CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 3, 2009
TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager
FROM: Richard D. Cannone, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Adoption of Citywide Master Plan and Implementation Strategy CAD#018/06
PURPOSE
To adopt a Resolution adopting the Citywide Master Plan and Implementation Strategy.
BACKGROUND
In Spring 2007 after undergoing the RFP bidding process, the City contracted EDAW, Inc., to prepare a Citywide Master Plan to guide future public and private development in the City.
The City’s consultant firm, EDAW Inc., held various community wide forums in order to obtain input from residents and business owners in the community. In November 2007, EDAW held individual stakeholder meetings which consisted of the following groups: Residential, Religious, Community, City Boards and Committees and Commercial groups. EDAW also staffed an office at the Hallandale Beach City Hall building to encourage input from residents who were interested in learning about the Master Plan. A website regarding the Master Plan linked to the City’s website was also set up to afford an opportunity for the public to participate via the website. On December 2007 and January 2008 community-wide forums were held, facilitated by EDAW, with approximately 250 residents in attendance for both meetings.
EDAW’s findings from the forums were subsequently presented to the City Commission and the public in a PowerPoint presentation on February 27, 2008 at a community workshop. Additionally, on June 3rd, 2008, the draft Plan was presented to the City Commission. The findings of the Economic Analysis performed by Economic Research Associates (ERA) for EDAW were also presented to the City Commission and the public during said meeting. To date, approximately fifteen (15) meetings were held with the Community regarding the draft City-Wide Master Plan.
The Planning and Zoning Board at the January 28, 2009 meeting recommended approval of the attached City-Wide Master Plan.
Discussion
Citywide Master Plan and Implementation Strategy
The overall goal of the Plan is to guide anticipated private development and public realm enhancement to encourage desired economic growth and achieve the vision of a pedestrian oriented and vibrant environment.
More specific objectives of the Plan were to:
1. Create a vibrant atmosphere
2. Foster mixed-use development
3. Create a more suitable urban environment
4. Develop a pedestrian oriented urban development
5. Enhance community character and a sense of place.
EDAW reviewed current development patterns and conducted an inventory of existing conditions and land uses, parking, pedestrian facilities, key gateways and corridors including transportation and adopted land use and zoning regulations.
The Consultant’s Plan divides the Plan area into sub areas as follows and depicted on page #17 of the plan:
The Plan also provides for initiatives and implementation policy and regulations. Specific recommendations regarding building height, green buildings, overlay districts and design review are included as follows:
Building Height
Based upon the input of the Community, the City Commission and various other sources, the consultant concluded, the existing height limits are conducive to promoting good urban density with the exception of the Planned Development and Planned Redevelopment Overlay District with heights of 350 to 450 feet. The Plan recommends the City explore removal of incentive for heights over 350 feet.
As part of the deliverables, EDAW also created a three dimensional model of the City which included all existing buildings, approved new developments under construction, and approved and planned developments. Staff will be using this model as Major Developments are submitted to aid in the City Commission’s decision making process.
Green Building
The City consider green policies and programs which will promote sustainability for the City.
Overlay Districts
Consolidate and revise the focus of overlay districts in order to capture the current vision of the City for these corridors and areas.
Design Review
The City consider a design review board or the empowerment of qualified design review staff in order to achieve better building and site design.
The proposed Plan recommends a regulatory framework for the implementation of these objectives. It also includes recommendations to strengthen residential neighborhoods in the City and Capital Improvements.
ERA Market Analysis
Economics Research Associates (ERA) was retained by EDAW Inc., on behalf of the City to include a realistic examination of the City’s 10 year market potentials as well as implementation and funding strategies to guide anticipated development and public realm enhancements.
ERA conducted an analysis of economic and demographic factors including population, employment, real estate activity and other relevant economic factors. According to the report, Broward County’s population increased from 630,000 in 1970 to 1.6 million in 2000. The City’s current estimated population of 36,400 is expected to add an additional 1500 new residents to approximately 38,000 by 2012.
The report includes an implementation section which highlights potential implementation strategies to ensure specific elements of the Plan, such as public realm improvements, are successful.
RECOMMENDATION
Following further discussion and comments, the City Commission:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution adopting the Citywide Master Plan and Implementation Strategy;
Prepared By: _________________________________________
Christy Dominguez, Director of Planning and Zoning
REVIEWED:
______________________________ _____________
D. Mike Good, City Manager Date
___ Approved ___ Denied ___ Hold for Discussion
Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
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