DRAFT Subject to Modifications TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL M E M O R A N D U M To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 7C From: Date: Subject: Staff June 22, 2007 Council Meeting Local Government Comprehensive Plan Review Draft Amendments to the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan DCA Reference No. 07-1 Introduction The Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, requires that Council review local government comprehensive plan amendments prior to their adoption. Under the provisions of this law, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) prepares an Objections, Recommendations, and Comments (ORC) Report on a proposed amendment only if requested to do so by the local government, the regional planning council, an affected person, or if an ORC Report is otherwise deemed necessary by the DCA. If the local government requests DCA to prepare an ORC Report, then Council must provide DCA with its findings of consistency or inconsistency with the Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP), and provide any comments and recommendations for modification on the proposed amendments within 30 days of its receipt. Background Palm Beach County has proposed eight amendments to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and text amendments to the following elements of the County Comprehensive Plan: Introduction and Administration, Future Land Use, Transportation, Conservation and Capital Improvements. The County has requested a formal review of the amendments by DCA. Evaluation Future Land Use Map (FLUM) The FLUM amendments are summarized in Table 1. The locations of the proposed amendments are shown in Exhibits 2-17.
Amendment Number/Name 1. Natural Area Additions (LGA 2007-007) 2. Summer Street Property (LGA 2007-008) 3. Jog Road Property (LGA 2007-009) 4. URA Correctives (LGA 2007-010) 5. Lantana Hills Golf Course (LGA 2007-011) 6. Glades US Highway 441 Property (LGA 2007-012) 7. Orange Avenue Circle Property (LGA 2007-013) 8. Military Trail- Sunrise Boulevard Property (LGA 2007-014) Total: 817.0 Table 1 Proposed Amendments to the Future Land Use Map Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan DCA Reference No. 07-1 Approx. Current FLUM Acreage Designation 692.0 LR-1 (544 acres) HR-8 (3 acres) RR-10 (139 acres) AP (6 acres) Proposed FLUM Designation CON DRAFT Subject to Modifications Approximate Location Ten parcels, located countywide within six natural areas part of the Paw-paw Preserve, the Lake Okeechobee Trail Head, Cypress Creek, C-18 Triangle, the Pine Glades, and Pond Cypress Natural Areas. 2.6 HR-8 HR-12.15 miles south of the intersection of 10 th Avenue North and Summer Street in the southeast quadrant of 10 th Avenue North and Congress Avenue. 1.4 MR-5 CH-O/5 West Side of Jog Road, approximately 656 south of Melaleuca Lane. 17.8 LR-2 HR-8 (9.0 acres) HR-12 (8.8 acres) Bounded by the Lake Worth Drainage District L-4 canal on the north, Wallis Road on the south; Haverhill Road on the east; and Holly Drive on the west. 43.0 LR-2 PARK SW Corner of 85 th Avenue South and Woodwind Lane, approximately 500 north of Lantana Road and.5 miles west of the Lantana Road/Lyons Road intersection. 16.8 IND INST East side of US Highway 441, approximately.3 miles south of SR 80 and a mile-and-a-half north of the City of Belle Glade. 43.2 AP INST West of US Highway 441 via Poinciana St reet and Orange Avenue Circle, approx..3 miles south of Hooker Highway and a mile-and-ahalf north of the City of Belle Glade. 0.2 MR-5 CH-O/5 SW corner of Military Trail and Sunrise Boulevard, approx. two miles north of Atlantic Avenue. 2
AP CH-O/5 HR-8 HR-12 IND INST LR-1 LR-2 MR-5 PARK RR-10 DRAFT Subject to Modifications Ke y to FLUM Designations Agricultural Production Commercial High Intensity Office (underlying designation of 5 dwelling units per acre) High Residential (maximum of 8 dwelling units per acre) High Residential (maximum of 12 dwelling units per acre) Industrial Institutional and Public Facilities Low Residential (maximum of 1 dwelling unit per acre) Low Residential (maximum of e dwelling units per acre) Medium Residential (maximum of 5 dwelling units per acre) Parks and Recreation Rural Residential (maximum of 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres) 1. Natural Area Additions (LGA 2007-007) this amendment would assign a Conservation FLUM designation to six different properties in various locations in the County (see Exhibits 3-8). The properties were acquired as environmentally sensitive lands with funds authorized by the 1999 Conservation Board Referendum. They are part of the Paw Paw Preserve, the Lake Okeechobee Trail Head, Cypress Creek, the C-18 Triangle, the Pine Glades Natural Area and the Pond Cypress Natural Area. 2. Summer Street Property (LGA 2007-008) this is a corrective amendment for a property developed with a 32-unit apartment complex. The apartment complex was in existence prior to 1989, but the property was assigned a FLUM designation that is not consistent with the residential density as developed. The amendment will assign the appropriate residential designation. 