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Adjustment Hearing Case Files_Golden City S. Ocean Blvd._20141119_37015 TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEALS DECISION ON PETITION FOR VARIANCE Petition No. 37015 Public Hearing Date: November 19,2014 Town Code Section 30-64 (a) and Table 30-2, that requires a maximum building height of 35 feet in residential multiple family low density (RML)zoning district Petitioner: Golden City Highland Beach LLC Property Address: South Ocean Blvd. (a.k.a.)Golden City In the above numbered Petition, by vote as shown in the official minutes and recorded on the form, it was determined and ordered that the requested variance be granted [ ]; denied [ X ]; granted subject to the following conditions and safeguards [ ]: In reaching its decision and order, the Board has found/has not found in the case of the above numbered Petition that: 1. Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure or building involved, and which are not applicable to other lands, structures or buildings in the same district. 2. The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the action of the applicant. 3. Granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by the ordinance to other lands, structures or buildings in the same district. 4. Literal interpretation of the provisions of this ordinance would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of the ordinance, and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant. 5. The reasons set forth in the applicant's petition justify the granting of the variance, and the variance granted is the minimum reasonable variance that will make possible the reasonable use of land, structure or building. 6. Granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. Chapter 30, Zoning Code/Article III; Sec. 30-40(h): A variance, when implemented in accordance with the approval granted by the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, shall run with the land in perpetuity. Unless a lesser time is approved by the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, a variance that is not implemented shall expire eighteen (18) months following approval. Extensions of variance approvals shall not be granted by the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. Town of Highland Beach Board of Adiustment and Anneals Page 2 Decision on South Ocean Blvd. (a.k.a. Golden City) Golden City Highland Beach, LLC- Relief from Highland Beach Code of Ordinances Section 30-64(a) and Table 30-2, that requires a maximum building height of 35 feet in residential multiple family low density (RML)zoning district. SIGNATURES WRITE "FOR" `AGAINST" PETITION Barry Donaldson, Chair Ria)X S� Barry Axelrod,Vice Chair 149 19S9710— Evelyn 9 5971Evelyn Weiss, Secretary Bryan Perilman, Member Joel Leinson, Member 4-t f Peter Rodis, Member William Weitz, Member �/ ` l� Date: t l�� l g Attest. CJS-�C-�-- cc: Building Official I Transmit Tq �.aie. a �e Town Clerk Date: October 10, 2014 Application No: 0 3 7 ® 1 Applicant/Owner: Golden City Highland Beach, LLC Property Addres 1; t Wa i 2 r PCN#24-43-47-04-00-001-0030, Highland Beach, FL 33487 u Submit Application: Board of Adjustment and Appeals Application Type: Petition for Variance, proposed construction of a sixteen story multi-family building in the RML (Residential Multi-Family Low Density) Zoning District Description of Application: Applicant is requesting relief from the Town of Highland Beach Zoning Ordinance, Section 30-64(a) and Table 30-2. Maximum building height in RML zoning district is 35 feet. THE BUILDING OFFICIAL HAS REVIEWED THE ABOVE MATTER DATED October 10, 20141 AND HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT THE FOLLOWING ACTION WAS TAKEN: ❑ Plans meet Town of Highland Beach Zoning and other governmental agencies requirements. ❑ Plans meet Town of Highland Beach Zoning requirements; however, approvals are pending with other governmental agencies. ] Plans do not meet Town of Highland Beach Zoning requirements. Recommendation: The Highland Beach Code of Ordinances Section 30-64(a) Compliance. All buildings and structures shall comply with the requirements of Table 30-2. Maximum building height in Multiple-Family--Low Density (RML) is 35 feet. P9TA WH 'EVER ACTION IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE SUBJECT MATTER, i.e., S E U H G, TRANSMIT TO QUASI-JUDICIAL BOARD, ETC. Michael Desorc`,"B ing Official ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... CLERK'S OFFICE USE Oft K, Date Received: ( C 15 Date of Hearing/Regular Meeting: �l �� 4 ?014 • TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH • * BOARD OFF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS •• • 1E� � A CE PETITION Petition# n n tt I Fees Paid/Receipt No.# Date Set for Public a ip i Note: Ordinance No. ym—varna—nce Z Tor Appeal to Board of Adjustment&Appeals are$500.00. PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION Name:Golden City Highland Beach,LLC Phone:(831)334-5380 Fax: Mailing Address: 2637 E.Atlantic Blvd.Box#26648,Pompano Beach,FL 33062 Email Address: sam@maxamgroupllc.com AUTHORIZED AGENT Name: Nathan E.Nason,Esq. Phone:(561)686-3307 Fax:{561)686-5442 Mailing Address:1645 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.,Suite 1200,West Palm Beach,FL 33401 Email Address: NNason@nasonyeager.com The owner/authorized agent requests that a determination be made by the Board of Adjustment & Appeals of the Town of Highland Beach for the following variance under section 30-64 of Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Highland Beach. The description of the subject property is as follows: PROPERTY INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PETITION Address:South Ocean Boulevard Subdivision: PCN:24-43-47-04-00-001-0030 Lot Size: 7.35 acres Zoning District: RML Present Use: Vacant Land 1. Present Structures(type): None 2. The proposed use will be: Multi-family residential building with sixteen floors. 3. If this petition is granted,the effect will be to(brief description—i.e.to reduce side yard from 7' to 2'): Increase the authorized building height from 35'to 209'. 4. For a variance to be favorably considered,the Board must find that the following four requirements have been met. After each paragraph,state fully your reasons justifying the granting of this variance: (a) That special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land,structure,or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures or buildings in the same district; Please see attached letter. (b) That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant; Please see attached letter. (c) That granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this ordinance to other lands,buildings or structures in the same district; Please see attached letter. (d) That literal interpretation of the provisions of this ordinance would deprive the applicant of the rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of this ordinance and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant. Please see attached letter. 5. Has any previous application or appeal been files within the last year in connection with these premises? (YES) (NO) X If so,briefly state the nature of the application or appeal. -s� S (Initial) The names and addresses of each property owner located within three hundred (300) feet of the affected property, excluding property owned by the applicant has been provided. (Notification distances shall be measured on an arc from the corners of the property.) (YES) X (NO) 3✓� (Initial) I, the petitioner, acknowledge that there will be additional expenses incurred for the certified mailing of the public notices and the cost to publish the legal advertisement, which is separate from the Board of Adjustment&Appeals application fee. (YES) X (NO) 2 1 P a g e (Initial) I. the petitioner, has read the Town of l lighland Beach Code of Ordinances. Section 30-40: Variances & Interpretations for code requirements. (YES) X (NO) I give permission to the members of the Board of Adjustment & Appeals and staff to inspect the property for the purpose of this application. I declare that all statements made herein are true, based upon the best available information, and I understand that willful false statements and the like are misdemeanors of the second degree under Section 837.06, Florida Statutes. Such willful false statements may jeopardize the validity of my application or any decision issued thereon. I have fully read the information outlining the Board procedures and application requirements. With this application, I am submitting the necessary supporting materials listed. ***Owner must s �`� d a notarized letter attesting to same.*** Property Owner's Signature: Date: Oy Al� ty si}Mu S� w Authorized Agent Signature:. Date: —2__tel Condo Assoc. Rep. Signature: Date: STATE OF Gal COUNTY OF _ Jl A &fu2— On this day of < dl before me personally appeareJ51 'Q &AI -� to me known to be the person who executed the foregoing instruments,and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed. ANDREA MCHONE Commission*2056112 (SEAL) •: Notary Public-California z &Lj(—te� Z Santa Cruz County My Comm.Expires Jan 27,2018 Notary Public Signature Received by the �Town Clerk's Office: Received By: �1 �C i��— Date: i c ( � Date Public Notices Mailed: `C— Date Legal Advertisement Published: 3 1 P a g e I C TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH ' NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS The Board of Adjustment&Appeals of the Town of Highland Beach will conduct a Public Hearing in the Town of Highland Beach Town Hall Complex located at 3614 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, FL 33487 on Wednesday,November 19,2014 at 9:30 a.m. to consider the following: REQUEST SUBMITTED BY GOLDEN CITY HIGHLAND BEACH, LLC FOR A VARIANCE REQUEST FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD (24-43-47-04-00-001-0030), HIGHLAND BEACH, FL. REQUESTING THE FOLLOWING: APPLICATION#37015—RELIEF FROM HIGHLAND BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 30-64(a), AND TABLE 30-2,THAT REQUIRES A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF 35 FEET IN RESIDENTIAL MULITIPLE FAMILY LOW DENSITY (RML)ZONING DISTRICT. Application is available for public inspection at the Town Clerk's Office, 3614 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, Florida during normal business hours—Monday—Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Any person who decides to appeal the decision made by the Board of Adjustment&Appeals made at this meeting with respect to any matter considered,you will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purposes, you may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Valerie Oakes, CMC, Deputy Town Clerk Published in the Palm Beach Post on Saturday,November 8, 2014 This notice to be mailed certified mail and return receipt on Monday, November 3,2014, to property owners located within 300 feet of the of the affected property, excluding property owned by the applicant. ATTENTION: Condominium President and Property Manager If a condominium with an association is to be included,written notice may be provided only to the association president and the condominium's resident or property manager. Please post this notice in an area (ex. bulletin board)visible to all residents for their viewing. e >ww e bra � #,a y+BfM'ji r04 N w 244347p s 40000,00 34 (,G ° o 1:2,257 0.orzs 0ozs '^ 007 0 0.02 O.Os mi 11 0.08 pit I INN— t § F I- t1 r € a a Pid' dww #� ArW FV r€= r r Aid a'l*P, ` Ra'. +x* ye , : � Y t u r .. s� w �r zr X. f 11 ` 11 .I 1I r; sr41 -rA r u t7 '; - zl4 4 �F � 0 U! .. 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Golden City Highland Beach, LLC Request for Variance to Board of Adjustment and Appeals Dear Ms. Brown: Golden City Highland Beach, LLC ("Golden City") owns a 7.35-acre property located on the west side of South Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, Florida, south of Highland Beach Town Hall with PCN No. 24-43-47-04-00-001-0030 (the "Property"). See Aerial of the Property attached as Exhibit"A". Golden City is requesting a variance from Section 30-64(a)of the Town of Highland Beach (the "Town") Code of Ordinances ("Code")pertaining to building height. Code Section Code Requirement Proposed § 30-64(a), and Maximum building height: Maximum building height: Table 30-2 35 vertical feet 209 vertical feet Section 30-40 of the Code details the criteria that must be met before a variance will be granted by the Town's Board of Adjustment and Appeals(the"BOAR"). Pursuant to Section 30-40(e) of the Code, the BOAA may grant a variance from the dimensional requirements of the zoning districts if the following variance criteria are satisfied: 1) Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district. SABADELL UNITED BANKTOWER 1645 PALM BEACH LAKES BOULEVARD-SUITE WOO-WEST PALM BEACH,FLORIDA 33401 TELEPHONE(5131)686-3307-FACSIMILE(561)686-5442 www.nasonyeager.com � T Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 Page 2 2) The special conditions and circumstances truly represent a hardship,and are not created by any actions of the applicant. 3) Literal interpretation of the provisions of this chapter would deprive the applicant of rights —' commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the terms of this chapter and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant. 4) The grant of a variance will not confer upon the applicant any special privilege denied to any other owner of land, buildings, or structures located in the same zoning district. 5) The variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible the use of the land, building, or structure. 6) The grant of the variance will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of this chapter. 7) Financial hardship is not to be considered as sufficient evidence of a hardship in granting a variance. 8) The grant of the variance will not be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare For the following reasons, Golden City respectfully requests that the BOAA determine that the variance criteria found in Section 30-40(e) of the Code have been satisfied and Golden City is entitled to a variance from Section 30-64(a)related to building height. 1) Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district. Special conditions and circumstances do exist which are peculiar to the Property and not shared by other lands in the RML (Multi-family Residential — Low) zoning district. Under the RML zoning district, the Property would be entitled to 45 residential units. The availability of 45 residential units was confirmed by the"Town.See Zoning Determination Letter attached as Exhibit "B". Due to physical constraints on the Property, this variance seeks to maintain the density permitted on the Property by increasing the building height to allow construction of the 45 units. The Property is presently vacant. The Property is covered by approximately 90% wetlands, including 2.00 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation and 4.58 acres of mangrove swamp. As a .. result, only 0.77 acres of the Property are useable for development, or approximately 10%. However, the Property did not historically have such a large wetland coverage. In 1964, the _ Property contained a grid of mosquito ditches that served to drain the upland areas. Mosquito ditches were utilized on the Property and throughout the surrounding areas as a means of introducing salt water to, and draining fresh water from, the Property and surrounding properties to prevent the reproduction of mosquitos. Through the 1970s and 1980s, mangrove coverage Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 Page 3 increased significantly as a direct result of the mosquito ditches. Through the 1990s and 2000s, the mangroves continued to grow, even as significant condominium development occurred to the north and the south of the Property. See Composite of Aerials for the Property attached as Exhibit 44C99, As a result of the wetland/mangrove growth on the Property over a period of nearly 50 years, the buildable area on the Property has continually decreased. While Golden City has not obtained the necessary environmental permits,it is anticipated that the vast majority of the wetlands/mangroves will be preserved. The proposed project density per gross acre is only 12%, the minimum possible given those constraints. The required preservation of mangroves severely limits the buildable area on the property,thereby effectively reducing the density granted to the Property in the RML zoning district. The Town is mostly built-out. As a result, very little privately-owned land in the Town remains undeveloped. Of that undeveloped land, only the Property experiences 90% wetland/mangrove coverage. The Property is uniquely constrained as to buildable area due to the significant growth of mangroves that occurred over the past 50 years. The Property is further unique due to its physical characteristics. The Property is narrow and long —rectangular shaped, The Property is approximately 278 feet wide and 1060 feet long. So on top of the limitations placed on the Property due to the wetlands/mangrovcs,the Property's dimensions place restrictions on how it can be developed. Based on the significant coverage of wetlands/mangroves, and the unique physical dimensions of the Property, it is clear that there arc special conditions and circumstances that apply to the Property and not to other lands in the RML zoning district. 2) The special conditions and circumstances truly represent a hardship, and are not created by any actions of the applicant. The special conditions and circumstances on the Property, namely the significantly high wetland/mangrove coverage and unique physical dimensions of the Property, truly represent a hardship, not created by Golden City. As a result of the unusually large wetland/mangrove coverage, nearly 90% of the allowable density on the Property is lost. The wetlands/man groves are naturally occurring, and not caused by the actions of Golden City. In fact, over time, the wetland/mangrove growth worsened. Importantly, under federal and state law, the Golden City must obtain environmental permits for the proposed development, and the wetlands/mangroves must be preserved. i Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 r Page 4 The unique physical dimensions of the Property also represent a hardship. The narrow width of the Property limit the type of development that can occur on the Property. Once the other improvements to the Property are factored in(i.e.,parking, storm water management, landscaping, access points, buffers, etc.), the buildable area becomes even smaller. The dimensions of the Property have existed for decades, well before Golden City purchased the Property. Golden City desires to build a high-end, luxury condominium project that will aim to market the new units at 20% over current market offerings (between approximately $600 - $750/sq. ft.) and penthouse/upper units at a premium (approximately $1,000/sq. ft.), which is in line with other "— condominiums located in the RML zoning district. The type of owners and residents purchasing units in the proposed condominium will be exclusive. The units will be large, appealing to prestigious and wealthy buyers. The project will add value to the neighboring property owners, i and a significant tax base to the Town. The RML zoning district is not intended for single-family or duplex style development. However, single-family style residences is effectively all that could be built on the Property under the applicable dimensional requirements of the Code. Therefore,the only option is to build upwards. The buildable area limitations created by the wetlands/mangroves and the physical dimensions of the Property represent a true hardship. The Property cannot feasibly be developed with such physical constraints. The development limitations truly represent a hardship that justify the requested variance. 3) Literal interpretation of the provisions of this chapter would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the terms of this chapter and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant. The literal interpretation and application of Section 30-64(a)and Table 30-2 would deprive Golden City of the density commonly enjoyed by other properties in the RML zoning district, and would work an unnecessary and undue hardship on Golden City. The density in the RML zoning district is 6.0 units/acre which yields 45 residential units for the Property. However, the physical ._ constraints, in the form of the wetlands/mangroves and the dimensions of the Property, would not permit Golden City to construct 45 residential units on the Property with only a 35-foot building height limitation. With a limited footprint to build on, the only option is to go up. Other properties within the RML zoning district construct residential buildings consistent with the density allowable under the RML zoning district. In fact, the Property is surrounded to the north _ and south by properties containing luxury condominiums greater than the height permitted by Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 Page 5 Section 30-64(a). Directly to the north, the Toscana condominium is a luxury residential development with three 17-story condominium towers. Further,to the south of the Property,there is a 14-story condominium along the Intracoastal Waterway. See Exhibit A. The two condominiums to the north and south were both initially entitled prior to the change in building height restrictions approved by the Town in 1990. Still,condominiums with similar height can be found all along Ocean Boulevard, including in the RML zoning district. "Therefore, other properties enjoy benefits of increased building height simply because they were approved prior to the enactment of the stricter dimensional requirements found in Sec. 30-64(a) of the Code. The requested variance will allow Golden City to develop the Property utilizing the density afforded in the RML zoning district, and at a height commonly enjoyed by other properties in the zoning district and Town. To not be allowed to do so represents an undue and unnecessary hardship, as more specifically described above. 4) The grant of a variance will not confer upon the applicant any special privilege denied to any other owner of land,buildings,or structures located in the same zoning district. The requested variance will not confer to Golden City any special privilege denied to any other owner of land in the RML zoning district. Other property owners in the RML zoning district are authorized to construct residential buildings with a density up to 6.0 units/acre, and do not have the physical limitations experienced by the Property. With the wetland coverage on the Property approaching 90%, the vast majority of the Property is unusable. Also, the physical dimensions of the Property further inhibit the ability to build multi- family residential units on the Property. Importantly, Golden City was unable to locate a single privately-owned property in the RML zoning district that has such a significant reduction of buildable area. Thus, there is no issue of precedent with the variance. As noted above, numerous properties in the RML zoning district, and throughout the Town, have building heights that exceed 35 feet. The type of high-end luxury,condominium Golden City will propose is consistent with the other condominiums in the surrounding areas. In fact,the proposed project will only benefit those communities,as property values will increase. The proposed project will also bring significant economic impacts to the Town in the form of property taxes and buying power of the residents and owners. Therefore, the variance will provide Golden City with the same rights enjoyed by other Properties in the RML zoning district. No special privilege would be conferred to Golden City by the award of the variance. Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 Page 6 5) The variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible the use of the land,building, or structure. The variance requested is the minimum variance that will make possible the use of the Property consistent with the RML zoning district. The RML zoning district is not intended to be a single family residential district. The lowest residential density in the Town is the RL zoning district, which allows 1.45 units/acre. Without a variance, the density allowable on the Property would be ` less than allowed in the RE zoning district. With the current buildable area, only eight units would be permitted. Eight units on a 7.35-acre property is approximately 1.0 units/acre. This is an unreasonable restriction on the development of the Property. Luxury condominiums are common along Ocean Boulevard in the Town in proximity to the Property. The project's contemplated high-end units will attract prestigious and wealthy customers. Golden City seeks to maintain the exclusivity of living in the Town by proposing a project similar in quality and caliber of the surrounding residences. To accomplish this, 209 feet is the minimum to provide the product demanded of the selective clientele. The variance requested would provide for a 16-story building with ground and second floor parking. The third story would contain two units on one side, and the pool area on the other. Floors four through thirteen would contain four units each. The fourteenth floor would contain two units, and the fifteenth floor would be a single penthouse unit. The top floor is a mechanical roof. The total number of residential units would be 45 units. The floors of the building, including the mechanicals between the floors will be only 13 feet. Sixteen stories yields 209 feet. This is commensurate with other nearby luxury condominium projects. The requested variance would allow the Property to be developed consistent with the intended multi-family density permitted in the RML zoning district. It is the minimum variance needed to allow the density of 6.0 units/acre to be realized. 6) The grant of the variance will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of — this chapter. The requested variance is in harmony with the general intent and purpose of Chapter 30 of the Code. The RML zoning district was designated for the Property to remain consistent with the Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 Page 7 surrounding properties. A 90% reduction of buildable area, and the current height restriction of Section 30-64(a), is inconsistent with the intent and purpose of Chapter 30 of the Code. With the area restrictions imposed by the wetlands/mangroves and unique physical dimensions of the Property,the purpose and intent of Chapter 30 and the RML district cannot be satisfied. Section 30-2(d)of the Code provides that one purpose and intent of Chapter 30 is to"(p]rotect and conserve the value of land, buildings, and improvements, and minimize conflicts among uses of land and building." To protect the value of the Property, under the RML zoning district, additional building height is necessary. The Property is at a prime location on South Ocean Boulevard on the Intracoastal Waterway. The proposed project would construct a luxury condominium on South Ocean Boulevard and preserve and protect the wetlands/mangroves waterward of the building. I — On the other hand,to not grant the requested variance would create a conflict between the Property and the surrounding areas. The properties to the north and south of the Property contain condominiums equal to or greater in height than the proposed variance would allow. The RML zoning district is not intended for single-family low density development. However, with the physical restrictions on the Property, that is essentially all that could be built on the Property. 