B. Privately Initiated Text Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to amend the Future Land Use Element related to Private Group Use and creation of a new Cultural Institution District. Ordinance Nos. 005-2024 and 006-2024.
Public Comment, Town of Palm Beach Admin
admin
about 1 year ago
Received via email 3.4.24:
To the Mayor and Town Council of Palm Beach:
We reside in Palm Beach, at 190 Via Palma.
Since beginning our visits to Palm Beach, 20 years ago, and especially, living here as residents since 2012, the Four Arts has been an important part of our lives. As Trustees of The Four Arts, we are very familiar with the Cultural Zoning proposal for the Four Arts, and the Master Plan, to renovate and improve the Four Arts Campus.
It clearly makes no sense to continue to designate the Four Arts Campus, as a Residential Zone. Such a designation was an error, from the beginning, and needs to be rectified. It is also our hope that the current Town Council members, as well as the two candidates for Town Council, have studied the proposed Master Plan, and agree with the needed improvements.
Miranda & Robert Donnelley Sent from my iPad
Received via email 3.4.24:
We hope you are in favor of the Cultural District designation for the Four Arts, and the Master Plan for renovation and improvements at the Four Arts. Please note that these proposals are not going towards residential or commercial development, but towards changes needed to accomplish increased safety at the Children’s Library, & certification from the American Association of Museums, so that we can continue to bring art exhibits to the Four Arts Gallery.
Miranda & Robert Donnelley
190 Via Palma
Palm Beach
Received via email 3.4.24:
Dear Mayor and Town Council Members,
I am writing in support of the proposed cultural institution zoning district.
Before I attended the presentation at the Four Art this morning, I was unaware of the degree to which the Society of the Four Arts is town serving. Further, I did not realize the legal costs born by the town as a result of granting a variance. such as the series of variances required for the Recreation Center because of its residential zoning status.
Thank you for your continued due diligence in evaluating all matters coming before the Council.
Best regards,
Marsha Tanner Wilson
350 Cocoanut Row
Apartment 2A
Palm Beach, Fl 33480
Dear Mayor Moore & Members of Town Council:
I am pleased to share my strong support and encourage your approval of The Four Arts Masterplan to renovate and enhance its Campus, as well as creating appropriate zoning for a Cultural Zone instead of its current residential. The creation of the proposed zoning district alleviates future density concerns by prohibiting what is now allowable development of new houses in these zones.
The noble mission of the Four Arts will be significantly enhanced to support its educational and cultural offerings for the benefit all town residents.
These improvements will create a more secure and modem Children's Library, a much-needed modernization and functional backstage for the Gubelmann Auditorium and support spaces for the upgraded exhibition galleries, and many other things so all who attend the Four Arts' programs today will enjoy enhanced programming which may not be feasible in our current facilities.
For these reasons, and many more, I strongly encourage your support.
Sincerely,
James "Chip" DiPaula, Jr.
456 S Ocean Blvd
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 3.4.24:
Dear Mayor Moore and Town Council:
I am writing to inform you that after careful consideration, the Trustees of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum support the Four Arts’ desire to see a Cultural Institutions Zoning District established.
The Four Arts has been a wonderful asset to the Town in a great many ways and no doubt will continue to be. Establishing a Cultural Institutions Zoning District would minimize a great many issues that result from the Four Arts being zoned residential, while protecting the Town from appearing to grant variances and special exceptions that it should not grant to other properties zoned residential.
Best wishes,
Kelly M. Hopkins
Received via email 3.4.24:
Dear Mayor and Town Council of Palm Beach,
We reside in Palm Beach, at 259 Pendleton Avenue and are Board Members of the Four Arts and support the renovation of the campus and believe it crucial to the future of the organization to change the zoning from residential to cultural.
Programs offered by the Four Arts are the main reason why we chose to acquire property here.
We know that the benefits to the Four Atis will be many-a more secure and modem Children's Library, a backstage for the Gubelmann Auditorium and support spaces for the upgraded exhibition galleries, and many other things which will mean that all those who attend the Four Arts' programs today will enjoy enhanced programming in an enhanced ambience in the future.
