08/15/2017 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 15, 2017
Present: Acting Chair David E. Allbritton, Board Member Christopher J. Anuszkiewicz,
Board Member Mary A. Lau, Board Member John Quattrocki, Acting Board Member
Reed Haydon
Absent: Chair John Funk, Vice Chair Michael Boutzoukas, Board Member Mike Flanery
Also Present: Jay Daigneault - Attorney for the Board, Camilo Soto - Assistant City
Attorney, Michael L. Delk - Planning & Development Director, Patricia O. Sullivan -
Board Reporter
A. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Acting Chair Allbritton called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by
the Pledge of Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
B. ROLL CALL:
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: July 18, 2017
Member Lau moved to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2017 Community
Development Board meeting as submitted in written summation. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
D. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD RE ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None.
E. CONSENT AGENDA: The following case is not contested by the applicant,
staff, neighboring property owners, etc. and will be approved by a single
vote at the beginning of the meeting: (Item 1)
1. Case: FLD2015-09034A— 1401 N. Belcher Road Level Two Application
Owner: Atmi Kurtishi
Applicant: David Ramsey, R&S Engineering and Construction (434 Skinner Blvd.,
Suite 105, Dunedin, FL 34698; phone: 727-409-4639; email:
davidf.ramsey(a)verizon.net)
Location: 2.029-acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Belcher Road
and the CSX railroad crossing
Community Development 8/15/2017 1
Request: The Community Development Board (CDB) is reviewing an increase in
building height for a previously approved ten-unit townhouse development in the
Low Density Residential (LDR) District for the property located at 1401 N. Belcher
Road. The project was previously approved at 30 feet in height and is now proposed
at 34 feet in height (Section 2-104.A).
Neighborhood Association: Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition
Presenter: Robert G. Tefft, Senior Planner
Member Lau moved to approve Case FLD2015-09034A on today's Consent Agenda
based on evidence in the record, including the application and the Staff Report, and
hereby adopt the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law stated in the Staff Report,
with conditions of approval as listed. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
F. LEVEL TWO APPLICATION (Item 11.
1. Case: FLD2017-05006 — 802 Woodlawn Street Level Two Application
826 Woodlawn Street; 830 Woodlawn Street; and 0 Woodlawn Loop
Owner: Woodlawn Church of God Trustees
Agent: Brianne Heffner, Southport Financial Services, Inc. (5403 West Gray Street,
Tampa, FL 33609; phone: 813-288-6988; email: bheffner(cDsp home.com)
Location: 7.97-acres on the north side of Woodlawn Street, approximately 685 feet
west of S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Request: The Community Development Board is reviewing a proposed 80 unit
attached dwelling use in the Medium Density Residential (MDR) District for the
property located at 802 Woodlawn Street, 826 Woodlawn Street, 830 Woodlawn
Street, and 0 Woodlawn Loop. The project is 27.6 feet in height (from existing grade
to mid-point of pitched roof), includes 177 off-street parking spaces and requests
allowable flexibility from maximum development potential from the affordable
housing density bonus incentive (Section 2-301.1 and Section 3-920).
Neighborhood Associations: Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition; Lake Bellevue
Neighborhood Association
Presenter: Kevin W. Nurnberger, Senior Planner
Valerie Ingram-Hinkley requested Party Status.
Member Anuszkiewicz moved to grant Valerie Ingram-Hinkley Party Status. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Lau moved to accept Kevin Nurnberger as an expert witness in the fields of
zoning, site plan analysis, planning in general, and the landscape ordinance. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Senior Planner Kevin Nurnberger reviewed the Staff Report.
Community Development 8/15/2017 2
Concerns were expressed that to mitigate the 2,366-inch tree deficit that will occur when
much of the tree canopy is removed, the developer proposed to contribute to the tree
bank rather than replanting trees, which costs 2 to 3 times more than the tree bank fee.
