AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
title
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SITE PLAN REQUEST OF DAVID AULD OF JOHNS FAMILY PARTNERS, LLLP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARKS, OPEN SPACES, AND OTHER HARDSCAPE FEATURES ON THE PROPERTY LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A,” ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, GENERALLY LOCATED WITHIN THE MAINSTREET AT COCONUT CREEK DEVELOPMENT. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)(PUBLIC HEARING)
body
BACKGROUND:
The applicant, Scott Backman of Miskel Backman, LLP, on behalf of the owner, David Auld of Johns Family Partners, LLLP, is seeking site plan approval for the construction of public and private parks, open spaces, and other hardscape features for the MainStreet at Coconut Creek PMDD (Mainstreet PMDD) within the City’s MainStreet Project area.
The MainStreet PMDD was approved by the Planning and Zoning Board on October 11, 2023, and by the City Commission on January 25, 2024. The MainStreet PMDD serves as a master plan and regulating document to guide future development within its boundaries. The MainStreet PMDD establishes guidelines for construction phasing, land uses, building heights, setbacks, densities and intensities, architectural design, and development regulations. Additionally, it outlines streetscape requirements, right-of-way design, and building design for both private and public recreational facilities and amenities, among other criteria.
To date, the City Commission has considered and favorably recommended approval of the following development applications:
• Development of Regional Impact (DRI)
• MainStreet at Coconut Creek Plat
• MainStreet at Coconut Creek PMDD Rezoning
• Block 1 Site Plan (48 townhomes & 56 villas)
• Block 2 Site Plan (9,317 square feet restaurant & 3,900 square feet retail)
• Block 3 Site Plan (8 individual commercial buildings, totaling 67,366 square feet)
• Block 4 Site Plan (472 multi-family units)
• Blocks 5 & 6 Site Plan (148 townhomes)
• Block 9 Site Plan (80 townhomes)
• Block 11 Site Plan (124 condominiums)
• Block 15A site plan (172 condominiums)
• Block 15B site plan (clubhouse and other private amenities)
• Roadways site plan (roadways, infrastructure, on-street parking and other hardscape elements)
DISCUSSION:
The MainStreet Development of Regional Impact (DRI) required the creation of a Master Public Greenspace Plan to ensure greenspace and preservation dedication, in addition to meeting the greenspace requirements outlined in the MainStreet Design Standards. The Master Public Greenspace Plan was developed and adopted within the MainStreet PMDD and this proposed MainStreet at Coconut Creek Parks Site Plan (Parks Site Plan) represents an implementation of the Plan. The proposed Parks Site Plan includes a variety of elements such as large, medium, small pocket parks, exercise trails, passive areas, and multi-purpose elements as detailed below:
Larger parks and features:
1. Cypress wetland - In support of the City’s ongoing preservation efforts, the existing 14.72+/- acre Cypress wetland will remain a protected ecological area in perpetuity. In coordination with Broward County, the applicant will remove invasive and exotic plant material, restore the wetland, and implement a long-term management plan, including erosion control measures to safeguard the wetland from the effects of stormwater runoff and erosion caused by construction and disturbance of natural water flows.
To enhance the wetland preserve, a transition zone will be established along the east side, featuring a depressed swale, raised berm, continuous hedge (with occasional openings for scenic views) and upland native buffer plantings. The developer will also construct a wood pedestrian bridge and a twelve (12) foot walking trail along the southern boundary of the preserve, as required by Broward County.
The Broward County Environmental Permitting Division (EPD) oversees the protection of water, soil, wetlands, and tree resources in Broward County and manages environmental regulatory programs, including wetland permitting. Upon project completion, a conservation easement will be recorded in public records to preserve the Cypress wetland and permanently prohibit future development. The developer is responsible for complying with all EPD requirements, securing necessary permits, and recording the easement while keeping the City informed throughout the process.
2. Florida Power & Light (FPL) Easement corridor - Another significant park within MainStreet is the linear park located within the FPL easement corridor. With more than 17.2 +/- acres of open space, the FPL Park will traverse the MainStreet Project Area from the east side of Block 11 to Lyons Road. Due to access restrictions and construction constraints imposed by FPL, the greenway will be cleared and graded as permitted to provide walking paths, low-profile lighting, low growth landscaping, benches, parking, and dry retention. These improvements and landscaping are subject to FPL’s final review and approval through a Consent Agreement. Additionally, a linear lake along the southern boundary of the FPL corridor will provide additional separation between the corridor and proposed residential areas of Blocks 5 and 6.
3. Village Green - As part of the City’s Civic node on Cullum Road and Banks Road, a 2+/- acre Village Green Park is proposed. The City envisions this park as a communal space for music, art, and movie events, with ample open space for play and gathering aimed at creating a vibrant civic core and recreation center for the MainStreet Project Area. The Village Green Park will serve as the centerpiece, adjacent to residential development and the City Public Safety Complex. The Civic Node and Village Green Park may offer expansive greenspaces, public plazas, and outdoor amenities such as a stage/screen or interactive water elements.
Intermediate parks, plazas and pocket parks:
1. Main Plaza (Park B) - Located at the north end of City Market Avenue (new road), this 0.88-acre plaza offers a lake view from Sample Road. Located between Blocks 5 & 6, the Main Plaza will feature public art, an open lawn, and connection to a pedestrian bridge leading to the passive FPL greenway.
2. Mixed Use Plaza (Park C1A) - Located between townhomes on Block 5 and commercial development on Block 2, this 0.75-acre plaza offers passive play space and serves as a connection between residential and commercial blocks.
