HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 05 29 Informational 102 Letter Of Understanding transmitted to the State Department of Community Affairs
CITY COMMISSION
May 29. 2007
Meeting
Consent
Information X
Public Hearine
Reeular
ITEM 102
J1---- / rA2I~
Mgr./Dep~
REQUEST: The Community Development Department - Planning Division wishes to update the
City Commission on the status of the Letter of Understanding transmitted to the State Department of
Community Affairs.
PURPOSE: To update the Commission on the identified issues approved for transmittal to the
State at the April 23, 2007 Joint City Commission-Local Planning Agency Meeting.
CHRONOLOGY:
On April 23, 2007 a Joint City Commission and Local Planning Agency Meeting was held for the
purpose of affirming the list of Evaluation and Appraisal Report issues to be transmitted to the State
in a Letter of Understanding. The list under discussion was developed by holding various
workshops and meetings which provided opportunity for public participation {s. 163.3191 (2)0),
F.S.} including:
. Local Planning Agency Scoping Meeting (Fall 2006);
. Joint City Commission and Local Planning Agency Workshop (Feb. 5,2007);
. "Great Ideas for a Great City" Public Workshop (Feb. 28, 2007);
. Inter-Agency Scoping Meeting (Mar. 15,2007) with state and regional agencies, and local
government jurisdictions; Staff Review Meeting (Feb. & Mar. 2007); and
. Joint City Commission and Local Planning Agency Meeting (April 23, 2007).
The issues identified are to serve as the focus for the City of Winter Springs during the 2008
Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), consistent with Section 163.3191(1)(c), Florida Statutes.
At the joint meeting there was much discussion related to the topic of Accessory Dwelling Units.
Several motions were made amending the initial motion. However, those motions failed. The final
approved motion (3-1) amended the list of issues to include exploring options related to the
redevelopment of the West Side, but did not remove the language related to exploring various
options for elderly housing, including the option of allowing Accessory Dwelling units in single
family zoning districts, as long as strict design guidelines were implemented to protect the
neighborhood character.
May 29,2007
Information AGENDA ITEM 102
On April 24, 2007, Staff transmitted the Letter of Understanding (see Attachment B) to the Florida
Department of Community Affairs. Currently, the Letter is under review. To date, Staff has not
received any correspondence from the State on this matter.
The letter identifies the community issues which will serve as the focus for the City of Winter
Springs during the 2008 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), consistent with Section
163.3191(1)(c), Florida Statutes. The Winter Springs' 2008 EAR is due May 1,2008.
ATTACHMENTS:
A- Minutes from April 23, 2007 Joint City Commission and Local Planning Agency Special
Meeting
B- Copy ofletter transmitted to Florida DCA with City of Winter Springs EAR Issues as an
attachment
CITY COMMISSION ACTION:
ATTACHMENT A
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 23, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting of Monday, April 23, 2007 of the City Commission was called to
Order by Mayor John F. Bush at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the
Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida
32708).
Roll Call:
Mayor John F. Bush, present
Deputy Mayor Sally McGinnis, present
Commissioner Robert S. Miller, arrived at 4:01 p.m.
Commissioner Rick Brown, present
Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore, present
Commissioner Joanne M. Krebs, absent
City Manager Ronald W. McLemore, present
City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, arrived at 4:43 p.m.
A moment of silence preceded the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Robert S. Miller arrived at 4:01 p.m.
REGULAR AGENDA
REGULAR
600. Community Development Department - Planning Division
Requests That The City Commission And Local Planning Agency Review, Comment
And Affirm The List Of Major Key Planning Issues To Be Included In A Letter Of
Understanding With The Department Of Community Affairs (DCA). The Letter
Will Request The DCA's (Department Of Community Affairs) Agreement To The
Topics Selected As Their Guide In Reviewing Winter Springs' Evaluation And
Appraisal Report (EAR) For Sufficiency.
