Minutes
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FORT PIERCE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021, IN FORT PIERCE CITY HALL, COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Anthony Westbury; Kori Benton; Holly Theuns; Michael Broderick; George Johansen; Charlie Hayek, Vice-Chair
- Absent:
- Suzanne Boardman
- Staff Present:
-
- Tanya Earley, Assistant City Attorney
- Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner
- Brandon Creagan, Planner
- Alicia Rosenthal, Executive Assistant
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Minutes from the April 26, 2021 meeting
Motion was made by Michael Broderick, and seconded by Anthony Westbury to approve the minutes from the April 26, 2021 meeting.
- AYE:
- Michael Broderick, George Johansen, Anthony Westbury, Kori Benton, Holly Theuns, Vice-Chair Charlie Hayek
Passed
5.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.
Historic Site Designation Application - 809 North 9th Street
Vice-Chair Hayek introduced the Historic Site Designation for 809 North 9th Street, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Vice-Chair Hayek asked Assistant City Attorney, Tanya Earley, to explain the Quasi-Judicial Hearing procedures.
Before commencing this Quasi-Judicial Hearing, Tanya Earley, Assistant City Attorney, reminded the Board that they serve in both a legislative and quasi-judicial role. When acting as a legislative body, the Board engages in law-making activity by passing laws and establishing policies. When acting as a quasi-judicial body, the Board applies those laws and policies and is held to stricter procedural requirements. Quasi-judicial proceedings are less formal than proceedings before a circuit court but are more formal than the normal Board meeting. Quasi-judicial proceedings must follow basic standards of notice and due process; and decisions must be made based on competent substantial evidence.
Therefore, Board members have a duty to conduct the quasi-judicial proceedings more like judges than legislators. That is why the Commission has established the uniform procedures for quasi-judicial hearings that will be followed today.
Vice-Chair Hayek called the proceeding to order.
The clerk confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Vice-Chair Hayek inquired with the Board regarding ex-parte communications and asked Clerk to call the roll:
Mr. Benton - yes
Ms. Theuns – no
Mr. Broderick - no
Mr. Johansen – no
Mr. Westbury – no
Mr. Hayek – no
Vice-Chair Hayek opened the public hearing.
The clerk was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Staff Presentation:
Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner, provided an overview of the application and background information.
The applicant has submitted a Preliminary Historic Designation application for the property at 809 N. 9th Street and is asking the Board to provide recommendation to the City Commission for historic designation of the subject property based on the following designation criteria:
• Significant Event. Associated with events that have made significant contributions to the pattern of history in the community, the county, the state or the nation; Section 111-123 (a)(1) of the City Code.
• Significant Person. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; Section 111 -123(a)(2) of the City Code.
Based on the archival documents provided by the applicant, staff identifies and recognizes the historic significance of the building. Staff asks the Board to provide recommendation for historic designation of the property with the name of St. Lucie County Welfare Home for Blacks Historic Landmark under the “Significant Event” and “Significant Person” designation.
Board questions for Staff: None
Applicant questions for Staff: None
Applicant presentation:
Marvin Hobson, Applicant, sworn, explained to the Board that they are securing financing to fully renovate the building into a museum and humanity center with a mini-theater to help strengthen business and cultural development. The designation will provide state and federal funding to help with the renovation and literacy and education programming.
Board questions for Applicant: Mr. Broderick asked the applicant if he is aware that once the property is designated historic that any changes to the outside of the building will have to come before the Historic Preservation Board. Mr. Benton asked what the biggest needs are for the building, projected use of the property, additional parking being considered, and if pursuit of funding was being explored.
Public comment: None
Vice-Chair Hayek, seeing no one else, closed the public hearing.
Comments by the Board: This is a great project and an asset to the community.
Vice-Chair Hayek introduced the Historic Site Designation for 809 North 9th Street, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Vice-Chair Hayek asked Assistant City Attorney, Tanya Earley, to explain the Quasi-Judicial Hearing procedures.
Before commencing this Quasi-Judicial Hearing, Tanya Earley, Assistant City Attorney, reminded the Board that they serve in both a legislative and quasi-judicial role. When acting as a legislative body, the Board engages in law-making activity by passing laws and establishing policies. When acting as a quasi-judicial body, the Board applies those laws and policies and is held to stricter procedural requirements. Quasi-judicial proceedings are less formal than proceedings before a circuit court but are more formal than the normal Board meeting. Quasi-judicial proceedings must follow basic standards of notice and due process; and decisions must be made based on competent substantial evidence.