7) Financial hardship is not to be considered as sufficient evidence of a hardship in granting a variance. The justification for the variance is not related to financial issues, but rather, property rights and consistency with surrounding areas. Further, the variance is justified as it is consistent with the — purpose and intent of Chapter 30. The Town designated the Property in the RML zoning district to be consistent, and not conflict, with the surrounding properties. Due to the severe restrictions placed on the Property - the large quantity of wetlands/mangroves located on it and the unique physical dimensions - the limited development currently allowed under Sec. 30-64(a) of the Code is inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Chapter 30 and the RML zoning district. Therefore, it is not a financial hardship of Golden City, but rather a physical limitation placed upon the Property by the historic growth of the wetlands/mangroves located on the Property,and its physical dimensions. Factoring in the buildable area of the Property, the current building height would only allow 8 units. This would place the density at below that of the lowest density zoning district in the Town —RE. Market demand in the Town is for high-end, luxury communities. The proposed project is Beverly M. Brown Town Clerk July 31, 2014 Page 8 similar to condominiums found all along Ocean Boulevard, including directly to the north and south of the Property. 8) The grant of the variance will not be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. The requested variance will not be injurious to the surrounding area or otherwise detrimental to the general public. The proposed variance relates only to building height,which in no manner will result in public health or safety issues. Furthermore, the surrounding properties contain condominiums of similar or greater height. The building will be designed so as to minimize the impacts to view and other potential impacts to the neighboring properties. By being located adjacent to South Ocean Boulevard, the significant majority of wetland/mangrove areas will be preserved. Therefore, the natural resources of the areas will not be adversely impacted. Finally, by preserving the natural areas,the green space will be unaffected. The surrounding communities will maintain their view ofthe lush, natural environment. For the reasons stated above, Golden City respectfully requests the BOAA approve the variance from Section 30-64(a) and Table 30-2 to allow additional building height on the Property. Very truly yours, NASON, YEAGER, GERSON, WHITE & LIOC ' A. /Nathan E. Nason Enclosure H:\9956\22676\LBeverly Brown 07-31-14NEN.docx/sJ i 'Me Y � Sam 14 ` amin � �{ ty� ^tom �: _. `�' � "t �!l�+�► ,� ,AEC jr ir 14 ! 4C g, F " + cam` ^- w4? - m 44 Jrrt z A Awma w j Mayor: "fighland Beach, Bernard Featherman ....... Ilk roijvn of r, Vice Mayor: Miriam 8 Zwick Op -3614 SOUTH OCEAN 13OULEVARD HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA 33487 Commissioners Doris M.Trinicy X01ul J,pagilaw Dennis 3,Sheridan 561-278-4548 Interim Thwn Manager: Palm Beach County,Florida FAX 561-265-3582 Kathleen D Weiser April 26,2011 Mr.Ryan J.Mueller-Broker/Owner RJM Real Estate Corp. 900 East Atlantic Avenue,Suite#7 T)elT#.v Beach,FL 33483 RES Parcel 24-43-47-04-00-001-0030-Town of Highland Beach De4r Mr. Mueller: You have requested a determination as to the density which would be allowed on the above referenced property.As you know this property is zoned RML(Multiple-Family--Low Density). Under the Town's Code,the owner of the property would be allowed to construct 6.0 units per acre as found in Table 30-2 reprinted below: TABLE 30-2. Property Development Regulations Residential Multiple- Multiple- Multiple- Government ZONING Residential Single- Family-- Family-- Family— Service DISTRICT Estate Family Low Medium High District (RE) (RS) Density Density Density (GSD) (RML) (RMM) (RMH) 1.45 4.35 6.0 12 Density units/acre Maximum units/acre units/acre units/acre is/acre N/A We have confirmed that th acreage or that site is 7.43 acres.The4re,the Town's Code will allow the const ation of 6 units x. 7,43 acres=44.58 units;rounded up to 45 units, Please understandithat this letter is for purposes of confirming the number of units that would be r. allowed on that sije.This letter is no an approval to construct. You,or your client,will need to apply for a buildi g permit and will responsible for complying with all of the other provisions of the Town Code e related to the deve lopmont of this parcel. www ci.1iig1i1and-beac)iJ1.us Should you have any questions about this determination,please be sure to contact me directly. Regards, MICHAEL DESORCY COO INDEPENDENT INSPECTIONS LIMITED TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH 661.239.0282 CoU 661.276.4540 ofte cc:Kathleen Weiser,Town Manager,Highland Beach Carol Holland,Office Manager,Building Department ,l 1 f5 1 - i � 3 , 's t o x i SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Highland Beach, FL Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688-2908 Drawn By Date: November 17,2011 Figure No.: 1964 Aerial Photograph Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-1 EXHIBIT 1� r I w 4 R e t V Erw�il�r 1� J � r i C Q SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Highland Beach, FL Tel:(561)688.2904 Fax:(561)688-2908 Drawn B Date- November 17,2011 Figure No.; 1968 Aerial Photograph Y �--- ��-- Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-2 � ■ �» | / ) �. . F \ ƒ \ / a z . « « SOLUTECH, |NC. Wetland Delineation SaCorporate Way,Suite 12 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel ■e aim Beach,FLS 407 Highland Beach, FL Tel:(56,) ■sa2, 4oFax:( a„) a■ a2, aa Drawn By dm: November 17, 2011 Figure om: �mgAerial PkbgmA Not to Sae Priya JA Na: 413.00 e3 N h. v ,- 1 IrIR �Y r . a. _ SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation —� 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Highland Beach, FL Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688-2908 1973 Aerial Photograph Drawn By Date: November 17,2011 Figure No.: Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-4 r � t, , Y i i N `3 a Ude , q„ r 1 r SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate way,Suite 102 West Palm Beach,FL 33407 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)888-2908 Highland Beach, FL — � 1975 Aerial Photograph Drawn By Date: November 17,2011 Figure No.: Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-5 _ # \ \ . a � y « .2 �w . . � � _ \ \ 2/� ` \• \\ ^^\ \� , ) SOLUTEC H, |NC. Wetland Delineation eq Corporate Way,Smk 102 West Palm Beach, FL 33407 South Ocean Boulevar Parcel Tel:( s„)68a2#4Fax:(56,)6a2, a� Highland Beach, FL 2_n m t November 17,2011 Figure Na: 1986 Aerial Photograph Not to Scale Priya kb No 4713.00 B-6 w w � w r r w . i t � � t No .. ftw w � SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation -- 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688.2908 Highland Beach, FL 1995 Aerial Photograph Drawn By Date: November 17, 2011 Figure No.: Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-7 Y — e u "o ... N , 4. SV , 16 400, _ R ,s E . c, SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688.2908 Highland Beach, FL 1999 Aerial Photograph Drawn By 9 Date: November 17, 2011 Figure No.: h 9 Not to Scale Priya Job No,: 47133.00 B-8 I m K c, j. x i x a ate, AWL „ SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way, Suite 102 West Palm Beach,FL 33407 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688-2908 Highland Beach, FL Drawn By Date: November 17, 2011 Figure No.: 2002 Aerial Photograph ---�--- Not to Scale Priya Job No,: 47133.00 B-9 I I I i /� t a 1t• .a _ t OIL ,Am.- r SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688-29D8 Highland Beach, FL 2006 Aerial Photograph Drawn By Date: November 17, 2011 Figure No.: Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-10 _ _ . 1T ° z _ , ..,. r t ` SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way,Sulte 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688-2908 Highland Beach, FI_ 2008 Aerial Photograph Drawn By Date: November 17,2011 Figure No.: Not to Scale Priya Job No,: 47133.00 B-11 _ r.. 3* ,j i, r t. s SOLUTECH, INC. Wetland Delineation 5841 Corporate Way,Suite 102 South Ocean Boulevard Parcel West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Tel:(561)688-2904 Fax:(561)688-2908 Highland Beach, FL 2010 Aerial Photograph Drawn By Date: November 17,2011 Figure No.: Not to Scale Priya Job No.: 47133.00 B-12 To: Board of Adjustment and Appeals From: Beaches& Shores Advisory Board Date: October 17,2014 Re: Variance Request Golden City Project During the Public portion of the Beaches&Shores Advisory Bond meeting of September 9,2014 several residents came forward and voiced their concerns regarding the property south of Toscana. The applicant will need a variance and will have to appear before the Board of Adjustment&Appeals. They are proposing a 16 story building on this property which is zoned for residential multi family low density. This project would affect the environment,our mangroves and certain species of birds such as egrets,pelicans,ibis; certain snakes native to South Florida and the manatees. The new condo would be built where mangroves stand between the three towers of Toscana and Regency Highland. As members of The Beaches& Shores Advisory Board,we are very concerned about our beaches,the turtles,the ecology and the environment of Highland Beach. Granting this variance will also cause more traffic,noise and unsafe conditions on AIA. It is very important that we not only protect the safety and tranquility of our residents,but that we also protect our mangroves and endangered species. High rise housing like this is not part of a plan to improve the natural beauty of our neighborhood The Beaches& Shores Advisory Board members took this issue under advisement and a motion was passed to advise the Board of Adjustment and Appeals that we are not in favor of any variance whatsoever that will effect the ecology and the environment in Highland Beach. Very Truly Yours, Beaches&Shores Advisory Board Ronnie Svenstrup, Chair Cc: Beaches& Shores Advisory Board members Town Manager Kathleen Weiser Mayor and Town Commission i i UNIVEHSAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE; PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT VACANT PROPERTY a 3822 S.OCEAN BLVD. HIGHLAND BEACH,PALM BEACH COUNTY,FL i I f l UES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No.2045456 Date:June 2023 Prepared For. � E Golden City Highland Beach,LLC r' c/o Sterling Title Coiimpany 4400 N.Federal Highway Boca Raton,FL 33431 i Prepared By: i � Uni`ve`rsal Engineering Sciences,Inc. 3532 Maggie Boulevard Orlando,Florida.32011 i (407)423-0504 COA#M00549 : Prepared By: ` 0 n Senior Environviental Scientist Consultants in:Geotechnical En0'ine8fing•Environmental Sciences•Construction Materials Testing•Thres'Wd'InsZ*Leesburg on O fff ces In:Atlanta-Daytona Beach-DeBary-Fort Myers•Fort Pierce•Gainesville•Hollywood•Houston•Jacksonville Miami*Ocala-O)rlando r.Palm Coast-Pensacola•Rockledge•Sarasota•St.Augustine_•Tampa-West Palm h TABLE OF CONTENTS TEXT Page No. 1.0 General Site Description...........................................................1 2.0 Existing Conditions/Habitat Descriptions.....................................1 3.0 Wildlife Assessment Methodology ..........................................3 4.0 Assessment Results...............................................................3 5.0 Summary.............................................................................5 FIGURES 1. USGS Topographic Map 2. Aerial/FLUCCS Map 3. NRCS/SCS Soils Map APPENDICES A. Site Photographs B. FNAI,FFWCC,USFWS Data/Maps ii UES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No. 1045456 1.0 GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION The property reviewed during this assessment is a vacant, 7.5+ acre, undeveloped parcel located at 3822 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, Palm Beach County, FL (Figures 1 & 2 — Palm Beach County Parcel ID 4-47-43-04-00-001-0030). The site is located in Section 4, Township 47 South,and Range 43 East. 2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS On-site land uses: The land uses described in this report are based on the Florida Department of Transportation's handbook "Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System" 1999 edition. The subject property consists of uplands, wetlands, and surface waters. Photographs of the subject property are provided in Appendix A. On-site habitat descriptions are as follows: Uplands: • FLUCCS 437: Australian Pines(0.036 acre/0.49%) There is a small peninsula of uplands in the northeast corner that has a dominant canopy of Australian pine trees(Casuarina equisetifolia). There are no other species of vegetation within this area. • FLUCCS 437: Other Hardwoods(0.18 acre/2.45%) There is an upland fringe of mixed hardwood species along the eastern and northeastern edges of the subject property. This community has a mixed canopy of cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), seaside mahoe (Thespesia populnea), and Australian pine. Groundcover in this area is relatively non-existent. This area has a high density of land crab and fiddler crab burrows throughout. Wetlands: • FLUCCS 612: Mangrove Swamp(5.35 acres/71.43%) The majority of the property consists of a mangrove swamp. This habitat is dominated by a mixture of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Page 1 of 6 Pages UES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No. 1045456 Surface Waters: • FLUCCS 540: River(1.88 acres/25.58%) The western end of the property consists of the intercoastal waterway and is under water at all times. Topography: The USGS topographic quadrangle map titled "Delray Beach, Florida" was referenced as a source for obtaining information regarding the physical setting of the subject property and surrounding vicinity (Figure 1). The subject property is located between -2' below and 2' feet above sea level. The topography on the site is relatively flat with a very slight slope from the east end of the property at the road side to the west side of the property and the intercoastal waterway. Soils: According to the Soil Conservation Service, Palm Beach County Soil Survey (see Figure 3), surficial soils at the subject property include Palm Beach-Urban Land Complex (0- 8% slopes), Wulfert and Drubin muck (tidal), and water. Brief descriptions of these soil types can be found below. 27: Palm Beach-Urban Land Complex(0-8%slopes) The soils of the Palm Beach map unit are typically found on dunes on marine terraces. The soil is excessively drained. The seasonal water table is typically greater than 80 inches. The urban land soils have no known parent material and are linear in form. 45: Wulfert and Durbin Muck, Tidal This soil is very poorly drained and is found in mangrove swamps on marine terraces. The seasonal water table is from 0-6 inches and these areas are frequently ponded. 99: Water This area is covered by water 100%of the time. Drainage: The subject property is undeveloped and has no formal drainage system in place. Adjacent Land Uses: The site is bordered to the north by a high-rise condominium structure, to the east by S.Ocean Boulevard and single family beachfront homes,to the south by a single family home and mangrove swamp, and to the west by the intercoastal waterway. Page 2 of 6 Pages UES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No. 1045456 3.0 WILDLIFE ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY UES staff scientists reviewed the property for signs of utilization or presence of any flora or fauna listed as Threatened, Endangered, or Species of Special Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) based on known habitat preference and geographical distribution. The field assessment was performed on June 18, 2013. Weather conditions were generally partly cloudy and between 80-92 degrees with minimal winds. The protected species assessment included: (1) A review of aerial photographs to assess past uses and the potential for protected wildlife based on geographic area and ecological significance. (2)A review of numerous databases and reference materials including, but not limited to, those provided by the USFWS, FWC, and FNAI to determine the potential species of protected wildlife that may inhabit or utilize the subject property(Appendix B). (3) Site reconnaissance to evaluate existing site conditions. This included pedestrian transects through approximately 100% of the uplands on the property and quiet observation for 15- 20 minutes at various locations on the property. (4) A review of the FWC eagle nest database website for nearby bald eagle nesting sites and the waterbird colony locator for known wading bird nesting locations (Appendix B). (5) A review of the USFWS on-line Critical Habitat Mapper program. 4.0 ASSESSMENT RESULTS: 4.1 Potential Protected Wildlife Based on the existing habitat found on site, the surrounding land uses, field observations, and the data obtained from the USFWS, FNAI, and FWC (Appendix B), the wetlands on- site have the potential to provide adequate habitat to support nesting and/or foraging by a several listed species. The mangrove swamp on the subject property provides adequate foraging habitat for the wood stork (Mycteria americana), the white ibis (Mycteria Americana), little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), tri-colored heron (Egretta tricolor), limpkin (Auramus guarauna), roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), and other wading bird species. The mangrove swamp areas can provide nesting opportunities for egret, pelican, ibis, stork, etc. There are also many large water bodies in the direct vicinity of the site that would offer good foraging opportunities for the brown pelican and the wading bird species. Page 3 of 6 Pages UES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No. 1045456 The current listed status and potential for specific species to utilize the site are discussed in Table 1 below. TABLE 1: Potential for individual listed species to occur on the subject pro e Common Name Scientific Name Status Potential Comments *(FWC/USFWS) (low, moderate, high) Wood Stork Mycteria americana E/E Moderate The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. No evidence observed. White Ibis Eudocimus albus SSC/none Moderate The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. No evidence observed. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea SSC/None Moderate The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. No evidence observed. Tri-colored Heron Egretta tricolor SSC/none Moderate The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. No evidence observed. Limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC/none Moderate The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. No evidence observed. Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC/none Moderate The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species. No evidence observed. Brown Pelican Pelecamus occidentalis SSC/None(in FL) High The mangrove swamp areas on the subject property provide some nesting habitat for this species. Open waters of the adjacent river/intercoastal waterway provide foraging habitat. No evidence observed. Page 4 of 6 Pages i UES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No. 1045456 Manatee Trichechus manatus E/E Moderate The open waters of the intercoastal waterway at the west end of the property offer passage to the manatees. Very limited seagrass was observed in the area for foraging. None observed. *SSC-species of special concern,T-threatened,E-endangered 4.2 Observed Protected Wildlife/Plants The results of the assessment found no evidence indicating that the subject property is currently being utilized by any species of protected wildlife. There were no direct observations of listed species during the assessment. There were also no observations of dens, tracks, scat, nests, burrows, or vocalizations during the assessment that would indicate any species of protected wildlife are utilizing the property. However, based on the presence of the mangrove swamp, river system, open water tidal swamp areas on the adjoining property, and the vicinity of the property being along the coast, it is expected that many protected species and non-protected species of wading birds can be found utilizing the subject property for foraging at any time. A review of the FFWCC Eagle Nest Database indicates that no eagle nests were located within 5 miles of the subject property. The FFWCC Waterbird Colony Locator website search was negative (Appendix B). The closest wood stork nesting site is located over 10 miles west-northwest of the subject property. 4.3 Non-Protected Wildlife Observations/Evidence Non-protected wildlife evidence observed on-site during the site visit included direct observations of the giant land crab, fiddler crab, mockingbird, green heron, and various seagulls(overhead). Other evidence observed included raccoon tracks. 5.0 SUMMARY: The results of the assessment found no evidence indicating that the subject property is currently being utilized by any species of protected wildlife. There were no direct observations of listed species on the property during the assessment. There were also no observations of dens, tracks, scat, nests, burrows, or vocalizations during the assessment that would indicate any species of protected wildlife are utilizing the property. However, based on the presence of the mangrove swamp, river/intercoastal waterway system, open water tidal swamp areas on the adjoining property, and the vicinity of the property being along the coast, it is expected that many protected species and non-protected species of wading birds can be found utilizing the subject property for foraging and/or nesting at any time. No listed plant species were observed. Based on the existing habitat found on site, the surrounding land uses, field observations, and the data obtained from the FNAI and FWC (Appendix B), the site provides adequate foraging and/or nesting habitat for multiple Page 5 of 6 Pages LIES Project No.0140.1300171.0000 Report No. 1045456 wading bird species. No observations of indicating the presence of these species occurred during the assessment. At this time, the development of the subject property is likely to have minimal affect, if any, on protected wildlife. This assessment represents the results of our review on the date indicated. UES accepts no responsibility for recruitment of protected wildlife to the site following the date(s)of this assessment. The USFWS,FFWCC,and local government agencies may request additional assessments and/or surveys at any time. Universal Engineering Sciences is pleased to provide this preliminary protected species assessment report for the above referenced site. If there are any continents and/or questions regarding this report,please contact David Whitney at(407)423-0504. Page 6 of 6 Pages d FIGURE 1 'OPO MAP r« "M•Y T' f4� I i '22R� \ ( ,y,i � .d. ter• 4 • 1 C�fr f �, ,xx, ,,,�` y tr p 991 �+�—y' " rd':i,c. � �_ ¢ 4 G._ _,cam y.�: • s • r JA�.• ow '.i9Cr rte..•.. Y�- 9Y� Q �. 1 B' T• `. 41 ��.jt t ti t aU.l�'>aR .•�,swK. 7� f t +��r 5:�3=1tif:}I•�f�} it� � d � i • _` r r��r � { yt K i` 'yYyal�•p�I®�ni�t;:7P'.;c 9: ,i �j ��•y .`�i ! (S�'• 41�k 44 7i J �,.' .16'.A.�1 ..,`:svyl 'G t' •�Se.a'M il; •7i�. 3 .. '...Y y4'N u'Y' ct' �', � y" '��'�[�9�•, yr '�Af � �7fi��' �� i ; . ... •.,..�•,3" VIM Awl 11"m BMW 4a .. .�+r '� lj a R{"1 � � �•. PRELIMINARY PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT • • • e- • e e• e• 3822 S. OCEANBOULEVARD HIGHLAND BEACH, • 1 BEACH COUNTY, FLOR SITE LOCATION a • a • UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES .• ► • + FIGURE 2 LAND USE/AERIAL MAP E i I E k t � r . LEGEND 437-AUSTRAILIAN PINES(0,036 AC RES/0.49%) 439-OTHER HARDWOODS(0.18 ACRES2.459%) 540 w BAYSAND ESTUARIES(1,488 ACRES/25.58%) 612-MANGROVE SWAMPS(5.35 ACRES/71.430k) TOTAL SITE AREA a 7.35 ACRES 0 200 AERIAL PHOTO 8bURCE•FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AERIAL PHOTO LOOK-UP SYSTEM _ LE(FT.) oof PRELIMINARY PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT 3822 S. OCEAN BOULEVARD HIGHLAND BEACH, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA Q -- ------ 2011 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH/FLUCCS MAP UNNEF3SAL C3 ENGINEERING SCIENCES DRAWN 8Y: R K S. DATE: 6-24-13 CHECKED 8Y: DATE: M SCALE: AS SHOWN PROJECT NO: 0140.1300171.0000 REPORT N0: FIGURE NO 2 FIGURE 3 SOILS MAP { g SOILS LEGEND - -- - - 27 PALM BEACH-URBAN LAND COMPLEX,0 TO 8 PERCENT SLOPES 45-WULFERT&DURBIN MUCK,TIDAL I I 99-WATER ' i `200 SOIL DATA SOURCES USDA-NRCS WEB SOIL SURVEY AERIAL PHOTO SOURCE:FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AERIAL PHOTO LOOK-UP SYSTEM SCALE(FT.) PRELIMINARY PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT 3822 S. OCEAN BOULEVARD HIGHLAND BEACH, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA SOIL SURVEY MAP UNWERSAI_ o 'ORAWN BY: R,KfS DATE: 8-24-i 3J ;CHECKED BY: DATE: ch ENGINEERING SCIENCES _ SCALE: AS SHOWN-. PROJECT NO: 0140.1300171;0000 REPORT N0; FIGURE NO: 3 APPENDIX A SITE PHOTOGRAPHS f, i e , F , t n OTo�� 1 along nr:�rrt)re e � ter rrno#th�;i zi lit hr'oPe t��. rxrz��ert " ---•..., cill c,rSt tr)Si< hots? take jt• #" 1r-r1 '. corlr ilte ertrs. plan ti-ill -,'�,tr ISI rI. �c refthC, Page 1 o f4 i f f the I a ��o liplantl n ti ,.e eels" 4 ,• attr) fhe Vi of't ' "Str�ilian �i he�artlt ertge of ��< l ne hal�itatto the r+ri. 'ate xerl ci at the "orthellstnt, it ��t of lit, yu r Page 2 of~�'��-�...."---...�,�tic rtj' ci►rf s� r�mar►�r� tht V►e"F3 :, )t'p Ircrty � .�ry rr fr on) list �ester s o►rth��est lie sus►c� ,.,,. I tct Pr-rrper kl,facia a7 t orr ""�►...,., r►ortheast, Page 3 Of 4 f4 .�` .a' ,y !1! � Ott 11 theof thea 1lorthw srrbct ProPcrty ,,,, th est corn fr of tile, z racoart�t Iva E theS{��) 191 )ect Pro e lntt stcp, ► et t Perp, l Icing r►orth .?oc�ttect X hoto to kEn fro '`�esf ,}nst On south of e��cl o#� su J ct Page 4of4 APPENDIX B FNAI, FFWCC, USFWS DATA/MAPS Print Bald Eagle Nest Data Page 1 of 1 This report was generated using the bald eagle nest locator at https://public.myfwc.com/FWRI/EagleNests/nestiocator.aspx on 6/24/2013 4:31:15 PM. Search Entered: Within 5 miles of 3822 South Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, FL 33487, USA 33487 (latitude 26.4072264 and longitude -80.0649905); All Search Results 0 record(s) were found; 0 record(s) are shown Bald Eagle Nest Map: ! 1 � 6 1 � t 19+4 ■ Results per page: Bald Eagle Nest Data Search Results: All "Y"denotes an active nest "U"denotes a nest that was visited but status was undetermined "N"denotes an inactive nest "*"denotes a nest that was not surveyed -"denotes an unobserved nest https://public.myfwc.com/FWRI/EagleNests/PrintData.aspx 6/24/2013 FNAI Biodiversity Matrix Page I of 3 1018 Thomasville Road sv2�� Tallahassee,Fl 32303 Florida Natural Areas Inventory 850-224-8207 &W-"1.9364 fax Biodiversity Matrix Query Results www.fnai.org UNOFFICIAL REPORT FL RPDA Created 6/19/2013 194 tui ATem (Contact the FNAI Data Services Coordinator at 850.224.8207 for INVENTORY information on an official Standard Data Report) NOTE:The Biodiversity Matrix includes only rare species and natural communities tracked by FNAI. Report for 1 Matrix Unit: 69315 Descriptions DOCUMENTED-There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit. DOCUMENTED-HISTORIC-There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit; however the occurrence has not been observed/reported within the last twenty years. LIKELY-The species or community is known to occur in this vicinity, and is considered likely within this Matrix Unit because: 1. documented occurrence overlaps this and adjacent Matrix Units, but the documentation isn't precise enough to indicate which of those Units the species or community is actually located in; or 2. there is a documented occurrence in the vicinity and there is suitable habitat for that species or community within this Matrix Unit. POTENTIAL-This Matrix Unit lies within the known or predicted range of the species or community based on expert knowledge and environmental variables such as climate,soils,topography, and landcover. Matrix Unit ID: 69315 0 Documented Elements Found 0 Documented-Historic Elements Found 6 Likely Elements Found Scientific and Common Names Global State Federal State Rank Rank Status Listing Caretta caretta G3 S3 LT FT Loggerhead Chelonia mydas G3 S2 LE FE Green Turtle Dermochelys coriacea G2 S2 LE FE Leatherback Eretmochelys imbricata http://data.labins.org/m apping/FNAI_B ioMatrix/GridSearch.efin?sel_id=69315&extent=791390.43 75,27... 