Winter 2021
The GardensArt program brings artwork into public facilities within the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1989, the GardensArt program has proudly featured more than 500 locally and nationally recognized professional artists and photographers. GardensArt strives to increase opportunities for cultural exchange between artists and the public. The City of Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Department oversees four unique exhibition venues located throughout the community providing residents and visitors a broad spectrum of high-quality artwork through varied techniques and mediums.
GardensArt Exhibition Locations: Burns Road Community Center: 4404 Burns Road. Hours vary, please call 561.630.1116. City Hall Lobby: 10500 North Military Trail. 8am-5pm Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse: 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive. Dawn to dusk. Tennis & Pickleball Center: 5110 117th Court North. Hours vary, please call 561.630.1180.
CALL TO ARTISTS Scan the QR code below to see current exhibitions or to learn more about GardensArt. 2
Interested in the GardensArt program? GardensArt gives working artists an opportunity to have their artwork showcased to those that typically do not visit art galleries. Artists are asked to submit their information and current work samples to be reviewed by the GardensArt committee. The City of Palm Beach Gardens supports the exhibition with publicity on our website, printed brochures, e-newsletters, press releases, social media posts, and artist receptions. All interested artists can submit inquiries to recinfo@pbgfl.com or call 561.630.1116.
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Public Media Relations Division CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Madelyn Marconi Joann Skaria Candice Temple CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Madelyn Marconi Candice Temple CONTACT US
signaturecity@pbgfl.com Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152 Main City Line: 561.799.4100 Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division. Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.
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W I N T E R
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Getting To Know Gardens Art
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Special Needs Registry / Golf Cart Fire Prevention
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City Briefs
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Top Ten Code Violations Explained
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Calendar of Events
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The Gardens Trailblazer 5K
F E A T U R E S
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Survey Says! Resident Satisfaction Study Results
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ArtiGras Comes Home to the Gardens
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Featured Art: Antennas to Light
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The Future of Housing in Palm Beach Gardens
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City Social
@CityofPBG @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation @SandhillCraneGolf @GardensGreenMarket @CityofPBG @PBGardensFire @PBGPD @CityPBG @CityofPBG flickr.com/cityofpalmbeachgardens Find us on Spotify for a playlist inspired by this issue! Visit www.spotify.com or download the app & search “City of Palm Beach Gardens.”
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ON THE COVER: In the spirit of ArtiGras, our winter cover features an original oil and resin on canvas painting titled Psychedelic Surfer by contemporary fine artist Christine Adele. Originally from New Jersey, Adele resides on the west coast of Florida and, not only creates canvas masterpieces, but also specializes in large custom murals for luxury homes. Learn more about her artwork at www.christineadelearts.com. WINTER 2021
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Palm Beach Gardens Police Department Special Needs Registry DOES YOUR FAMILY HAVE A MEMBER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS? Caretakers or persons with specifc needs are invited to proactively provide information that may be used in an emergency or interaction with Palm Beach Gardens Police Offcers. The registration is entirely voluntary and is held confdential. This program is for any person of any age with special needs.
Register today with these 3 easy steps! 1. Download the Special Needs Registration Form on our website at www.pbgf.com/specialneeds. 2. Complete the fllable form and print it out. 3. Bring your completed form, along with a current photograph of the registree, to the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department Records Unit window located in our lobby at 10500 N. Military Trail.
For more information, please contact the Community Involvement Supervisor at 561-799-4458.
