MINUTES -- Callery Judge Neighbor Advisory Committee

Minutes for July 28, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Chair Schad, at 5:45 p.m. Committee members in attendance included: Leah Schad, Chair Cathy Probst, Support Staff Ralph Bair Debbie Baj Winston Crosbie Lucius Wilcox Keith Shivers Mike Sexton Robert Trepp Jane Vickers Jesus Armas Also in attendance were James Dubois and Nat Roberts of Callery Judge Grove. It was agreed that the June minutes will be reviewed at the August meeting. The group boarded a shuttle bus for a road trip to various town centers. James explained that he felt the group would enjoy a bus trip to visualize town center concepts. Disposable cameras were given to several members of the committee and, along with their partner, were asked to take photos of good and not so good things they may see during the trip. Nat asked the committee to consider what they like and don’t like, what they feel works and what doesn’t work. The committee members comments will be documented for future planning. The site visits consisted of the following: PGA Blvd. (west end) – PGA Commons Abacoa – Jupiter PGA Blvd. (east end) – Gardens Mall and under construction (Downtown at the Gardens) Park Avenue – Lake Park City Place – West Palm Beach The committee departed the bus at PGA Commons, Abacoa and City Place to walk around. The other sites were discussed and viewed while traveling. Upon returning to the Callery Judge Grove conference center, the committee was given the opportunity to relay their comments, likes and dislikes of what they saw on the road trip. The following is the group’s comments:
PGA Commons: Likes Open café’s Parking behind (hidden) Landscaped parking Roadway treatment	Dislikes View of 6 lane highway Noise Small kids w/ close traffic No berm between road & cafes Buildings not contiguous Not pedestrian friendly Parking flow is not connected to All areas of retail, restaurants, office Did building codes dictate the set up of café’s near road without berm?
Abacoa: Likes College near town center & near movies College – low bldgs., nice landscaping, Doesn’t look like a college campus Mix use	Dislikes Architecture & design & color Sidewalks are like obstacle course Hurdles w/ benches & palm trees Cheap sidewalks Hard to see inside store windows Narrow streets Parking width too small on street Too congested in town center Building height No large gathering areas No water fountains
PGA Blvd East: Likes Mall-shops under 1 roof Offers all needs of services, retail, Restaurants, Library, Post office, etc. in Close proximity, Large commercial base supports town services	Dislikes Not pedestrian friendly Amenities too far away from each other requiring vehicle use
Park Avenue – Lake Park Likes Old town architecture in certain bldgs. Focal points w/ Library, Churches, Government centers Community point of pride	Dislikes Parking in front of stores Little landscaping
City Place: Likes Architecture, color, balconies Fountains Open areas – spacious Gathering spots-outside tables Outside café’s Low buildings Wider streets Hidden parking garage close to town center Large store windows in retail for easy viewing While driving by on street Inconspicuous Publix w/ parking behind	Dislikes Too many high priced boutiques Not enough necessary places to go to draw people i.e. haircuts, dry cleaner,post office, drug store, etc. Needs better mix of where you have to go vs. things you want
Consider special architecture for special buildings. Classic designs that are timeless for certain buildings such as Library, Churches, Government Centers, etc. The next meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2005. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.