Therefore, Board members have a duty to conduct the quasi-judicial proceedings more like judges than legislators. That is why the Commission has established the uniform procedures for quasi-judicial hearings that will be followed today.
Vice-Chair Hayek called the proceeding to order.
The clerk confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Vice-Chair Hayek inquired with the Board regarding ex-parte communications and asked Clerk to call the roll:
Mr. Benton - yes
Ms. Theuns – no
Mr. Broderick - no
Mr. Johansen – no
Mr. Westbury – no
Mr. Hayek – no
Vice-Chair Hayek opened the public hearing.
The clerk was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Staff Presentation:
Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner, provided an overview of the application and background information.
The applicant has submitted a Preliminary Historic Designation application for the property at 809 N. 9th Street and is asking the Board to provide recommendation to the City Commission for historic designation of the subject property based on the following designation criteria:
• Significant Event. Associated with events that have made significant contributions to the pattern of history in the community, the county, the state or the nation; Section 111-123 (a)(1) of the City Code.
• Significant Person. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; Section 111 -123(a)(2) of the City Code.
Based on the archival documents provided by the applicant, staff identifies and recognizes the historic significance of the building. Staff asks the Board to provide recommendation for historic designation of the property with the name of St. Lucie County Welfare Home for Blacks Historic Landmark under the “Significant Event” and “Significant Person” designation.
Board questions for Staff: None
Applicant questions for Staff: None
Applicant presentation:
Marvin Hobson, Applicant, sworn, explained to the Board that they are securing financing to fully renovate the building into a museum and humanity center with a mini-theater to help strengthen business and cultural development. The designation will provide state and federal funding to help with the renovation and literacy and education programming.
Board questions for Applicant: Mr. Broderick asked the applicant if he is aware that once the property is designated historic that any changes to the outside of the building will have to come before the Historic Preservation Board. Mr. Benton asked what the biggest needs are for the building, projected use of the property, additional parking being considered, and if pursuit of funding was being explored.
Public comment: None
Vice-Chair Hayek, seeing no one else, closed the public hearing.
Comments by the Board: This is a great project and an asset to the community.
Motion was made by Michael Broderick, and seconded by Holly Theuns to forward a recommendation for the historic designation of the property at 809 N. 9th Street.
- AYE:
- Kori Benton, Holly Theuns, Michael Broderick, George Johansen, Anthony Westbury, Vice-Chair Charlie Hayek
Passed
b.
Certificate of Appropriateness 21-19 - King's Landing, Mixed Use Development - 322 North 2nd Street
Vice Chair Hayek and Ms. Theuns recused themselves. Vice-Chair Hayek handed the gavel to Mr. Broderick to run the meeting.
Chairman Broderick introduced the Certificate of Appropriateness for King's Landing at 322 North 2nd Street.
Chairman Broderick asked Assistant City Attorney, Tanya Earley, to explain the Quasi-Judicial Hearing procedures.
Before commencing this Quasi-Judicial Hearing, Tanya Earley, Assistant City Attorney, reminded the Board that they serve in both a legislative and quasi-judicial role. When acting as a legislative body, the Board engages in law-making activity by passing laws and establishing policies. When acting as a quasi-judicial body, the Board applies those laws and policies and is held to stricter procedural requirements. Quasi-judicial proceedings are less formal than proceedings before a circuit court but are more formal than the normal Board meeting. Quasi-judicial proceedings must follow basic standards of notice and due process; and decisions must be made based on competent substantial evidence.
Therefore, Board members have a duty to conduct the quasi-judicial proceedings more like judges than legislators. That is why the Commission has established the uniform procedures for quasi-judicial hearings that will be followed today.
Chairman Broderick called the proceeding to order.
The clerk confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Chairman Broderick inquired with the Board regarding ex-parte communications and asked Clerk to call the roll:
Mr. Johansen – no
Mr. Westbury – yes
Mr. Benton - yes
Mr. Broderick - yes
Ms. Theuns – recused
Mr. Hayek – recused
Chairman Broderick opened the public hearing.