Ms. Eloise Sahlstrom, ASLA, AICP, Senior Planner, Community Development
Department noted that some Planning and Zoning/Local Planning Agency Board
Members were present.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE20F9
Mayor Bush commented, "Why don't you give us your name for the Record here."
Chairman Bill Poe, Board Member Rosanne Karr, and Board Member Linda Tillis
introduced themselves to the City Commission.
Discussion ensued on the information in a Letter of Understanding with the State of
Florida.
Mayor Bush mentioned the first page on the list of issues, "Under elderly housing and
medical care, it would be the second bullet and actually the last long sentence - the last
two (2) lines it says, 'Or requiring a certain percentage of town homes and
condominiums'. Why are we leaving out homes; just regular homes?"
Ms. Sahlstrom commented, "I suppose that's a good point. We're not seeing a lot of
development of single-family homes." Mayor Bush said, "So, it was not intentional to
not put it in." Mayor Bush continued, "So, it should be added in?" Ms. Sahlstrom said,
"We can add it in. Sure, it's something that we're going to explore, but we can add it in
because we want to explore it for single-family homes as well."
Regarding the elderly housing ~nd medical care clause, Deputy Mayor Sally McGinnis
suggested, "Percentage of dwellings, maybe." Ms. Sahlstrom suggested, "Perhaps we
can just say a certain percentage of new residential development or something like that."
Deputy Mayor McGinnis added, "I don't know if you could require private homes, but
you could encourage - 1 don't know. That is an issue for our Attorney." Ms. Sahlstrom
then suggested, "Perhaps we could just say a certain percentage of new residential
development or something like that." Deputy Mayor McGinnis noted, "Right, that is
good. "
Further discussion.
Regarding heights of buildings and the Town Center project, Ms. Sahlstrom pointed out,
"You did allow the Doran development to go higher, which is permitted under the
Comp[rehensive] Plan. It was not permitted under the Code and that's why it was
addressed in the Development Agreement to allow it to go to. the six (6) stories - it was
an exception to the Code - for Doran. The exception was for Doran." Furthermore, Ms.
Sahlstrom stated, "The Comp[rehensive] Plan will allow up to six (6) stories, but because
the Code only allowed four (4) stories, any deviation from that has to have your blessing
as a Commission through a Development Agreement, so yes it is allowed, but only by
your agreement."
Regarding Development Agreements, Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore commented,
"So, one allows, one says it has to come back to the Commission. What green space are
we getting for allowing this?" Ms. Sahlstrom said, "These are things to explore, 1 don't
have the answers to how we would accomplish these things or if they're even doable."
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE30F9
With discussion, Commissioner Gilmore suggested, "I think those things need to be
stated, that if somebody gives something, or if they want this, they have to give it in
return. "
Discussion.
Commissioner Rick Brown remarked, "I just wanted to be clear that the Comp[ rehensive]
Plan states six (6) stories, but anything over four (4) has to come back before the
Commission for approval." Ms. Sahlstrom replied, "Right." Commissioner Brown
continued, "And it has to be documented as a Developer's Agreement and the Ordinance
needs to be changed."
Ms. Sahlstrom commented, "Right. A Developer has to follow the Code and if he -
wants an exception from the Code, the only way to address that is either to change the
Code or to have a Development Agreement. And that's why he has to come back to you
to have that changed."
Discussion followed on accessory buildings. Chairman Poe suggested, "Accessory
dwelling. attached units to be constructed in single-family zoning; that covers the
individual homes. And then, and/or requiring, and again we haven't established that, a
percentage of the town houses or condominiums; but attached, then clearly delineates that
it has to be attached to a single-family unit." Commissioner Miller stated "That is fine."
Discussion.
Commissioner Brown remarked, "In our HOA (Homeowner's Association) Covenants,
there is an article that deals with, I do not know the exact wording, but it pretty clearly
states, one (1) family, one (1) home. Is there not something that can be or equivalent in
City Code that can be added that says - 'Non-rent paying, family member dwelling' -
whatever the wording - that accessory unit to being a non-rental facility."