We strongly suppoti the renovation and property improvements as well as the zoning change.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely Yours,
Thomas and Judith Iovino
Received via email 2.22.24:
Dear Town Council,
Palm Beach Day Academy and the Four Arts have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership based on our shared values and physical proximity. The organization is a valuable resource for town residents AND the happy children who flock to its amazing Children's library.
After closely reviewing the plans for the Four Arts future renovations and discussing in length their desire to create a new Cultural Institutions Zone, Palm Beach Day Academy enthusiastically supports both endeavors. We think that such a move is beneficial to both the Society and the Flagler Museum, another gem in the crowded crown jewel of Palm Beach's flourishing cultural and educational landscape.
Please take note of our complete support for the Four Arts Society and their plans to renovate and create a new CI Zone in Palm Beach.
Sincerely,
Fanning Hearon
Fanning M. Hearon III
Head of School
Palm Beach Day Academy
241 Seaview Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 2.27.24:
Proposed Cultural Institution Zoning District
Honorable Mayor and Town Council:
My wife Hindel and I along with our 9 children reside at 400 Seaspray Avenue. We have been residents of town of Palm Beach for 17 years and for the last 7 years we’ve been living around the corner of the Four Arts. In addition to the Society of the Four Arts children’s library that our children visit very often, we avail ourselves of the plethora of high quality presentations there.
Over the years Hindel has been privileged to remain involved with this worthy institution as a presenter in the King Library and, on behalf of the Gary & Mona Davis Daled Arts program and the Silverman Alef Preschool, we have hosted many children’s events and story time programs there and can appreciate the diversity and dedication of the Society of the Four Arts to the whole of the community.
I am writing to you in support of the Society of the Four Arts proposed zoning and comprehensive plan changes to create a Cultural Institution zoning district.
These zoning changes will allow this very important cultural institution to serve our beautiful community of the Town of Palm Beach.
Shalom,
Rabbi Zalman Levitin
Received via email 2.29.24:
Dear Mayor Danielle Moore and Town Council,
As a neighbor of the Society of the Four Arts, the ownership of 450 Royal Palm Way supports the creation of the cultural zoning designation that the Fours Arts is seeking and their renovation plans.
The Four Arts is a tremendously town serving institution and their renovation plan only enhances the quality of programming that the public can enjoy. To facilitate these plans and to enable the zoning code to appropriately serve the town and cultural institutions, the Cultural Zoning Designation should move forward. The code should acknowledge that the Four Arts and the Flagler Museum, that this designation would apply to, are cultural campuses and not just non conforming uses within a residential designation.
As a neighbor on Royal Palm Way, we are confident that the Town and the Four Arts will come together on the renovation plan to enhance the landscape and historic structures that make the Four Arts and our Town so wonderful.
Sincerely,
Christopher Vecellio
Manager
450 Royal Palm Way LLC
Received via email 3.1.24:
To the Town Council and the Mayor,
I am writing to express and confirm my adamant opposition to the proposed rezoning and development of the parking lot behind the Wells Fargo Bank on County Road. I object to many aspects of this development, specifically:
1) The zoning change to PUD. This should absolutely not be allowed, it is unprecedented and unreasonable for this town and site.
2) This development proposes way too many residences which are too densely concentrated on this site.
3) The single family homes have no setbacks as required of all other properties in this area.
4) Consequently, the proposed single-family homes and the other residences have absolutely no green space. For any development proposed for this site there must be a landscaped buffer zone of at least 14 feet along the backs of the properties that line the south side of Seaview Avenue.
5) All of the proposed structures are too high. The proposed 3 stories are really 4, who are they kidding!
6) There should be no underground parking as this is ecologically disastrous.
7) There should be no additional height or stories added to any of the existing buildings. The lights from the bank buildings are already a nuisance at night.
8) Demolition of the existing former residence known as the Gunster Building on Royal Palm Way should not be allowed.
9) No access should be allowed onto or from Seaview Avenue. All access should be from South Ocean Blvd or Royal Palm Way.
I object also to the zoning change asked for by the Society of the Four Arts. They say that they don't want to build a four-story building on their site today, but what about tomorrow? What really are their plans? Is this another bait and switch scheme? We have seen these deceptive tactics before. The developers ask for far more than they know they should get and then pretend that they are “settling” for a much reduced scheme that still has variances and exceptions attached to it that shouldn’t have been allowed in the first place. Or, as in the case of the Four Arts, they request a zoning change so they can claim to remedy an illegal situation. Ha! The changes that they envision could also drastically change the way Palm Beach looks in the future and undoubtedly will add to the already extremely strained traffic situation and detract from our quality of life by bringing even more congestion and illegal parking to our streets.