Code language cited promoted preservation and expansion of tree canopies and stated
when the community development coordinator determined there was not sufficient
space to replace the equivalent of all protected trees on-site, the remaining deficit shall
be met by paying a fee to the tree bank. It was stated the site appeared large enough
for robust mitigation; the proposal was inadequate.
Mr. Nurnberger said the developer met minimum standards. Assistant City Attorney
Camilo Soto said the project complied with Code.
It was indicated the project's tree mitigation plan did not meet the intent of the Code. It
was stated a contribution to the tree bank would not mitigate the loss of trees to the
neighborhood; the property had plenty of space to plant trees.
Planning & Development Director Michael Delk said the Board could take action if they
felt staff did not address mitigation adequately.
Applicant Peter Leach said this request for 1 additional unit was due to a small
discrepancy on the original survey that indicated the site had 8 acres. He said his
Florida Housing Finance Corporation application to construct 80 units of affordable
housing had won the award and the number of units could not be reduced after the new
survey; staff could approve only 79 units on a slightly smaller site. He said project
engineers were willing to increase the caliper size of planted trees and add plantings
with merit to the landscape. He said he was willing to plant more trees and larger trees.
Al Belluccia, representative for the applicant, said while the project focused on
preserving perimeter trees, they were willing to strike a better balance.
Party Status Holder Valerie Ingram-Hinkley said she represented neighbors who could
not attend. She said for 20 years she lived across from the large beautiful trees on the
subject property and was upset the neighborhood would lose them. She said the project
would surround her house and eliminate a beautiful oak canopy. She recommended the
developer plant more trees and replant the larger trees. She said her neighbors fought
against the project for years. She had concerns re drainage issues and decreasing the
size of the easement. She said the development did not fit in her neighborhood which
had 80 apartments nearby. She said the project would increase neighborhood crime
and traffic; motorists already drove on grass to avoid speed bumps. She requested the
board represent the community and deny the request.
In response to questions from Party Status Holder Ingram-Hinkley, Mr. Nurnberger said
the project would not increase density. Mr. Leach did not request a City density pool unit
Community Development 8/15/2017 3
until the new survey indicated the property was slightly too small for the 80 units
awarded by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Attorney for the Board Jay Daigneault said the City's traffic specialist had not testified
and could not be cross-examined as a witness.
Acting Member Haydon moved to allow Engineering Specialist II Bennet Elbo to be
cross-examined. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Anuszkiewicz moved to accept Bennett Elbo as an expert witness in the fields
of traffic operations, speed studies, signs and markings, traffic studies and fees, parking
lot permits, ordinance review, and developmental impact on transportation. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Engineering Specialist II Bennet Elbo reviewed the City's speed bump program.
In response to questions from Party Status Holder Ingram-Hinkley, Mr. Elbo said after
the project's completion, a speed study could determine if project generated traffic
increased speeds on Woodlawn Street. Based on FDOT's (Florida Department of
Transportation's) table, he anticipated project generated traffic would not affect the
street's current LOS (Level of Service) grade of C or better which was acceptable to the
City's transportation plan. If requested, the City could find solutions to vehicles driving
on the grass to avoid speed bumps.
In response to questions from Party Status Holder Ingram-Hinkley, Mr. Leach said they
decided 2-story units were appropriate after listening to neighbors. He said more units
could have been requested. He said they wanted to retain as much of the tree canopy
as possible. He said the health of the trees was paramount when determining which
ones to save. He said they could increase the number of trees and increase the caliper
of new trees from 2.5 to 3.5-inches. He said additional tree plantings were appropriate
to fill in spaces on the site. He said he was not interested in only meeting minimum
requirements.
In response to questions from Party Status Holder Ingram-Hinkley, Mr. Belluccia said all
of the trees had been evaluated. He said they could plant more trees along the southern
property line to benefit her. He said the project would try to save more trees and would
plant trees with larger diameters. He said trees would have to be removed for buildings
and parking lots. He said Ms. Ingram-Hinkley would see more trees from her vista.