Mr. Randy Stevenson, ASLA, Director, Community Development Department stated,
"So when we talk about Accessory Dwelling Units, 1 would like to - if the Commission
desires at this point to allow the Staff to begin to go in and look at this on a broad base
and see what is possible and what is feasible and we may come back as Eloise
(Sahlstrom) said, and decide that we don't want some of these parameters or some of
these items as they are linked to accessory dwellings, but at this point, I think we need to
at least look at them when we are putting the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report)
together."
Further discussion.
City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese arrived at 4:43 p.m.
Discussion.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE40F 9
Chairman Poe commented, "I think Mr. McLemore summed it up fairly well for me and
that is, is that they only go to six (6) floors, only if you say so. Period. End of report. 1
can't understand why they would not be able to provide another green space possibly not
in the Town Center, but if they want to build a six (6) story building in the Town Center
and they are required to give us some green space, they are just going to have to do it."
Board Member Tillis stated, "So, if it's a concept that could work in a certain situation,
it's not something that's just absolutely no way, no how; then 1 think we ought to leave it
open to let us explore that option. 1 think we all recognize that there are going to be
restrictions on it. It is not right for every place in the City, but there could be places
where it works and we ought to make that option available. 1 don't want to see us get
shut down on all these different concepts - but, certainly there are certain issues that just
aren't going to work based on - what you guys understand the population to want. And
we definitely don't want to waste our time on those."
Board Member Karr remarked, "I agree with both Linda (Tillis) and Bill (po e) here, that
these are issues that we all agreed upon and 1 think it is just a basic outline - we want the
DCA (Department of Community Affairs) to realize that these are concerns of ours that
we are going to address in our Comprehensive Plan." Board Member Karr added, "I
agree with everything that was presented in this packet." Deputy Mayor McGinnis noted,
"I do too."
Discussion ensued on the economic feasibility wording.
Tape IISide B
Further discussion.
Chairman Poe commented, "Randy (Stevenson), 1 think, alluded to it earlier that - we're
submitting this to DCA (Department of Community Affairs). This is nothing more than a
draft. This is a - what we think are going to be the major issues. But when we actually
developed the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report), these may not be in there, correct
me ifI'm wrong, Eloise (Sahlstrom)."
Ms. Sahlstrom said, "What we need to do is explore the options and evaluate them and
that part needs to be in there, the evaluation." Ms. Sahlstrom continued, "But does not
mean that we are endorsing that we are going to include this in our Code or in our
Comp[rehensive] Plan - ifit doesn't meet the evaluation."
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGESOF9
With further comments, City Manager Ronald W. McLemore asked, "Was any thought
given at all to looking at the West side of town from a redevelopment perceptive and see
what, if anything, we can do over there to try to help restore in that area and make it more
sustainable for the future?" Ms. Sahlstrom replied, "That was not really addressed as one
of the issues that we needed to be looking at. I mean, it is an issue that's important; it's
something that we can look at independently, but it was not part of the discussion of this
body, that I recall. Or - from the Public Workshop - it didn't come to the surface as one
of the issues to further explore."
Discussion.
Manager McLemore suggested, "Maybe we could put a policy statement in the
Comp[rehensive] Plan that says, we need to be flexible - because you can't solve these
redevelopment problems in a straightjacket of a strict set of rules. You've got to have
flexibility to work with - so, maybe as a Comp[rehensive] Plan policy, we should say at
least that we would maintain the flexibility to employ appropriate strategies in the
redevelopment area that would create sustainability, long-term sustainability - reviving
and creating sustainability in that area."
Chairman Poe asked, "Is that something that would have to go through this process here
and go through DCA (Department of Community Affairs) and be part of the EAR
(Evaluation and Appraisal Report)?" Manager McLemore said, "I think as a matter of
policy it should be." Manager McLemore continued, "Just put it as a policy that you will
do that."