3. Lake Park (Park C3) - A 1.87-acre playground near Block 11, designed for children’s recreation serving the MainStreet community.
4. Lake Trail (Park C4) - Adjacent to Block 15, this 1.22-acre multi-use linear park provides active use opportunities along the lake and connection to the City’s Civic Node via pedestrian trails.
All parks within MainStreet offer a balanced mix of passive, active, and recreational spaces, including open areas, shaded benches and tree-lined pathways. Positioned along roadways and sidewalks, these parks enhance pedestrian safety and enjoyment. On street parallel parking adjacent to the parks provide easy access to shaded areas for residents to walk, park, and access park amenities. The Parks plan includes water retention areas that not only offer scenic water views but also improve connectivity between residential and commercial Blocks. To accommodate growth within MainStreet, parks will be developed in phases as development progresses throughout MainStreet. All parks in the proposed Parks plan will be constructed by the MainStreet developer and maintained in perpetuity by the Property Owners Association or other approved entity.
Lastly, MainStreet is located within the Cocomar Drainage District. The City’s Engineering Department reviews all development plans to ensure that pedestrian amenities, including sidewalks abutting or surrounding lakes, detention areas, wetlands, and canals comply with regulatory requirements while providing safe pedestrian access and connectivity.
Actions supporting the following Sustainable Elements:
• Action 1.6: Conspicuous display of green technology:
Electric vehicle ("EV") charging stations including ADA accessible EV charging;
Signs posted in conspicuous locations highlighting sustainable features;
Digital education brochures available via QR code to reduce the use of paper;
Solar “Flower;” and
Wind Turbine.
• Action 2.3: Greenway connection with high-albedo, multi-use path to promote walking and biking and minimize heat absorption.
• Action 5.1: Dedicated recycling facilities for plastic, glass, paper products, and cardboard.
• Action 5.3: Recycling of construction debris.
• Action 6.2: Bike racks placed at strategic locations throughout the development project.
• Resolution 2020-063:
Touchless water bottle filling stations in common areas to reduce single-use plastic waste; and
Signs conspicuously posted to educate residents on proper disposal of home chemicals.
Also incorporated into the project are sustainable elements as part of the overall larger education and sustainability plan for the MainStreet Project Area including:
• Installation of native and Florida-Friendly plants to conserve water and attract native wildlife.
Public Involvement:
As part of the application review process, the applicant was required to perform community outreach, provide project information to neighboring property owners, hear, and address concerns and issues raised through this process. A Community Outreach Summary for the project was submitted and is included as part of the agenda backup for this application.
The applicants key outreach efforts include:
• A dedicated website, www.mainstreetlivebetter.com, where historical City information and details of the proposed project are highlighted. The website includes color renderings, aerial images, a master site plan, a photo gallery, a frequently asked questions section and a contact page where the development team is available to answer questions via a Q&A portal.
• Six (6) public Neighborhood Outreach meetings, conducted in an Open House format, were held at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 5730 N State Road 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with invitations sent to the following groups:
1) Monday, August 28, 2023, Evergreen Lakes and residents within 500 feet of the property.
2) Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Riviera Palms residents.
3) Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Coquina residents.
4) Monday, April 15, 2024, residents within 500 feet of the MainStreet @ Coconut Creek property boundary.
5) Wednesday, July 31, 2024, residents within 500 feet of the MainStreet @ Coconut Creek property boundary.
6) Tuesday, November 12, 2024, residents within 500 feet of the MainStreet @ Coconut Creek property boundary.
Site plans, renderings, and a summary of the multiple applications submitted to the City were presented at the Neighborhood Outreach meetings and residents were given an opportunity to ask questions “one-on-one” with the applicant. Since the date of preparing this staff memo, the City has not received additional resident inquiries related to the project.
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff finds that the MainStreet Parks site plan application complies with the MainStreet at Coconut Creek PMDD, the City’s Land Development Code, the MainStreet Design Standards, is consistent with the applicable goals, objectives, and policies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and complies with the site plan review requirements in Section 13-548 of the City of Coconut Creek Land Development Code.
The Planning and Zoning Board, at its February 12, 2025, meeting, recommended approval of this application subject to conditions. Outstanding DRC comments are included in the Planning & Zoning Board Agenda backup and are available online for your review, subject to the following conditions:
1. Outstanding DRC comments remain effective throughout the development review process and must be addressed prior to building permit issuance or as otherwise stated therein.
2. All parks shall be completed pursuant to the phasing plan in the MainStreet PMDD, or as otherwise stated in a MainStreet development block site plan resolution, or the Development Agreement as most applicable.
3. The parks identified in this site plan shall be open to the public subject to any restrictions in the Development Agreement or by separate agreement between the developer and the City. A public access easement shall be provided by the Developer to the City, which shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s Office and recorded in the public records of Broward County at the applicant’s expense. A recorded copy shall be returned to the City.
4. Provide, at a minimum, ten (10) native category 3 trees on the west side of 48th Street, outside of the ROW, to balance the park landscape design with the cluster of trees on the east side, subject to FPL approval.
5. Provide, at a minimum, five (5) native category 3 trees planted parallel to the west side of Banks Road, outside of the ROW, subject to FPL approval.
6. In Lieu of the solar flower public art installation in the Main Plaza park, the applicant commits to installing a public art installation in the Main Plaza park with a minimum value of $32,000.00 at a scale and size appropriate to the location in the park.
7. This approval is contingent on the applicant’s sale of the property closing and shall not be effective until the effective date of the MainStreet at Coconut Creek Development Agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A