I am a long-term home owner on Seaview Avenue, 47 years. I am a Palm Beach County native, born in the Good Samaritan Hospital. So, as you can imagine, I have seen enormous changes in Palm Beach over the years. It is staggering, mind boggling! This narrow barrier island is already operating beyond capacity: Too many people and way too much traffic for this small town. The new bank development will simply make matters unbearable, impacting my quality of life and diminishing the value of my home. Not to mention that the construction of this project will drag on for years, bringing noise, dust, and dirt to my doorstep nonstop.
I realize that the development of the bank parking lot is probably inevitable, but something along the lines of Phipps Plaza or a park would be more in keeping with the site. Historically, the north side of the ocean block of Royal Palm Way was single family residences and should not be rezoned, and neither should the Four Arts property. No rezoning!
Please consider the residents of the town you serve and preserve their health, safety, and happiness!
Thank you,
Ann Jackson
Received via email 3.1.24:
To the Palm Beach Planning and Zoning Commission:
Our neighbors, The Four Arts has been an essential gift to our Palm Beach Island Community for many years.
We support their proposed zoning and comprehensive plan change that would create a new Cultural Institution zoning district that would help and support The Society of the Four Arts.
Garrison duP. Lickle | Vice Chairman
Chilton Trust
396 Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 2.28.24:
Subject: The Society of Four Arts Zoning Proposal
Dear Mayor and Town Council of Palm Beach,
As longtime residents of Palm Beach and members of The Society of Four Arts, we are writing to express our full support of the Four Arts proposal to rezone its campus from a residential to a cultural zone. This critical step will allow Four Arts to move forward with their Masterplan to renovate and improve its Campus.
The Masterplan includes significant improvements that will ensure a safer environment for their Children's Library, upgrade the Gubelmann auditorium to create a backstage and support areas that do not currently exist, as well as many more needed improvements. These improvements will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for all those who attend the Four Arts programs.
We encourage the Town Council to amend its zoning regulations as the Four Arts plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, education and community engagement. By transforming to a cultural zone, the Town Council will not only enrich our cultural heritage but also guarantee access to high-quality arts and educational programs for future generations, building upon the legacy of a cultural institution that has served our community for over 90 years.
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
David & Jennifer Fischer
Received via email 2.21.24:
Dear Members of the Commission,
As a resident, taxpayer, and a member and trustee of The Society of the Four Arts, I write in support of the application by the Four Arts for the creation of a Cultural Institution Zone to replace the single-family residential zone.
It is totally inconsistent and inappropriate for institutions like The Society of the Four Arts and The Flagler Museum to be in a single-family residential zone. I encourage the Commission to take logical action and create a Cultural Institution Zone for The Society of the Four Arts.
Respectfully yours,
Howard H. Leach
Received via email 2.29.24:
RE: SOCIETY OF THE FOUR ARTS RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PLAN
Dear Mayor and Town Council:
Palm Beach Public Elementary is an adjacent neighbor of the Society of the Four Arts (“Four Arts”) and has been since our current school facility was constructed two decades ago. Our prior school facility was also adjacent to the Four Arts campus for almost seven decades and, in fact, is now part of the Four Arts campus. Thus, we have been neighbors with Four Arts for approximately nine decades. We are enthusiastic supporters of Four Arts and appreciate their long-term cooperative relationship with our school, faculty, students, and neighborhood.
Together with the School District’s Planning & Intergovernmental Relations Director, we have reviewed the proposed renovation and expansion plans for the Rovensky Building and the O’Keefe Building and we are in full support of Four Arts’ proposed renovation and expansion plans for these two buildings. We have also reviewed the plans for the proposed Cultural Institution zoning district and are in full support of this proposal as well.
Our school benefits greatly from our proximity to Four Arts, with our students making multiple field trips each year to the Children’s Library, the Hulitar Garden, and the Four Arts’ other wonderful facilities. We are grateful to have these programs located across the street from our school and provided to our students for free. As you may know, our school facility is small and the Four Arts facilities and programs serve as an extension of our school. Further, Four Arts also provides parking for our teachers, school special events, and parent drop-off and pick-up, which greatly benefits the entire neighborhood.
