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07-24-1997 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD JULY 24, 1997 The regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Board was held on Thursday, July 24, 1997 in the Chamber of the Village Hall commencing at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Present: Cliff Walters, Chairman Robert Blum Thomas Caldwell Les Forney Frank Hegedus Also Present: Mark Ulmer, Village Attorney Frank LuBien Ross Prieto Lisa Kroboth ITEM #1 MINUTES - July 14, 1997 Mr. Caldwell moved that the minutes be approved as submitted. Mr. Blum seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. ITEM #2 PROPOSED COUNTY MODIFICATION OF N.E. rd AVENUE Mr. Tom Benton, Assistant Village Manager and Director of Public Works again presented a series of proposals that the Village Staff has been working on in conjunction with the Dade County highway department for the renovation of the N.E. 2ttd Avenue corridor, specifically through the business district. The purpose of the project is to improve aesthetics of the Village. There are limitations due to the amount of traffic that flows through this district throughout the day as well as the size of the right-of-way. Mr. Benton presented several options to the Board. The first was the knuckle alternative which allows for landscaping in "knuckle" areas. The second was the landscape alternative which would eliminate the on -street parking areas to allow for landscaping. The third alternative, which is preferred by the Village Manager, Mr. Couzzo, provides an aesthetic center median with the elimination of the on -street parking. However, the addition of this "greenway" center median would outweigh the elimination of the on -street parking. Mr. Forney inquired as to how many parking spaces would be eliminated. Mr. Benton replied that the County was in the process of completing a traffic study and the information was forthcoming. Mr. Forney noted that the parking spaces that front Second Avenue are utilized by most of the businesses clientele. He also noted that if the on -street parking is eliminated, forcing people to use the back entrance to businesses, there may be a problem with criminal activity in the alleyways. This would be destructive to the businesses. Mr. Forney also inquired as to the installation of sewer lines. Mr. Benton stated that there would not be any at this time. Planning & Zoning July 24, 1997 Page 2 Mr. Benton commented that the Village Manager, Mr. Couzzo preferred the third alternative because the trade-off between the loss of parking and the green corridor that would be created through the business district is more beneficial to the Village. He believes that landscaping is the key to the renovations creating an attractive entrance. Mr. Blum stated that the on -street parking is not essential to businesses and therefore prefers a combination of the third alternative with some of the knuckle areas. Mr. Walters commented that a small town ambiance is created with the on -street parking. He noted that the County designs plans to move traffic as fast as possible from point A to B, creating a high speed corridor. Mr. Walters stated that the Board's responsibility is to preserve the Village ambiance. Mr. Hegedus agreed and noted his preference for the knuckle alternative. Mr. Caldwell moved that the Board pass a resolution in favor of the knuckle alternative, the first alternative presented by Mr Benton. Mr. Hegedus seconded the motion. Mr. Caldwell expressed his concern for the need to keep the speed of the traffic down and preserve the small town ambiance with some additional landscaping. Mr. Caldwell noted that this is a preliminary impression of what would be best for the possible renovation. Mr. Hegedus suggested that additional greenery may be added to the knuckles. Discussion regarding the possible modifications to the alternatives submitted ensued. The vote was called and was as follows: YES - Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Walters, Mr. Hegedus, Mr. Forney; NO - Mr. Blum. ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF STRUCTURE FOR RAISING PLANTS IN SIDE YARD. Mark S. Ulmer 800 N.E. 98 Street Mr. LuBien stated that the application is for an accessory building that will be located partially in the rear and partially in the side yard. Any structure for raising plants that is more than 80 sq. ft. must be approved by the Planning & Zoning Board. Mr. Ulmer was present on his own behalf. He stated that the proposed location is in the rear yard and it is the only logical site for the proposed structure. Mr. Ulmer submitted a letter from a neighbor, Anne Wright who states no objection to the proposed structure. Mr. Caldwell asked if the structure meets the setback requirements. Mr. Ulmer confirmed it did, except that according to the Building Official, it is built half in the side yard. Mr. Ulmer also provided a video of the property for the Board's review. Discussion regarding the means of approval under Section 513 by the Board ensued. Mr. Caldwell moved to approve the application of a structure for raising plants in the side yard under Section 513. Mr. Blum seconded the motion. The vote was called and was as follows: YES - Mr. Blum, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Walters, Mr. Hegedus; NO - Mr. Forney. Planning & Zoning July 24, 1997 Page 3 ITEM #3 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING SET BACK REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSORY BUILDINGS. Mr. Walters suggested that categories of accessory buildings be established. Mr. Caldwell stated • that his concern was specifically with utility sheds. He stated that the current set back requirements are too restrictive. Mr. Ulmer clarified what was defined as an accessory building. • Mr. Caldwell listed some criteria that should be considered such as not blocking windows and maintain a certain distance from the electric service. Mr. LuBien commented that ninety percent of the problems would be solved with the elimination of the fifteen foot separation. Mr. Ulmer suggested that the Schedule of Regulations be deleted and then list the set back criteria for each accessory building separately. He also advised that the accessory building set back provision be deleted and that Section 516 be rewritten. Mr. Caldwell moved that Mr. Ulmer draft a modified Ordinance. Mr. Forney seconded the motion. Mr. Ulmer asked for some criteria. Mr. Caldwell expressed his concern for utility sheds and plant house with no minimum set back from the house. Mr. Walters suggested that the accessory building could be in the side yard as long as it doesn't violate the existing setback. Mr. Blum noted that if side yard placement was allowed, it must be harmonious. Mr. Hegedus agreed with the side yard suggestion. However, he suggested that anything less than five feet from the house would be conducive to the accumulation of junk. It was the opinion of some of the Board members that sheds must contiguous to the building or more than five feet from the building. Because of the Board's concern regarding utility sheds, Mr. Ulmer suggested that the Board must approve a site plan that is harmonious. The vote was called and was unanimous in favor. ITEM #5 ADJOURNMENT The July 24, 1997 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Elizafieth A. Kroboth, Recording Secretary Anne Wright 825 N.E. 98th Street Miami Shores, Florida 33138 July 24, 1997 Mr. Cliff Walters, Chairman Planning Board Miami Shores Village 10050 N.E. Second Avenue Miami Shores, Florida 33138 Re: Shade House Proposal for 800 N.E. 98th Street Dear Mr. Walters: This letter is in support of a request by my neighbors, Mark and Dale Ulmer, for approval to construct a shade house in their yard to the east of their house. I was unable to appear at the Planning Board meeting this evening to offer my support in person and, therefore, wanted to submit in writing that I have no objection to the requested construction. My home faces directly the areas where the shade house would be located and, in actuality, I look forward to enjoying it myself. I have seen actual photographs of the exact construction and how it will be put to use and would find it an attractive addition to our street. Your consideration of this matter is appreciated.