The clerk was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Staff Presentation:
Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner, provided an overview of the application.
The subject properties consist of approximately 7.824 acres and are located west of Indian River Drive and south of A.E. Backus Avenue. The parcels are currently cleared an undeveloped. The subject parcels have a Future Land Use designation of Central Business District (CBD) with a compatible underlying Zoning designation of Planned Development (PD).
The applicant is proposing the construction of a mixed use community with associated site improvements which includes the following: • 118 residential units (110 condominiums and eight (8) townhouses) • Restaurants (22,840 SF) • Hotel (140 rooms) • Retail (37,680 SF). There are 114 proposed surface parking spaces to serve the development along with a proposed parking structure of which the final design and number of parking spaces has not been determined. The subject development is perfectly positioned at a prominent downtown location, overlooking the Indian River waterfront and city marina. The architectural style is contemporary but features design elements that blend with the existing surroundings and urban marina setting and scenic beauty. The scale of development provides a transition from the neighboring Edgartown Settlement District with the proposed villas on the north bank of Moore’s Creek and the buildings that front North 2nd Street to the larger mixed use structures center to the development. The taller buildings facing the waterfront are compatible in height and massing to the Renaissance mixed use building a few blocks south. Overall, the proposed development maintains a human scale and pedestrian orientation through dedicated walkways, shady arcades, and expansive storefronts. The extensive landscaping provides an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.
In summary, the proposed development design is consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standard 9 and staff has no objection to the approval of the proposal as submitted.
Board questions for Staff: Mr. Benton asked the overall height being requested and he asked the height of the Renaissance Building and the St. Lucie Clerk of Court building in downtown. Mr. Benton also asked if there is a pedestrian walkway west of the historic structures on 2nd Street. Mr. Broderick asked where the guest, condominium owners and employees will park since the city will be losing two surface parking lots. Mr. Broderick provided the Board with the Downtown Fort Pierce Parking Guide handout to show the surface parking lots that will no longer be available.
Brandon Creagan, City of Fort Pierce Planner, stated the Planned Development has already been approved and the site plan will be going to the Planning Board for approval. He stated there is a pedestrian pathway along 2nd street and the aerial shown was from the Request For Proposal (RFP).
Applicant questions for Staff: None
Applicant presentation: Brad Currie, Applicant Representative, sworn, stated having a parking problem is a good problem and the city is encouraging development in the area. Mr. Currie said the parking along 2nd Street has been removed and a parking garage will be built on site to provide parking for the condominium owners and the majority of the hotel spaces. Mr. Currie said there will be 140 hotel rooms and 118 condominiums and the hotel owner is currently working wth the city on other parking areas.
Dale Matteson, Applicant, Audubon Development, explained that angled parking is incorporated along Indian River Drive and Avenue B to allow for more spaces and the flow of the traffic is counter clockwise around the property. He said all the residential parking wil be private parking on the parking deck. Mr. Matteson said the sidewalks will be larger than normal and there will be covered walkways throughout the development. A riverwalk has been incorporated from Moore's Creek along Indian River Drive to the city parking garage to create pedestrian mobility.
Board questions for Applicant: Mr. Broderick asked about the specific timeline and details of the parking structure and if a parking study has been completed. Mr. Benton asked if there will be any screening provisions planned for the FPUA substation to soften the presence in downtown and he asked if there is a maximum height for the structure.
Public comment: None
Staff final comments: Ms. Lewicka stated there is not a design concept for the parking garage and staff is looking at the overall scale of the development and how it matches the urban fabric.
Vice-Chair Hayek, seeing no one else, closed the public hearing.
Comments by the Board: Mr. Broderick and Mr. Benton echoed the importance to the Downtown and the Edgartown Historic Districts that the parking supply supports its use and the long term implications for the future regarding safety and mobility. Mr. Benton suggested the CRA being a partner in the project may be able to incentivize parking and participate in the cost of a parking garage. Mr. Benton encouraged the Board to have a design theme to recommend to the Planning Board and ultimately the City Commission that incorporates an ultimate height cap, parking garage that serves the needs and avoids adverse impacts, and final landscape plans which soften concrete, enhance shade and green space. Mr. Benton noted that the theme shall ensure cross walk locations that integrate into downtown and parking garage and entrance way finding signs. Mr. Broderick stressed the impacts will be extensive with the possible 25% reduction of parking spaces and he encouraged the developer to have a final refined parking plan prior to the Planning Board meeting.