As such, we urge your positive support of both of the Four Arts proposals.
Sincerely,
Christie Schwab, Principal
CC: Valerie Zuloaga-Haines, Regional Superintendent
Received via email 2.20.24:
Re: Proposed Cultural Institution Zoning District
Dear Planning and Zoning Commission:
My name is Dotsy Letts and I have been a resident of Palm Beach for over 85 years and living at 419 Seaview Avenue, a home I purchased with my husband, The late Hon. Gavin Letts, in 1960. As a consequence, I have been a neighbor of the Society of the Four Arts (“Four Arts”) since 1960 and am the longest standing member of the Four Arts, having joined in 1940. During this time, the Four Arts has been a wonderful and collaborative neighbor.
I am writing to you in support of the Four Arts’ proposed zoning and comprehensive plan changes to create a Cultural Institution zoning district.
The Four Arts has served the Town of Palm Beach for almost 90 years. It is perhaps the most “town-serving” organization in the Town, providing best-in-class, diverse cultural offerings for free or a very nominal cost. It is one of the Town’s greatest assets.
When the Town Zoning Code was created about 40 years ago, the Four Arts was inexplicably placed in the R-B zoning district, which is a zoning district for single-family homes. The same R-B zoning district was also imposed upon the Flagler Museum, a house that has stood in its current location for 122 years and is equally town-serving. Both cultural institutions are non-conforming with R-B zoning and are required to obtain numerous variances every time either institution has a building or renovation project. This creates both unnecessary expense and unfair risk to both.
Both institutions have endured years of unnecessary hardship being subjected to zoning provisions that clearly should not apply to them. Both institutions should be in a cultural zoning district that is appropriately tailored to the unique uses and functions of cultural institutions.
The Four Arts’ proposed $120 million+ campaign to renovate and modernize the Rovensky and O’Keefe buildings cannot be accomplished under the R-B regulations, even with significant variances. The time has come to do what should have been done 40 years ago – create a Cultural Institution zoning district and place the Four Arts and the Flagler Museum in this new and appropriate zoning district.
The creation of appropriate zoning rules for these types of uses is in line with almost all other communities in the nation.
The creation of the Cultural Institution zoning district will foreclose the opportunity for homeowners in the R-B zoning district to attempt to avail themselves of any greater development capacity that the Town might have granted to the Four Arts or the Flagler Museum through special exceptions or variances. Thus, the public benefit of this new zoning district is twofold.
The Four Arts and the Flagler Museum are both offering to voluntarily downzone themselves, giving up their right to build dozens of homes on their campuses (which they can both do by right today) to forever be cultural institutions - serving us. This is a gift to the entire Town. We should be doing anything we can to assist them in this effort and express our gratitude for their deep commitment to making Palm Beach special.
I appreciate the proactive approach that the Town is taking to making our zoning code meet our current and future needs.
Sincerely,
Dotsy Letts
Cc: Sophia Letts, who also supports the proposed Cultural Institution zoning district, as the direct beneficiary of 419 Seaview Avenue and a member of the Four Arts.
Dotsy Letts
419 Seaview Ave.
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 3.1.24:
To: Palm Beach Town Council et al,
My wife, Sondra and I live at 958 North Lake Way, PB. The Four Arts is a wonderful and unique organization in Palm Beach and we continually enjoy its programs and events ·and its positive cultural impact on the community.
Since The Four Arts was zoned incorrectly 45 years ago, it must spend time and money on variances in order to expand or improve its facilities only because it is in the R-B Zoning District
The current proposed renovation and expansion of the Rovensky and O'Keeffe buildings would be best supported by rezoning The Four Arts to a Cultural Institution Zoning District as it is essential for carrying out the building improvements which will increase the distinctiveness and value of The Society of the 4 Arts.
Other positive outcomes would be made possible by this rezoning such as alleviating future density concerns as the Cultural Institutional Zoning would prohibit development of new houses within its borders.
Sondra and I support the creation of the new district and the expansion and improvement of the buildings and urge your support of both so that the Four Arts can continue its incredible service to our Town."