With further discussion, Attorney Garganese commented, "The issue whether it is worthy
enough to explore. And the fact that not much thought has been given into it, this is an
opportunity to put more thought into it, identifying it as an issue for further study. What
comes out of it during the EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report) process is anybody's
guess, but shouldn't some focus be given to a redevelopment issue that we have in certain
areas of the City. There may be strategies that could be incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan, where ever they be; like Neighborhood Improvement Districts and
things like that, that could go a long way to help revitalize parts of the City. The
Manager is saying there should be further study."
Mayor Bush asked the Local Planning Agency Members, "Do you agree? And if you do,
I will ask the Commission to Vote on it."
Chairman Poe said, "Yes."
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS. FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE60F9
Board Member Tillis commented, "My first reaction is I did notice that redevelopment
initiatives were addressed under Affordable Workforce Housing - and maybe there is a
way that we can bring that up under several different topics here instead of just localized
there. But since we do have a Greene Way Interchange District; we do have State Road
434 corridor, 1 don't object to setting that out as a separate item in this concept document;
to be addressed separately. To look at what concepts, what strategies we can use to
address that particular problem."
Board Member Karr remarked, "I agree."
"I MOVE THAT WE ADOPT THE LIST OF ISSUES - ON THE PLANNING
DIVISION, THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY - WE AFFIRM THEIR LISTS
OF MAJOR KEY PLANNING ISSUES TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DCA
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS) WITH ANOTHER EMPHASIS
ON REDEVELOPING THE mSTORIC SIDE OF TOWN - EXPLORING
OPTIONS." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS.
MAYOR BUSH SAID, "WEST SIDE INSTEAD OF mSTORIC." DEPUTY
MAYOR McGINNIS NOTED, "OKAY." SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
MILLER. DISCUSSION.
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS ADDED, "I THINK YOU DID COVER TmS
WHEN YOU SAID THE CITY WILL IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES AND
METHODOLOGIES AND REDEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES."
COMMISSIONER GILMORE COMMENTED, "I CAN SUPPORT THE
DOCUMENT EXCEPT FOR THE ISSUE OF ACCESSORY DWELLINGS. I
HAVE A FEAR THAT THE WAY THAT IS WRITTEN, WE ARE JUST
OPENING A BIG DOOR, AND FIVE (5) YEARS FROM NOW - SOMEBODY
SITTING UP HERE OR TEN (10) YEARS FROM NOW, SOMEBODY IS GOING
TO SAY, 'HOW DID WE EVER LET TmS HAPPEN?' BECAUSE SURE
ENOUGH RANDY (STEVENSON) AND HIS STAFF ARE GOING TO HAVE TO
DEFEND SAYING 'NO'."
MAYOR BUSH ASKED, "COMMISSIONER McGINNIS, YOUR MOTION IS ON
THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT WITH THAT ONE (1) ADDITION?" DEPUTY
MAYOR McGINNIS REPLIED, "YES, IT IS."
"I WILL MAKE A MOTION THAT WE AMEND THE MOTION TO DELETE
THE WORD - 'ACCESSORY HOUSING' FROM THE DOCUMENT." MAYOR
BUSH ASKED, "DO YOU MEAN 'ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS'?"
COMMISSIONER MILLER REPLIED, "'ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS'
FROM THE DOCUMENT." AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION BY
COMMISSIONER MILLER. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GILMORE.
DISCUSSION.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
. SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE70F9
MAYOR BUSH ASKED, ''WHAT DOES THAT DO TO IT - TAKING IT OUT..."
COMMISSIONER ~LER REPLIED, "...IT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING TO
IT." MAYOR BUSH CONTINUED, "TAKING IT OUT?" COMMISSIONER
MILLER SAID, "THEY CAN STILL COME AND SAY I WANT TO PUT UP AN
ACCESSORY BUILDING AND YOU LOOK AT IT."
