CITY OF DUNEDIN, FLORIDA LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY REGULAR MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, :30 P.M. PRESENT:

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1 PRESENT: ABSENT: CITY OF DUNEDIN, FLORIDA LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY REGULAR MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, :30 P.M. Acting Chair Dan Massaro, members Steven Sandbergen, Gayl Scruton, Adam L. Smith, Matthew Wielinski and alternate members James A. Grant and David R. Pauley. Chair Diane Brand and member Dennis W. Alspaugh (both excused). ALSO PRESENT: Assistant City Attorney Regina A. Kardash, Esquire; City Clerk Denise M. Kirkpatrick, Director of Planning and Development Gregory Rice, CRA/Economic and Housing Development Director Bob Ironsmith and thirtythree attendees. Acting Chair Massaro called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Acting Chair Massaro advised the is an advisory board of citizens appointed by the City Commission. This board is comprised of volunteer's who represent the thoughts and concerns of the community. The purpose of tonight's meeting is to make recommendations to the City Commission regarding each item on the agenda. This meeting would be open to the public, and all persons in the audience providing testimony would need to identify themselves and be sworn in by the clerk. This swearing-in process will occur after tonight s first agenda item, which will be the approval of the minutes from the last meeting. Please be aware that the is not a quasi-judicial board and therefore has no final decision-making power. Our procedures; however, are structured in a quasi-judicial manner for the benefit of those who come before it. Tonight's format will be as follows: The Chair will introduce each item on the agenda, after-which the city representatives will present information about it. Thereafter, the members of the Local Planning Agency will respond to the city representative. Finally, anyone from the public may come forward. Those from the public wishing to give testimony will need to approach the dais, identify themselves, and then utilize the speaker's lectern in order for their comments to be recorded. Upon the conclusion of each public hearing, the will consider the evidence before it and will vote on the agenda item. That voice vote is the rendition of the order of the Board and there will be no written decision issued by the Board. 1. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of August 12, MOTION: VOTE: Motion was made by Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Pauley to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 12, Motion carried unanimously. City Clerk Kirkpatrick swore in all persons wishing to speak to or give testimony on the agenda items. 2. Ordinances and 15-37, regarding Application DEV-S/D Zo LDO , request for Development Agreement, Rezoning from Form-Based Medium (FX-M) to Form-Based High (FX- H), and Preliminary Conceptual Review for the construction of 280 apartment units, 56 townhome units (or 168-bed ALF), 7,200 SF of retail, and 44,649 SF of office. The property is located at 375 Patricia Avenue

2 Acting Chair Massaro introduced the agenda item. In response to his query, none of the Board members had ex parte communication with anyone regarding this application. Staff Presentation Gregory A. Rice, Director of Planning & Development, advised: The purpose of this hearing is to seek a recommendation for the proposed Development Agreement for the subject property and for rezoning from FX-M to FX-H. The subject property was the former Nielsen Media site. The 2005 Visioning Session identified 6 key corridors ready for development including Patricia Avenue and the Nielsen site because of its size of 23 acres. A recommendation was made that the Nielsen property be changed to Residential/Office General which at the time was the Mixed- Use category which would allow for office use, which was there previously, as well as open it to some residential development. In 2008, the City performed a more in-depth Corridor Study for Patricia Avenue by a planning firm resulting in a recommendation to change the land use to PRMU (Planned Residential Mixed Use), a more open land use that can mix different commercial, office and residential uses together. The problem with that recommendation was that this property s Land Use was Industrial Limited (IL) meaning office use. The County was and still is concerned about industrial lands believing they need industrial limited land use designated land to bring in high wage jobs keeping the county strong and the economy moving. Therefore, it is not easy to change land that is designated IL. Wells Fargo took over this property and for a number of years he and Mr. Ironsmith saw several people attempt to bring an office use or IL use to this property to no avail. The bank decided to apply for a land use change. In 2012, the bank hired a land use attorney and a planning firm from Tampa to approach the County to make the land use change to PRMU. The PRMU requires a Special Area Plan which is in the Countywide Rules with a number of questions to be answered. The application was prepared and he and Mr. Ironsmith were involved and convinced the County to make the change. Because it had been vacant for so long they realized this was not going to become another corporate headquarters. The County approved the change with the stipulation that within the Special Area Plan they maintain an Office or Target Employment Center (TEC) component to the project since they consider them to be high wage jobs. When the City spoke to the County about the change in land use they were asked, if it did not go well could the City potentially provide the County with TEC land in a different location. That is to designate a different part of Dunedin as TEC and the proposal was for County Road 1 to Belcher Road on State Route 580; to make that a Corridor Plan that would recommend as the commercial uses and strip centers reached their useful life that there be a TEC designation to allow for those types of Office or Industrial Light uses which was felt more appropriate for that type of use. The Board of County Commissioners and the Pinellas Planning Council agreed. That recommendation has not been made yet; however, is on the table for the future if there is a struggle for finding those uses for this subject property. This does not relieve the City of the Office component of this project; therefore, whether or not it is a TEC employer, there is still an office use on the project

