The URL can be used to link to this page

03-10-98 Special CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA - CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL/WORKSHOP MEETING ~ MARCH 10, 1998. ~ 6:00 P.M. FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM AGENDA ADDENDUM THE AGENDA IS AMENDED BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING ITEM: SPECIAL MEETING Pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Charter of the City of Delray Beach, Mayor Jay Alperin has instructed me to announce a Special Meeting of the City Commission, to be held for the following purpose: (1) Resolution No. 19-98 (Opposinq Federal Takinqs Leqislation): Consider approval of a resolution opposing pending legislation which will expand the jurisdiction of federal courts with respect to land use regulation where the property owner asserts that a "taking" has occurred. Alison MacGregor Harty City Clerk ref:ADDENDUM CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA - CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING - MARCH 10, 1998 - 6:00 P.M. FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM The City will furnish auxiliary aids and services to afford an individual with a disability an opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a service, program or activity conducted by the City. Contact Doug Randolph at 243-7127 (voice) or 243-7199 (TDD), 24 hours prior to the event in order for the City to accom- modate your request. Adaptive listening devices are available. AGENDA (1) Presentation of the Neighborhood Plan for "Main Street" in the Grove (Tom Fleming). (2) City of Delray Beach Contract with Palm Acts, Inc. (3) 2-Inch Water Main Replacement Program - Environmental Services Department. (4) Commission comments. Please be advised that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such person will need to ensure that a verbatim record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. The City neither provides nor prepares such record. £1T¥ I]F I]ELI11:1¥ BE#I:H CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE DELRAY B,EA~C H MI~,[O~~ 1993 TO: David T. Harden, City Manager FROM: David N. Tolces, Assistant City Attome'~ SUBJECT: Resolution Opposing Federal Takings Legishtion Attached is a resolution for the City Commission to consider regarding the pending legislation which will affect the jurisdiction of federal courts with r~spect to takings cases. It is my understanding that the House of Representatives has approved the bill, and the Senate is presently considering a similar bill. Please call if you ~ve any questions. DNT:$mk cc: Alison MacGregor Harry, City Clerk 5.£/ ~ ~r~eC~ Cn )aecvcte~ RESOLUTION NO. 19-98 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, IN OPPOSITION TO LEGISLATION CURRENTLY PENDING IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS RELATED TO THE EXPANSION OF FEDERAL COURT JURISDICTION TO INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF LOCAL ZONING AND LAND USE APPEALS WITHOUT HAVING PRIOR STATE COURT CONSIDERATION; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO PROVIDE COPIES OF THE RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the United States Congress is currently debating MR 1534, a bill which would permit property owners to file a lawsuit in federal court alleging an unconstitutional taking of property as a result of action by local legislative bodies and/or zoning boards; and WHEREAS, under current law, the federal courts do not accept jurisdiction over such local takings cases unless all local zoning appeals and state court procedures have been exhausted; and WHEREAS, under the legislation now before Congress, aggrieved parties could take their cases immediately to federal courts, preempting local and state law procedures; and WHEREAS, by increasing the frequency of federal court litigation, the proposed legislation also could impose significant new litigation costs on cities such as Delray Beach, Florida, its taxpayers, and other governmental agencies; and WHEREAS, due to the potential cost of increased litigation which will likely result if the Congress and President adopt this legislation, the City Commission for the City of Delray Beach opposes any change to the current law including the current legislation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That the above recitals are adopted by the Delray Beach City Commission, and the City of Delray Beach opposes HR 1534, as it alters the jurisdiction of federal courts as it relates to takings litigation. Section 2. That the City Commission of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, urges other local governments to adopt a resolution opposing legislative changes to the federal courts takings jurisdiction. Section 3. That copies of this resolution be provided to appropriate officials. Section 4. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage. PASSED ~ ~OPTED in special session on this the 10th day of March, 1998. ATTEST: City Clerk - 2 - Res. No. 19-98 FILE h1534.eh 105th CONGRESS 1st Session AN ACT To simplify and expedite access to the Federal courts for injured parties whose rights and privileges, secured by the United States Constitution, have been deprived by final actions of Federal agencies, or other government officials or entities acting under color of State law; to prevent Federal courts from abstaining from exercising Federal jurisdiction in actions where no State law claim is alleged; to permit certification of unsettled State law questions t_hat are essential to resolving Federal claims arising under'the Constitution; and to clarify when government action is sufficiently final to ripen certain Federal claims arising under the Constitution. HR 1534 EH 105th CONGRESS 1st Session AN ACT To simplify and expedite access to the Federal courts for injured parties whose rights and privileges, secured by the United States Constitution, have been deprived by final actions of Federal agencies, or other government officials or entities acting under color of State law; to prevent Federal courts from abstaining from exercising Federal jurisdiction in actions where no State law claim is alleged; to permit certification of unsettled State law questions that are essential to resolving Federal claims arising under the Constitution; and to clarify when government action is sufficiently final to ripen certain Federal claims arising under the Constitution. [Italic->] Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled [<-Italic] , SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the 'Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 1997'. SEC. 2. JURISDICTION IN CIVIL RIGHTS CASES. Section 1343 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(c) Whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction under subsection (a) in an action in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising or relinquish its jurisdiction to a State court in an action where no claim of a violation of a State law, right, or privilege is alleged, and where a parallel proceeding in State court arising out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding is not pending. '(d) Where the district court has jurisdiction over an action under subsection (a) in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property and which cannot be decided without resolution of an unsettled question of State law, the district court may certify the question of State law to the highest appellate court of that State. After the State appellate court resolves the question certified to it, the district court shall proceed with resolving the merits. The district court shall not certify a question of State law under this subsection unless the question of State law-- '(1) will significantly affect the merits of the injured party's Federal claim; and '(2) is patently unclear. '(e) (1) Any claim or action brought under section 1979 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (42 U.S.C. 1983) to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or territory of the United States, that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. '(2) (A) For purposes of this subsection, a final decision exists if-- '(i) any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, i of 3 03/06/98 17:23:57 '(i) any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or territor~ of the United States, makes a definitive decision regarding the extent of permissible uses on the property that has been allegedly infringed or taken; '(ii)(I) one meaningful application, as defined by the locality concerned within that State or territory, to use the property has been submitted but has not been approved, and the party seeking redress has applied for one appeal or waiver which has not been approved, where the applicable statute, ordinance, custom, or usage provides a mechanism for appeal to or waiver by an administrative agency; or "(II) one meaningful application, as defined by the locality concerned within ~hat State or territory, to use the property has been submitted but has not been approved, and the disapproval explains in writing the use, density, or intensity of development of the property that would be approved, with any conditions therefor, and the party seeking redress has resubmitted another meaningful application taking into account the terms of the disapproval, except that-- '(aa) if no such reapplication is submitted, then a final decision shall not have been reached for purposes of this subsection, except as provided in subparagraph (B); and '(bb) if the reapplication is not approved, or if the reapplication is not required under subparagraph (B), then a final decision exists for purposes of this subsection if the party seeking redress has applied for one appeal or waiver with respect to the disapproval, which has not been approved, where the applicable statute, ordinance, custom, or usage provides a mechanism of appeal or waiver by an administrative agency; and '(iii) in a case involving the uses of real property, where the applicable statute or ordinance provides for review of the case by elected officials, the party seeking redress has applied for but is denied such review. '(B) The party seeking redress shall not be required to apply for an appeal or waiver described in paragraph (1)(B) if no such appeal or waiver is available, if it cannot provide the relief requested, or if the application or reapplication would be futile. '(3) For purposes of this subsection, a final decision shall not require the party seeking redress to exhaust judicial remedies provided by any State or territory of the United States. '(f) Nothing in subsection (c), (d), or (e) alters the substantive law of takings of property, including the burden of proof borne by the plaintiff.' SEC. 3. UNITED STATES AS DEFENDANT. Section 1346 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(h)(1) Any claim brought under subsection (a) that is founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but was allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States, that causes actual and concrete injur~ to the party seeking redress. '(2) For purposes of this subsection, a final decision exists if-- '(A) the United States makes a definitive decision regarding the extent of permissible uses on the property ~hat has been allegedly infringed or taken; and '(B) one meaningful application rouse the property has been submitted but has not been approved, and the party seeking redress has applied for one appeal or waiver which has not been approved, where the applicable law of the United States provides a mechanism for appeal to or waiver by an administrative agency. The party seeking redress shall not be required to apply for an appeal or waiver described in subparagraph (B) if no such appeal or waiver is available, if it cannot provide the relief requested, or if application or reapplication to use the property would be futile. '(3) Nothing in this subsection alters the substantive law of 2 of 3 03/06/98 17:23:57 takings of property, including the burden of proof borne by the · plaintiff.' SEC. 4. JURISDICTION OF COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS. Section 1491(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: '(3) Any claim brought under this subsection founded upon a property right or privilege secured by allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States, =hat causes ac=ual and concrete injury =o the party seeking redress. For purposes of this paragraph, a final decision exists if-- '(A) =he United States makes a definitive decision regarding =~e extent of permissible uses on the property =hat has been allegedly infringed or taken; and '(B) one meaningful application =o use =he proper=¥has been submitted but has not been approved, and the party seeking redress has applied for one appeal or waiver which has not been approved, where the applicable law of the United States provides a mechanism for appeal or waiver. The party seeking redress shall not be required to apply for an appeal or waiver described in subparagraph (B) if no such appeal or waiver is available, if it cannot provide the relief requested, or if application or reapplication to use the property would be futile. Nothing in this paragraph alters =he substantive law of takings of property, including the burden of proof borne by the plaintiff.' SEC. 5. DUTY OF NOTICE TO OWNERS. Whenever a Federal agency takes an agency action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, the agency shall give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights under such amendments and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply to actions commenced on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives October 22, 1997. Attest: Clerk. ~ of 3 03/06/98 17:23:57 Federal Preemption: "Takings" During the last ~veek of February, the Senate Judiciary. was expected to mark up legisration that would significantly limit the abilit3, of state courts and local administrative bodies to regulate land use within their communities. Action by the full Senate is expected m quickly follow, possibly within a marter of days. The full House al- ready passed the takings legislation in October 1997 by a 248 to 178 mar- gin. Some property, owners allege a portion of the value of their property has been unfaitlv reduced or taken by the action of'local legislative bod- ies and/or zoning boards. Under current law, the federal judiciary, does not get involved in these disputes until and un/ess all local zoning ap- peals and state-court procedures have been exhausted. Under the legislation now before Congress, aggrieved par- ties could take their cases immediately to federal courts, preempting local and state laws and procedures. By increasing the frequency of federal court litigation, the proposed legisla- tion also could impose significant new litigation costs on cities, counties, and their taxpayers. Ar its Januan/meeting, the ICMA Executive Board endorsed a set of recommendations by ICMA's Gov- ernmental Affairs and Policy Com- mittee (GAPC). Among the recommendations approved was op- position to federal preemption of local and state authority, including "rakings" legislation. The GAPC encourages ICMA members to bring this important issue to the attention of their legislative bodies. For more information, contact Michael Lawson at lC/vIA, 202/962- 3634; e-mail, rn/awson@icma.org. PINEAPPLE GRO~ I~IN STREE~ INC. ~B ~ ~F'~ ~ ~ ! 87 NE ~ G~ WAY · ~Y ~ · FL~ 33444 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~e (561) 279.9952 · F~ (561) 279~ !08 · ~L~3~.cOm Memorandum TO: Delray B~ch Ci~ Co~ission; PGMS Bo~d DATE: M~ch 10, 1998 ~CT: Propos~ m~ifications to Neigh~rh~d P~n for "M~n Street' in the Grove The following modifications have been recommended since the January PGMS Board meeting: Add a general comment to provide the same tools for PG Way as apply to Atlantic Avenue. Residential densities greater than 30 units per acre as a conditional · Special Regulations (4.4.13(H)) related to second hand material sales, picking up and dropping off workers assigned through employment agencies, and mixed use residential. · Clarify which uses should be permitted only in the CBD-RC (p.3-3) · We have two pages numbered 13-2. · Section 16, Design Guidelines, are presently intended for "internal" use (Facade Grants, property owners, prospective owners, etc.). Instead of reprinting them in the Plan, include a reference to them. Don't add extra layers to ~e plan review process. · Replace the list of encouraged colors with reference to a color palette in the PGMS office. · Rewrite the element on Signage (Mark Little volunteered to help). Note that City already has standards in place. · Concern is expressed about the 6omonth provision for non-conforming uses. · Change contractors' "offices" to contractors' "yards". The idea is to prohibit outside storage, not office space/office use. · Don't discourage "new looks" in design guidelines. · Setback lines--change to "build to lines" or "maximum setback lines". · Block 76--encourage completion of acquisitions for additional parking. · Ban telephones hanging on building fagades. Restrict public phones only to public rights-of-way and use them as a revenue source for City/PGMS/CRA. · Devise a plan for centralized solid waste disposal; ward of the "dumpster wars". · Try to get rid of the FPL sub-station. · Add appendix with engineering specs for traffic calming. · Encourage commuter rail on FEC with stop in Pineapple Grove. PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. 187 NE PINEAPPLE GROVE WAY ° LEI.RAY BEACH · FLORIDA 33444 PHone (561 ) 279.9952 · FAX(561 ) 279-0 ! 08 · e-ma~tee30msn.com Memorandum To: Delray Beach City Commission T~ROU~H: City Manager FROM: Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc. DATI~: March 5, 1998 SUBO£¢T: Neighborhood Plan for "Main Street" in the Grove [SIDEBtm--Enclosed for your review is a copy of our February 2, 1998, letter to Mrs. Harrington that was referred to by Mr. Sweetapple during the public hearing. Thought you might be interested.] This memo transmits the backup materials for the March 10, 1998, Commission Workshop: · Copy of the draft Neighborhood Plan · Our "Case" for presentation to prospective sponsors, underwriters, grantors (FYI). We plan to present a brief overview of the Plan's elements, utilizing 35mm slides (we will set up our projector, etc.), and expect the presentation to consume about 15 minutes. We will also, of course, be prepared to answer the Commissioners' questions. At the time of this transmittal, we expect to request the following of the Commission: 1. Endorsement and acceptance of the concepts set forth in the Plan; 2. Direction for PGMS and City staff with respect to formulation of budgets and funding sources, identification of implementation responsibilities, and identification of implementation priorities and schedules; and 3. Such other direction as the Commission deems necessary and appropriate. Thank you in advance for you thoughtful review and considerations. PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. 