The meeting was called to order by Chair, Leah Schad, at 6:40 p.m.
Committee members in attendance included:
Leah Schad, Chair
Cathy Probst, Support Staff
Keith Shivers
Karen Keogh
Winston Crosbie
Jane Vickers
Robert Trepp
Jesus Armas
Dave Self
Josh Gentry
Lucius Wilcox
Rosa Durando
Also in attendance were James Dubois of Callery Judge Grove and Jan Polson of Kerry Kilday.
The minutes from the meeting March 31, 2005 were reviewed and approved as written.
Chair Schad asked that each committee member relay their list of social infrastructure amenities they feel were important for a community. A number is shown which represents how many committee members supported this idea. The following are the results of the committee members ideas and suggestions:
Religious
Institutions – Callery
to consider donating land 7
Amphitheater – near water lagoon 6
Community center and aquatics park with pool, water slides 5
Agricultural – green market 5
(u pick strawberry field, corn, watermelon)
Fitness and bike trails 4
Equestrian Trails – extend existing neighboring trails 4
University – satellite or branch 4
Schools 3
Meeting and conference rooms/center 3
Retail and professional stores and offices – limit 3 stories 3
Library 3
Bowling Alley 3
Movie Theater 3
Gas station 3
Botanical gardens to showcase native species 3
Equestrian Centers 2
Performing arts and cultural center 2
Lodging – small 75 rooms 2
Restaurants 2
Boutiques 2
Concert area 2
Skating rink 2
Interactive fountains 2
Historical education and nature center – interactive 2
Multi-use park- paintball, skateboard, etc. 1
Traditional neighborhood design 1
Conference lecture hall to rent space to religious institutions 1
Adult education for GED, ESOL and other classes 1
Youth center for “hang out” with fitness and programs to occupy
youth’s time
Assisted living facilities – incorporate Alzheimer care and adult
day care
Green space near water 1
Town hall for weddings and meetings 1
Chair Schad then distributed a list of Social Infrastructure ideas from Charrette participants to compare to the list the committee prepared. The lists were very similar in ideas and suggestions.
Cathy Probst passed out a list of social infrastructure ideas compiled from various sources. There were 4 items not listed above which included a golf course, a community college branch, child day care and a school for children with special needs such as autism.
Several audience members were introduced and spoke about the organization they represent. This gave the committee more information regarding needs that may be considered for a well-rounded society.
Mary Barnes – Alzheimer’s Care which provides neighborhood service through a community based organization. Support groups for families are available.
Mike Green – YMCA offers programs to all age groups. Programs can be tailored to the needs of a community, are flexible and can be the sole community recreation program. Funded through annual memberships, United Way and fundraising. Considers for program would be to partner with existing schools for use of parks and rooms, storefront, office space or ultimately a facility of its own with aquatics, fitness center and gymnasium.
Dennis Carpenter – Boys & Girls Club with 14 sites throughout Palm Beach County. Offers academic program, technology classes, arts and athletics for ages 6-18 providing a well-rounded program.
Ken Larson – Representing the Moose Lodge. Children should be the center of development. Youth need a place to go, a controlled and supervised environment. Consider a landscape or nursery business in the community to provide walking trails labeled with plant life and allow nurseries to compete to produce the ultimate walking trails. Provide opportunity for kids to do service projects such as youth caregiver, poptops for dialysis, etc. Moose Lodge provides social activities for adults and families.
Dale Faircloth – First Baptist Church in RPB. A community must offer spiritual guidance, a place for children, well-planned programs and the opportunity to build relationships.
Craig Younce – Palms West (Southern Baptist) Mr. Younts indicated that they would like a building of their own vs. a “church in a box” which requires setting up and taking down each week. Faith is necessary in a community. Consider partner with Hospice.
Ken Mahan – Above and Beyond Church. Priorities would include summer camp programs, youth ministry, putting families together, community center to utilize for church service but also an athletics and academic center.
Public Comments were heard.
Alex Larson asked committee to consider traffic issues, crime and safety and the plan is too many residences for our area.
Sharon Waite asked to consider density and green space in plan.
John Sasson would like to see technology and education center for youth to ensure competitiveness for growing youth and their future.
Marge Herzog indicated there are many churches on Okeechobee Boulevard so care and consideration should be given to how many and locations of religious institutions for traffic concerns.
James Dubois encouraged us to think of other needs such as health care and ambulatory center.
Mary Barnes asked for the geriatric needs to be seriously considered.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2005.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