3. Jog Road Property (LGA 2007-009) This is a corrective amendment to assign the appropriate FLUM designation to a small property that was approved for commercial use in 1976. The property contains a 6,300 square foot office building. An incorrect FLUM designation was assigned during the preparation of the 1989 comprehensive plan. 4. URA Correctives (LGA 2007-010) this amendment is for three separate properties (see Exhibits 11-13) located in close proximity to each other. It is a corrective amendment to better reflect the developed residential density of the properties. The sites were incorrectly assigned a low density residential FLUM designation in 1989. The proposed amendment to high density residential designation not only better reflects the actual use, but is consistent with County policy for development/redevelopment in the Urban Redevelopment Area (URA), where the properties are located. 5. Lantana Hills Golf Course (LGA 2007-011) this 43 acre property was acquired by the County in 1983. It is located contiguous to an old County landfill. The old landfill property (229.2 acres) is being developed as a public golf course. The subject property is 3
DRAFT Subject to Modifications to be assigned a FLUM designation of PARK and is being combined with the landfill property as part of a new golf course. 6. Glades U.S. Highway 441 Property (LGA 2007-012) this is a corrective amendment for a property that is part of a Florida Department of Corrections Facility site and has been owned by the State of Florida since 1935. An Industrial FLUM designation was incorrectly assigned in 1989. It is being assigned an Institutional FLUM designation. 7. Orange Avenue Circle Property (LGA 2007-013) this property is also part of a Florida Department of Corrections Facility site and has been owned by the Sate since 1935. It was incorrectly assigned a FLUM designation of Agricultural Production in 1989. It is also being assigned a FLUM designation of Institutional. 8. Military Trail Sunrise Boulevard Property (LGA 2007-014) this property contains an office building and has had commercial zoning since 1980. However, it was incorrectly assigned a residential FLUM designation in 1989. The amendment would assign a more appropriate Commercial Office designation. Text Amendments 1. University Drive and Riverside Drive TIM and 2020 Map Amendment this amendment would revise the Future 2020 Roadway System by Number of Lanes map (2020 Map) and the Thoroughfare Right-Of-Way Map (TIM) to remove University Drive and Riverside Drive from Lox Road to Palmetto Park Road (see Exhibits 18-21). It would also revise Policy 1.1-n of the Transportation Element to designate adversely impacted roadways that are in need of a corridor master plan. The area west of SR 7 in southern Palm Beach County has been the subject of a number of roadway alignment studies over the past 10 years. At least three roadway connections (University Drive, Riverside Drive, and Coral Ridge Drive) have been anticipated in the area. Coral Ridge Drive, south of Glades Road, was removed from the 2020 Map and the TIM by Palm Beach County in a recent amendment round (#06-1) at the request of the South Florida Water Management District. It would have traversed an area that is to be used as a Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan impoundment. The County now proposes to eliminate the potential of both the University Drive and Riverside Drive connections between Palm Beach and Broward counties. The proposed amendments are in conjunction with the anticipated transfer of 1,949 acres of land known as The Wedge Area from Palm Beach to Broward Counties. Legislation to authorize the transfer has been approved by the Florida Legislature and is awaiting the signature of the Governor. Most of the land (1,450 acres) is to be annexed into the City of Parkland, which supports the proposed amendments to the County comprehensive plan. The County indicates that this amendment is necessary due to the desire to prevent increases in vehicular traffic into the West Boca Area. The County proposes no new roadways west of SR 7 to mitigate this action. Previous action by the County has 4
