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The Palms Apts Correspondence I ' �Jr✓r� CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH f" DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 1200 SANDPIPER LANE ..+ ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233-4318 J S) TELEPHONE: (904)247-5834 FAX: (904)247-5843 SUNCOM: 852-5834 J;31s) www wab.us March 17, 2008 Mr. Chris Hionides P O Box 330198 Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 RE: The Palms Dear Mr. Hionides: During a preliminary plan review I stated that I was unsure of whether the units in The Palms would need to be individually metered or not. I have discussed the issue with the St. Johns River Water Management District, and per their requirements, each unit in The Palms must be individually metered. Also, all water and sewer infrastructure must be brought up to current City and Fire Department Standards. Should you have any questions, feel free to call me at 270-2535 or e-mail me at cll:aluzriiak,'tkoab.cls. Sincerely, Donna Kaluzniak Utility Director cc: Sonya Doer, Community Development Director OUR Properties March 17, 2008 Mr.Jim Hanson City Manager City of Atlantic Beach 800 Seminole Road Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233 Re: Palms Apartments Redevelopment Status Dear Mr. Hanson: Chris Hionides requested me to respond to your letters dated December 20, 2007,and February 26, 2007,regarding the former Palms Apartments development plans. I work with Chris in financing and development of real estate projects, and have been working diligently on the Palms project. The existing lending and credit markets are undergoing severe strains,as witnessed by the Federal Reserve's recent unprecedented actions to restore orderliness and liquidity to commercial and investment banks.Commercial real estate development and construction financing on both a national and local level has been adversely impacted. We have sought financing from local and national sources for The Palms Apartments project without success,and have been deeply disappointed.The delay in construction has also been financially straining for the owners. Because of this current lending environment,we have commenced the application process for CWHIP/SAIL/MMRB funding for multi-family rental housing. The Application deadline for 2008 SAIL(State Apartment Incentive Loan Program) is April 7,2008,and we request the City's support of our funding request for 100 workforce rental units. While we continue to explore conventional financing sources,which may be quicker to access,we will move forward on the various State and local funding sources.We are diligently pursuing these programs, but as you may know,there is a rigorous application and underwriting process involved in all government programs. The Palms owners continue their commitment to redeveloping the Palms Apartments to provide additional workforce housing for the Atlantic Beach community.We sincerely ask the City for its patience with the ownership in the Palms redevelopment,given the unforeseen and extraordinary constraints in the financial markets. Please contact me if I can provide additional information,or answer any questions that you or the City may have regarding the Palms project. Sincerely, 110��Jfat Glen Trotter Direct Phone: 241-1922 Cc: Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH BUILDING AND PLANNING 800 SEMINOLE ROAD ' .11 ATLANTIC ATLANTIC BEACH,FLORIDA 32233-5445 TELEPHONE: (904)247-5826 FAX: (904) 247-5845 www.coahus October 21, 2009 3952 Mayport Road LLC c/o Glen Trotter 2275 Atlantic Boulevard Neptune Beach Beach, Florida 32266 RE: Proposed redevelopment of former Palms Apartments site at 201 Mayport Road Dear Mr. Trotter: The purpose of this letter is to provide verification of the zoning and Comprehensive Plan land use designations and consistency of the proposed project with these designations and the City's Land Development Regulations. The site has a multi-family (RG-3) zoning designation and a high density residential (RH) land use designation. The RH designation permits up to 20 units per acre. As such, the proposed development is consistent with these designations, and requires no approvals other than standard construction plan review and permitting. While final construction plans are not yet under review, there are no obstacles that would preclude full compliance with all applicable Land Development Regulations. Statement of City's support for Project The City of Atlantic Beach, in coordination and partnership with the City of Jacksonville, the FDOT and area businesses and residents has focused major effort and resources toward redevelopment of the Mayport Road Corridor for the last ten years, and the