MANAGER McLEMORE SAID, "WELL, YOU ARE NOT OPPOSING
ATTACHED?" COMMISSIONER MILLER REMARKED, "NO, I AM NOT
OPPOSING ATTACHED THAT IS ALREADY DEALT WITH IN THERE."
COMMISSIONER MILLER CONTINUED, "IT SHOULD BE 'ACCESSORY
BmLDINGS AND ATTACHED UNITS'." COMMISSIONER MILLER ADDED,
"WE WILL JUST LEAVE IT THE WAY IT IS; BUT RIGHT NOW, ATTACHED
UNIT MEANS YOU HAVE A BREEZEWAY BETWEEN THE MAIN BUILDING
AND YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO HAVE A DOOR IN THE MAIN BUILDING;
IT IS JUST A BREEZEWAY."
COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED, "I WILL MAKE AN AMENDMENT TO
THE AMENDED MOTION THAT WE ALSO INCLUDE BREEZEWAYS -
ATTACHED BUILDINGS." SECONDED. DISCUSSION.
BOARD MEMBER KARR COMMENTED, "WHAT IF WE JUST DELETED
ALLOWING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN A
SINGLE-FAMILY ZONING DISTRICT WITH STRICT GUIDELINES TO
PROTECT THAT WHOLE PHRASE." COMMISSIONER GILMORE
REMARKED, "I SUPPORT THAT."
BOARD MEMBER KARR CONTINUED, "AND JUST SAY 'ALLOWING FOR
'COMMUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME', FOR 'ALLOWING FOR HOUSING
THAT CONFORMS TO 'COMMUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME' STANDARDS."
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS COMMENTED, "NO."
CHAIRMAN POE COMMENTED, "THE ISSUE THEN - YOU WOULD NOT BE
ABLE TO BmLD ONE IN A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME, THAT'S WHAT TmS IS
REALLY OPENING. IT SAYS 'ALLOWING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN SINGLE-FAMILY ZONING DISTRICTS' WHICH
RIGHT NOW IT IS NOT. SO, BY CHANGING IT TO THAT VERBIAGE YOU
WOULD TOTALLY ELIMINATE SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING."
Deputy Mayor McGinnis stated, "Point of Order" and spoke on the Vote.
COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED, "THE AMENDMENT IS TO INCLUDE
ATTACHED DWELLINGS." DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS ASKED, "TO
INCLUDE OR EXCLUDE?" COMMISSIONER MILLER REPLIED, "TO
EXCLUDE ATTACHED ALSO."
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE80F9
MANAGER McLEMORE REMARKED, "BOTH?" COMMISSIONER MILLER
SAID, "YES, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW - YOU CAN'T HAVE AN ACCESSORY
BUILDING BECAUSE IT IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE MAIN UNIT, BUT YOU
CAN APPROVE RIGHT NOW, AN ACCESSORY BUILDING IN WINTER
SPRINGS AS LONG AS IT IS ATTACHED TO THE MAIN RESIDENCE."
FURTHER DISCUSSION.
MR. STEVENSON SAID, "AS I UNDERSTAND, JUST FOR MY
CLARIFICATION - IF YOU EXCLUDE ATTACHED AND DETACHED, I CAN
NO LONGER HAVE A GARAGE APARTMENT BECAUSE THAT'S
ATTACHED, BUT YOU'VE JUST EXCLUDED IT. I CAN'T HAVE A GARAGE
APARTMENT THAT I RENT SIMILAR TO WHAT IS GOING ON MAYBE, OR
WHAT HAS GONE ON IN AVERY PARK."
DISCUSSION ENSUED ON GARAGE APARTMENTS.
MR. STEVENSON COMMENTED, "BUT AS I UNDERSTAND IT - IF THE
AMENDMENT PASSES, AS YOU ARE PROPOSING, I CAN NO LONGER PUT
A GARAGE APARTMENT ON MY RESIDENCE BECAUSE IT'S ATTACHED,
BUT IT'S AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AT THAT POINT."
