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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJenkins Road Workshop Minutes 02-13-2006BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA WORKSESSION JENKINS ROAD Date: February 13, 2006 Convened: 2:30 p.m. Tape: 1 Adjourned: 4:10 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chairman, Doug Coward, Frannie Hutchinson, Paula A. Lewis, Chris Craft, Joseph Smith Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County Attorney, Don West, Public Works Director, Mike Bowers, Utilities Director, Robert Nix, Growth Management Director, Beth Ryder, Community Services Director, Michael Brillhart, Special Projects, Millie Delgado - Feliciano, Deputy Clerk The Special Projects Manager presented the calendar of events leading up to the adoption of the TVC Element. It is a very aggressive schedule the plan amendment is scheduled for March 16, 2006 with a 60 day adoption window. He advised the Board of the revised TVC Element Plan Amendment adopted February 8, 2006. The second BOCC adoption hearing will include The second reading of the LDC revisions and the second reading of the TDR Ordinance scheduled for May 30, 2006. The County Attorney recommended the Board consider the revised schedule. It was the consensus of the Board to go forward with the revised schedule. Mr. Dan Burden, Facilitator presented the final results of the North Jenkins Road Planning Workshop. Mr. Yates, affiliated with Visions of Ft. Pierce, addressed the Board and stated there had been 12 million dollars of work done with grants. The Treasure Coast RC & D had been contracted to do the first Charrette in Ft. Pierce and have contracted Ramon Trias' assistance and feel they can coordinate well between the city and the county. Mr. James Turner, property owner of 6 aces behind his shop asked if the Board would preclude heavy zoning in this area. Presently the site is maxed and he has three things going which require heavy zoning. Mr. Joe Miller, President, St. Lucie Battery and Tire addressed the Board and stated Lucido and Associates is presently working on 67 acre project in the area and asked for consideration for commercial service on Orgeze and Loop Roads. He felt Commercial Industrial would be the best use for that neighborhood. Mr. Joe Risio, representing the landowner in the area asked the Board not to lose site of the fact that in order for businesses to come into the area like a small supermarket, it must economically feasible and have the numbers to survive. Mr. Doug Davis, Richard K. Davis Construction stated he was confused on the specific design and how specific they really will be for the county to make plans to move forward. Mr. Greg Boggs, Lucido & Associates, addressed their project, Victoria Oaks. He stated there are willing investors and developers who would like to sit down and work this out. They fell where the county may be going is scary and they are fearful Charrettes 41� will lead to overlay districts. He stated possible text amendments may be needed to do what is being proposed and Comp Plan updates would be needed. Mr. Marty Sanders, School Board Growth Manager, stated they were looking at possibly 3,000 students in the subject area. He thanked the Board for looking at this issue and is looking forward to working with the county on issues. Com. Craft stated he was not sure if they need to go through a full blown Charrette since there are few major property owners. He felt they needed to come together and not piece meal the area. Com. Coward stated he does not wish to do a full blown Charrettes around the county and would like to work with the City of Ft. Pierce and the urban design experts. Mr. Robert Nix, Growth Management Director concurred with Board comments and stated they should work out an approach to minimize consultant advisements. Com. Smith concurred. Com. Lewis stated she concurred working with the landowners and does not want a full blown Charrette. Com. Hutchinson stated she would like for the landowners to be directly involved. Staff was directed to begin discussion with the City of Ft. Pierce and others and come back to the Board with the information. The meeting was adjourned. 2 GROWTH, MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Planning Division MEMORANDUM TO: County Commissioners FROM: David Kelly, Planning Manager DATE: February 10, 2006 SUBJECT: North Jenkins Road Workshop Report Attached please find a draft copy of the North Jenkins Road Workshop Report that summarizes the results of the February 1, 2006 community workshop held at Westwood High School and provides recommendations for future development in the planning area. The report's appendix also includes a number of comments made by attendees' of the workshop. Staff has completed an initial review of the document and has requested a few minor corrections. A final draft plan with the corrections will be provided to you as soon as it is available. A special workshop is scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2006, at 2:3013M. Mr. Burden will provide a presentation of his findings and recommendations to assist the County in development a plan to guide future development in the area bounded by Kings Highway, Orange Avenue and Angle Road. If you have any questions regarding this petition please let us know. j Cc: Douglas Anderson, County Administrator Faye Outlaw, Asst. County Administrator Bob Nix, Growth Management Director 3 North Jenkins Road IV Study