DRAFT Subject to Modifications increased the laneage planned for SR 7 from 6 to 8 lanes. Also, Lyons Road, to the east of SR 7 is to be widened from 4 to 6 lanes from Glades Road to Yamato Road. The County also proposes to undertake corridor master plans for failed roadways. These failed roadway segments include SR 7 from Lox Road to Glades Road; Glades Road from SR 7 to Lyons Road; and Lyons Road from the Hillsboro Canal to SW 18 th Street. The County concludes that as a result of these amendments: 1) the LOS on SR 7 gets worse, 2) the LOS on the Florida Turnpike and Sawgrass Expressway get worse; 3) the residents of West Boca and the City of Parkland are supportive; and 4) there may be long-term negative regional impacts on connectivity between the two counties. 2. General CRALLS Text and M ap Amendment this amendment would modify Policy 1.2- f of the Transportation Element (TE) to designate several roadways as Constrained Roadways at Lower Levels of Service (CRALLS) exclusively for development projects with insignificant impacts. Also, Map TE 15.1 is to be revised to incorporate the proposed CRALLS (see Exhibit 22). The Florida Statutes allow an exception to concurrency standards for de minimis impacts. These are impacts that would not affect more than 1% of the maximum volume at the level of service adopted by the local government; and it applies to a roadway link operating at or above 110% of the adopted LOS volume. It cannot be used on a designated hurricane evacuation route. As required, Palm Beach County proposes an annual report of de minimis impacts. The report includes all roadways operating above the 110% service volume. These proposed CRALLS will allow the County to permit additional development without initiating improvements on the subject roadway segments. To achieve the CRALLS designation, the County requires that certain criteria be met and that one or more of a list of mitigation strategies are employed. The causes of constraints on the links being designated at this time vary with each roadway. The facilities are constrained by aesthetics, available right-of-way, or policy considerations. Mitigation measures vary for each roadway. The CRALLS will remain in effect until December 31, 2012; the period for which the analysis of volume was prepared. 3. Okeechobee Boulevard TIM and 2020 Map Amendment this amendment would revise maps TE 1.1 and TE 14.1 to show the expansion of Okeechobee Boulevard from 6 to 8 lanes from SR 7 to La Mancha Avenue Extension. It would also increase the right-of-way from 120 to 200 feet. The expansion of the majority of this segment is already in the 2030 Long-Range Transportation Plan prepared by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Okeechobee Boulevard is already over capacity between SR 7 and the Royal Palm Beach High School, which is located just east of La Mancha Avenue on the south side of Okeechobee Boulevard. The County indicates there is an imminent need to expand the capacity of Okeechobee Boulevard to maintain the adopted LOS. Budgeting for the segments to the Royal Palm Beach High School was approved for FY 2007. With the addition of the proposed La Mancha /Okeechobee intersection, the widening of Okeechobee Boulevard need not be done beyond the High School. Additional right-ofway is necessary for the widening project. 5
DRAFT Subject to Modifications 4. Strategic Intermodal System this amendment adds references to the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) in three different elements of the County Plan (Introduction and Administration, Future Land Use, and Transportation). The SIS was established by the Florida Legislature and includes appropriate components of the following: 1) the Florida Intrastate Highway System (FIHS); 2) the National Highway System, 3) airport, seaport, and spaceport facilities; 4) rail lines and rail facilities; 5) selected Intermodal facilities; passenger and freight terminals; and appropriate components of the State Highway System, county road system, city street system, inland waterways, and local public transit systems that serve as existing or planned connectors between the components listed in (1)- (4);and 6) existing or planned corridors that serve a statewide or interregional purpose. The County is updating the plan elements to make reference to the SIS where appropriate. 5. State Road 7/Southern Boulevard Intersection CRALLS this amendment would modify policy 1.2-f of the Transportation Element to add a CRALLS designation to the intersection of SR 7 and Southern Boulevard exclusively for a development just south of the Wellington Green Mall. The amendment was initiated at the request of the Village of Wellington. The intersection currently has a temporary CRALLS designation for other projects. The SR 7 Corridor has been a concern for a number of years. A Palms West Corridor Study was completed in 2000, but the study recommendations were not adopted by the affected local governments in the area. In 2005, Palm Beach County committed to work with the local governments on the preparation of a corridor master plan. The corridor study is underway, but not completed. The following series of mitigation measures are to be implemented in conjunction with the CRALLS: 1) The project must prepay Traffic Impact Fees within 6 months of the approval of the Development Order or prior to the issuance of the first building permit, whichever shall occur first. 