6/19/2013 FNAI Biodiversity Matrix Page 2 of 3 Hawksbill G3 S1 LE FE Jacauemontia reclinata G1 S1 LE LE Beach Jacquemontia Mvcteria americana G4 S2 LE FE Wood Stork Matrix Unit ID: 69315 31 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 69315 Scientific and Common Flames Global State Federal State Rank Rank Status Listing Aphelocoma coerulescens G2 S2 LT FT Florida Scrub-Jay Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N SSC Chamaesyce cumulicola Sand-dune Spurge G2 S2 N LE Charadrius melodus Piping Plover G3 S2 LT FT Cladonia perforata Perforate Reindeer Lichen G1 S1 LE LE Conradina grandiflora G3 S3 N LT Large-flowered Rosemary Ctenogobius stigmaturus Spottail Goby G2 S2 N N Drymarchon coupe ri Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT FT Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia G4T2 S2 N N Narrow-leaved Carolina Scalystem Eumops floridanus G1 S1 PE ST Florida bonneted bat Forestiera segregata var.pinetorum G4T2 S2 N N Florida Pinewood Privet Glandularia maritima Coastal Vervain G3 S3 N LE Gopherus Dolvphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 C ST Ha/ophila iohnsonii Johnson's Seagrass G2 S2 LT N Jacauemontia curtissii G2 52 N LT Pineland Jacquemontia Lechea cernua G3 S3 N LT Nodding Pinweed Lechea divaricata G2 S2 N LE Pine Pinweed Linum carteri var. smallii G Small's Flax 2T2 S2 N LE Peromvscus polionotus niveiventris G5T1 Si LT FT Southeastern Beach Mouse Phyllanthus pentaphyllus var. floridanus G4T2 S2 N N Florida Five-petaled Leaf-flower Po/vaa/a smallii GI S1 LE LE Tiny Polygala Rallus longirostris scottii G5T3? 53? N N Florida Clapper Rail Rana capito Gopher Frog G3 S3 N SSC Rivulus marmoratus Mangrove Rivulus G3 S3 SC SSC http://data.labins.org/mapping/FNAI_BioMatrix/GridSearch.cfm?sel_id=69315&extent=791390.4375,27... 6/19/2013 FNAI Biodiversity Matrix Page 3 of 3 Roystonea elata Florida Royal Palm G2G3 S2 N LE Scel000rus woo di G3 S3 N N Florida Scrub Lizard Selaginella eatonii Eaton's Spike Moss GZG3 S2 N LE Setophaga discolor paludicola GST3 S3 N N Florida Prairie Warbler Swietenia mahagoni G3G4 S3 N LT West Indies Mahogany Trichechus manatus G2 S2 LE FE Manatee r Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum G4G5T1 S1 C LE Florida Filmy Fern Disclaimer The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide. However,the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered, nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. FNAI shall not be held liable for the accuracy and completeness of these data,or opinions or conclusions drawn from these data. FNAI is not inviting reliance on these data. Inventory data are designed for the purposes of conservation planning and scientific research and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Unofficial Report These results are considered unofficial. FNAI offers a Standard Data Reouest option for those needing certifiable data. http://data.labins.org/mapping/FNAI_BioMatrix/GridSearch.cfm?sel_id=69315&extent=7913 90.4375,27... 6/19/2013 r r ., ti ,r x • .j i.p.. I.( .�i A5.g i Z $ I A 2 2 i / M � c } � ■ L U. - a t � < �. .�..�-- .�� � . .. . . x ! � �fir Al �\�| � }�| � | � -owe \ / ) ( � . � LEONARD G. Rum,, P.A. NORTHPOINT CORPORATE CENTER 701 NORTHPOINT PARMAY,SUITE 209 WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33407-1950 LEONARD G.RUBIN TELEPHONE (561)721-1683 FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED FACSIMILF: (561)686-8764 MY COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENA'ATrORNEY September 26, 2014 Via electronic transmission nason(cD-nasonveager.com.�---------- PNathan E. Nason, Esquire Nason Yeager, et al. 1654 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite 1200 03 7 0 1 5 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Re: Town of Highland Beach/Golden City Highland B Dear Nat: I am in receipt of your letter dated September 8, 2014, regarding the variance request submitted by your client, Golden City Highland, LLC. Your client is seeking a variance to construct a high-rise building 209 feet in height within the Town's Residential Multiple-Family Low-Density (RML) zoning district. As you are aware, Section 30-62 of the Town Code provides that the purpose of the RML zoning district is to "encourage alternative housing styles, such as townhouses and patio homes." Consequently, the maximum height within the RML zoning district is thirty-five feet. You are seeking clarification of the Town Building Official's representation that your client is also required to seek a variance from the side setback requirement. The Town Code provides that the minimum side setback within the RML is twelve feet. As set forth above, however, the RML zoning district regulations do not contemplate structures greater than three stories. Within the two zoning districts that do contemplate high-rise structures, Residential Multiple-Family Medium Density (RMM) and Residential Multiple-Family High Density (RMH), Section 30-66 of the Town Code prescribes a separate high-rise setback that increases for all portions of the structure in excess of thirty feet at a rate of one additional foot of setback for each additional two feet in height above twenty feet. Because the Town Code provides that the high-rise setback only applies within the RMM and RMH zoning districts, the Town cannot require that your client seek a variance from this section. However, in the event the Board of Adjustment grants a height waiver, Staff will recommend that the Board impose a condition requiring your client to comply with each of the high-rise setback requirements set forth in Section 30- 66 of the Town Code. The Town's position is that these setback requirements should apply to all high-rises constructed in the Town, especially within zoning districts that do not even contemplate high-rise structures. ` Valerie Oakes From: Valerie Oakes Sent. Tuesday,October OT3O149:44AM To: 'Len Rubin'; Kathleen D.Weiser Cc: Michael G. Desoo9 Subject: RE: Request for Ethics Opinion Attachments,- Verbatim ofP. RodisCornnnent.odf � See attached...thesection is highlighted. � ��m� ^'°~'~k you, Valerimomkes, CMC � j� �� 8�� ��� � �l ���°.. ~ �� Town ofHighland Beach 3614S.Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, FL33487 P. (56l)27@-4548 F. (561) 26S-3582 °Nhmtthe mind ofman can conceive and believe, itcmnochieme.^—Napoleon Hill Please headvised that under Florida law,e-mails and e-mail addresses are public records.Ifyou donot want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request,do not send electronic mail to this entity, From: Len Rubin Sent:Tuesday, October 07, 2014 9:26 AM To: Kathleen D. Weiser Cc: Michael G. > Valerie Oakes Subject: RE: Request for Ethics Opinion | went back and forth on that issue. If you wish' | can include that issue as well (although | think | will still need to "rehabilitate" the Board regard|esa). Can you please get me a verbatim (or the recording)of what exactly was said? If we are down to three members, we will need to talk about the Commission perhaps appointing new members for this specific case, since it takes a vote of four to grant a variance. Len Leonard G. Rubin, Esquire Board Certified City County and Local Government Attorney Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Bemch, Florida 33407 Telephone: (S61) 721-1883 F000imnUa: (5O1)G88-87G4 i Disclaimer:This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,18 U.S.C.§§2510-2521 and is legally privileged.The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution,or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.If you receive this e-mail in error,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please do not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. From: Kathleen D. Weiser [mailto:kweiser@ci.highland-beach.fl.us] Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 3:47 PM To: Len Rubin Cc: Michael G. Desorcy; Valerie Oakes Subject: RE: Request for Ethics Opinion It reads fine. My question would be, as long as we are approaching the Commission on Ethics, if we should also ask them about the 4th member who publicly stated at a Commission meeting that he could not support the project. If he is disqualified from voting, as well as the members who reside in Toscana, would the Board be ineligible to hear the case with only three members? Kathleen Dailey Weiser Town Manager Town of Highland Beach 3614 South Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, Florida 33487 Phone: 561-278-4548 Fax:561-265-3582 www.ci.hig_hland-beach.f1.us From: Len Rubin fmailto:Igrubin@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 2:51 PM To: Kathleen D. Weiser; Michael G. Desorcy Cc: Valerie Oakes Subject: Request for Ethics Opinion Attached please find my draft letter to the Commission on Ethics regarding the Golden City variance application. Please review and get back to me with any questions or comments. Thanks! Len Leonard G. Rubin, Esquire Board Certified City County and Local Government Attorney Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Telephone: (561) 721-1683 Facsimile: (561)686-8764 Disclaimer:This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C.§§2510-2521 and is legally privileged.The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution,or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.If you receive this e-mail in error,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please do not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. 2 Town Commission Workshop Minutes August 26,2014 Page.2 of 9 Over$900,000 was spent on renovations of Town Hall when the spending limit without approval by referendum was $350,000! This was an illegal act, and should be punishable. The persons who are responsible for this illegal spending should pay for it. This is a criminal act of Grand Theft. The IG report came to the conclusion that this will not happen again. However, it was done and the Commissioners are at fault for allowing it to happen. Someone, the Town Manager, the Lawyer, or possible Commission members should be held accountable. The entire Commission has a fiduciary position and proceeded to cause this fiasco and took advantage of the people in the Town of Highland Beach. I look forward to receiving a written reply from my Town of Highland Beach Commissioners explaining what actions will be taken to those responsible." Dr. Bill Weitz, 1135 Boca Cove Lane — At the last meeting Town Attorney Torcivia suggested the comments I made, as well as others, should be dismissed because they were political in nature. I thought about it and agree with him that it is political since this is a political process. I don't think you can refute or dismiss any statement made on this podium simply because it is political and this is a political meeting. Based on opinions he has given to the Town Commission, I believe the Town Attorney has not served this town well and should resign from his position. With respect to the Town Manager's selling of the chairs that was brought up several matings ago for a minimal amount, it is not the amount of money or the number of chairs; if you sell government property without authorization, it is a crime. Two weeks ago you were asked to approve additional monies for the architect. It was for$13,000 but asked for$20,000 in case it is needed. You asked to ratify it which was after the fact. The Town Manager already had a bill for $19,000 on her desk two weeks prior. The money had already been spent. The Town Manager is now recommending that you hire the same architect to handle our engineering project for the Library. The additional monies spent were an increase of fifty percent (50%) over the initial allocation of money to that architect. The Town Manager authorized this,not you. You ratified it. I am asking for her resignation also. Peter Rodis, 3224 S. Ocean Blvd. —I have mixed feelings regarding the five percent (5%) increase to the employees of this town. I spoke to the Library Director and she indicated to me that the individual employee looks forward to that increase. Other communities such as Delray Beach have approved a 2-1/2%increase. I would hope that the Commission discuss this and consider changing the number to 2-1/2% in the budget. I also concur with everything Dr. Weitz has indicated. I don't think this issue should go away and feel the Town Commission should meet in a private session and decide what is appropriate for this issuance. Max Angel, 2727 S. Ocean Blvd.—I don't understand how the Town Manager and Town Attorney did not know about the rule that you can't spend X amount of dollars without appropriations. I am against this. These rules have been on the books for years. I am here again on the subject of the property south of Toscana on AIA. This has been put into the Town of Highland Beach for an application to build a 16 story building. As I said the last time,the tranquility of Highland Beach would be destroyed. The building I Town Commission Workshop Minutes Au"26,2014 Pa e 3 of 9 code at this time states that it is to be 35 feet high and small density. There should be no variances of any sort given to this property. Rhoda Zelniker, 3912 S. Ocean Blvd. — I would like to concur with Marni. The north side of our building will abut this property and is a major concern for us. We are letting our Commissioners know of our concern for this building. We understand progress, but there is a certain amount of tranquility we would like to keep in Highland Beach. Silvio Blaskovicz, Highland Beach Dr. —I believe it would be a mistake to remove the boatlifts from Special Exception. Bel Lido Isle is a community unto itself and unlike any other of the surrounding communities. Having these boatlifts would disturb our views and make for a very congested community. If you pass this ordinance anything could happen and there would be no control over these boatlifts. Special Exception was designed to protect the value of the property. You should contact the people in Bel Lido and see what they want. Carl Gamin, 1123 Highland Beach Dr.—I want you to know that I find this very impressive. addressed the concern of Marnie Glasser of 2727 S. Ocean Blvd. who previously spoke regal a zoning issue on the proper located south of Toscana. He indicated that he serves on the Board of Adjustment&Appeals and asks all concerned residents to come to their meetings and express their concerns regarding zoning issues. The Board members are very strict when it comes to zoning. If the zoning issue is 35 feet then it won't be changed. The federal government forced Highland Beach to build Toscana which is 16 stories high. Nobody has that right again. Whatever the zoning issue is that is the zoning issue. Any concerned resident should come before the Board of Adjustment and Appeals when this developer is presenting his plan and they can voice their opinion. Then they can see that we will uphold the statute and the zoning and nothing beyond 35 feet will be built. Peggy Brown, Tranquility Drive—I understand Silvio's concerns. As Treasurer of our Homeowner's Association, I received many calls after an anonymous letter went out asking why we would live on the water if we can't have a boatlift. It is a safety issue in hurricanes. Silvio Blaskovicz stated that most people don't mean what they say. They are not aware of what they are agreeing to. The boatlift issue should be presented properly to the people. 3. PRESENTATIONS: None. 4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: A) Board Correspondence: • None B) Board Action Report: • No Report l C) Board Vacancies: Michael G. Desorcy From: Len Rubin [Igrubin@bellsouth.net] Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2014 1:13 PM To: Michael Cc: x «thleeriYCI ® esi Subject: .,..,,V�riande Req est -Golden City Highland Beach SEP 9 3 2014 G� i Vf, t HIGHLAND BEACH Mike: !. _ j BUILDING DEPARTMENT 1ER Pursuant to your r ve referenced variance application. The applicant is seeking a variance from the maximum height restriction within the RML zoning district. The maximum height within the RML district is 35 feet, and the applicant is seeking to construct a 16 story multi-family residential building that is 209 feet in height or almost six times the maximum allowable height. As we have discussed, Staff cannot prevent an applicant from moving forward with a variance request. It is ultimately up to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals to determine, based on the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, whether the application meets each of the eight criteria for a variance. No Staff member can make that determination. However, in reviewing the application,these are my preliminary thoughts: 1. In asserting that special circumstances exist that are unique to the Property, the applicant points to the wetland/mangrove growth on the Property over a period of fifty years that now limits the developable area to approximately 10%. However, the applicant purchased this property in April 2013. Therefore, as to this particular property owner, the history of the Property is generally irrelevant. At the time of the purchase, the applicant knew or should have known of such development limitations, as well the current zoning designation and the applicable regulations within that zoning district. 2. In asserting that the special circumstances and conditions form a true hardship, the applicant again points to restrictions on buildable area and asserts that the dimensions of the Property have existed for decades, well before it purchased the Property. Again, this is not a situation where the application of new regulations negatively impacts some type of vested use because the applicant was well aware of these conditions and circumstances when it purchased the Property. The fact that the Code allows a maximum density of 45 units is of no relevance. There are often other factors that restrict the ability of a developer to reach maximum density, including, but not limited to, height, setback and parking requirements. The applicant maintains that without the variance, the Property could only be utilized for single- family or duplex development and asserts that the RML zoning district is not intended for such development. However, Section 30-62(c) of the Town Code states that the purpose of the RML district "is to encourage alternative housing styles, such as townhouses and patio house, at low densities to allow compatible special exception uses." Single-family or duplex development is more in line with the purpose and intent of the RML district than a 16 story condominium. 3. In asserting that the literal interpretation or application of the height restriction would deprive it of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties within the same zoning district, the applicant points to the adjacent developments, including the three 17-story towers within Toscana and an adjacent 14-story condominium. Asa general rule, the fact that adjacent properties do not comply with the underlying zoning regulations or have received variances cannot be utilized to justify a variance application. Each application must be considered on its own merit. Also, the applicant candidly admits that the Town approved building height restrictions in 1990 (23 years before it acquired the property), yet argues that such restrictions should not apply to this Property because other properties were developed under a different set of rules. In essence, the application maintains that the Commission's decision to limit height should be ignored. 4. The applicant correctly points out that other properties within the RML zoning district exceed 30 feet. However, as stated above,the Town Commission changed the rules, and the applicant purchased the Property long after such rules took effect. 5. The applicant effectively argues that without some type of variance,the density of the Property will be less than the maximum allowable density within the RE zoning district (1.45 units per acre). However, the variance criteria state that the variance requested must be the minimum variance that will make possible the use of the land, building or structure. The applicant can seek much less of a variance and still utilize the Property for a multi-family development. Rather than seek the minimum variance that will allow it to make reasonable use of the Property, the applicant is seeking the maximum variance that would allow the maximum density of 45 units. 6. Throughout the variance application, the applicant points out that it seeks to maintain the "exclusivity" of the Town with "high-end" unit owners. Such factors are not relevant to issue of whether a variance should be granted. 7. With respect to conformity with the general intent and purpose of the Town's Zoning Code, the RML zoning district does not, as fully set forth above, contemplate a 16-story condominium tower; rather, it expressly contemplates townhouses and patio homes. 8. In my personal opinion, the applicant's argument that its application is not based on financial hardship is a little disingenuous. Clearly, the more units that can be placed on the Property, the greater the potential financial benefit to the property owner. 9. Finally, the applicant raises a valid point that the variance will not be injurious to the area involved or detrimental to the public welfare given that the surrounding properties contain condominiums of similar or greater height. Further, the proposed open design does appear to take into account the impacts to the views of neighboring properties. As stated above, the Board of Adjustment and Appeals is charged with determining whether the application and other evidence/materials submitted during the course of the hearing demonstrate that the applicant complies with each of the variance criteria. The purpose of this e-mail is only to offer my personal thoughts. I have no vote or input on the merits of the application and only advise the Board on legal issues. Based on the analysis set forth above, I believe the applicant will have a difficult time justifying the current request. However, the applicant does make some valid points and may want to consider a middle ground, namely, reducing the extent of the variance request to perhaps allow a mid- rise type of structure. Let me know if you have any questions. Len MID Leonard G. Rubin, Esquire SEP Q 3 2014 Board Certified City County and Local HIGHLAND BEACH Government Attorney BUILDING DEPARTMENT Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. - �- 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Telephone: (561) 721-1683 Facsimile: (561) 686-8764 Disclaimer:This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,18 U.S.C.§§2510-2521 and is legally privileged.The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution,or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.If you receive this e-mail in error,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please do not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. 2 Valerie Oakes From: Kathleen D.Weiser Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 3:47 PM To: Len Rubin Cc: Michael G. Desorcy,Valerie Oakes Subject: RE: Request for Ethics Opinion It reads fine. My question would be, as long as we are approaching the Commission on Ethics, if we should also ask them about the 4th member who publicly stated at a Commission meeting that he could not support the project. If he is disqualified from voting, as well as the members who reside in Toscana, would the Board be ineligible to hear the case with only three members? Kathleen Dailey Weiser Town Manager Town of Highland Beach 3614 South Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, Florida 33487 Phone: 561-278-4548 Fax: 561-265-3582 www.ci.hia1and-beach.fl.us From: Len Rubin [mailto:IgrubinCabbellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 2:51 PM To: Kathleen D. Weiser; Michael G. Desorcy Cc: Valerie Oakes Subject: Request for Ethics Opinion Attached please find my draft letter to the Commission on Ethics regarding the Golden City variance application. Please review and get back to me with any questions or comments. Thanks! Len Leonard G. Rubin, Esquire Board Certified City County and Local Government Attorney Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Telephone: (561) 721-1683 Facsimile: (561) 686-8764 Disclaimer:This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,18 U.S.C.§§2510-2521 and is legally privileged.The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution,or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.If you receive this e-mail in error,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please do not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. 1 Michael G Desorcy From: Len Rubin *yuelmvuuu/ey Sent: Tuesdoy, October O7. 2O141O:OQAM To: 'NathanNaoon Cc: Michael Subject: Golden City Variance Application 31 7 Nat: |nIR ����t�a 0ea� p���y��n� | oo�� ����|m��t� nnaxinnurn density and the actual acreage of the parcel. Pursuant to the Town's Comprehensive Plan, the rnaxinnunn density for properties with a future land use classification of multiple family low is six units per acre. When Mr. De5mrcyca|cu|ated the density im 2011, the Property Appraiser apparently listed the total acreage as 7.43 acres. At six units per acre, this provided for a maximum of 45 units /44.58 rounded up). However, both the Property Appraiser and the application list the gross acreage as7.35acres. Atsix units per acre, the maximum number mfunits for the property isonly 44(44.1rounded dovvn). Based on the foregoing, the maximum density for any mnu|ti'fanni|ydvve||ing ultimately constructed on the property cannot exceed 44units without violating the Comprehensive Plan. Should you have any questions, please donot hesitate tocontact me. Leonard G, Rubin, Esquire Board Certified City County and Local Government Attorney Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Telephone: (581) 721-1883 Facsimile: (5O1)G08-8784 Disclaimer:This e-mail iocovered uythe Electronic Communications Privacy Act,18 and is legally privileged.The information contained m this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,nrthe employee or agent responsible fodelivering umthe intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution, mthis communication/vstrictly prohibited.nyou receive this e-mail merror,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please uonot copy muse nfor any purpose nor disclose its contents many other person. 1 Beverly Brown From: Len Rubin <Igrubin@bellsouth.