Area St Lucie Cmrmity Waxim U-In rf Connectivity, pl-eserva-tion, oper-) space,, fr8ils', trip reductfans, work force; hou-sing. fivirigand quaffIfy of Iffe f-hrough pfanneiY devefopment Town and Neighborhood Centers 2-16 blocks '*Wx 400) 2 .30 duly 1',Iross dc 0 �1 Central gatti6ring plac., Location) Civic uses (libst office, plaza "and library) Town Center (TC) variety of h6bsing stock, H 100-150,000 sq ft neighborh6od focused retail Best houses'face toward Andle, Angle Road moves traffic at 20-25 ij Country Store (CS) tj Sized Retail, 71 t 112 "mile Connectivity Kings Highway ATInImUe speeding O Dfstllbvte Volume Iferp ulf roads to 2-3 1j'Ic5 S &I'nute 11 Vjt�d bridge C00CCti0ti New Ped/Blke Bridge$ LO Fh"d lolinvm Rd Prepared by: Dan -Burden' senior urban Designer, Glatting Jackson Orange Avenue North Jenkins Road Study Area Overview The North Jenkins Road Area was evaluated by Dan Burden (a Senior Ur- ban Planner with Glatting Jackson) in early February, 2006. Specifically the study area was evaluated for its existing conditions, and potential to provide compact land form as opposed to spo- radic, sprawl -style urban settlement. Like with most counties in the nation, past and current land development prac- tices in St Lucie County fail the livability litmus test. Now that rapid growth is approaching serious alternatives need to be stu(lied. Rather than grow Iraffic through conventional development, a historic approach to land development suggests growing affordable and attrac- tive villages and community instead of further energizing auto dependency. Using this planned approach for the North Jenkins Road study area can mod- erate traffic growth, preserve the maxi- mum amount of open land, increase con- nectivity, address drainage, maximize desired housing types. Quality placemak- ing and mixed use villages can grow the economy and quality of life. North Jenkins Road Study Area Existing Conditions More than 80 people took part " in a workshop in early February to provide input for future uses of the North Jenkins Road Study Area. Comments received during this field trip and work- shop were diverse. Many people provided questions and ideas for a better future. This future has the potential to preserve lots of open space and managing traffic growth. Comments are provided in the enclosed appendix. Out of 1700 acres, from 800- 1200 are available for some level of development. Following cur- rent land use practices 1000 acres with 5 dwelling units per acre (5 du/ a) or 5,000 houses are expected to generate 10 trips per household per day, which is 50,000 new auto based trips. Current roads cannot take this impact. A different land development and connectivity scenario can eliminate 30% of these auto -based trips, and internalize many more trips. A num- ber of proposals are being received by the County for development of this land under sprawl type strate- gies, so active (versus reactive) plan- ning is urgent. North Jenkins Road Study Area - Connectivity and Traffic Generation Isolated land user, broken connec- tivity and other conventional devel- opmentpracticesgenerate10-12 external auto based trips per house- hold daily. Mixed use, connected development reducer auto trips to shorter dulances, and reducer exter- nal trips to 24 per household. The resulting shift can results in signifi- cant reduced driving. Dips simply melt away. Smart. Build roads, not lanes. By providing a walkable scale community, which uses internal trip capture (use of town center and neighbor- hood hamlets) external trips melt away. Proper development makes available space for parks and elementary schools. Cluster style hous- ing creates attractive neighborhoods, and maximizes open space. Place connector roads each quarter mile. No road needs to be more than 2 lanes (with some third lanes at intersections). Kings Highway will see reduced traffic growth, and can be better managed as an af- fordable nicely sized and scaled roadway. Angle Road will remain 2 lanes, with roundabouts at key intersections. Traffic will move bet- ter, at lower speeds and with less delay. Trip times I be reduced. North Jenkins Road Study Area Streets, Connectors, Access and Mobility Street Types. At least 10 street typicals arc proposedl hcsc types range aom iraija :iglu (passageways) used for walking and bicycling to three types of Avenues (2-3 lanes). All local access roads (alleys, lanes, streets) will havc dcsigns hold- ing motorist speeds to 15-25 mph. All Ave- nues will be designed to hold speeds to 25-30 mph. Rights -of -way. Today the County -'- has acquired or requires dedication of 60 to 170 feet of right-of-way. In a future build scenario (proposed) only 40-50 feet of right of way is needed for access streets, and 60 feet for Avenues. In some cases, over 110 feet of excess right-of-way is owned by the county. Important note: It may be reasonable to sell this land to fund new roads and end up with a more compact, and functional road system. North Jenkins Road Study Area - Mixed Use Villages — Creating the Capture Town Center and Neighborhood Centers. Trips are internalized when a large tract of land, such as North Jenkins, has its own shopping and activity center. The North Jenkins area has sufficient access and land to develop a town center and up to five country store size commercial pockets. The town center would be up to 4 blocks square, while a ham- let would be as little as one intersection with 2-8 buildinl;s. 11111strations on this lia};c