Village to consider Sunbeam plan changes in exchange for park land and housing money

The North Bay Village Commission opened a joint public hearing on amendments to the Sunbeam Special Area Plan and a revised development agreement, considering proposals that would change rooftop and height rules and trade the developer’s on-site workforce housing obligation for land and cash the village could use for parks and stormwater infrastructure.

Village planner Jim Hickey told the commission the requested code amendments would raise rooftop coverage allowances, clarify pedestal and rooftop-equipment heights and allow the north Sunbeam parcel to reach up to 10 stories (about 120 feet) while the south parcels would remain at seven stories (100 feet). Hickey said staff had no technical objection and the planning-and-zoning board recommended approval.

Village land-use counsel described the development-agreement options the applicant put forward: rather than providing 6% of units as workforce housing on-site, Sunbeam would convey two offsite properties — one at 7560 West Treasure Drive to be used for a stormwater park and another parcel near North Treasure Drive for public use — and contribute $200,000 toward construction of a park the agreement would name Anson Family Park. Counsel also said an additional 4% workforce requirement could be triggered if marina permitting milestones were met, and described an in-lieu fee option for some units.

Liana Kozlowski, representing Sunbeam, said the package was intended to provide immediate, tangible benefits: “When you look at the land value and the payment in lieu fee, we’re talking about a package of about $12,000,000 to the benefit of the village,” she said, adding that Sunbeam had already contributed earlier sums under the existing agreement. Kozlowski said many of the proposed contributions would come within 90 days of an approval.

Residents and commissioners pressed for specifics: Treasure Island residents asked which single-family house was being referenced for the proposed park parcel and urged the village to seek early activation of publicly promised events and amenities rather than wait until later phases. Commissioners sought assurances the park sites would include restrooms, adequate grading and stormwater work so temporary ball fields would be usable, and discussed whether events could begin after the first certificate of occupancy for a phase rather than only after final buildout.

Mayor (chairing) said the village needs the 7560 West Treasure Drive parcel for stormwater infrastructure and expressed support for the conveyance and the stormwater-park idea. Staff and the applicant agreed to refine language to allow phased public activation and to provide more specificity on facilities and timing. No final vote on the ordinance or development agreement was recorded for Sunbeam during this hearing segment; the commission reserved detailed conditions for later action.

What happens next: Commissioners asked staff and the applicant to draft clearer timing and implementation details — for example, whether events or limited public access could begin after early certificates of occupancy — and promised further review before any final vote.