COMMISSIONER MILLER REPLIED, "THAT WOULD BE CORRECT."
VOTE: (ON THE AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT)
COMMISSIONER GILMORE: AYE
COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE
DEPUTYMAYORMcGINNIS: NAY
COMMISSIONER BROWN: NAY
MAYOR BUSH: NAY
MOTION DID NOT CARRY.
DISCUSSION.
VOTE: (ON THE AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION)
COMMISSIONER BROWN: NAY
COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS: NAY
COMMISSIONER GILMORE: NAY
MAYOR BUSH: NAY
MOTION DID NOT CARRY.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 23, 2007
PAGE90F9
REGARDING THE ORIGINAL MOTION, MAYOR BUSH STATED,
"ACTUALLY IT WAS THE DOCUMENT THAT WAS PRESENTED, WE
ADDED ON THE - REDEVELOPMENT ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN."
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS REMARKED, "TO EXPAND, YES." MAYOR
BUSH ASKED, "THAT WAS REALLY THE ONLY ADDITION, RIGHT?"
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS REPLIED, "YES."
VOTE: (ON THE ORIGINAL MOTION)
COMMISSIONER GILMORE: NAY
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS: AYE
COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE
COMMISSIONER BROWN: AYE
MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bush adjourned the Special Meeting at 5:08 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITI'ED:
ANDREA LORENZO-LUACES, CMC, CITY CLERK AND
DANIELLE HARKER, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
JOHN F. BUSH
MAYOR
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the
. 2007 Regular City Commission Meeting.
ATTACHMENT B
April 24, 2007
Mr. Mike McDaniel, Chief of Comprehensive Planning
Dept. of Community Affairs, Division of Community Planning
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
RE: Letter of Understanding for the City of Winter Springs 2008 EAR
Dear Mr. Mc Daniel:
The purpose of this letter is to identify the community issues which will serve as the
focus for the City of Winter Springs during the 2008 Evaluation and Appraisal Report
(EAR), consistent with Section 163.3191(1)(c), Florida Statutes. The Winter Springs'
2008 EAR is due May 1, 2008. The City developed this list by holding various
workshops and meetings, to give opportunity for public participation {so 163.3191(2)0),
F.S.} including:
. Local Planning Agency Scoping Meeting (Fall 2006);
. Joint City Commission and Local Planning Agency Workshop (Feb. 5, 2007);
. "Great Ideas for a Great City" Public Workshop (Feb. 28, 2007);
. Inter-Agency Scoping Meeting (Mar. 15,2007) with state and regional agencies,
and local government jurisdictions;
. Staff Review Meeting (Feb. & Mar. 2007); and
. Joint City Commission and Local Planning Agency Meeting (April 23, 2007)
affirming the list of issues.
In addition to the issues identified, the City will address the items required by Section
163.3191(2), Florida Statutes (F.S.), which are included on the attached List oflssues, as
applicable.
Please contact me should you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Eloise M. Sahlstrom, AICP, ASLA
Senior Planner
CC: Ron McLemore, City Manager
Anthony A. Garganese, City Attorney
Randy Stevenson, Community Development Director
Dori DeBord, Director, Seminole County Planning and Development Department
Phil Laurien, Executive Director, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
Attachment: City of Winter Springs EAR Issues
CITY Of WINTER Sf RINGS
EVALUATION AND AFFR.AI5AL R.EFOR.T
List of Issues
The following are the major issues identified by the City of Winter Springs {so 163.3191(2), F.S.}:
Greenway Interchange Employment District
The Greenway Interchange District (Gill) was established as a land use category in the City's Comprehensive
Plan, to provide regional employment opportunities, an expanded tax base, and long-term economic stability
for the City (given its location and regional accessibility at the nexus of the Greeneway and S.R. 434).
Currendy, up to 25% of the Gill can be devdoped in medium to high density residential use after a certain
percentage of the GID is developed.