187 NE P~NEaPP~ GROvEWAY · DELRA.Y BEACH · FLORIDA 33444 P.one ( 561 ) 279.9952 · FAx ( 561 ) 279-0108 · e-m~u tee 3 @msn.com Memorandum TO: David Harden ¢: FROM: Tom Fleming DATE: January 20, 1998 SUSOECT: City Commission Workshop David, At its monthly meeting on January 14, 1998, the Board of Pineapple Grove Main Street approved a "final" draft of its Neighborhood Plan for "Main Street" in the Grove, for presentation to the Delray Beach City Commission and other downtown authorities. This memorandum transmits our request to meet with the Commission during its next upcoming Workshop that has room on the agenda. We would ask for sufficient time to review with the Commission the key elements of the Plan, and would use a slide presentation and related drawings for this purpose. Our request of the Commission will be that they accept the concepts reflected in the Plan and direct City staff to begin working with PGMS to hammer the details of implementation. Thank you in advance for your favorable consideration of this request. Please call me (279-9952) at your earliest convenience to discuss the matter further. TFF Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc. The Florida Main Street Program for Delray Beach 187 Pineapple Grove Way Delray Beach Florida 33444 February 2, 1998 Claire A. Harrington, Trustee 3111 SW 81~t St. Gainesville, FL 32607-4703 Dear Claire: Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc. (PGMS), has completed its Neighborhood Plan for "Main Street" Pineapple Grove and will offer it to local authorities beginning next month. The Executive Summary of the Plan and an informational brochure about PGMS are enclosed. Many of the Plan's components focus on physical improvementsmstreetscapes, building fagades, parking, traffic calming, etc. The real emphasis of our program, however, is the introduction to the neighborhood of the cultural arts, the element that will draw people into the neighborhood. Our outdoor art plan will ultimately provide locations along Pineapple Grove Way for over one hundred sculptures of all sizes. The smaller pieces will be displayed on columnar pedestals, with the largest pieces secured at ground level. The sculptures will be available for sale to the public and will be replaced annually. Outdoor mural art on the exterior walls of buildings will complement the sculptures, and we are also considering the inclusion of topiaries as an artistic component with an ecological twist. While the outdoor art plan satisfies our objectives with respect to the visual arts, we had not, until ve~ recently, gotten a handle on the performing arts. The nationally recognized Miami City Ballet School, in partnership with Pine Grove Elementary School's Arts Magnet program, has surfaced as a likely answer. The Ballet School has agreed to participate with Pine Grove's Arts Magnet program beginning in August, with the Palm Beach County School District contributing funds for instructional and related "sof~ costs". Capital funding for the necessary dance studio, on the other hand, will not be forthcoming for the foreseeable future, prompting Pine Grove to search for a suitable off-campus location. With off-campus studio space, the Ballet School can expand their program to include after school instruction for the City's child care program, and evening and weekend private instruction. Pine Grove officials approached PGMS to help them locate space in Pineapple Grove. Your family trust's property at Pineapple Grove Way and NE 1~t Street is our top choice. We envision an indoor-outdoor performing arts park that could house the Ballet School, a second performing arts group of comparable status (the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, for example, is presently housed in a very cramped rehearsal hall), and related retail space. The parking lot could continue to accommodate some parking (at reduced levels) as well as an outdoor arts park. We think it's the ideal use of the property. Fax (56 I) 279~)108 Phone (561) 279-9952 Claire A. Harrington, Trustee February 24, 1998 Page 2 In short, we want to own your trust's Pineapple Grove property and transform it into the cultural arts park we envision. If this interests you, there are several ways we can approach the transaction. PGMS is a private, non-profit corporation with Internal Revenue Code §501(c)(3) status tax. Contributions to PGMS, therefore, are tax deductible. One approach, of course, would be the outright purchase of the property at or near the mast's asking price, in which case the mast beneficiaries would pay the customary capital gains taxes on the sale. On the other hand, our tax status suggests some other alternatives that might be more economically appealing to the mast beneficiaries. The donation of the property to PGMS would eliminate the capital gains tax and entitle the trust beneficiaries to income tax deductions. A "bargain sale" to PGMS at a price below market value could reduce the capital gains tax and entitle the trust beneficiaries to charitable deductions from income taxes. A sale to the Delray Beach CRA, under threat of eminent domain, might allow the mast beneficiaries to reinvest the sale proceeds in "like-kind" property within a prescribe period of time and defer the capital gains tax. Needless to say, if your family wishes to participate in this endeavor by contribution or "bargain sale" of the property to PGMS, we would intend to recognize your generous support of the cultural arts park in a vet), commemorative way--naming the building after your parents comes to mind (or the outdoor arts park, or some other appropriate feature of the project); you and your family would be consulted for your thoughts. Before we can go any further with our planning~ we need to know if any of these options are of interest to you. If so, we can put our respective tax specialists in touch with each other to determine the most appropriate alternative. We know that other prospective tenants and/or purchasers are continually looking at the property. Please call me, therefor, as soon as you can (561-279-9952) and let me know what you think. I look forward to talking with you. Very truly yours, ?x/ Thomas F. Fleming, III Program Manager c: Darryl Bush Janet Onnen · 187 Pineapple Grove Way · * Delray Beach, FL 33444 · Phone 561.279.9952 · Fax 561.279.0108 P~nEAPPLE Grove Mqn Street, Inc,. A Neighborhood Plan for "Main Street" in the Grove · · · · · · · · · · The Cultural, Educational, and Retail Center of Historic Pineq~)le Grove, Delray Beac& b-7orida INTRODUCTION I SECTION 2 · ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS 2-1 SECTION 3 ° ZONING - PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS 3-1 SECTION 4 ° TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND STRATEGY 4-1 SECTION 5 * PUBLIC PARKING 5-1 SECTION 6 ° RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT 6-1 SECTION 7 ° PROPERTY ACQUISITION/USES 7-1 SECTION 8 · STREETS, SIDEWALKS, UTILITIES, CABLE 8-1 SECTION 9 ° LIGHTING 9-1 SECTION 10 · LANDSCAPING & STREET FURNITURE 10-1 SECTION 11 ° GATEWAYS, OBELISKS, KIOSKS 11-1 SECTION 12 · NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 12-1 SECTION 13 · CULTURAL ARTS 13-1 SECTION 14 · ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING -. 14-t SECTION 15 · FACADE IMPROVEMENTS 15-1 SECTION 16 ° DESIGN GUIDELINES 16-1 SECTION 17 ° HISTORIC PRESERVATION 17-1 SECTION 18 · FUNDING 18-1 SECTION 19 · OUTREACH & MARKETING 19-1 Introduction Preface This Neighborhood Improvement Plan is a compilation of community input and was adopted by the Board of Directors of Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., as a draft for presentation to the community. The Board invites input from all who review the Plan and will thoughtfully consider any and all constructive recommendations. The Plan will remain in draft form and subject to change until adopted in its final form by all appli- cable authorities. Background & Overview Late 1980s--The "Pioneers" to Revitalization. Perhaps the lowest point for the area known today as Pineapple Grove was reached during the mid-1980s when the neighborhood was virtually abandoned by all but a few determined merchants. Most properties, residential and non-residential, were owned by absentee owners who paid little if any attention to the well-being of the neighborhood or the individual properties. Single family homes were commonly rented to multiple-family dwellers; crime was considerable; the streets were popu- lated by the homeless. During the late 1980s, several area merchants and property owners joined with others in the community concerned with downtown conditions and formulated a plan intended to stem the downward trend. With support of local government, they initiated some streetscape and landscaping improvements, installed some outdoor artworks, had the neighborhood officially named "Pineapple Grove", and changed the name of four blocks of Northeast 2nd Avenue to "Pineapple Grove Way", among other improvements. These well-meaning initiatives, however, were not enough--the neighborhood, though improved to some degree, remained blighted. The Florida Main Street Program. In 1994, the Delray Beach Joint Venture sponsored consideration of the F/or/da Main Street program for Delray Beach, encouraging as its initial focus the com- mercial core of the Pineapple Grove neighborhood. Several local residents and property owners organized and incorporated Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., to administer the program, and the area from Atlantic Avenue to NE 4th Street, along NE 1" Avenue, Pineapple Grove Way, and NE 34 Avenue was selected as the program's focus area. Following review of an application prepared by Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., then-Secretary of State, Jim Smith, desigmated Delray Beach a F/or/da Main Street community in August, 1994, and PGMS began its first fiscal year on October l, 1994. The Main Street program for revitalization is driven by grass roots initiatives in parmership with local, state, and federal government. It is incremental in nature and utilizes a comprehensive, four-point approach consisting of Desigu, Organiza- tion, Promotion, and Economic Restructuring. The Planning Process. After first identifying the community's vision for the program area, and then test- ing the vision with a market analysis, Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., organized and conducted a planning and design charrette in March, 1996. The two-day char- rette was attended by 83 participants including elected officials, City administra- tors, representatives from other downtown agencies and organizations, Pineapple Grove business and property owners, and the general public. The charrette produced sketch drawings and an outline of recommendations re- flecting the unanimous or near-unanimous consensus of the participants. These rec- ommendations formed the basis for the comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Plan for "Main Street' in the Grove. Neighborhood Improvement Plan. All aspects of neighborhood improvement are reflected in the Plan, including capi- tal projects, zoning and policy considerations, non-capital programs and projects, funding, and implementation. The thrust of the Plan is to bring back the social and economic vibrancy Pineapple Grove once enjoyed. Pineapple Grove is a unique neighborhood in downtown Delray Beach, and can be- come a productive complement to the Atlantic Avenue renaissance. It has a special history and the potential for a future centered on arts-related activities. The well being of Pineapple Grove is key to the sustainability of the community's investment in downtown Delray Beach. Charrette participants view the Main Street program area in three principal compo- nents: NE 1~t Avenue is principally residential in character. Most properties are single family residential structures and house a mix of residential and non-residential uses. The Plan encourages the continuation of this character. Pineapple Grove Way is a commercial corridor. The Plan proposes to empha- size the pedestrian use of the corridor and calm the flow of traffic. Capital im- provements to the corridor will create an environment similar to that on Atlan- tic Avenue between Swinton Avenue and NE 6th Avenue, although the charac- ter will be distinct to the Grove. NE 34 Avenue features uses that are productive economically. Light manufac- turing, assembly, distribution, and service industries are predominant. The 2- block corridor is an valuable jobs center that benefits the neighborhood's econ- omy. Charrette participants want to continue these elements, while adding lighting for security and other relatively modest improvements to the area. The Plan also proposes projects and elements that extend beyond those typically as- sociatefl with "redevelopment". It addresses image enhancement features, activi- ties, and programs designed to create an environment enriched with educational opportunities and appeal. For the merchants and businesses, the Plan describes programs underway in Pine- apple Grove Main Street, Inc., designed to strengthen and retain those who are al- ready located in the program area, and recruitment programs to attract new busi- nesses. Participation PGMS Committees and Resource Teams When thc two-day Charrette concluded, the work of the volunteers began. PGMS sub-committees met on a weekly basis to translate the outline of projects identified by Charrette participants into the Neighborhood Plan here presented. Committee members, numbering nearly 100, included neighborhood property and business owners, neighborhood residents, others from throughout Delray Beach, and profes- sionals in the fields of design, planning, construction, finance, real estate, and so forth. All in all, hundreds of individuals have contributed their input to this Plan. Public Officials In addition to committee members from the private sector, several administrators from the City of Delray Beach and the Community Redevelopment Agency volun- teered their "after-hours' services. Summary of Proposals Capital Projects. Streets; sidewalks; utilities; cable. The proposed improvements are in keeping with the character description set forth earlier in this Summary. The first and third blocks of NE 1 '~ Avenue have been improved in recent years. The Plan proposes to emulate these recent improvements in the second and fourth blocks. Transformation of Pineapple Grove Way from a vehicular- to a pedestrian-friendly environment focuses much of the streetscape work along this corridor. The Plan proposes to widen sidewalks, narrow the traffic lanes, and meander the street block-by-block from NE 1" Street to NE 4'a Slyeet. Improvements to NE 3'~ Avenue and NE 1", 2'~, and 3'~ Streets are more .modest. During the construction of improvements of streets and sidewalks, underground utilities can be upgraded as necessary and overhead cable can be buffed wherever feasible. Public parking. Several locations are identified that might be suitable for furore public parking ldts. The sites are located behind and east of the Pineapple Grove Way businesses; three are vacant properties in the second, third, and fourth blocks, and two others are small, privately owned parking lots not presently "attached' to a particular building. Lighting. The design of the proposed decorative street lighting will further distin- guish Pineapple Grove as a "special" downtown neighborhood center. Gateways, Obelisks, and Kiosks are enhancements that draw people into the neigh- borhood by distinguishing it as a distinctive destination within the downtown. The arched gateways spanning the north and south ends of Pineapple Grove Way, artis- tic obelisks at other neighborhood points of entry, and decorative informational ki- osks within the neighborhood are designed to identify the Grove and attract visi- tors. Landscaping and Street Furniture provides shade, comfort, and resting places for pedestrians. Strolling is encouraged and enhanced along Pineapple Grove Way. Transportation plan. To facilitate access from east bound Atlantic Avenue, a left turn arrow is proposed at Pineapple Grove Way with the east bound light extended accordingly. As optional considerations, the Plan suggests the uses of narrowed traffic lanes, round-abouts, and traffic humps to calm the flow of traffic, particularly along Pine- apple Grove Way. The downtown bypass is also addressed. Pineapple Grove Arts Park. A neighborhood park, with such features as pathways, park benches, play equipment, water elements, and a band shell adds charm and flavor reminiscent of the traditional downtown. The Plan recognizes the scarcity of land in Pineapple Grove, and suggests that the park might replace an existing, pti- vately-owned parking lot on Pineapple Grove Way. The concept is demonstrated using the site of the "old Winn Dixie" parking lot, however, no specific site is pro- posed. For the park to become a reality at any location, several factors must first be resolved. Zoning & Policy Considerations Zoning modifications are proposed to conform Pineapple Grove Way to the Atlan- tic Avenue corridor, thereby enhancing the likelihood of infill construction. Transportation plan. The Plan proposes to prohibit all truck traffic along Pineapple Grove Way (alleys will accommodate deliveries) and prohibit through trucks along NE 1'~ Avenue. Public transportation will become increasingly important to the long-term, sustain- able success of the downtown. The plan encourages two forms, one to transport visitors to and from the downtown, and a second within the downtown. Public parking. In-lieu parking fees paid for Pineapple Grove projects should be earmarked for future public parking projects in the Grove. Over time, the strueuare and process of the in-lieu fee must be reconsidered for parking in the urban down- town. In order for in-fill construction to become a reality, every effort must be made to encourage private investment and reinvestment on properties now utilized for private off-street parking with public right-of-way'frontage. PGMS is collecting and studying parking plans currently in use by conununifies elseWhere. The intent of the Plan is to identify and implement parking strategies, involving both the pub- lic and private sectors, that foster a positive investment environment in the down- town while enhancing the supply of parking. Lighting guidelines are suggested for privately-owned properties that will comple- ment and add to streetlight illumination of the sidewalk. Programs and Proj~on-Capital Cultural Arts Plan. Many locations are identified for outdoor sculpture and mural art, creating an outdoor art gallery throughout the program area that serves as a "magnet" to Delray Beach residents and visitors. The art plan will address the re- view and selection process, insurance, maintenance, and other pertinent considera- tions. The plan to am'act performing arts organizations is also a key consideration. iv , Fagade improvements are encouraged with the availability of small matching grants, low interest loans, micro-loans, technical assistance, and professional serv- ices. Landscaping and street furniture on privately owned properties are similarly en- couraged and will further enhance public right-of-way improvements. Residential mixed-use development on upper floors of two- and three-story build- ings. Several properties within the Program Area are suggested for upper floor residential dwellings, including the areas above surface parking lots, and upper floors of multi-level parking garages. The Plan recommends modifications to Land Development Regulations where appropriate to facilitate the residential use, and the use of financial and/or tax incentives is encouraged. Environmental assessments are recommended for properties that might pose envi- ronmental challenges and are proximate to business operations. Historic preservation plan. An estimated 86% of the properties built in the pro- gram area are post-World War II construction. Nonetheless, several are potentially significant historic properties, and the neighborhood itself is rich in history. A de- tailed study is proposed that can demonstrate the programs best suited to emphasize the historic character of the neighborhood and preserve the appropriate properties. Economic restructuring. Research by Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., has identified several professional services available to the small business person at lit- fie or no cost. The availability of these services is being shared with Pineapple Grove businesses on an as-needed basis. The plan proposes to "institutionalize" this service and introduce periodic educational workshops along similar lines. Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., is building a database of every property and business in the program area. Once completed, the database will be continually up- dated and shared with other downtown interests, including the City, CRA, DDA, and Chamber of Commerce. The accurate inventory of properties and businesses allows us to better match the business prospect with available locations, thus fa- cilitating our new business recruitment activities. Outreach and marketing plans are described for the Plan itself (including work- shops designed for public education, input, and consensus building), the Pineapple Grove neighborhood, and the Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., program. Funding The projects and programs proposed in the Plan will be funded by a variety of public sector and private sector sources. The goal is to formulate a funding strategy that equitably distributes the costs among the parties at interest, utilizing outside dollars wherever possible. Possible sources include: Local Government Capital improvements bond issue Business Improvement District (BID)/special assessments · Grants (governmental and private foundations) · Sponsors/underwriters · Other sources (donations, gifts, membership dues, endowments, etc.) V Implementation Strategies Projects associated with capital budgets of local government will be scheduled for construction in collaboration with the appropriate authorities. Several of the related projects will necessarily be undertaken in sequence. Projects, programs, zoning, and policy considerations not reliant on local govern- ment capital budgets will be implemented on an independent schedule. Conclusion The proposals of the Plan are comprehensive, productive, and conducive to the return of economic vitality and quality of life in Pineapple Grove. Projects and programs can be instituted incrementally, thereby lessening any potential strain on capital budgets of local government. Every effort is being made to identify and contribute sources of funding from outside local government. Overall, the Plan will considerably improve the business and living environment for Pineapple Grove. Increased property assessments and the enhanced flow of other tax revenues associated with the improved economy will yield a handsome return on the . community's investment. Vision Pineapple Grove Main Street will be the cultural, retail and educational center of Delray Beach's historic Pineapple Grove neighborhood, offering its unique blend of population diversity, business mix and the arts in a quaint, safe and accessible setting to residents and visitors of all ages. Mission Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., was organized to restore, promote, and maintain the charm and character of the historic commercial district of Pineapple Grove for the benefit and education of local residents and visitors to the area. Definitions The "City" is the City of Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. "PGMS' is Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., a not-for-profit Florida corporation. The "Board" is the Board of Directors of PGMS. The "Program Area" is the initial focus area of the Delray Beach Main Street program, located in the historic Pineapple Grove neighborhood, as reflected in Figure 1, hereto. The "Plan" is the Neighborhood Improvement Plan for "Main Street" in the Grove as hereinafter set forth. "Pineapple Grove Way" is that portion of NE 2~ Avenue lying between Atlantic Ave- nue and NE 4th Street/Lake Ida Road. "Collector" streets are designed to encourage through traffic. "Local" street -- designed to provide vehicular access to abutting property and to dis- courage through traffic. Typically, local streets connect to collectors. "Floribbean" is a term that connotes a blend of traditional, historic South Florida char- acteristics with a Caribbean/Latin influence. The term (hereinafter printed as F/or/b- bean) is used to identify the proposed overall character of the District. vi ~ Atla~venue I~ ~ ! , ! Figure ] ~ Neighborhood Improvement Plan for Pineapple Grove showing outline of Program Area. vii . Section 2 · Environmental Assessments Overview Several businesses that have operated in Pineapple Grove for many years are today considered environmentally threatening when practices allow pollutants into the ground, air, water, etc. Rather than facing "unpleasant surprises" in the future, the Plan outlines some steps that might be taken more promptly so that any matters that are discovered can be timely addressed. Beyond the obvious need for mitigation, the type and extent of contamination might bear on the property's potential use and, hence, its current and future market value. Properties suitable for public parking might be cheaper to acquire and decontaminate. Environmental considerations are highly technical and best addressed by professionals so trained. This chapter attempts to address the subject only