3 The Special Area Plan was designed to provide ranges of land uses: Retail 5% minimum 25% maximum Office/TEC 15% minimum 75% maximum Residential 15% minimum 80% maximum The Special Area Plan also laid out the maximum number of dwelling units allowed on the property to be no more than 334 dwelling units. This project proposes 336 because there is 1 acre of City owned land proposed to be traded providing the extra density to allow the extra two units. This would be the 80% maximum land allocation. The current zoning was FX-M and the County allowed the Land Use to change to PRMU and that is how it has been for the past couple of years. Mr. Ironsmith provided the following information: The property became vacant in 2005 and the City has been working for the past approximately 10 years dealing with probably more than 6 developers; however, for numerous reasons could not activate a project. The overall goal has always been for a project that fits in with the neighborhood and acts to revitalize the Patricia Avenue Corridor. The FX-H proposed rezoning represents the 4-story apartments which are internally oriented. It is the 2-story townhomes on the Scotsdale side. The developer has been working with the City closely and many issues have been mentioned and there has always been a good spirit of cooperation. The incentives that would go with this deal in the proposed development agreement is $150,000 for site clearing and grubbing grant paid out over a period of time, in this case 4 years in two phases. There is also a 1 acre piece of land the City has in surplus that would be traded to the developer and in exchange the City receives 2 well sites and a very important drainage easement which will help with the Lakewood Estates Project that is well over $500,000 to get that in place. In general this is a $40 million to $50 million project and a significant catalyst both in revenue to the City and to revitalizing the entire Patricia Avenue Corridor. The developer has been sensitive to creating a lifestyle amenity and rental is strong today and in the City there has not been a new rental product for over 15 years. City staff to this point has been pleased with the cooperation. From an economic standpoint the project is seen as strongly positive for the entire area. Previously staff looked for a single light industrial user working with the Pinellas Economic Development Department; however, found none. Other aspects were also considered including grocery, office or apartment projects which did not materialize. Staff is pleased to present this to the LPA, answer questions and receive input

4 Mr. Rice referenced the site plan and explained the three types of Land Use on the property: City staff requested the developer provide a vertical mixed use street frontage which has been done on Patricia Avenue with retail on the ground floor and two floors of apartments above. A 3-story apartment building was oriented according to the recommendation of the City Engineering Department and the applicant in consideration of the natural stormwater feature. To the very north of the 4 acres, near the Dunedin Bowling Alley is the future site of the Office or Target Employment Center. There is no client at this time; however, will be worked towards by City and County staff and the developer. Acting Chair Massaro clarified with Mr. Rice that it would be a two phase project. Mr. Ironsmith explained this is a three pronged approach for the corridor. Mr. Rice continued: The Residential in the middle is unique and the reason for changing the zoning from FX-M to FX-H. FX-M limits the height of buildings to 3 stories; this applicant wants 4 stories in order to provide elevator access to all 4 floors. Dunedin has walk-up apartments which perhaps are marketed to a different client than these might be. These would be for empty-nesters who are going to be able to utilize the elevators for normal everyday activities as well as moving in and so forth and will be card swipe secured type facilities. When this was proposed staff had concern regarding the 4 stories; however, it is in the middle of the project, away from other residential uses and the elevator idea is good and with 4 stories the building footprint is smaller and allows for a positive greenspace with a clubhouse and other recreational activities as well as trees and greenspace. There has been a misconception of increased density going to FX-H; which is not the case as the density is limited by the Special Area Plan, it could be 334 single unit first floor apartments, 3-story apartments or this 4-story and the combination of the townhomes, so whether the zoning changes or not the number of units will remain the same. This would only allow for the 4-story building that staff felt was creative in providing the elevators and more greenspace and parking. The applicant is also proposing as part of their Parkland Dedication a walking trail along the ditch line that will be fenced and protected. The last feature of the project which City staff looks at as a nice transition to the rest of the neighborhood is 2-story townhomes on a 5-acre portion, previously the Bright House Networks building. Mr. Rice reviewed the staffing: Impact on the Environment. The proposed project will have no negative impacts on the natural environment. There will be some tree mitigation including replacement trees. Parkland Dedication (LDO) Analysis. A worksheet has been provided indicating the developer is dedicating 1.96 acres to the City which is the linear park around the edge and 1.5 acres as a private use and with the.5 acre requirement will be a fee in lieu of approximately $52,941. The developer is making the request to be able to spend the money on improvements along the 15-79

