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TAMARAC, FLORIDA 33320
5811 NORTHWEST 88TH AVENUE TAMARAC, FLORIDA 33321
TELEPHONE (305) 722-5900
October 25, 1984
NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
TAMARAC, FLORIDA
There will be a Workshop Meeting of the City Council on
Friday, November 2, 1984 at 9:30 A.M. in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, 5811 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, on
the following item:
Sabal Palm Golf Course - Presentation by the
developer concerning proposed Land Use Plan
Revisions and development plans for three
parcels in the golf course.
The public is invited to attend.
Carol A. Evans
Assistant City Clerk
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes
If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the city
Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or
hearing, he will need a record of the proceedings and for such
purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record includes
the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
"Sabal Palm Golf Course"
November 2, 1984
Tape CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kravitz called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M., on
1 Friday, November 2, 1984, in the Council Chambers. Mayor Kravitz read the
official notice of the meeting which was scheduled for a presentation by
the developer concerning Sabal Palm Golf Course. Mayor Kravitz advised
that the previous meeting on this subject did not allow sufficient time
for the developer's presentation or for the public's cent. He continued
that this is a Workshop and there will be no action taken on this item at
this meeting.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Philip B. Kravitz
Vice Mayor Sydney M. Stein
C/M Jack Stelzer
C/M Raymond J. Munitz
C/M Allan C. Bernstein
ALSO PRESENT:
City Manager, Elly F. Johnson
City Attorney, Jon Henning
Secretary, Carol M. Thrasher
MEDITATION AND PLEDGE: Mayor Kravitz led in a moment of meditation followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance.
J. Barry Curtin, representing the Oxford Development Company, stated that
this meeting was for the purpose of reviewing their plans to develop the
grounds around the golf course site. He continued that the architect, the
engineer, and the senior developer of the project would discuss their plans
and concepts in an attempt to get a free exchange of ideas with the City.
Mr. Curtin advised that nothing has been filed with the City on this project;
it is a concept site plan and there is much to be done on this development.
He continued that at this point they need to determine if the project will
be beneficial to both the developer and the City before continuing with
further development plans.
Mr. Curtin distributed copies of a brochure previously delivered to City
residents and provided the background and history of the project. He said
that the existing covenant to keep this site as a golf course will expire
October 1, 1988, at which time the property can be developed for a series
of other uses. He continued that their plans focus on these uses and added
that the developer's rights were affirmed as a result of the City's appeal
to a 1977 lawsuit. He advised that their discussions would include those
375 hcmes that have been adjudicated; a hotel site on the 11 acres at the
intersection of Commercial Boulevard and the Turnpike; and a 50,000 square
feet office building on the south side of Crcial, west of the tunnel
entrance.
Mr. Curtin advised that their proposal also includes donating the deed to
the golf course to the City for perpetuity as a City -owned golf course.
He added that the City would receive approximately $250,000.00 a year in
revenue from a debt -free course.
Mr. Curtin introduced the Senior Developer, George Janke; the Project
Engineer, Richard Wohlfarth; and the Architect, George Mouriz. Mr. Curtin
prefaced. Mr. Janke's slide presentation with the background of the Oxford
Development Cc mpany .
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Mayor Kravitz stated that the statements of the previous speaker have
disproved the rumors that the City has already approved the development
at Sabal Palm.
Mr.Janke provided.a more detailed background of the Ccmipany,stating that
it is the third largest builder of apartments in the world and is a major
developer of residential units with an upgraded, adult theme. He said
that the Cm1pany is expanding to the South Florida area with a major
commitment and is selecting high quality locations for these complexes.
He advised that a complex of 300 apartments is being planned in the middle
of a golf course at Palmaire and several other golf courses in other loca-
tions.
Mr. Janke presented a slide of an office building in Orlando of the same
type that is planned for Tamarac. He repeated that the theme is aimed for
adults, with a restriction for children. Mr. Janke continued that the
Company maintains its own property and manages the developments with its
ewn staff. He invited Tamarac to form a committee of citizens, staff, and
Council to visit the site in Orlando at the Company's expense.