in general terms. The State's Hazardous Waste program is now focusing on dry cleaners throughout Florida. Also initiated at the State level is a temporary "indemnification" program and clean-up process that will involve State of Florida resources. FDEP may know of a company that has a catalytic chemical that can remediate contamination without the need to excavate and/or pump ground water over the extended (and costly) time frame normally required. A dry cleaning operation may be able to purchase, for $1,000, a Florida "insurance policy". PROCESS--ASSESSMENTS/AUDITS Phase 1 is essentially a "paper search" that utilizes public records information, physical inspection of the site, aerial photographs, etc., to determine if there is probable cause to suspect ground water contamination. Phase 2 includes test borings/test wells that draw ground water samples for labo- ratory analysis. Typical well is 2-inch PVC inside a well casing, slotted to allow water to seep in and be drawn for analysis. Pipe can either be removed after sam- ples are taken or left in place for subsequent use. The objectives are to (1) locate the area of highest contamination and (2) determine the extent to which contamina- tion has spread. Each well can cost upwards of $500 depending upon its depth. LIKELY CONCERNS IN PINEAPPLE GROVE · Laundry/Dry Cleaners · Restaurants · Mechanical Repair and/or Manufacturing Firms · Medical Offices · Photographics · Petroleum storage tanks RESOURCES City: Delray Beach Environmental Services Department County: PB County Department of Environmental Resources (DERM) 3323 Belvedere Rd., Bldg. 502 (407) 233-2400 State: Small Business Development Center Florida Atlantic University, Building T-9 561-362-5625 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Small Business Program 800-722-7457 Recommendations Research the County and State assessment/remediation programs. Obtain and study the City's map of well fields and zones to identify whether any of the Program Area is in Zone I, 2, or 3. For property owners who agree to permit environmental audits: Draft an agreement wherein the property owner agrees to permit an environ- mental audit of his/her property. The agreement should: · indemnify the property owner from any and all costs and/or liability re- sulting from the audit; · provide for repair of any damage to the property and return of the property to its prior condition at no cost to the owner; and · grant expressed authority to the "auditor" to proceed with a Phase 2 audit should a Phase 1 audit so suggest. Upon the properly owner's execution of the agreement, ini~ate Phase 1 Audits of the selected properties and/or operations identified as suspect. For property owners not willing to permit environmental audits, and whose properties are suspected of producing contaminants, the City should determine which agencies of County, State and/or Federal government might be brought to bear. Identify any and all resources that can mitigate the costs of correction where properties are found to contain contaminants. Section 3 · Zoning - Proposed Modifications Overview Zoning considerations are viewed within the context of the built environment. The Plan's overall direction is geared toward the transformation of the public realm in the Program Area to one that is conducive to its intended character. Of particular impor- tance is the public realm of Pineapple Grove Way, the street along which the flow of pedestrian traffic is most vital to the economy of the neighborhood. The matters addressed below apply zoning ordinances and regulations already existing elsewhere in the downtown to the Program Area. Additional considerations are under study that might, over time, yield new concepts and practices. Three of the City's zoning districts apply to various locations within thc Program Area, specifically: 1. OLD SCHOOL SQUARE flis~'omc A~TS Dis'truer (OSSHAD) applies to properties lying west of thc north-south alley situated between Pine- apple Grove Way and NE 1'~ Avenue, from Atlantic Avenue to NE 3~ Street, and properties lying west of NE 1't Avenue between NE 3~a and 4th Streets; 2. C~NTRAL BUSlNF.~S DlSTRiCr-RAH, ROAO CORRmOR (CBD-RC) ap- plies to properties lying between NE 2'~ Street and NE 4~ Street, and cast of thc norflffsouth alley between Pineapple Grove Way and NE ya Avenue, and west of the FEC railroad right-of-way; and 3. CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTraCT {CDB) applies to all other properties in the Program Area. PGMS reviewed applicable City Land Development Regulations/Ordinances with a fo' cus on compatibility with Program Area objectives. No modifications are proposed to the O$SHAD nor the' CBD-RC districts. Matters pertaining to landscaping, lighting, parking, are considered elsewhere in this Plan. The following modifications are rec- ommended for CBD~: Recommendations Section 4,4.13 Central Business (CBD) District. Amend the first sentence of (1')(2) Open Space to read: A minimum of 10% non-vehicular open space shall be provided; however, within the area encompassed by the boundaries of the original Downtown De- velopment Authority as described in Section 8.2.2 (B); aad within the section of the CBD zoning district located east of the Intracoastal Waterway; and within the section of the CBD zoning district bounded by NE 1'~ Street on the south, Lake Ida Road (NE 4t~ Street) on the north~ the OSSHAD District on the ..west, and, as applicable, the FEC Railroad right-of-way and the CBD-RC Dis- trict on the east, there shall be no minimum open space requirement. Deletions arc identified by a~&z~&.-eu~; additions arc identified by underline. Amend (G)(2) Setbacks to read: Within the area encompassed by the boundaries of the DDA as originally es- tablished in Section 8.2.2(B), there shall be no required front, side (interior), side (street), or rear building setbacks except for the situation where there is no dedicated access to the rear of a building, a ten foot (10') side setback shall be provided. Within the area encompassed by the section of the CBD zoning district de- scribed in Section 4.4.13 (F)(2), a five foot (5') front setback shall be pro- vided, there, shall be no required side (interior), side (street), or rear building setbacks except for the situation where there is no dedicated access to the rear of a building, a ten foot (10') side setback shall be provided. Amend (H) Special Regulations (5) to read: Free-standing structures, containing only residential uses, shall not be located on properties fronting on Atlantic Avenue, nor on properties fronting on Pine- apple Grove Way (i.e., that portion of NE 2~ Avenue bounded by Atlantic Avenue on the south and NE 4~ Street/Lake Ida Road on the north). Parking. requirements Two principal considerations are addressed itl connection with Program Area parking matters. Firstly, in order to conform parking regulations to those applicable to the Atlantic Avenue corridor in the "downtown core', thefot~wing modiftcation to Section 4.4.13 Central Business (CBD) District/s recommended: Amend (G) Supplemental District Regulations (1) Parking to read: (a) Within that portion of the CBD bounded by Swinton Avenue on the west, N.E. 1'~ Street on the North, the Intracoastal Waterway on the east and S.E. 1't Street on the south, and the area between NE 1a Avenue and NE 3~a Avenue from NE 1 ~ Street to NE 4~ Street, parking requirements shall apply to new floor area only .... [No additional modifications are rec- ommended for the remainder of the paragraph] The second principal concern of this Plan relates to the strip center/suburban design standards that afflicted the Program Area, particularly the properties fronting on Pineapple Grove Way, during the period when much of its built environment was being constructed. Today, Pineapple Grove Way lacks the sense of linear space, the so-called "out- door room', that encourages the flow of pedestrian traffic. Atlantic Avenue, from Swinton Avenue to NE 6~ Avenue, is a grand example of how the built environ- ment affects the pedestrian flow and, hence, the economic vitality of the area. While the presence of evening entertainment venues (restaurants, cafes, lounges, etc.) serves as the attraction, it is the relatively unbroken line of building fagades and storefronts that compels downtown visitors to stroll the Avenue once they are here. The recommendation set forth above will improve the redevelopment environment along Pineapple Grove Way. It is, however, only one element of the long term so- lution. Private, on-site parking that fronts on the Pineapple Grove Way public right-of-way creates a break in the wall of the "outdoor room" and, hence, an im- pediment to the flow of pedestrian traffic. Infill construction, that replaces these breaks in the wall, is the second element of the long term solution. In order for infill construction to be practicable, the City, CRA, and PGMS must formulate parking considerations that remove the barriers to infill de- velopment. By so doing, thc investment community will bc constrained only by market condi- tions which, over time, will encourage infili construction. All parties, including 1o- cai government and thc taxpayers of Delray Beach, ultimately benefit. Specific focus is also encouraged regarding in-lieu parking fees. The theory of in-lieu fees is sound; however, the structure and application of the program in the urban environment is a two-edged sword. Certainly, the goal of building out the urban center, within the context of the community's vision, is a priority of equal suture with providing ample parking. The in-lieu fee is but one of many possible funding sources for public parking. Alternative funding sources for public parking must be identified and evalu- ated; those deemed appropriate should be incorporated as early as practica- ble. Concurrently, strategies related to downtown parldng provisions can be compiled, evaluated, and considered. The objective is to create a downtown environment that provides adequate parking for the foreseeable future, with responsibilities shared by public sector and private sector interests, while also encouraging continued investment and in-fill development. Uses PGMS reviewed the permitted and conditional uses pertaining to the Program Area. Many uses are not in keeping with the community's Vision for Pineapple Grove and/or its "Main Street", Pineapple Grove Way. The following uses should not be permitted anywhere in the Program Area: · Abused spouse Residences · Shooting ranges · Gun shops · Adult entertainment establishmen~ · Service stations · Thrift stores/second hand stores · Tattoo and/or body piercing shops · Psychics The following uses should not be permitted outside that portion of the Program Area zoned CBD-RC: · Retail or wholesale automotive parts sales · Lawn care equipment sales · Contractor's offices Section 4. Transportation Plan and Strategy The success of the Program Area, particularly along Pineapple Grove Way, is directly related to the transformation of its environment from "vehicular-friendly" to "pedes- trian-friendly'. While identified as a Collector street, Pineapple Grove Way serves as a Local street. Nonetheless, due to traffic volume, speed, and composition (it is widely used by delivery trucks and tractor-trailers), Pineapple Grove Way is a highly pedes- man-unfriendly environment (all other streets in the Program Area are Local). The de- sirable environment for the Program Area is that all streets become Local, with Col- lectors located only at the perimeter. This and the other provisions of the Transportation element wiil serve to calm the flow of traffic in the Program Area while increasing its traffic capacity and safety. Besides the street design presented elsewhere in this Plan, an issue that has a large im- pact on the pedestrian friendliness of a street is the volume, speed, and type of traffic that uses the street. Vehicular traffic affects pedestrians in two ways: 1) The volume and speed of vehicles restrict the ability of pedestrians to cross the street. 2) The sound and pollution that vehicles emit make the environment noisy and smelly. To increase pedestrian mobility and reduce crashes, a new discipline within traffic en- gineering has emerged called "traffic calming". This new concept in the United States runs counter to traditional street design of high speed, high volume, unrestricted vehi- cle movement. Traffic calming involves the placement of devices within the street to deflect vehicles horizontally or vertically. Devices can also be designed to prohibit the entry of larger vehicles by restricting their drive path. The philosophy is make the travel time along the Local street longer than the travel time on alternate, major routes. Traffic calming restricts the movements of drivers who do drive appropriately so that those who drive inappropriately are controlled. To be truly effective, traffic calming should include two actions: a negative action, the imposition of devices that inhibit vehicle flow; and A positive action, a series of'improvements along the major roads and at the major in- tersecfions to reduce the travel time along the major roads and encourage drivers to stay on the major roads. Discussion Items Intersections [Note: The use of roundabouts at intersections with Pineapple Grove Way is offered as an option. This Plan views these devices as attractive alternatives to traffic lights and stop signs, while recognizing that their use entails considerable deliberation. The following review was prepared for Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., by the Genesis Group, provided as a service of the Florida Main Street program.] 4-! The most effective, attractive and safe traffic calming device is the modem round- about (Figure 5.1). Modem roundabouts are not like traffic circles of the past. Traffic circles were constructed large, to give drivers a high speed of entry, circu- lation, and exit. Old traffic circles fail because of this high speed philosophy. Modem roundabouts are designed as small as possible to limit vehicle speeds to less than 20 mph and require drivers to yield at the entry into the roundabout. The benefits of roundabouts include: · 50% - 90% less crashes than intersections controlled by traffic circles, stop signs, or traffic signals · Higher capacity than intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic signals · Low vehicle speeds · Attractive intersections · Refuge islands provided for pedestrians as they cross the street Roundabouts are safer for pedestrians than all other forms of traffic control. At roundabouts, pedestrians are not faced with threats from drivers turning right on red, making high-speed left roms, or from drivers who are running the red light. At a roundabout, the pedestrian stops at the curb and looks only in one direction, the direction from which vehicles are approaching. When the low-speed traffic ~rw-"l' crossing is safe, the pedestrian crosses to the island refuge, where he or she looks ' . ,~, ,~l ?~,~ in the opposite direction for approaching vehicles. When safe, the pedestrian crosses to the opposite curb. :~ "~ '~ "' By combining low speed, refuges, and simple decision-making, roundabouts have become the safest form of intersection control in the world for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. /' If the concept of roundabouts is deemed desirable and suitable by the City, their use would he appropriate at two, Figure 5.1 - Typical Roundabout possibly three, locations in the Program Area, specifically, at the intersections of Pineapple Grove Way with NE 2~a and 3~ Streets. Should the City elect to convert NE 1~ Street from one-way to two-way travel, a roundabout would also be appro- priate at its intersection with Pineapple Grove Way. Another traffic calming device is the "intersection hump", similar to a speed table. Here, the whole intersection is raised to the top of the curb to help pedestrians cross and to slow vehicles by bringing them up to the pedestrian level. An inter- section hulnp permits larger vehicles to make mm movements, while the round- abouts restrict the movement of larger vehicles. A hump would be appropriate at the intersection of NE 1~ Avenue and NE 2~ Street. Locating the device at this intersection, particularly in tandem with the roundabouts on Pineapple Grove Way, will attract services vehicles to NE 2~ Street so that they are limited to one street from which they can enter the alleys and service the Pineapple Grove Way businesses from the rear entrances. The goal is to limit the number of service vehicles that utilize the retail streets. One-way Bypass The City's traffic consultants recently studied, among other matters, the impact of converting NE and SE 1a Streets, between Swinton Avenue and US 1, from one- way to two-way streets. Charrette participants recommended this conversion by unanimous consensus for masons enumerated below. One-way configuration encourages higher vehicular speeds. High speeds reduce safety to the pedestrian and bicyclist, and increase the likelihood of crashes. · Business interests along the one-way bypass suffer reduced exposure to the passing motorist, thereby negatively affecting the economic vitality of the businesses with resulting negative consequences to the community. · Residential dwellers are adversely impacted by the higher speeds, noise levels, hazards, and pollutants emitted. · Downtown traffic patterns are disrupted by the driver's inability to circle a block in search of a business location, parking, etc. The efficient flow of traffic is negatively impacted; the one-way streets confuse motorists. · The bypass is under-utilized. According to a survey conducted by the City's Planning Department, many drivers actually prefer the snail's pace of Atlantic Avenue. The traffic consultants concluded that conversion from one-way to two-way travel would have a negligible impact on levels of service at the downtown intersections studied. Furthermore, the study concluded that the overall circulation of traffic would be improved by virtue of the conversion. A further enhancement to circulation is the installation of the roundabout in concert with the conversion. One-way streets handle higher volumes of traffic more ciently because no driver has to stop and wait for oncoming traffic to pass before turning left. Left-turning vehicles block through vehicles. When the roundabout replaces the traditional intersection of two-way streets, the intention of the driver at the intersection becomes less relevant. Any vehicle enter- ing the roundabout from any direction can, with no adverse impact on the flow of traffic, mm left, mm right, or go straight through. In fact, the left-mm vehicle, once having entered the roundabout, has the right-of- way and so quickly exits the roundabout. The higher the left-turn volume, the bet- ter the roundabout performs. Roundabouts also help drivers make U-roms and thereby enhance circulation within the area. Control of the intersections by roundabouts will further support conversion of the one-way streets back to two-way operation. Traffic circulation will be enhanced while increasing the capacities of the 1~ Streets. This Plan encourages the City's studied consideration of the traffic calming devices discussed above and the conversion of the one-way bypass. In addition to the matters addressed above, the Plan proposes additional strategies to lessen the negative impact of the automobile within the Program Area, as re- fleeted below. Recommendations Access from Atlantic Avenue At the intersection with Pineapple Grove Way and Atlantic Avenue, add a left turn arrow for east bound travel and extend the east bound green light accord- ingly. This will accommodate east bound traffic attempting a left mm into Pineap- ple Grove. Truck Traffic--Restrictions and Alternate Routes Improvements to streets and sidewalks in thc Program Area arc enumerated else- where in the Plan. They serve to convert Pineapple Grove Way from a Collector to a Local street and, taken together with other elements of the Plan, create a safer, more inviting environment for the pedestrian. The following track traffic prohibi- tions and restrictions are offered in tandem with the streetscape/hardscape im- provements offered elsewhere in this Plan. · Prohibit all truck traffic on Pineapple Grove Way from NE 1~ Street to NE 4a Street. Trucks destined for businesses with frontage on Pineapple Grove Way can use the public alleys located behind such businesses and, for deliveries to the Pineapple Grove Shops, access from NE Avenue. Prohibit through truck traffic on all other streets and alleys within the Program Area (i.e., only delivery and service trucks with neighborhood destinations would be permitted). As alternates to NE 1~ Street, trucks should be encouraged to use NE 4a' Street and/or SE 1' Street. NE 4~ Street has been widened and better accommodates east/west truck travel. SE 1' Street, from Swinton Avenue to US1 traverses a less developed and, hence, less congested commercial district. Public Transportation When streets in the commercial core become increasingly "unfriendly" to the vehi- cle, public transportation becomes the natural alternative. A fully developed system should include the transportation of individuals in two categories: · to and from the greater downtown area, and · within the downtown. PGMS encourages downtown public and private interests to collaboratively develop and implement a comprehensive public transportation system utilizing existing PalmTran busses and/or locally-owned trolley(les) to deliver riders to and from several "transfer" locations around the perimeter of the downtown core (including the Program Area). Each of the transfer locations would be served by a tram serv- ice that would transport riders within the downtown. The areas of the downtown that would benefit from such a public transportation plan extend far beyond the PGMS Program Area boundaries. Accordingly, the plan must be developed and implemented in partnership with the City, the CRA and/or Downtown Joint Venture, the Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses. PGMS stands ready to participate in the formulation and implementation of a public transportation plan for downtown Delray Beach, should the parties at interest so desire. 