Key agenda items included the approval of a conditional use petition for a proposed Starbucks on Southeast Ocean Boulevard. The proposal, submitted by Kimley-Horn Associates on behalf of Ocean East Capital Partners LLC, aims to place a Starbucks within the existing Ocean East Mall shopping plaza. The property spans 11.24 acres and includes around 118,000 square feet of building area with approximately 520 parking stalls. The proposed Starbucks will feature a drive-through service, outdoor seating, and improvements to landscaping and parking.

The board’s discussion centered on several waiver requests integral to the project. One waiver involved a proposed building setback of 64.2 feet from the front property boundary, exceeding the required 10-foot setback. This request was supported by staff due to site constraints including current building placements and adjacent properties. Another waiver request pertained to parking placement, as the code mandates parking not be located between the front building facade and the front property line. The applicant sought to place eight parking stalls in this area, interlinked with the setback request. Additionally, the proposal included a request to exceed the maximum impervious surface coverage of 65%, proposing instead a site coverage of approximately 70.2%.

The staff presentation emphasized the need for visual coherence between the existing shopping center and the proposed Starbucks. The applicant provided further details on pedestrian connectivity, operational hours from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the hiring of 25 employees. Public comments were solicited but none were received. Board members highlighted the importance of maintaining visual coherence and ensuring safety through effective vehicular and pedestrian connectivity. The subsequent vote on the conditional use petition resulted in unanimous approval.

In the same meeting, the Planning Agency discussed a text amendment concerning the Land Development Code regarding non-medical marijuana dispensaries. A board member questioned the timing of this amendment ahead of the November election, where non-medical marijuana use would be on the ballot. The planning staff explained that the city anticipated the measure’s passage and aimed to establish regulations preemptively. Ordinance number 2531 proposed several amendments including supplemental use standards and specific parking requirements for dispensaries.

The board debated zoning and location regulations to prevent dispensaries from concentrating in downtown areas. Discussions also covered prohibitions against smoking in public parks and recreational areas, as well as the required distances between dispensaries and schools. A board member suggested expanding the minimum distance from schools beyond the state-mandated 500 feet to enhance community safety. Concerns were also raised regarding the proximity of dispensaries to residential neighborhoods and community centers.

Maps were presented to visualize the proposed zoning for dispensaries, highlighting areas where they would be permitted or prohibited. Some confusion arose over the alignment of the maps and zoning designations, prompting calls for clearer guidelines. The board expressed a strong desire to prevent dispensaries from being located near sensitive areas such as schools and community centers.

The agency also discussed the operational dynamics of dispensaries, including the potential clustering of multiple establishments and the impact on the community. The debate included whether existing medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed to transition to recreational sales without relocating, depending on the specifics of the zoning regulations.

Further points of contention included the maximum square footage allowed for dispensaries, with discussions suggesting a cap of 2,000 square feet for marijuana retail space. The need for a clear regulatory framework was emphasized to balance community interests with the evolving landscape of marijuana legislation.

Participants also considered the implications of a new ballot initiative that could allow for a broader range of marijuana-related businesses. Concerns were raised about large retailers potentially selling marijuana, prompting the need for regulatory measures. A proposed ordinance aimed to restrict smoking within 50 feet of public facilities like parks and the Riverwalk, mirroring alcohol consumption regulations to maintain community character and safety.