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:37 AM To: 'Steve Cullen' Cc: Kathleen D.Weiser, Michael G. Desorcy; Beverly Brown Subject: RE:Town of Highland Beach Advisory Opinion Mr. Cullen: Yes,that timeframe is acceptable. The hearing at issue is currently scheduled for November 19, 2014. Please let me know if I may be of additional assistance. Leonard G. Rubin, Esquire Board Certified City County and Local Government Attorney Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Telephone: (561) 721-1683 Facsimile: (561)686-8764 Disclaimer:This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,18 U.S.C.§§2510-2521 and is legally privileged.The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution,or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.If you receive this e-mail in error,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please do not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. From: Steve Cullen fmailto:SCullen('Opalmbeachcountyethics.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:10 AM To: Igrubin@bellsouth.net Subject: Town of Highland Beach Advisory Opinion Leonard, I have your request for advisory opinion. I anticipate presenting it to the Commission at the next scheduled meeting, November 6. It this timeframe acceptable? Thanks, Steve Steven P. Cullen Executive Director Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics The Historic 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse#450 300 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Ph 561-355-1922 Fx 561-355-1904 1 Valerie Oakes From: Len Rubin <Igrubin@bellsouth.net> Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2014 11:49 AM To: Kathleen D.Weiser; Beverly Brown Cc: Michael G. Desorcy;Valerie Oakes Subject: FW:Golden City Highland Beach, LLC Attachments: Letter Leonard Rubin 10-22-14.pdf For your information and direction. In my other municipalities,we leave it up to the individual elected and appointed officials whether they want to meet with an applicant or not and do not facilitate such meetings. The names and addresses of the officials are public record and can be provided upon request. Please confirm whether the Town has any lobbyist registration requirements(other than keeping the log required by the County Code). Thanks! Len Leonard G. Rubin, Esquire Board Certified City County and Local Government Attorney Leonard G. Rubin, P.A. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 209 West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 Telephone: (561) 721-1683 Facsimile: (561) 686-8764 Disclaimer:This e-mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,18 U.S.C.§§2510-2521 and is legally privileged.The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above.If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution,or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.If you receive this e-mail in error,please notify the sender immediately at the phone number above and delete the information from your computer. Please do not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. From: Stacey Janowitz [mailto:SJanowitz4nasonyeager.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 4:42 PM To: Igrubin(a)bellsouth.net Cc: Nathan Nason Subject: Golden City Highland Beach, LLC Mr. Rubin —see attached correspondence dated today. Stacey Stacey Janowitz,Legal Secretary Nason,Yeager,Gerson,White&Lioce,P.A. 1645 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite 1200 West Palm Beach,Florida 33401 Phone: 561-471-3506 Fax: 561-656-6547 1 F si anowitzknasonyeaaer.com www.nasonyea eg r.com The information contained in this transmission is attorney privileged and confidential. It is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error,please notify us immediately by telephone(collect)and return the original message to us at the above address via the U.S.Postal Service. We will reimburse you for postage and/or telephone expenses. Thank you. Think Green! please do not print this e-mail unless absolutely necessary. This email has been scanned for email related threats and delivered safely by Mimecast. For more information please visit http://www.mimecast.com No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG-www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4765 /Virus Database: 4040/8435 - Release Date: 10/22/14 i NASON YEAGEK GEKSON WH ITE L10CE, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW NATHAN E.NASON DIRECT DIAL: (561)471-3505 E-MAIL ADDRESS: nnason@nasonyeagencom FAX NUMBER: October 22,2014 (561)537-7105 VIA EMAIL: lgrubinQbellsouth.net Leonard G. Rubin, Esq. 701 Northpoint Parkway, Ste.209 West Palm Beach,FL 33407 Re: Golden City Highland Beach,LLC-Our File No: 9956/22676(1B) Dear Len: Thank you for forwarding me the motion to intervene filed by Toscana Homeowners Association, Inc. ("Toscana"). I will be reaching out to Toscana's attorney, James Brady, next week. Be advised that we do not object to the motion to intervene. Be advised that this motion has moved to intervene filed by Toscana calls into serious question the ability of the three(3)members of the board who are also members of Toscana and reside therein to vote on this variance. We anticipate lodging a formal objection if those board members do not recuse themselves. We understand that the clerk has set the variance for hearing before the board of adjustment for November 10. We request individual meetings with the members of the board who will be voting on this matter prior to November 190'. In this regard, please attempt to coordinate that with us and let me know if the City has any lobbyist registration requirements. Again, we appreciate your attention to this matter and I look forward to working through the issues with you. Very truly yours, NASON, YEAGER, GERSON, WHITE &LIOCE,P.A. Nathan E.Nason cc: Sam Swerdlow H:\9956N22676\LRubinI0-15-14NEN.doex/sjj SABADELL UNITED BAN K TOWER 1645 PALM BEACH LAKES BOULEVARD-SUITE 1200-WEST PALM BEACH,FLORIDA 33401 TELEPHONE(561)G86-3307-FACSIMILE(561)686-5442 www.nasonyeager.com f Commissioners sAesia V>-Smith-Gardon;Ghali -Palm Brach County M>ebaei s � na Michael F toffretlo g � — on � CarC�me A.Prfore= 1 <<Y- omssln Et acs ie11OW s ----�; Levitard :=ttubin,?#._ N'orthpoWit Corporate tenter n #ort#tpoint-Parlonrl ay;_Suite 209- Wt Aafm Beach;fiL 33407-1950 - 1� RQ014=(33 _ Yawn of Highland_Beach_-Vot�rig CQnfUcts tea-W. Rubor, - 1be-Palm Beaeh County[ammrssW_"n Ethics(COE)considered your regaest dor an advisory opinion and-rend ed its *104 pWItcrneeting ori N --_- 3er6,2014 1:_ Are= rrmerrrbers of the Town ofHFghland.Beach's_Board of Adqustrr►ent:and Appeals(Board)prohibited_-by the Code ofEfhres=(Code)_ftorh voting on-a=variance-applicatlon,subrhttted�y-a.property Darner to Increase - the maximum height from 35=feetto-200 feet mrder�f -oo construct a sncteen story high rise budding,when u they_ai1 reside irr a=Condominium development ammiately adjacentto the pr_oped protect? I-. Would-it violate the Code;.or-be an appearance o-impropriety,fior a=riaember of the Board who=has made- statements at public meeting about=the pendmg'variance-applrcatlon to ti`ie effect=that_concerned ntizens _ _ should appear-before the Board-to voice any concerns,that the whingwdl not be changed and that the Board w4uphold the-statute so that nothing over 35 feerwill be-built-,to vote on the variance application=? 1 -A-member of the Board is prohibited by Sec.3-443(a)from using Ns or her official position to-give himself or- herself a special financial benefit not shared with similarly situated,members of the general public .Additionally, Sec. 2=443(c) requires the Board member to abstain and not participate in any matte_r coming- be€orethe board,which would result in a special finariclal benefit,not shared with similarlysituated members of the general public,to himself or herself. Financial benefit_is defined by Sec.2=442 and the COE had opined that this means economic gain-or loss.' in the context-of-this question;for-the benefit=to_be"special,"it must inure uniquely to the person, rather than benefiting the town, a specific group of homeowners or a neighborhood! There is no bright line test or "magic number" of individuals who would need to be similarly affected to transform a personal gain into a gain shared with similarly situated members of the general public. When the size of the class affected is large,a prohibited financial gain only arises if there are unique circumstances which 'RQO 10-013 RQO 12-071 The Historic 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse 300 North Dime Highway, Suite 450, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 • (561) 355-1915 • FAX: (561) 355-1904 Hotline: (877) 766-5920 • E-mail: ethics®palmbeaehcountyethies.com Website: palmbeaehcountyethics.com would enable Ai property-owner-tribenefitmore than the-other property owners Within the_Ctass.3 The COED therefore. loqqks e it the size a the class and theAkts and circumstances-submitted When making this determination. There are a-total of'435 rpsfdenoes in the Toscana Condominium. The COE has previously considered the "one� ­-wrcent -rule When- evaluating s -iot financial zgaiq or 10-S S-; The general line-drawn--drawn-it Whefe the IL �Zlat& otliorr words;interest of the ofwa,t iff,00,1910s:1% or iss-of ds, 100 or more affected persons-is a to-trao�m-mtfie benefivdrlosslnto�one-shared -similarly situated members of the ..sUffici6fftlyJ#fge class by -public memberssliveirrimb- iia-Cw1y-401� to the proposed variance-site-aaonelmember lives approis�t»a#e[y;500-fEet ay, the facts subtriitteit do i ndt:establish a basis to--differenthate-arnGng-thdr 'facts mem rs,i mproximitnothe`sfte Thefact-thatli . that r if the- estabrih Ahethr*e�bbard7 y -Toscana hasbled--a,tnoti-on-;to-intervene,-iritkEi--proceedings f#ie$OWthat-the'group of h6m—eqwher5,by_ rl ft iVi� J�ft of3_40f -f- WO��of thel d' ii=tOerhl ff9ly opposed t the varianceThis distinguished fidib:4-�Mj ation where=a single homeowner livesimmediately iadjai* _-aVrqpqs0*vplopM te,and has=voccedIp .,opposition to-t-heiproject becaus- -wot ld causeperso"lAnariciaLloss. Based'-upon 1ke sine--pf-the�classzaffe0ed--Atid-thi�,6tWu facts lbmitted,the economic benefit or loss affects -- class large;enough so,as-to-remove-any prohibited Anancia-r,benefit. Therefore; the Board membemmay particip I ote:in-.and-vo-te--orttfiomatter.- L A member of tfie-B6Jr -15 fed by-Sec: positionla give himself -herself a special x financial not-shared with similaOrsit0*0 mgeneral p embers-of the public._ Ad fly. §ec;2-443(c);requires the-:Board-memberabttafn.and�not­parp -i before icl in any Matter coming b re theL quires the Boar - q - board_which would fesult-in a special financial beh_&_ft-, not, red lairlysituated menibers of the the- board,- - special - - _ ! - -general public,to-hirriself-io-rhersilf. Comments made by a Board,member at a public:meetin_g---c bai t h-M-beor-the Boardi may view the pending ing -.0 ow- pe application-do.,nott ve-him or her a special financialbefiefitTkCq000*nbt regulate speech or-comments, which a board member may Make under thei? cireuriistances SimiUrly, While a004 nceof lrhproprI#ty,0 Is a guiding-prin diple underlying the Codeand sh-ould.-be-lavoided,itis nota stated-offense under the Code: However,_other-laws,rules-or regulations outside of tOE-Juilsdiction may be involved. Based Upon the facts submitted,the Board memmber'stbir mefits-would not violate-the Code or prohibit flim from-voting-on the rnafter. FACTS: GENERAL: You represent the Town of Highland Beach. As suchi you act as legal counsel to the Town's Board of Adjustment and Appeals(Board). The board has received an application for a variance relating to 7.35 acre parcel of land located in the residential (low density)district. The applicant seeks to increase the maximum height from 35 to 209 feet in order to construct a sixteen story high rise building. Id. 4 RQO 14-006 RQO 12-058 The Historic 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse 300 North DW-e Highway. Suite 450, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 - (561) 355-1915 a FAX: (561) 355-1904 Hotline: (877) 766-5920 * E-mail: ethics@palmbeachcountyethics.com Website: paImbeachcountyethics.com FACTST-RELEVANT TOQUEMON 1: Three of the seven-­B- oard members own unjts:and-reside in.a-condorninium-adjacent to-the property. The- condominium he xond-ominhurn (T consists of three residential-towers; two-sixteeni-story-and one seventeen-story .buildings. Each to-Wer -consists- -of approxinia-tely 145 units. Therefore the Toscana complex= contains pie approximately 435`-residences Two Board members live in a tower immediately-adjacent to the proposed project-while.tWe-other-lives in abuildin9.approxiirriab*500 feetaway. TbjefT#soo4iOfO6bWhL,rsAssociation (AssoEia 6)'ha! filed4-motion�t-o-iiit6rvent-in the proceeding aricl IS seeking -eights, -including cross-examination The association, by virtue of a condominium Pam con m um declaration, owns3all-oPthe--common property fheCQMbl0k E-acKBoiitcl-Member-1--sa tiiemberof"the Association-by vinue-df the-ir-unit ownership: One-ofthe Board members attended a public. At the meeting,a-memberof -th,e.publi_c.-expressed-her concerq gr an!: fttK y --the"tranquility-of Higllon_t Th d me lespono -thathg:servesaSa[member and that-all concenetfcitiie s- should attend-the meetings:;He further indicatedthBoard- nembeis are"very_strict--inAftese matters and that the_ ago height.--Y'e'quiremenhwon't-be xhanged. He xpounded4ur-thofifiat-*Abbody-W that rig ht- AW�-fo bufld-a Sixteen storyUflftg­ In-conclusion he offere-cl:that we Aiphold-theistatuteand thezeningy-and nothing beyond 35 feet-will_bebUllt.." -LEGAL BASIS: �Tftefegal basis for thisopinionin§2-442_ArVdi§2443(a _&.(e)of the Palm Beach County-Code Of-Ethics-, i -SettiOn-274142,D6fthitions. The7following-words,terms and phrases;when used-in-this article.�shall tiave-.the-meariitigs-asc--r-lbed to them inAhis section,-except where-the-context-clearly-indicates-a different Me ihiii- Rhanclat -behefit- in-cludes any money, service, Acense, iperinit. contract, authorization, loan, travel, e nte- rtainmen ,ho spitality,gratuity,or any-promise Of arty bf-these,or anything-else of value-This term does not include campafgn'contributions-authorized by law. Section 2-443.-Prohibited conduct. (a) Mi-suse-of-public office or employment An official or employee shall not use his or her official position or office,or take or fail to take any action,or influence iothers to-take or fail to take any action,in a manner which he or she knows or should know with-the exercise of reasonable care will result in a special financial benefit,not shared with similarly situated members of the general public,for any of the following persons or entities: (1) Himself or herself, (c) Disclosure of voting conflicts. County and municipal officials as applicable shall abstain from voting and not participate in any matter that will result In a special financial benefit as set forth in subsections(a)(1) through(7)above.The official shall publicly disclose the nature of the conflict and when abstaining from the vote,shall complete and file a State of Florida Commission on Ethics Conflict Form 88 pursuant to the requirements of Florida Statutes,§112.3143. Simultaneously with filing Form 8B,the official shall submit a copy of the completed form to the county commission on ethics. Officials who abstain and disclose a voting conflict as set forth herein,shall not be in violation of subsection(a),provided the official does not otherwise use his or her office to take or fail to take any action,or influence others to take or fail to take The Historic 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse 300 North Dixie Highway, Suite 450, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 a (561) 355-1915 - FAX: (561) 355-1904 Hotline: (877) 766-5920 - E-mail: ethics@palmbeacheountyethics.com Website: palmbeachcountyethics.com any action,in any other manoef which_tte or she loNvsor should know w,th.tt►e.exercise of reasonable caret will result in a spescfal f-nannal benot,shared with-similarly,.situated members_ofthe general public,:assetfQrtt�msukrseetiortis°ra��l�ttirou�Cr(7.�- - This opinion connstrues the Palm Beach County=Code of Ethics Ordnance and is based upon the facts and - - - - circumstances that you have su mttted- it is not applicable to-any conflict under state law: l6quiries regarding passible=conflttts=under_state law shoulcl.E a d�recf d to tris Sate flfi Florida tomrdission=on Ethics. Please feel3free to contact=meat 561 353= �i if_l=zaa of any -thrs=matter. Sincerely, Leven P Cullen; - - Executwe`"rector - SrP�gal LEONARD G. RuBIN, P.A. NORTHPOINT CORPORATE CENTER 701 NORTHPOINT PARKWAY, SUITE 209 WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33407-1950 LEONARD G.RiBIN TELEPHONE: (561)721-1683 FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED FACSIMILE: (561)686-8764 CITY COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEY October 7, 2014 Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics 300 North Dixie Highway, Suite 450 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Attn: Advisory Opinions Re: Request for Advisory Opinion/Town of Highland Beach Ladies and Gentlemen: The undersigned represents the Town of Highland Beach and acts as legal counsel to the Town's Board of Adjustment and Appeals ("Board"). The Town is in receipt of a variance application for a vacant 7.35 acre parcel of real property located within the Town's RML (Residential Multiple-Family Low Density) zoning district ("Property"). The property owner is seeking an increase in the maximum height within the RML district from 35 feet to 209 feet to construct a sixteen story residential high-rise. The Board consists of seven members. A vote of four (4) members is required to grant a variance from the Town Code. Three of the seven members reside within the Toscana condominium, which is adjacent to the northern boundary of the Property. Toscana consists of three residential towers, two sixteen-story structures and one seventeen-story structure. Two of the Board members reside within the southernmost tower, immediately adjacent to the Property, and one Board member resides in the northernmost tower, located more than five hundred feet from the Property boundary. The Town is seeking an advisory opinion as to whether Section 2-443 of the County Ethics Code prohibits the Board members who reside within Toscana from voting on the variance application. Section 2-443 generally prohibits an advisory board member from using his or official position or office in a manner in which he or she knows or should know with the exercise of reasonable care would result in "a special financial benefit" not shared with similarly situated members of the general public. This prohibition includes voting or participating in any discussion. In prior opinions, the Commission has determined that financial benefit, in the context of the Ethics Code, constitutes economic gain or loss. See RQO 10-13. I Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics October 7, 2014 Page 2 Each of the three Toscana towers consists of approximately 145 units. As the Commission has previously opined, the determination of whether a matter rises to the level of prohibited conduct and a voting conflict turns on whether the public official's special financial benefit is shared with similarly situated members of the general public. There is no bright line test to determine the number of individuals who would need to be similarly affected to transform a personal gain or loss into a gain or loss shared with similarly situated members of the general public. Therefore, the issue turns on the size of the class of persons who are affected by the measure. As recognized in RQO 14- 006, the general line drawn by the Florida Commission on Ethics involves situations where the interest of the public official involves one percent or less of the class. In this case, irrespective of whether all three residents of Toscana are treated in the same manner or the two residents in the tower immediately adjacent to the Property are treated separately, the one percent test is not met and the potential economic gain or loss occasioned by the grant of a variance to construct a high-rise tower on the Property does not appear to provide a unique benefit that would trigger Section 2-443 of the County Ethics Code. Nevertheless, the Town is mindful that a voting conflict may exist if the location, ownership or size of the Board member's property in relation to the proposed project would provide a unique benefit or detriment. See RQO 12-071. Furthermore, the Town recently received a motion to intervene in the variance proceeding filed by the Toscana Homeowner's Association ("Association"), seeking "full- party rights, including the right of cross-examination." The Association is the owner of all common property within the Toscana development, exclusive of the actual residential units. By virtue of their ownership of units within Toscana, each of three Board members at issue are members of the Association. Notwithstanding the fact that the size of persons affected may be sufficiently large so that the financial benefit or detriment is not "special," the Town seeks a determination from the Commission as to whether a conflict exists given the fact that the Toscana condominium is immediately adjacent to the Property and the Association seeks to intervene in a quasi-judicial proceeding in which the Board is the final decision- maker. Should you be in need of any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely yours, Leonard G. Rubin LG R/I cc: Kathleen Weiser, Town Manger Michael DeSorcy, Building Official LEONARD G. RUBIN, P.A. NORTHPOINT CORPORATE CENTER 701 NORTHPOINT PARKWAY,SUITE 209 WEST PALM BEACH,FLORIDA 33407-1950 LEONARD G.RUBIN TELEPHONE: (561)'721-1683 FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED FACSIMILE: (561)686-8764 CITY COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEY October 8, 2014 Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics 300 North Dixie Highway, Suite 450 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Attn: Advisory Opinions Re: Request for Advisory Opinion/Town of Highland Beach Ladies and Gentlemen: The undersigned represents the Town of Highland Beach and acts as legal counsel to the Town's Board of Adjustment and Appeals ("Board"). The Town is in receipt of a variance application for a vacant 7.35 acre parcel of real property located within the Town's RML (Residential Multiple-Family Low Density) zoning district ("Property"). The property owner is seeking an increase in the maximum height within the RML district from 35 feet to 209 feet to construct a sixteen story residential high-rise. The Board consists of seven members. A vote of four (4) members is required to grant a variance from the Town Code. The Town is seeking an advisory opinion on two issues relating to the variance application. 1. Board members residing in adjacent condominium development Three of the seven Board members reside within the Toscana condominium, which is adjacent to the northern boundary of the Property. Toscana consists of three residential towers, two sixteen-story structures and one seventeen-story structure. Two of the Board members reside within the southernmost tower, immediately adjacent to the Property, and one Board member resides in the northernmost tower, located more than five hundred feet from the Property boundary. The Town is seeking an advisory opinion as to whether Section 2-443 of the County Ethics Code prohibits the Board members who reside within Toscana from voting on the variance application. Section 2-443 generally prohibits an advisory board member from using his or her official position or office in a manner in which he or she knows or should know with the exercise of reasonable care would result in "a special financial benefit" not shared with similarly situated members of the general public. This prohibition includes voting or participating in any discussion. In prior opinions, the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics October 8, 2014 Page 2 Commission has determined that financial benefit, in the context of the Ethics Code, constitutes economic gain or loss. See RQO 10-13. Each of the three Toscana towers consists of approximately 145 units. As the Commission has previously opined, the determination of whether a matter rises to the level of prohibited conduct and a voting conflict turns on whether the public official's special financial benefit is shared with similarly situated members of the general public. There is no bright line test to determine the number of individuals who would need to be similarly affected to transform a personal gain or loss into a gain or loss shared with similarly situated members of the general public. Therefore, the issue turns on the size of the class of persons who are affected by the measure. As recognized in RQO 14- 006, the general line drawn by the Florida Commission on Ethics involves situations where the interest of the public official involves one percent or less of the class. In this case, irrespective of whether all three residents of Toscana are treated in the same manner or the two residents in the tower immediately adjacent to the Property are treated separately, the one percent test is not met and the potential economic gain or loss occasioned by the grant of a variance to construct a high-rise tower on the Property does not appear to provide a unique benefit that would trigger Section 2-443 of the County Ethics Code. Nevertheless, the Town is mindful that a voting conflict may exist if the location, ownership or size of the Board member's property in relation to the proposed project would provide a unique benefit or detriment. See RQO 12-071. Furthermore, the Town recently received a motion to intervene in the variance proceeding filed by the Toscana Homeowner's Association ("Association"), seeking "full- party rights, including the right of cross-examination." The Association is the owner of all common property within the Toscana development, exclusive of the actual residential units. By virtue of their ownership of units within Toscana, each of three Board members at issue are members of the Association. Notwithstanding the fact that the size of persons affected may be sufficiently large so that the financial benefit or detriment is not "special," the Town seeks a determination from the Commission as to whether a conflict exists given the fact that the Toscana condominium is immediately adjacent to the Property and the Association seeks to intervene in a quasi-judicial proceeding in which the Board is the final decision- maker. 