5 linear park. Architectural Features. The 7,200 square foot retail building with 2 floors of apartments on top is the exact type of form based edge the City is looking for in many parts of the city. This is a great first step to spreading the form based feel to additional corridors. There are two 3 story buildings, the 4 story building, 1 story clubhouse and a pool. Acting Chair Massaro inquired regarding the access to the Phase 2 office component. Mr. Ironsmith advised there is access off Patricia Avenue; there is a small fragment of land the City owns which would be part of the one acre exchange for the well sites and drainage easement which would provide access. He noted efforts have been stepped up working with the County putting them in touch with a company looking for potential expansion. Mr. Ironsmith advised Beltrees will not go all the way through the park, it is strictly circulation. Mr. Rice reiterated Beltrees will not be opened all the way through and reviewed the process for that decision previously. Acting Chair Massaro referred to the zoning differential between the FX-M and FX-H and noted so far all he has heard is the density is the same in either one. Mr. Rice reiterated density is determined by the Land Use which comes from the County; therefore, the City s zoning does not determine density, it determines height. Acting Chair Massaro stated his understanding the only differential is that a 4-story building is allowed. Mr. Rice explained the FX-M and the FX-H are identical except for height differentials. Acting Chair Massaro stated he liked the idea of more greenspace by stacking more with the 4 stories which opens up the site significantly. Mr. Grant noted the 56 townhomes on the plan and also the option of a 168-bed Assisted Living Facility (ALF) which he does not see a plan for. Mr. Rice stated it is not an option right now and his understanding is they are much closer to working with the townhome developer than the ALF developer; at the neighborhood meetings the townhome developer was showing some of their products; therefore, right now the ALF is a remote possibility. Mr. Grant noted the ALF is written into the Development Agreement; therefore, the developer is given the option of an ALF at a later date if they so choose and inquired if that change would require a site plan review process. Mr. Rice explained it would require coming back for the design portion and staff does not look at an ALF as a negative especially with the amount of retirement going on. It will be a good thing in the future and it would be a reasonable buffer between the higher buildings and rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Ironsmith referred to an old aerial photograph of the property when it was Nielsen and noted the amount of paving with no greenspace. Mr. Wielinski inquired if the Duke easement has been abandoned on the north end of the property. Mr. Rice deferred to the applicant. Mr. Smith inquired if there is anything in the Development Agreement which prevents the developer from putting a 4-story building on Patricia. Mr. Rice explained the exhibits presented tonight become part of the Development Agreement; therefore, any changes would require starting over. Mr. Grant noted in some of the images there appears to be curbing along Patricia Avenue. Mr