E R I F T R A C F L
N O I T N PREVE
GO
Golf cart batteries can become dangerous fre hazards and possible explosion hazards if not charged properly. When charging, they may release hydrogen gas, which is highly fammable. When the gas reaches concentrations of 4 to 7 percent, it becomes explosive. It is important to consider these safety tips when charging your golf cart:
✔ Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety warnings ✔ Use only the designated charger and cords for the battery ✔ If possible, charge the battery outside or in an area with proper ventilation
✔ Regularly inspect the battery for leaks or damage, and maintain the appropriate water level
✔ Set a timer schedule to control charging times ✔ Install a combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector in the charging area
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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CITY BRIEFS
2021 UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS JANUARY 14 • FEBRUARY 4 MARCH 4 • APRIL 1 • MAY 6 • JUNE 3 City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled. Our City Council meetings are also streamed live via the City’s website! LiveStream: www.pbgfl.com/LiveStream
Sign Up for
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
NOTICE OF ELECTION A GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:00 A.M. AND 7:00 P.M. TO ELECT THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCILMEMBER:
GROUP 2 TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERM UNTIL MARCH 2022
➜ Rob Nanfro ➜ Marcie Tinsley
DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: Monday, February 8, 2021 VOTE BY MAIL: Due by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday March 9, 2021 For more information, please visit www.pbcelections.org You may also contact Patricia Snider, City Clerk, at 561-799-4122 or by email at psnider@pbgfl.com
STAY CONNECTED with your #CityOfPBG by signing up for email notifications about traffic advisories, recreation programs, bid postings, events, press releases, and administrative office closures. Visit pbgfl.com/NotifyMe to sign up!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. The City of Palm Beach Gardens YouTube channel has archived City Council Meetings, special presentations, informative videos, and more!
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PBG
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20 RESIDENT SATISFACTION STUDY RESULTS
What should be the TOP PRIORITIES next year? The City of Palm Beach Gardens contracted with Downs & St. Germain Research to conduct
REDUCE TAXES
a Resident Satisfaction Study. This study took place from August 5th – September 1st, 2020 during which time 403 results were collected through internet surveys, postcard mailers, and telephone interviews. This multi-modal data collection method
REDUCE CRIME
differs from the 2017 and 2015 surveys. Prior to this, the last City survey was conducted in 2017. For complete results of the 2020 Resident Satisfaction Study visit our website at
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
www.pbgfl.com/residentsurvey.
RESIDENT DEMOGRAPHICS Typical Palm Beach Gardens Resident • • • • •
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58 years old Lived 11 years in Palm Beach Gardens Owns a home 2019 household income of $89,000 Full time resident
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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ENHANCE THE ECONOMY/ PROVIDE MORE JOBS
ADDRESS TRAFFIC ISSUES
What are the TOP 5 REASONS you live in Palm Beach Gardens?
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UPSCALE COMMUNITY
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WEATHER
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LOW CRIME
16
PROXIMITY TO THE OCEAN
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SHOPPING & RESTAURANTS
*NUMBERS REPRESENT PERCENTAGES
98% OF RESIDENTS WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND LIVING IN PBG
CITY SERVICES
Overall quality of city services has remained consistent year-over-year
City management of COVID-19 is above average
City addressing racial and social issues is above average
About 7% of residents think the City should be providing more services
Nearly 2 in 5 residents prefer to be assessed user-based fees for services if the City needs to raise revenue
Residents still think highly of Police and Fire Rescue departments, satisfaction with them remained consistent year-over-year
Residents are satisfied with Parks and Recreation and ratings have stayed consistent since 2017
TRANSPORTATION/TAXES
Residents favor implementation of shuttle buses to all major tourist and shopping areas
Residents believe 1/3 of their property tax bill goes to City services (Actual amount: 28%)
6 in 7 residents (86%) feel their return on taxes is excellent, very good or good
CITY CUSTOMER SERVICE
10% of residents contacted the City in the last 6 months
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PERCEIVED FRIENDLINESS OF CITY STAFF 4.4 out of 5
EFFECTIVENESS OF CITY STAFF 4.4 out of 5
PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS Residents are more likely to use the following Parks & Recreation programs:
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Adult fitness/wellness/ sports programs
Aquatic center & swimming programs
Adult enrichment programs
AVERAGE EFFECTIVENESS OF CITY COMMUNICATION 4.1 out of 5
CITY COMMUNICATION
Email or e-newsletters (34%) are the preferred method of receiving information from the City with mail (28%) coming in second
Considerably more residents prefer social media and postings on the City website in 2020
1 in 4 residents (25%) have attended or listened to a City Council meeting, an increase from previous years
Residents who have attended a City Council meeting do so:
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Residents (91%) strongly favor more science and high-tech project development to support jobs in the City, a large increase over previous years
Significantly fewer residents (43%) are in favor of a wider range of housing types compared to previous years
Residents are highly satisfied with growth and development in the restaurant/entertainment sector Restaurant/entertainment
4.3 out of 5
Shopping/retail
4.1 out of 5
Streetscape through the City
3.9 out of 5
Art in Public Places
3.9 out of 5
Residential Developments
3.8 out of 5
Commercial Developments
3.6 out of 5
• To keep informed of City activities and policies (51%) • To make sure local politicians are doing the right thing (30%) • Only when something affects them directly (28%)
1= Not at all satisfied; 5= Very Satisfied
• Feel it is their responsibility to participate in the government (25%)
NOTABLE CHANGES FROM 2017 TO 2020 1. Residents’ top reasons for living in Palm Beach Gardens are shopping & restaurants
4. Email and e-newsletter are preferred methods of receiving communication
2. Residents prefer user-based fees rather than property taxes if the City needs to raise revenue
5. Fewer residents used the Palm Beach Gardens website in the 6 months prior to the study
3. Residents favor shuttle buses and light rail for future transportation systems
6. More residents are seeking information on COVID-19 on the City website
72% of residents give a 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale for Youth Camps 83% of residents rated Tennis and Pickleball programs as very good or excellent
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Use of the Palm Beach Gardens website has decreased since 2015, as only 1 in 3 visited it in the past 6 months
2 in 5 residents (40%) get their local news from television
Over 2 in 5 residents (41%) are aware of Signature City magazine
Signature City magazine is an effective communication vehicle among those who read it
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Accumulation of Trash & Debris: Be sure to place trash and debris in the proper location for collection by a waste hauler, not in yards or roadways. This includes auto parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, garbage, paper, carboard, tree trimmings, limbs, or other items not suitable for storage in the open.
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Trash & Garbage Placement & Collection: Trash & garbage may be placed at the curbside for collection no earlier than noon on the day before collection and should be removed on the day of collection. Garbage should be placed in proper containers only and stored to the rear of the property in a neatly matter or out of public view. Dumpsters and enclosures are to be maintained in a neat, sanitary, and sound condition. Work w/o Permit: Any contractor, owner, or agent authorized in accordance with Chapter 489, Florida Statutes who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impactresistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing or fire protection system, or accessible or flood resistant site element, the installation of which is regulated by this Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. For questions, please contact the City’s Building Department at 561-799-4201 to inquire.
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Pool Fences & Enclosures: A fence of at least 4 feet high or a
screen enclosure is required around all pools with self-closing and self-latching device at 54 inches above the bottom of the gate or door. If pools become exposed because of hurricanes or other required maintenance, they may be replaced with temporary fencing if a contract for permanent replacement can be produced. Permits may be required. Boats, Recreation Vehicles & Trailers: Boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), and trailers in residential areas must be parked and screened in accordance with City Code section 78-395, unless registered as non-conforming use with the City. Only (1) watercraft and (1) RV are allowed per property.
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Commercial Vehicles: Commercial vehicles are prohibited from being parked or stored on private residential property unless subject to one of the exceptions listed in City Code section 78-394.
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Inoperable Motor Vehicles & Vehicle Parking: All vehicles in the City are always to be properly licensed and operable. All properly licensed and registered vehicles and/or boats, RVs and trailers must be parked on an approved driveway such as paver, concrete, or asphalt or other surface material approved by the City Engineer. Temporary parking of vehicles in a yard is permitted for social or other events held at a residence, provided such parking shall not exceed eight hours in a 24-hour period. Temporary parking in a yard due to renovation or repair of a driveway or residence is permitted for
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the duration of the improvements. Parking in the swale is not allowed.
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Condition of Structures & Landscape maintenance: Any deteriorating wood, siding, roof covering, fence walls, driveways, etc. should be maintained in sound condition and good repair with surfaces kept painted and free of peeling paint and/or mildew. Maintain landscaping through regular mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, watering, pesticide/herbicide treatment and exotic vegetation removal. In commercial districts, please maintain parking lot and curbing in state of good repair, restripe and reseal as needed (permits may require, please contact City Building Department at 561-799-4201 to inquire).
