This firm was too busy and they went. back to Mr. Drago for recommendation of an architect that would be able to und.erstar~d the character of the Historic District. He referred them to Winter Park Design who did not want to provide any ~~ drawings until speaking with Mr. Drago.. He said they were initially looking at townhomes and both firms indicated they did not support the townhome aspect. CC 10-09-06/~i 19 He stated they immediately changed and went to single family row homes. He said they met with staff and the common wall or connected townhome concept was a concern and they reviewed the Code showing what could be done. He `J stated they split the buildings apart at staffs' recommendation. He declared when they started in January these projects were both permissible under the Historic District Code Book and the Longwood Development Code. He said barring engineering for water retention and things of that nature, the number of buildings, setbacks, and parking all met the requirements. He affirmed he received a letter stating both projects were permissible under the Codes, but they needed to do a plat. Mayor Maingot inquired if he had that letter. Mr. Towers responded in the affirmative. Mr. Towers said in 2004 when the City approved the Historic Code Book, it was very clear duplexes and townhomes were to be permitted in the Historic District. He said they voluntarily changed their project because people. didn't like the townhomes. He declared they have been trying to work cooperatively and make changes to move forward and meet the demands. He said they designed to meet the Code and the Code was changed. He said they went before the Historic Preservation Board and were tabled with no one ever getting back to them, and then the Code was changed. He said he appreciates everything the people in the Historic District have said tonight and they will take this into account. He said it was important from the first aspect that neither he nor the Commission are architects. He said they either need to trust the architects and their input or not. He affirmed the Commission trusted Dix Lathrop when they put together the Code Book, and he will trust him as well. He said with the Commissions approval they would like to allow Dix Lathrop to take the Districts intent and charm to create something similar to what they have and work from there. He said he would like to .address concerns people have mentioned. He stated the first thing brought up was the Panacea parking lot. He said they own this and the last thing they would do is put their tenant out of business. He said the ex-filtration retention there has worked and they have never had standing water in the parking lot. He said if it was good enough for the Longwood Community Building, it should be good enough for development in the Historic District. He said their design will be providing 18 onsite parking spots and this provided seven (7) more parking spaces on site than currently exists. He stated the water retention would be far greater than undeveloped property, as they will be required to retain 100% of their water onsite. He affirmed there would be less flooding on the street as a result of onsite retention. He said there.were two (2) aspects of the Code to be considered regarding roads and infrastructure. He said you must look at the number of acreage and not just the number of lots. The Code states median density residential is ten (10) units per acre. He ,said he did not know of a street in the Historic District that does not meet City Standards. Mr. Towers stated the petitions submitted back to Mrs. Putz were invalid. He said• ~ the fact that the letter said townhomes was misleading. He said she advertised CC 10-09-06/320 townhomes and this was not townhomes. He said they were concerned about what ~ this was going to look like as well..lie stated this would be deed restricted {~'' housing and he did not want rental housing. Rental housing would be deed . restricted and they would deed restrict gar;~ge usage. He said they must be workable garages. He said they were- not opposed to looking at things to create a good workable product for the District. He stated they have agreed to construct the same parking on Bay Avenue as that on Pine Avenue. He said Mr. Dix had some good ideas regarding parking.:FIe afiumed they were not looking to cut corners, but looking. to bui d good quality housing. He said they were looking to enlist the assistance of the people who have dedicated their time in the Historic District. He declared they were. not opposed to changing the look or the number of units within reason. He reiterated the City entrusted Dix Lathrop to create the Historic Code Book and the Master i'lan. ~~e stated he was willing to give up development or design control to them. Mrs. Putz requested to respond since she was mentioned by name. She read her petition and said it made it perfectly clear what she was talking about. She stated the current Code states you may build one building per lot and may not split lots. She said if they allow lot splits with multiple buildings they cannot go back. Mr. Towers said he was in agreement that They did not want to see townhomes built either. He said the density of units was the number of uni"ts per acre. He said what she was saying. was the current Code was debatable. He stated the bottom line was they had site plans submitted in January and you cannot change the Code ~-- to keep things from happening. Mayor Maingot ,said they were not here this evening to .hold discussions back and forth. They are here to hear his input and the input of the people. Mr. Towers said he thought they were here to work on some sort of resolution to move forward. Mr. Rolinsky said the voice of the people. was never invalid and the petitions were the voice of the