The committee engaged in debate over how to accurately represent the boundaries of the planning areas on the map, with solutions such as hatching proposed to aid those with colorblindness. Members grappled with the inclusion of the park within the Waterfront area, ultimately deciding to exclude it due to its non-buildable nature.

Additionally, there was significant discourse on the delineation of the Waterfront Overlay District (WOD) and its impact on survey questions designed to capture public sentiment about development within the area. The potential impact of zoning regulations on building heights, noise levels, and community responses was considered.

The committee’s deliberation extended to the definitions of commercial, office, and mixed-use spaces, as these terms directly influence public understanding of allowable developments. Suggestions included clarifying these definitions and considering the inclusion of boutique hotels and high-end condos in multi-story mixed-use buildings. The topic of building height was also analyzed, with a proposal to define height ranges in both stories and feet, using images of actual buildings to aid public comprehension.

Further, the topic of density was central to the committee’s agenda, as members debated the use of a website tool to illustrate density levels. Discussions pointed to incorporating graphics into the survey to aid in understanding building heights and open space. The differentiation of questions related to taller and smaller buildings with more open space was a point of contention.

Recreational activities and lifestyle in the waterfront area were scrutinized, with the committee weighing the necessity of survey questions on specific activities like jet skiing and paddle boarding. A focus was placed on public space and infrastructure amenities, with the aim to gauge public preference for these features.

Transportation was another topic, with the committee considering a range of options from public transit to water taxis and pedestrian overpasses. The potential for converting Grand to partial golf carts and implementing a golf cart crossing between Newport Richie and Port Richie was also discussed.

The issue of parking in the Waterfront area generated diverse views, from restricting parking structures to integrating public transportation with public parking options. Debates touched on financial implications and the preference for street or garage parking, with a suggestion to establish an offsite parking area serviced by shuttle buses.

Streetscaping, architectural style, and the theme for the Waterfront Overlay District were also debated. The committee considered whether to maintain the fishing village motif or explore alternative themes. The upcoming Community open house was acknowledged as an opportunity to direct residents to the survey and the website, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in the planning process.