2. Public comments made by Board member The subject variance application has been a topic of discussion within the Town. At the August 29, 2014, Town Commission workshop meeting, a member of the public voiced her concern that the subject variance would destroy "the tranquility of Highland Beach." As set forth in the minutes, in response to this comment, a member of the Board publicly stated as follows: He indicated that he serves as a member of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and asks all concerned residents to come to their meetings and express their concerns regarding zoning issues. The Board members are ` Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics October 8, 2014 Page 3 very strict when it comes to zoning. If the zoning issue is 35 feet then it won't be changed. The federal government forced Highland Beach to build Toscana which is 16 stories high. Nobody has that right again. Whatever the zoning issue is that is the zoning issue. Any concerned resident should come before the Board of Adjustment and Appeals when this developer is presenting his plan and they can voice their opinion. Then they can see that we will uphold the statute and the zoning and nothinq beyond 35 feet will be built (emphasis added). Pursuant to established case law, a variance request is quasi-judicial proceeding, and the Board is charged with determining whether the evidence presented at the hearing satisfies the eight criteria for a variance set forth in Section 30-40(e) of the Town Code. Section 30-40(m) of the Town Code requires that in granting a variance, the Board specifically find that: the application complies with the criteria set forth therein; the reasons set forth in the application justify the grant of a variance; the variance is the minimum variance necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land; and the variance is in harmony with the Town Code and will not be detrimental to the public welfare. Given the Board member's statement that the variance will not be granted prior to the actual hearing and presentation of evidence, the Town is concerned that in the event Board member votes against the variance application and the variance is ultimately denied, the Board member may be accused of misuse of public office pursuant to Section 2-443(a) or (b) of the County Ethics Code. While the Town recognizes that this determination may be outside the Commission's purview, the Town seeks the Commission's guidance as to whether the public statement creates either a voting conflict or an appearance of impropriety that would prevent the Board member from participating in the hearing and voting on the variance application. Should you be in need of any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely yours, Leonard G. Rubin LG R/I cc: Kathleen Weiser, Town Manger Michael DeSorcy, Building Official LEONARD G. RUBIN P.A. I:i NORTHPOINT CORPORATE CENTER 3 7 0 701 NORTHPOINT PARKWAY,SUITE 209 NVEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33407-1950 LEONARD G.RUBIN TELEPHONE: (561)721-1683 FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED FACSIMILE: (561)686-8764 CITY COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEY October 10, 2014 Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics 300 North Dixie Highway, Suite 450 OCT 13 2014 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Attn: Advisory Opinions HIGHLAND BEACH BUILDING DEPARTMENT_ Re: Request for Advisory Opinion/Town of Highland Bea Ladies and Gentlemen: The undersigned represents the Town of Highland Beach and acts as legal counsel to the Town's Board of Adjustment and Appeals ("Board"). The Town is in receipt of a variance application for a vacant 7.35 acre parcel of real property located within the Town's RML (Residential Multiple-Family Low Density) zoning district ("Property"). The property owner is seeking an increase in the maximum height within the RML district from 35 feet to 209 feet to construct a sixteen story residential high-rise. The Board consists of seven members. A vote of four(4) members is required to grant a variance from the Town Code. The Town is seeking an advisory opinion on two issues relating to the variance application. 1. Board members residing in adjacent condominium development Three of the seven Board members reside within the Toscana condominium, which is adjacent to the northern boundary of the Property. Toscana consists of three residential towers, two sixteen-story structures and one seventeen-story structure. Two of the Board members reside within the southernmost tower, immediately adjacent to the Property, and one Board member resides in the northernmost tower, located more than five hundred feet from the Property boundary. The Town is seeking an advisory opinion as to whether Section 2-443 of the County Ethics Code prohibits the Board members who reside within Toscana from voting on the variance application. Section 2-443 generally prohibits an advisory board member from using his or her official position or office in a manner in which he or she knows or should know with the exercise of reasonable care would result in "a special financial benefit" not shared with similarly situated members of the general public. This prohibition includes voting or participating in any discussion. In prior opinions, the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics �_E DD October 10, 2014 F1 Page 2 OCT 13 2014 Commission has determined that financial benefit, in the context c f theH�$�%[QM*,H constitutes economic gain or loss. See RQO 10-13. BUILDING DEPARTMENT i---- Each of the three Toscana towers consists of approximately 145 units. As the Commission has previously opined, the determination of whether a matter rises to the level of prohibited conduct and a voting conflict turns on whether the public official's special financial benefit is shared with similarly situated members of the general public. There is no bright line test to determine the number of individuals who would need to be similarly affected to transform a personal gain or loss into a gain or loss shared with similarly situated members of the general public. Therefore, the issue turns on the size of the class of persons who are affected by the measure. As recognized in RQO 14- 006, the general line drawn by the Florida Commission on Ethics involves situations where the interest of the public official involves one percent or less of the class. In this case, irrespective of whether all three residents of Toscana are treated in the same manner or the two residents in the tower immediately adjacent to the Property are treated separately, the one percent test is not met and the potential economic gain or loss occasioned by the grant of a variance to construct a high-rise tower on the Property does not appear to provide a unique benefit or detriment that would trigger Section 2-443 of the County Ethics Code. Nevertheless, the Town is mindful that a voting conflict may exist if the location, ownership or size of the Board member's property in relation to the proposed project provided such a unique benefit or detriment, See RQO 12-071. Furthermore, the Town recently received a motion to intervene in the variance proceeding filed by the Toscana Homeowner's Association ("Association"), seeking "full-party Fights, including the right of cross-examination." The Association is the owner of all common property within the Toscana development, exclusive of the actual residential units. By virtue of their ownership of units within Toscana, each of three Board members at issue is a member of the Association. Notwithstanding the fact that the size of persons affected may be sufficiently large so that the financial benefit or detriment is not "special," the Town seeks a determination from the Commission as to whether a conflict exists given the fact that the Toscana condominium is immediately adjacent to the Property and the Association seeks to intervene in a quasi-judicial proceeding in which the Board is the final decision- maker. 2. Public comments made by Board member The subject variance application has been a topic of discussion within the Town. At the August 29, 2014, Town Commission workshop meeting, a member of the public voiced her concern that the subject variance would destroy "the tranquility of Highland Beach." As set forth in the minutes, in response to this comment, a member of the Board publicly stated as follows: He indicated that he serves as a member of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and asks all concerned residents to come to their meetings and express their concerns regarding zoning issues. The Board members are Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics October 10, 2014 Page 3 very strict when it comes to zoning. If the zoning issue is 35 feet then it won't be changed. The federal government forced Highland Beach to build Toscana which is 16 stories high. Nobody has that right again. Whatever the zoning issue is that is the zoning issue. Any concerned resident should come before the Board of Adjustment and Appeals when this developer is presenting his plan and they can voice their opinion. Then they can see that we will uphold the statute and the zoning and nothing beyond 35 feet will be built (emphasis added). Pursuant to established case law, a variance request is quasi-judicial proceeding, and the Board is charged with determining whether the evidence presented at the hearing satisfies the eight criteria for a variance set forth in Section 30-40(e) of the Town Code. Section 30-40(m) of the Town Code requires that in granting a variance, the Board specifically find that: the application complies with the criteria set forth therein; the reasons set forth in the application justify the grant of a variance; the variance is the minimum variance necessary to make possible the reasonable use of the land; and the variance is in harmony with the Town Code and will not be detrimental to the public welfare. Given the Board member's statement that the variance will not be granted prior to the actual hearing and the presentation of any evidence, the Town is concerned that in the event Board member votes against the variance application and the variance is ultimately denied, the Board member may be accused of misuse of public office pursuant to Section 2-443(a) or (b) of the County Ethics Code. While the Town recognizes that this determination may be outside the Commission's purview, the Town seeks the Commission's guidance as to whether the public statement creates either a voting conflict or an appearance of impropriety that would prevent the Board member from participating in the hearing and voting on the variance application. Should you be in need of any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely yours, qED F55) Leonard G. Rubin LGR/l HIGIMG H060 PAP'BEPCH -T "Etq BUJI-DDE cc: Kathleen Weiser, Town Manger Michael DeSorcy, Building Official Beverly Brown, Town Clerk LEONARD G. RLBnv, P.A. NORTHPOINT CORPORATE CENTER 701 NORTHPOINT PARKWAY,SUITE 209 WEST PALM BEACH,FLORIDA 33407-1950 LEONARD G.RUBIN TELEPHONE: (561)721-1683 FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED Rcsim]LE: (561)686-8764 CITY COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEY October 28, 2014 Via electronic transmission (n nasont&nasonyeager.com) Nathan E. Nason, Esquire Nason Yeager, et at. 1654 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite 1200 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Re- Town of Highland Beach/Golden City Highland Beach, LLC Dear Nat: I am receipt of your letter dated October 22, 2014. 1 will inform the Chair of the Board of Adjustment- and Appeals that your client has no objection to the Motion to Intervene filed by the Toscana Homeowner's Association, Inc. With respect to the Board members residing within Toscana, the Town requested an advisory opinion from the Commission on Ethics as to whether the circumstances presented, including the Association's filing of a Motion to Intervene, would prohibit those members from voting on your client's variance application. The proposed opinion indicated that there is no conflict; however, the Town will not receive a final opinion until after the Commission's November 6t' meeting. Each member of the Board is free to decide whether he or she wishes to meet with an applicant prior to the hearing date. To Town does not coordinate such meetings. To that end, I have attached a list of the Board members that includes each member's contact information. While the Town has no separate lobbying requirements, any lobbying of elected or appointed municipal officials must comply with Section 2-354 of the County Code. This section requires all lobbyists to sign a contact log when conducting lobbying activities at Town Hall and to inform the Town of the scheduling and nature any lobbying that occurs outside of Town Hall. Nathan E. Nason, Esquire October 28, 2014 Page 2 Should you have any questions or be in need of additional clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely yours, Leonard G. Rubin LGR/l cc: Kathleen Weiser, Town Manager Beverly Brown, Town Clerk Michael DeSorcy, Building Official Len Rubin From: Rosalie DeMartino[rdemartino@ci.highland-beach,fl.us] Sent: Friday, October 24, 2014 11:32 AM To: Lan Rubin Subject: Board of Adjustment Members The following is the Board of Adjustment member's info. Barry Axelrod 2908 S. Ocean Blvd. Home(561)279-9571 Cell(732)580-9150 Email: mbal8o-oomcastnet Barry Donaldson 3700 S. Ocean Blvd.#1608-09 (561)445-6446 Email: bdonaidson(Mdonaldsongroup.com Joel Lei nson 3740 S.Ocean Blvd.#2081 Home(561)455-4325 Cell(978)815-0087 Email: ileinson(&-aol.com Bryan Perilan 3740 S. Ocean Blvd.#1207 561-526-8450 Email: bryonperilmanC,gmaiil.com Evelyn Weiss- J400 S. Ocean Blvd.#4A (561)279-0616 Email: bocaevOhotmaii.com William Weitz 1135 Boca Cove Lane Home(561)330-0078 Cell(561)654-8446 Email: docwekz(&.aol.com Peter Rodis 3224 S.Ocean Blvd.#216B Home(661)274-4034 Cell(917)653-9046 Email- peterrodisOqmall.com Rosalie DeMarVno Administrative Assistant Town of Highland Beach 3614 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, Florida 33487 P: (561)278-4548 F: (561)276-9829 No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG-www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4765/Virus Database:4040/8441 -Release Date: 10/23/14 1 TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 3614 S. OCEAN BLVD. HIGHLAND BEACH, FL 33487 VARIANCE APPLICATION GOLDEN CITY HIGHLAND BEACH, LLC a Florida limited liability company-, Plaintiff, VS. TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, a Florida municipal corporation, i Defendant. MOTION TO INTERVENE , TOSCANA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. ('Toscana'), and moves the Board of Adjustment for permission to intervene in the within proceedings, with full-party rights, including the right of cross-examination pertaining to the hearing currently scheduled for November 19, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been sent to the Chair of the Board of Adjustment, on this day of October, 2014, and the Town Clerk of the Town of Highland Beach, 3614 South Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, FL 33487. ARNSTEIN & LEHR LLP Attorney for Toscana Homeowners Association, Inc. 200 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 954-713-7618 Phone 954-713-7718 Fax icbradv@afatek com ' — I i I F I B C JAMES C. BRA ESQ. ; Florida Bar No. 04 j I f I 111930949.1 ' TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 3614 S. OCEAN BLVD. HIGHLAND BEACH, FL 33487 GOLDEN CITY HIGHLAND BEACH, LLC VARIANCE APPLICATION a Florida limited liability company, Applicant, RECEIVED vs. NOV 10 2014 TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, a Florida municipal corporation, Town ®f HI hiand Beach, FL Town. MOTION TO INTERVENE ANDREW ROBINS. ("Robins") by and through his undersigned counsel, moves that the Board of Adjustment grant permission for Robins to intervene in the above-referenced proceedings, with full-party rights, including the right of cross-examination pertaining to the hearing currently scheduled for November 19, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. Robins is the owner a property directly east of the property subject to the variance application. The Robins property would be materially and adversely affected should the variance be granted. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been sent to the Chair of the Board of Adjustment, on this rday of November, 2014, and the Town Clerk of the Town of Highland Beach, 3614 South Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, FL 33487. SHUTTS & BOWEN LLC Attorney for ANDRE ROBINS. 525 Okeechobee B levard, Suite 1100 West Palm Beac , Florida 33401 �... By. i HAR Y E. YER, , SQ. Florida Bar N 154024 561-650-8517 Phone 561-822-5522 Fax hoyer&shutts.com WPBDOCS 8583102 1 By: G` ALFRED A. LaSORTE, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 325457 561-650-8540 Phone 561-822-5501 Fax alasortea shutts.com WPBDOCS 8583102 1 PERKINS PERSHES LAW FIRM November 18, 2014 Via Email Oakes ci.Highland-Beach.F1.US) and Hand Delivery Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals 3614 S.Ocean Boulevard Highland Beach, Florida 33487 RE:Variance Petition#37015 submitted by Golden City Highland Beach,LLC ("Developer") for PCN 24-43-47-04-00-001-0030 ("Property") Gentlemen: This office represents Robert N. Kennedy,the resident of 3813 S.Ocean Boulevard,Highland Beach, Florida,who OBJECTS to the granting of the variance requested in the Petition. The current Zoning Code of the City was adopted in 2000 with a height restriction on structures of 35 foot maximum with a maximum density of 6 units per acre.With several large structures already present in the town,the restriction sought to stop development that would lead to heavy traffic congestion,like that found in Aventura,and the canyon effect found in Miami Beach and Galt Ocean Mile.The Code has been successful fostering the type beachside community sought by the residents. The Code allows for variance when certain conditions are met to allow fairness and address special conditions and circumstances that may arise not created by the applicant.In this case the requirements for variance are not met and this variance request is nothing more than an attempt at spot zoning to allow the Developer to reap a financial windfall at the expense of the City and its residents. The Developer in an arms-length transaction paid what the land was worth.At the time of acquisition of the property,the restrictions already existed as to density,height,including the fact that almost 90%of the property was protected mangrove and wet lands. The restrictions were reflected in the price paid.Thus the Developer suffered no financial hardship.If the purchase was not a good business decision,the City need not throw out its Zoning Code to help the Developer. The property is fully able to be developed within the Code restrictions,although not allowing the tower sought by the Developer.These restrictions set maximums and do not guarantee that every parcel can reach such maximums. Having mangroves on the property is not a special condition warranting variance.The mangroves are present on multiple properties and were present of the office(561)910-8923 1 fax(561)423-3989 1 3839 NW Boca Raton Boulevard,Suite 200, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 www.perkinspershes.com Developer's property long before it was purchased.The desire to build a multi-story tower does not itself create a special condition. A sixteen story building constructed will negatively impact air and light rights of neighboring residents and negatively impact on the character of the Town as intended by the Town commission and the Code.Being across from my client's single family home would constitute a deprivation of building and air rights and impact property values for the benefit only of the Developer.This variance does not meet the Code requirements,is improper and should be denied Thanking you for your consideration, I remain, Very truly yours, Robert E. Per es,Esq Perkins Pershes LLC 3839 NW Boca Raton Boulevard Suite 200 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 561-910-8923 rpershes@perkinspershes.com Valerie Oakes From: Alfaro,Janice L <jlalfaro@amstein.com> Sent Wednesday, November 12,2014 3:09 PM To: Valerie Oakes cc Igrubin@bellsouth.net;jcbrady@amstein.com;Ilyne Mendelson Subject Opposition to Golden City Highland Beach Development- Board of Adjustment Hearing November 19,2014 Attachments: 20141112145120.pdf;20141112144950.pdf;JANICEPDF Dear Ms.Oakes: We are attaching a copy of the Quitclaim Deed,along with letters in opposition,Sec.30-4.0,of the Code of Ordinances, pertaining to the above-referenced development application that will be heard on November 19,2014. Janice L Alfaro Legal Assistant ARNSTEIN & LEHR LLP www.amstein.com 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,Rodda 33301-2299 Phone:954.713.7658 Fax:954.713.7758 jlalfaro@amstein.com 8. Accompffshed lawyers who understand roar aoals. Offices in Illinois, Rodda,and Wisconsin This electronic mail transmission may contain confidential or privileged information. If you believe that you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply transmission and .delete the message without copying or disclosing it. 1 i Pian to:i 1, s n-�a.! d own%" J'1��'�'��� '� osis CRII 2*13® %MM Aft� tS W 239" M 0939 Ltd WMAD I*Ab G � 1► CwtTs nm& ICU Doo L" `mo tfim a ry awl° • 16 QUITCLAim DEED f 7bb gAblWm deed merle betweeex � emim60�Bm�i�>��emel �•� c�ri i ,of Iasi iaewpb leoat,BomRdmk PefdDee*U8& Trcfocawfiaiae�os�idere6a� ° ofTeanoias,�a,eoapta.�id�aL�d��wle�ed. >� aeesie�oeb� ofTnudooesbimo�.oumdpnop" oorewi�oaaeei 8�dt O�ix a F1�eW�3347 lnaeteiit'ee C�afBoealtete�t7a■iyrafl�peei„eUtea[Pla�ide,deean'6edesioBoee� LMiDeuafp =7b§8sldb3Wh attoMw&MhddBedkm4sTWmddp47 �s���i r W Deed G�e■■I,i►,IlerYes bis 6et■een rie Lh�eeeeeht wlfekeweq ewi ie d�eF�Pesr flr$dlalv■i 1i4/(ArIA)M reeeeii`leife leeui aflai�Defek Crerg►spleeide. 1pftd xk ftA Am�ALM T@V&wmAaD*m*mommml%iem Mmmm!e,clodgWvoeer•oes4memvbbebe*%aidisea�mio�e. ea■eiim�eerie,ieeieea,ad pea8ts freieoE 7b Lamand ft bo iL A and do*dw dm pm iem,wide mpet m my web Gddm ally B~Demi � hire(I:A ..dYeTeeiQa�eleee�eefbeeees lrwireew�iaeee�1ff�S1YII�AlY frRNLeeiaeeeeto lie dgeed�aereseet�ebare: ++` wt�eea 1:t�e6oeeee 16aoa �'� • i Miloewt ecoid Wee � i COW"W TwtN MMX ! 'tf.melba iooa.est.ae ad■a~t eha m m t66dw GMHu by a MUtltM..io baa b m low s�eaieed�tfetaoisraeeDoet�iieret6eera f i Y ost*4eeee ie�o moeleepe as 4eb .��taws a[Plorlie • ' us paapaett. .Poo ,�e�asero�► !�� Book25986/Page939 Page 1 of 1 TOSCANA HOME OWNERS IN OPPOSITION OF DEVELOPMENT OF GOLDEN CITY UNIT NUMBERS 1. 201 2. 204 3. 207 4. 208B S. 210 6. 302 7. 305 8. 308 9. 308a 10. 402 11. 403 12. 509 13. S10 14. 602 15. 607 16. 609 17. 710 18. 803 19. 806 20. 807 21. 902 2-2. 903 23. 904 24. 908 25. 909 26. 1001 27. 1003 28. 1005 j 29. 1006 i 30. 1009 31. 1081 32. 1101 33. 1102 34. 1103 35. 1105 36. 1106 37. 1110 38. 1203 39. 1204 40. 1208 41. 1210 42. 1401 43. 1405 44. 1410 i I 112040180.1 45- 1503 46. 15% 47. 1510 48- 1601 i 49. 1602 50. 1605 51- 1606 52. 1610 53. 1701 54. 1703 55- 1705 56. 1709 57. 1710 58- 1809 59- 1810 1 I I 1 t 4 ii i I � 1 i V 1 I i' 1 111 112040180.1 Brady, James C. i From: Therese Schwab<t3544@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2014 3:24 PM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Golden City I am the owner of unit 201 in Toscana South condominium.I will not be in residence at the condominium on the date of the board of adjustment hearing on the application for variance by Golden city.nevertheless I want to share my opinion with the board . I am opposed to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development.Several years ago the town commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this Zoning district to 35 feet or three stores.To approve this application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non elected board for the town commission based upon the information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present and the applicant merely wants the town to save it from a bad decision .The application should be denied. I Therese and lames Schwab r Sent from my Wad I l f� I i i I f I r l I I l f 1 r i I l s 4 I i t l 1 i I Affaro, Janice L From: udovonkarhan@bluewin.ch Sent: Wednesday, November 05,2014 9:12 AM To: Brady,James C. Cc: 'Carla Blunck' I Subject: TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH PUBLIC HEARING i Dear Mr. Brady, i I am the owner of Unit 204 in the TOSCANA South Condominium.Although I will attend the meeting on November 19"', 2014, 1 std want to put in writing my deep concern as to the proposed development next to our building. I AM TOTALLY i OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulation to limit the height of build' zoningdistrict to 35 feet or three stories.To g � this approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon the information that was provided, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a very bad decision.THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED ONCE AND FOR ALL.When we purchased our Unit we were told by the developer that NO DEVELOPMENT would be built on that site and on that basis we purchased.The property next to our building is mangrove territory and a nature preserve,which was told to us. How can any construction be allowed on such a sensitive area in any event? With kind regards zJ&0A von K9fi n Forchwaidstrasse 42c CH -6318 Walchwil Tel.#: ++41-41-740 3209 Fax#: ++41-41-740 3219 Florida address: 3740 South Ocean Blvd. Apt#204 I Highland Beach, FL 33487 Tel+ Fax: (561)276 4778 i I I I i i I' I f i I i 1 r Brady, James C. From: Angie Barillari<angie.barillaric@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 05,201411:29 AM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Re: Toscana Owner Please note Corrected copy attached: Toscana Unit 207 South. I am the owner of Unit 207 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Angelina and Edward Barillari Toscana unit 207 South On Wed,Nov 5,2014 at 10:48 AM,Brady,James C. <cbrady(&Amstein.com>wrote: Thank you. jcb i i James C. Brady Attorney at Law j I r ARNSTEIN & LEHR LLP 200 Et Ola as Las s Boulevard e and Suite 1000 i i I Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301-2299 Phone:954.713.7618 1 Fax:954.713.7718 i Brady, James C. From: Susan<susanseinick@bellsouth.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 05,2014 9:16 AM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Variance I am the owner of Unit 208B in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or dim stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Susan G. Selnick Sent from my iPad i Pat Goldstein 200 E.65"Street,Apt 39N New York,NY 10065 212-751-0086 E i October 31,2014 a I James C.Brady,Esq Arnstein&Lehr LLP 200 East Las Olas Blvd,Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,FL 33301-2299 Dear James: I am the owner of unit 210 Toscana West Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board.of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the board. I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, I i Pat Goldstein E 4 i I 1 I Board of Adjustments and Appeals Town of Highland Beach 3614 S.Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach,FL 33487 Dear Madam,Sir: I am the owner of Unit 302 in 3740 South Ocean Blvd.I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. I want to share my opinion with the Board. I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission.Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, i i Boris Dushine r I� Brady,James C. From: betblC@aol.com Serer Sunday, November 02,2014 4:33 PM To: Brady,James C. Subject Golden City Land Development Project We are the owners of Unit 305 in Toscana West Condominium. We will not be in residence at the Condo-minium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,we want to share our opinion with the Board: WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to us,we conclude that there is no legal hardship present and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Stanley and Betty Block 3720 South Ocean Blvd. Apt. 305 Highland Beach, Florida 33487 1 Alfaro, Janice L. From: Vincent Genovese<vingenovese@gmaii.com> Sent; Sunday, November 09,2014 2:44 PM To: Brady,James C. Subject: Toscana South Condominium James C.Brady,Esq. ARNSTEIN&LEHR LLP ? 