people: Mayor Maingot closed the public input. Deputy Mayor Anderson. stated this was a difficult project and they were being asked to change the Code to accommodate it as presented. He said it was important to have input from the residents as they were all in this together. He has said before he was not opposed to making changes in the Codes to accommodate what is right,, to accommodate what. fits, and to accommodate what promotes the vision and the character of what they :have ~Gnd want. He said a lot. of time and effort has been put into creating the Code. :Ke reviewed renderings on. various pages in the. Historic Code Book as pint togE;ther by Dix Lathrop. He said these renderings capture what was said about the sense of proportion, about usage and changing over time. He said these structures fit proportionately on the sites and fit with their neighbors. He stated he would be willing to discuss this because if this CC 1.0-O~a-06/321 was one lot and had been split, it was done in a way that made sense. Another rendering, was similar to what Mr. Towers referred to and the only drawing that ~ has dimensions listed. He said this was a 50 foot lot line and gives the homes room to breathe between. The key is the proportions and Dix Lathrop envisioned in this drawing to allow some row homes, but they allow for the proportions. He said each rendering has a garage and a driveway capable for additional cars. He advised that new home construction in the City must have four (4) off street parking spaces; two (2) in the garage and two (2) in the driveway. He said this was the vision he sees in the District with spaces that can change over time.. He referenced the Mona Lisa as .an example of change that works. Commissioner Sackett stated he rents a home in the Historic District for his father and frequents the area. He said he adores the character of what this Village presents. He stated this was a nice safe area where he .has had children grow up. Longwood is a quaint. area and this is what makes it Historic. He declared if they start splitting lots they were asking for trouble. He stated he was thrilled the Birthing Center was going to be rebuilt after being hit by lightening. He said he stands with one house per lot. Commissioner Holt asked Mr. Towers how big the property was where he planned to place five (5) or six (6) buildings. Mr. Towers advised the Bay Avenue property was approximately 205 linear feet. Commissioner Holt inquired how big the buildings on each. lot would be. ~ Mr. Towers said they would be between 2,200 and 3,200 square feet. Commissioner Holt inquired if he had done a study on the number of cars in and out of this general area. Mr. Towers responded in the negative. Commissioner Holt inquired if the next project on Pine Avenue would abut an existing strip mall. Mr. Towers responded in the affirmative. Commissioner Holt .inquired how many businesses were located in the strip mall. Mr. Towers said there were four (.4) or five (5) different businesses. Commissioner Holt said the parking in the strip mall did not: match the number of businesses located there, but he has never seen it over crowded. He stated they were discussing two (2) projects and it was.hard to understand which one they were talking- about at any given time. CC 10-09-06/322 _ Mr. Towers said they did initially look at simply residential,. but he understands ^~`` the mixed use was advantageous. He; discL±ssed parking. l~ Commissioner Holt inquired if it~was cord>ct to say the lot split Ordinance was not in affect at the time he purchased the property. Mr. Towers responded in the .affirmative. Commissioner Holt inquired if they ,were in litigation at this time on this property. Mr. Towers responded in the affirmative Commissioner Holt asked if the information tonight was helpful to both sides of the litigation. Mr. Towers said he was looking to reach an agreement so not to have to bring the litigation up again. Commissioner Holt said no one has ind.icai:ed what they would like to see built. He said the exfiltration system to be used ,cannot be seen. He said the City had Code in place so that every room could not be rented out. He stated he did not see. where traffic was going to be an issue. Discussion was held regarding traffic. Commissioner Holt stated Mr. Towers had been diligent in working with the City and he was not. opposed to recommending :Dix Lathrop work on the design. Mr. Towers said there had been numerous studies done by architectural firms on row houses. He stated if the concept of row housing was done properly, they can be nestled fairly well. He said his first que:;tion to Jeff Dix was whether or not to do smaller single family homes or one large building. He stated he personally felt smaller homes would look better. Mayor Maingot said there were mane desil;ns and, criteria in the .Historic Code Book that would more than adequately suit. what is being proposed in terms of design and quality. He stated, at the same time, they have established certain Codes that must be worked with. He said ii.'the Commission was to start changing the Codes for one person, they must ~~hange for each person coming forward. Mr. Towers said he was saying don't chanr;e the Code, but they changed the Code to keep them from going forward. Mayor Maingot said Mr. Towers referred to a site plan being approved in 199 and asked if that was a site plan or a concept. Mr. Towers said it was a site plan that was submitted to Mr. Drago, Mr. Sizemore and Mr. Miller and was an approved site plan. He stated St. John's Water CC 10-09-06/:j23 Management District did not lose their copy and he provided a copy from their _ archives. Mayor Maingot said any changes made to the Code were made with public-input and public participation. He stated they were not done to prevent