Minutes for March 29, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Leah Schad at 6:35 p.m.
Members in attendance: Leah
Schad, Chair |
Absent: Karen
Keogh |
Also in attendance: Nat Roberts, James Dubois and Neil Merin
The minutes from the February 22, 2007 meeting were approved as written.
Nat Roberts introduced the guest speaker, Neil Merin, who was invited to discuss non-residential uses, overall county employment issues, trends and effects on this area.
Neil Marin began by informing the committee of the current state of commercial real estate in Palm Beach County. Employment growth numbers are as follows for the period 2000-2006:
3.7% Atlanta
1.9% Los Angeles
10.4% Seattle
21.0% Tampa/St. Pete
21.6% Palm Beach County
Neil mentioned, in recent years, land previously zoned for industrial was rezoned for residential to keep up with housing growth trends. The vacancy of commercial space dropped from 20% to 7 ½ % in recent years in Palm Beach County. In some cases, current vacancy is not desirable space which results in rent skyrocketing as a result of unavailable desirable space. In the last 10 years, the increase in rent expense has caused many businesses to look outside of Palm Beach County where space is more reasonably priced.
Neil explained that he has met and spoken with Nat Roberts several times regarding the Callery Judge Grove Master Plan. He feels the plan would be a great provider for necessary workplace space. He sited the PGA Blvd. corridor as a successful area with employment center and office space recently constructed in the last few years. Based on his experience, Neil feels the Acreage/Loxahatchee area is a prime location for employment centers and office space. He mentioned Wellington was not planned well with little office space available.
Office parks are a necessary part of a good plan and the location is key. It must be coupled with residences, mixed use, integrated into a master plan with shopping, restaurants and schools close by for easy access.
Neil indicated that 2 million square feet of workplace could offer 8,000 jobs to a particular area. The demand for workplace centers is high, locations need to be sought and identified now for future uses. The Callery Judge plan should be seriously considered as a site for commercial use.
Nat Roberts directed everyone’s attention to the current map of the CJG plan which shows the location of a planned workplace center close to “main street” which will offer amenities such as restaurants, retail and services which local employees would require for accessibility. The plan has a capture rate for traffic of 24% within the plan for trips to groceries, schools and various services.
The committee discussed roads and the expansion of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. Everyone agreed road construction must occur prior to phase building. Trucks will continue to utilize the roads as thoroughfares but will be discouraged in residential area with traffic calming devices. Road design and location being considered for main street vs. thoroughfare traffic. All agreed it must flow well to move vehicles effectively and efficiently throughout the property.
Nat Roberts indicated that in September 2006 permits have been submitted to the Army Corp of Engineers for future link of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to Beeline Highway. Some discussion has taken place as to the exact location of the link, however, it is in the process to be determined.
Nat Roberts distributed a spreadsheet of traffic studies done by various entities showing versions, CJG build out, CJG phases, study area and notes. Callery Judge Grove has conducted over 24 traffic studies to ensure a proper road network for the planned development. Local municipalities have expressed concerned over the potential traffic from the CJG plan and have paid approximately $75,000 for traffic studies to be conducted.
Nat Roberts presented the Callery Judge Grove plan to the Western Communities Council recently. This council gathers surrounding municipalities and improvement districts together to discuss a variety of issues pertinent to the western area including development. This council was instrumental in helping to get the SR7 improvement moving.
Nat Roberts encouraged supporters of the plan to become vocal through letters, phone calls or sign a card of support. The county commission is hearing from a few outspoken opposed to the plan and not enough who support the plan. Committee members expressed concern that if the CJG plan is not approved, the option is a poor one with possibly 4,000 homes with no amenities, no jobs, etc. This will create more traffic issues. Many committee members feel the general public does not understand the alternatives. They feel residents think that if the county doesn’t approve the plan, the grove will stay the way it is. This is not feasible or reasonable to think, development of some type will occur.
Chair Schad relayed upcoming meetings which include April 5th zoning meeting (recently rescheduled for April 25th) at the Board of County Commission office 9:00 a.m. as well as the May 7th final adoption hearing at the Board of County Commission office 9:00 a.m. Residents and committee members are encouraged to attend and speak in favor of the plan. Chair Schad also asked for people to email, write letters or call the county commission to voice your opinion, thoughts and/or comments about the plan.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 26, 2007. Leah Schad, Chair is unavailable to attend the meeting. Cathy Probst is the alternate chairperson.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Cathy Probst