2) The project shall provide a contribution to help cover some of the funding shortfall for the various transportation related improvements, at a minimum of 1.5 times the applicable impact fee to be used towards off-site roadway improvements. 3) The project shall require an ADA accessible connection to pedestrian parkways that allow direct access to the Mall at Wellington Green and the bus transfer station there. 4) The project shall provide an on-going ride-sharing information service to persons employed by the project. 5) The project shall provide an integrated pedestrian system that connects the buildings to public sidewalks and the enhanced Palm Tran bus stops/shelters. 6) The project shall provide inter-connectivity between complementary neighboring land uses for both vehicular and pedestrian cross-access. 7) The project shall provide a bicycle rack to accommodate commuters using alternative modes of transportation. 8) The project shall provide transit passes to employees using mass transit. 6
DRAFT Subject to Modifications County staff recommended denial because they considered the CRALLS premature until the completion and implementation of the corridor study. This is considered important to quantify and mitigate any negative impacts that this and other future development may have along the corridor. 6. De Minimis Policy Update Amendment this amendment revises Transportation Element Policy 1.2-n to be consistent with the Florida Statutes. The Statutes were amended in 2005 to tighten existing restrictions and reporting requirements on de minimis impacts for roadways projected to exceed 110% of the adopted LOS. A de minimis impact is one that would not affect more than 1% of the maximum volume at the adopted LOS of a transportation facility. 7. Urban Development Area - TCEA this amendment would amend the Transportation Element to designate parcels surrounding Military Trail and Congress Avenue within the County Urban Redevelopment Area (URA) as a Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA). The URA was established through a comprehensive plan amendment in 2005. The intent of the URA is to focus on redirecting growth where services and facilities can be provided and to encourage revitalization and redevelopment of the coastal communities. The boundaries of the URA are shown in Exhibit 26. This 25 square mile area has a current population of 76,000. Nine municipalities are within or adjacent to the URA. The goal of the URA is to coordinate and provide redevelopment efforts and infrastructure improvements in the area. The TCEA would allow development and redevelopment in priority areas including the Military Trail and Congress Avenue Corridors. TCEAs allow exceptions to concurrency requirements for transportation facilities in areas specifically designated for urban infill development, redevelopment or downtown revitalization. This TCEA designation is considered consistent with the policies of the County Comprehensive Plan. New Policy 1.2-v designates the area surrounding the Military Trail and Congress Avenue Corridors within the URA as a TCEA. The policy includes several conditions addressing consistency with the master plan for the URA, limits to development, an improved land use mix, transit planning and facilities, neighborhood connectible, etc. A Corridor Master Plan has been prepared for the two corridors to be designated as TCEAs. 8. Hood Road Turnpike Interchange TIM and 2020 Map Amendment this amendment revises Maps TE-1.1 and TE-14.1 to add an interchange at Hood Road and the Florida Turnpike. The amendment is supported by the City of Palm Beach Gardens. The interchange is needed as a reliever for other interchanges due to increasing traffic on the Turnpike. The interchange will be added to the Long Range Transportation Plan by the Palm Beach County MPO. The interchange will improve access to the Scripps Research Institute site. 9. Wildfire Mitigation Text Amendment a new objective and policies are established regarding the prevention of and mitigation of the impacts of wildfires. The new policies are to be added to the Conservation Element. Also, policies in the Fire-Rescue Element are to be revised. The amendments are as a result of the recommendations of the County 7