anyone from doing what they wish to do, but were done to protect the character of the Historic District. He said the Pic' n Save and Wildmere were different areas and different rules apply. He stated they have. listened to the voices tonight. He said he has had many people calling him and they want the Commission to proceed with what. has been established and designed in the Code. He affirmed one gentleman stated he was building at $200 a square foot and realizes the value and the quality. He said they welcome Mr. Towers to come and build in the Historic District, but he must follow the Historic Code Book and the LDC. He asked Mr. Towers if he had submitted site plans that have been returned to him with comments. Mr. Towers said he had received comments on one site plan, not the other. Mayor Maingot said the City had made proposals to Mr. Towers and have not heard back on these proposals. He said they have demonstrated a willingness to work with him, but not at the disadvantage of the Historic area and the character of the Historic area. He stated he welcomes his structure, but it must be done within accordance of what has been established: Mr. Towers said they were not. asking for any Codes to be changed for them with the exception of the condominium concept. They were not asking for any changes to build out of the ordinary. He reiterated, in January when they .started this process he has a letter from staff stating their projects can be built. He said they voluntarily reduced the number of units on Pine Avenue. He said the bottom line they were looking at was rather than building one big building on Pine to break it up into smaller touts. He again asked to let Mr..Dix work on the design. Mayor Maingot said that type of design was currently in the Historic Code Book. Mr. Towers said he was in hopes of being closer tonight: by discussing and looking at a new concept. He said it was not a matter of cost, but what would look better. He said it would cost less to build one big building. Deputy Mayor Anderson explained the City was currently in litigation with Mr. Towers in regards to Pine Avenue. He said 1VIr: Towers .has told him that staff is hiding things from him. He said he had never been informed that Mr. Towers had a letter of approval for these. proj ects. He asked Mr. Towers to provide a copy of this letter to the City Clerk so he can see it. He also said he would like to see a_ copy of the approved site plan from 1999. He affirmed the site plan would have been signed by the Mayor. He said they could also look in the minutes of the meeting it was approved. He stated there was a difference. in talking to staff, showing them paperwork and actually submitting something. He said this was why an offer was made to him and the offer had a time certain: He stated they have not heard from him regarding this offer: CC 10-09-06/324 __l Mr. Roper confirmed they have not heard ,anything to date. ~°' Deputy Mayor Anderson said it was frustrating to him that Mr. Towers' represents a willingness to work with them, but there are always exceptions. He said Mr: Towers references things happening. and no one can correlate those . things happening. He declared that document would bind them if he can. produce an approved site plan. He affirmed sine plans;had to be approved by the City Commission in 1999. Mr. Towers said he believed it was TQayor Miller at the time. He said the Mayor stated he would like to see it look like the JBradlee-McIntyre House. He stated there was correspondence between NIr. Roper and Mr. Hill regarding exceptions,, additional square footage, impervious surf ace ratios, and reduced parking. He said there was another letter from Mr. Taylor he can provide. He stated the point was that it took two (2) years to restore the Historic structure: He inquired if it was the contention they did this illegally without an approved site plan. He said they received a Certificate of Occupancy. Deputy Mayor Anderson said he would like to see these, documents. Commissioner Bundy said they have all agreed the stormwater had. to be met no matter what the density is. He inquired if the only difference between now and January was the Code being changed. in June to prohibit, lot splits. Mr. Towers responded in the affirmative. Commissioner Bundy inquired if the properties on Bay Avenue were relying on off .street parking. or garages.. Mr. Towers advised they would have: garages: Commissioner Bundy asked.if the entry would be from the rear of the property. Mr. Towers responded in the affirmative. Commissioner Bundy asked what the cost .per square foot was. Mr. Towers estimated the cost to be at ].east- $200 per square foot. He said if it was acceptable to the Corrunission on Pine Avenue to either design one large building and being able to split it up into three; .residential units would accommodate the parking to a much better advantage.than commercial. He said at that point they would not have litigation to discuss any fiu~ther and he would move forward on Pine Avenue. Commissioner Bundy said they have made a settlement offer and he asked Mr. Roper if he was comfortable with diacussirig the square footage. CC 10-09-06/:325 Mr. Roper responded iri the affirmative. He said he was waiting on any type of _ response, verbal or written, to the City's settlement offer with regards to Pine and ~ Wilma on square footage. Commissioner Bundy said they were allowed to hold Shade Meetings when they were discussing lifigation strategy or settlement and he did not want to circumvent this. He said 6,700 square feet was the proposal in the settlement offer to Mr. Towers on this property. Mr. Roper advised the offer was around 6,300 square feet. Commissioner Bundy inquired what the total square footage was on the three properties. 