6 Ironsmith deferred to the applicant; however, commented he was not aware of any curbing since it is a rural drainage cross section that he believes would remain as it is. Mr. Grant inquired when the streetscape project to State Road 580 is scheduled to take place. Mr. Ironsmith clarified what he mentioned previously was what has already been done, the palm trees and the street lighting; this budget cycle has no funding for additional streetscape work in this area. Applicant Presentation Attorney Ed Armstrong with Hill Ward Henderson of 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 800, Clearwater, FL representing Primerica Group One who has a contract to purchase the subject property advised they have worked many hours with City staff on many issues; many of which were presented in the testimony from Mr. Rice and Mr. Ironsmith. He asked Lou Fabrizio, Senior Vice President of Primerica Group One, Inc., to come forward with a PowerPoint presentation to enhance and supplement what City staff has submitted for consideration and respond to questions. Mr. Fabrizio reviewed a PowerPoint presentation and made the following comments: Location and timing are important in terms of the market noting the improvements made to the Patricia Avenue Corridor and the Special Area Plan which were critical in the development. There will be parking under the 2-story residential with gated access and then additional surface parking through that same gate; separating the residential parking from the retail parking. Two reasons for 4-story buildings being clustered in the core of the property include the economy of scale in being able to provide an elevator which is a unique product in the area and will bring a different clientele and is a little more expensive to build; however, the return will come in the rent and longevity of the tenants. Creating a large open space on the interior of the property is visually great for the residents and provides recreational and relaxation amenities as well as more open space for absorption of rain run-off to be filtered prior to going into the system. There will be a state of the art clubhouse of approximately 7,200 square feet and a pool. Some rather large trees were able to be saved in the core of the property. Maintaining the retention area in the front also has trees that will be a great feature from the street front. They will save every tree that is healthy enough to maintain. A tree survey has been done; a tree consultant and the City s Arborist have visited the site. The townhomes are on the 5 acre site to the east and provides an excellent transition from the housing type adjacent. There will be some garage parking throughout the property. A rendering presented depicted the corner perspective looking to the north and to the east from Scotsdale and Patricia. The mixed use building will be 2-story residential that stretches the entire upper floor with retail on the first floor on about half of the building and parking underneath finished so that it looks like the rest of the building. A feature shown on the site plan is significantly more space at the end of the building along Scotsdale for what they hope to be a restaurant or coffee shop with outdoor seating

7 Another rendering shows the perspective from the entrance as described by Mr. Rice. Another rendering created by their architects illustrates the type of buildings with a variety of finishes described as an eclectic adaptation of early Floridian and shingle style architecture with a Gulf Coast feel. The residential is wood frame and the mixed-use would be a concrete block structure. The linear park as described by Mr. Rice was shown with the fenced area, benches and landscaping to be maintained by the property owner going forward. A community meeting was held on September 29, 2015 with a very good turnout of over 55 signing in and an estimated total of 75 attending. At the meeting, the Engineer provided a 3 dimensional massing study and was able to show any angle of the property. They were pleased for the most part with the comments heard and most people were happy and pleased with the project and the use. There were some concerns regarding traffic, stormwater and Beltrees Street because there were rumors that Beltrees was going to be put all the way through which some wanted and others did not. There are no plans to put Beltrees through; however, they will propose improvements to the intersection in order to access the office site at Beltrees and Patricia, but it would only go into the site. In terms of traffic the Metropolitan Planning Organization has a level of service of the surrounding roads and streets at acceptable service level. There will be a new traffic study as part of their process to insure no negative impact on the service levels of those streets. Compared to the prior use they expect to have less of an impact such as the peak hour trips will be less. In terms of stormwater, the dry retention will have to meet state requirements and quality of treatment for the water; there will be less impervious area than the prior use; therefore, the condition should improve. The bridge is still on the property, the foot bridge and the bridge of vehicle traffic needs to be studied, but looks to be fine for use. They are confident this will be a positive impact on Dunedin and the Patricia Corridor from an economic standpoint with increased tax revenues. It is important to create a new identity for the site, other than the Nielsen site which has been gone for over a decade and they think it will be a great one with the Dunedin Commons being the catalyst for the corridor and help ignite the development. Comments / Questions Acting Chair Massaro referred to the review by the City Arborist items 5, 6, 7, 8, 19 and 20 all request some modification be made in the placement of the townhouse buildings to save some trees along the perimeter and inquired whether that had been addressed. Mr. Fabrizio stated they have done a tree survey over the entire property. There are some trees they will not take down. He noted there is a fair amount of trees along the eastern property line and they have a very good track record with trees. They have no choice but to follow through with the City Arborist. Mr. Sandbergen noted the applicant presentation did not discuss the townhouses