suy,yrst ghat ar- cas surrounding a town center and neighborhood or hamlet (:cnlcr should have higher dcnsilies.'I'hese drilsitirs Ihrn yuliltort aclivr use of mixed use dis- triets. Gross Densities within a quarter mile radius of a town center (140 acres) can be 12-18 du/a. Thus a true village supports a population of 3-5,000 residents. Many people who live near these cen- ters can do without a second car, or any car, if they choose. Actual block form and densities will be worked out over time through a mixed use village concept assembled through a charrette process. Once a community vision is in hand the County can go through a series of steps, including studies, part- nerships and negotiations to evolve a ltcallhl town and economically sound low,, ccnlcr. Slid, an arras};cmcnl is first carried forward Ihrou};h :1 lxtblic/Itrivalr. I)artnrtsliip.'I'hr county help; as semble land, build streets and other infrastructure and a single developer or group of developers North Jenkins Road Study Area Mixed Use Villages, The Pattern Pattems, blocks and Connectivity. Mixed Use Villages have many connec- tions and choices. When a person sets out on a walk, there are ample choices in routes of travel. Generally blocks are no longer than 400 feet. In cases where blocks need to be longer, a pedestrian trail connection is made each 200 to 300 feet. 1. Ideal neighborhood provide good connectivity and a variety in block forms and open space. This typical neighborhood would have a density of 6-10 du/a. The current county 5 du/a does not support a sufficient number of streets, parks and other needed infrastructure. 2. This project is a practical design maximizing open space, water fea- tures, trails, parks and other ameni- ties. Note block and lot size. Many lots are 30 feet across, others arc 60 feet. Many of these units could also have accessory units, allowing densi- ties of') I I do/a. 3. Merimar Park provides significant lir "wivaii(.n IandL;, opcI] space and parks, with a excellent conuecuvity level. The greater the number of slrccl cunncclion;; to a nrighhor hood the less traffic on each road, and hence the higher the overall value of homes on all streets. 4. This is an early proposal for a neighborhood in the North Jenkins Road Area. This design has signifi- cant lakes, parks and open space, a variety of housing types and many connectors. There is also a lake buffer to existing built properties to the south. Using recommendations for densities, open space, village forms, connectivity and other recommendations in this re- port, this neighborhood could have sig- nificant new and improved livability/ collllccllvlly fraluml. ru_.+t., 'I �r%W ,c Rnad C;hjdv area Protect Natural Land and Habitat Compact land form, maximum open and preserved space. Participants in the workshop wanted more trails, open space, buffers and protected spacF. The above proposal for a mixed use Village in Ada township allows over 400 of 667 acres to remain in agricultural, conservation or other open land use. Note the details in this plan. From 8-12 du/acre are accom- modated in the central village. A row of McMansions settle into an attrac- tive buffer of woods, lakes, trails and preserve. Other tiny hamlets preserve original farm buildings and add new housing as clusters of attractive cot- tages and other housing. The houses shown here provide excellent densities and therefore allow a maximum amount of open space, parks and other restorative physical places. Some work force housing has as little as 800 square foot, while most have 1400-2200 square feet, and yet others have 3,000 to 4,200 square feet. Conservation District North Jenkins Road Study Area Conservation Design. The 800-1200 acres of available land should not all be placed in development. It is appropriate to protect and preserve the most important habitat, wetland, and other areas, espe- cially around the eagle nesting site. It is recommended that the county require developers to establish a series of mapping and plan- ning activities leading to these improved land development prac- tices. Although this style (versus sprawl style) of development places most residents closer to their neighbors everyone has im- proved view sheds, more Waal character and more valuable land. •7b. ` I ' ! i ..r it � - f-- IL 11111111111Ilk, . _�J _1 1 L :1 a r North Jenkins Road Study Area Process. A series of steps arc underway in St I.UCIC County to embrace growth without dcvas- tatiug traffic growth and laud consumptive sprawl effects. The new Towns, Villages and Cities CFVC) initiative is ready for a nwdel. The North Jenkins Road Study Area is the ideal location to begin sensible growth. If this is to happen, the old way of conducting business, with Euclidian Zoning, which separates land uses and generates auto trips, must be re- placed with a more visionary, practical way to save lands and resources. Public process also needs to change. Any new style of land settlement can be, well, unsettling. People who either own land here, or who will be concerned with new types of streets, intersec- tions, commerce need to be part of the process. The public process must be methodical, all - engaging and holistic. The process used to craft a vision that honors and protects historic forms, while allowing new treatments that allow the area to be alive and prosperous. A process known as "informed consent" is used to achieve these re- sults. Highly effective form based code should also be considered in the