DRAFT Subject to Modifications Local Mitigation Strategy Plan Review Committee. A previous study had identified large areas of the County that are susceptible to wildfires. 10. FLUA Amendment Revisions currently, provisions of the Introduction and Administration Element require that Future Land Use Atlas (FLUA) amendments be based on one or more justification factors. These provisions are to be deleted. Previously, County staff reports placed a large emphasis on a debate with the applicant over justification factors and a demonstration of need. The results were very lengthy, complicated and redundant staff reports. It is anticipated that this change will result in more concise staff reports that focus on the merits of the application. Justification statements and a determination of need will still be required of applicants. However, staff reports are to focus more on consistency with the comprehensive plan, compatibility with the surrounding areas and the implications of the amendment on public facilities. 11. Capital Improvements Element Policy Addition and General Text Revision this element is to be amended to add a new policy regarding proportionate fair share contributions as a revenue source in the Five Year Road Program and Schedule of Capital Improvements. Also, text revisions are to be made to the Capital Improvements, Public School Facilities Utility and Transportation Elements to refer to a 5-Year Capital Improvements schedule. The comprehensive plan previously referenced a six year schedule of improvements. 12. Rural Service Area Policy Corrective Text this amendment deletes Policy 1.4-g from the Capital Improvements Element. It is a corrective amendment for internal consistency in the comprehensive plan. The existing policy is in conflict with the recently revised Service Policy Provisions of the County Plan. 13. Commercial/Industrial Zoning Clarifications the text of the Future Land Use Element (Table 2.2.2-1) is to be revised regarding the rezoning of properties zoned commercial prior to 1980. This amendment addresses a contradiction in the comprehensive plan. 14. Infill Maximum Density Exception this amendment revises Policy 1.2.2-a in the Future Land Use Element regarding infill properties that do not meet the minimum frontage or depth requirements in the County land development regulations. Such properties will now be allowed to develop at the maximum density permitted under their FLUM designation even if the property is not large enough in size to qualify as a Planned Unit Development. 15. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program Revisions this amendment revises Objective 2.6 and several policies in the Future Land Use Element for the purpose of increasing the amount of affordable housing. The County TDR Program dates to 1980; with revisions in 1993 and 1996. The purposes of the program were to reduce energy needs, preserve environmentally sensitive lands, protect prime agricultural lands, and provide incentives to lower the unit cost of housing. In 2006, the County adopted amendments requiring a mandatory Workforce Housing Program (WHP) and revising the 8
DRAFT Subject to Modifications TDR Program to facilitate the goals and objectives of the WHP. These amendments will allow the TDR Program to support the goals and objectives of the WHP by requiring that 50% of TDR units are for workforce housing and allow WHP TDRs to be used at no cost to the developer. 16. Industrial Future Land Use Revisions this amendment deletes text from the Future Land Use Element regarding auto-related uses within the Industrial FLUM designation. The text previously adopted to address this issue proved to be confusing and is now considered unnecessary. 17. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Text Amendment this amendment revises Policy 1.2-d of the Transportation Element to allow TODs to be approved when roads and intersections operate at up to 30% above LOS D. It also revises Policy 2.4-d of the Future Land Use Element to further define the elements that qualify a development as Transit-Oriented, including site planning, parking, mix of uses and master planning. The amendments seek to promote integration of the Tri-rail stations with the neighborhoods in which they are located. A mix of commercial, office and residential uses is considered desirable to allow these station locations to become pedestrian-friendly and to integrate rail transit with land uses. A lower LOS will be permitted in TOD areas. It is hoped this will result in jobs, residences and shopping destinations to be located within walking distance of Tri-Rail stations; reducing vehicular trips and increasing ridership of the transit system. Extrajurisdictional Impact The proposed amendments were provided to the Palm Beach County Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee (IPARC) and were processed on January 26, 2007 and March 16, 2007. According to the IPARC Coordinator, no objections have been received. Council received a letter from the City Manager of the City of Coral Springs (attached) expressing opposition to the deletion of University Drive from the County TIM and 2020 map. The City pointed out several reasons why the extension of University Drive is necessary. Due to the potential for extrajurisdictional impacts as a result of the University Drive and Riverside Drive TIM and 2020 Map amendment, Council sent a memorandum dated May 3, 2007 seeking comments on the effects of the proposed