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Outdoor Storage: Outdoor storage of merchandise is prohibited in commercial districts unless approved by the City. Outdoor storage in residential areas should be limited to rear or side yards and be maintained in a clean, neat, and presentable matter. Prohibited Signs: Prior to sign installation, please contact City Planning & Zoning Department at 561-799-4243 for additional information regarding allowable and prohibited signage. If signs are placed within the City right of way, they will be removed and discarded.
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Calendar of Events JANUARY S
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JANUARY THRU JANUARY 31 Chairs for Charity Auction FUNraiser To bid, visit pbgfl.com/PBGLOVE.
THRU MARCH 30 GardensArt Exhibition: Amber Moran “Window of Color” Watercolor & Ink Daily, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center
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JANUARY 14 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 17 Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 18 City Administrative Offces Closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance
JANUARY 5 - MARCH 23
JANUARY 18
GardensArt Exhibition: Carol Calicchio “Summer Waters and Flowers” Acrylic & Oil Paintings Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
School’s Out Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 1 School’s Out Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
FEBRUARY 4 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 24 Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
FEBRUARY 7 Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY 25 - MARCH 4 Black History Month Celebration GardensArt Exhibition: The Highwaymen 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 26
FEBRUARY 9 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall
FEBRUARY 13
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
JANUARY 31
FEBRUARY 14
Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
FEBRUARY 15 City Administrative Offces Closed Presidents Day Observance
FEBRUARY 24 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall
MARCH MARCH 4 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. at City Hall
MARCH 6 Beginner Boot Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market
GOLF TRAINING FOR ALL AGES
MARCH 8 - APRIL 15 GardensArt Exhibition: Hugh O’Neill “The Traveled Mind” Oil Paintings
Carol Calicchio Poolside Tranquility
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall MARCH 9 Election Day Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
APRIL APRIL 1
AFTER SCHOOL CLINIC
MARCH 10
City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. at City Hall
Every Wednesday at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall
APRIL 2
JUNIOR DROP IN Every Saturday at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
GET GOLF READY Every Saturday at Sandhill Crane Golf Club
MARCH 13 Beginner Boot Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
City Administrative Offces Closed Good Friday Observance
APRIL 2 School’s Out Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
APRIL 13 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 p.m. at City Hall
APRIL 27 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall
MARCH 15-18 Youth Spring Break Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES: City Hall Municipal Campus/ Veterans Plaza Amphitheater 10500 N. Military Trail Gardens 2 Go: Food, Produce & Plant Market 10500 N. Military Trail The Gardens North County District Park 5101 117th Court N. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse 5110 117th Court N. Sandhill Crane Golf Club/The Dancing Crane Restaurant 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive
MARCH 15-21 The Honda Classic Golf Tournament PGA National Golf Club
MARCH 22 School’s Out Camp Sandhill Crane Golf Club
MARCH 23 Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. at City Hall
Amber Moran Budding Pineapple
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ple
em by Candice T
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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D
espite all of the challenges faced, the year 2020 did end with an exciting announcement. ArtiGras
is coming back to Palm Beach Gardens! In its infancy, the festival was an annual staple in the Gardens and was held at The Gardens Mall, as well as on RCA Boulevard. Now in its 36th\ year, the nationally recognized fine arts festival has not been held in our City since 1999. Road construction at the site of its long-time location in Abacoa caused event organizers to search for a new venue. As a result, artists, art lovers and collectors will come together on February 13-14, 2021 at The Gardens North County District Park. The 82-acre park, which the City opened in the summer of 2019, has quickly become a favorite for locals. ArtiGras is a two-day, outdoor juried art festival that is held over President’s Day weekend. Artists apply from around the country for the opportunity to directly sell their gallery-quality art to customers. Last year, ArtiGras was ranked one of the top 10 art festivals in the nation and, over the years, has achieved national recognition as one of the best art shows in our region. This notoriety makes it increasingly competitive for artists to make it into the festival. This year, around 250 artists have gained entry. (continues) WINTER 2021
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Community Memories: An artist demonstrates her craft for young art lovers at ArtiGras in 1998.