. The City will explore the implications of removing the residential housing component of the GID;
· The City will review existing Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan (WSCP) Objectives and Policies to
see if they should be enhanced to direct devdopment of valuable Gill lands for targeted uses, to
ensure long term economic gain to Winter Springs;
· The City will explore the implications of devdoping the GID as a regional collaborative effort and
will evaluate existing WSCP objectives and policies to determine if new policies are needed.
Elderly Ijousing eo Medical Care
Most dderly wish to remain living independendy, even when they can no longer fully manage their household
affairs; however, they can only do so, if alternative housing options are available.
· The City will evaluate the implications ot Winter Springs' aging "boomer" population on housing
demand and services;
· The City will explore various options to increase dderly housing and services, such as attracting an
Assisted Living Facility; allowing Accessory Dwdling Units to be constructed in single family zoning
districts with strict guidelines to protect the ncighborhood character; attracting an Urgent Care
Facility; and/or requiring a certain percentage of townhouses and condominiums to conform to
"Communities for a Lifetime" standards; and
· The City will assess Goals, Objectives and Policies of the WSCP to determine what actions or
corrective measures are needed to support the provision of identified dderly housing options and
Servl.ces.
Affordable and Work-force Ijousing . (Work-force Housing is defined as "Housing available for
working households that earn up to 140% of the Area Median Income")
To ensure community viability, the housing stock must include diverse, affordable, and accessible "for sale"
and "rental" units. The cost of housing has skyrocketed in recent years, while wages have remained relativdy
flat. Only one out of three City employees resides in the City. Will families that cannot afford to purchase a
single family detached home, purchase townhomes, condominiums, or find available rental property ?
· The City will identify opportunities and methodologies and redevdopment initiatives to encourage
the provision of both affordable and work-force housing that do not jeopardize ncighborhood
character. The City, due to growth in the last twenty years, is reaching "build-out", meaning that
there is litde vacant devdopable land remaining. Therefore, it will be crucial to consider innovative
options that do not diminish ncighborhood character.
· The City will evaluate the effectiveness of existing WSCP Goals, Objectives, and Policies related to
affordable and work-force housing;
· The City will investigate funding sources, such as state and federal grants.
State Road +,+ Conidor
S.R 434 is a major arterial that passes through the City of Winter Springs. As population increases in Winter
Springs and the surrounding communities, S.R 434 will become more congested. Winter Springs should
explore transportation alternatives and route alternatives to ensure that the LOS will not require widening to
six lanes. S.R 434 passes through the Town Center, the City's concentrated mixed-use urban center
downtown. The Town Center is a pedestrian-oriented environment, but S.R 434, with a posted speed of 50
mph, is hostile to the pedestrian.
. The City will review WSCP Objectives and Policies to determine how they can be enhanced to
ensure the timely provision of interconnecting roadways;
· The City will enhance WSCP Objectives and Policies to support regional transportation connectivity
and multimodal transportation;
· The City will explore the implications of designating it's Urban Central Business District (fown
Center) as a transportation Concurrency Management Area {s. 163.3180(5), F.S.} and/or Urban
Infillarea {s.163.2517,F.S.}.
· The City will enhance WSCP Objectives and Policies to support reduced speeds on S.R 434, through
the Urban Central Business District (fown Center); and
· The City will continue negotiations with FDOT to retrofit this segment of the arterial into a roadway
with a character that is conducive to its context within the Town Center.
f opulation. t:Jousin~ Densit9 and Greenspace
In the past, the City experienced expansion of its land area through annexation of adjacent developing land.
In the 1970s the City more than doubled its land mass with the annexation of the Tuscawilla PUD. However,
since that time, the City has seen decreased expansion.' During the last ten years, the City's land mass
increased by only 7%. With the implementation of an annexation boundary to the east along DeLeon Street,
future increases will be primarily through the annexation of enclaves.