amendments to the following: Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization; City of Coral Springs; City of Parkland; South Florida Water Management District; Broward County Planning Services; and Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Council received a response from the City of Parkland dated May 17, 2007. The City supports the amendment. Council also received a letter dated May 21, 2007 from the West Boca Community Council in support of the amendment. Council was also copied on a letter dated May 27, 2007 from Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson to the FDOT District 4 Secretary. The letter expresses concerns about the effects of cut-through traffic if University Drive is connected to Palmetto Park and Glades Roads. All correspondence received regarding the amendments is included as attachments to this report. 9
Effects on Significant Regional Resources or Facilities DRAFT Subject to Modifications Analysis of the proposed amendments indicates that the following proposed amendments would have a negative impact on the regional roadway network: 1. University Drive and Riverside Drive TIM and 2020 Roadway System Map Amendment 2. State Road 7/Southern Boulevard Intersection CRALLS Analysis of Consistency with Strategic Regional Policy Plan FLUM Amendments No comments/recommendations. Text Amendments 1. University Drive and Riverside Drive TIM and 2020 Road System Map Amendment. The Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP) for the Treasure Coast Region indicates that a regional roadway system should be developed that includes predictably spaced and interconnected east-west, north-south streets. Streets should be spaced in order to offer multiple route choices, disperse traffic and discourage local travel on interstates and arterials (Policy 7.1.2.5). Council has consistently urged local governments in the Treasure Coast Region to plan for and build an interconnected, integrated network of arterial, collector and local streets, and to do so in such a way that a variety of transportation modes can be utilized. Regarding the roadway network in the subject area, as recently as May 2006, Council encouraged Palm Beach County to consider the acceleration of plans to extend University Drive as a result of the proposed deletion of Coral Ridge Drive from the County TIM and 2020 Roadway System Maps. Rather than accelerating the construction of University Drive, the County now proposes to delete University Drive from the TIM and 2020 Roadway System Maps, effectively eliminating the potential for any roadway connections between Broward and Palm Beach Counties west of SR 7. The analysis of this proposed amendment prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provides the following points: 1) A clear need has been determined for a Western Broward-Palm Beach Connector in a recent (2005) Project Development and Environmental Study. 2) The FDOT traffic analysis does not agree with the traffic analysis provided by the County in support of this amendment. 3) The University Drive link is critical to regional connectivity. Without it, SR 7 and Lyons Road will become overburdened with congested traffic. 10
DRAFT Subject to Modifications 4) Right-of-way for this extension has long been reserved in the Traffic Ways/ Thoroughfare plans for Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Property owners and buyers have been aware of the proposed connection. 5) The expansion of existing roadways as proposed by the County (widening of SR 7 and Lyons Road) cannot be expected to adequately provide for the needs of the region. 6) FDOT, the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Broward MPO have consistently and continuously identified the subject University Drive connection as critical to the regional roadway network. Its removal would negate years of public transportation and policy planning, raise intergovernmental coordination issues, limit regional mobility, and create significant negative impacts to other area roadways. Consistent with the vision of their comprehensive plan, local governments permit the establishment of new neighborhoods and communities. These neighborhoods and communities, according to the SRPP, should contain a balanced, well-planned, compatible mix of land uses appropriately located so that State, local and regional goals are achieved (Policy 6.1.1.1). As referenced above, neighborhoods and communities should contain a network of local streets and connections to the regional roadway system (Policy 7.1.2.5). Local governments have the responsibility to see that the local street system provides safe and convenient movement for local traffic (pedestrian, bicycle, auto) and that the street system is connected to the regional roadway network at appropriate locations. If these connections are not made, then route choices will be minimal, traffic will not be dispersed