Mr. Mouriz and Mr. Woh1farth provided a slide Presentation. Mr. Mouriz
described the slides of the Reflections project in Orlando, with the same
density planned for Tamarac. He added that this is a waterfront cormmunity
highly ameni.tized by the Lake, the pool and the clubhouse, with two and
three story buildings. He pointed out that the architecture will complement
the community and will not necessarily be the same as that in Orlando.
Mr. Mouriz advised that the boundaries of the project are the Florida Turnpike,
Rock Island Road and Commercial Boulevard; and is approximately 130 acres of
land known as the Sabal Palm Golf Course. Mr.;bhlfarth pointed out the sites
on the screen as Mr. Mouriz discussed the rental community at the intersection
of Rock Island and Cc mercial with access from both roads; the hotel site to
the right at the intersection of the Turnpike and cc mercial; and the office
site across the street from the residential community.
Mr. Mouriz discussed the traffic impact into the existing residential areas
and added that their development does not include any plans to use the existing
roadways. He said that the residential development will have its own access
from Commercial and Rock Island; the hotel will be accessible from Camammercial
Boulevard, with a deceleration lane; and the office site will have access
from Commercial and limited access from 50th Avenue.
Mr. Mouriz pointed out that the residential buildings are 2-story, with 3-story
in the center of the L-shaped buildings, lie said that the Ccmmjnity will have
its own access by a circular drive and will include landscaping, tennis courts,
a large pool and a clubhouse, with the houses surrounding the lake. He added
that automobiles will be concealed by the landscaping effect within the
individual residential areas.
Mr. Mouriz advised that no existing homes will be affected or eliminated by
this development, but the golf course will be restructured so that the first
and eighteenth holes are adjacent to the clubhouse facility. He said that
the hotel will be seven stories or higher to provide visibility from major
roadways and it will have a clubhouse restaurant facility to be used by
lease to the City for the operation of the golf course. Pair. Mouriz added
that an additional 75 parking spaces would be provided for the golf course.
He continued that the office site will be a 54,000 square -foot, 4-story
building, with the majority of the parking underground. He explained that
the first level will be a turn -around area used as a drop-off point, it will
be landscaped to buffer Caemiercial Boulevard and the residential units; and
will provide the primary access to Commercial Boulevard. He added that any
above ground parking would be at the side facing the ccmTercial development
and in the rear by the golf course. Mr. Mouriz said that current plans are
for a 2-story lobby housing a banking facility and the remainder of the
building as offices.
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Mr. Wohlfarth advised that he would discuss concerns with traffic
engineering and water management to provide a better understanding of
their proposal. He said that he was previously associated with the
engineering firm that designed the widening of Commercial Boulevard and
he is aware of the traffic problems in this area. He reviewed the roadways
in the surrounding area and discussed the possibility of traffic generated
by the building of the hotel.
Mr. Wohlfarth said that the 250-room hotel will be approximately an 11-acre
Parcel at the northeast corner of Ccmmercial and Rock Island. He continued
that they are trying to minimize the effect of traffic on 49th and 50th by
creating anew turn lane into the hotel site. He expressed assurance in
achieving this by maintaining a distance of 660 feet between openings or
turn lanes. Mr. Wohlfarth presented a preliminary sketch of the turn lanes
from the turnpike going west, that will be proposed to the County and State
in an effort to minimize the traffic off CcmTercial Boulevard. He added
that Tamarac patrons are also anticipated in the area, so they are planning
a left turn lane to provide for that traffic onto Commercial Boulevard, east.
Mr. Wohlfarth advised that the County has performed a computerized analysis,
"biz run", of traffic for the purpose Of determining the effect of all three
projects on the surrounding roads. He said that the County analysis reported
that these projects will not excessively impact the traffic and there is no
need to do any more work on this side of the bridge on Commercial. He added
that they will be required to make a payment to the County to help widen
Commercial Boulevard east of Powerline Road going toward I-95, and an impact
fee for Rock Island Road, Mr. Wohlfarth said that a requirement of their site
plan procedure and approval would include that they build and pay for the
turn lanes near the residential areas.