Motion was made by Mr. Westbury to approve Certificate of Appropriateness 21-19 for King's Landing at 322 N. 2nd Street. Mr. Benton seconded the motion with a friendly amendment to incorporate maximum height, parking garage and parking supply, final landscape design as it integrates with lighting themes and way finding signs.
Mr. Westbury agreed with most everything except the maximum height. He said it produces unexciting architecture and does not give the architect any lead way or wiggle room.
Mr. Westbury withdrew his motion.
Vice Chair Hayek and Ms. Theuns recused themselves. Vice-Chair Hayek handed the gavel to Mr. Broderick to run the meeting.
Chairman Broderick introduced the Certificate of Appropriateness for King's Landing at 322 North 2nd Street.
Chairman Broderick asked Assistant City Attorney, Tanya Earley, to explain the Quasi-Judicial Hearing procedures.
Before commencing this Quasi-Judicial Hearing, Tanya Earley, Assistant City Attorney, reminded the Board that they serve in both a legislative and quasi-judicial role. When acting as a legislative body, the Board engages in law-making activity by passing laws and establishing policies. When acting as a quasi-judicial body, the Board applies those laws and policies and is held to stricter procedural requirements. Quasi-judicial proceedings are less formal than proceedings before a circuit court but are more formal than the normal Board meeting. Quasi-judicial proceedings must follow basic standards of notice and due process; and decisions must be made based on competent substantial evidence.
Therefore, Board members have a duty to conduct the quasi-judicial proceedings more like judges than legislators. That is why the Commission has established the uniform procedures for quasi-judicial hearings that will be followed today.
Chairman Broderick called the proceeding to order.
The clerk confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Chairman Broderick inquired with the Board regarding ex-parte communications and asked Clerk to call the roll:
Mr. Johansen – no
Mr. Westbury – yes
Mr. Benton - yes
Mr. Broderick - yes
Ms. Theuns – recused
Mr. Hayek – recused
Chairman Broderick opened the public hearing.
The clerk was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Staff Presentation:
Maria Lewicka, Historic Preservation Planner, provided an overview of the application.
The subject properties consist of approximately 7.824 acres and are located west of Indian River Drive and south of A.E. Backus Avenue. The parcels are currently cleared an undeveloped. The subject parcels have a Future Land Use designation of Central Business District (CBD) with a compatible underlying Zoning designation of Planned Development (PD).
The applicant is proposing the construction of a mixed use community with associated site improvements which includes the following: • 118 residential units (110 condominiums and eight (8) townhouses) • Restaurants (22,840 SF) • Hotel (140 rooms) • Retail (37,680 SF). There are 114 proposed surface parking spaces to serve the development along with a proposed parking structure of which the final design and number of parking spaces has not been determined. The subject development is perfectly positioned at a prominent downtown location, overlooking the Indian River waterfront and city marina. The architectural style is contemporary but features design elements that blend with the existing surroundings and urban marina setting and scenic beauty. The scale of development provides a transition from the neighboring Edgartown Settlement District with the proposed villas on the north bank of Moore’s Creek and the buildings that front North 2nd Street to the larger mixed use structures center to the development. The taller buildings facing the waterfront are compatible in height and massing to the Renaissance mixed use building a few blocks south. Overall, the proposed development maintains a human scale and pedestrian orientation through dedicated walkways, shady arcades, and expansive storefronts. The extensive landscaping provides an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.
In summary, the proposed development design is consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standard 9 and staff has no objection to the approval of the proposal as submitted.
Board questions for Staff: Mr. Benton asked the overall height being requested and he asked the height of the Renaissance Building and the St. Lucie Clerk of Court building in downtown. Mr. Benton also asked if there is a pedestrian walkway west of the historic structures on 2nd Street. Mr. Broderick asked where the guest, condominium owners and employees will park since the city will be losing two surface parking lots. Mr. Broderick provided the Board with the Downtown Fort Pierce Parking Guide handout to show the surface parking lots that will no longer be available.