Party Status Holder Ingram-Hinkley said many old growth trees surrounding the lake in
Ross Norton Park had been replaced with pine trees which provided no shade. She
expressed concern that ball field lights would be visible after project trees are cut down.
She recommended the developer plant some replacement trees in Ross Norton Park
and reconfigure the parking lot and sidewalks to build around older growth trees.
Community Development 8/15/2017 4
The applicant declined to present additional witnesses.
Party Status Holder Ingram - Hinkley showed the Board the petition opposing the
development signed by her neighbors and reviewed neighborhood concerns about the
development and trees. She said her house was built in the 1920s and the trees were
up to 100 years old. She said it was important to preserve her neighborhood's heritage.
Mr. Delk said Parks & Recreation Department permission would be required to plant
trees in Ross Norton Park. He recommended the Board not approve that action as a
condition of approval; permission had not been sought or granted.
Support for the developer's commitment to improving the landscape plan was
expressed. Discussion ensued re the appropriate amount of onsite tree replacement
and planting trees in the park. Larger caliper trees and additional plantings were
recommended onsite to improve buffers and views into the property. It was suggested
more trees could be saved if pavers were installed.
Attorney Daigneault said the Board could continue the item if they wanted to require the
applicant to plant trees in the City's park. Attorney Soto expressed concern re deadlines
related to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation award. This application for one unit
complied with the Code re landscaping.
Acting Member Hayden moved to approve Case FLD2017 -05006 based on evidence in
the record, including the application and the Staff Report, and hereby adopt the
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law stated in the Staff Report, with conditions of
approval as listed plus a condition that the developer replant onsite 20% of the 2,366 -
inch tree deficit and pay the fee for the remainder of the deficit to the tree fund. The
motion was duly seconded. Members Lau, Quattrocki, Acting Member Haydon, and
Acting Chair Allbritton voted "Aye "; Member Anuszkiewicz voted "Nay." Motion carried.
G. ADJOURN
Attest
Board ' e a orter
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Chair
Community Development Board
Community Development 8/15/2017 5
CITY OF CLEARWATER
t LEARWATER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT, POST OFFICE Box 4748, CLE RWWATER, FLORIDA 33758-4748
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING, 100 SOUTH MYRTLE AVENUE, CLEAR'x VIT.R, FLORIDA 33756
TELEPHONE (727) 562 -4567
Interdepartmental Correspondence Sheet
TO: Community Development Board Members
FROM: Michael Delk, Planning and Development Director
COPIES: Camilo Soto, Assistant City Attorney; Susan Chase, Documents and Records
Specialist, /Pat Sullivan, Board Reporter
SUBJECT: Agenda Items for
DATE: August 15, 2017
CDB packets being distributed contain the following.
Unapproved minutes of previous meeting July 18, 2017
Site investigation form
CONTINUED FROM JULY 18, 2017 (Items 1)
1. Case: FLD2017 -05006 — 802 Woodlawn Street
Presenter: Kevin W. Nurnberger, Senior Planner
Yes:
No:
LEVEL TWO APPLICATIONS (Items 1)
2. Case: FLD2015- 09034A — 1401 N Belcher Road
Presenter: Robert Tefft, Senior Planner
Yes: �/ No:
I have conducted a personal investigation on the personal site visit to the following properties.