Palms site has long been a strategic redevelopment priority as a keystone to the success of this larger initiative. The City fully supports redevelopment of this site with multi-family residential use. We have established a positive working relationship with the Applicant and will continue this coordination to ensure a final design and development plan that supports this ongoing initiative. The site is the only remaining location within the City available for higher density residential development where new multi-family moderate income and workforce housing can be provided. The site has no environmental constraints, is not within the Coastal High Hazard Area, and existing access patterns are well-suited for residential redevelopment. The site is easily accessible to shopping and services, schools, and numerous recreational amenities including the beach. The City also anticipates a need for quality, but moderately priced housing as a result of the expansion of Naval Station Mayport personnel and civilian support workers. We actively coordinate with the Navy related to housing issues. This community is highly focused on encouraging reinvestment and redevelopment of older neighborhoods, and redevelopment of this site is a critical component of this objective. We are anxious to see this needed project proceed. Sincerely, ^� Sonya I3oerr,AICP Planning Director, City of Atlantic Beach FACSIMILE MEMO TO. Sonya Doerr FROM: Glen Trotter-Phone (904) 241-1922 DATE: October 14,2009 FAX #: (904)247-5845 RE: Proposed 144-Unit Apartment Project Located at 201 Mayport Road (Former Palms Apartments). Request for compliance Letters for: Comprehensive plan; Zoning per Bend Application(Attached) Sonya,attached are relevant pages from Bond Application requirements. Thank you. Please call me with questions,etc. AGE 15 OF 29 that the site is appropriately zoned and consistent with local land use regulations regarding density and intended use. To meet minimum requirements, attach a letter from the appropriate local government official verifying that the current, applicable Future Land Use Map Designation and associated Local Government Comprehensive flan Future Land Use Element provisionws permit the proposed Development. The local government verification letter can he round directly behind tab labeled "Exhibit 1V- " : OR b. Applicant must provide copies of building permits for vertical construction for all buildings in a multi-building development or a letter stating that excerpt for payment of fees, permits would be issued. A copy of the permits or letter can be found directly being tab labeled "Exhibit IV--.'. 3. Rehabilitation Zoning and band Development Regulation Development Requirements: a. Applicant must provide a letter from the appropriate local government official that the Development is consistent with zoning and land development regulations, which verifies that the site is appropriately zoned and consistent with local land use regulations regarding density and intended use. To meet minimum requirements, attach a letter from the appropriate local government official verifying that the current, applicable Future Land Use Map Designation and associated Local Government Comprehensive Flan Future Land Use Element provisions permit the proposed Development. The local government verification letter can be found directly behind tab labeled "Exhibit IV- OR b. Applicant must provide copies of rehabilitation/building permits or a letter stating that except for payment of fees, permits would be issued. A copy of the permits or letter can be found directly behind tab labeled "Exhibit IV- .";OR c. Applicant must provide a letter form the appropriate local ,government official that verifies that permits are not required for the Development. A copy of the letter can be found directly behind tab labeled"Exhibit IV- C Site Plan 1. New Construction: Has the preliminary or conceptual site plan been approved by the appropriate local government authority? Yes No X If yes,a copy of the approved site plan is attached as"Exhibit I V- If no, local approval is expected on and, if available, a copy of the preliminary or conceptual site plan and description of status in the local government review process is attached as"Exhibit IV, " 2, Rehabilitation: Was site plan approval required by localgovernmental authorities at the time this Development was originally placed in service? Yes No PAGE 14 OF 29 2. Maximum interest rate at which the Development will work 3. Detailed sources and uses, including a breakout for each line item on a per unit cost basis. IV. A8111,ITV TO PROCEED Each Application shall be reviewed for Feasibility and ability of the Applicant to proceed with construction of the Development. A. Site