The New Avonlea PUD was approved via Ordinance 2307-2015 and included an exhibit #11 entitled the Off-Site Infrastructure Plan (the plan). The intent of the plan was outlined in Condition #25, which currently states: The Off-Site Infrastructure plan (Avonlea PUD Off-Site Infrastructure Plan, by HJA Design Studio, Sheet 1 and 2 of 2, dated 1.11.16) identifies the phasing of delivery of sidewalks, street and intersections, street furniture, landscaping, parking, lighting, utilities and storm water improvements, which is in addition to the Master Parcel Plan. The Off-Site Infrastructure Plan shall be reviewed for each phase of development of this PUD. Amendments to the Off-Site Infrastructure Plan shall be processed through a minor PUD amendment in order to secure a consistency of improvements throughout the PUD and to account for any off-site infrastructure provided by the City. Any amendment to the Off-Site Infrastructure Plan will necessitate a review and potential updating of the approved REDA agreement (Resolution 01-2018 CRA Avonlea Real Estate Development accelerator).
The New Avonlea PUD (applicant) has requested to modify the plan due to more specific survey and engineering work, which has revealed challenges to completing the plan as originally conceived. The applicant has proposed the following changes to the plan:
1. Sidewalks. Proposed to eliminate the proposed sidewalk on the south side of Baker Road, where grade changes and slopes into protected wetlands create a challenge to development. The pedestrian connection is preserved by the existing pedestrian connection on the north side of Baker Road. The applicant is also proposing an observation deck amenity to Parcel 12 to allow pedestrians to view the wetland. No other sidewalk is being removed from the plan.
2. Gateway/Project Identity Features. These features were included in the plan to provide the conceptual locations and design of identity features and potential public art locations. The applicant has proposed a more specific design for the identity feature for Parcel 2 and 12, and has modified the locations slightly. The applicant has also added a notation that these features are conceptual and the final design and locations will be established at final site plan.
3. Mid-Block Crossings. The original plan included a mid-block crossing at the western end of Baker Road. Since the applicant is proposing the removal of the sidewalk on the southern side of Baker Road, the mid-block would no longer be useful and is proposed to be removed as well. The applicant has added at staff's request, striped pedestrian crossings on the south side of the Baker Road and Green River Parkway traffic circle and at the Dixie Highway intersection.
4. Cross Sections. The applicant has continued their commitment to provide conceptual cross sections that include the material, dimensions and design of mid block crossings and sidewalks. Furthermore, at staff's request, the applicant is adding conceptual street furniture details, which include benches, lighting, trash receptacles, and bike racks.
5. Responsibility zones. At the request of staff and the LPA during previous amendments to the New Avonlea PUD, the applicant has provided a color coded plan that demonstrates which parcel in the PUD is responsible for the provision of the off-site infrastructure on the plan. The proposed plan now provides a responsible property for all areas within the PUD. This will give the City the assurance that all of the off-site areas have a dedicated and predictable phase in which the work is expected to be completed. Further amendments will now be more streamline as it relates to the timing of the off-site infrastructure completion.
6. Utility provider information. The applicant has added a line to demark the parcels in which the City is responsible for providing utilities versus Martin County.
7. There is also portions of the plan that are subject to TAP grant funds which would allow the City to apply and receive FDOT funds to build cross walks an
d sidewalks. In the event that the City can obtain grant funds and expedite the construction timeline, the parties have agreed that the City shall have the right to complete the work based upon the grant specifications.
Staff has worked with the applicant on the revised plan and accepts the modifications. Ordinance 2438-2020 only revises the plan as an exhibit and the condition that refers to the plan. Concurrent to this application is a modification to the Real Estate Development Accelerator (REDA) agreement, as the REDA agreement refers to the original off-site improvement plan and must now be amended to include the proposed changes.
Managers Note:
The observation deck is indicated at the wrong location on the proposed site plan. It is to be located on west side of Parcel 12 where the mid-block crosswalk is and while on Parcel 12 it is to be open to the public.
The Community Redevelopment Board considered this application and recommended approval on May 5th, 2020