“One of our strong beliefs is that ‘family time is time well spent’ and that is one of our mantras. We want to encourage family time. We see ArtiGras truly as a
and charities. The local economy will
family event. It’s an opportunity to bring
benefit, as well. Over the two-day festival,
kids, familiarize them with local artists and
ArtiGras is estimated to have a total
extended art.”
economic impact of $2.87 million dollars. The planning committee begins “We’re so excited about moving to the
This year, the presenting sponsor for
preparation for the event a year in
Gardens. Because of the location, ArtiGras’
ArtiGras will be the Hanley Foundation.
advance. No one could have predicted
new home could not be more suited
A West Palm Beach based non-profit
the challenges they would face, however,
for a festival like this,” said Palm Beach
several precautions have
North Chamber CEO and President Noel
been put in place to ensure
Martinez. “We typically get over 600
the vendors, volunteers and
applications for this festival. It’s the perfect
attendees can enjoy the
location for what we’re facing this year.”
weekend. This year ’s ArtiGras theme “For the Love of Art” is
Noting the need for increased spacing
a rallying cry to support
due to COVID-19 protocols, Martinez
an industry that has
feels the timing for the change of venue
suffered a blow after
was an opportunity for the Chamber to
COVID-19 precautions
move forward with holding an event that
cancelled many art events in
fans have grown to love in a safe, spread out environment. City officials welcome the occasion, including increased safety
For the Love of Kids: Hanley Foundation President Jan Cairnes poses with ArtiKids winners at ArtiGras 2020.
2020.
precautions, as a good fit for the community. focused on substance use prevention “Art has long been a big part of our
programming for youth, the Hanley
City’s identity. That dedication has been
Foundation has long been a sponsor
showcased in many ways over the years,
of the ArtiKids area of the festival. Each
so this is a great fit,” said Palm Beach
year, families arrive with strollers in tow
Gardens Mayor Carl Woods. “We couldn’t
to visit booths and play in the special
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT: • Fine art on display by over 250 artists
be more excited to be the host city for
area dedicated to children. According to
ArtiGras and we look forward to not only
President Jan Cairnes, the sponsorship
welcoming our residents and visitors, but
made sense because of the Foundation’s
• Socially distanced booths (6 feet apart), mask requirement, temperature checks for vendors, one-way walking for pedestrian traffic and hand sanitizer stations throughout
also providing a platform for artists who
commitment to engaging youth.
• Food, music and lots of art!
need our support.” “What drew us to ArtiGras was sponsoring
RESTRICTIONS: • No pets allowed
While the cultural experience and support
the children’s area and the art contest. The
for artists selling their wares are the
children’s area has always been a sought-
• No outside beverages allowed
obvious ways the festival benefits the
after place for families that come and
• Masks are required
community, it is not the only way. In the
take their kids to participate in some fun
last decade, the festival’s efforts have raised
activities,” explains Jan Cairnes.