4-4 Section 5 · Public Parking Overview A key element of the Redevelopment Plan is infill development, particularly along Pineapple Grove Way. Many of the areas best suited for infill construction are pres- ently utilized for private, off-street parking lots, and are tied to adjacent buildings. In order for infill to be practicable, and to further attract consumers into the neighbor- hood, convenient locations for public parking must be strategically identified and se- cured at the earliest feasible date. The reconfiguration of Pineapple Grove Way will result in the loss of several on-street, parallel parking spaces. Similarly, the existing inventory of parallel parking on NE 1 Street, between the railroad tracks and Pineapple Grove Way, will be affected if con- vetted from one-way to two-way. The following recommendations provide for surface parking only. The need for multi- level parking structures is unknown at the time of this writing; however, the Block 76 and Block 82 locations described below might accommodate multi-level structures should future demand dictate. Recommendations Sites identified to accommodate public parking facilities are described on a block-by- block basis, as follows: BLOCK 76. The CRA has completed Phase 1 of the public parking lot, providing 131 new spaces. BLOCK 83. Provide a new, public lot on the Carey property, between NE 2~ Street and the FPL sub station, and the lot immediately east of the Carey properly, between the FPL sub stations and Railroad Way. BLOCK 82. Construct a new public parking lot on the Carey property, between NE 2~ Street, NE 3'~ Street, NE 3~ Avenue, and the Block 82 a//ey. This element contem- plates the demolition of the buildings located thereon, except the building(s) deemed historically significant. BLOCK 81. Construct a new lot for public parking on the northwest corner of NE 3~ Street and NE 3~ Avenue (the Vultaggio property), with a small landscape element in the new lot's southeast corner. Acquire the existing paridng lot located south of Lake Ida Road (NE ,la Street), be- tween NE 3~ Avenue and the Block 81 alley, for the use of the general public. BLOCKS 81 ANI} 89. Identify smaller, vacant lots along NE 3~ Avenue, between NE 3~ and 4~ Streets, that may be suitable parking locations to serve nearby businesses. Formulate a plan for public/private collaboration to acquire and develop parking lo- cations on sites so identified. Section 6 · Residential Mixed-Use Development Overview The Wall Street Journal, in December, 1997, opened an article on mixed-use down- town living by relating the following: Some of Florida's newest residences come without swimming pools, tennis courts or parking. Many are small and in old buildings with no backyard, no golf course nearby - only lots of noise, traffic and shopping. And the residents say they love it.2 The demand for residential housing in downtown Delray Beach is a firmly established reality that mirrors similar trends nationwide. Residential real estate agents report that many for-sale homes are under contract for purchase before the "for sale" sign goes up. The practice of living in apartments above retail, office, and commercial properties in the downtown was commonplace until the mid-twentieth century, when the prolifera- tion of the automobile encouraged new subdivision development in the ever-expanding suburbs. Southeast Florida has grown accustomed to accommodating its rapid popula- tion growth for decades by allowing new development to proceed further and further to the west. The consequences of these growth-related policies are now becoming pain- fully evident. New construction on previously undeveloped lands is a frighteningly costly way to ac~ commodate growth. Not only does new construction consume increasingly scarce natu- ral resources (including the land on which it is built and the materials used to build i0, new consu'uetion also creates the need for the full array of public services that we all demand in any community--services such as roads, bridges, public utilities, schools, hospitals, libraries, police protection, emergency services, etc.--all of which must be newly produced, thus consuming additional natural resources and prodigious sums of taxpayer dollars. All the while, existing properties in the coastal corridor lie underutil- ized if not altogether abandoned. The growth of South Florida's population is projected to continue at one of the nation's highest rates well into the 21't century, and must be accommodated. The most efficient way to do so is by maximizing the use of existing, downtown infrastructure and build- ing space. Downtown residents can easily walk or bike to many of the destinations typically sought on a day-to-day basis--shopping, the beach, dining, evening enter- tainment, etc. Some residents also work downtown. All-in-all, "downtowners" rely far less heavily on the automobile for their daily transportation needs, with the obvious benefits to the economy, environment, and public works. PGMS is an avid proponent of mix-use, residential-above-commercial development in downtown Delray Beach. A number of opportunities are present in the Program Area for new infill development, adaptive reuse projects, and additions to existing proper- "In the Land of Swampy Suburbia, Urban Living Is Gaining a Foothold" by Ahna Matas, The Wall Street Journal, Wednesday, December 17, 1997 ties. Investors should be encouraged in every practicable way to pursue these opportu- nities. Recommendations Identify the locations with the greatest potential for upper (i.e., second and/or third) floor residential dwellings. Sites should be sufficiently buffered by distance or physical elements from the FEC railroad tracks. Suitable locations include the "Old Winn Dixie" property at the northeast comer of Pineapple Grove Way and NE 14 Street, all of the properties fronting on Pineapple Grove Way between NE 1~ and 2~ Streets, the strip center on the east side of Pineapple Grove Way between NE 2~ and 3~ Streets, and the Pineapple Grove Shops strip center on the west side of Pineapple Grove Way be- tween NE 3~ and 4th Streets. Surface parking lots are potential sites for the construction of residential apartments above the lot. This type of development can also be incorporated into multi-level parking garages. Opportunities in the Program Area include the CRA's Block 76 parking lot and the public parking locations proposed elsewhere in this Plan, spe- cifically, on the west side of NE 3~ Avenue between NE 2~ and 3'~ Sweet, and the Carey property on the southwest comer of NE 3~ Avenue and NE 2~ Street. Identify and modify any elements of the City's Land Development Regulations that discourage the development of upper floor residential dwellings. Maximize the use of financial and/or tax incentives in the earliest stages of upper floor residential development to provide motivation for the "pioneer" inves- tor~developers. Section 7 · Property Acquisition/Uses Overview Several elements of this Plan refer to projects that necessitate thc acquisition of pri- vately owned property for the construction of public improvements, specifically, suit- able locations for public parking (Section 5) and the location for a neighborhood park (Section 12). Public acquisition of privately owned property is also appropriate for reasons other than the public's use of that property. Local authorities can "assemble" adjacent prop- erties owned individually by several differem parties, and then sell the assembled site to a developer who commits to develop or redevelop the property in support of the Neighborhood Improvement Plan. Another oppommity for the public sector to assist in the furtherance of the neighbor- hood goals is to acquire property that is encumbered by leasehold and/or easement in- terests detrimental to thc neighborhood's economy, and/or to acquire property from ab- sentee or other owners who are, by their action or inaction, impeding neighborhood progress. Overall, the elements of this Plan, as and when implemented, are intended to accom- plish several objectives in Pineapple Grove for the benefit of the neighborhood, the downtown area, and City of Delray Beach as a whole, among which are the following. · Attract the cultural arts Provide additional neighborhood shopping, entertainment, and educational oppommitics. · Improve environmental conditions. · Increase pedestrian traffic/activity. · Calm the flow of vehicular traffic. · Eliminate blighted conditions. · Provide a catalyst for future development. · Facilitate economic stimulation and investment. · Improve marketability. · Create jobs. · Provide economic stimulation and investmcm. Increase nighttime activity. Provide housing opportunities. · Increase the availability of parking. Figure &l displays properties within the Program Area that, as of January, 1998, should be addressed by local authorities in connection with one or more of the above objectives. Some of the properties identified in Figure 8.1 represent an opportunity to satisfy an objective, while others inhibit the community's oppommity for same. 7-1 PGMS includes this Property Acquisition element in the Plan as a precautionary matter should the need arise in the future to acquire privately owned properties for reasons such as those expressed above. Recommendations Identify properties suitable for public parking and initiate the steps necessary for ac- quisition. Properties that the Plan suggests for public parking locations include the sites on Blocks 81, 82, 83, and 89. In addition to this Plan's recommendation for new public parking locations, PGMS expresses its support for the CRA effort to acquire the two properties necessary to complete the prompt expansion of its Block 76 parking lot. Perhaps more impor- tantly than the near-term addition of surface parking, the acquisition of these prop- erties will render the site suitable for a future multi-level parking facility, should the need arise. Select an appropriate location for a neighborhood park in Pineapple Grove and initi- ate the steps necessary for acquisition. The Plan demonstrates that a neighborhood park can be feasibly designed to fit on the existing privately owned parking lot at the northeast comer of Pineapple Grove Way and NE 1 '~ Street. However, an alternate site might be more suitable. This matter should be studied and the most feasible location identified. Determine the need, if any, for public sector participation in the acquisition and as- sembly of properties suitable for upper level residen~ development. If necessary and appropriate, initiate the steps necessary for acquisition, assembty, and resale of per- tinent properties. Evaluate properties that negatively impact, by their appearance, use, realty interests, etc., the economic vitality of Pineapple Grove Way. If necessary and appropriate, in~ the steps necessary for acquisition, assembly, and resale of perlinent proper- ties. :l Section 8 · Streets, Sidewalks, Utilities, Cable As with the Transportation element, recommendations for streets, sidewalks, utilities, and cable are intended to enhance the pedestrian-friendly nature of the Program Area. Strolling is most important on thc "retail street" of the neighborhood, Pineapple Grove Way. Because NE 1" Avenue houses a mix of residential and non-residential uses, pe- destrian safety and comfort is an important consideration here as well. Thc nature of the NE 3~d Avenue quadrant is less pedestrian oriented. Thc cross streets serve as con- hectors of the pedestrian flow. The recommendations are designed to accommodate the realization of these desirable environs within thc Program Area. Recommendations Roadways & Sidewalks PINEAPPLE GROVE WAY. Reduce thc travel lanes from 12 to 11 feet in width each direction such that the total width of the roadway, from Atlantic Avenue to NE 42 Street (exclusive of parallel park- ing), is 22 feet plus parallel parking. NE 1'~ AVENUIL Resurface and realign between NE 1" and 2~ Streets and between NE 3~ and 4~h Streets to reflect the improvements previously constructed on the 1" and 3~ blocks of NE 14 Avenue. ~ Construct new sidewalks, a minimum of 6 feet in width, on both sides of the street between NE 1" and 2~a Streets and on the west side only between NE 3~ and 4th Streets. PINEAPPLE GROVE WAY. Resur- face and realign from Atlantic Avenue to NE 4a' Street. In each block, reconfigure on-street parallel parking, where not in con- flict with curb cuts, mm lanes, and the like, so that approximately one- half is located on one side of the street from its southern intersection Figure 9.1 shows a typical block of with the cross street to mid-block, Pineapple Grove Way with proposed and the other half on the opposite street configurations, sidewalk and other side from mid-block to its northern improvements intersection with the cross street. R-1 Reconfigure traffic lanes to meander in association with the reconfigured on-street parallel parking layout. Widen existing sidewalks to a minimum of 10', extending the sidewalks into exist- ing fights-of-way. The proposed reconfiguration and sidewalk layout is depicted in Figure 9.1. RAILROAD AVENUE. Resurface from Atlantic Avenue to NE 1" Street with paver bricks to match sidewalks. Resurface the east-west alley between Railroad Avenue and Pineapple Grove Way. NE 3~' AVENUE. Construct a new sidewalk, not less than 6 feet in width, on the west side of the street from NE 2~ Street to NE 4'~ Street. CROSS STREETS. Construct sidewalks in the District on both sides of NE 1't, 2~ and 3'~ Streets to a minimum of 6 feet in width, or to match existing width where existing is greater than 6 feet. Terminate the sidewalks on both sides of NE 3'~ Street at its intersection with NE 3'~ Avenue. Construct a new sidewalk on the south side of NE 4t~ Street from Swinton Avenue to the west side of the FEC railroad track3 Finish the surface of all sidewalks in the District in a brick paver surface t6 match existing sidewalks along East Atlantic. Utilize existing rights-of-way for all new sidewalk construction. Install curbing as is typical. Intersectj'ons and Crosswalks Resurface intersections and street surfaces, listed below, with paver bricks to match the intersection at Pineapple Grove Way and Atlantic Avenue: · NE 1'~ Avenue at NE 1", 2~, and 3~ Streets; · Pineapple Grove Way at NE 1't , 2nd 3'~, and 4th Streets; · NE 3e Avenue at NE 3~a Street; · NE I" Street immediately west of and contiguous to the FEC right-of-way; and · NE 2na Street immediately west of and contiguous to the FEC right-of-way. At the two locations contiguous to the FEC right-of-way, the square footage of the resurfaced section of roadway should approximately equal that of a typical inter- section in the District. Extend the paver brick surface along Pineapple Grove Way northward from Atlan- tic Avenue to the first encountered east/west alley, and southward approximately 75 feet from NE 4t~ Street. Resurface all crosswalks at intersections in the District with paver bricks to match the crosswalks at the Pineapple Grove Way/Atlantic Avenue intersection. a A portion of the sidewalk was constructed with the improvements to Lake Ida Road. In addition, while outsi& the scope of this Plan, the sidewalk should probably be extended eastward across the FEC tracks to NE 5~' Avenue. Install new crosswalks, surfaced with paver bricks to match the intersections, mid- block on Pineapple Grove Way between NE 14 and 2~a Streets; NE 2~ and 3e Streets; and NE 3~ and 4~ Streets. Overhead Power Lines During construction of other infrastructure improvements, and wherever practica- ble, bury overhead cables (electric, telephone and CATV) along Pineapple Grove Way from Atlantic Avenue to NE 4~ Street/Lake Ida Road. Simultaneously there- with, remove and replace existing power poles and street lights with decorative fixtures described elsewhere in this Plan. Consider burying "side street" lines when sidewalk improvements are constructed. The idea is to bury the cable under the sidewalks while the area is free of concrete and pavers, thereby reducing the cost. Section 9 · Lighting Overview Effective outside lighting benefits the neighborhood beyond the obvious. In addition to its contribution of safety and security, proper lighting creates an inviting evening envi- ronment that encourages the neighborhood's residents and visitors to stroll throughout the area. One possible outcome of this activity is that the stroller might discover a new shop, new products being offered by a known shop, a place to come back to at a later date (perhaps with friends). By encouraging the evening stroll and, hence, an environmem that further encourages economic activity, the properly lit neighborhood becomes an even more inviting loca- tion to the potential new business and/or investor. Evening activity also serves as a deterrem to crime. A vibrant, nighttime neighborhood is not the place where the "bad guys" choose to hang out. Lighting is a responsibility shared by the public and private sectors. This element of the Plan addresses four types of lighting, specifically, high intensity, street lamps, ambient lighting, and accem or festive lights. Recommendations Design & Placement PGMS recommends that all street and parking lot lighting should be of one "lan- guage''. Intensity of the light can be varied from location to location by varying the intensity of the lamps. Three priorities are considered in these recommendations--image, function, and energy consumption. Energy consumption will not vary considerably from one type of lamp to another (except with sodium vapor, which are considered undesirable because of the orange color they emit). Accordingly, the proposed design focuses more on image and function. The design chosen is the same as the fixtures used on Banker's Row in downtown Delray Beach (NE 1~ Avenue between NE 1" and 2~ SUe. ets). Ali fixtures should be at least 12' - 14' high, perhaps higher in parking lots and locations where security is the principal consideration. Spacing should be "informal", staggered from one side of the street to the other, and located to complement, rather than conflict with, street trees. Separation of approximately 75' is recommended. The proposed lamp is metal halide; powder-coated cast aluminum is the recotn. mended material for the light pole and fixture. Each light pole should be fitted to accommodate banners. q-1 High intensity Used primarily in parking lots and areas less frequented by the evening pedestrian, high intensity lighting is designed for security. The Plan recommends high intensity lighting in the light industrial quadrant of the Program Area, along NE 3~ Avenue and the alley running parallel to and east of NE 3~ Avenue. Illumination at the street level should be at least 1.5 foot- candles (fc). High intensity is also the appropriate lighting for public parking areas. The level of illumination will be in accordance with City of Delray Beach/CRA standards. Street lamps Lamps along NE 1~ A~enue, Pineapple Grove Way, Railroad A~enue, the east- west alley between Railroad Avenue and Pineapple Grove Way, and NE 1~, 2~, and 3~ Streets should be sized to a pedestrian scale, approximately 12' high. Illumination on NE Ia Avenue, wi~ its residential character, should be about .6 lc; along Pineapple Grove Way, 1 - 1½ lc; and along the cross streets, about 1 lc. Ambient lighting The private sector must be encouraged to fill the gaps between street lights. The lighting from storefront display windows, signage, landscape/outdoor art lighting, etc., is referred to as "ambient" lighting. PGMS is participating with the Delray Beach Joint Venture's considerations of ways in which the private property own6rs might be encouraged to install and maintain sources of ambient lighting throughout the downtown. Accent/festive lights Strings of tiny white lights on the oak trees lining east Atlantic Avenue are exam- ples of accent or festive lighting. The Plan recommends similar lighting on street trees lining Pineapple Grove Way. Lighting related to the gateways, obelisks, kiosks, and public outdoor art elements, addressed elsewhere in this Plan, are recommended as festive and accent lighting. Section 10 · Landscaping & Street Fumiture Overview Providing ample shade along the sidewalk and convenient locations to stop and rest are elements as important to the pedestrian's downtown experience as the sidewalk itself; this is particularly critical in our South Florida summer climate. Of equal, if not greater, importance is sensitivity to the urban ecology. By their nature, downtowns are more densely and intensely developed than the surrounding suburbs. Dense development is a factor that encourages downtown dwellers and visitors to stroll the neighborhoods and patronize the businesses. At the same time, the density of de- velopment can severely restrict the density, locations, and growth of plant materials. Trees, plants, shrubs, and ground cover are natural regulators of light and air. As plant materials "breath", they filter out certain pollutants and other undesirable materials in the air. Plants give off relatively cool, moist oxygen, thereby acting as natures air con- ditioners. The landscaping recommendations discussed below are necessarily somewhat vague. The Program Area is fortunate to have received a boost in its landscaping in the late 1980s, when the City Commission first addressed the need for focus on the neighbor- hood. Still, some inffll plantings are appropriate, albeit best considered on a block-by- block basis as detailed planning proceeds. "Street furniture" and accessories include benches, bollards, u'ash receptacles, and such. The selections shown are chosen to blend within the Floribbean character of the Pineapple Grove. Recommendations Survey to Locate Existing "LANDMARK" TREES are precious to thc neighborhood and thc environment. These are trees that have reached such prominence, and have been in place for so long, that many people identify the tree almost as readily as any other landmark of the area. A tree survey of the Program Area will identify any landmark trees and show their location. Every e. ffort must be made to preserve landmark trees in place. UNIQUE, SCARCE AND RARE SPECIES. Similar]y, any trees revealed by the tree survey to be unique, scarce, rare, or endangered must be considered. Whether on public rights-of-way or privately owned property, protection of unique, scarce, and rare materials from future development is paramount and must be con- sidered in light of applicable