Exh 8HAGENDA ITEM #8Ii
OCTOBER 14, 2002
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Redevelopment options related to Mayport Road within City of
Atlantic Beach
SUBMITTED BY: Sonya Doerr, AICP, Community Development Director 5,~
DATE: October 07, 2002
BACKGROUND: As efforts related to the Mayport CRA, median construction, bike line
and right-of--way improvements continue to progress, the City Commission may wish to
consider other actions which will complerrient and coincide with these longer range .projects,
but which maybe implemented in a more immediate time-frame.
Several actions, which will begin to contribute to the improved appearance of the comdor;
have now been implemented by the City. The amended sign regulations will have an. impact
on visual clutter and improved aesthetics related to signage as applications for new signs are
submitted, and Code Enforcement continues efforts to rid the area of illegal signs. Also, Code
Enforcement is now actively pursuing compliance with earlier amendments to Chapter 24,
which require dumpsters to be enclosed and screened from view by a fence or landscaping.
Staff has considered several of the following options which may result in immediate
improvements and which would not be in conflict with the large long-term projects that are
ongoing.
ZoninL Regulations and Design Standards
Several Use-by-Exceptions for new businesses along Mayport Road have been approved
during the last year, and all of these have contained various conditions related to landscaping,
signage, lighting, fencing, with the intent of enhancing the appearance of these new businesses.
However, given that this is a limited zoning process, the Commission may wish to consider
adoption if a simple overlay district that addresses specific design related issues, such as:
Fences -The use of chain-link, concertina wire, and other types of unsightly security
fencing is a major problem along the corridor frontage. There are no regulations that
currently prohibit these.'
• Landscaping -Enhanced landscaping requirements could be considered, although these
would have to be reasonably and carefully drafted, given that most sites within the
COAB.portion of the corridor are developed ,with limited opportunity for landscaping.
Redevelopment sites, particularly those that require stormwater improvements, could be
required to incorporate landscaping enhancements into retention/detention facilities.
The types of landscape materials required could also be prescribed with the objective of
requiring trees and shrub varieties that deliver high visual impact and that are suitable
for the harsh environment of a major arterial roadway.
AGENDA ITEM #3H
OCTOBER 14, 2002
Building and finish materials -While the City probably does not wish to impose full
architectural review, we may wish is to consider restrictions on the type of finish and
building materials used along the corridor frontage. For instance, the use of metal
fascia or metal-clad buildings may be prohibited, and restrictions against overhead
doors and open work bays facing Mayport Road could be restricted. Buildings could
also be required to have doors and windows on the front of the building to minimize an
industrial appearance. There are currently no regulations, which provide staff with any
tools to encourage more aesthetically pleasing design.
In summary, there are any number of simple design-type requirements that can be prescribed in
a clear and objective manner, but which would have a significant impact upon the face of the
corridor.
Landscaping along public areas and right-of--ways
The Landers Atkins study, completed in May of 2001, addressed the importance of
landscaping. While landscape plans will be incorporated into any median construction, the
City may wish to consider preparation of a landscape plan along right-of--way edges, and at
street corners, which would not be in conflict with future FDOT improvements. There are
numerous locations between the foot of the flyover ramp and Church Road where street trees
and landscape improvements could have a significant visual impact. Improvements to the
existing bus stops are also needed. Again, the choice of appropriate landscape materials is
critical. Any street trees would be required to meet FDOT safety standards, and shrubs or
plantings would need to very low maintenance and drought, heat and emissions tolerant. A
partnering program, which would incentivise adjacent business owners to maintain and take
some ownership in these landscape areas, should also be considered.
Staff will pursue any, or all, of these options as directed. Based upon discussions with ~IDR
Landers-Atkins (the consultants who have been working on the proposed Mayport CRA), it is
anticipated that similar types of recommendations may be included in the final Mayport CRA
Redevelopment Plan. As such, we may have a window of opportunity to establish some
patterns and standards that would be carried forward by the City of ,Jacksonville along the
northern portion of the corridor.
BUDGET: Possible commitment of funds for preparation and implementation of a landscape
plan.
RECOMMENDATION: Direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS: Photographs.
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
2