8 Mr. Fabrizio advised the townhouses will be 2-story single family dwelling units attached with parking in the garage and driveway, similar to much of the product along Scotsdale in close proximity to the property; however, they are developing the townhomes themselves, which will be Beza Homes who had a representative present to answer any specific questions. Mr. Pauley verified with Mr. Fabrizio the townhomes will be for sale as opposed to rentals and that the buildings with elevators will have to have stairways as well. Mr. Pauley referred to the entry feature coming off of Scotsdale and stated there might be a problem at that spot. Mr. Fabrizio explained they had not fully engineered that access point which is not intended to be the primary access; the primary will be off of Patricia, the same as the apartments. In response to Mr. Pauley s questions regarding traffic lanes, Cliff Cupeal, engineer for the project explained around the median there will be two lanes on the outbound, one for going right and one for going left; on the inbound it will be a widened one lane section. Mr. Fabrizio explained there will be garage parking throughout the property and Mr. Rice pointed out the proposed garage areas. Mr. Fabrizio noted in addition there will be parking underneath the retail building. Ms. Scruton inquired regarding the apartments and Mr. Fabrizio explained there is one flight of stairs to get into the unit and downstairs will be the living room and kitchen/dining area and above that sleeping quarters, further away from the commercial in the event of there being a restaurant it makes more sense; the plan is for 12 units with approximately 50% 2-bedroom, 45% 1-bedroom and 5%-3 bedroom. He stated the expectation is for the market to be empty nesters and millennials who tend to like to rent now. Mr. Wielinski inquired regarding the Duke easement and the elevation drop at the site. Mr. Fabrizio explained they are working to get the blanket easements removed on the site. In terms of the elevation of the site, they have not fully engineered the site as yet; however, it would make the most sense for them to take advantage of the fall of the site, using the same retention areas as the previous use. Mr. Grant clarified with Mr. Fabrizio the traffic study is yet to be done and noted the City had done traffic studies a few years back for various types of uses that could go on the property based on the Special Area concept; however, that would need to be updated. Mr. Grant verified with Mr. Fabrizio the 4-story buildings will be wood frame construction, the typical mode of construction for the new building codes and is very sturdy. Mr. Sandbergen inquired who initiated the development agreement. Mr. Ironsmith explained it is basically a requirement of the Land Development Code when looking at various aspects of a significantly comprehensive project, the first step is to go before the City Commission for a request to enter into discussions and negotiations by staff and the developer and their attorney. Mr. Sandbergen inquired if Patricia and Scotsdale with the streetscaping are owned by the City. Mr. Rice indicated they were and acknowledged they are the responsibility of the City to improve. He inquired if there is any consideration or possibility of a traffic signal to be installed at Scotsdale/Patricia in consideration of the schools and the residents in Scotsdale

9 Mr. Rice explained his understanding is those types of signals would never be so close together and the only possibility might be moving the signal from Beltrees to Scotsdale; however, the City s Traffic Engineer would need to be consulted on that question. Mr. Sandbergen confirmed there is a left turn lane in order for traffic not to get backed up. Mr. Sandbergen inquired with that many new residents, possibly over 600 with two occupants, is there any concern about the population of the area schools. Mr. Rice explained a demographer attends the Planner Advisory Committee meetings with the County and when they see this type of project population lines are drawn of where the students are coming from. In this case the majority of the students are coming from Clearwater to those two schools; however, the schools have to be notified when there are 25 units or more. If this is approved by the City Commission the City will have to notify the School Board of this development. He commented the bus schedule for the two schools spans 2½ hours which is extremely long and unusual; he is not aware if that could be compressed. Mr. Sandbergen inquired if there is any consideration for bicycle and pedestrian traffic to flow toward this project other than Beltrees. Mr. Rice noted golf carts would be included as well. City Attorney Kardash advised pursuant to State Statute, the State must give approval for golf carts to cross certain roads at certain points depending on whether it is a State or County road. Mr. Sandbergen commented consideration should be given for a way to tie this to the Downtown. Mr. Rice noted there is a Bicycle Master Plan and if and when it is funded Beltrees is designated as an east/west connector to the Pinellas Trail, because there is an opportunity with a decent right-ofway and there is a hope for at least an 8-foot wide sidewalk to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. Mr. Pauley noted the plan shows only one dumpster location and the notes indicate a compactor is recommended. Mr. Rice advised that will come during the infrastructure phase. Mr. Pauley inquired how the entryway will affect the bowling alley parking lot. Mr. Ironsmith explained parking for the bowling alley is on a City right-of-way on the south side and the Wells Fargo property which they are aware of and Primerica is willing to work with the bowling alley to figure out new areas for parking. Acting Chair Massaro encouraged City Attorney Kardash as the public hearing was opened to interject with any corrections or comments during the public comments. City Attorney Kardash noted with respect to the solid waste removal and the dumpster there is a statement that the dumpster and waste generated will be in accordance with the City s requirements per Code; therefore, that information is reviewed in the agenda packet. Mr. Pauley pointed out a correction on the first page of the Development Agreement that should read: the purchase and convey its interest to the Developer. The City is the owner of the property located at 401 Patricia Avenue and 1090 Scotsdale Street. Mr. Ironsmith deferred the language correction to the attorneys; however, pointed out the intent to transfer the one acre land to the Developer