Mr. Wohlfarth said that approximately $37,000.00 would be involved with these
"biz runs" and a significant amount of money will be paid as a result of this
project for road improvements. He added that they want to insure that that
money will be applied to projects here, so that Rock Island can be widened
and the turn lanes can be added.
With regard to water management, Mr. Wohlfarth advised that thev must maintain
a certain amount of run-off on their own sites. He added that there are
already many lakes in the City and several on the golf course but they will
also develop other lakes for water management. He pointed out that on the
north side there is a canal or ditch, and this will be widened and improved
for this purpose.
Mr.Wohlfarth pointed out that in 1988 there is the potential for 700 additional
units on this land, which could generate approximately 5,000 trips a day. He
advised that this would not be realized if their project is approved.
Mr. Curtin presented the economic impact and revenues to be generated by
this project, stating that the city -owned golf course could generate approxi-
mately $250,000.00 a year as a debt -free business for the City. He said that
the tax benefits, calculated as the Broward County Ccnr fission's Property
Appraiser would, are $147,102.00 for the apartment complex; $31,800.00 for
the office building; and $66,599.00 for the hotel; for a total of $245,525.00
annually. He added that of this total, Tamarac would get a proportionate
share according to the millage rate.
Mr. Curtin advised that with this project, there would be a series of trade-
offs. He suggested that the higher hotel of seven stories or more, would
attract the more premium type of management group and would provide better
views of the community. He acknowledged that the hotel would be taking the
existing clubhouse, so that would be provided within the hotel, as well as
a restaurant and coffee shop for the patrons of the golf course.
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Mr. Curtin advised that the estimated value of the land is $3� Million and
without this project, the City would have to pass a bond issue with the
attendant costs to the residents to retain the land as a golf course. He
suggested that their project would be a more attractive site than other
potentials and would benefit then as well as the City.
C/M Stelzer pointed out the Sabal Palms Condos on the chart and asked for
clarification on specific setbacks and easements. Mr. Mouriz replied that
there will be a min num of 30-foot setbacks from those condaminiums and
added that the existing road will be part of the physical planning of the
project. C/M Stelzer pointed out a 125-foot easement and the center of
the 8th green and asked how far out they would go in that direction. Mr.
Mouriz advised that the chart was scaled to inches and there would be
approximately 700-800 feet. C/M Stelzer asked how far the building would
be from the tunnel and if there would be a roadway for golf carts. Mr.
Mouriz replied that the tunnel would be maintained and the setbacks would
be 30-40 feet from the property lane, with an additional 30 feet to the
asphalt at Commercial Boulevard. In reply to C/M Stelzer, Mr. Mouriz said
that the tunnel will be dealt with considering the access to the golf course
from the underground parking at the office building. He added that the
setbacks would be 50 feet and would be landscaped.
C/M Stelzer pointed out the location of a concrete wall at Sabal Palm Plaza
and asked how deep the heroes would be from that location. Mr. Mouriz said
that they would be approximately 200-250 feet in depth, and with the frontage
from Commercial Boulevard, it would be 300-350 feet. C/M Stelzer asked if
they were landscaping approximately two-thirds of the faia:way and Mr. Mouriz
confirmed that.
C/M Stelzer referred to a flyer from Mr. Stackhouse with regard to a planned
retirement/convalescent ccxrUlex and Mr. Mouriz confirmed that they were not
considering this.
Mr. Ray Hudemarn7, resident of Section 7, asked if the donation of the golf
course included land for a pro shop; electric cart parking; parking for golf
patrons; maintenance equipment garage and shop, right -of --way at each end of
the tunnel. He expressed his belief that the City should own all those
facilities associated with the golf course. Mr. gohlfarth explained that
the total parcel of land is 130-135 acres and their proposal involves 17
acres for the residential project; 11 acres for the hotel site; and lh acres
for the office site. He said that they would plat the entire 135 acres and
would dedicate the remainder to the City, to include whatever right-of-way
and easement needs are required. Mr. Hudemann referred to a previous presenta-
tion wherein it was stated that the buyers would have a gross tax credit of
$3� Million and asked who that would be. Mr. Janke replied that it is Oxford
Development Company.