over $300,000 for local youth art education After sponsoring the ArtiKids portion of the festival for multiple years, Cairnes said the Foundation jumped at the opportunity to be the presenting sponsor of this year ’s event. Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Leadership- Executive Trustee Member George Gentile & CEO Noel Martinez attend ArtiGras 2020
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Saturday, February 13; 10AM – 6PM Sunday, February 14; 10AM – 6PM The Gardens North County District Park 5101 117th Court North Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
General questions about the festival? ArtiGras Contact: www.artigras.org 561-746-7111
ANTENNAS TO LIGHT by Madelyn Marconi
E
mbellishing the exterior of the newly constructed Residence Inn by Marriott hotel are two ornate stainless-steel sculptures. Visually related, but diferentiated by scale, Antennas to Light #1 and #2, were designed and strategically placed to help visitors locate the hotel’s entrance. Renowned local artist, Mark Fuller, married distinct visual design with way-
Antennas to Light #2 RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT
Antennas to Light #1
fnding functionality to create aesthetically pleasing polished steel sculptures. Symbolic of the way tv antennas radiate airwaves, one might suggest the Antennas to Light sculptures radiate light, wind, and movement from the busy world around them. Te larger of the two structures, Antennas to Light #1, is located at the northeast intersection of RCA Boulevard and Design Center Drive, making it visible to both pedestrian and vehicular trafc. Te smaller sculpture, Antennas to Light #2, is located between two columns under the Porte-cochere at the hotel’s entrance. Fastened to the steel exterior cladding on both structures are aluminum panels, adorned with an acrylic polyurethane amber yellow color and sealed with a clear coat to add a glossy fnish. Lush landscape
made up of Blue Glow Agave and European Fan Palms surround the base of Antennas to Light #1. Te Blue Glow Agave produces a glow-like appearance in bright sunlight and the sharp terminal spine tips keep viewers at a healthy distance to admire the artwork. Clusters of Rojo Congo Philodendron shrubs and Green Island Ficus cover the ground surrounding Antennas to Light #2. Te sculptures are lit from dusk until dawn to illuminate the hotel’s entrance for those arriving during the dark hours of the night and early morning. Like the visitors passing through Palm Beach Gardens, the structures’ distinct checkered perforations allow sunshine, light, and wind to also pass through, making its home at the Residence Inn by Marriott on RCA Center Drive an ideal location for it to be seen. WINTER 2021
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The Future of Housing in Palm Beach Gardens by Joann Skaria
W
ith a harmonious mix of attractive homes, employment opportunities, and numerous recreation and retail services, all nestled into a verdant landscape, the City of Palm Beach Gardens has been a desirable community to call home for decades. Having a robust housing stock has always been a key component of this appeal. In 1962, a “Parade of Homes” event was held where local home builders displayed model homes for families to tour and purchase. Tis became an annual event for many years. Te City experienced a housing boom around that time and was one of the fastest growing new cities in the nation. Today, with over 30,000 residential dwelling units in the City, over 50,000 residents call the City of Palm Beach Gardens home. Te primary home type is detached single-family homes that are owner occupied. Approximately 35% of the City’s residential units are multifamily, providing some variety in housing types. Te median sales price of a single-family home is $504,500, and median rental price is $2,500 per month. Tough the Area Median Income (AMI) in the City of Palm Beach Gardens is quite 16
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
high at $81,508 (2019), the costs of housing are escalating at a much higher pace than salaries and wages are rising, resulting in signifcant cost burden for certain residents. Housing cost burden is defned as when a household’s housing costs exceed 30% of their income. Tere is a gap between what the average family can aford to pay, and the cost of the available housing supply. Workers with incomes at this level may include teachers, nurses, utility and public workers, and entry-level professionals. Te City prides itself on a high level of service, and a low tax rate, and in order to keep services high and taxes low, a thriving local economy is necessary. Te City has been fortunate to be home to signifcant economic engines over the years, from RCA Corporation and PGA National in the early days, to the Gardens Mall, to a currently booming ofce hub along PGA Boulevard, most recently punctuated with the completion of the DiVosta Towers. Te medical and technology industry clusters are continuing to grow as well. But in order to continue to attract high quality employment, services must be provided, such as transportation and mobility systems, and housing. Many successful local economies around the nation have experienced
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unprecedented economic growth, leaving a lack of housing options for the employees. Tis results in people being cost burdened or selecting housing that is further from their employment, requiring signifcantly longer commutes and resulting in negative environmental impacts. In fact, only 11% of Palm Beach Gardens residents are employed in the City. A variety of housing options is an essential component of a thriving local economy. Corporations and small businesses alike require safe, convenient, and attainable housing options for all their employees. Providing for diversity in the City’s housing stock is necessary to maintain the City’s high quality of life. Tis brings an excellent opportunity to the City to provide more attainable options when purchasing or renting a home. Tis goal has successfully been accomplished in many municipalities through implementation of a workforce housing program. Te City has embraced this opportunity by recently adopting its frst Workforce Housing Program. Many workforce housing units are seamlessly incorporated into new multi-family or single-family developments. Te term “Workforce Housing” is for households with incomes ranging from 60% to 120% of the City’s AMI, and as mentioned
previously, the City of Palm Beach Gardens has relatively high AMI at $81,508. While the City has always been mindful of incorporating workforce housing components in many of the developments such as Alton, Avenir, and Solera, and even dating back
As part of the process for creation of the Workforce Housing Program, the City hired a consultant, Robert Gray with Strategic Planning Group, who specializes in the preparation of these types of programs. Gray conducted an extensive assessment
A variety of housing options is an essential component of a thriving local economy. Corporations and small businesses alike require safe, convenient, and attainable housing options for all their employees. to the development of the Gardens Mall, a comprehensive program for housing was not in place until the recent creation of the Workforce Housing Program. Planning toward the goal of providing a more afordable option for ownership or renting in our City, and prior to the creation of the City’s Workforce Housing Program, recent development projects have allowed monetary contributions toward workforce housing purposes, such as Avenir and the Arcadia Gardens Independent Living Facility. Tis will provide a total of over fve million dollars in contributions to the City toward workforce housing in 2021, and the Workforce Housing Program enables the City to best allocate these resources.