Control Site Control must be demonstrated by the APPLICANT. At a minimum, a Contract for Purchase and Sale must be held by the Applicant for the proposed site. The contract may not expire before December 31, 2006 and the remedy for default on the part of the seller must include or be specific performance, and the buyer MUST be the Applicant. Site is controlled by: Contract for Purchase & Sale, and Title Insurance Coin initment showing marketable title in the name of the Seller X Recorded peed, and Title Insurance Policy Showing marketable title in the name of the Applicant Long-Term Lease: I('site control is demonstrated by long-term lease, a copy of the executed lease must be provided. The lease may be contingent only upon the receipt of Bond Financing. Also,a Title Insurance Commitment showing marketable title in the name of the lessee must be included. IMPORTANT. If site control is not held by the Applicant. a fully executed, enforceable contract for purchase and sale or assignment of contract must be provided which obligates the seller or assignor to transfer the site to the Applicant contingent ONLY upon the award of Bond Financing. If site control is evidenced by contract for purchase and sale,the Authority may give preference to those contracts that evidence ability to extend through ,lune 30, 2007. Evidence of Site Control can be found directly behind tab labeled "Exhibit I V- 13. 'Zoning and Land Development Regulations 1. a. Is the site appropriately zoned for the proposed Development: No Yes x b. Indicate zoning designation(s) RG-3 (Residential General-3) c. Current zoning permits 20 units per acre, or � -"for the site(PUO). d. total Number of Units in Development: 111111111110' 1 4A Note: at is minimum, the current, applicable Future Land Use MapDesignation and associated Local Government Comprehensivc Plan Future land Use (Clement provisions must perglit the prupoted Development. 2. New Construction Zoning and Land Development Regulation Development Requirements: a. Applicant must provide a letter from the appropriate local government official that the Development is consistent with zoning and land development regulatians, which verifies CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH 800 SEMINOLE ROAD ATLANTIC BEACH,FLORIDA 32233-5455 TELEPHONE: (904)247-5800 FAX: (904)247-5805 SUNCOM: 852-5800 1: www.coab.us February 26, 2008 Chris Hionides 2275 Atlantic Boulevard Suite 100 Neptune Beach, FL 32266 RE: Palms Apartments Dear Mr. Hionides; The Atlantic Beach City Commission adopted an ordinance on February 25, 2008 that updates references to more current additions of building and fire codes, deletes some outdated language and adds a provision designating abandoned construction or demolition projects as a nuisance. This ordinance is partially a result of the numerous complaints that the City has received about the partially demolished condition of the Palms Apartments on Mayport Road. It applies to construction or demolition jobs where no substantial work has been completed for a six month period. This ordinance will apply to your property going forward,which means that you will need to get a building permit and accomplish substantial progressresulting in approval of major inspections within the next six months, or you will be in violation of the City Code. A copy of the adopted ordinance is attached for your information. Also attached is a copy of my letter of December 20, 2007. You may not have received it as we have not heard from you in response. If you have any questions or require further information please let me know. I am, Very truly yours, im Hanson City Manager cc: Mayor and Commission ��� 'tza ✓ ucmmssion RECEIVED s [I City Attorney I ASR 0 L 7006 ❑ FiI� OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 40 04 jA 3 �, - st- Hanson, Jim From: Sherrer, Alex Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 3:41 PM To: Thompson, David; Hanson, Jim Subject: Palms Apartments — T=; Just a quick note. There is fresh graffiti on some of the buildings again. Glen Trotter of Petra has been informed and will have it painted over again. Alex Alexander J. Sherrer Code Enforcement Officer City Of Atlantic Beach 800 Seminole Rd Atlantic Beach, FI 32233 Ph(904)247-5855 Fax(904)247-5805 E-mail:asherrer@coab.us 1 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH OFFICE OF THE MAYOR J ak 800 SEMINOLE ROAD SsZ ATLANTIC BEACH,FLORIDA 32233-5455 swww.coab.us .J13 T, ^ December 20, 2007 Chris Hionides 2275 Atlantic Boulevard Suite 100 Neptune Beach,FL 32266 RE: Palms Apartments Dear Mr. Hionides; We are happy to see that plans had been submitted for the renovation of the Palms Apartments in the last few days. As you are already aware,the