Mr. John Fleming, President of the Maintenance Corporation of the Homeowners
Association of Section 7, stated that he has seen three previous presentations
on this project and today's presentation clears up most of his concerns, with
the exception of the traffic impact. He suggested that Council should consider
where the land will cane from for drainage retention; how many Ordinances will
have to be redrafted to cover this project; the $33� Imillion tax credit; and
whether or not the Municipal Golf Course can operate at a profit. Mr. Flemming
said that one of the biggest losses would be the beauty in the gateway to
Tamarac, as viewed from the turnpike.
Mr. Edward Moore, Vice President of Mainlands 7 Maintenance Corporation, asked
what the age restriction would be and Mr. Janke replied that there would be
no children under 16. Mr. Moore asked that the ant with regard to limited
access from 50 Ave. be clarified and Mr. Mouriz explained that it is
presently proposed that the main traffic will come through Commercial and
down into the parking lot, with access from 50th only being for a drop --off point.
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Mr. Mouriz continued that there will be no access to 50th from the hotel
and the two existing roadways to the developuelt will not be urpacted by
any traffic.
Mr. Moore asked if any of the tees will be moved closer to the hones and
Mr. Mouriz said that it is planned to modify several holes, with #1 and #18
being closer to the hotel; but the changes will not affect the hones now
surrounding the golf course.
Ron DeMarco, Resident of Mainlands 7, asked what plans there were for
deceleration lanes cominq from the turnpike west and east -bound into the
project. Mr. Wohl.farth advised that he has been meeting with the District
Design Engineer; and displayed a detailed drawing pointing out how these
lanes will be provided. He added that the limited access easement will
have to be modified and maintained; and then these will be public roads,
with all rights -of -way assigned to the State. Mr. Wohlfarth said that the
turn lane into 50th has not yet been approved by the State DOT and will
need more modifications to be typical. He added that the DOT and Broward
County have developed a traffic -ways plan to cover decelerating problems.
Mayor Kravitz advised, that Council is aware of the matters still pending
with the State DOT and they will be considered in Council Meeting prior to
any vote.
Tape Vincent Trapp, resident of Section 6, asked what would happen if the City
3 did not accept this golf course. Mayor Kravitz advised that it expires
October 1, 1988, and the developer has the option to apply for whatever
building he desires. Mr. Trapp referred to the entrance into Section 6
from Rock Island and Commercial Boulevard and stated his concern about a
thoroughfare into Section 6. Mayor Kravitz assured Mr. Trapp that Council
would consider that at the proper time.
Albert Young, Member of the Board of the Woodlands Hcmeowners Association
accepted the developer's offer to visit Orlando and advised that the Wood-
lands would like to send three representatives. Mr. Young said that there
was a previous proposal for tall buildings at the northwest corner of Rock
Island and Commercial and at that time, it was not accepted because it
,,mould diminish the value of the hones in the Woodlands. He suggested the
building of single family homes as opposed to multi -story homes. He also
asked if the office building could be placed closer to the hotel. Mr. Janke
stated that by the visit to Orlando, the residents will be more assured of
the type of building planned for this area.
Shirley Blumfield, corresponding secretary of Tamarac Presidents Council,
asked how the 375 units would be built and Mr. Janke advised that they
would be one and two bedroom homes.
Lillian Kramer, resident of Mainlands 7, asked the range of rental for these
homes and if the existing sidewalk would be maintained. Mr. Janke replied
that the .rental would be $400-$600 monthly and the sidewalk will remain.
Lillian Feldman, President of the Woodlands Hcoeowners Association, expressed
her appreciation for the presentation and advised that the association would
study this and arrive at a decision.
Bernie Simms, President of the Bermuda Club Condo, expressed his concern over
the traffic on Crcial Boulevard and the entrance from Commnercial.. He
suggested that Council should consider the existing feed -in Lane from the
Turnpike. Mr. Simms said that he is also concerned over the height of the
buildings and the size of the golf course.
Doug Kramer, resident of Mainlands 7, stated his concern for the tall buildings
in a residential section and the need for additional fire equipment necessary
to protect that height. He added that he is also concerned about the addi-
tional people needed to maintain these facilities.