ordinances, rules, and regulations. PATTERNS OF VEGETATION. The tree survey will idendfy any vegetative patterns that might be present within the Program Area. The detailed landscape plan will consider the positives and negatives associated with any patterns and make recom- mendations accordingly. Recommended Species A listing of tree and plant materials recommended for use in the Program Area is shown in Table 1. The Table includes the plant's common and botanical names, its origin, mature height, growth form, growth rate, color, and miscellaneous considerations. The materials in the Table are chosen within the context of certain criteria, specifi- cally: Vegetation that is native to the South Florida and/or the tropics is pre- fen'ed, although certain others are also appropriate. Recommended "street trees" should provide plenty of shade at maturity and should grow relatively quickly. The combination of trees and accent plants should show color during the year to add neighborhood interest. · Ground cover, vines, and hanging plants are preferred over hedge materials as accents to the trees. · Hedges should be used sparingly; they must not impede the flow of pedes- trian traffic along the sidewalk, nor the pedestrian's continual, ready access from the sidewalk to the storefront. Spacing of materials All new plantings must be spaced so that they mature without creating conflict. Ground covers, vines, hanging plants, and shrubs must not crowd each other out at maturity nor overwhelm their surroundings. Trees must be selected and located on site with at least two concerns in mind: · The tree canopy at maturity must permit illumination from nighttime light- ing sources to el~inate harsh shadows. · Trees should be spaced so that they do not grow into each other. Vegetative materials must not diminish safety and security. Pedestrian and vehicu- lar traffic must not be impeded by mature materials. Street Furniture Specific locations for benches, trash receptacles, and bollards will be identified on a block-by-block basis in the detailed streetscape plans. Benches are appropriately located on Pineapple Grove Way and in a neighborhood park. Bollards aid the definition of special places where the transition is not other- wise identified by structures and/or surface materials; lighted bollards provide inf'fll lighting at night. At least two trash receptacles should be positioned at each intersection along Pineapple Grove Way and NE 3'~ Avenue. Additional receptacles Figure 11.2 should be located on the sidewalks between intersections. The recommended designs for benches and bollards are shown in Figures 11.1 and 11.2. lO-'Il 0 ZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZ ZZZ ZZZZZZ Section 11 · Gateways, Obelisks, Kiosks Overview Improvements made to the infrastructure and streetscape of the Program Area are but pieces of the neighborhood improvement puzzle. Notwithstanding the PGMS corporate name, Pineapple Grove Way is not the "main street" in downtown Delray Beach, nor is Pineapple Grove the downtown core. To maximize the value of investments in the streetscape, Pineapple Grove must be clearly identified as a special place. Neighborhood identification should compel the residents of, and visitors to, Defray Beach to explore Pineapple Grove and discover its assets and offerings. The recommendations in this element support the goal of enhanc- ing the neighborhood identification. A second consideration addressed in this element is the need to provide information and direction to visitors once they arrive. Signage "kiosks" are proposed to satisfy this need. Recommendations Main Gateways Install two "gateway" arches spanning Pineapple Grove Way at or near its intersection . with (1) the alley just north of Atlantic Avenue, and (2) NE 4a Street. Both gateways, shown in Figure 12.1, will be identical in design. Minimum clearance above l ~'-~l the roadway surface will I be 15' or as otherwise pro- [ Figure 12.1- Arched gateway on Pineapple I vided by engineering [ Grove Way at NE 4'h Street. standards and as required by fire safety and emergency vehicles. The upright support structures will be se- cured to the surface at locations on either side of the roadway that minimize ob- struction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The gateway design will feel light, airy, and open, utilizing lattice-like materials throughout, including the upright support structures and the arched span. At the peak of its span, direcdy above the centerline the spanned roadway, it will feature an element in the shape of a pineapple, scaled proportionately to the overall size to the structure. A "Pineapple Grove" sign will be secured to the underside of the arched span, centered between the upright supports, also proportionately scaled. 11-1 A flowering vine, such as Thorny Bougainvillea, will be planted at the base of each uptight support such that, over time, it will grow and incorporate itself throughout the entirety of the gateway. Lighting will include the following: Each uptight support will be illuminated by fLxmres installed in the base, with transparent covers flush with the surface, shining light upward from the surface. The light will be bright enough to illuminate the uprights but soft enough to minimize glare. · Incorporated throughout the arched spans will be lighting that continually, gradually, and subtly shifts/pulsates/flows to (a) create a sense of move- ment and (b) reflect as much as practicable the Pineapple Grove color "pal- ette'' described in this Plan. · Incorporated in the arched span and/or at the top of each uptight support will be elements that generate subtle yet clearly audible sound, such as wind chimes and/or wind "flutes" utilizing natural materials such as bam- boo. Side Street/Secondary Entries---Obelisks To clearly identify secondary, "side street" entries into the Program Area, install obelisks at the following locations: · the northeast comer of the intersection with the north/south alley tight-of- way between Swinton Avenue and NE 14 Avenue, and NE 1.t, 2~, and 3~ ~ Streets; · the southeast comer of the NE l't Ave- ",.' *,,;,~ ,>} hue/Lake Ida Road intersection; · the southwest comer of the NE 3~ Avenue/Lake Ida Road intersection; · the southwest comer of the Lake Ida Road/FEC railroad intersection; · the southwest comer of the NE 2~ Street/FEC railroad intersections; and · the northwest comer of the NE 1 ~ Street/FEC railroad intersection. Each obelisk will be designed to complement the character of the Program Area. One design prototype is reflected in Figure 12.2. Others might be identical to the prototype or selected from entries submitted to a jury of profession- als by local artists. All obelisks will be secured in accordance with building and engineering standards. Up-lighting will be located in the Figure 12.2 center of the obelisk's base. Typical Obelisk 1-2 Signage Kiosks Locate directional signage on two, opposite corners (e.g., northeast and south- wesO at the intersections of Pineapple Grove Way with NE 1st, 2~, and 3'~ Streets. The kiosks will serve two purposes, specifically, (1) to identif~ and direct visitors to Pineapple Grove businesses located off of Pineapple Grove Way, and (2) to serve as locations where information about programs, events, and happenings can be displayed. Display space in the information kiosks will be open to all downtown Delray Beach organizations, including PGMS, the Delray Beach Joint Venture, Chamber of Comnlerc¢, etc. ! 1-3 ' Section 12 · Neighborhood Park Overview The value of a neighborhood park cannot be overstated. James Howard Kuntsler refers to a consensus among members of the Congress for the New Urbanism and related sources when he describes the neighborhood park as a place for "recreation, repose, periodic commercial uses (e.g., farmers' markets), or special events such as political meetings, concerts, theatricals, exhibitions, and fairs.''4 A park provides the cool and comfort of shade; it greatly enhaaees the environmental impact of plant materials located elsewhere in the neighborhood (see "Section 10"). When thoughtfully planned and utilized, the park becomes a considerable draw for the neighborhood. The park offers opportunities for education, training, and community service. Locating a park in a newly developing neighborhood is relatively straight forward--one simply chooses a location on the undeveloped parcel and designs the rest of the neigh- borhood around it. In the developed downtown, finding a suitable location for a park is a challenge, at best. Charrette participants reached unanimous consensus on the proposal to locate a park in Pineapple Grove. Also receiving unanimous consensus was the recommendation that the park have frontage on Pineapple Grove Way, as close to the center of the Program Area as practicable. With all of the Pineapple Grove Way frontage developed as either buildings or privately owned parking lots, the transformation of a parldng lot into park was the only identifiable solution. ~ This Plan does not propose a specific location for a park in Pineapple Grove. Char- rette participants chose the parking lot located on the northeast comer of Pineapple Grove Way and NE 1'~ Street as the site to demonstrate on paper the "parking lot-to- park" adaptive reuse concept. Several other locations within the Program Area might be equally, or more, suitable. In all events, no publicly owned property is contained within the Program Area that could accommodate the park design concept discussed below. Accordingly, special ar- rangements will be required concerning any location. RecommendatiOns The neighborhood park in Pineapple Grove will serve the community in ways that ex- tend beyond the traditional. Environmental and ecological concerns are high priorities in today's world} Educating the community, particularly children, about the importance of the urban ecology is a service that the Pineapple Grove park should provide. The park can serve as a "field trip" destination for area schools and host an "eeo camp" during the summer. Weekend educational programs might also be offered. 4 Home from Nowhere: Remaking our everyday world for the 21~' century, by James Howard Kuntsle~ (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996) 17,-1 PGMS will develop its awareness of ongoing programs at the local, County, State, and National levels that might be introduced in connection with the neighborhood park. The objective is to schedule events year-round that provide learning opportunities for young and old. Another potential use of the park and surrounding neighborhood is job training in land- scaping and horticulture. This possibility will be addressed with area public schools and vocational training institutions. Weekend and summer jobs for area youth is a potential outgrowth of this concept. Park Elements PAVILION. Approximately 600 s,f. in size, the structure should be open on all ~.... , . sides and designed with a traditional, airy, "gazebo" appearance, including a bougainvillea arbor. Design and orient ! .. the structure to create an . :--.: obvious "front side" and , "back side". _- SEATING in the park should include benches ' ' \ ~ scattered throughout. ~ Berming and contouring P~. -"-~' of the land should be band shell. '~ .[ WATER ELEMENTS .:~ might include a small, · ~t. ..... "'~: cascading water feature . ~ located in a comer of the - --c park, opposite the '-.i. ~-~ pavilion, that feeds a brook meandering & flow- : d~,' ·~ ing to the pavilion. The brook would terminate ~ under the pavilion; water would return to the wa- Figure 13.1 - Rendering depicting park elements, terfall via underground culvert. WALKWAYS. A pathway, surfaced with "Chicago brick", should meander throughout the park and along the edge(s) of the brook. Visitors should be easily able to stroll most anywhere without "blazing" new, unwanted, trails. Additional walkways, surfaced with paver brick to match other Program Area sidewalks, should nm in front of and proximate to any existing building at the park's perimeter. The intent of this walkway is to facilitate pedestrian traffic to and from the existing building and any neighboring parking facilities or sidewalks. (Note the demonstration drawing, Figure 13.1 .) Fencing. Utilize shell rock walls with air plants as "accent" fencing to define: · the perimeter of the park; · access points into the park; and · the water elements. Locate walls with discretion to avoid "overwhelming" the park or creating a "walled-in" feeling. OTHER ELEMENTS. Install adequate and appropriately scaled lighting throughout the park. Conswact public restrooms to serve not only park visitors, but neighbor- hood shoppers and visitors as well. Adequate and appropriately designed trash re- ceptacles should be placed throughout. Land Acquisition As noted earlier, one of the greatest challenges to the park's existence is securing a site. At the time of this writing, the park proposal is entirely conceptual; hence, any discussion of site acquisition is premature. Nonetheless, as the plans progress, PGMS will investigate acquisition strategies that extend beyond the traditional. Replacement Parking PGMS recognizes the importance of ample public and private parking, believes the recommended new public parking locations described elsewhere in this Plan will be adequate to offset the loss of parking caused by this adaptive reuse proposal. Section 13 · Cultural Arts The return of economic vitality, quality of life, and neighborhood pride to Pineapple Grove entails much more than improvements to the built environment. "Build it and they will come" is a myth. A comprehensive neighborhood improvement plan must in- clude program elements designed to attract visitors to the area. As more and more peo- ple are compelled to visit, may will become patrons of neighborhood businesses; others are potential new residents; still others will be motivated to locate their business and/or invest in the neighborhood. The arts will play a prominent role in the future of Pineapple Grove. The "Market Analysis and Development Recommendations for Downtown Delray Beach', produced by Marketek, Inc., in March, 1996, emphasizes the importance of the arts as an ele- ment of economic growth. Already, the Palm Beach Photographic Center is proving to be a powerful force in the neighborhood renewal process. Art galleries, museums, and performing arts centers demonstrate worldwide the draw of the visual and performing arts. Residents of, and visitors to, the community patron- ize these institutions in increasingly large numbers. The Cultural Arts element of this Plan is intended to accomplish the same result. The intent of this element is to develop and implement a comprehensive plan that em- phasizes the aesthetic values of the Program Area and addresses its needs from visual, psychological, historical, and economic perspectives. The strategic incorporation of the arts, both on public and private properties, should serve to unify the Program Area by creating a flow of interest generated not only by the art objects, but also by establishing a relationship through sensory elements added to existing surroundings (as they are re- habilitated and refurbished), and newly developed improvements. The goal is to create a Program Area that is not only stimulating, refreshing, and ex- citing, but educational as well. Recommendations General Considerations This section focuses principally on considerations related to thc visual arts in the public realm. PGMS is refining an Outdoor Art plan that describe in greater detail this element. At the same time, PGMS is working to attract performing arts organi- zations into the neighborhood. When considering outdoor art elements, the Program Area must be viewed as a whole--as if it is a single "canvas". Initial focus shall be on Pineapple Grove Way; however, planning for this first phase must continually anticipate future treatment of other areas throughout the Program Area. Ultimately, the entire Program Area should be clearly distinguishable as a unique complement to the downtown envi- ronment by virtue of its utilization of outdoor art. Criteria CREATE MOVEMENT. Consider "motion" in all its aspects, whether visually or psychologically, two- or three-dimensional, real or imaginary. Utilize such ele- ments as flags, lights, symbols, sound, water, and color. Focus on rhythm in com- position, placement of art objects, establishment of active rather than passive form, and creation of contrast with designated "calm" spaces (the "pause between notes") at certain locations. The objective is to accelerate and enrich the "feel" of the Pro- gram Area, and its draw. ESTABLISH THEMES. Enhance the historical elements of the Program Area and its Floribbean character, as well as its contemporary aspects. Emphasize noteworthy existing elements by utilizing designs depicting the Program Area's multi-cultural significance. Maintain these themes in the interest of unity and educational poten- Specifically, the following themes are encouraged: · Floribbean · Beach, coast, ocean, sky · Old Florida · Caribbean connections - how is · Florida history South Florida more like Carib- bean Islands than the rest of the · Delray Beach history country? · Palm Beach County · History, people, climate, flora, history fauna · Pineapple Grove his- · Resort, polo, artist & writer tory colony, cartoonists · Food, harvest, agri- · Florida landscapes - palm, culture palmettos, Everglades · Fruit (pineapples, man- - Sports, fishing industry, sports gos, bananas) fishing, diving · Horticulture/flowers · People of European, African, · Architecture - ver- Caribbean, Japanese, Seminole naeular, Bahamiau, heritage; indigenous people streamlined deco, cot- . Boats of all kind tages, Spanish style (not brownstone) · Water · Graphics designs of · Outdoor marketplace past periods (such as · Multi-cultural orientations seen on signs and ad- · Representations of the Vision vertisements) for Pineapple Grove · Tropical, natural his- · Railroad tory subjects DESIGN AREAS FOR ART OBJECTS. Creating the physical environments for the placement of art objects will be undertaken as part of the public improvements planning process. Locations have been identified that should be suitable for murals, sculptures, sculptures as signage, etc. Competitions Using such resources as universities, schools, guilds, and Other groups, select by jury the various artists, teachers, students, curators, etc., located in and surround- ing the Delray Beach area who might wish to participate in the program. Competi- tions might be held in the schools to identify children's works for display in spe- i q-?. cially-designated areas. These areas might also include children's animal sculp- tures, "life-size" board games, tile pressing and other related elements. Competi- .tions can also be held for designs of logos, flags, murals, .sculptures, signs, drink- mg fountains, obelisks, kites, costumes, a Floribbean flag, and so forth. Community orientation All public outdoor art projects should focus on cultural, historical and contempo- rary art themes of interest to all of the Delray Beach community. Events, comped- tions, media coverage, and public art projects should, whenever possible, reach to and involve the entire scope of the diverse interests and cultures represented in the community. Art oriented lectures, workshops, and other educational programs should be conducted routinely for the public's consumption. Establish and monitor standards of aesthetic value PGMS will develop, for the City's consideration, a set of guidelines, standards and criteria for all outdoor art, public and private, that might be displayed in the Pro- gram Area. Once these guidelines have been adopted, outdoor art proposals would be submitted for review to PGMS, who will create a Review Panel of professionals for this purpose. The Review Panel should consist of at least three and not more than seven persons established and recognized in the fields of painting, sculpture, art criticism and/or design, with at least one person from a field other than the vis- ual arts. Its authority would be limited to the Program Area. Acquisition and de-acquisition Specific sites throughout the Program Area shall be designated for temporary dis- play of art objects. The time during which a given work might be'displayed at a site can range from several weeks to several years. The intent of acquisition/de- acquisition is to maintain continuing interest in the Program Area as an outdoor art showcase. Collaboration to establish areas of interest Planning and de'sign elements pertaining to the Program Area should expressly em- brace the Pineapple Grove Outdoor Art Plan, paying particular attention to the de- sign of parks and gardens; courtyard settings; and centralized, pedestrian-friendly fountains and public restrooms. The Outdoor Art Plan will encourage the incorpo- ration of "sensory elements", such as: reflecting ponds, flowing water; foot bridges; "island." stages for events, skits, plays and other outdoor performances; and an emphasis on shade. Durability and protection The Outdoor Art Plan encourages the use of materials in art objects that have proven durable in tropical climates. Weather sealant is emphasized. Outdoor mu- rals should be sealed with graffiti-resistant materials. With respect to permanent in- stallations, juries are encouraged to consider the timelessness of projects. Funding Grants, sponsors, and/or underwriters will be identified for initial funding. Over time, the Outdoor Art Plan can generate continuing funding through the collection of sales commissions. 