Signature:
1 �\
PRINT NAME
Date:
S:\Planning Department\C D BlAgendas DRC & CDBICDBI2017108 August 201711 Cover MEMO 2017.docx
CITY OF CLEARWATER
CLEARWATER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT, POST OFFICE Box 4748, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33758-4748
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING, 100 SOUTH MYRTLE AVENUE, CLEARWAMR, FLORIDA 33756
TELEPHONE (72; i 562 -4567
Interdepartmental Correspondence Sheet
TO: Community Development Board Members
FROM: Michael Delk, Planning and Development Director
COPIES: Camilo Soto, Assistant City Attorney; Susan Chase, Documents and Records
Specialist, /Pat Sullivan, Board Reporter
SUBJECT: Agenda Items for
DATE: August 15, 2017
CDB packets being distributed contain the following:
Unapproved minutes of previous meeting July 18, 2017
Site investigation form
CONTINUED FROM JULY 18, 2017 (Items 1)
1. Case: FLD2017 -05006 — 802 Woodlawn Street
Presenter: Kevin W. Nurnberger, Senior Planner
Yes:
No:
LEVEL TWO APPLICATIONS (Items 1)
2. Case: FLD2015- 09034A — 1401 N Belcher Road
Present : �,Ibert Tefft, Senior Planner
Yes:
I have c
Signa
ducted a
No:
vesti • ation on the personal site visit to the following properties.
OP'% 1l
PRI NAME
Date: ff (Z — /
S:\Planning Department\C D BlAgendas DRC & CDBICDB12017108 August 201711 Cover MEMO 2017.docx
CITY OF CLEARWATER
CLEAR TER PLANNLNG & DI:.v_:LOPtii_;NT, POST OFFICE BOX 4748, CLEARIW:ATE.R, FLORIDA 33758-4748
7MUNICIPAL SERVICES BINDING, 100 Souris MYRTLE AVENUE, CL AMATII , FLORIDA 33756
TELEPHONE (727) 562 -4567
Interdepartmental Correspondence Sheet
TO: Community Development Board Members
FROM: Michael Delk, Planning and Development Director
COPIES: Camilo Soto, Assistant City Attorney; Susan Chase, Documents and Records
Specialist, /Pat Sullivan, Board Reporter
SUBJECT: Agenda Items for
DATE: August 15, 2017
CDB packets being distributed contain the following:
Unapproved minutes of previous meeting July 18, 2017
Site investigation form
CONTINUED FROM JULY 18, 2017 (Items 1)
1. Case: FLD2017 -05006 — 802 Woodlawn Street
Presenter: ,Kevin W. Nurnberger, Senior Planner
Yes:
v
No:
LEVEL TWO APPLICATIONS (Items 1)
2. Case: FLD2015- 09034A — 1401 N Belcher Road
Presenter: Robert Tefft, Senior Planner
Yes: No:
I have conducted a /personal investigation on the personal site visit to the following properties.
Signature: Date:
PRINT NAME
S: (Planning Department\C D BlAgendas DRC & CDBICDB12017108 August 201711 Cover MEMO 2017.docx
CITY OF CLEARWATER
CLI RWATER PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT, Pc )ST OPI'ICE> Box 4748, CLEARU:ATER, I LC�RU) , 33758-4748
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BL UDING, 1UU SOUTH MYRTLE AVENUE, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33736
TELEPHONE (727) 562 -4567
Interdepartmental Correspondence Sheet
TO: Community Development Board Members
FROM: Michael Delk, Planning and Development Director
COPIES: Camilo Soto, Assistant City Attorney; Susan Chase, Documents and Records
Specialist, /Pat Sullivan, Board Reporter
SUBJECT: Agenda Items for
DATE: August 15, 2017
CDB packets being distributed contain the following.
Unapproved minutes of previous meeting July 18, 2017
Site investigation form
CONTINUED FROM JULY 18, 2017 (Items 1)
1. Case: FLD2017 -05006 — 802 Woodlawn Street
Presenter: Kevin W. Nurnberger, Senior Planner
Yes: No:
LEVEL TWO APPLICATIONS (Items 1)
2. Case: FLD2015- 09034A — 1401 N Belcher Road
Presenter: Robert Tefft, Senior Planner
Yes:
No:
I have conducted a personal i
estigation on the personal site visit to the following properties.
Si ature: I _ _ ∎... Date: t51 ZD1
-t-;at
PRINT NAME
S: \Planning Department\C D BlAgendas DRC & CDBICDB12017108 August 201711 Cover MEMO 2017.docx