1974.08.13_PB_Minutes_WorkshopMINUTES: PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSHOP HELD AUGUST 13, 1974
Chairman Kemery called the meeting to order at 3:07 P.M.
• Present were: Chairman Kemery, Dr. Guelzow,
Messrs. Wilcox and Boscove.
Chairman Kemery stated the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the
set back line from the ocean, east of A-1-A, for the entire length of
the Town of Highland Beach, including the Byrd Beach area. Chairman
Kemery suggested recessing the meeting to the Conference Room to ex-
amine the scale aerial photos placed there for inspection.
A discussion ensued relative to the setback -line. Mr. Boscove indicated
the existing aerial photos are outdated. Mrs. Roberts stated a request
would have to be made for a special flight to obtain new aerial photos.
Chairman Kemery advised a specific time should be determined for the
survey to show the tidal effect in the aerial photos. Mr. Boscove re-
commended ascertaining an actual easterly survey line, stating the
vegetation line is too variable. Dr. Guelzow read from the Marine
Advisory Program report on the Coastal Construction Setback Line, under
"Variances", Section 161.053 (2) Florida Statutes, relative to a pro-
posed structure being permitted if existing structures have not been
unduly affected by erosion. Mr. Boscove suggested the existing bulk-
head line be followed, however, Dr. Guelzow deemed the existing line
unsatisfactory. Chairman Kemery pointed out that the Carlton House
is virtually at the high tide line, with Penthouse Towers approximately
15 feet from the survey line. Chairman Kemery indicated he would pro -
Pose vegetation planting on the beach._
Chairman Kemery indicated pages 25 and 26 of the Recommended Coastal
Setback Lines Report, prepared by Dr. Murday and the FAU Department of
Ocean Engineering, were deceptive; showing vertical rather than horizontal
pictures of the results of erosion and location of the vegetation line.
Dr. Murday recommended a 50 ft. setback. Chairman Kemery stated we
should determine an exact figure, and suggested a recess to examine the
aerial photo maps in the conference room. The meeting was recessed at
3:25 P.M.
Chairman Kemery called the meeting to order at 3:50 P.M. Mr. Wilcox
moved to postpone any action on the setback until new aerial photos
indicating a clear picture of the vegetation line, are made available.
Mr. Boscove seconded the motion. Dr. Guelzow suggested each lot be
treated individually to arrive at a contiguous setback line. Chairman
Kemery advised there are no sharp differences from one parcel to another
at the present time. Dr. Guelzow recommended an effort be made to deter-
mine the line without imposing hardship on present owners existing parcels.
The possibility of property owners going through the Board of Adjustment
•for special problems was noted. In a discussion of the need for a basis
for the setback, it was Dr. Guelzow's opinion that too much attention
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MINUTES: PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSHOP HELD AUGUST 13, 1974.
• was being given to walls. The walls in many instances are too close to
the high water mark, resulting in backwash and the loss of beach area.
The walls should be placed 50 feet back of the vegetation line. Chairman
Kemery advised an effort was being made to de-emphasize the wall and
noted the hard vegetation line was not at the point where sea oats grow,
rather, at that point where a definite cut exists. Mr. Wilcox recommended
that action on the setback issue be postponed until the vegetation line
or easterly survey line can be determined.
•
C]
Following further discussion relative to a request to the Town Commission
for authorization of an expenditure of money for an aerial survey, Mr.
Wilcox moved that the Planning Commission refrain from any further action
on the change of the easterly survey setback until such time as new
aerial photographs are secured with the cooperation of the Town Commission.
Chairman Kemery asked for a motion that application be made to the Town
Commission for the expenses involved in obtaining new aerial maps to
aid in the determination of the exact location of the vegetation line
at this time. Mr. Boscove seconded the motion. Messrs. Kemery, Wilcox,
Boscove and Dr. Guelzow voted Aye. The motion was carried unanimously.
(ATTACHMENT "A") .
Mr. Boscove moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Wilcox seconded.
Chairman Kemery, Dr. Guelzow, Messrs. Boscove and Wilcox voted Aye. The
meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P.M.
APPROVED:
Gaylor Wilcox
Secretary