1:1-2 Section 14 · Economic Restructuring Overview Strengthening the economic assets of Pineapple Grove while diversifying its economic base is the principal focus of economic restructuring. The process begins with two steps: 1. compiling and maintaining a thorough inventory of the Program Area existing buildings and businesses; and 2. conducting a market analysis to provide a profile of the area through an exami- nation of demographic statistics, current economic trends, and future projec- tions. Economic restructuring activities center on utilization of the dam and market analysis to facilitate: retaining and strengthening the neighborhood's existing businesses; · recruiting new businesses to provide a balanced mix; · converting disused and under-used space into productive property; and · sharpening the competitiveness of the neighborhood's traditional merchants. Post A particular emphasis is noted regarding the U.S. Post Office located at Pineapple Grove Way and NE 44 Street. Post Offices are generally considered a very desk- able operation for a downtown or neighborhood commercial center. In addition to being a considerable employer, thus generating periodic payrolls that support the local economy, the Post Office also attracts many postal patrons who then become potential customers for area businesses. PGMS is most supportive of having the U.S. Post Office located in Pineapple Grove. The Board encourages all of the downtown interests to contribute every reasonable effort toward retaining the Post Office, whether at its present location or elsewhere in Pineapple Grove, as a vital economic development tool in support of this Neighborhood Plan. Recommendations Consistency with market analysis The "Market Analysis and Development Recommendations for Downtown Defray Beach" was produced in March, 1996, by Marketek, Inc., a firm specializing in market analysis, economic development, and planning. Thc report utilizes surveys of downtown business owners, employees, and shoppers, together with demo- graphic, psychographic, and other data, to define the trade area for the downtown, a "gap analysis", and a general "cluster plan". Marketek identifies four broad business clusters in downtown Delray Beach, one of which is Pineapple Grove. Analysis and conclusions reflected in the report provide a framework within which PGMS can assist existing businesses with their market- ing and merchandising strategies, and develop strategies and plans in support of its business reeruiunent program. ld-1 ' Ail economic restructuring plans, strategies, and activities of PGMS should be undertaken wi~in the framework reflected in the "Market Analysis and Devel- opment Recommendations for Downtown Delray Beach; produced by Marketek, Inc., dated March, 1996. The market analysis should be updated by PGMS every five years to reflect changes in market conditions, demographics, supply and demand considerations, etc. Strengthening & Retention Strategy Many of Pineapple Grove's merchants and businesses have been in the neighbor- hood for many years and have managed to "hang in there" despite the decline in economic activity and neighborhood conditions. These parties deserve the dedica- tion of PGMS and any resources it can muster in support of their business interests. PGMS should identify the needs and concerns of neighborhood businesses. Educational programs and professional service resources should be identified that can help the merchant and/or business owner improve his/her competitive edge and take advantage of market gaps. A program for routine delivery of information andprograms to neighborhood businesses should be developed and implemented. Infill development strategy Inf'fll strategies, within the context of economic restructuring, include not only the construction of new commercial properties on vacant sites, but also recruitment of new businesses for vacant or underutilized buildings. For infill to be effective, re- cruitment efforts should be undertaken within the framework of a "cluster plan". A business cluster plan demonstrates how businesses in a shopping district or cen- ter should relate to one another in terms of location, pedestrian flow, and shared markets. All successful shopping centers utilize clustering techniques. Two familiar examples are a food court, which groups competitive businesses together allowing customers tremendous variety and selection, and an outer mall that brings together a variety of stores offering merchandise that appeals to the same general markets. Clustering benefits the downtown in the following ways: it increases the number of customers and sales; · offers both convenience and a wide variety of merchandise; · projects the downtown as a single, unified business district, similar to a shopping center; and · provides direction for a business recruitment program. Successful clustering is dependent on having the appropriate mix of businesses in any given cluster that will create market synergies and an uninterrupted grouping of businesses that draw customers to and through the entire cluster while appealing to all market segments.5 Produce a detailed cluster plan for each block within the Program Area along Pineapple Grove Way and NE 3'~ Avenue, s The discussion of clustc-ring is excerpted from the Marketek, Inc., market analysis. 14-2 Utilize the cluster plans as guides in future business and investor recruitment ef- forts. Business & Investor Recruitment Plan The cluster plan is but one of several elements to a successful recruitment program. While the cluster plan identifies the desirable mix of businesses, a market, or "gap" analysis provides an assessment of where the neighborhood is positioned in the marketplace. The results of the gap analysis reveal what businesses the down- town needs to maximize its market position. The Marketek, Inc., report includes idemification of the primary trade area for downtown Delray Beach, and the following findings: Based on the Gap analysis, during the years 1995-2000, there will potentially be an accumulation of demand for more than 2 million square feet of new retail space in the market area. Of that new potential demand, downtown Delray Beach could potentially cap- ture more than 205,350 square feet of demand, including: · 31,501 square feet of demand for general merchandise, · more than 17,000 square feet for apparel, · 35,000 square feet of specialty shopping, · the same for home furnishings and restaurants, · and almost 33,000 square feet for grocery/convenience businesses. The potential also exists for almost 18,000 square feet of additional space de- voted to drugs and toiletries in downtown Delray Beach. This analysis demonstrates the opportunity for new business development in the trade area. To summarize, in the Delray Beach market area, there is significant unfilled poten- tial demand for apparel and specialty merchandise, home furnishings, eating and drinking establishments, drugs and toiletries, and groceries/convenience goods. PGMS shouM direct its recruitment program toward "~ng the gaps" in Pineap- ple Grove as indicated in the Marketek, Inc., analysis, as follows: Implement a progtmn of tracking and follow-up directed toward unsolicited in- quiries from prospective investors and/or new businesses. Identify and pursue businesses in the categories revealed by the Gap Analysis that are likely candidates for a Pineappte Grove location. Section 15 · Fa.¢ade Improvements Overview A neighborhood improvement process requires the active participation and investment from both the public and private sectors. As important as streetscape and public prop- erty enhancements are, they represent wasted investment of taxpayer dollars unless the private property owners follow suit. Unfortunately, experience shows that the private sector is often hesitant to invest or reinvest in the neighborhood that has, for so many years, been on the decline. Existing owners have experienced declines in their property values for an extended period; they are understandably leery of reinvesting in capital improvements when it looks to them as if they are "throwing good money after bad". Others have become complacent with declining and/or deteriorated conditions and lack the motivation to reinvest. Still others are absentee owners with no real care or concern for their far-away properties as long as the rent checks come in. And, of course, many simply can no longer afford to reM- vest. Property owners, therefor, need to be motivated to invest in facade improvements, particularly during the early stages of the neighborhood improvement program. The most effective tool in providing this motivation is the availability of funding on very attractive terms. Of equal importance in the facade improvements process is the appearance of proper- ties once improved. Effectively written and applied design guidelines can enhance the end result of faCade improvements without adding undue burden to the property owner. Design Guidelines are included as a separate element of this Plan. Recommendations Fa~:ac~e Improvement Grants Allocation Pro, ram PGMS has established a program for allocation of grant monies to Program Area businesses and property owners. Funds axe allocated to defray costs of upgrading the exteriors of properties located in the Program Area, and are awarded on a fa'st come, first served basis to applicants whose projects qualify. The program is ad- ministered by the PGMS Design Committee, or as otherwise directed by the Board. The Program's application package is included in its entirety as Appendix A to this Plan, and is summarized as follows: · Funds are available only to owners of properties located within the Pro- gram Area. Properties on Pineapple Grove Way receive the highest initial priority. · Projects are evaluated based on their architectural and/or historic signifi- cance, and their contribution to the Program Area's overall "street appeal". · Projects must comply with PGMS Design Guidelines. · Exterior projects only are eligible for funding; several categories are rec- ommended. · Funding limits are $250 minimum and $2,000 maximum per property. · The property owner must contribute at least one-half the total project cost. Grant funds are paid in the form of reimbursement to the owner. l~i.1 · The Allocation Program provides for an application and review process. Model Block demonstration project Another effective method of motivating property owners is to demonstrate the im- pact of simple facade improvements on the property's appeal and value. PGMS has selected the 100 block of Pineapple Grove Way as its Model Block. Improvement activities on this block are being encouraged and facilitated during the early stages of the neighborhood improvement process. PGMS expects that positive changes on the Model Block, and their impact on its overall appeal and value, will motivate others in Pineapple Grove. Organized and produced by PGMS, in partnership with the property owners and local government, demonstration projects have, and will continue to be, undertaken in the Model Block. The investment of resources will shift over time; initially, the contributions are generated by PGMS, while the responsibility will later fall more on the property owners. Section 16 · Design Guidelines Overview and General Characteristics These guidelines are offered solely to provide a framework for redevelaptnent activi- ties wi~in the Pineapple Grove Main Street program area the (the "Program Area"). Should any of these guidelines conflict wi~ local or other applicable ordinance or regulation, the applicable ordinance or regulation shall apply. Much of the work dis- cussed in these guidelines will require approvals and/or permits frotn local govern- ment. The reader is urged to contact City Hall before any work is undertaken. Property improvements financed in part by the Pineapple Grove Facade Improvement Grants Program must comply with the provisions of these guidelines as applicable. Other property improvements are encouraged to reflect the guidelines but are not bound by them. Guidelines are intended to encourage and motivate, rather than dictate. PGMS accepts and encourages an element of flexibility in connection with these guidelines and recog- nizes that not every consideration can be anticipated. Nonetheless, variations from these guidelines should be the rare exception rather than the role, and will only be granted by majority vote of the Board. A Floribbean architectural and design character is encouraged throughout the Progrmn Area. "Floribbean" is a term that connotes a blend of traditional, historic South Florida characteristics with a Caribbean/Latin influence. Preservation of historic architectural characteristics is emphasized where appropriate. Building additions and new construction are encouraged both as infill projects and to increase the elevations of existing properties by adding second and/or third floors to existing buildings. Architectural characteristics for new construction and additions should follow the same guidelines as those applicable to renovations/rehabilitations. Definitions. The figure at right shows typical elements of a commercial building. These components can be found on both new and old buildings ~o. ~ ~ co~ntc~'v~ buildings may not have all of these elements, but most will have identifiable features. Storefronts with Traditional Materials. · A cornice can be constructed ~ ~I;22;!~ 1~ ~,u~.,,~L¥ with wood framing, plywood, and moldings with a sloping _ sheet metal cap to shed water. The cornice spans the top of the storefront, often covering a structural beam or unfinished brick. 16-1 · Transoms are optional design elements that help to break up the massive ef- fect of very large sheets of glass. ·Masonry piers are uncovered and match the upper facade. The storefrom is recessed 6 inches into the opening. · The storefront and windows are framed in wood. The sill slopes forward for drainage. · The bulkheads are constructed with wood framing and a plywood back with trim applied. · The storefront rests on a masonry or concrete base to prevent water dam- age. Storefmnts with Contemporary Materials. · A cornice is made with sheet metal over a wooden frame. · Optional transoms can be stained glass, clear glass, or opaque. · Masonry. piers are uncovered and match the upper fagade. The storefront is recessed 6 inches into the opening. · The storefront and windows are framed with dark anodized aluminum or painted aluminum. · Bulkheads are constructed of aluminum framing and a plywood panel clad with aluminum. · The storefront rests on a masonry or concrete base. Design Continuity. Building design should strike a balance between individual identity and continuity with neighboring buildings. The following elements are encouraged: Maintain the existing pattern of building widths. Avoid visually dividing existing building into a number of small faCades. Conversely, where a building spans several lots, the faCade should also reflect the existing pat- tern of widths. · Fagade improvements should use traditional storefront design and similar architectural features to maintain continuity, e.g., color, canopy, window treatment. Consult any available plans and/or old photographs of a building being rehabbed. · Planned improvements must preserve, where applicable and/or desirable, the architectural integrity of the building and restore, when practicable, the original design of the fagade. Stor~ront Alignment. the sidewalk edge. This contributes . to visual continuity on the street and encourages a continual flow ofpe- ~1]]}]~1! ~ll-~-~'''r~ .- dcstrian traffic. To be user friendly, a high percentage of the storefront 160. should be glass, oriented to the pedestrian. · Maintain the alignment of storefronts at the sidewalk edge. · Use front display windows as a high percentage of the storefront so pedes- trians can see inside the buildings and feel welcome. Windows and doors should be compatible with the architecture of the building. Building Materials. Natural materials such as wood, brick and stone are encouraged. Stucco finishes are acceptable. Glass, Plexiglas and n~tallic exteriors are generally unacceptable. The following exterior elements are encouraged: Lap siding Keystone Murals, especially with water themes French style doors and windows Arched exterior windows and doors Screen doors Porches, verandahs, overhangs Arches Shutters Trellises Railings Stone wall fencing Picket fencing Wrought iron · Cobblestones Benches Chimneys Fountains Roof elements. When visible to the general public, the roofing materials consisting of tin, slate, or barrel tile are encouraged: Roof pitch, when applicable, should be at least 5:12. Exterior canopies, awnings and/or overhangs. "Canopies" are defined as platforms or awnings suspended over the sidewalk. They are strong, established design elements that serve a climatic function, add color and interest, and can provide placement for signage. The terms "canopies" and "awn- ings" are here used interchangeably and have the same meaning. · Canopies are encouraged in the Program Area. · Canopies should protect from sun and rain. A fiat canopy can be dressed with an awning valance measuring 12-24" down from the bottom edge of the canopy. The valance can be used for signage; however, any such sign- age must meet relevant design guidelines and conform to local ordinance. · The style of the awning should be consistent with the building's archi- tecture. For example, a "bull nose" {~'"~ awning would be most appropriate with a Mediterranean Revival as op- posed to a contemporary building. ·Internally lighted awnings are inap- propriate. · Avoid the placement of an awning un- der an existing canopy. 16-q An awning is not the solution to every storefront, but unattractive features can be disguised by mounting an awning over a problem area while main- mining the proportions of a traditional storefront. Store windows. Storefront windows are not only functional, they are the largest visual element of the exterior design of the building. The emphasis is on transparency. Being able to see into the building makes it warm and inviting to the pedestrian and passing motorists. Large, trans- parent storeffonts enable the interior of the building to be attractively lit at night. All paper and boards obscuring a storefront window should be re- moved, leaving the window display as the feature.. · Office conversions should retain the traditional storeffont design. When the window space is eliminated, the building appears to have turned its back to the public. · The use of clear glass on the first floor is preferred; tinted or reflective glass is inadvisable on first floor windows. · Security bars are discouraged, with preference given to alternative methods of securing the property. · Hurricane shutters should be installed only when a hurricane actually threatens the area, and should be removed promptly after the threat passes. · Windows with aluminum trim and/or mullions, when inconsistent or in- compatible with the overall facade, should be replaced or painted. · Window- and wall-mounted room air conditioning units are unsightly and should not be installed where visible from any street or alley. Transoms. Traditionally, storefront windows had an upper band, a "transom", to allow light deep into the ~ store. · Transoms help break up the effects of large sheets of glass and are encouraged. They can be clear, tinted or stained glass. Where feasible, consider aligning transoms with ~ w~,~ adjacent storefronts. · Air conditioning has resulted in lower ceil- ~ ings and can eliminate the transom's func- tion of providing light. As alternatives, transoms may be covered by and/or substi- tuted with awnings or used as sign panels. ~-r,~,2~ ~ Entdes. Presenting an attractive storefront entrance is es- sential for every business. The most attractive and visually appropriate door might be that which is original to the building. Recessed entries provide shelter and help define the entrances, as well as preventing the door from swinging directly into the sidewalk. 