Reso 2021-3170 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Of the four (4) strategies, the option that seems most generally favored by process participants is "A Narrower Focus." This is not just based on "votes" emitted during the two virtual workshops (where this option garnered 40°/a of the votes, overall), but on general input collected thorughout the public engagement process, which really served to frame the strategy. 'A Narrower Focus" could allow the City to focus efforts on the commercial corridor "subdistrict" that most process participants expressed opinions on during the process. This option scored highest based on the evaluation criteria developed for this process. The "Let it Be" and "A New Vision" concepts both received moderate public support (25% and 21%, respectively). and could offer compromise solutions. The "Let it Be" option maintains the TCNO boundaries as they currently exist, while keeping to the original overlay intent in the Comprehensive Plan.This strategy "goes back to basics;' focusing on solving the care issue that gave rise to this process, without necessarily modifying other aspects of the overlay. However, choosing this option requires amending the Zoning Code's Town Center Zoning District (as do other options), to achieve consistency with the Comprehensive Plan's TCNO. 'A New Vision'would allow the City to treat the distinct "sub districts" of the overlay (i.e., bayfront, midtown, commercial corridor) with tailored approaches that reflect the aspirations and preferences expressed by the community through this process. Both options scored moderately in the evaluation process, mostly because of the length and complexity of the processes involved. • These three options involve adopting density and intensity measures, which are statutorily required to achieve compliance with the Florida Statutes (Sec. 163.3177(6)(a)1.). The options on this decision are to (a) use the same metrics that are already included in the Zoning Code (fCZD); (b) to use the metrics that are part of the overlay's underlying land use districts; or (c) to introduce new and distinct metrics that are lower or higher than either of the existing metrics. • Public input generally supports maintaining the same range of densities, intensities and heights represented in the district today. The current average density is 67 DU/AC and the current average building height is 6 stories. Approximately 91% of the buildings are 10 stories or less. In other cases, participants using similar phrasing ("as is") refer to building height caps currently in the Town Center Zoning District.. The table on the next page recaps relevant parametric data provided in Section II of the report (Snapshot of the Present) to facilitate a comparison. • Many participants prefer the present variety of building forms and masses in the Town Center Area, rather than the sense of uniformity and the "canyon wall" effect that they associate with the east side of Collins Avenue. • In the public opinion, the concept of density is often equated, or lumped together, with the height of a building in the public's mind, but the two should not be confused. Density does not have to be overwhelming in scale, and it can be achieved through smaller -scale buildings. • Any density or intensity changes undertaken as a result of this process which might result in a reduction of development capacity should only be adopted after thorough analysis by the City's planning and legal team establishing that the changes are based on rational reasons and a legitimate public interest that is further by the action, and that property owners are still provided with an economically reasonable use of land. 90 City of Sunny Isles Beach