10 The public hearing was opened. James Peternell of 1012 Willowood Lane pointed out the location of their community and made the following comments: Members of the Homeowners Association of Scotsdale and Scotsdale Bluffs were present. Scotsdale Street is very busy all day and night. He commented regarding the traffic patterns and noise experienced in the area including accidents. People drive too fast on Scotsdale and crash into yards because of the curves. They do not object to the project. They ask the City to reconsider completing Beltrees Street through to Patricia, there is already a traffic light there and it would avoid the curves in Scotsdale. The traffic with this project will be 7 days a week with several hundred cars that will put a burden on the residents in Scotsdale. He explained in the 200 to 300 yards that would need to be completed there are no homes. Mr. Rice stated he would pass on the concerns to the City Traffic Engineer and combine it with the Traffic Study that will be done. Ben Nelson of 1140 Bluffs Circle agreed regarding the traffic concerns and suggested a traffic study would indicate something needs to be done and now would be the time. The Homeowners Association has concerns regarding the construction noise, and asked the time of day that construction will take place and that traffic from the construction does not destroy the roads and/or adjacent properties. Mr. Rice responded there are designated time limits for construction and noise as part of the City s Noise Ordinance including weekends. Mr. Wielinski verified with Mr. Rice there would also be a designated construction entrance in order not to involve all the surrounding roads. Bonnie Peternell of 1012 Willowood Lane inquired if it would be possible for the developer install a fence or a wall to the south of the property on Scotsdale to serve as a sound barrier for traffic noise. City Clerk Kirkpatrick swore in Joan Harris. Joan Harris of 381 Durham Court commented only a portion of the residents in Scotsdale were advised of the community meeting. She commented the issue of opening Beltrees was discussed three years ago, which was an unpleasant struggle and advised she did not want to see Beltrees opened or even have the issue revisited. She commented something has to be done on the subject property and it will generate traffic, they do not want the property to remain vacant. Acting Chair Massaro explained regarding notice of the community meeting the requirement is for a certain distance from the project; therefore, not everyone received a notice because of living outside that required radius. Mr. Rice noted the City used the flashing traffic sign next to the middle school to try to bring in as many residents as possible. City Clerk Kirkpatrick swore in Dick Sipple

