Here’s The Scoop…A History Lesson…CIC…Accomplishments…

Barbara — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:48:50 +0000

THE HISTORY OF THE CIC……..

‘On a brighter note, our own members have initiated and worked successfully to pass the following:

* The 1998 Height Limit Charter Referendum (3 stories over 1st floor parking).’

‘Along with the 2004 LBTS Voters-Rights Amendment, one of the new ‘CIC’s greatest accomplish-

ments was the introduction by petition – and the passage, despite fierce campaigns by developers and pro-development commissioners, of a townwide 44 ft. height limit in 2006. This charter amendment will prevent our barrier island from overdevelopment, limit further congestion along A1A, and preserve the Town’s low-rise image. The amendment also includes a provision that takes residential rezoning out of the hands of the Commission and requires referendum votes on any rezoning whatsoever in residential areas.’

BCbythesea…question is how fast will this too be deleted from the defunct CIC website?….

http://lbtscic.com/

ABACOA LBTS 2005 TOWN PLAN PRESENTATION…#1….

Barbara — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:43:50 +0000

THE 2005 ABACOA STUDY….

click on the HTML to see presentation pictures…LBTS up to page 21…

[PDF]

A 2005

File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – View as HTML
The Florida Public Officials Design Institute at Abacoa (the Design …. Design Institute Report April 2005. 6. Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea History …

EXCERPTS…

Issues Related to Redevelopment in the Study Area

Education and Change

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea still provides the unique experience of being a seaside village, an

anomaly in South Florida. Although uniqueness is a tremendous quality, it sometimes serves as

a precursor to extinction. Beachfront towns, which are highly dependent on the

tourism/hospitality industry, must occasionally update or reinvent. This ritual is not an

infringement on the identity of the town, but rather a means of embracing and celebrating its

most unique characteristics. It is the process by which tourist-driven economies ensure their

sustainability.

As is the case with all great towns, the residents of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea will fight to maintain

its sense of place. They realize that they are a part of something special and are leery of

change. Town officials understand this and feel that remembrance should be part of the process

of enhancement and evolution. In the 2004 Master Plan they declare as their intended goal,

“Local, regional, and national recognition as the prettiest town in America.” They believe that for

this to occur, citizens will have to accept some change.

Educating all parties involved in or affected by a design

decision is always important. This process will be

instrumental to the outcome of two issues that the town is

currently debating: (1) expanding the existing Commercial

District, and (2) increasing its current building height limit.

To alleviate fears and prevent misinformation, town

officials must wage a strong, fact-based educational

campaign. These are significant issues involving

numerous stakeholders.

Impediments to Change: Lot Size, Height Limits,

A number of the town’s planning issues relate to lot size. The majority of downtown lots were

platted in 1924, at widths of either 50 feet or 25 feet. This practice gave rise to small, mom-and-

pop style motels and timeshares. Currently, much of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s downtown

business emanates from its small motels and time shares. These businesses are located in the

town’s Beach Village District (as defined by the 1999 Redevelopment Plan map), which is part

of the study area for the Design Institute. Allowing for their demise would severely threaten both

the town’s character and revenue stream. As such, the town would like to see its lodging

industry maximize its potential.

This is a complex issue for the town. For many, ownership and operation of a motel/timeshare

simply provides a means for living year-round on a beach. However, mortgages are high and

profit margins are low, making it difficult to finance improvements. There are also problems

associated with turning a profit on such small lots. Such difficulties deter large chains and deep-

pocketed investors. Typically, the solution would involve acquiring more land or increasing the

height of a proposed building. The former is difficult to amass, while the latter is limited by Town

code. As noted above, the Town is considering an increase to the height limit in the Commercial

District. This change would allow proposed structures to add a fifth floor and dramatically

increase potential floor space.

The four story height limit is part of the Town’s charter.

A referendum is required to enact change. Currently,

town officials feel that this provision restricts many

development opportunities. However, they also

recognize the complexities of the issue and the need

to study it further.

1) the 44-foot height limit, which

constrains new hotel development and leaves

replacement of older hotels with townhomes and

condos as the only options for redevelopment; (2) the

decline of the hospitality industry;

(1) the 44-foot height limit, which

constrains new hotel development and leaves

replacement of older hotels with townhomes and

condos as the only options for redevelopment; (2) the

decline of the hospitality industry;

Here’s The Scoop… CIC…4 Stories…

Barbara — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:34:52 +0000

THE CIC WAS FOR…..4 STORIES….44 FEET…in 2006…2007….NO REVISIONIST HISTORY ….PLEASE…

‘Nearly a year ago, the CIC convinced voters that leveling a town-wide height limit of four stories would not incur lawsuits.
The leaders of this group ignored the majority of the town commission who warned that recently annexed condominiums on the beach would be devalued if the law passed. Under the Bert J. Harris Act, governments are liable to compensate property owners when they devalue their properties. Mayor Oliver Parker advised the group to exclude this section of town since most of the buildings there were built under Broward County law that allowed 15-story heights.’
But voters chose to agree with the CIC.

http://pompanopelican.sunshinenetworking.com/index.

php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=28

Barbara Cole By The Sea » height limits

Here’s The Scoop…A History Lesson…CIC…Accomplishments…

ABACOA LBTS 2005 TOWN PLAN PRESENTATION…#1….

A 2005

Here’s The Scoop… CIC…4 Stories…