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,Florida 33301-2299 Dear Mr. Brady, I am the owner of Unit 305 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustrnent Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. I Most certainly other residents In the building feel he same way and want to be sure the application Is denied Thank you for your support and cooperation. Vincent Genovese Unit 305 Toscana South I I I i I I I I I I I i 1 Alfaro, Janice L From: Linda Genovese<Iingenovese@gmaK.com> Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2014 2:50 PM To: Brady, James C. r Subject: Board of Adjustment Hearing on Golden City variance application To The Board of Adjustment: I am the owner of Unit 305 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 3S feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information I provide to me,l conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it I from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. I am hopeful that the Board will honor the wishes of the majority of property owners in Highland Beach and DENY this application. i Respecfully submitted, i Linda M.Genovese Owner of:3740 S.Ocean Blvd. Unit 305, Highland Beach,FL33487 1 I Pat Goldstein 200 E.65f Street,Apt 39N New York,NY 10065 212-751-0086 October 31,2014 James C.Brady,Esq A nstein&Lehr LLP 200 East Las 01as Blvd,Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,FL 33301-2299 Dear James: I am the owner of unit 308 Toscana North Condominium. I willl not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board.of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the board. I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in ibis zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, G"�I Pat Goldstein i Development in highland L xh Page 1 ot 1 Frage:Kau Av*%bli96w*cmi> To: Kew DwwA3prnotinidiphim, beeM DsW-Thu.Nov 6,2D14 8:16 an TO VNhM It May Corm, I am the owrwer•of Unit 308a_in Towwo South Condominium.I have been living to Highland Beach singe 2004. I will not be able to a'in nd the meeting on the dab of the Board of Adjust wd Hearing on the application for vefrimme by(Golden City. Nsvartheless,I war to share my opinion with the Boss: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION ATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Conwdum oormMy saw fit to revise the requisitions b I nit the hs#t of btd*W in this zoning district lo 35 feet or three sbries. To approve ttws Awn would.in MK*,mitfy ton rs h ions and ukefto the non-elected Board for be Town Commission. Based upon inlbnhhation provide to me,I oonck+de that two is no ispd hardship preasnt,and the Applim t me*wo the Town to save K ftm a bad derision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED.Tabs a teed torn Soca.ICs such a pie Burs to drive sio g AIA and not we avec de isbprnent. R@7 Katsn Mirfub§r Sent ftm rry.. ad I f I f t I I I https://mail.aol.com/38844-111/aol-6/+�ustmaiL4'ri essage.aspx 1116/2014 November 6,2014 Jams Q Brady,Esq. ARNSTBN&LEHR LLP 200 East Las Ofas BwWmd Suite 1000 Port fie, FWida 33301-2299 To whoa,tt May Conoern: I am the owner of Unit 402 in Toscana South Condominium. I recently purchased my Emit in September 2013, closing in March 2014. At the time of purchase, I was advised of the current regulations to limit the height of buildings in the zone directly in front of my windows to the south. If t even thought there was a dice of revising these regulations, it certainly would have affected my decision of purchase. l am eidrerrmly upset about the prospect of this dwW. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend on the date of the Board of AQustrnent Head on the application for variance by Golden City due to work cvmrnitments. Nevertheless, i want to share my opinion with the Board: t AM STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT_ Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non- elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me. I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad derision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thant you for your consideration, nnie Greissman, DPIV1 i November 3, 2014 i i James C. Brady, Esq Amstein&Lehr LLP 200 East Las Otas Blvd Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33301-2299 @amstein.com RE: Golden City Land Development in Highland Beach, Florida Dear Mr. Brady: We are the owners of unit#403 in Toscana South Condominiums at 3740 South Ocean Blvd in Highland Beach, Florida. We will not be in residence at the condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. We would, however, like to share our opinion with the Board. WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PRO- POSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or 3 stories. To approve this application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and sub- stitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to us,we conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely yours, Bonnie and Henry Pikkel Pikkel Family Partnership 3740 South Ocean Blvd Apt#403 Highland Beach, Florida 33487 bpikkel@roadrunner.com Brady, James C. From: Frank Lore<frankIore0046@hotmaiI.corn> Sent: Wednesday, November 05,2014 1:44 PM To: Brady, James C. Cc: 'Frank Lore' Subject: FW:Town Notice for Hearing on Land Development Attachments: TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH PUBLIC HEARING.PDF Dear Board I am the owner of Unit 509 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Frank LoRe Jr 3740 South Ocean Blvd. Apt.509 Highland Beach,H.33487 Brady, James C. From: Susan Appell<s.appell@sky.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 05,2014 9:34 AM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Toscana Dear Sir, My husband and I are the owners of unit 510 in Toscana South block condominium. We are unlikely to be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment hearing on the planning application by Golden City. We would like to share our opinion with the board which is,we are opposed to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development. Several years ago the town commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35ft.or 3 stories. If you approve this application,it would in effect nullify those revisions, and substitute the non-elected board for the town commission. We are relatively new residents in Toscana which we bought in 2012 as a winter home for ourselves as we are UK residents. At that time we looked at various properties and the main reason we chose the apartment in Toscana was because we had unrestricted views both of the Intracoastal and the ocean. it was also important to us that our position gave us no shadow on our terraces. We were assured that any planning application on the adjacent land would not affect this,and if we had any inclination at that time that an amendment would be submitted to after the height of the original permission,we would not have gone ahead with the purchase. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Susan and Paul Appell Apartment 510 Toscana South Tel:561908 2118 Or U k:0044 7802 315015 Sent from my iPad Brady, James C. From: Jessica Gilbert<gilberQ@youghsd.net> Sent: Monday, November 10, 2014 10:28 AM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Toscana-Land Development hearing. Attachments- Toscana.docx Dear Mr. Brady, I am unable to make the Land Development meeting that will directly affect my Unit,number 602,in Toscana. Please review the attached letter requested and feel free to phone me for further comment at 412-720-2600. Sincerely, Chris Marcanello I Christopher Marcanello 3740 S. Ocean Blvd. Unit 602 i Highland Beach, FL 33487 (412)720-2600 To Whom It May Concern: i 1 am the owner of Unit 602 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at i the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. F As a unit owner,whose property directly views the site,allowing the restriction to be lifted would both aesthetically and financially affect the future value of my unit My unit was purchased knowing that the restrictions in place would preserve the secluded view and value of the property. E Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me,THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION WAS PURCHASED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO WITH THE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEIGHT PROVISION. I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. 1 Sincerely, i Christopher Marcanello I I I 1� I Current view from mV unit#602. I� Alfaro, Janice L. From: Rubin<rgruber9999@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2014 7:17 PM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Proposed Golden City Land Development in Highland Beach Dear Mr. Brady I am the owner of Unit 607 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thank you. Rubin and Cindy Gruber i i r i } i i 1 j Brady, James C. From: Robin Lederman <rocknrobin260gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 05,2014 2:01 PM To: Brady,James C. Subject: Letter regarding the Golden City project from a Toscana South resident Dear Mr.Brady; We are the owners of Unit 609 in Toscana South Condominium and live here all year round. Although we will be present on November 19,2014,the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City,we wish to share our opinion with the Board. WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOP NT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission Based upon the information provided to in,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision.THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Robin and Joel Lederman Unit 609 South Affaro, Janice L. From: Stewart Perlow DMD<decosahotma1.com> Sent: Monday, October 27,201412:02 PM To: bbrown&i.hghland-beachAus; Brady, James C.;Adam Grandis Subject: Golden City Land Development Variance Nov 19,2014 Hearing I am the owner of Unit 710 in Toscana West Condominium. I am a full- time resident at the Condominium and on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing will be attending the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Stewart Perlow DMD Owner Toscana West 710 Highland Beach,FL 33487 561 276 3345 I 561 542 6964 i i i 1 i 11/05/14 To whom it may concern, I am the owner of Unit 710 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this ming district to 35 feet or three stories. Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. The applicant's request for a zoning variance raises a few questions: • Were the current zoning regulations in effect when the property was purchased? • Can the landowner not make a reasonable use of the land and stay in compliance with the existing zoning regulations? • Can the landowner prove,in a clear and convincing manner,that there is some"unusual or unique"aspect of the property that makes it difficult to carry on a reasonable we of the arouerty ander the existing zoning regdadon& • Does not building a structure on the property,while remaining in compliance with the existing height restrictions,constitute a reasonable use of the land? • Is it not the responsibility of the Board of Appeals to assure that any variance granted is the minimum necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property? • Is it so difficult in this case to comply with the existing regulations,that the landowner should be excused from compliance? • Is it possible that a lesser variance than requested would be adequate to address the applicant's request? • When considering whether to approve or deny the applicant's request,should the board consider the impact on(and possible destruction of)ecologically sensitive mangrove wetland area,and the negative effect of increased traffic? My understanding of"hardship"is that it does not relate to the personal needs,desires,or profit motives of the landowner,but rather to the quality of the property itself. Admittedly,The 7.35 acre parcel has "limited buildability." That however, is not due to zoning restrictions;Nor should it be remedied by a zoning variance. "Limited buildability"is due to the existence of sensitive mangrove wetlands on the property(that existed long before the property was purchased by the applicant). The buildable portion of the property has not changed.When a property is purchased which includes wetlands and the landowner applies for a variance,the board should not allow for the development of hi-rise buildings based on the landowner's desire for an increased per-acre density due to"limited buildability." If the board were to approve the request,then Highland Beach would suffer the loss of sensitive wetlands(of which there is a shortage,not a surplus). Further,it is my opinion,and the opinion of many Highland Beach neighbors,that financial considerations should not be sufficient reason for the board to approve a variance. We are all aware that a 200+foot tall condominium becomes more financially lucrative than a 35 foot tall dwelling. It is certainly more financially beneficial to the applicant to have his request for a variance approved. While I respect the business acumen of the applicant,I do not believe desire for financial gain should outweigh our zoning regulations(and the spirit in which they were drawn up by the Town Commission). In addition,as a Highland Beach resident,I believe we should all be concerned that our beautiful island residence should not become"over-developed"as many barrier islands have become in South Florida.It is too late to save those other barrier islands that have suffered from over-development...It is not too late for Highland Beach! That decision rests with you,the Board. I respectfully request that prior to granting any variances now,or into the future,that the board keep in mind the irreversible negative long term effect of over-development. Please be mindful of setting a precedent for future applicants if the applicant's request were to be approved.The probability would be high of new landowners coming before the board requesting zoning variances for higher density housing (more hi-rise housing). I When the time comes to approve or deny the applicant's request,I have confidence that the board will keep the best interests of Highland Beach as our number one priority. I,for one,love our little island paradise.Thank you. Respectfully, Sandra Barreneche November 10 2014 I Mr.James C.Brady,Esq. Arnstein&Lehr,LLP 200 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale,Fl.33301 RE:Golden City Condominium Development Dear Mr.Brady: I am the owner of Unit 803 in the South Building of Toscana. I want to share an opinion with the Board regarding the above subject development I am in the domestic part of the air conditioning industry(installation of through- the-wall units in condominiums in New York City)for over forty years. I have also sub-contracted commercial work for the installation of exterior chillers installed on the rooftop of buildings. The noise level is a concern for all exterior chillers generated by equipment(fan& air intakes/exhausts,compressors,etc.). This will disturb building neighbors adjacent to the above subject development The acoustical conditions will affect sleeping,conversations(whether on balconies or indoor) use of telephones, enjoyment of television,hearing loss,etc. Also,the application of a new chiller is very important Even if the above subject building is of the same height of the adjacent neighboring building,it is dependent on the distance between buildings and the noise level. If the building is lower than the adjacent neighboring building,the noise level will be intolerable. The noise level is also dependent on weather conditions,especially a southeast wind. For this reason,I am very opposed to the development of the above subject building. I recommend that the Board hire a commercial expert to ascertain the above statements. I also,recommend that the Board inquire about the noise ordinance/guidelines for outdoor chillers in Palm Beach County/Highland Beach. Sincerely, Aezrlkto�t Georgia Batsidis Howard Essner, M.D. 86 Fos Hedge Road .%delle River„Nd 07458 i T 2014M7378 F 2014211.Ml C 9144149.3335 1 1c1*c10ucl.9.ne � J BYE AIL icbrady0amstein.com i i November 5, 201 4 Dear Mr. Brady, I am the owner of Unit 806 In Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Agent Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM STRONGLY OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHTAND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw M to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thank you for your kind cooperation. Respectfully, Howard Essner, MD Susan Essner Board of Adjustments and Appeals Town of Highland Beach 3614 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, FL 33487 Dear Madam,Sir I am the owner of Unit 807 in 3740 South Ocean Blvd. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. I want to share my opinion with the Board. I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there Is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. i THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. � i i Sincerely i Gaby A.Ajram I I i i Board of Adjustment Highland Beach, Florida: am the owner of Unit 902 in Toscana South Condominium. I may not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-eWed Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present to support this application, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad business decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Respectfully, James K. Goodwin Unit 902, Toscana South FREDRIC J. LAFFIE 2095 Legion Street Bellmore,New York 11710 i I October 30,2014 James. C Brady,Esquire Arnstein& Lehr LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,Florida 33301-2299 Dear Mr.Brady: I am the owner of Unit 903 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, Fredric J. Laffie 1031-2014 James Brady Esq Amstein & Lehr LLP 200 Las Olas Blvd Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 Dear Attorney Brady., I am the owner of Unit#904 Toscana North Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless I would like to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non- elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me, I conclude there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, Patricia S. Toole 10/39/'2014 21:17 61247 :0 IVERSEN PAGE 01 i i i \®'� 3 YVYt , , i am the tiwl'ler of tit 906 T0eGeVrta 1Aleset ixortdOrniriiiiiri. I wiii rO be in I 4M c of Wbminl n Ori the dam of the board of a*x hearittig on the for variance by goldetl Nelh+�artl'MlyteW i wart Do dwe my q* cti with thei board: I AM TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND N UNSER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the town commlWon correctly saw M th rem the me to ate height ofbail* in thft z+arting IoWfeetorttweemic iis Tb appr=ove this XV&m m would,in ailleck nuWy►thous rerisiC w and aaaubs9 Aft the!tion 919 clod board for the lown commmsion. Based upon information provided to me, I aondude that there is no hardship prea r t, and the applWant me*ww tffi the town to save it from a bed*ask n. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. I appr+eciat yaw atbentioi to this matter, Sirxteii>tiy, Brendan Iversen Unit owner 906 lbecana Wism 10-27-14;12:09PM; # 2/ 2 October 27,2014 Jam"C. Brady,Esq. ARNSTEIN&LEHR LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301-2299 Dear lir.Brady: I am the owner of Unit 9th In Toscana South Condominium. I will be out of the country on November 19,2014,the date scheduled for the Board of Adjustment Hearing regar*V the application for varlance by Camden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I ANI OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several yws ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings In this Ming district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Apptic edon would,In effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for 0*Town Con rrilssion. Based upon ftffnation provide to me, i conclude that there Is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town tD save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. I respectfully request you enter my opinion in this matter. i CARMEN CA.STILLi7 3740 South Ocean Boulevard Apt W9 Highland Beach,Florida 33487 Tel: 917-295-254 I i f f i Charles and Judith Laverty copy 10 Cedar Road Belmont, ,A4A 02478 October 27, 2014 i Town Clerk of Highland Beach Florida 3614 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach,FL 33487 Dear Ms. Brown: I am the owner of Unit 1001 in Toscana West Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the-Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thank you, Char . Lav r. Judith Laver Copy: James C.Brady,Esq. ARNSTEIN &LEHR LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301-2299 CRL,Jr:nh Alfaro, Janice L. From: robert troyer<rmtroyer@yahoo.c om> Sent: Friday, October 31,201412:13 PM To: Brady,James C. Subject variance by Golden City Attachments: To Whom h May Concem.docx I am the owner of Unit 1003 @ Toscana North Condominium. I will not be able to attend the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. I would like to express my total opposition to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development. In fact ,1 and other owners will plan to sell our units if this variance is granted. As a result property values and tax receipts will drop accordingly.The Town Commission correctly revised the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories several years ago. These revisions should not be nullified by the non elected Board for the Town Commission. The strongly feel that the application should be denied. Sincerely, Robert M. Troyer M.D. E 3 7 i I i i I 1 1 Article 6(A)Trust U/A Molly Hirshfield Markham B.Goldstone,Trustee 82 Cabot Street Newton,Ma 02458 617.780.7190 (Cell) Monday,November 03,2014 RE:Golden City Development James C.Brady,Esq. Amstein&Lehr LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,Honda 33301-2299 Dear Mr.Brady, I am a Trustee of Unit 1005 in the West Condominium.I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless I want to share my opinion with the Board:I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of the buildings in the zoning district to 35 feet or three stories.To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board of Town Commission.Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision.THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, jvdZ7 Ma/ham B. stone Brady, James C. From: CBPLOTNICK@aol.com Sent Wednesday, November 12, 2014 10:49 AM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Toscana To Whom it May Concern, I am the owner of Unit 1006 in Toscana South Condominium. I recently bought this apartment. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. As I stated I recently bought this apartment. It was nice that Toscana's buildings were not enclosed on the sides. This building would make it tightly locked in. It is not fair.This building should not be allowed to build higher than the present regulations allow. Sincerely, Charlotte Plotnick Unit 1006 Toscana South i 10/28/2014 08:17 FAX 8093452 LEVINE.STALLER @001 4 Harvard Lane Linwood, NJ 08221 i October 27, 2014 t Via Fa=(954)713-7718 Board of AdjLstment and Appeals c/o Town Clerk of Highland Beach Highland Beach Town Hall 3614 S. Ocetrn Boulevard Highland Bel ch, FL 33487 Re: Opposition To Variance AppBcation—Golden City Land Development Bear Board Members: We are the owners of Unit 1009 in Toscana North Condominium. We have owned our unit since 2005 and, one day, Intend to make it our permanent residence. We will not be in residence on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,we want to share our opinion with the Board. We are gppgggd to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development Several years ago, the Town Commission revised the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Hoard for the Town Commission. Basec upon information provided to us,we conclude that then: is no legal hardship pre:;ent. The variance request appears solely attributable to actions of the Applicant. The Application should be denied. Very truly yours + s i i Carol L. Sklar Arthur E. Sklar f cc: James C. Brady, Esq. (via e-mail:jcbrady@amstsin.com) i I I Affaro, Janice L. From: james@hatzipetros-corn Sent* Friday, November 07,2014 2:13 PM To: Brady,James C. Subject. Proposed land development James Hatzipetros 7500 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11209 718 921-1800 jamestWhatzipetros.com November 7th, 2014 Re:Proposed land Development To the Town of Highland Beach: I am the owner of Unit 1081 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years age, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based on the information provided to me, I conclude there Is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Respectfully submitted, James Hatzipetros i Pain nerapy ASSOCIATES Y am 0*4tp for bd tg pain �m IV l 17 M cwff-4l - 7 Gummy L Dadvlm,MD,FACR I am the owner of Unit 1101 in Toscana West Condominium. I win not be in MEDICAL DIRECTOR Board-Certified:American residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing i Board of Rheumatology, on the application for variance by Golden City. Never the less,I grant to share I American Board of Internal my opinion with the Board:I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE Medicine,American Academy THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. of Pain Management Fellow:American College of Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the I Rheumatology regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or MD:University of Illinois three stories. To approve this Application wouid in effect,nuiCfy,those revision Memberships International and substitute non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon { Association for the Study of information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, Pain,American Academy of and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. Pain Management,American } College of Physicians, THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. American College of Rheumatology,American Medical Association,Chicago Medical Society,Chicago Rheumatism Society Author,Lecturer&Researcher i s AM you need in one bcatiow • Lab&blood testing • Ultrasound&X-rays •Ambulatory surgery suite • Fluoroscopic guidance • EMG testing • Physical therapy • Massage therapy •Trigger point therapy • Injection therapies • Myofascial release •Chiropractic manipulation •Acupuncture •Stretching techniques • Splinting&orthotics • Medication therapy 455 SOUTH ROSELLE ROAD SUITE 104 SCHAUMBURG,IL 60193 233 EAST ERIE SUITE 702 CHICAGO,IL 60611 TEL:847-352-5511 FAX:847-352-5585 WWW.PAINHELP.COM t TRMIC pp�� }}��®���/nn.yam�y+��♦ �}�}� *C��±p�����) ,``�` +� i.i. Ol .►JtlRA!7 AAAJI'fYl!I1�w sW 1 f Ci t 7.!�[:CiJ17AtY6 ITtA y F -(��091} i 6 0W-(411444." TRANSMMf L TQ; JWW C.Brady,Esq. COMPANY: ARNSTEIN&UM LLP DATR: Od*bar 29,2014 FAX NO: 954.713.7718 #PACES: 2 (Itfcdudi ng this pap) f FROM Amold B.Tofuks,Unit 1102 MESSAGE: Tooma South Yall pa 8es are not receives,please call 781-444-8812. 