11 Dick Sipple of 372 Perth Court advised he has lived in Scotsdale since There are about 200 residents and they do not want the possibility of Beltrees going through to be revisited. He also has a concern regarding the access road that goes between Villas 3 and the old store property that goes back into the building for the cable company in terms of whether that will remain or if that is part of the easement of the new property. Mr. Ironsmith stated he would defer to Engineering staff; however, saw no reason why that access road would not be maintained as a buffer. James Peternell advised there may be only 200 residents in the Clusters, but most of the traffic on Beltrees already affects the homes that are there and where it ends and turns into Scotsdale there are only a few homes that would be impacted by completing the road. With no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Sandbergen advised two to three years ago the City went through the discussion of an extension on Beltrees Street and inquired if there was a way to put this to bed once and for all. Mr. Rice commented it would be up to the City Commission as to whether to open that discussion or not; however, his recollection from the previous discussion was they were not willing to go down that path. Mr. Ironsmith advised the City has no plans and no budget item at this time to extend or complete Beltrees Street. Mr. Sandbergen commented the applicant did not request it either. City Attorney Kardash verified with Mr. Rice and Mr. Ironsmith that portion of Beltrees, the portion to be extended, was not part of this application. LPA Comments Mr. Pauley commented on his support for the proposed project that will alleviate an eyesore in the community for many years. He commended staff for working with the developer. Ms. Scruton stated her support for the proposed project. She noted at first she had significant concerns regarding the 4-story building until she saw they are in the interior of the property and allow for a lot of greenspace and it is her understanding there would be the same number of units whether stacked in 4 stories or spread out without greenspace. She liked being able to keep the trees with the pool and clubhouse and the building on the corner for retail with apartments above. She also liked that the other 3-story units are stepped back a bit. Mr. Wielinski stated his support for the proposed project. Mr. Smith commended the City and the developers and only saw pros and no cons for the project that will increase property values across the street. Mr. Grant stated it looks to be a good project. He liked the idea of using the garages as a buffer along the perimeter which will cut down some of the noise. He felt there would always be traffic issues which will not be known until the traffic study is completed. Mr. Sandbergen stated it looks like a quality developer with a quality project. Acting Chair Massaro stated he too was concerned regarding the 4-story buildings and he spoke 15-86

12 with Mr. Rice in order to clarify the density issue and that it would remain the same no matter how many stories and the 4 stories opens up greenspace which is a positive. He was concerned about traffic; however, regardless of what happens on this property it will cause some traffic issues and asked that the traffic study be closely reviewed and to consider the neighbors in Scotsdale. The proposed Dunedin Commons architecture is first class including the front entry feature with the retail and apartments above. He referred to the issue of a wall along some of the property brought up in public comments that possibly the developer can address. MOTION: VOTE: Motion was made by Mr. Sandbergen and seconded by Mr. Smith to recommend approval of Application DEV-S/D Zo LDO regarding Dunedin Commons including Ordinances (Development Agreement) and (rezoning). Motion carried unanimously. Acting Chair Massaro announced the next regular meeting of the will be Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Mr. Wielinski requested updates on some projects. In response to the request by Mr. Wielinski for updates on some projects Mr. Rice advised: The townhomes on Highland have opened a sales office downtown and are proceeding; their infrastructure plans are in and the City is waiting for their vertical plans. The developer for the townhomes on Douglas/Lyndhurst is heavily engaged in the residential project on Michigan; therefore, that timetable is not known. The hotel and restaurant on Dunedin Causeway received approval today from the Pinellas Planning Council for the Land Use change to Resort Facilities Medium and the next milestone will be to appear before the County Commission to receive the same approval, then back to the City Commission in December and then all the other approvals and entitlements. The Starbucks on Main Street has an ingress/egress easement issue with the apartments to the rear; therefore, alternatives are being explored to possibly change the entryway. Luekens on Main Street will start in January 2017 as planned since they still have a lot of time left on their current lease. Mr. Ironsmith advised the Gateway project is on track and will be coming back to the City Commission on November 5, 2015 to provide renderings showing more of a massing of the building in conjunction with the hospital, colors and the public art in conjunction with the Development Agreement. They are expected to break ground the end of December Acting Chair Massaro commended Mr. Ironsmith and Mr. Rice for their work on the former Nielsen site. Mr. Ironsmith thanked him and commented additionally, the City needed a drainage easement through the site with the Lakewood Estates project or would have had to go onto Patricia Avenue and rip that up. There was a significant matching grant in place from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the clock was running and staff was able to talk with Primerica and Wells Fargo to get that easement to the City and there was resistance at first because of having no entitlements and approvals in play, but they worked with the City which will be a significant savings and eliminate a lot of construction and approximately another $500,000 to go 15-87

13 out onto Patricia. Mr. Wielinski moved for adjournment and Mr. Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Denise M. Kirkpatrick, City Clerk 15-88