current condition of the buildings on the property have given rise to several complaints from the public. A successful renovation project will provide needed affordable housing for the community and improve the looks of the entrance to our City dramatically. City staff has discussed with me a number of issues related to the project. One is that site and landscaping plans have not been received as of this time. This includes a drawing showing how you plan to comply with the city's parking regulations of two parking places per unit and. We understand that your intent is to begin construction on some of the buildings in the near future before any site plan has been approved. While it is certainly better to start the construction sooner rather than later,this letter is to request that you provide a little more information on your overall plans. Please provide answers to the following questions; 1) What is your phasing plan and overall time schedule for completion of all phases of this work? 2) How many units do you expect to be working on before the site plan is submitted for city review? The building permit only references one building. 3) When will the site and landscaping plans be presented to the City? Your answers to these questions will help us to evaluate how to best proceed with the permitting for this project. Thanking you in advance for your help in this matter,I am Very truly yours, 4 Jim anson C Manager cc: Dave Hufstetler,Building Official Sonya Doerr,Director of Planning and Zoning Rick Carper,Public Works Director (n'�cJC/t 90 apes 'r, lJ/1' O G� '76 4 Jez 2a1-4 4-:x C 7u iJ0/c G 6tj 47)ea !^n1i7S G �'TOG� r7>AIV� vluv i2S 75 C4-f'P,02->CUc fQ/'c ��7z t�ZFnf APP�JUPc S 7J `Srr�a L�-,7 1-0 ��%Olc � C�JL�c-.� ✓rfk�r �/rox1 �7� Cx��,o � �t-i �7ck,�� � L�T<., Duval County Tax Collector Page 1 of 2 Tax Record I ; 'I i j I 'M I A« Details Last Update:8/6/2008 1:28:12 PM ET Tax Record Ad Valorem Taxes and Non-Ad Valorem Assessments - Paint View The information contained herein does not constitute a title search and should not be relied on as such. Legal Desc. Shopping Cart Account Number Tax Type Tax Ye Payment History 177649-0000 REAL ESTATE 1 2001 Print Tax Bill w�+! Property Info. Mailing Address Physical Address 3952 MAYPORT ROAD LLC 3952 MAYPORT RD 32233 2275 ATLANTIC BLVD STE 100 Searches NEPTUNE BEACH FL 32266-2547 GEO Number Account Number 382S29E-1776490000 Owner Name Mailing Address Street Address Assessed Value Exempt Amount Taxable 4 Certificate $2,797,540.00 $0.00 $2,797,5 Exemption Detail Millage Code Escrow Cod Site Functions NO EXEMPTIONS USD3 Welcome Legal_Description County Login 38-2S-29E-1 3952 MAYPORT RD 38-2S-29E 7.41 B DE CASTRO Y FERRER GRANT PT Tax Search 0/R 13462- 2036 Local Business Tax Privacy & Usage Ad Valorem Taxes Contact Us Exemption Taxable Taxing Authority Rate Amount Value Ti Home CITY OF JACKSONVILLE 5.1934 0 $2,797,540 ST JOHNS RIVER WTR MGMT DIST 0.4158 0 $2,797,540 ST JOHNS RIVER BASIN 0.0000 0 $2,797,540 FL INLAND NAVIGATION 0.0345 0 $2,797,540 BEACHES HOSPITAL 0.0000 0 $2,797,540 USD 3 2.9974 0 $2,797,540 SCHOOLS 7.7550 0 $2,797,540 16.3961 Non-Ad Valorem Assessments http://fl-duval-taxcollector.govermnax.com/collectmax/tab collect mvptaxVS_8.asp?wait=... 8/6/2008 Duval County Tax Collector Page 2 of 2 Total Assessments Taxes&Assessments Prior Years Pay Prior Year Taxes Due Year Folio Status Cert. Cert. Yr. 2007 1111980 17647 2008 $`. 2006 1329066 18465 2007 V Prior Years Total If Paid By Prior Years Due 8/31/2008 $95,279.70 Payment for delinquent real estate taxes must be in the form of a money order, cashier's check or certified check. Delinquent tangible taxes may be paid with a personal or business check. The information contained herein DOES NOT constitute a Title search and relied upon as such.. Print J <<First <Previous Next> Last>> Legal Disclaimer/ Privacy Statement MANATR#tN http://fl-duval-taxcollector.governmax.com/collectmax/tab collect mvptaxVS_8.asp?wait=... 8/6/2008 From: Greger, Wight[WGreger@coj.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 4:47 PM To: Sheila Freaney To FHFC Board and Staff: Thank you for the opportunity to comment in preparation for your strategic planning session. It is commendable that you are looking for local perspectives as well as those that will enable the state to be successful in meeting the housing needs. I would like to encourage you to consider the wide variety of submarkets in Florida;we are a very diverse state and what works in one geographic location may not work in others. For instance, the City of Jacksonville and the JHFA has a dual focus on 1) preserving existing housing stock-not just that which is currently deed restricted, but also those units which are