City Commission Meeting 5/12:
Not much relevant to downtown was discussed. But in her public comments, Commissioner Fox expressed traffic congestion concerns about the proposed Downtown Master Plan. Specifically:
----she mentioned that a new downtown traffic study is in process, and would like to see the results so far.
----she is concerned about how the DMP will affect stormwater management and tidal flooding along Flagler Drive.
----police & fire response times, plus garbage logistics concern her.
----she wants to make sure that affordable housing incentives are preserved.
Downtown Action Committee meeting 5/13:
Reminder: the DAC is a board of mayor-appointed experts on architecture and urban design who volunteer to review proposed development projects and pass along their recommendations to city commissioners. This meeting was about the proposed DMP, featuring a summarized presentation by Bernard Zyscovich and a plea by the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church to allow for height above 25 stories for their proposed condo tower along Flagler Drive. Development Director Ana Maria Aponte reminded the board that the DMP concerns private land only---not public lands along the waterfront.
Bottom line: the DAC board voted to approve recommending the DMP to the city commission with these additional provisions:
----the current minimum parking spaces per unit will be preserved. The new DMP sought a 25% reduction.
----the DAC board expressed concern about monolithic buildings that might look like "25-story stalagmites," especially along Flagler Drive. So, they want the city to encourage height flexibility, including height reductions along Flagler Drive with the goal of a varied skyline and giving architects more creative leeway.
----add higher impact fees to use on maintaining "biophilic" tree canopy. All agreed that downtown needs more shade trees.
----request more information about multi-modal plans to make sure they are actually going to help alleviate congestion. The DAC seemed to be in agreement that they don't want a jihad on cars via punitive, NYC-style congestion fees or other impediments that can be viewed as elitist, regressive taxes.
----request an independent legal review to make sure that the DMP's height limits, especially along Flagler Drive, do not contradict state law.
The next DAC meeting will be June 10 at 10 a.m.
City Commission meeting 5/26:
Not much here relevant to downtown aside from some pay raises for certain city employees, plus approval of a permit for a country music concert June 12-13 along the waterfront: "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere."
During public comments, Commissioner Fox expressed concern that the city will soon likely ask for yet more money to fix water & mold issues at the downtown police station. Bear in mind that within the last year or so, the commission approved $4m, then another $12m---and it still isn't enough, apparently. So, Fox mentioned that the city should be open to exploring other options instead of pouring more money down that hole.