Respectfully submitted,
David S. Mack
DSM:dd
Sondra and David S. Maclt
958 North. Laite Way
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 3.4.24:
To the Mayor and Town Council of Palm Beach:
We reside in Palm Beach, at 190 Via Palma.
Since beginning our visits to Palm Beach, 20 years ago, and especially, living here as residents since 2012, the Four Arts has been an important part of our lives. As Trustees of The Four Arts, we are very familiar with the Cultural Zoning proposal for the Four Arts, and the Master Plan, to renovate and improve the Four Arts Campus.
It clearly makes no sense to continue to designate the Four Arts Campus, as a Residential Zone. Such a designation was an error, from the beginning, and needs to be rectified. It is also our hope that the current Town Council members, as well as the two candidates for Town Council, have studied the proposed Master Plan, and agree with the needed improvements.
Miranda & Robert Donnelley Sent from my iPad
Received via email 3.4.24:
We hope you are in favor of the Cultural District designation for the Four Arts, and the Master Plan for renovation and improvements at the Four Arts. Please note that these proposals are not going towards residential or commercial development, but towards changes needed to accomplish increased safety at the Children’s Library, & certification from the American Association of Museums, so that we can continue to bring art exhibits to the Four Arts Gallery.
Miranda & Robert Donnelley
190 Via Palma
Palm Beach
Received via email 3.4.24:
Dear Mayor and Town Council Members,
I am writing in support of the proposed cultural institution zoning district.
Before I attended the presentation at the Four Art this morning, I was unaware of the degree to which the Society of the Four Arts is town serving. Further, I did not realize the legal costs born by the town as a result of granting a variance. such as the series of variances required for the Recreation Center because of its residential zoning status.
Thank you for your continued due diligence in evaluating all matters coming before the Council.
Best regards,
Marsha Tanner Wilson
350 Cocoanut Row
Apartment 2A
Palm Beach, Fl 33480
Dear Mayor Moore & Members of Town Council:
I am pleased to share my strong support and encourage your approval of The Four Arts Masterplan to renovate and enhance its Campus, as well as creating appropriate zoning for a Cultural Zone instead of its current residential. The creation of the proposed zoning district alleviates future density concerns by prohibiting what is now allowable development of new houses in these zones.
The noble mission of the Four Arts will be significantly enhanced to support its educational and cultural offerings for the benefit all town residents.
These improvements will create a more secure and modem Children's Library, a much-needed modernization and functional backstage for the Gubelmann Auditorium and support spaces for the upgraded exhibition galleries, and many other things so all who attend the Four Arts' programs today will enjoy enhanced programming which may not be feasible in our current facilities.
For these reasons, and many more, I strongly encourage your support.
Sincerely,
James "Chip" DiPaula, Jr.
456 S Ocean Blvd
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 3.4.24:
Dear Mayor Moore and Town Council:
I am writing to inform you that after careful consideration, the Trustees of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum support the Four Arts’ desire to see a Cultural Institutions Zoning District established.
The Four Arts has been a wonderful asset to the Town in a great many ways and no doubt will continue to be. Establishing a Cultural Institutions Zoning District would minimize a great many issues that result from the Four Arts being zoned residential, while protecting the Town from appearing to grant variances and special exceptions that it should not grant to other properties zoned residential.
Best wishes,
Kelly M. Hopkins
Received via email 3.4.24:
Dear Mayor and Town Council of Palm Beach,
We reside in Palm Beach, at 259 Pendleton Avenue and are Board Members of the Four Arts and support the renovation of the campus and believe it crucial to the future of the organization to change the zoning from residential to cultural.
Programs offered by the Four Arts are the main reason why we chose to acquire property here.
We know that the benefits to the Four Atis will be many-a more secure and modem Children's Library, a backstage for the Gubelmann Auditorium and support spaces for the upgraded exhibition galleries, and many other things which will mean that all those who attend the Four Arts' programs today will enjoy enhanced programming in an enhanced ambience in the future.
We strongly suppoti the renovation and property improvements as well as the zoning change.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely Yours,
Thomas and Judith Iovino
Received via email 2.22.24:
Dear Town Council,
Palm Beach Day Academy and the Four Arts have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership based on our shared values and physical proximity. The organization is a valuable resource for town residents AND the happy children who flock to its amazing Children's library.
After closely reviewing the plans for the Four Arts future renovations and discussing in length their desire to create a new Cultural Institutions Zone, Palm Beach Day Academy enthusiastically supports both endeavors. We think that such a move is beneficial to both the Society and the Flagler Museum, another gem in the crowded crown jewel of Palm Beach's flourishing cultural and educational landscape.
Please take note of our complete support for the Four Arts Society and their plans to renovate and create a new CI Zone in Palm Beach.
Sincerely,
Fanning Hearon
Fanning M. Hearon III
Head of School
Palm Beach Day Academy
241 Seaview Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 2.27.24:
Proposed Cultural Institution Zoning District
Honorable Mayor and Town Council:
My wife Hindel and I along with our 9 children reside at 400 Seaspray Avenue. We have been residents of town of Palm Beach for 17 years and for the last 7 years we’ve been living around the corner of the Four Arts. In addition to the Society of the Four Arts children’s library that our children visit very often, we avail ourselves of the plethora of high quality presentations there.
Over the years Hindel has been privileged to remain involved with this worthy institution as a presenter in the King Library and, on behalf of the Gary & Mona Davis Daled Arts program and the Silverman Alef Preschool, we have hosted many children’s events and story time programs there and can appreciate the diversity and dedication of the Society of the Four Arts to the whole of the community.
I am writing to you in support of the Society of the Four Arts proposed zoning and comprehensive plan changes to create a Cultural Institution zoning district.
These zoning changes will allow this very important cultural institution to serve our beautiful community of the Town of Palm Beach.
Shalom,
Rabbi Zalman Levitin
Received via email 2.29.24:
Dear Mayor Danielle Moore and Town Council,
As a neighbor of the Society of the Four Arts, the ownership of 450 Royal Palm Way supports the creation of the cultural zoning designation that the Fours Arts is seeking and their renovation plans.
The Four Arts is a tremendously town serving institution and their renovation plan only enhances the quality of programming that the public can enjoy. To facilitate these plans and to enable the zoning code to appropriately serve the town and cultural institutions, the Cultural Zoning Designation should move forward. The code should acknowledge that the Four Arts and the Flagler Museum, that this designation would apply to, are cultural campuses and not just non conforming uses within a residential designation.
As a neighbor on Royal Palm Way, we are confident that the Town and the Four Arts will come together on the renovation plan to enhance the landscape and historic structures that make the Four Arts and our Town so wonderful.
Sincerely,
Christopher Vecellio
Manager
450 Royal Palm Way LLC
Received via email 3.1.24:
To the Town Council and the Mayor,
I am writing to express and confirm my adamant opposition to the proposed rezoning and development of the parking lot behind the Wells Fargo Bank on County Road. I object to many aspects of this development, specifically:
1) The zoning change to PUD. This should absolutely not be allowed, it is unprecedented and unreasonable for this town and site.
2) This development proposes way too many residences which are too densely concentrated on this site.
3) The single family homes have no setbacks as required of all other properties in this area.
4) Consequently, the proposed single-family homes and the other residences have absolutely no green space. For any development proposed for this site there must be a landscaped buffer zone of at least 14 feet along the backs of the properties that line the south side of Seaview Avenue.
5) All of the proposed structures are too high. The proposed 3 stories are really 4, who are they kidding!
6) There should be no underground parking as this is ecologically disastrous.
7) There should be no additional height or stories added to any of the existing buildings. The lights from the bank buildings are already a nuisance at night.
8) Demolition of the existing former residence known as the Gunster Building on Royal Palm Way should not be allowed.
9) No access should be allowed onto or from Seaview Avenue. All access should be from South Ocean Blvd or Royal Palm Way.
I object also to the zoning change asked for by the Society of the Four Arts. They say that they don't want to build a four-story building on their site today, but what about tomorrow? What really are their plans? Is this another bait and switch scheme? We have seen these deceptive tactics before. The developers ask for far more than they know they should get and then pretend that they are “settling” for a much reduced scheme that still has variances and exceptions attached to it that shouldn’t have been allowed in the first place. Or, as in the case of the Four Arts, they request a zoning change so they can claim to remedy an illegal situation. Ha! The changes that they envision could also drastically change the way Palm Beach looks in the future and undoubtedly will add to the already extremely strained traffic situation and detract from our quality of life by bringing even more congestion and illegal parking to our streets.
I am a long-term home owner on Seaview Avenue, 47 years. I am a Palm Beach County native, born in the Good Samaritan Hospital. So, as you can imagine, I have seen enormous changes in Palm Beach over the years. It is staggering, mind boggling! This narrow barrier island is already operating beyond capacity: Too many people and way too much traffic for this small town. The new bank development will simply make matters unbearable, impacting my quality of life and diminishing the value of my home. Not to mention that the construction of this project will drag on for years, bringing noise, dust, and dirt to my doorstep nonstop.
I realize that the development of the bank parking lot is probably inevitable, but something along the lines of Phipps Plaza or a park would be more in keeping with the site. Historically, the north side of the ocean block of Royal Palm Way was single family residences and should not be rezoned, and neither should the Four Arts property. No rezoning!
Please consider the residents of the town you serve and preserve their health, safety, and happiness!
Thank you,
Ann Jackson
Received via email 3.1.24:
To the Palm Beach Planning and Zoning Commission:
Our neighbors, The Four Arts has been an essential gift to our Palm Beach Island Community for many years.
We support their proposed zoning and comprehensive plan change that would create a new Cultural Institution zoning district that would help and support The Society of the Four Arts.
Garrison duP. Lickle | Vice Chairman
Chilton Trust
396 Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 2.28.24:
Subject: The Society of Four Arts Zoning Proposal
Dear Mayor and Town Council of Palm Beach,
As longtime residents of Palm Beach and members of The Society of Four Arts, we are writing to express our full support of the Four Arts proposal to rezone its campus from a residential to a cultural zone. This critical step will allow Four Arts to move forward with their Masterplan to renovate and improve its Campus.
The Masterplan includes significant improvements that will ensure a safer environment for their Children's Library, upgrade the Gubelmann auditorium to create a backstage and support areas that do not currently exist, as well as many more needed improvements. These improvements will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for all those who attend the Four Arts programs.
We encourage the Town Council to amend its zoning regulations as the Four Arts plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, education and community engagement. By transforming to a cultural zone, the Town Council will not only enrich our cultural heritage but also guarantee access to high-quality arts and educational programs for future generations, building upon the legacy of a cultural institution that has served our community for over 90 years.
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
David & Jennifer Fischer
Received via email 2.21.24:
Dear Members of the Commission,
As a resident, taxpayer, and a member and trustee of The Society of the Four Arts, I write in support of the application by the Four Arts for the creation of a Cultural Institution Zone to replace the single-family residential zone.
It is totally inconsistent and inappropriate for institutions like The Society of the Four Arts and The Flagler Museum to be in a single-family residential zone. I encourage the Commission to take logical action and create a Cultural Institution Zone for The Society of the Four Arts.
Respectfully yours,
Howard H. Leach
Received via email 2.29.24:
RE: SOCIETY OF THE FOUR ARTS RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PLAN
Dear Mayor and Town Council:
Palm Beach Public Elementary is an adjacent neighbor of the Society of the Four Arts (“Four Arts”) and has been since our current school facility was constructed two decades ago. Our prior school facility was also adjacent to the Four Arts campus for almost seven decades and, in fact, is now part of the Four Arts campus. Thus, we have been neighbors with Four Arts for approximately nine decades. We are enthusiastic supporters of Four Arts and appreciate their long-term cooperative relationship with our school, faculty, students, and neighborhood.
Together with the School District’s Planning & Intergovernmental Relations Director, we have reviewed the proposed renovation and expansion plans for the Rovensky Building and the O’Keefe Building and we are in full support of Four Arts’ proposed renovation and expansion plans for these two buildings. We have also reviewed the plans for the proposed Cultural Institution zoning district and are in full support of this proposal as well.
Our school benefits greatly from our proximity to Four Arts, with our students making multiple field trips each year to the Children’s Library, the Hulitar Garden, and the Four Arts’ other wonderful facilities. We are grateful to have these programs located across the street from our school and provided to our students for free. As you may know, our school facility is small and the Four Arts facilities and programs serve as an extension of our school. Further, Four Arts also provides parking for our teachers, school special events, and parent drop-off and pick-up, which greatly benefits the entire neighborhood.