and analysis of the existing housing market both within the City limits, as well as in the northern Palm Beach County region, and produced a report that provided recommendations for solutions to address the City’s housing concerns. City staf worked closely with the consultant to tailor the recommended solutions to ft the unique character and local culture of the City with an emphasis on smart and appropriate solutions. Additionally, staf is cognizant that in order for workforce housing to be successful, the ideal location for it is in the City’s central core, which is conveniently located near many employment opportunities and local services, and is also being developed into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly Transit-Oriented Development
(TOD) District, as it is the planned location of a potential future train station. A menu of developer incentive options was included in the Workforce Housing Program. Some of the specifc programs include intensity and density bonuses, impact fee and permit fee waivers, and permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs, also known as “granny fats”) in certain residential communities. In the future, once funding sources have had an opportunity to accrue, the City’s existing single-family rehabilitation program which is currently funded through the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program could be expanded to assist additional households, and multifamily rehabilitation could be included as well. To see the City Consultant’s report on Workforce Housing, and the Workforce Housing Program staf report, please go to www.pbgf.com/workforcehousing. As the concepts in the City’s Workforce Housing Program have now been approved and adopted by the City Council, City staf will move forward with the next phase of implementation of specifc policies and procedures starting in early 2021. Stay tuned! WINTER 2021
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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All-Female Fire Crew Gains National Attention FRONT ROW (l to r): Rescue Lt. Kelsey Krzywada, Rescue Lt. Krystyna Heiser, Fire Medic Julie Dudley. BACK ROW: Rescue Lt. Monica Marzullo, Driver/Engineer Sandi Ladewski
ON SEPTEMBER 18, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue experienced a milestone when, for the first time in the department’s history, an allfemale fire crew staffed a shift at Station 64. After a photo of
the crew went viral on social media, the department gained national and international media attention. Since then, the crew has been interviewed and featured on nationally syndicated shows such as The Drew Barrymore Show,
Fox and Friends & The Today Show. The E! People’s Choice Awards named the crew one of its People’s Heroes of 2020. In addition, the entire department was featured on A&E’s Live Rescue during the month of October.
Police 6 Fire Rescue Foundation Donation: Suits For Seniors
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Presorted Standard U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 172 West Palm Beach, FL
City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
KEEP YOUR FITNESS RESOLUTION
and blaze into the new year with The Gardens Trailblazer 5K. This family fun 5K designed for runners and walkers is virtual this year!
Use a treadmill, bike, or find a nearby trail to run or walk! Once you complete your race, take a finisher selfie using the hashtag #TRAILBLAZER5K and tag us on social media. February 26-28, 2021: Anytime, anywhere!
SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER.
Advanced Registration: $25 Regular Registration*: $30 *Packets not guaranteed to arrive before race weekend so be sure to register early.
For more information, please visit pbgfl.com/trailblazer5k, email recinfo@pbgfl.com or call 561-630-1100. 20
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