Brandon Creagan, City of Fort Pierce Planner, stated the Planned Development has already been approved and the site plan will be going to the Planning Board for approval. He stated there is a pedestrian pathway along 2nd street and the aerial shown was from the Request For Proposal (RFP).
Applicant questions for Staff: None
Applicant presentation: Brad Currie, Applicant Representative, sworn, stated having a parking problem is a good problem and the city is encouraging development in the area. Mr. Currie said the parking along 2nd Street has been removed and a parking garage will be built on site to provide parking for the condominium owners and the majority of the hotel spaces. Mr. Currie said there will be 140 hotel rooms and 118 condominiums and the hotel owner is currently working wth the city on other parking areas.
Dale Matteson, Applicant, Audubon Development, explained that angled parking is incorporated along Indian River Drive and Avenue B to allow for more spaces and the flow of the traffic is counter clockwise around the property. He said all the residential parking wil be private parking on the parking deck. Mr. Matteson said the sidewalks will be larger than normal and there will be covered walkways throughout the development. A riverwalk has been incorporated from Moore's Creek along Indian River Drive to the city parking garage to create pedestrian mobility.
Board questions for Applicant: Mr. Broderick asked about the specific timeline and details of the parking structure and if a parking study has been completed. Mr. Benton asked if there will be any screening provisions planned for the FPUA substation to soften the presence in downtown and he asked if there is a maximum height for the structure.
Public comment: None
Staff final comments: Ms. Lewicka stated there is not a design concept for the parking garage and staff is looking at the overall scale of the development and how it matches the urban fabric.
Vice-Chair Hayek, seeing no one else, closed the public hearing.
Comments by the Board: Mr. Broderick and Mr. Benton echoed the importance to the Downtown and the Edgartown Historic Districts that the parking supply supports its use and the long term implications for the future regarding safety and mobility. Mr. Benton suggested the CRA being a partner in the project may be able to incentivize parking and participate in the cost of a parking garage. Mr. Benton encouraged the Board to have a design theme to recommend to the Planning Board and ultimately the City Commission that incorporates an ultimate height cap, parking garage that serves the needs and avoids adverse impacts, and final landscape plans which soften concrete, enhance shade and green space. Mr. Benton noted that the theme shall ensure cross walk locations that integrate into downtown and parking garage and entrance way finding signs. Mr. Broderick stressed the impacts will be extensive with the possible 25% reduction of parking spaces and he encouraged the developer to have a final refined parking plan prior to the Planning Board meeting.
Motion was made by Mr. Westbury to approve Certificate of Appropriateness 21-19 for King's Landing at 322 N. 2nd Street. Mr. Benton seconded the motion with a friendly amendment to incorporate maximum height, parking garage and parking supply, final landscape design as it integrates with lighting themes and way finding signs.
Mr. Westbury agreed with most everything except the maximum height. He said it produces unexciting architecture and does not give the architect any lead way or wiggle room.
Mr. Westbury withdrew his motion.
Motion was made by Kori Benton, and seconded by Anthony Westbury to approve Certificate of Appropriateness 21-19 for King's Landing Mixed Use Development at 322 N. 2nd Street on the premise that the project proposes up to eight stories in height, if anything beyond eight stories, the project would come back to the Historic Preservation Board, that the project incorporates a parking garage as reflected on the presented site plan, encouraging a review of parking supply by the Planning Board and the City Commission, delegate staff to consider, along side the applicant, a final landscape detail as it relates to islands and foundational plantings adjacent to pedestrian walkways, that crosswalks for safety are emphasized, and delegate staff to consider, with the applicant, way finding signs, overall signs and define entries for both pedestrians and vehicles coming to the project.
- AYE:
- George Johansen, Anthony Westbury, Kori Benton, Michael Broderick
- Other:
- Holly Theuns (ABSTAIN), Vice-Chair Charlie Hayek (ABSTAIN)
Passed
6.
NEW BUSINESS
a.
Administratively Approved Certificates of Appropriateness - April 2021
7.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There were no comments from the public.
There were no comments from the public.
8.
CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCES
Motion was made by Holly Theuns, and seconded by Michael Broderick to approve the absence of Ms. Boardman.
- AYE:
- Anthony Westbury, Kori Benton, Holly Theuns, Michael Broderick, George Johansen, Vice-Chair Charlie Hayek
Passed
9.
ADJOURNMENT