16-4 · Entrance doors should have a large glass panel. · Avoid stylized aluminum doors that are visually incompatible with the building's architectural style. Kickplates. Kickplates are located at the base of the store window; they are placed there to help frame the window and protect the lower potion of the storefront. Kickplates on the street add to the continuity and are traditional in the Program Area. · Kiekplates are encouraged. Wood is preferred, but masonry might also be appropriate. · Kickplates should be the same height as those typical of the block in which the building is located. Upper stodes. Upper stories are an important part of a building's appearance; they offer good op- portunities for usable space. Marketing the upper story for productive use, especially for residential or office space, is the best way to assure a good appearance, maintenance, and vitality in the Program Area. Upper story occupants become a captive market for street-level re- tail, commercial, and restaurants. · Treat upper stories as an important design element of the overall building front. Signs should not dominate the surface. · Upper story windows should not be boarded up or painted over. Like store- fronts, the size, proportion and "rhythm" of upper story windows should be similar to neighbors. Upper story windows can be slightly tinted as ap- proved by local government. Exterior colors. Painting can be one of the most dramatic and inexpensive improvements to a building. Architectural details are important to the building's individuality and character, and should be highlighted by color. Three colors are often sufficient to highlight any fagade. Exterior colors should be indicative of the building's original color and/or reflective of the desired character of its location. Prior to painting, the building surface should be properly prepped. The surface cleaning must be by the gentlest methods available. Chemical cleaners should be avoided when cleaning historically significant, aged building components. Sand- blasting is not an approved method of cleaning. · Colors should be harmonious with the neighboring structures. · The base color appears on the upper wall and piers flanking the storefront. · The major trim color defines the decorative elements of the building, tying together the upper fagade trim and the storefront. If there is a natural brick or terra cotta trim on the fagade, it should serve as a trim color. · The minor trim color should enhance the color scheme established by the base and major trim. A darker shade of the major trim is often used. A color "palette" is available for review at the PGMS office. The reader is encour- aged to study the palette when considering new exterior color schemes. The following colors are encouraged for either body or trim: Peach Pink (pale) Yellow Burnt orange Tangerine Apricot Gray mauve Denim blue Aqua Burgundy Gray-green Forest green Gray (not considered appropriate on larger buildings) White Black Back of the building. Service alleys in the Program Area are important for deliveries, off-street access and locations of utility poles. The ex- istence of alleys render the backs of buildings quite visible; additionally, some buildings are accessed by the public from the alleys. Therefor, the appearance of the back of the building is noteworthy and should be properly maintained. The rear fagade should be clean and maintained in first class appearance. A small sign at the rear door should tastefully identify the business. · An awning can be added for visual identification and convenience. · Refuse containers should be screened from the public in accordance with local ordinance. Signage. Signs do much more than identify a business; they project an image of the type and quality of goods and services offered individually and throughout the Program Area. Effective signs reflect the best qualities of both. The Program Area is designed to accommodate shoppers strolling along sidewalks; its signage should be complementary. Scale, materials, style, illumina- tion, and placement of signs must differ from subur- ban Program Areas if they are to successfully capi- talize on the Program Area's assets. · Keep the message simple and choose letter styles that are easy to read. Studies show that seven words are the maximum number that can easily be understood by passers-by. 16-6 Fagade signs are mounted flush to buildings and usually fit within the transom area above the shop window. They are visually "con- tained" within the building framework of col- umns and other architectural trim. The sign should be properly scaled given the propor- tions of the building. A second type of facade sign covers the storefront transom area and still fits into the proportions of thc building. Fa9ade signs on one-story buildings can use the cornice area to integrate signage with the building, leaving the transom to serve its original purpose. A dark background is a rich contrast with lighter colored lettering. A third color in the signature bar clearly identifies the type of business as well as its quality. A business' im- age expands with the coordination of sign and storefront colors. · Lettering that is overly ornate or difficult to read should be avoided. Type- faces should be in one style and should match the image of the business and the Program Area. · Window lettering is very visible to pedestrians. The fewer words, the better. Words should be readable but should not block the view of the merchandise or the store's interior. Hand let- tering, vinyl applications, and interior hung panels are three good alterna- tives to window signs. · Neon signs can provide an exciting focal point that substitutes for window lettering. It pro- vides night illumination and identification. When sensitively design, neon adds to the streetscape vibrancy. Stock franchise trade- marks should be avoided. Overall design and number of colors should be kept simple. · Projecting signs, when carefully designed, create visual interest and make the shop more visible to pedestrians. These signs are best when limited to 10 - 15 square feet in area (although local code may allow larger). They should have a clear- ance of at least 8 feet and use a sturdy, simple bracket. Using shapes and forms indicative of the business helps to reinforce the message. · Canopies and awnings can be an effective sign device. Lettering applied along the valence should be no more than 12 inches tall. Simple graphics can be effective; traditional designs and colors work best. At retractable canopy is both functional and visually attractive. 16-7 Lighting of signs requires careful selection of fixtures and placement. In some cases, "goose neck" lamps are appropriate. Their traditional appear- ance is superior to the unshielded flood lamps and they direct glare away from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Another acceptable method is to light the sign from a projecting box situated just below the sign panel. The box fits a florescent tube that is shielded from view by the woodwork, yet floods the sign. Bare bulbs, back-lit Plexiglas sign boxes, and internally il- luminated plastic awnings should be avoided. · Chain and franchise signs can be accommodated within these guidelines, while retaining the necessary corporate identity. · Older signs should be retained if they have inherent qualities of design and/or historic significance. They add to the visual heritage of the Program Area and make it unique. Outside lighting f~ures Lighting is a very important element in building design. The lighting on buildings is low in intensity and is used for accent, ornamentation, entrances, security, and signage. Lighting of properties should "bridge the gap' between street lights. Likewise, it should provide a transitional space so that the pedestrian does not have to step from the bright street light into pockets of darkness. Proper lighting will minimize shadows and maintain levels of brightness that mini- mize extremes. Less is better; do not overpower the area with lighting. Night appearance and security of a building need to be considered. Buildings should be lit internally. Use lighting efficiently and sparingly to highlight display windows, entrances, signs, and architectural detail. External light sources should be shielded and indirect; they should produce colors which are as close to daylight as possible. Neon should not be used externally. "True color' bulbs are encouraged; high pressure and low pressure sodium bulbs should be avoided. "Vintage' light fixtures are encouraged, especially those that reflect the Floribbean character of the Program Area. Other design considerations. Plans for LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR ART should be developed within the con- siderations set forth in the Redevelopment Plan for Pineapple Grove. PINEAPPLE GROVE LOGO USES. PGMS encourages the use of its logo by Program Area business and property owners. The PGMS logo is copyrighted; accordingly, any use of the logo must be pre-approved by the PGMS Board. The application and review process is the same as that for exterior changes, additions, and new consid- eration. Management process. PGMS review of proposed exterior changes, additions, and new construction will follow the procedures set forth in its Facade Improvements Grants Allocation Pro- gram, copies of which are available at the office of Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc. 16-R Section 17 * Historic Preservation Overview Nationally and in Florida, the roots of the Main Street program are found in historic preservation. The national program was initiated in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which also created and oversees the National Main Street Cen- ter. In 1985, the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, Department of State, initiated the Florida Main Street office to designate, assist, and coordinate with the local Main Street programs. Within this context, and given the history of the Florida Main Street program desig- nees, Delray Beach pioneered new territory when it was designated a Florida Main Street Community in 1994. It was far and away the largest community to receive desig- nation; it was the first designee whose focus was a contributing downtown neighbor- hood, rather than the traditional downtown main street; and it was designated despite that fact that barely 16% of the building stock in its focus district was historically sig- nificant. With its inventory of historic building stock being a relatively small nmi)er of.proper- ties, the principal emphasis of PGMS has been the elemem of economic revitalization, in addition to historic preservation. Nonetheless, Pineapple Grove is rich in Delray Beach history and several properties in the Program Area may deserve special atten- tion~. Recommendations Survey ;~ Assessment To assist PGMS in the preparation of its application for FMS designation, Pat Cayce, the City's preservation planner, conducted an informal survey of the Pro- gram Area that led to the estimate of historic building stock noted above. Before a proper determination of preservation-related projects and programs can be considered, a thorough survey of, and report on, the program area's history and historic building stock are is recommended. At the time of this writing, John Johnson is the Historic Resources Administrator for the Delray Beach Regional Office of the Florida Division of Historical Re- sources, and Douie Patterson the archivist for the Defray Beach Historical Preser- vation Society. Ms. Cayce, Mr. Johnson, and Ms. Patterson have contributed greatly to PGMS's knowledge of Pineapple Grove's history, and represent the community' s most valu- able human resources in undertaking survey. PGMS will enlist their further assis- tance in conducting the survey. 6In 1996, PGMS expanded its original Program Area one block to the west, to include NE 1~ Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and NE 4th Street. This area contains many historic prol~es and is included in OSSHAD; it is under the watchful eye, and in the good hands, of the I~lray Beach Historic Preserva- tion Board. Accordingly, reference in this chapter to the "Program Area" exclude the properties along NE 1 '~ Avenue. 17-1 Histodc elements/landmarks The neighborhood survey will identify not only buildings that might deserve special attention, but also any other elements or landmarks in the Program Area. As earlier noted, the area itself is significant in the City's history, and will afford an opportu- nity for special designation, recognition, and/or treatment. Anything that can heighten the sense of pride in the neighborhood, attract attention, and/or generate additional resources, will be pursued. PGMS research will locate sources of landmark designation elements, and any grants or other assistance avail- able through public and private preservation programs. Strategy for rehabilitation and preservation Thc following will provide motivation and incentive to owners of historic proper- ties: Identify existing and potential economic incentives, including abatement of property taxes and federal income tax credits. Educate the property owners, local government, and the community about the value and economic benefits associated with historic preservation. Encourage the designation of spedfic properties to the local Register of His- toric Properties in order to provide architectural review, protection, and eco- nomic incentives. Encourage all property improvements and new construction to follow the de- sign guidelines for Pineapple Grove. 17-2 Section 18 · Funding Overview In its final form, the Neighborhood Plan will include projects suitable for private sector and public sector funding. Much of the infrastructure projects (underground utilities, roadwork, sidewalks, public parking, and the like) are typically financed by local gov- emmem. Upgrades such as the arched gateways, obelisks, and signage kiosks offer op- portunities for grants and underwriting. The same is likely for the ecology park and the outdoor art program. A third category of improvements--items such as street lights and landscaping--could be financed by either the public or private sector. Because the Plan is initially presented in its conceptual stage, specific funding sources and responsibilities are not here identified. At the time of this writing, Plan elements are being engineered; detailed budgets will then be formulated and funding sources identified. The objective of Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., is to formulate a funding strategy that equitably distributes the costs among the parties at interest, utilizing outside dollars wherever possible. Potential sources of funding include the following: Public Sector Improvements · Public Funds & Grants · Local (CDBG; Sect. 108 Loan Programs), County, State, and Federal · Capital Improvement Bonds · Business Improvement District (BID) or other special assessment · Private Sector Sponsors Private Property Improvements · Loan programs · Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF) · CRA LOw Interest Loans · Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority · Florida Energy Loan Program · Grants · Sponsors and underwriters 1R-1 Section 19 · Outreach & Marketing Overview For this or any plan to be successful, it must be fully understood by all whom it im- pacts. Certainly, this includes the property owners and businesses in Pineapple Grove. Implementation of the Plan will, however, affect all of Delray Beach, as have other downtown redevelopment projects. A considerable portion of the recommended proj- ects will be financed by the City's taxpayers. When completed, the renewal of the neighborhood will impact in a positive way the property values of its owners and, if experience to date is any indication, those of property owners throughout the commu- nity. The Plan can only fail if its elements are unknown to, or misunderstood by, the com- munity. For this reason, its content must be communicated to the public as thoroughly as possible. Recommendations Neighborhood business & prope~'y owners This group will benefit most directly and immediately from successful implementa- tion of the Plan. As well, a portion of the Plan's cost of implementation and/or long-term maintenance may be funded by direct contributions from the neighbor- hood. Accordingly, it is vitally important that Pineapple Grove business and prop- erty owners are thoroughly versed on the Plan and that the Plan's final form in- clude consideration of any and all modifications suggested by, and receiving con- sensus support of, those in the neighborhood. Conduct a series of workshops on various day, at various times, and at various locations throughout Pineapple Grove. Invite by direct mail and person-to-person contact every property and business owner in Pineapple Grove to attend the workshops. Thoroughly explain the Plan's elements and invite comments, recommendations, and support. Incorporate and recommendations receiving general consensus of Pineapple Grove business and property owners. Public officials City Commissioners, the CRA, and the DDA have the authority to approve for im- plementation the elements of the Plan falling within their respective jurisdiction, and the budgets to contribute funding where appropriate. Staff members of these organizations can play prominent roles in the Plan's refinement and budgeting of implementation costs. Thoroughly familiarize the commissioners and board members with the Plan by presentation in public meetings and delivery of a copy of the Plan to each mem- ber. Review its elements one-on-one with members if necessary. Review and develop the Plan with staff. 10-! Patrons/shoppers Another important group of Pineapple Grove "stakeholders" are those who cur- rently patronize neighborhood business and those who may be future patrons, in- eluding the tens of thousands who currently shop elsewhere in Delray Beach. Not only is their understanding and support of Plan important, they also represent po- tential new customers for existing and future businesses. Publish and distribute summaries of the Plan, perhaps in the form of brochures or flyers, to patrons and shoppers in Pineapple Grove and elsewhere throughout Delray Beach. Private sector supporters As earlier noted, many of the proposed projects and programs are suitable for pri- vate sector financial support. Corporate and business entities, individuals, private foundations, and other likely funding sources will require full understanding of the Plan before they can consider financial support. Publish an executive summary of the Plan for delivery to, and review with, pro- spective corporate and individual financlal supporters. i Q-2 PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, InC. FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 1 of 8, General Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc. ("PGMS"), the Florida Main Streett program for Delray Beach, has established a grants funding program (the "Program") for allocation to businesses and property owners ("Applicants") in the District. Funds are allocated to defray the costs of upgrading the exteriors of properties located in the District, the boundaries of which are shown in Exhibit A. Grants will be awarded on a "fa'st come, first served" basis. The Program will be administered by the Design Committee of PGMS. Funds in the Program are limited. Accordingly, the funding guidelines set forth below will govern the review of applications. These funding guidelines may be modified from time to time without notice. Vision Pineapple Grove Main Street will be the cultural, retail and educational center of Delray Beach's historic Pineapple Grove neighborhood, offering its unique blend of population diversity, business mix and the arts in a quaint, safe and accessible setting to residents and visitors of ail ages. Mission Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., was organized to promote, restore and maintain the charm and character of the historic commercial district of Pineapple Grove for the benefit and education of local residents and visitors to the area. Eligibility and Criteria Properties located in the District are eligible to receive funding under the Program. Upgrades to properties and businesses with frontage on Pineapple Grove Way (NE 2"a Avenue) will receive the highest priority. Upgrades to properties with, and/or being readied for, ground floor non-residential uses will receive the highest priority. Projects may be evaluated with respect to their historic and/or architectural significance. Where applicable and appropriate, elevation (facade) improvements should preserve the architectural integrity of the building and restore the original design of the building. Paint colors should be harmonious with neighboring buildings and/or indicative of the building's historic color scheme. The size, color and shape of signage should complement the building and add to the Floribbean character of the District2. ~ Florida Main Street is a program of the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, Department of State. 2 Floribbean is defined in the Pineapple Grove Mare Street, Inc., Design Guidelines. PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. FA(~ADE IMPeOWMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 2 of 8 II I I Sandblasting is not considered the appropriate method of cleaning brick and will be discouraged. Cleaning should employ the gentlest possible method (e.g., hosing and scrubbing, pressure cleaning, water blasting, etc.) The Design Committee will consider the project's contribution to the District's overall "street appeal". The expressed, written approval of the property owner, if other than Applicant, must be submitted with each application. All projects approved for funding under the Program must meet any and all applicable governmental codes and/or ordinances. Design Guidelines A copy of the Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., Design Guidelines (the "Guidelines") is available for reference. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Guidelines prior to application for Program grants. The Design Committee will review and rank grant applications with reference to the Guidelines. Projects that most closely conform to the Guidelines will receive highest rankings. Recommended Projects The following projects are encouraged by the Design Committee: · Changes, where appropriate, to building elevations clearly visible from public roads and alleys · Exterior awnings · Exterior painting · Cosmetic changes to exterior elevations · Building additions · Exterior lighting · Landscaping Window painting and/or outdoor art (permanent) · Mansard roof · Signage Other appropriate changes Interior improvements are not eligible for funding. Funding Limitations Thc Design Committee will consider applications for funding in amounts not less than $250 per project. The maximum amount awarded will be $2,000 per propertya, which may include more than one project. business located in a multi-tenant building may apply. laINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. FAI~ADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 3 of 8. Match Requirements and Funding Process Thc Program, within the limitations set forth in 7.1 and 7.2 above, will award up to one-half the total cost of approved projects. The Applicant is expected to contribute to the total cost of the project in amounts equal to or greater than the amount of grant assistance requested, In all cases, the Applicant must document a minimum matching cash contribution of $250 toward the total cost of the project. Actual amounts awarded may be less than amounts requested by thc Applicant. Thc Design Committee's determinations in this regard will be final. The total project cost will be evidenced by submission to the Design Committee of paid invoices and/or canceled checks. Payment will be made in the form of reimbursement to the Applicant following completion of the project and final review and approval the Design Committee. Application Process All applicants are strongly encouraged to get conceptual approval from the Design Committee before submitting an application. The Design Committee is available to assist with concept development and preliminary sketches. The Facade Improvement Grant Application is available at the offices of Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., 187 Pineapple Grove Way, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561- 279-9952). Completed and signed applications shall be submitted to the above address together with the' following: ~ Color photograph(s) of the property to be upgraded; ~ Plans and specifications detailing the exact scope of the project and, as applicable: construction procedures and materials for facade improvements; drawings with a narrative describing the changes to signagc; · renderings of proposed window painting and/or outdoor art; and · color samples. ,/ Written approval of the property owner when other than the Applicant (on form enclosed with the Application package). All submissions should be sufficiently detailed to clearly identify the full extent of the project. Application Review Process The Design Committee will first review the application to determine the project's eligibility. Applications for projects found ineligible will be promptly returned to the Applicant with a written explanation. Eligible projects will be reviewed to assure that project plans are consistent with the intent of