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Planning and Zoning Board removes $95,000 beautification payment for North Park, approves project amendment
Summary
The Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 to delete a previously approved condition requiring an approximately $95,000 beautification contribution for the North Park project at 5800 Northwest 2nd Avenue after staff said the applicant will deliver off-site street and park improvements instead.
The Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 to amend an approved site plan for North Park at 5800 Northwest 2nd Avenue by removing a condition that would have required an approximately $95,000 contribution to the city's beautification program.
Brandon Shadd, the city's development services director, told the board staff recommends approval because the applicant — the Greater Boca Raton Beach And Park District — will complete off-site street improvements that the department says meet the intent of the original beautification condition. "Based on our analysis in this request, there is no physical changes that are proposed with this application," Shadd said, and he described planned sidewalks, street trees along Jeffrey Street and 67th Street and portions of 2nd Avenue as improvements that will "beautify the surrounding street network." He also said the $95,000 figure reflected the standard condition in the prior resolution.
Members of the public raised questions about how the in-lieu contribution is calculated and whether money is reserved for a specific project. Richard Perez asked whether "there is a specific formula for contribution relative to the value of the overall project development" and whether in-lieu funds are earmarked for the project or deposited into a general beautification fund. Shadd replied that the formula is typically based on the amount of frontage on public streets and that funds "are not necessarily location specific" and "could go to beautification of the streetscapes, basically medians" anywhere in the city.
Nearby residents also used the public comment period to press for clarity about planned park amenities. Michael J. Schneider, who said he lives at 5500 Northwest 2nd Avenue, told the board many neighbors oppose adding a skateboarding facility and prefer keeping golf-course uses in the area: "We don't want skateboarding. We want a golf course." Chandra Madula, a resident on the other side of the property, cited local wildlife and asked whether the plan calls for a skate park, soccer field or a general recreational area; staff pointed to plans in the agenda packet and offered to meet with residents to explain what is under consideration.
After brief discussion the board moved to approve the amended site-plan resolution (item 5a); the motion passed by roll call, recorded as 5 to 0 in favor. The change removes the specific beautification payment condition from the prior resolution but leaves the remainder of the approved site plan in place; additional implementation details will be addressed through the city's site-plan and construction review processes.
The board's approval replaces the in-lieu payment with the applicant's commitment to complete the street- and park-related improvements described to staff and the public. Staff advised any questions about the exact formula or the specific street improvements can be directed to the development services department.
