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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07061999BOA CITY OF SEBASTIAN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 6, 1999 Chairman Crockett called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: VC Devito James Schmitz EXCUSED ABSENCE: Gregory Gore UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: Keith Miller ALSO PRESENT: Jan King, Growth Management Manager Rich Stringer, City Attorney Gerry Kubes, Recording Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None Chmn. Crockett Clive Beckwith MOTION by Schmitz/Beckwith I make a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. There was no objection from any members. OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: None A. PUBLIC HEARING: Steve Schlitt, owner, in regards to Lots 1, 2 & 17, Vickers Subdivision, located at 1209 U.S. 1, is requesting a variance to reduce the parking requirements for this site from 32 to 21 spaces. He also wishes to provide 38 percent (38%) compact spaces, whereas the code would only permit 15 percent (15%) compact spaces. Mr. Steve Schlitt was present and was sworn in by Chmn. Crockett at 7:05 pm. Chmn. Crockett opened the public hearing at 7:05 pm. BOARD Of ADJUSTMENT MINUTES Of REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 6, 1999 Mr. Schlitt gave a presentation and noted that they worked the plan to get the maximum number of parking spaces on the site. He also noted that the Railroad owns the property adjacent to the west, and he has approached them about purchasing a small piece of that property. He also indicated that finalizing the purchase of the subject property depends on approval of a variance. There were fifteen (15) notices of hearing sent and there were no objection or non- objection letters received. Jan King gave staff presentation, noted that the applicant plans to reduce the size of the building fifteen per cent (15 %) and use that space for parking. She commented that this building is an extremely old building, possibly built before the 1940's, and this plan seems to be the best one to utilize this property and still keep its character. She also pointed out that the present parking area to the rear of this building is not part of this site, but belongs to the Railroad, and has been used for years as a parking area. She then indicated that staff recommends approval of this application because of the plans for a drive-through parking area to allow traffic to move in and out of the spaces, and seems like a reasonable request. Randy Mosby, Mosby and Associates, Vero Beach, FL, was present and commented about the public parking available off-site in this "downtown" area. At this point, Mr. Mosby was sworn in by Atty. Stringer. Atty. Stringer noted that if anything happened to the main structure, the variance would not run with the land or any redevelopment. Chmn. Crockett closed the public headng at 7:15 pm. There was discussion on how many offices would be included in that building, and Mr. Schlitt responded that in addition to his Real Estate business, there might be one other user until he can take over the entire building, but he has not met with the architect yet. Atty. Stringer reminded the Board that discussing the specific use within a category is not something that this Board should consider. There was further discussion on a vadance by Board of Adjustment and site plan presentation to P & Z, and which one should be handled first. It was also noted that businesses using that Railroad property have been doing so without any RR approval or lease. MOTION by Schmitz/Beckwith I make a motion that we accept the proposal by Mr. Schlitt as to the parking situation, however, if the parking changes (on the site plan) and need it be that you come back to this Board to get further approval, then I would entertain that motion. Discussion: It was discussed and clarified that the "changes" referred to in the above BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 6, 1999 motion would be a change in the total number of parking spaces from what is presented here tonight. Roll call: VC Devito - no Chron. Crockett - no James Schmitz - yes Clive Beckwith - yes The vote was 2 - 2. Motion denied. Mr. Beckwith commented that he felt that this proposal would be puffing this site to its best use, along with the applicant trying to keep the historical character of the site. He also indicated that the applicant is making an effort to try to keep his utilization and renovation of the building in context of what we would prefer to see in Sebastian. Mr. Schmitz commented that there is plenty of off-site parking available in that area. Mr. Mosby gave further information on bringing this site as close to compliance as possible. Atty. Stringer noted that staff recommended bringing this application to the Board of Adjustment first. Mr. Schlitt commented that he really wants to maintain the historical character of the site and it would be a really attractive building. He also noted that fifteen (15) parking spaces would be added, and the building area would be reduced by 1500 sq. ft., and he is trying to come as close as possible to the present historical appearance and to complying with the City of Sebastian requirements. He indicated that he will continue to attempt to purchase additional property or get a long-term lease. Jan King explained further that the applicant is planning to put heavy landscaping on this site to conform to the Riverfront Ordinance, and is removing 1500 sq. ft. of building to provide additional parking spaces. She restated that staff recommends approval for reconsideration, and reminded to the Board that, since this site is already built and established, there are some things that the applicant has no control over. There was discussion on the "grandfathering' factor of this site. Ms. King reminded the Board of a similar reduction of parking spaces at Washington Plaza. She also noted that the only possible use of this site would be to continue in the classification that is presently being utilized. Chmn. Crockett voiced his opinion of this subject. After much discussion, Mr. Mosby requested that since there is not a full Board present, that this item be continued to the next Board meeting to bring it back. He didn't feel it was fair to his client without a full Board present. Atty. Stringer noted that, in order to change the voting outcome, and since there is a quorum present, one of the negative voting members would have to move to reconsider BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 13, 1999 or move to continue. Mr. Joe Generazio, 1058 Barber Street, commented that even though Mr. Schlitt is his competitor, he would like to see him be able to improve and utilize this site as proposed instead of the possibility of it standing vacant and becoming an eyesore, and he reminded all present of the old Keen's grocery building. He was very complimentary about Mr. Schlitt's plan for the Main St. property, and suggested that this would be good for the City. There was further discussion and it was noted that this denial could be appealed to City Council. Chmn. Crockett adjourned the meeting at 8:00 pm. (7/13/99 AB) 4