and other neighborhoods and communities will be burdened with impacts unnecessarily. There were at least six roadway connections originally proposed between the two counties west of SR 7. For various reasons, four of these connections can no longer be made. Palm Beach County now proposes to remove the last two potential connections. As pointed out in the ORC Report issued by District 4, FDOT (see Attachment F), The proposed amendment seeks reversal of more than twenty years of planning conducted at the local, metropolitan and state levels, along with public involvement and due process, to ensure future regional mobility in western Broward and Palm Beach counties. The perceived benefits of removing the University Drive connection would accrue to a small contingent of local interests at the expense of regional mobility and the larger citizenry. The removal of the University Drive connecting links from the County plan is considered inconsistent with the SRPP. Council recommends that University Drive be maintained on the County TIM and 2020 Roadway System Map and that University Drive be connected with Palmetto Park and Glades Roads as planned. The road should be carefully designed to ensure pedestrian safety, especially in the vicinity of school sites. The roadway should be able to accommodate alternative modes of transportation, including transit, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. 2. General CRALLS Text and Map Amendment No comments/recommendations. 11
3. Okeechobee Boulevard TIM and 2020 Map Amendment DRAFT Subject to Modifications No comments/recommendations. 4. Strategic Intermodal System No comments/recommendations. 5. State Road 7/Southern Boulevard Intersection CRALLS Council has consistently expressed concern about the use/abuse of the CRALLS designation by Palm Beach County. In some situations, there may be important policy reasons or physical corridor constraints that require consideration of a CRALLS or other method to make an exception to an established level of service standard. However, there does not appear to be important policy issues or physical corridor constraints in this case. Furthermore, as Council has indicated previously (e.g. County amendment rounds 02-2, 03-1, 06-1) corridor master plans should be prepared and adopted prior to the designation of any new CRALLS. In this case, a corridor master plan is under preparation, but has not been completed or adopted by the affected local governments. Although a good set of mitigation measures are to be implemented in conjunction with this amendment, the designation of a CRALLS is premature until the completion and adoption of the corridor study. The corridor study may include recommendations for additional mitigation measures. 6. De Minimis Policy Update Amendment No comments/recommendations. 7. Urban Development Area TCEA No comments/recommendations. 8. Hood Road Turnpike Interchange TIM and 2020 Map Amendment No comments/recommendations. 9. Wildfire Prevention Text Amendment The County is commended for proposing policies to address the prevention and mitigation of the impacts of wildfire. However, the policies are limited to those lands governed under County approved management plans. However, there are areas of the County susceptible to wildfires that are not covered by management plans. The County should consider additional policies for these areas that would encourage and provide support for private landowners to take measures to limit the potential damage from wildfires. 12
10. FLUA Amendment Revisions DRAFT Subject to Modifications No comments/recommendations. 11. Capital Improvements Element Policy Addition and General Text Revision No comments/recommendations. 12. Rural Service Area Policy Corrective Text No comments/recommendations. 13. Commercial/Industrial Zoning Clarifications No comments/recommendations. 14. Infill Maximum Density Exception No comments/recommendations. 15. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program Revisions No comments/recommendations. 16. Industrial Future Land Use Revisions No comments/recommendations. 17. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Text Amendment No comments/recommendations. Consistency with Strategic Regional Policy Plan The contract agreement between the DCA and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council requires Council to include a determination of consistency with the SRPP as part of the written report to be submitted to the DCA. Council finds the proposed amendments to be CONSISTENT with the SRPP with the exception of the University Drive and Riverside Drive TIM and 2020 Roadway System Map and State Road 7/Southern Boulevard Intersection CRALLS amendments, which are considered to be INCONSISTENT with the SRPP. Recommendation Council should adopt the above comments and approve their transmittal to the Department of Community Affairs. Attachments 13