implementation of a plan. Other steps: 1. Pedestrian, Bicycle, Greenways and Open Master Plan development (now underway) 2. Regional speaker series. Provide a monthly speaker series with state and nationally recog- nized speakers (invite all agencies and people in region to attend). What Next? North Jenkins Road Study Area - - Appendix North Jenkins Workshop Notes from Dan Burden's Presentation: "Grow Neighborhoods, not Traffic" Traffic Growth = 25% /10 yrs under current model School related traffic = Up to 30% commuter hour traffic Cities throughout history were designed to maximize exchange of Service, Products, Goods; as well as friendship, ideas, knowledge, culture and history ....And to minimal travel. In the past 60 years, with our current zoning and land development practices we have been maximizing our growth in traffic, and minimizing our exchange. Study area: Current Zoning Pattern of 5 du/a times 1000 acres = 5,000 households@ 10 trips per day, or = 50, 000 Trips Walter Kulash "Livable Traffic" — Road Design Important role for less traffic and travel time. Child Street Conference — Children are not exploring their surroundings (due to the disconnect of current zoning patterns) — Children's senses and needs of exploration should influence the pattern of development. Present Industrial/Commercial uses are "Clean" — no longer polluting factories Form -Based Codes should be used — this type focuses on the for►n/pattern of built envirunnientul and then adds land uses (instead of land uses laid out first, then form) Implementation: Use Overlays on Current Land Use Maps Summary More Density (Good Density = Less VMT) More Green Space, Parks, Open Space (AG) Connectivity (GRID) Commercial uses (daily needs) should be proximal to people (homes) Walkable Form and scale = impact ie: Put limits on size of grocery stores StartSpg Point: II Identify what needs to be preserve (locate and identify values) Determine how objects relate (streets, canals, trials, etc Think Differently ' (avoid multilane road — 3 land max) Public Process (Be informed, consider everyone's values/input Charrettc Types of Comments" "We like our large lots, yards, grass" "What about semi -trucks (Orange Ave:" "we bought thinking it would stay large lot" "People are still driving to work; the extra density will cause more problems" North Jenkins Road Study Area Key issues and recommendations from participants on Thursday included: • We want more Density — Good Density • We want less Density • Density does not have to change it, this area let it happen somewhere else. • We want more green space and parks. • We want more open space than what we are getting. We want that open space for parks for children and families, and to have baseball parks, soccer fields, etc... • We want more connectivity of streets and trails. • We want more commercial uses. • How do you deal with area needs such as large retail, super size stores, Target, Wal-mart, etc...? • Would you put that commercial use development along Orange Avenue? • We need a completely different way of developing. I would like to see parks with shopping areas built around them so people can shop while their children are playing safely and you don't live but a couple of blocks away where you can walk to your shopping area. • How do you foresee the sequence of this new type of development happening? • Is there a way or game plan how developers will be required to develop to a cho- sen model? • I -low will developers capture the plan? • Arc you thinking of a 1700 acre community? • Where arc these people going to work? • If these people are going to work in other areas then our roads along the boundaries will be overloaded and still carry the traffic from these neighbor- hoods. How is that going to be addressed? • What happened to the backyards? The house I have has a backyard now you are taking that away and making open space. • Please explain the road widths. • Why can it not be diversified? Where people want the neighborhood high den- sity with shops and parks and living environment to the people who want the 1single family home with the backyard. Why make the up coming areas being developed strict in the sense there is no room for shopping avenues and parks, etc... • These map sheets that were on the tables show three projects which are about 1 /3 of the 1700 acres. What are we talking about then if the plan for this area has already been established or a good part of the area? Development is coming ,to this area and what we say tonight will not have an influence of what has been set in motion already. • Home builders are concerned about a moratorium for this area. Is that what the county proposing? • Wh:u do you sec it will talCC to get the changes dune for this study area? • To complete this charrette and for the property owners to have input there are filings we nCCd In lulow from the Coonty. No one ever saidIenl(ins Budd would be an open corridor. Of the 1700 acres, the School Board owns 100 plus acres and these arc the things as property owners we need to know to come to a logi- cal decision and to be able to contribute to a discussion with knowledge. 1 agree to the women who said where are these people going to work but we also need the sidewalks, the shopping areas, the parks, the open space, etc.... • I do not want to live in Orlando with that lifestyle. We like our yards and being able to have acreage and we don't want our roads congested. We understand development is coming. Appendix