4 The+deeameob bw=ftbd by tbis baimik my eoateix confidenU and F*Uepd infermedoa. This whrmAtioa is Wended for the ase of dw addreem pored on this tmaasmitW sheet. Xf yom are not the addressee,say d winuM phatoeopyM&dkMbw*u or an of its conteaft is prohibbei. Xf you iove received this bcsbdk is error,plan eat in ironed IaNy at 7ii1.4444IK2(edlect)so that we can ani mao to reh irve the orifi A i S'd 009'ON 071 00 18 SklI-dOi t WdEO:T tPI OZ'62*IX Brady, James C. From: Bonnie Perlin<Bonniep1448@aol.com> Seryl» Thursday, November 06,201410:52 AM To: Brady,James C. i Subject Land Development Project i Dear Mr. Brady,I am the owner of unit 1103 in Toscana South. I will not be available for the hearing concerning the Board of Adjustment variance by Golden City. I want to share my opinion with the board. I am opposed to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development.The Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to three stories or 35 feet.To approve this application would nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. I Because of the information which has been provided to me,I can conclude that there is absolutely no legal hardship invohred.This application should definitely be denied.The Town Commission's decision,should be adhered to and not disregarded. Thank you, Bonnie Perlin i i f i i i i I f I I I i E i f j I i I L 1 � i I November 3, 2014 James C. Brady, Esq Amstein&Lehr LLP 200 East Las Olas Blvd Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33301-2299 jcbmdygamstein.com RE: Golden City Land Development in Highland Beach, Florida Dear Mr. Brady: We are the owners of unit#1105 in Toscana South Condominiums at 3740 South Ocean Blvd in Highland Beach, Florida. We will not be in residence at the condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. We would, however, like to share our opinion with the Board. WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PRO- POSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or 3 stories. To approve this application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and sub- stitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to us, we conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely yours, Bonnie and Henry Pikkel 3740 South Ocean Blvd Apt#1105 Highland Beach, Florida 33487 bpikkel @ roadrunne r.com Alfaro, Janice L. From: Marvin Kolsky<marvin@speedweNdesign.com> Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2014 4:08 PM To: Brady, James C. Subject: TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH PUBLIC HEARING MARVIN A. KOLSKY BARBARA A.KOLSKY 9 TOWER LANE MORRISTOWN,N.J.07960 TOSCANA SOUTH UNIT 1106 3740 S.OCEAN BLVD. HIGHLAND BEACH,FLORIDA 33487 561-274-8880 PHONE:201-400-3940 973-538-0707-FAX E-MAIL-MARVIN(a)SPEEDWELLDESIGN.COM TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.: I AM THE OWNER OF UNIT 1106 IN TOSCANA SOUTH CONDOMINIUM. I WILL NOT BE IN RESIDENCE AT THE CONDOMINIUM ON THE DATE THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT HEARING ON THE APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE BY GOLDEN CITY. NEVERTHE LESS,I WANT TO SHARE MY OPINION WITH THE BOARD: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this application would in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Marvin Kolsky I I i i i' i I i i II "Brady, James C. From: Susan<susanselnick@bellsouth.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 05,2014 921 AM To: Brady,James C. Subject Hearing on variance-deny application We are the owners of Unit 1110 in Toscana West Condominium. We will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. As 30 year residents of this town,we are particularly interested in protecting the character of this area and preserving its natural assets. Arthur and Ruth SeInick Sent from my Wad Brady, James C. From: Joe Neufeld<jneufeld@blueberrytree.ca> Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2014 9:02 AM To: Brady,James C. Cc: Angie Holcman Subject land Development Update 8 i Dear Mr Brady, Esq I am the owner of Unit 1203 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, 1.conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Yours truly, Joseph Neufeld J & H Realties Inc 1485 Sherbrooke Street West, #2A Montreal, Que H3G OA3 Canada Email: ineufeld _bluebeMdree.ca i I i i I 1 II I,Jeff Kim am the owner of Unit 1204 in Toscana West Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. G IA.tJ r _ 14 co r , C,; `3 e)l 7f 3 i i Steven M Terk 3740 S Ocean Blvd#1210 Highland Beach,FL 33487 November 9,2014 Town Clerk Highland Beach Town Hal 3614 S Ocean Blvd Highland Beach,FL 33487 Re:Board of Adjustment&Appeals Public Hearing November 19'" Golden City Land Development Request I am the owner of Unit 1210 in Toscana South Condominium. I am a permanent resident I want to share my opinion with the Hoard I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elec Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. V truly Mzlk- Steven M Terk Cc:James C Brady,Fsq,200 East Las Olas Boulevard;Suite 1000;Ft Lauderdale Fl,33301- 2299 I i i i i I i i { i Brady, James C. From: Frank Raccuglia Sr. <franksr@bdwcorp.com> Sent Saturday, November 03,2014 8.46 AM To: Brady,James C. cc Jean Raccuglia Subject: Toscana Golden City Land Developement We are the owners of unit 1401 in Toscana West Condominium we will not be in residence At the Condominium the date of the Board Adjustment hearing on the application for variance by Golden City.Nevertheless I want to share my opinion with the Board.l am Opposed To The ApplicationTo Increase The HeightAnd NumberOf StoriesOf The ProposedDevelopment. Several years ago,the Town Commision correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the Height of buildings in this zoning dWrict to 35 feet or three stories.To approve this Application would ineffect nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commision Based upon information provide to me,l conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. The Application Should Be Denied. Frank Raccuglia Jean Raccuglia franksi-Obdwcorp.com carlena39@aol.com 718-745-7920 business 917-627-4200 Sent from my!Pad 1 Alfaro, Janice L. From: Ben and Mayra Stem<benandmayrastem@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 11,2014 6:19 PM To: Brady,James C. Subject: Toscana Hello Mr.James C. Brady, We are the owners of Unit 1405 in Toscana North-Condominium. We want to share our opinion with the Board: WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to us,we conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thanks kindly, Mayra&Ben Stern 1405 Toscana North 561-908-2474 BenAndMayraStern@hotmail.com i i i li I 1 I i r i i i I I I i 1 I I i To Whom It May Concern: 1 am the owner of Unit 1410 in Toscana West Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE j THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED i DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, j and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. i i I I I i f i I To Whom It May Concern: We are the owners of Unit 1410 in Toscana West Condominksm We will not be in residence at the Condominium on the dale of the Board of Ac*nbmt Hmft on the applical on for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,we want W share our opinion wkh the Board:WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEK3iT AND NUMir M OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Several years ago,the Town Commission saw fft to mvise the regulations is lind Me height of buidings in this zoning disbrict to 35 feet or three skwm& To approve this Application wadd, In effect, nulffy those revWons and substiule the non-eiscle#hoard for ffie Town Commission. Based upon pian proNided lo us,we conclude that there is no legal hardship pert, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save K from a bad decision.THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. VeMna Buzic 111612th l4 i Yefam Buzic 0 , t i i iI f I i f i 1 i i 1 i I i 10/24/14 02:18PH HP L" ..JET FAX 5612764469 p.02 RICHARD J. ROSENSTOCK 3740 SOUTH OCEAN BLVD. APT.1503 HIGHLAND BEACH, FL 33487 Jaynes C Brady, Esq Arnstein & Lehr LLP Gentleman, I am the owner of Unit 1503 in Toscana North Condominium. I will not be able to be present at the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board. I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Very truly yours, ; Richard osenstock i ; To Whom It May Concern: I am the owner of Unit 1506 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. To Whorn It Nay Concern - We are the owners of Unit 1506 in Toscana South Cordornb*m.We vA not be in residence at the Condoff**m on to dale of the Board of nmt Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Ne intheiess,we want to share our opinion with the Board:WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Tann Cornrrmission saw It to revise the regulations to Pmk the height of burkings in fits Toning Is I ict to 35 feet or twee stories. To approve this Appication would,in effect, and fy those mons and she the non-elected Board for to Town Commission. Bayed upon ' Irdbrmartion provided to us,we conclude teem two is no legal Immrdship per, and the Applicant me*wants the Town to sante it from a bad decision.THE ' APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. / velvina Buzik Yefm BuzicJ/ 461020/� i i F I t { i i I Michael Axelrod 400 Post Avenue Suite 303 Westbury, New York 11560 516-997-2442 October 27,2014 James C. Brady, Esq. Arnstein&Lehr,LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301-2299 Dear Mr. Brady: I am the owner of Unit 1510 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or j three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE D IED. I i in erely, i i t i i I Mich 1 e d i i I her il bo/ zz &212:10 n7 �7u GlL Z oa 61 lvarl�,)nee A(i &1dzn d, _ iaZ7 i. Ne n 4r 7Z/I/)-) QZ22 MI hey n eJ 5 or �vrr T 45 w rd frZ -A& TQW22 (4/7 , own t and lje,&d i i i t i i i I WALTHEUM LAW i ASSOCIATES, P.C. Roy A.Walther,ill 230 S.Bemiston Ave. Myron S.Zwbelman Suite 500 Of Counsel Clayton,Missouri 63105 (314)725-9595 Evan D.Buxner',LLC Toll Free:(866)986-7078 'Lioensed m Miwwd and ali kis Fax:(888)851-4940 i i November 3,2014 Mr. James C.Brady Arnstein&Lehr,LLP 200 East Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,FL 33301-2299 RE: Golden City Development Dear Mr.Brady: Enclosed please find letter which I ask that you present at the hearing on November 19, 2014 at the Highland Beach hearing. Thank you. Very y Yours, yron Lbelmari. MSZ:dmg Enclosures Myron & Bonnie Zwibelman 3740 So. Ocean Blvd., #1602 Highland Beach, FL 33487 November 1,2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am the owner of unit 1602 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in Florida on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly revised the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or 3 stories. To approve this application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Ve truly yours, Myr S. wibelman i Alfam, Janice L From: Harry Pila<pHabroch@aaol.com> Sent Monday, October 27,2014 1:27 PM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Golden City Land Development/Toscana West Unit 1605 Dear Mr.Brady, We will be unable to attend the November 11,2014 meeting of the Toscana Homeowner association,nor the hearing on November 19 2014 and wanted to go on record as follows: 1 am the owner of Unit 1605 in Toscana West Condominium.I am OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings In this zoning district to 35 feet or 3 stories.To approve this application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission.Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision.THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thank you. Regards, Harry D Piia 1 Alfaro, Janice L From: Leslie Siegel<lgs� yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 6:57 PM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Board of Agent Land Development Hearing To mom It Myr Corhmm My husband,Joe Casbtloo and I are tie oarhers d urhit iGM n Tosooha South omxkn nkm.tNo vA not be n Floida on to dab oft»flood of A*whoht 2 bw2 on to app6caten for veriohee by Gaklan City.NewwOubsa,w are so upset by to praposd dw w vwrd b shoo our oI I I wO h the Bond WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Several years apo to Ton C ' amc ly sawfit b revise to regulal orbs b Md the hegld of buNW into mnihp dkd W to 95 fast or three dwi@L To appove On appkd=would edify these revislou and nbsMub to non ebged Board for the Tow Coaoiomm.Based upon irdarreatah provided to ue we eorekde that trove is nobpd hodd preaer'aid to appgcok mardy wards the ban b saves it tan a bad bunneo dsddoh THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENEDItlIli3llltlll F Leese Siepel and Joe Caewbw i i i i i f. f I i i ll I I I fI I I C r I 1 Brady, James C. From: Scheinberg, Ronald <rscheinberg@ redderpric e.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 9:12 AM To: Brady,James C. Subject: Golden City- Highland Beach Project Waiver Appication i I I To Whom It May Concern: I am the owner of Unit 1610 in Toscana North Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad investment decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Best wishes, Ron VEDDER PRICE* Ronald ScWnberg Amorney at Law P +1(212)407 7730 1 F: +1(212)407 7799 M: +1(917)340-2051 rschdnbeM@mgdd=do.com Assistant. Elsa Batista, +1(212)407 7753 1633 Broadway r 47th Floor New York,New York 10019 Chicago I New York I Washington,DC London I San Francisco I Los Angeles wwwi edde mrice.mm CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This e-mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged,confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail message is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of the message to the intended recipient,you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error,please notify us immediately by telephone at(312)609-5038 and also indicate the sender's name. Thank you. i Vedder Price P.C. is affiliated with Vedder Price LLP,which operates in England and Wales and with Vedder Price(CA),LLP which operates in California. 1 NOV-4-2014 08:24 F'ROM:OSHEROI 5614162501 19547137718 P.1/1 i November 1,2014 i Mr.James C.Brady,Esq. Anutein A Lehr LLp 200 East Las Olas Blvd.,Suite 1000 Ft.Lauderdale,FL 33301-2299 Via Fax-954-713-7718 Dear Mr.Brady: 1 em the owner of Unit 1701 in Toscana North Condominium. I will not be In residence at the condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the applicabon for variance by Golden Cly. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the board. I ANE OPPOSED TO THE APPUCAATM TO INCREASE THE"EIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years fto the Town Commission correctly saw flt to revise the regulations to fanit the height of building in this zm*%district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon the information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save It from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, i S kD. iwi w 3700 S.Ocean Blvd.#1701 Highland Beach, FL 33487 561-416-2511(Office) GARY B. BETTMAN 150 Cortland Drive Saddle River, NJ 07458 November 11, 2014 Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals Highland Beach Town Hall 3614 South Ocean Boulevard Highland Beach, FL 33487 Dear Members of the Board: I am the owner of Unit 1703 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I am opposed to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development. A two hundred foot tall building on two acres might make sense if this were Manhattan or even Collins Avenue in North Miami Beach (which feels like you are driving through a tunnel), but this is Highland Beach. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. The aesthetics, congestion and ambiance of Highland Beach depend on enforcing the current zoning requirements. To approve this application would, in effect, nullify those revisions. Based upon information provided to me, I cannot imagine that there is any legal hardship present that has not been self-inflicted by the developer/applicant. To grant the variance, in essence,would mean that there are no zoning requirements in Highland Beach and it will be `open season'for developers. I respectfully request that the Board deny the application. 4 Respectfully, i i i { November 5,2014 i James C.Brady,Esq. j ARNSTEIN&LEHR LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fort Lauderdale,Florida 33301-2299 I Dear Sirs . Re:Application#37015—Request submitted by Golden City Highland Beach,LLC for a variance request for property located at South Ocean Boulevard(24434740-001-0030) Highland Batch,Florida We are the owners of Unit 1705 in Toscana South Condominium. We will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Olden City. Nevertheless,we want to share our opinions with the Board: WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to us,we conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Yours truly, Robert and Diane Low i i 1 I REALTOR BETTY SCHUTTE, REALTORS@ 9707 SHELBYVILLE ROAD LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40223 (502)426-5483 November 5,2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am the owner of Unit#1709 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories.To approve the Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, Betty S utte Unit 1709 i i i Mr.aad Mrs.JWq*IL LAP= i 35 W.Jefferson Ave. Pearl River,NY 10965 Ph 845-353-9210 Fax:845-353-9291 i October 27,2014 r Mr.James C.Brady,Esq. ARNSTEIN&LEHR LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 1000 Fat Lauderdale,Florida 33301-2299 I Dear Mr.Brady: I am the owner of Unit 1710 in Toscana South Condomiiniitmm.I will not be in residence at the � i Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City.Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories.To approve the Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elects Board for the Town Commission.Based upon the information,provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it f-om a bad decision. The applicant could have or should have realized the height restriction during the due diligence process.If they planned on increasing the height limitations after the hand acquisition it must be at their risk not at our loss of property value and water views. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. ly, R. 1 Brady, James C. From: CAROL COHEN<carolcohen1809@gmail.com> Sent Wednesday, November 05,201411:05 AM To: Brady, James C. Subject: Golden City Project from an owner at Toscana i I am the owner of Unit 1809 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application i would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. To say the least, as a realtor, it goes without saying the value of the condos would decline with an obstructed view.When purchasing , I checked with the town and was told about their height restrictions. This is a conflict of interest to say the least if the town approves the height requested. Sincerely, Carol and Jeffrey Cohen t i I f I i 1 I f I i i I c i 1 � 11-06-'14 09:06 FROM- T-954 P0002/0002 F-336 Dear Mr. Brady, I am the owner of Unit 1810 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STOREBS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPNIENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the, Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Respectfully, Stuart and Ellen Saffes Sec. 30-40. Variances and interpretations. Applications for variance approval shall be reviewed as provided herein. (a) Purpose.The purpose of a variance is to grant a reduction in the dimensional requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, lot width, lot depth, lot size, size or percentage of open space, bung coverage, building height, building setbacks,or required number of parking spaces. (b) Board of adjustment and appeals. Requests for approval of some variances shall be considered only by the board of adjustment and appeals.The board of adjustment and appeals may approve,approve with conditions, or deny a request for a variance from the requirements of this chapter. (c) Applications.Applications shall contain the information as may be required by and shall comply with the requirements of section 30-33 (d) Public notice. Public notice for public hearings to consider variance applications shall be provided as required in section 30-46 of this Code. (e) Consideration of applications.As a basis for consideration of an application for variance approval,the board of adjustment and appeals must determine an application is consistent with the criteria listed below. (1) Special conditions. Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures,or buildings in the same zoning district. (2) Hardship. The special conditions and circumstances truly represent a hardship, and are not created by any actions of the applicant. (3) Literal interpretation. Literal interpretation of the provisions of this chapter would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the terms of this chapter and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant. (4) 1 Special privileges.The grant of a variance will not confer upon the applicant any special privilege denied to any other owner of land, buildings,or structures located in the same zoning district. (5) Minimum variance.The variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible the use of the land, building, or stricture. (6) Purpose and intent The grant of the variance will be in harmony with the general intent andu of this P rpose chapter. m Financial hardship. Financial hardship is not to be considered as sufficient evidence of a hardship in granting a variance. (8) Public welfare. The grant of the variance will not be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. (fl Approvals. In granting a variance,the board of adjustment and appeals may approve such conditions and safeguards deemed necessary to conform to the intent and purpose of this code.Violations of such conditions shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.The board may also prescribe a reasonable time limit to inflate the action granted by the variance and to complete such action. Failure to initiate and complete an approved variance shall render such approval null and void, and the approval shall expire. (9) Required vote. The vote of at least four(4)members of the board of adjustment and appeals is necessary to grant a variance from the requirements of this chapter. (h) i Run with the land.A variance,when implemented in accordance with the approval granted by the board of adjustment and appeals, shall run with the land in perpetuity. Unless a lesser time is approved by the board of adjustment and appeals, a variance that is not implemented shall expire eighteen(18)months following approval. Extensions of variance approvals shall not be granted by the board of adjustment and appeals. (i) Variance null and void.A variance granted by the board of adjustment and appeals shall automatically be null and void in any of the following circumstances: (1) Demolition of structure which was granted a variance; (2) Removal of a structure which was granted a variance; or c (3) Other similar action which eliminates the reason for granting the variance. Use variances prohibited.The board of adjustment and appeals or any other body, unless specifically authorized by this chapter, shall not grant a variance to establish or expand a use 2 i not allowed as a permitted use or special exception use in any zoning district or a use not allowed within a residential planned unit development. (k) Other lands and uses. Evidence of nonconforming use of neighboring lands, structuress,or buikfings in the same zoning district or the permitted use of lams, structures, or buildings in other zoning districts shall not be considered grounds for the authorization of a variance. i Variance from development standards prohibited. The board of adjustment and appeals, unless specifically authorized by this code,shall not grant a variance from the development standards regarding uses as set forth in Table-30-4 (m) Findings: The board of adjustment and appeals shall make findings that an application for variance approval has complied with the requirements of this section. (2) The board of adjustment and appeals shall further make a finding that the reasons set forth in the application justify the granting of the variance,and that the variance is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building, or structure. (3) The board of adjustment and appeals shall further make a finding that the granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood, or otherwise detrimental to the public i welfare. (n) Appeals. Appeals of the decisions of the board of adjustment and appeals shall be filed with the Fifteenth Circuit Court in and for Palm Beach County.Appeals shall be filed within thirty (30)calendar days following the decision by the board of adjustment and appeals. (0) Limitations.Whenever the board of adjustment and appeals has acted on a request for administrative review or variance,the board shall not consider any request for substantially the same action for a period of one year from the date of the initial decision. (p) Interpretations, decisions, and appeals. (1) Appeals of a decision, order, requirement, determination, or interpretation of the building official or other town official regarding the provisions of this chapter shall be filed with the board of adjustment and appeals. (2) Appeals shall be filed on an application established by the building official. (3) 3 The appeal shah be considered by the board of adjustment and appeals not more than thirty(30)days following receipt of a complete application by the building official. (4) The vote of at least four(4)members of the board of adwtrnent and appeals is necessary to grant an appeal or to reverse the decision, order, requirement, determination, or interpretation of the building official or other town official. (Ord.No. 684,Art. 111,§10. 7-25-00) i 4 Jeffrey Sandelman 3905 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, Florida 33487 November 12, 2014 Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals 3614 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, FL 33487 RE: Request for a variance submitted by Golden City Highland Beach, LLC ("Developer") Application#37015 1 am writing to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals as a resident of 3905 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, FL. My home is located directly across from the proposed Golden City Highland Beach Development ("Project"). The purpose of my letter is to express my vehement objection regarding the requested variance proposed by Golden City Highland Beach, LLC, under application#37015. The request to exceed the permitted height limitation of thirty five (35') feet is, in my view, excessive, unwarranted and likely would cause a nuisance. A variance of 174 feet is not a minor request, and would constitute a major alteration of this portion of State Route AIA. It would be spot zoning at its worst. The Town, in its wisdom, designed a Zoning Plan to limit grotesque high rise buildings on such a narrow stretch of seaside, picturesque roadway. The construction of Toscana was an anomaly. To allow another high rise in this area would place an additional burden on an already overly congested and dangerous roadway. Permitting any type of significant development at this location will lead to increased traffic and resulting personal injuries. Furthermore, has anyone taken into account the height of the building and the impact interior lighting would have on the nesting habitat of sea turtles? As I understand, the 35' height restriction has been in place for a significant period of time and most certainly was in place prior to the date the Developer purchased the property. Obviously,the Developer, as part of its due diligence, was aware that the property was subject to reasonable zoning restrictions, as well as being comprised of mainly a mangrove swamp. The mere visitation of economic hardship is not a reason to grant a variance of even a few additional feet, let alone one of 174 feet, It should come as no surprise to the Developer that the residents of the town would, and do, object to granting their request. This Developer is gambling that residents will not pay proper attention to the goings on,at Town Hall. Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals November 12,2014 Page 2 The Project should retain the 35' height limit without a variance. I would also question any modification which would make a residential multi-family development a more likely use. Even a large number of townhouses and patio homes would disturb the area. The character of the city has been enhanced by reason of the recent construction of single family detached residences. Development should continue in that manner. To allow a building of this size on AIA would be a gross mistake adversely affecting the entire neighborhood with traffic congestion, shade and the disruption of a serene environmentally protected area. In conclusion, interestingly, the Developer's name, Golden City of Highland Beach LLC was chosen wisely. It references something of value, whether it be an element,an adjective or an illusion to something of value. Why not even consider renaming the Developer as the "Goose That Laid the Golden Egg, LLC?" The Developer knew what it was purchasing: seven(7)plus acres of land for $1,500,000.00 in a prestigious South Florida ocean side community -- what a deal! Now, if it can just "slightly" modify the existing height restriction from 35' to only 209', this would be a financial windfall. It is almost as if the Developer bought the goose that laid the proverbial, "Golden Egg." This request is out of order. This type of complex, on this site, is wrong and most certainly inappropriate in Highland Beach, in this or any day and age. Thank you. /Very truly yours ey delm r" W'VEFFREYICORREMenu to Town of Highland Beach II-13-14doea PAUL B.BERNSTEIN Attorney at Law 185 N.W.Spanish River Boulevard,Suite 100 Boca Raton,Florida 33431 Tel: (561)988-2875 E-mail: PBernstein@kiapropertiea.com November 12,2014 i VIA&MAII.(V Beacb.FI..USI Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals 3614 S.Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach,FL 33487 RE: Variance Petition #37015 (the "Petition") submitted to the Town of Higbland Beach (the 'rows") Board of Adjustment and Appeals (the "Board") submitted by Golden City Higbland Beach,LLC(the"Developer")for the property on South Ocean Boalevard with a P.C.N.of 24-43-47-044WO14WO(the"Property") I represent Jeffrey Sandehnan, the resident of 3905 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, Florida Mr.Sandelman,as a long-time resident of the Town objects to the variance requested in the Petition. The Petition is a blatant attempt at spot zoning for financial gain and, if granted, would be inconsistent with the Town's current zoning restrictions. As you know,the current Zoning Code of the Town of Highland Beach(the"Code")was adopted on July 25, 2000. In February of 2013, Meir Swerdlow purchased the Property for $1,500,000.00 and transferred ownership to Developer via quitclaim deed for nominal consideration in April of 2013. The Property was vacant and is subject to a multiple-family-low density (RML) zoning as set forth in the Code adopted in 2000. Among other requirements, the RML zoning district contains a THIRTY-FIVE (35') FOOT MAXIMUM height restriction. This restriction is not new, and was in place prior to the Developer's purchase of the Property. The Developer seeks to avoid the restrictions in the Code solely for additional financial gain. The Code(as updated in 2000)was adopted by Highland Beach's governing authority for a purpose; to foster a beachside community without the trappings of high rise buildings blocking views or creating resulting havoc on the roadways. i The $1,500,00.00 purchase price paid by Mr. Swerdlow, a principal of the Developer, for in excess of seven(7)acres of land in a prestigious South Florida ocean side community,reflected the state of developabilty of the Property taking into account the existing circumstances at the time of such purchase, including, without limitation, the nature of the preserve areas, wetlands, and, of course, the zoning restrictions affecting the Property at the time of the purchase. None of those circumstances has changed since the purchase nor for many years prior to such purchase. Developer's application contains pictures showing the changing nature of the wetland delineation of the Property over time. Please specifically note, however,that the pictures contained in Exhibit"C"to the Petition are from a Wetland Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals November 12,2014 Page 2 Delineation report prepared by Solutech, Inc. for the Property in December 2011 (two(2)years prior to Developer's purchase of the Property). All of the pictures from that report included in the Petition were taken more than three(3)years prior to Developer's purchase of the Property. The Developer walked in with his eyes wide open. A waiver by the Board of the height restrictions in the RML zoning district would result in a financial windfall for the Developer and a significant change in the character of the development of the Town from what is contemplated by the Code,all to the detriment of the Town and its residents. There are certain requirements that must be addressed in connection with the Board's consideration of the requested variance and this attempt at spot zoning. In lieu of addressing every possible contortion for the relief requested,the Board should consider the following. 1. Hardship. Section 30-40(ex2)of the Code requires that in order for an owe to claim a hardship, "special conditions and circumstances truly represent a hardship, and are not created by any actions of the applicant." The applicant, Developer, purchased the property with full knowledge of the existing height restriction. As noted above,its purchase price reflected the existing restrictions at the time of the purchaser,which have not changed. The Petition ignores that all of the conditions from which the Developer seeks relief existed at the time of the purchase (and with respect to the existing zoning restrictions, thirteen (13)years prior to its purchase). The Code was designed specifically to take into account the impact of development on the character of the Town and the effect on its residents, and should not be abandoned as the Petition requests. Moreover,this is not a"special condition." Many areas are impacted by wetlands and/or reasonable zoning rules, the Property happens to be one of them, and these cumbersome conditions are not special. 2. Minimum Variance. Section 30-40(ex5)of the Code requires that any variance granted must be"the minimum variance that will make possible the use of the land, building or structure." The land that is developable(not encumbered by wetlands and mangroves)is usable without any variance,and there is no variance from the Code that would permit the portion of the Property that is encumbered by wetlands and mangroves to be usable because the usability of that portion of the land is not restricted by the Code,but rather by environmental laws. The Developer could build many single family residences on the Property without the necessity of a variance of even one foot. No change in the height restriction could possibly meet the requirements of Section 30-40(ex5) of the Code and therefore, the requested Petition should be denied on that basis alone. 3. Maximum Density. Table 30-2 of the Code notes that all properties in the RML district have a MAXIMUM density of 6.0 units per acre. The Developer's Petition claims that nearly 90'/a of the allowable density of the Property is lost due to natural habitat. As noted above, nothing has changed at the Property since the time the Developer purchased the Property. In addition,please note that the density allowed in the Code is a maximum density based on the circumstances. For illustrative purposes, if 100'/6 of the Property were covered by wetlands and mangroves,then no development would be permitted on any of the Property,as that is not a Code issue,it is an environmental protection issue. Therefore, in the can of the illustration in this paragraph, even if the Property was 7.43 acres and entitled to a maximum of 45 units on the Property, none would be permitted if the Property were entirely comprised of wetlands. The same type of calculation is required in this circumstance. The conditions on the ground do not permit the maximum density allowed by the Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals November 12,2014 Page 3 Code, and only the amount of density appropriate to the developable land pursuant to the Code is permitted. The Developer has asked the Board to dispense with one section of the Code so that it can have the maximum density for 7 acres constructed on.75 acres. The provisions of the Cock are intended j to work in conjunction with each other, and the Board should not disregard one requirement in the Code to achieve a MAXIMUM allowance in another section of the Code. The letter from the Town desponding to density availability, which the Developer touts, clearly states that any development of the Property must comply with all provisions of the Code,which certainly includes the height restrictions. The Developer seeks relief from the Code because 90%of the property is unusable,claiming"the density in the RML zoning district is 6.0 units/acre which yields 45 residential units for the property—with a limited footprint to build on, the only option is to go up." This is not what the Code intends. Again,the density levels set forth in the Code are maximums based upon the circumstances on the ground. Because only .75 acres of the land is developable, the calculation of the permitted density should be 6 units per acre of the land to be developed. If, in the future,the Developer was permitted to develop any portion of the area that is currently covered by mangroves and wetlands on the Property,then that area of the Property would also be permitted the same density Lewis, all subject to the height restriction set forth in Table 30-2 of the Code. The Developer should not expect(and the Board should not create a future expectation by other developers) that the Town and the residents will provide a financial windfall to the Developer at the expense of zoning inconsistency which undermines the intent of the Code. Any hardship claimed by the Developer was self-created and did not occur overnight(or even in the five years prior to the Developer's purchase of the Property). 4. Type of Development. The Developer states, "The RML zoning district is not intended for single-family or duplex style development. However, singe family residences is effectively all that could be built on the Property under the applicable dimensional requirements of the code. Therefore,the only option is to build upwards." While single family homes may not be the most profitable type of structure to the Developer, Table 30-4 of the Code does not treat the approval process for single family homes differently than that of multiple family dwellings or townhouses,all requiring site plan approval, and therefore,contrary to the Developer's Petition,single family homes receive the same treatment in this zoning district as any of the other types of higher density uses preferred by the Developer. 5. Height of Neighboring Structures. The Developer's Petition refers to the fact that there are many structures that "have building heights that exceed 35 feet." These other buildings were built prior to the 35' restriction being put in place, and such restriction was adopted with the Code in 2000 to prevent more buildings in excess of that height from being built in order to preserve the character of the Town and usage rights of the residents thereof. As noted above,to say that"no special privilege would be conferred to Developer by the award of the variance," is absurd. If the Board grants the requested variance, the Developer would receive a huge economic benefit,to the detriment of adjacent and contiguous buildings in the area. There are a number of issues that are not included in the Developer's application, including, possible layout, parking,and actual use of the Property. Based on the Petition, it is difficult to determine how the use of the future development may impact the Town and its residents, including, without limitation, increased traffic congestion and other safety concerns. However, in addition to the reasons set forth above, the requested variance should be denied based on the change in height and its effect on the r Town of Highland Beach Board of Adjustment and Appeals November 12,2014 Page 4 air and light rights of neighboring residents and the negative impact on the character of the Town as intended by the Code. A 16 story building constructed directly across from my client's single family home would constitute a deprivation of building and air rights that the Developer wishes to violate solely for its own economic well-being. This variance request is not appropriate;it is improper and is effectively an attempt at spot zoning which should be denied. if you have any questions or comments,please do not hesitate to sill me. Thank you very much for your consideration. in Mr. &Mrs. Charles R. Laverty, Jr. 10 Cedar Road Belmont, MA 02478 October 20, 2014 Dennis Sheridan 3114 S. Ocean Blvd., Al A Monterey House U#608 Highland Beach FL 33487 Re: Golden City Land Development Unit 1001,Toscana West Highland Beach, Fl, Dennis, I understand that a hearing has been confirmed for November 19, 2014 at the Town Hall relative to the proposed Golden City Development South of - Toscana. We will not be in residence on the 19",but will be there in spirit in opposition to the development. Thank you for your consideration and support! We will be down (12/4 to 12/10), the week of the Boat Parade, to open up. Looking forward to seeing you and Barbara soon, we are Very truly yours, le an ud CRL,jr:nh 1l C "J� / Valerie Oakes �- Beverly Brown Monday, October 27,2014 10.01 AM To: voakes@ci.highland-beach.fl.us Subject FW:Golden City Please include with your correspondence for eh Hearing. From:Therese Schwab rmailto:t35440aoI.cmn1 IQ P 1, Saturday, October 25, 2014 3:33 PM TO: Beverly Brown Subject Ford: Golden City Sent from my Wad Begin forwarded message: From: Therese Schwab<t3544&aol.com> Date: October 25,2014 at 3:24:23 PM EDT To: "icbrady@fflnstein.com"<jcbrady Wnstein.com> Subject: Golden City I am the owner of unit 201 in Toscana South condominium .I will not be in residence at the condominium on the date of the board of adjustment hearing on the application for variance by Golden city.nevertheless I want to share my opinion with the board. I am opposed to the application to increase the height and number of stories of the proposed development. Several years ago the town commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this Zoning district to 35 feet or three stores .To approve this application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non elected board for the town commission based upon the information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present and the applicant merely wants the town to save it from a bad decision.The application should be denied. Therese and James Schwab Sent from my iPad i REGENCY HIGHLAND CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. September 24, 2014 To: Mayor Bernard Featherman, Vice-Mayor Ron Brown, Commissioners: Carl Feldman, Dennis Sheridan, Louis Stern Your Honorable Mayor, Vice-Mayor and City Commissioners, The Board of Directors of Regency Highland Condominium Association, as representatives of our community, in conjunction with the expressed wishes of our community members, as expressed in the attached petition, strongly oppose granting the variance requested by Golden City, Highland Beach, LLC. The requested variance is directly adjacent to our property and poses a direct hardship to our residents. Our residents purchased their homes with the expectation that the protected approximately 90% wetlands, including 2.00 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation and 4.58 acres of mangrove would remain protected as prescribed by law and that the City's height restriction of 50' on new construction would be adhered to as well. Not only would the proposed 16 story structure adversely affect the views and quality of life of our residents, but the proposed construction would adversely affect our property values as well. Additionally, from an ecological standpoint, the proposed structure would have a deleterious effect on the estuarine environment, which includes, but is not limited to, the manatees, turtles, various fish and wildlife and vegetation that utilize the above described protected wetland and mangrove areas as spawning and feeding grounds, as well as a protective area from passing boats and vessels. We are making a formal request to forward to our management office any and all meetings, workshops, discussions open to Highland Beach residents so that our Board of Directors and unit owners may the opportunity to attend and express our concerns. Respectfully, Board of Directors of the Regency Highland Condominium Association 3912 SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD ❑ HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA 33487 0 (561) 272-2506 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN WE THE UNDERSIGN OBJECT TO ANY VARIANCES ON THE PROPERTY SOUTH OF TOSCANA AND,NORTH OF REGENCY HIGHLAND ON AlA zo 4 pv�) c1ld, �/'7f C44u� /0/0-v- dov---- 5 o ce 0 4 v Lq 9i 6 4 s A i: .1 PZ b w a t I �� � _ � � ('rte ��. ���� �,� 1 -701 <-t"Iri cz vsv),�fl P-o J, o h t 5t(A/I Q KjA zo C A A I v VV V Vo C ,fi fS - Cl JVev _ - --------------- - r 7-5 C�tLL I /JAC B CO t NL LA VIAC Valerie Oakes W-4"M Beverly Brown it Tuesday,October 28,201410-42 AM � voakes@ci.highland-beach.fl.us Stobject FW.Golden City Land Development Variance Nov 19,2014 Hearing Ron : Stewart Perlow DMD fmaiOgdecosallor(ahotmail.com Soft Monday,October 27,2014 12:02 PM To: Beverly Brown; icbrady@amstein.com Adam Grandis Subject Golden City Land Development Variance Nov 19,2014 Bearing I am the owner of Unit 710 in Toscana West Condominium. I am a full- time resident at the Condominium and on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing will be attending the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago, the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the emulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet Mgs or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Stewart Perlow DMD Owner Toscana West 710 Highland Beach,FL 33487 561 276 3345 561 542 6964 FREDRIC J. LAFFIE 2095 Legion Street Bellmore,New York 11710 October 30, 2014 Town Clerk Beverly M. Brown 3514 South Ocean Boulevard Highland Beach,Florida 33487 Dear Ms. Brown: I am the owner of Unit 903 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present, and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, Fredric J. Laffie Cc: James Brady, Esq. :V4 VED 2014°beaofd Beach, Ft Steven M Terk 3740 S Ocean Blvd#1210 Highland Beach,FL33487 November 9,2014 Town Clerk Highland Beach Town Hall 3614 S Ocean Blvd Highland Beach,FL 33487 Re:Board of Adjustment&Appeals Public Hearing November Golden City Land Development Request I am the owner of Unit 1210 in Toscana South Condominium. I am a permanent resident I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. V tr ly Steven,M Terk Cc:lames C Brady,Esq,200 East Las 01as Boulevard;Suite 1000;Ft Lauderdale FL 33301- 2299 Valerie Oakes From: Ted& Renee Alman <rtalman@sprintmail.com> Sent Friday, November 14,2014 1128 AM To: Valerie Oakes Subject: Vote on proposed variance Good morning, We are owner/residents at Regency Highland,3912 South Ocean Blvd.,and are unable to attend the public hearing on November 19. We would like to express our strong opposition to the proposed variance request for property located between Regency Highland and Toscana.We do NOT want a 16-story building to be constructed on this environmentally sensitive site. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Renee and Ted Alman rtalman0swintmail.com Valerie Oakes From: Honorava@aol.com Sent Tuesday, November 18,201410:39 AM To: Valerie Oakes Subject: Fwd:Proposed Golden City Variance From: msirm1ftmail.cDrn To: Honoravagbaol.com Serf 11/16/2014 9:11:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time Subj: Proposed Golden City Variance I am the owner of Unit 1208 in Toscana South Condominium I will not be able to attend the Board of Adjustment Hearing on November 19. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non- elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Write that email and send it to voakes&i.highland-� flxs with a cc to corn thanks Ilyne Mendelson November 17,2014 TO: Town Clark of Highland Beach SUBJECT: Board of Adjustment Hearing November 19th,2014 - Variance by Golden City We are the-owners of Unit 1203 in Toscana West Condominium.it will be impossible for us to attend the Board of Adjustment Heating on the application for variance by Golden City, Nevertheless,we wish to share our opinion with the Board: WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw ftt to revise the regulation to limit the height of buildings In this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories.To approve this Application would,In effect, nullify not only those revislonj but also the whole,purpose and 2n?gm, of those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon lnfbrmation provided to us,we conclude that there Is no legal hardshippresent,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save It from a bad decision. Speaking of hardship and decisions,we enquired about the regulation governing this particular lot before we acquired our unit last year.The regulated limits were Important in our decision to buy the unit.It never occurred to us that such regulations could be waved.Why regulate if this Is the case?How can individuals like us trust these regulations if they can be waved?After all,this is the ultimate land of law.Changing regulations to fit one company at the expense of many established taxpayers is not right. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Thank YOU for yoas under-standing Suzanne Fournier Denis Ouellet Adaro, Janice L. From: RKSMYWAY@aol.cDm Sent: Monday, November 17, 201410:43 AM To: Brady,James C. Subject. Fwd: Proposed Golden City Variance Attachments: winmail.dat From: rnsirmllftmail.cDrn To:rksmMygbaol.com,Honorava(cpaol.com Sent 11116/2014 9:11:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time SuN: Proposed Golden City Variance I am the owner of Unit 1208 in Toscana South Condominium. I will not be able to attend the Board of Adjustment Hearing on November 19. Nevertheless, I want to share my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conclude that Uwe is no legal hardship present and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Write that email and send it to voakes(cD-ci.highland-beach.fl.us <maifto:voakesOci-hi-ghland-beach.fl.us> with a cc to icbrady@amstein.com <mailto:*cbradY(ZDamstein.com> thanks Ilyne Mendelson Harvey&Undo Newman 40 East 80th Street New York, MY 10075 November 11,2014 James C.Brady,Esq ARNSTEIN&LEHR LLP 200 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 100 Fort Lauderdale,FL 33301-2299 Dear Mr. Brady: I am the Owner of Unit 1408 In Toscana North Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board. I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of the buildings in this zoning district to 35 or three stories. To approve this Application would, in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon the information provided to me, I conclude that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THEREFORE,THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Cordially, Harvey&Undo Newman Aftro, Janice L. From: Bonnie Hirsch<herbonl8@me.com> Sent: Friday, November 14,20141:55 PM To: Brady, James C. Cc: Adam Grandis; llyne Mendelson Subject: Golden City variance application To:The Town Clerk of Highland Beach From: Bonita Hirsch I am the owner of Unit 1501/1601 in Toscana West Condominium. I will not be in residence at the Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City. Nevertheless,I want to share,my opinion with the Board: I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories. To approve this Application would,in effect, nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission. Based upon information provide to me, I conchide that there is no legal hardship present,and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save it from a bad decision. THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Bonita Hirsch 3720 S Ocean Blvd#1541 / 1601 Highland Beach,FL 33487 561-702-8349 herbonl8amacxom MARK KAPLAN 3740 SOUTH OCEAN BLVD UNIT 1803 HIGHLAND BEACH,FL 33487 Dear Board Members, I am the owner of Unit 1803 in Toscana South Condominium.I will not be in residence at my Condominium on the date of the Board of Adjustment Hearing on the application for variance by Golden City.Nevertheless,I want to share my opinion with the Board.I AM OPPOSED TO THE APPLICATION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT AND NUMBER bF STORIES OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. Several years ago,the Town Commission correctly saw fit to revise the regulations to limit the height of buildings in this zoning district to 35 feet or three stories.To approve this Application would,in effect,nullify those revisions and substitute the non-elected Board for the Town Commission.Based upon information provided to me,I conclude that there is no legal hardship present and the Applicant merely wants the Town to save,it from a bad decision.THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE DENIED. Sincerely, Mark Kaplan t Monday,November 3,2014 CERTIFICATE OF MAH NG This is to certify that on Monday,November 3,2014,the Town of Highland Beach mailed a copy of the attached Notice of Public Hearing for the property located at S. Ocean Blvd. (PCN 24-43-47-04-00-001-0030 ,Highland Beach,Florida,to the attached list. This mailing consisted of 21 notices. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 3 day of November 2014. Valerie Oakes,Deputy Town Clerk � Town of Highland Beach STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Before me this 3day of November 2014 personally appeared Valerie Oakes,Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Highland Beach,who is known to be the person described and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to and before me that she executed said instrument for the purposes therein expressed. Notary Seal: v ROSALIE DEMARTINO °= MY COMMISSION#EE080671 .,• EXPIRES April 04,2015 (407)398 0153 FlorldaftaryServicexom Notary Public—State of Florida C TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS The Board of Adjustment&Appeals of the Town of Highland Beach will conduct a Public Hearing in the Town of Highland Beach Town Hall Complex located at 3614 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach,FL 33487 on Wednesday,November 19,2014 at 9:30 a.m.to consider the following: REQUEST SUBMITTED BY GOLDEN CITY HIGHLAND BEACH, LLC FOR A VARIANCE REQUEST FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD(24-43-474400-001-0030),HIGHLAND BEACH, FL. REQUESTING THE FOLLOWING: APPLICATION#37015—RELIEF FROM HIGHLAND BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 30-Ka), AND TABLE 30-2,THAT REQUIRES A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF 35 FEET IN RESIDENTIAL MULTiIPLE FAMILY LOW DENSITY GUvEL)ZONING DISTRICT. Application is available for public inspection at the Town Clerk's Office, 3614 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach,Florida during normal business hours—Monday—Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Any person who decides to appeal the decision made by the Board of Adjustment&Appeals made at this meeting with respect to any matter considered,you will need a record of the proceedings and,for such purposes,you may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based Valerie Oakes,CMC,Deputy Town Clerk Published in the Palm Beach Post on Saturday,November 8,2014 This notice to be mailed certified mail and return receipt on Monday,November 3,2014,to property 3owners located within 300 feet of the of the affected property, excluding property rt3 owned by the applicant. Yta �uirww� irri l tilt spit sow .bdbft ! i