The meeting commenced with the board examining a site plan modification application, SPM01-25, from GMH to Questa Holdings. The application sought approval to change the roof material and color of the Futures Recovery and Rehab building on Old Dixie Highway. The proposal involved shifting from the current light green barrel tile to a new material and color named “Antina Tropical.” Technical difficulties delayed the presentation, but the discussion proceeded smoothly, emphasizing the project’s alignment with village codes concerning architectural harmony. The board, having no ex-parte communications to disclose, noted the property’s history, initially approved as an assisted living facility in the 1980s before transitioning to a rehabilitation center. An executive director at Futures clarified that the roof modifications were necessitated by ongoing damage rather than insurance requirements, prioritizing safety and aesthetics. The board opened the floor for public comment, receiving no responses, and subsequently moved to approve the modification unanimously.

Next on the agenda was SPM02-25, an application from Tam West Realty Inc. for a minor site plan modification involving new paint colors for buildings on US Highway 1. The application proposed expanding the current muted gray color scheme to include a palette of six colors, featuring neutral beiges and whites. Renderings showed the proposed improvements, garnering positive reactions from the board members who commended the updated palette’s visual appeal. The board unanimously approved the application.

In parallel to these approvals, the meeting delved into significant safety concerns within the community, particularly focusing on the use of electric bikes and golf carts. An attendee recounted witnessing children riding electric bikes dangerously on Seabbrook, advocating for public support of police efforts to address such unsafe behavior. The speaker emphasized the importance of reporting incidents to authorities, noting the quick police response to similar situations involving children without helmets. The conversation extended to golf cart safety, questioning the rationale behind transporting infants improperly on golf carts, which the speaker found frustrating given the non-golf course nature of the community.

The board also discussed the law surrounding electric bikes, clarifying that while they are not permitted on roads, they are allowed on sidewalks per a village ordinance. Recognizing a need for heightened safety awareness, there was a call for more aggressive enforcement by the police, potentially adopting a “zero tolerance” policy for violations. The police department’s efforts to improve safety, particularly after a recent incident in Jupiter, were acknowledged, with observed improvements in children’s behavior.

Concerns about public safety extended to pedestrian crossings, especially at intersections like US1 and Toqua, where the absence of crosswalks posed risks. There was a proposal for additional crosswalks near new developments, such as the Barnes & Noble plaza, to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic. Midblock crossings on US1 were identified as non-existent, heightening danger for pedestrians. The lack of a traffic light at Village Boulevard and US1 was also discussed.

The board’s focus on mobility planning highlighted an interactive map presentation for enhancing area mobility, where concerns about pedestrian safety at a proposed pathway connecting to Riverside Drive were raised. Suggestions included implementing crosswalks or pedestrian lights to improve safety.