Zoning commission backs adding 64.46 acres to Central Park of Commerce, debates civic-site dedication

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission on Nov. 7 recommended approval of companion applications to delete 64.46 acres from a mine conditional-use boundary and add that acreage to the Central Park of Commerce MUPD, an action that would rezone the parcel and allow future economic development center (EDC) uses.

Joanne (Joanie) Brinkman, agent for the applicant with Urban Design Studio, told the commission the request merely adds 64.46 acres to the already approved MUPD and does not increase the previously approved development intensity. "We are asking a recommendation from the Zoning Commission that the BCC not require a civic-site dedication specifically for this project, because we do not feel this project is creating any need for any additional government services," Brinkman said.

Zoning staff and the applicant said the change removes 64.46 acres from the mine boundary and yields a resulting MUPD land area the applicant described as about 5,031 acres once the acreage is transferred. Staff noted the Central Park of Commerce already has approvals for large EDC uses and that the addition is consistent with the existing master plan; staff recommended approval subject to conditions in Exhibits C1 and C2.

Eric McClellan, director of strategic planning for the county's Facilities Development and Operations Department, urged the commission to consider whether a civic-site dedication should apply. McClellan said staff's outreach identified potential interest from Palm Tran for a park-and-ride and said there are regional truck-parking pressures that could create civic uses tied to the industrial entitlement. "Applying [the 2%] to the roughly 64 acres in this case would yield about 1.2 acres. From our experience, 1.2 acres really is deficient to deliver any public facility," McClellan said. Staff's hypothetical condition in the report referenced approximately 4.5 acres if applied across the broader property.

Bruce Guyton, senior transit planner for Palm Tran, said the agency does have interest in a park-and-ride and in options to reduce traffic congestion. "Public transportation is our next option," Guyton said, describing how a midpoint stop and parking could increase route frequency and reduce street traffic.

Commissioners debated the legal standards for exactions and whether a proposed dedication would be proportional to the development's impacts. County counsel and staff advised the board that the Zoning Commission's role is advisory for land-use/companion applications and that the Board of County Commissioners will make the final determination on any civic dedication.

Commissioner Vinicore made the motion to recommend approval of item 5, seconded by Commissioner Caliendo; the motion carried. The commission then voted to recommend approval of the two parts of item 6 (rezoning and development-order amendment); those motions also passed.

What happens next: the commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action; staff will include the corrected exhibit and any agreed clarifications in the record ahead of the BCC hearing.