The primary focus of the meeting was the proposal to transform a vacant Bank of America branch into a site housing a Chipotle restaurant and medical offices, including Heartland Dental. The property on Tequesta Drive, positioned at the southwest corner of Tequesta Drive and US Highway 1, is in a mixed-use zoning district. The proposed development features a revised architectural plan emphasizing Florida coastal style, which had previously been criticized for resembling a Cape Cod aesthetic unsuited to the local environment. To rectify this, a local architect was engaged, resulting in updates that incorporated more suitable coastal colors and materials, such as a special patterned metal cutout and a color palette from Benjamin Moore.

The Chipotle drive-thru, dubbed a “Chipotle lane,” is designed for pre-ordered pickups rather than traditional order-at-the-window service. Customers place orders via the Chipotle app or website, and if orders are not ready upon arrival, staff will deliver them to parked customers or they can choose to wait inside. This model prompted discussions on traffic management, particularly regarding the site’s busy location. Concerns were expressed about potential traffic congestion during peak hours, with calls for clear signage to prevent confusion among customers about the drive-thru’s operational method.

Parking requirements were another significant topic, with the developers proposing a shared parking model to reduce the number of required spaces from 77 to 62. The plan provides 79 spaces, exceeding the requirement, with 12 shared through a reciprocal parking easement. This approach aligns with practices in other municipalities, which allow shared parking based on differing peak usage times for office and restaurant businesses.

The project’s architectural design aims to modernize the existing structure by moving away from its dated Spanish Mediterranean style. The new design features increased window openings and soft earth tones, aiming to create a light, airy coastal look. The board raised concerns about the absence of detailed elevations showing outdoor seating arrangements and signage, emphasizing the need for a visual perspective to understand customer flow and safety better.

Signage was another point of contention, particularly the proposed 16-foot height of the freestanding sign. While the current regulation permits such a height, board members and public commenters questioned its appropriateness, arguing for a design that complements the village’s character and smaller buildings. The board discussed potentially requesting a reduction in sign size to ensure it is proportionate to the building and its surroundings.

Public comments further highlighted community concerns. Fred Lissauer, a local resident, inquired about the potential need for reapplication if Heartland Dental does not occupy the space. It was clarified that a new tenant would only require a business tax receipt if the use is permitted, but a special exception would need council approval. Thomas Bradford, another resident, critiqued the proposed signage height and requested clarity on the site’s access points and easements. He also commented on the building’s stark facade.

The board acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of balancing new development with the community’s character. They discussed the need for clear communication with national tenants to ensure architectural designs align with local preferences. The development team committed to refurbishing the site’s landscaping to exceed village standards.