HomeMy WebLinkAbout03252010LPA MinutesLOCAL PLANNING AGENCY
(PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION)
7:00 P.M. THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
EVALUATION APPRAISAL REPORT WORKSHOP
Chmn Paul called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mr. Roth
Mr. Paul
Mr. Durr
Mr. Hepler
Mr. Cardinale
Mr. Simmons
Mr. Srinivasan
Rebecca Grohall, Growth Management Director
Jan King, Planning and Growth Management Manager
Dorri Bosworth, Zoning Technician
EXCUSED: Mr. Dodd Mr. Neuberger
EVALUATION APPRAISAL REPORT (EAR)
Ms. Grohall first announced that in addition to this meeting there will also be an EAR
Scoping meeting next Thursday, April 1 at 6:00 P.M. After that, it will adjourn and we
will have our regular Planning and Zoning meeting. She then turned it over to the
consultant.
Mr. Brandon Schaad, Principal with Outlier Planning said he has been commissioned by
the city to prepare the city's evaluation and appraisal report (EAR) of the comprehensive
plan. He introduced his associate, Nilsa Zacarias. Mr. Schaad reviewed what a
comprehensive plan and an evaluation and appraisal report are, their process, noted key
Florida legislation that affects them, discussion of opportunities and challenges for
Sebastian, questions to open discussion of major issues, and get some conclusions and
a consensus of what we are reaching. Mr. Schaad made a PowerPoint presentation. At
its conclusion he turned it over to his colleague Ms. Zacarias.
Ms. Zacarias began asking what makes Sebastian unique. Mr. Paul opened discussion
with the commission members and asked for members of the public to make their
comments at any time. Answers to this first question were affordability, good schools,
recreational parks and facilities, preservation of green spaces, retirement, Indian River
Lagoon and close proximity to the ocean, climate, low crime, open government, and
close to larger cities. John Danise, Park and Recreation Committee member, agreed
with reasons previously stated. Joanne White, Park and Recreation Committee
chairperson, added community feeling, events and pride. Ms. Zacarias asked Ms.
Grohall and the growth management staff what their views of Sebastian were. History of
the area, weather, schools and small town atmosphere were given.
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The second question was directed towards threats over the next 10 to 20 years.
Answers included economic development, jobs opportunities to keep future generations
here, how to become part of the green economy, uncontrolled growth, transportation and
traffic corridors, no future planning, and over regulation.
There was discussion about what a green economy is and how it would benefit
Sebastian. Ms. Zacarias said this topic would be discussed in more detail at a future
workshop. Ms. Grohall answered questions on how the comprehensive plan and the
EAR are developed and followed by DCA guidelines. Mr. Schaad added that when you
look at the comprehensive plan it is just a plan and to insure it is implemented by a
government is to be an active and involved citizen.
The third question deals with where you envision Sebastian in the next ten years and
what can be done today to help achieve that goal. Retain the pristine nature, infill of
commercial area with a downtown tourism concept, civic involvement, annexation, job
creation, control excessive utility fees, bring in manufacturing businesses, diversification
in residential /business /commercial, tourism, attract a call center type business, sewer
lines in the highlands, tax abatement program, develop a central business district or
lifestyle center near the riverfront, promoting diversity of businesses.
Adequate housing choices were discussed for all segments of the community. Key
issues are apartments, townhouses, choices, price ranges, specialize housing for senior
citizens. Demographic breakdowns will help to determine the housing needs of the
community. Inquiries about senior housing and in -law apartments have been on the rise.
Ms. Grohall explained that in -law apartments are allowed in the larger residential zoning
districts under a conditional use application but are not allowed within the highlands.
Looking at mixed use projects is also advisable. Encourage all types of mobility such as
golf carts, bicycles, bus etc.
Prior to a brief wrap -up of all items discussed, Mr. Schaad gave his contact information.
His phone number is 561 972 -8147 and e-mail address is bschaad @outlierplanning.com
Ms. Zacarias thanked everyone for their input and listed the main issues discussed.
1. Job creation, diversity, tourism
2. Sustainable, controlled growth and keeping the community character
3. Green and clean industry
4. Traffic and transportation in proximity to 1 -95
5. Housing alternative housing choices
6. Affordability
Chmn. Paul adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m.
(sbl 4/1/2010)