12-01-2016 Council Workshop IIL
City of Clermont
MINUTES
• COUNCIL WORKSHOP
December 1, 2016
The Clermont City Council met for a workshop on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in the Council
Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Ash called the workshop to order at 6:30pm with the following
Council Members present: Council Members Mullins, Goodgame, Bates and Travis. Other City
officials present were: City Manager Gray and City Clerk Howe.
• Downtown Master Plan Density Discussion
Richard Levy; Managing Director, Levey Consulting, LLC., described his background in master
planning and economic development. The workshop discussion is in anticipation of an
upcoming hearing to consider increasing the density in the downtown area. Mr. Levy reviewed
the known determinants of sustainable, vibrant, and healthy downtowns and reviewed possible
strategies to improve downtown vibrancy with density to include parks, walkable neighborhoods,
transportation options, sustainable environment, and inclusivity.
Mr. Levy reviewed the various parcels identified in the Master Plan. The Lumberyard was used
as one of the three test fit sites at 12 dwelling units per acre, 25 dwelling units per acre, and 40
dwelling units per acre. The test fit conclusions were that the scale of the urban fabric of
downtown Clermont changes drastically within a few blocks of any one location, including a
, number of vacant or underutilized tracts.
Density thresholds should be sensitive to these nuances and applied in a manner that supports
contextual growth, while conforming to one singular code. While the existing threshold of 12
dwelling units per acre has done little to attract investment through redevelopment, a jump to 40
dwelling units per acre might lead to new development that lacks a contextual connection to the
existing built environment as well as to neighborhood residents.
Mr. Levy recommended 25 dwelling units per acre and suggested having guiding principles and
criteria for any density bonus above 25 dwelling units per acre.
The December 13, 2016 hearing will be to determine whether to transmit the density change to
the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Council Member Mullins embraced the concept; however, he expressed the critical need for
downtown parking.
CounciliMember Goodgame was in agreement with Council Member Mullins.
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Council Member Travis inquired of office space. Mr. Levy stated City Code allows for mixed '
uses.
Council Member Travis asked if the density change would require a conditional,use permit
process. City Manager Gray commented the details of the process would be presented to the
City Council; however, the Council would consider every project in the downtown area.
Council Member Bates expressed concern of increasing job availability in the downtown area.
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City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
December 1, 2016
Council Member Goodgame mentioned there were citizen concerns of a developer purchasing a
large quantity of land to be able to do a 40 unit per acre project and would like control measures
to be set in place.
Mayor Ash was opposed to allowing five story buildings and a density of 40 dwelling units per
acre on lakefront property.
Council Member Goodgame commented on the need for short-term housing.
Council Member Mullins mentioned the need for a residential anchor in the downtown area.
Council Member Travis commented there were no condominiums or townhomes in the City of
Clermont.
Mayor Ash asked for the Council consensus regarding the number of dwelling units per acre.
Council consensus was 25 dwelling units per acre, with a possible increase to 40 dwelling units
per acre in some instances.
Mayor Ash opened for public comment.
Mark Todo suggested increasing the building height, space out the buildings,.and have a density
of 40 to 50 dwelling units per acre.
Charles Forth; 939 West Desoto Street, recommended fee simple residential and require the first
story of a building to be made of block. He suggested the developers provide for parking.
Charlene Forth; 939 West Desoto Street, spoke in opposition of a density increase and requested
the public hearing be held in January.
Hal Turville; 150 West Minnehaha Avenue, spoke in favor of retaining 12 dwelling units per '
acre.
Bret Jones; 700 Almond Street, spoke in favor of increasing the density.
Tom Sallin; 4006 Greystone Drive, spoke in favor of a density increase and commented on the
need for providing residential uses and events for millennials.
David Wallace; 721 West Lakeshore Drive, spoke in favor of 40 dwelling units per acre and
spoke of having fee simple mixed-use properties and incorporating the trail area.
Mayor Ash recessed the.workshop at 8:19pm. Mayor Ash reconvened the workshop at 8:29pm.
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- City of Clermont
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
December 1, 2016
Mark Graff; 1944 Brantley Circle, spoke in opposition of rental Units•in the downtown area and
spoke in favor of increasing the density to 40 dwelling units per acre.
David Colby; South Lake Chamber of Commerce President, commented on the lack of
residential use properties in the downtown area and spoke in favor of increasing the density.
Jim Purvis; 4206 Hammersmith Drive, spoke in opposition of allowing townhouses on the top of
business buildings. Mr. Purvis spoke in support of increasing the density and requested the
public hearing be held in January.
Don Dennis; 832 51h Street, spoke in opposition of allowing high density residential use.
• Shawn Walker urged Council to be cautious with increasing the density.
Jeff Powell; 11129 Oak Shore Lane, spoke in support of the density increase and attracting
people to Clermont.
Paul Gaynor; 1375 Briarhaven Lane, spoke in support of the density increase and commented
millennials like living in a downtown area.
City Manager Gray stated there would be a transmittal hearing on December 13, 2016 and a final
hearing in February, 2017.
With no further comments, the workshop adjourned at 9:00pm.
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