Since Winter Springs will not be sprawling out, it will see more interest in infill development. The majority of
vacant land is in the Greeneway Interchange District or Town Center. The next 5-7 years will see the Town
Center develop into the vision portrayed in the original Master Plan as a concentrated, mixed-use center for
the City with parks, conservation areas and public facilities blended with commercial, office and residential
uses. Currently, the Comprehensive Plan allows a FAR of 2.0 and 36 dwelling units per acre in the Town
Center.
However, residents have expressed concern regarding the development of the remaining natural areas and
lands constrained environmentally will see more pressure for development Residents have also expressed
concern over the density of new housing development; however, infill development typically is higher density.
Therefore:
.
The City will review WSCP Objectives and Policies to determine how they can be enhanced to
ensure greater protection of natural areas, wildlife, and green space; Incentives and policies will be
explored, such as the following:
o In exchange for obtaining additional (and significant) greenspace, Winter Springs may allow
multi-family residential units in commercially zoned areas;
o In exchange for obtaining additional (and significant) greenspace, Winter Springs may allow
building heights up to 6 stories in the Town Center.
o Limit development of new high density housing to the Town Center and the US 17-92 CRA
Corridor;
2
Redevelopment of West Side
Since Winter Springs will not be sprawling out, it will see more interest in infill development as it reaches
build-out. Redevelopment of existing uses and infill of vacant, skipped over lots will require special attention
to compatibility and appropriate utilization of small lot sizes. The City wishes to ensure the longevity of
quality housing in the city. Because the City has financially participated in housing redevelopment programs,
in the past with mixed success, it will be important to understand what options exist to improve future
endeavors. To this end:
· The City will assess Goals, Objectives and Policies of the WSCP to determine what actions or
corrective measures are needed to better support redevelopment of all types on the west side of
town.
Additional Issues to be Included for Compliance with State Regulations
{so 163.3191(2), Florida Statutes}
Schools
City Staff is in the process of finalizing an lnterlocal Agreement {s. 163.31777, F.S.} with the other
governments in Seminole County to address the coordination of future land use and residential development
with the capacity of existing and planned schools, establish consistent and appropriate population projections
with the School Board, and assist the School Board in planning and siting of new schools. This document is
.expected to be adopted in May. The preparation of the Public School Facilities Element will follow and will
implement a school concurrency program according to the requirements of s. 163.3177(12), F.S. Adoption is
due December 1,2008. {s.163.3177(12)(i), F.S.}
The EAR will subsequently evaluate the success or failure of the coordination of the future land use map and
associated planned residential development with public schools and their capacities, as well as the joint
decision making processes engaged in by the local government and the school board in regard to establishing
appropriate population projections and the planning and siting of public school facilities. {s. 163.3191 (2)(k),
F.S.}
Water Supply ~
The City's Water Supply Plan 2007 and related Comprehensive Plan amendments are in the process of being
transmitted to DCA for review. Adoption is due August 7, 2007. The 2008 EAR will subsequently evaluate
the City's success in identifying and implementing alternative and traditional water supply projects necessary
to meet its water supply needs, including conservation and reclaimed water use programs. {so 163.3191(2)Q),
F.S.}
Other
In addition to the Major Issues, the EAR will include a brief assessment of successes and shortcomings
related to each element of the plan using tables, illustrations, and maps, to the extent possible {s.
163.3191 (2) (h), F.S.}.
The EAR will also update the comprehensive plan, with text, maps, illustrations, or other media, related to:
· Population groWth and changes in land area, including annexation, since the adoption of the original
plan or the most recent update amendments;
3
.
The extent of vacant and developable land;
The financial feasibility of implementing the comprehensive plan and of providing needed
infrastructure to achieve and maintain adopted level-of-service stan~ds and sustain concurrency
management systems through the capital improvements element, as well as the ability to address
infrastructure backlogs and meet the demands of growth on public services and facilities; and
The location of existing development in relation to the location of development as anticipated in the
original plan, or in the plan as amended by the most recent evaluation and appraisal report update
amendments, such as within areas designated for urban growth.
.
.
4