currently without affordability restrictions but which, with assistance from local and state resources, could be brought into the affordable housing inventory, and 2)creation of additional affordable units to serve those families with very low incomes and for persons with special needs. To help us meet our goals, we need a system of resource allocation which is fair, balanced and provides adequate incentives to the development community to engage in development activity in Jacksonville. We are also in need of competent developers who will propose projects which are realistic and financially feasible. I oppose any type of moratorium on resource allocation in Duval County, and the current designation of"Location A"works against our goals. _ Thank you again for facilitating an open dialogue, and good luck with your planning activities. Wight Greger Director Housing and Neighborhoods Department 214 N. Hogan St., 8th Floor (904)255-8204 wgreger@coj.net ' 4 r ' V f From: Greger, Wight[WGreger@coj.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 4:47 PM To: Sheila Freaney To FHFC Board and Staff: Thank you for the opportunity to comment in preparation for your strategic planning session. It is commendable that you are looking for local perspectives as well as those that will enable the state to be successful in meeting the housing needs. I would like to encourage you to consider the wide variety of submarkets in Florida; we are a very diverse state and what works in one geographic location may not work in others. For instance, the City of Jacksonville and the JHFA has a dual focus on 1) preserving existing housing stock-not just that which is currently deed restricted, but also those units which are currently without affordability restrictions but which, with assistance from local and state resources, could be brought into the affordable housing inventory, and 2) creation of additional affordable units to serve those families with very low incomes and for persons with special needs. To help us meet our goals,we need a system of resource allocation which is fair, balanced and provides adequate incentives to the development community to engage in development activity in Jacksonville. We are also in need of competent developers who will propose projects which are realistic and financially feasible. I oppose any type of moratorium on resource allocation in Duval County, and the current designation of"Location A"works against our goals. Thank you again for facilitating an open dialogue, and good luck with your planning activities. Wight Greger ,/ss, a h -- DYl /A//?�e /� S f Director Housing and Neighborhoods Department a g2 193 3 214 N. Hogan St., 8th Floor (904)255-8204 wgreger@coj.net ' Y June 17, 2008 Ms.Sonja Doerr Community Development Director City of Atlantic Beach, Florida Re: Palms Apartments-3675 Mayport Road, City of Atlantic Beach Dear Sonja: Please find enclosed a copy of our State of Florida Apartment Incentive Loan program Package (SAIL)for the proposed redevelopment of the Palms Apartments.The initial State evaluation was poor relative to competitive projects. We are also discussing several funding options with Ms. Wight Greger, Director of the Jacksonville Housing and Neighborhoods Department/Housing Finance Authority, as well as continuing loan package submittals and negotiations with various funding sources both locally and nationally. Despite the tightened capital and credit markets for funding construction projects, we are committed to explore all potential sources that can expedite development and construction. We welcome all assistance from the City of Atlantic Beach to assist us in with this project. Sincerely, '114e J4Vn&e Glen Trotter 3675 Mayport Road, LLC Development Manager Enclosure CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH 800 SEMINOLE ROAD ATLANTIC BEACH,FLORIDA 32233-5455 acs TELEPHONE: (904)247-5800 J FAX: (904)247-5805 SUNCOM: 852-5800 www.coab.us s November 19, 2007 Chris Hionides 2275 Atlantic Boulevard Suite 100 Neptune Beach, FL 32266 Dear Mr. Hionides; Enclosed is a letter you may find of interest from one of our Atlantic Beach residents concerning the unsightly appearance of the Palms Apartments property on Mayport Road. Very truly yours, Hanson City Manager CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH 800 SEMINOLE ROAD ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233-5455 TELEPHONE: (904) 247-5800 FAX: (904)247-5805 x 111 SUNCOM: 852-5800 www.coab.us October 12, 2007 Brenda Wray 2305 Barefoot Trace Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Dear Brenda; Thanks for your letter concerning the unsightly look of the Palms Apartment complex. Many of us share your disappointment that the owner has not moved ahead more quickly to renovate the remaining structures and turn it in to a positive asset for our city. 'Let me first give you a status report and then answer your question as to how you can help. Many others have expressed frustration about the condition of the Palms Apartments, including members of the Mayor and Commission. We have called in our City Attorney to search both city and state codes to see if there is any basis for requiring the owner to either tear down the remaining walls or to begin his renovation project immediately. Unfortunately, the owner is not breaking any city or state laws. Over a year ago,the complex was cited by the city for being unsafe, harboring vagrants and for other reasons. When the current owner purchased the property, he took the minimum steps necessary to alleviate the unsafe conditions. Unfortunately, while it is not unsafe, it is ugly. The City Attorney has now reported that it is possible for the city commission to enact legislation that would prohibit the continuing existence of unsightly structures such as currently exist on the property of the Palms Apartments and I have asked him to make a report to the city commission at their next regular scheduled meeting on Monday, October 22, 2007. Because a new commission will be sworn in on November 6th,there will not be time for the existing commission to take action. However, I do expect that they will refer the matter to the incoming city commission. What can you do to help? First, your letter will be copied to both the existing Mayor and Comunission and to the newly elected members. Second, you will be welcome to attend the commission meeting on October 22nd to voice your concerns and/or listen to the City Attorney's report. You can also speak before the new commission on the same subject. If you choose to do so,please note that the first regular meeting in November will be held on Tuesday,November 13th rather than on November 12th because of the holiday. The second regular meeting that month will be on November 26th. We do not yet have a schedule as to when this will be discussed by the new commission. Thank you for your concerns. I am, Very truly yours, JHanson ity Manager cc: Mayor and Commission Mayor Elect John Meserve Commissioner Elect John Fletcher October 10, 2007 Mike Borno, City Commissioner Jim Hanson, City Manager City of Atlantic Beach Dear Mike and Jim: I wanted to take a minute to express to you both, since you both know me as a reasonable person, just how disappointed I am at our city's inability to have something done about the unsightly, roof-less mess at the entrance of our lovely town on Mayport Road. And that's putting it very mildly! Regardless of codes which don't exist,which can't be broken, how in the world is that allowed to still be sitting there in that condition? Why do I care? Mainly because I've lived in Atlantic Beach almost 15 years, and love it dearly. But now I've taken on a new role, as President of the PTA at Mayport Middle,where my older son Nathan attends sixth grade. We are absolutely delighted with the school,the teachers and the staff. Because I now find myself a strong advocate for the school, anything that hurts the school's(undeserved) less-than-stellar image is something that I must speak up about. For over 20 years,Mayport Middle's enrollment was around 1200,but it started declining around 2000, and is now down to only 670 students. This is due mainly to the huge decrease of navy personnel at the base during that same timeframe, as well as the building of Wonderwood Expressway,which allowed navy personnel to live west of the intracoastal with easy access to the base. Because of the drastic decrease in enrollment,our school budget is also drastically decreased. Therefore one of our top three goals(both the principal's and PTA's) is to increase the enrollment at our school. We must do this by enticing students from other school zones to come to Mayport on"special assignment,"for which we have plenty of room. We are actively working on this in a multitude of ways, but ultimately it all comes down to the fact that prospective students and their parents will drive to the school to see it. Every time I look at that squalor, I cringe knowing it will be the first thing these people will see as they turn onto Mayport Road, on the way to our school! I'm not a complainer by nature; I prefer taking action to correct things. What in the world can I do, as an ordinary citizen, to help with this disgusting mess? I would appreciate any insight. Thanks for all that you both do to keep Atlantic Beach(ALL of Atlantic Beach)beautiful. Sincerely, GJ� � Brenda Wray,President Mayport Middle PTA Cc: Katrina McCray, Principal,Mayport Middle School