the Program. Upon its review, the Design Committee will make one of four determinations, as follows: PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, Inc. FA(~ADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix. A, Page 4 of 8 Recommended as submitted; Recommended with modifications; Recommended for partial funding; or Funding not recommended. Final selection of projects for funding under the Program will be made by the PGMS Board of Directors (thc "Board") and will depend heavily on the Design Committee's recommendations. Upon thc Board's approval, and prior to commencement of the work, Applicant will execute the Grant Reimbursement Agreement enclosed in the application package. Typically, the Board will require as a condition of funding that the work commence not later than 45 days following the Design Committee approval and be completed not later than 180 days following the date of commencement. Ques~Jons? For timber intonation and/o; clarification about thc applicatio~ and review process: Tom FlcmJ~;, Pro;ram ~an;cr Pincapp]c Grove ~a~ S~'cct, ~c. 187 NE Pineapple Grove Way De]ray Beach, FL 33444 F~x: $~]-279-0105 For fi~cr ~ormation and/or assis~cc with design development: Robert Cun-ic, Chair Design Committcc (conr~c~ via PG~$ office) PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. FACADE IZVn, ROWM~rr O~yrs ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 5 of 8, I APPLICATION Applicant is ~l Individual/Sole Proprietor ~1 Partnership ~l Corporation Applicant Name Business Name (if other than above) Contact Name (if other than above) Applicant Address Applicant Phone (__.). Fax Mobil (~.). Pager ( ), Property Address The Applicant I~ owns [] leases the property that is the subject of this application. Property Owner Name (if other than above) Property Owner Address Property Owner Phone (~). Fax (~,) PROJECT CATEGORY (Please Check All That Apply) ~ New Building Construction [] Elevation Changes [] Front CI Side ~1 Rear [] Cosmetic Changes [] From [] Side [] Rear [] Additions to Existing Building [] Changes to Visible Roofing [] Exterior Awning ~1 Exterior Painting [] Exterior Lighting r~ Signage [] Landscaping ~ Window Painting [] Outdoor Art C! Other Brief Description of the Work (use separate page(s) is necessary): PINEAPPLE GROVE MAin StREEt, Inc. FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 6 of 8 I I I PLEASE ATTACH THE FOLLOWING: Color photograph(s) of the property within the context of neighboring properties Color photograph(s) clearly depicting the existing condition of thc facade or other applicable element(s) Plans and specifications detailing the scope of the work Samples of all paint colors proposed for the project (including, if applicable, sign colors) Professional's estimate of project costs, including breakdown if applicable TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST $ GRANT AMOUNT REQUESTED $ Assistance requested from the Design Committee, if any: By my signature below, I express my understanding of, and agreement with, the following: I will work with and follow the recommendations of the Design Committee. Should this Application for funding be approved, in whole or in part, with or without modification, I will (1) complete the project herein described, (2) pay all costs and expenses associated therewith, and (3) submit to the Design Committee all applicable paid invoices and/or canceled checks prior to the grant of funds so approved. Should this Application not be approved, I will not be eligible to receive funding. Signed Date Do not write below; to be completed by PGMS Date Application Reviewed by Design by PGMS Approved as submitted Approved with modifications described below Approved for the partial funding amount as specified below Funding not approved, for the reasons described below Amount Granted: $ Description of Modifications: Reasons not approved: PGMS Signature Date Signed PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. FAqADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 7 of 8, GRANT REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT This Agreement is made this day of ,199__, by and between Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., ("PGMS") and ("Grantee"). The purpose of this Agreemem is to set forth the terms and conditions under which PGMS shall grant monies to Grantee pursuant to Grantee's FaCade Improvement Grant Application dated ., 199__(the "Application"). PGMS and Grantee mutually agree to and execute this Agreement according to the following terms and conditions. Grantee agrees to: Complete Grantee's improvement project (the "Project") in accordance with plans and/or specifications set forth in and/or attached to the Application. Commence the Project not later than ,199__, and complete the Project not later than ,199_, unless otherwise granted prior written extension of either or both of the dates by the PGMS Board of the Directors. Ensure that any and all work undertaken in connection with the Project is performed in a first class workmanlike manner and that any and all warranties and/or guarantees customarily given in connection with such work is timely delivered to Grantee by the party or parties responsible therefor. Indemnify and hold PGMS harmless from losses, damages, costs, claims and expenses of any nature, including attorney's fees, and from liability to any person or property arising from the conduct of any work authorized by Grantee in connection with the Project. Deliver to PGMS, prior to commencement of any work undertaken in connection with the Project, certificate(s) of comprehensive general liability insurance, including workman's compensation coverage, covering, as applicable, Grantee and Grantee's agents, contractors, subcontractors and assigns performing such work. Timely pay any and.all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Project, and promPtly deliver to PGMS evidence of such payments. Make available any utilities required by the contractors and/or subcontractors in connection with the Project. Abide by the Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., Design Guidelines in force as of the date the Project is approved by the Board. Prominently display on or about the premises that are the subject of the Project a sign that includes the following language: Funding for this project is provided in part by Pineapple Grove Main Street, Inc., the Florida Main Street program for Delray Beach, dedicated to the revitalization of Pineapple Grove. Florida Main Street PINEAPPLE GROVE MAIN STREET, INC. FAt~ADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS ALLOCATION PROGRAM Plan Appendix A, Page 8 of 8 is a program of the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, Department of State. Failure of Grantee to comply with any of the foregoing paragraphs 1., a) through i), inclusive, without first receiving written authority from PGMS, shall render this Agreement null and void and shall release PGMS from any and all obligations hereunder. PGMS agrees to: Monitor the work in progress and, upon Grantee's notification, inspect the work for compliance with the plans and specifications set forth and/or referenced in the Application. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither PGMS nor any of its officers, directors, employees or volunteers shall be responsible for the quality of materials or workmanship used in or associated with the Project. Reimburse Grantee in the amount of $ , upon Grantee's completion of the Project in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and as described in the Application. Payment will be made directly to Grantee following (i) receipt of Grantee's evidence of payment of all costs and expenses associated with the Project, and (ii) Certification by the PGMS Design Committee as to the satisfactory completion of the work. This Agreement is entered into and executed as of the date first set forth hereinabove. Applicant Signature Date Signed PGMS Signature Date Signed Executive O~cer PGMS Signature Date Signed Executive Officer or Program Manger [lTV I]F DELRR¥ BEI3[H - CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ~oo ~ ,~, ^~.~. ~..~^~ .._^~., ~o.,~ ~.. TELEPHONE 561/243-7090. FACSIMILE 561/278-4755 March 2, 1998 DELRAY BEACH AIl.l.n~Cib Drew M. Levitt, P.A. 'fill: Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 1993 Subject: City. of Delray Beach Contract with Palm Acts. Inc. Dear Mr. Levitt: Thank you for your letter of March 2, 1998. I would appreciate it if you would either provide me with a copy of the contract between Palm Acts and 24-Seven, or list the obligations of 24-Seven under the agreement between 24-Seven and Palm Acts which relate to the obligations of Palm Acts under the contract between the City and Palm Acts. It would be appreciated if you could provide the above to me by Friday, March 6, 1998. By copy of this letter to David Harden, City Manager, our office requests, in conjunction with Brahm Dubin, that the subject of the duties and obligations of 24° Seven, in relation to the Palm Acts contract with the City, be placed on the workshop agenda of March 10, 1998. Please accept this letter as notice of the matter being placed on the City Commission agenda for Tuesday, March 10, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. It would be appreciated if you would notify 24-Seven and request their presence at the meeting, so that the roles of Palm Acts and 24-Seven in putting on events at the Tennis Center can be clarified. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY CITY. S.A_ Y BEAC~RIDA City Attorney ~-~ SAR:ci cc: David Harden, City Manager Alison Harty, City Clerk Brahm Dubin, Manager, Delray Beach Tennis Center Robert Barcinski, Assistant City Manager lcvitt3.sar ~ S' ~ 03/05/98 15:20 'FAX D~43807112 EXECUTivE ~oo2 L~w Omc~ or Dm w M. L v TT, P.A. 1301 W~v NEWtOn? C~ Dave ~ ~ D~ M. L~- T~so~ (954) 419-1~60 O~ CouNs~ D~ R. T~ March 5, 1998 ~) 3~0~3~ Susan Ruby, City City of Delray Beach 100 N.W. 1st Avenue Delray Beach, Florida 33444 Re: City of Delray Beach Contract ~ith Palm Acts, Inc. Dear Susan: Maybe my prior letter was not clear. For purposes of clarification, I reiterate that the Palm Acts contract with the City of Delray Beach remains in full force and effect, and unaffected by the agreement between th~ Palm Act~ =hat,holder and Twenty-Four Sevem. There is no agreement between Palm Acts and Twenty-Four This shareholder agreement does not have amything to do with the City of Delray Beach or its contract wi~h Palm Act= ~ince the contract with Delray Beach i~po~e~ mo re~=rictions on the shareholder of Palm Acts. The =hareholder wa~ not even a party to the Delray Beach Agreement. In o%her wor~s, im response to the final ~entence of your letter, there is no meeting necessary ~ince ~enty-Four ~even ha~ no role in putting on event~ at the Stadium since that role remains exclusively in the hands of Palm Acts pursuant %o it~ contract with the City. Other than the foregoing, there is nothing more than can be, or ~ill be said, at a City Co~i~sion meeting relating to Twenty- Four Seven. If the City is unclear a~ ~o who the contact person at Palm Acts is, Palm Act~ would be happy to clarify that or other issues in an info,al manner. If there i~ some other reason for an item relating to Palm Acts being placed on the City Commission Agenda, please let me know. v~ry tru~ COPY VIA F~ cc: David Har4in, City Manager Alison Harty, City Clerk Bra~ Dubin, Manager/Delray Beach Tennis Center 03/05/98 THU 15:13 (TX/RX NO 9257] CITY OF DELRrlY BEfl[H CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ~°° ~" "' ~'"'~ ° ~-~^¥ "^~", ~°~'~ '"~ T~L~PHONE 561/243-7090 - FACSIMIL~ 561/278-4755 DELRAY BEACH A~ClW F~ T~NSMITTAL LETTER DATE: ~- G -' ? ~ N~ber of pages (including cover sheet) ~ CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA IF ANY OF THE PAGES ARE NOT CLEARLY RECEIVED, PLEASE CALL (561) 243-7092 IMMEDIATELY. COMMENTS: -Final- City of Delray Beach Environmental Services Department 2-Inch Water Main Replacement Program January 1998 TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 2-INCH WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM PREPARED FOR: CITY OF DELRAY BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT JANUARY 1998 PREPARED BY: HAZEN AND SAWYER, P.C. 2101 CORPORATE BOULEVARD SUITE 301 BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33431 1.0 Executive Summary_ This Technical Memorandum (TM) is provided as a planning tool to assist the City of Delray Beach in improving the existing water distribution system to meet the needs of their customers. The TM develops a twenty-three year Capital Improvement Plan for upgrading the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains in the City of Delray Beach service area. This Section includes a summary of the conclusions and recommendations developed in the TM. Sec'dons 2 through 5 provide the discussion and analyses which have influenced and determined the conclusions and recommendations presented herein. 1.1 Recommendations The recommendations of this TM are directed toward upgrading the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains in the project area. The recommended improvements are broken down into three categories based on urgency of the problems to be corrected, and are defined as follows: · Immediate Improvements - Level of Service I (FY 97/98 - FY 13/14) · Median Improvements - Level of Service II (FY 13/14 - FY 16/17) · Long-Term Improvements - Level of Service III (FY 16/17 - FY 18/19) Each of the improvement categories are discussed below and are listed in Table 1-1. 1.1.1 Immediate Improvements - Level of Service I Level of Service I Improvements provide immediate fire protection and alleviate Iow pressure deficiencies in commercial, residential and industrial areas, and provide adequate potable water service to the customers. Approximately $12,458,944 is required to complete the immediate improvements. The proposed immediate improvements are illustrated in Attachment 1-1. 1.1.2 Median Imorovements - Level of Service II Level of Service II Improvements will continue to provide required fire protection for residential areas, alleviate Iow pressure deficiencies in residential areas, loop the distribution system, and provide adequate potable water service to the customers. Approximately $2,111,935 is required to complete the median improvements. The proposed median improvements are illustrated in Attachment 1-2. 1.1.3 Long-Term Improvements - Level of Serviq:e III Level of Service III Improvements alleviate Iow pressure problems for residential areas, loop the distribution system, and provide adequate potable water service to the customers. Approximately $1,402,681 is required to complete the long-term improvements. The proposed long-term improvements are illustrated in Attachment 1-3. 4665R003. BCA:01-30-98 1-1 2-INCH WA TER MAIN REPLA CEMENT PROGRAM TABLE 1-1 RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Improvement Item Present Problem Improvements will Accomplish Level of Service I 2-inch and 4-inch pipes do not Significantly improve pressures, Immediate Improvements provide required fire protection, provide the required fire protect- Pressure deficiencies (<40 psi) ion, and provide adequate potable Cost: $12,458,944 during peak hour demand water service to the customers. conditions. (FY 97~98 - FY 13/14) Level of Service II 2-inch and 4-inch pipes do not Significantly improve pressures, Median Improvements provide required fire protection, provide the required fire protect- Pressure deficiencies (<40 psi) ion, and provide adequate potable Cost: $2,111,935 dudng peak hour demand water service to the customers. conditions. (FY 13/14 - FY 16/17) Dead-ends in system causes Looping alleviates bacteriological bacteriological problems, problems. Level of Service III Pressure deficiencies (<40 psi) Significantly improve pressures Long-Term Improvements dudng peak hour demand and provide adequate potable conditions, water service to the customers. Cost: $1,402,681 Dead-ends in system causes Looping alleviates bacteriological (FY 16/17 - FY 18119) bacteriological problems, problems. TOTAL COST: $15,973,560m Notes: mRepresents total cost in 1997 dollars through year 2019. 4665R003. BCA:O 1-20-98 1-2 2-INCH WA TER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM 2.0 Introduction Suffident water storage, pumping facilities, and distribution lines are essentia; elements of water service required to maintain a high standard of living in urban areas. Of equal importance is to have a water distribution system that will provide adequate fire prote~on. The reasons for providing adequate fire protection include: protection of the tax base from destruction by fire; preservation of jobs, which could be lost in the event of a large tire; and preservation of human life and reduction of human suffering. The Water Distribution System Master Plan prepared in August, 1992 by Hazen and Sawyer analyzed all known water mains 6-inches and larger. The Master Plan scope of work did not include modeling 2-inch and 4-inch lines located in the City's distribution system. The Master Plan did however make the following recommendations: 'The City replace the 2-inch water mains in the service area with 8-inch water mains. The main area of concern is the Central Business District located in the Central East (CE) Zone of the City. In addition, fire hydrants should be installed in areas currently deficient in fire protection. The City should also consider water main replacement whenever pavement repairs are made in areas with 2-inch waterlines.' Although, the City has been replacing the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains during pavement repairs and other utility work, they do not have a comprehensive capital improvement program that identifies the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains to be upgraded. This Technical Memorandum will provide the City with a structured plan to upgrade the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains within the project area. 2.1 Purpose and Scope The purpose of the Technical Memorandum is to develop a 22-year Capital Improvement Plan for upgrading the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains in the project area through FY 97/98 - FY 18/19. The scope of the Technical Memorandum is limited to: · Evaluating the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains based upon fire protection, pressure deficiencies, adequate potable water service to customers, and looping of distribution system. · Identifying the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains to be upgraded (by priority). · Preparing a 22-year capital improvement program for the 2-inch and 4-inch water main upgrades. The capital improvement program is based on the City budgeting $500,000 for improvements for FY 97/98 and $750,000 per year through FY 18/19. 2.2 Description of the Project Area The project area is defined in Figure 2-1, and is described as follows: · East of Interstate 95; · South of Gulfstream Boulevard; · North of Linton Boulevard; and · West of S.R. AIA, including the Barrier Island. 4665ROO3. BCA:01-30-98 2-1 2-INCH WA TER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM 3.0 Method of Analysis The first part of the analysis consisted of a thorough review of the City's updated Water Atlas Maps to determine the location of all 2-inch and 4-inch water mains within the project area. The second part consisted of reviewing the City of Delray Beach Zoning Map to determine the specific zoning designations (i.e., commercial, single family residential, multi-family residential, and industrial), within the project area. Combining the information from the two sources enabled Hazen and Sawyer to define the zoning area within which the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains are located. It was assumed that the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains in the City's service area are not properly sized for supplying required fire flows. The City of Delray Beach Land Development Regulations state "All public water mains shall have a minimum diameter of eight inches (8") unless a reduced size is specifically allowed by the City." The existing 2-inch and 4-inch water mains were installed pdor to this regulation. The improvements were then divided into three levels of improvements: immediate, median, and long-term. Immediate improvements (Level of Service I) are upgrades to the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains designed to provide required fire protection in commercial and residential areas, correct Iow pressure problems in residential areas, and provide adequate potable water service to customers. All commercial areas within the project limits were designated as an immediate improvement based on required fire flow protection as established by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) of 2,000 - 3,500 (gpm) for a duration of 3 hours. Residential areas with Iow pressure problems as identified by City staff were also included as immediate improvements. The project area only included one industrial area that required water main upgrades for fire protection and was included as an immediate improvement. Median improvements (Level of Service II) are upgrades to the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains designed to continue to provide required fire protection for residential areas, alleviate Iow pressure problems in residential areas, tie-in the 2-inch and 4-inch dead-end water mains to existing water mains to prevent water stagnation in the pipes (i.e., looping the system), and provide adequate potable water service to customers. The residential areas that were not identified by the City staff as Iow pressure areas were designated as median improvements. This included looping the distribution system where appropriate. Long-term improvements (Level of Service III) are upgrades to the 2-inch and 4-inch water mains that will also alleviate Iow pressure problems in residential areas, loop the system, and provide adequate potable water service to customers. The remaining water main upgrades included a number of dead-end streets that were designated as long-term improvements. This also included looping the distribution system where appropriate. 4665ROO3. BCA:01-30-98 3-1 2-INCH WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM