Public Comment, Town of Palm Beach Admin
admin
12 months ago
Received via email 4.22.24:
Dear Town of Palm Beach Planning and Zoning Commission:
In reaction to the presentation by your consultant, ZoneCo, on April 2, 2024, we wanted to submit our thoughts regarding the South End from 2000 to 3475 South Ocean Boulevard. While we appreciate the desire to modernize and streamline the zoning code, there appears to be a major disconnect between the consultant's viewpoint (and likely the department staff that have been working with them for some time) and the residents/citizens. As you move forward, we ask you to consider the following:
1) Do not undertake changes that would in any way increase density or intensity or allow for new development to adversely impact neighboring buildings, including view corridors.
2) Bear in mind that traffic conditions have worsened meaningfully over the past few years and that any opportunity to tighten development requirements could mitigate this terrible trend.
3) Take into careful consideration the impact on the Coastal Construction Line (CCL) with setbacks and the coastal and Intracoastal impacts of climate change with projected increased frequency and intensity of weather events, rising sea and lagoon levels and rising water table levels all allowing for less rain water and runoff absorption. Just because FEMA mandates higher building start points does not mean the total building height should increase. Perhaps you should consider fewer stories.
4) Calculate short and long-term impacts on the Town's public works infrastructure, specifically storm drainage and property runoff. The impact of flooding on runoff/erosion and drainage cannot be underestimated. The risk of future underground, and below sea level parking garages and tunnels, will add increased demands on the Town's infrastructure and possibly weaken the existing limestone bedrock, which are serious matters.
5) Do not entertain the idea of private or public pools and rooftop gathering areas. This notion would be a disaster for neighboring buildings in terms of safety from projectiles in heavy winds and disruption from noise and other nuisances.
6) Recognize that most of the buildings in the South End are investing millions and millions of dollars to come into compliance and shore up their infrastructures which will benefit all of us for decades to come. Development in the South End will be very limited and site specific.
7) Recognize that the citizens of the South End do not want their neighborhood to become like Miami Beach, South Beach, West Palm Beach, Singer Island, et al. The spacious feel and serenity of the area is cherished.
The April 2nd presentation was unnerving and on short notice. Summer is coming and we hope you can provide more advance warning as you continue your deliberations.
Sincerely,
The 2770 Board of Directors
Cc: Town of Palm Beach Council, Mayor, and South End Neighbors
Received via email 4.22.24:
Dear Town of Palm Beach Planning and Zoning Commission:
In reaction to the presentation by your consultant, ZoneCo, on April 2, 2024, we wanted to submit our thoughts regarding the South End from 2000 to 3475 South Ocean Boulevard. While we appreciate the desire to modernize and streamline the zoning code, there appears to be a major disconnect between the consultant's viewpoint (and likely the department staff that have been working with them for some time) and the residents/citizens. As you move forward, we ask you to consider the following:
1) Do not undertake changes that would in any way increase density or intensity or allow for new development to adversely impact neighboring buildings, including view corridors.
2) Bear in mind that traffic conditions have worsened meaningfully over the past few years and that any opportunity to tighten development requirements could mitigate this terrible trend.
3) Take into careful consideration the impact on the Coastal Construction Line (CCL) with setbacks and the coastal and Intracoastal impacts of climate change with projected increased frequency and intensity of weather events, rising sea and lagoon levels and rising water table levels all allowing for less rain water and runoff absorption. Just because FEMA mandates higher building start points does not mean the total building height should increase. Perhaps you should consider fewer stories.
4) Calculate short and long-term impacts on the Town's public works infrastructure, specifically storm drainage and property runoff. The impact of flooding on runoff/erosion and drainage cannot be underestimated. The risk of future underground, and below sea level parking garages and tunnels, will add increased demands on the Town's infrastructure and possibly weaken the existing limestone bedrock, which are serious matters.
5) Do not entertain the idea of private or public pools and rooftop gathering areas. This notion would be a disaster for neighboring buildings in terms of safety from projectiles in heavy winds and disruption from noise and other nuisances.
6) Recognize that most of the buildings in the South End are investing millions and millions of dollars to come into compliance and shore up their infrastructures which will benefit all of us for decades to come. Development in the South End will be very limited and site specific.
7) Recognize that the citizens of the South End do not want their neighborhood to become like Miami Beach, South Beach, West Palm Beach, Singer Island, et al. The spacious feel and serenity of the area is cherished.
The April 2nd presentation was unnerving and on short notice. Summer is coming and we hope you can provide more advance warning as you continue your deliberations.
Sincerely,
The 2770 Board of Directors
Cc: Town of Palm Beach Council, Mayor, and South End Neighbors