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Bernard Neuman, resident of Vanguard Village, expressed his concern over the
operational costs of the golf course. Mr. Janke advised that their study is
based on the past three years of operation and those figures are not avail-
able today, but will be provided to Council. C/M Stelzer advised that he
has seen those figures and assured Mr. Neuman that they are correct. Mr.
Newman asked if an environmentalimpactstudy had been made and Mr. Janke
replied that all of those items will be addressed in the platting procedures.
Irving Schneider, resident of the Sabal Palms Condo, referred to the access
and egress on Rack Island between Bailey and anv ercial and stated his
concern for the traffic and entry from the Sabal Palms Condo. He asked
that Council consider the traffic pattern from the Sawgrass Expressway as
it affects pedestrians crossing Commercial and Rock Island, because there
are no sidewalks.
Mery Cohen, resident of the Woodlands, expressed his doubt that the municipal
golf course will make money and recommended that the corporation keep the
course but give the City a perpetual dedication that it will be a golf course
forever, with permanent use by Tamarac residents. He stated that he would
prefer to have the corporation maintain the course so the City would not
be involved in a commercial business.
Virginia Taylor, resident, asked how far east of the tunnel would be changed
and Mr. Mouriz advised that there would be no change to the tunnel; it would
be incorporated into the underground parking at the office building.
Seymour Polster, resident of Shaker Village, said that he was concerned over
the revision of the golf course as it affected the playing of the course.
C/M Stelzer replied that it will still be a par 72 course and only the
greens would be modified to be a little shorter.
Dorothy Fleming, resident of Section 7, stated that her home is on the east
side of the curvature of the golf course and she is concerned with the flow
of water in the ditch when it reaches this point. Mr.WWohlfarth stated that
this will be improved and maintained by the developer. Ms. Fleming also
asked if there would still be a turn lane and traffic light at 49th and
Mr- Wohlfarth replied that the developer prefers this, but the DOT will make
the decision. Mr. Janke assured Ms. Fleming that the developer would not
make any recommendations, to re x4e that light.
Bernard Mann, resident of Section 7, asked if the developer would build the
same quality of structures as he has in the northern areas and asked specifically
about sprinkler systems. Mr. Janke advised that the same prototype is built
for every location, with only small variations for the locale. He said that
sprinkler systems are not installed if they are not required by Code.
C/M Bernstein stated that he would like to see an additional plan to show the
surrounding areas adjacent on all sides; the tunnel on C nmiercial Boulevard;
and enlarged detail of roads, both existing and planned. Mr. Janke advised
that he would make that available.
C/M Munitz advised that. the Golf Feasibility Committee would study all the
facts and figures to determine whether or not the City wants this Course.
He reviewed several of the concerns of the residents and stated that Council
will consider these prior to any action on this proposal. C/M Munitz asked
who would own: and manage the apartments and Mr. Janke replied that they will
be owned by the developer or one of its companies, and they will provide their
own trained staff. C/M Munitz stated that this is only a conceptual plan and
assured the residents that nothing has been approved by the Council on this
proposal. He summarized many of the questions that have been taken care of
today and stated that there are still questions to be answered and matters
to be considered as the development progresses.
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C/M Stelzer pointed out that the Court has already approved the building of
a residential area in this location and Council must now be concerned with
the office building, the hotel, and the golf course. He said that the
input from the residents is needed in order to make the determination on
this proposal, and suggested that a straw vote be taken of all of the City's
residents.
Vice Mayor Stein agreed with previous ocnv ents that the building of the
apartment complex is a fact, but the City can control the types of buildings
on this location. He suggested that if the residents want to retain their
golf course view, this proposal must be considered; otherwise there could
be a residential development with approximately 700 units in this location
in 1988.
Mayor Kravitz advised that all views and ideas frcin the residents should be
submitted to Council.
Mayor Kravitz adjourned the Workshop Meeting at 11:45 A.M.
Carol A. Evans
Assistant City Clerk
This public docLmient was promulgated at a cost of $ 119-o %or $ // [(/
per copy, to inform the general public and public officers and employees
about recent opinions and considerations by the City Council of the City
of Tamarac.
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