As such, we urge your positive support of both of the Four Arts proposals.
Sincerely,
Christie Schwab, Principal
CC: Valerie Zuloaga-Haines, Regional Superintendent
Received via email 2.20.24:
Re: Proposed Cultural Institution Zoning District
Dear Planning and Zoning Commission:
My name is Dotsy Letts and I have been a resident of Palm Beach for over 85 years and living at 419 Seaview Avenue, a home I purchased with my husband, The late Hon. Gavin Letts, in 1960. As a consequence, I have been a neighbor of the Society of the Four Arts (“Four Arts”) since 1960 and am the longest standing member of the Four Arts, having joined in 1940. During this time, the Four Arts has been a wonderful and collaborative neighbor.
I am writing to you in support of the Four Arts’ proposed zoning and comprehensive plan changes to create a Cultural Institution zoning district.
The Four Arts has served the Town of Palm Beach for almost 90 years. It is perhaps the most “town-serving” organization in the Town, providing best-in-class, diverse cultural offerings for free or a very nominal cost. It is one of the Town’s greatest assets.
When the Town Zoning Code was created about 40 years ago, the Four Arts was inexplicably placed in the R-B zoning district, which is a zoning district for single-family homes. The same R-B zoning district was also imposed upon the Flagler Museum, a house that has stood in its current location for 122 years and is equally town-serving. Both cultural institutions are non-conforming with R-B zoning and are required to obtain numerous variances every time either institution has a building or renovation project. This creates both unnecessary expense and unfair risk to both.
Both institutions have endured years of unnecessary hardship being subjected to zoning provisions that clearly should not apply to them. Both institutions should be in a cultural zoning district that is appropriately tailored to the unique uses and functions of cultural institutions.
The Four Arts’ proposed $120 million+ campaign to renovate and modernize the Rovensky and O’Keefe buildings cannot be accomplished under the R-B regulations, even with significant variances. The time has come to do what should have been done 40 years ago – create a Cultural Institution zoning district and place the Four Arts and the Flagler Museum in this new and appropriate zoning district.
The creation of appropriate zoning rules for these types of uses is in line with almost all other communities in the nation.
The creation of the Cultural Institution zoning district will foreclose the opportunity for homeowners in the R-B zoning district to attempt to avail themselves of any greater development capacity that the Town might have granted to the Four Arts or the Flagler Museum through special exceptions or variances. Thus, the public benefit of this new zoning district is twofold.
The Four Arts and the Flagler Museum are both offering to voluntarily downzone themselves, giving up their right to build dozens of homes on their campuses (which they can both do by right today) to forever be cultural institutions - serving us. This is a gift to the entire Town. We should be doing anything we can to assist them in this effort and express our gratitude for their deep commitment to making Palm Beach special.
I appreciate the proactive approach that the Town is taking to making our zoning code meet our current and future needs.
Sincerely,
Dotsy Letts
Cc: Sophia Letts, who also supports the proposed Cultural Institution zoning district, as the direct beneficiary of 419 Seaview Avenue and a member of the Four Arts.
Dotsy Letts
419 Seaview Ave.
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Received via email 3.1.24:
To: Palm Beach Town Council et al,
My wife, Sondra and I live at 958 North Lake Way, PB. The Four Arts is a wonderful and unique organization in Palm Beach and we continually enjoy its programs and events ·and its positive cultural impact on the community.
Since The Four Arts was zoned incorrectly 45 years ago, it must spend time and money on variances in order to expand or improve its facilities only because it is in the R-B Zoning District
The current proposed renovation and expansion of the Rovensky and O'Keeffe buildings would be best supported by rezoning The Four Arts to a Cultural Institution Zoning District as it is essential for carrying out the building improvements which will increase the distinctiveness and value of The Society of the 4 Arts.
Other positive outcomes would be made possible by this rezoning such as alleviating future density concerns as the Cultural Institutional Zoning would prohibit development of new houses within its borders.
Sondra and I support the creation of the new district and the expansion and improvement of the buildings and urge your support of both so that the Four Arts can continue its incredible service to our Town."
Respectfully submitted,
David S. Mack
DSM:dd
Sondra and David S. Maclt
958 North. Laite Way
Palm Beach, FL 33480