1VIr: Towers advised they were 2,200_square foot units. Commissioner Bundy inquired if Mr. Towers were to accept the settlement offer as made, he would, in fact, be allowed to build up to a 6,700 square foot building, provided the engineering requirements and other Code requirements were met. Mr. Towers responded in the .affirmative. He said one of the other things that actually benefits would be if they could look at three separate units or just from a residential aspect: He stated both residential and commercial in the Historic District were permitted in the Code. He discussed the parking accommodations, ~J Commissioner Bundy said the Community Building was approximately 7,20.0 square feet under air, so they would be talking about a building similar in size provided all other issues were worked out. He said the. other issue brought out is that the Code should not be changed for. a developer. He stated the Code was not cast in concrete and. must be changed from time to time. He declared,. in this situation, the property was purchased before the Code was changed. It was not a matter of a developer trying to change the Code after buying the property. Commissioner Holt said he appreciated Mr. Towers coming to meet with the residents and the Commission at a Work Shop. Mr. Towers said the only hurdle they have was with the proposal for Pine Avenue. He declared it would be less vehicle traffic and would look better as smaller residential buildings rather than one big building.. He said, as far as the Bay Avenue project, they were willing to look at suggestions. He stated the one problem they did have was with the current Code. of lot splits. They could do two b'ig buildings and. one, small building on B'ay, but unfortunately it does not work financially. He declared they were asking not to stick them with the new Code, but with the Code when they started this process. He said Mr. Dix had stated something- can be designed to meet the character of this District and. look good. He stated they were willing to lose square footage; they started with seven (7) buildings, came down to six (6), and he would come down to five (5). He reiterated that three (3) buildings did not. work financially. CC 10-09-06/326 Deputy Mayor Anderson said he he~crd one thing he appreciates and would be ~. interested in. He stated, first off, it v~~as no:~. the City Commission's job to design I~ and architect new construction for the Cit3~. Their job is,to listen to people that own property in regards to what they v~~ant and how they want their City steered. He said he would be interested in seeing if Mr: Towers wants to work with Dix Lathrop. He stated there could be an interesting vision on how those properties could .be used. He~said that was different tl.ian stating what ever he comes up with they will approve. He stated there were a lot of design considerations in the Code books and there were setbacks to be met, green space in the form of impervious surface ratios to be met; and a lot of architectural details to be put in the. District. He affirmed the City Commission needs tc~ balance a lot of different needs and consider what is good for the community.:Ele said he was willing to adjust and modify the Code when it fits the vision and when it promotes and enhances the District. Mr. Towers said the only question he had with moving forward was how many units. He said to design it was one thing. Deputy Mayor Anderson stated he could come up with design concepts and. all the rest was details, He said he needed to sell the concept. Commissioner Sackett said he had never seen the site plan and would also like to "- see it. He reiterated it was not the Commission's job to develop the concept. He inquired if this meeting was serving as a C.APP meeting and said he hoped no one ~-- was using it as such. Mr. Towers declared he was not asking the: Commission to design anything. He said they designed according to what th.e Code was and started this process back in January. He said he was not. asknl; them to design it; but give him~~ some ar~rt,of idea of what would be acceptable. Deputy Mayor Anderson told him to look at the rendering that shows that style of home with the SD foot spread. Mr. Towers said that was telling him to take it down to four (4) units and from a financial aspect that does not work. Commissioner Sackett asked how many loin were there at~present. Mr. Towers said there were three. (3) lots. Commissioner Sackett said he would then say three (3) units and Mr. Towers stated that was not economical. Mr. Roper advised they clarify which. property they were discussing. Mr. Towers said the property on Bay Avenue was being discussed and three (3) properties on Bay from the financial aspect would not work. He said somewhere CC 10-09-06/:27 in between if there was a number they could work with he would then set the architects in motion. He stated if they were sticking to three (3) then they were at ' an impasse on the Bay Avenue property Mayor 1Vlaingot thanked Mr. Towers for coming and. addressing the Commission. He thanked the residents .and said the Commission has listened to what they all had to say. He said at this point it will go forward through the City Administrator to the City staff to see if there was someway to work out this situation. He said it had been stated several times that there were guidelines developed within the Historic District Code Book and the LDC to be followed. He reiterated, as Commissioner Bundy stated, Codes were not cast in concrete, but at the same time, they had to be very cognizant'of the concerns of the people who lime in the Hisfori'c area. 3. ADJOURN. Mayor 1Vlaingot adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m. John aingo~; Mayor ~_ Linda F. Goff, Recording` cretary ~J ATTEST: ' ~~ Sarah 14I. Mirus, C1VIC, City Clerk CG 10-09-06/328