PZ 10/09/2013 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency October 9, 2013 Page 4 been neglected. He said that the Department of Homeland Security notifies Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Orlando when there is a significant threat for religious institutions and the Seminole County Sheriffs Office monitors their property on a regular basis. Mr. Dubov said several months ago the fence was vandalized and a window was broken and there has been loitering on the property by vagrants and teenagers. Mr. Dubov explained that the government has allocated a $70,000 grant for Homeland Security, specifically for the upgrades for the security of their property. He said it includes installation of a fence, upgrades to the building, off -site monitoring and other items that will not be disclosed. He said the fence must prohibit someone from jumping over the fence and a vehicle could not crash through the fence. He said the plan is to conceal the fence as much as possible with shrubs. Mr. Dubov said there is a difference of 23 feet between what they are proposing for the fence location and the City's recommendation. He felt that it was a hardship if the entire variance of 85 feet was not granted. Mr. Meadows asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the request. Ms. Devorah Leah Dubov, 708 Lake Howell Road, Maitland, Florida came forward. Ms. Dubov felt reducing the fenced area would create a problem for the future plans for the adjacent home the synagogue owns that is located in unincorporated Seminole County. Ms. Dubov requested the entire 85 foot variance request for their security and safety, Mr. King Halikman, 597 Brookwood, Maitland, Florida came forward. Mr. Halikman felt that a decorative aluminum fence was not adequate to stop a vehicle. He suggested the Commission reconsider the fencing material. Mr. Eitcom Arrick came forward. Mr. Arrick expressed a concern with safety on the site. Mr. Steven Kapron, 823 Huntington Court, Winter Park, Florida came forward to speak in favor of the variance. Mr. Kapron felt that the variance request met the six criteria required to grant a variance. He said this item has been advertised and there is no one present at tonight's meeting speaking in opposition to the variance request. He said the City's recommendation to reduce the fenced area was due to potential concerns for the adjacent neighbors but no one is here to raise any concerns. He said that the fence is not only to protect the temple but the entire neighborhood. Ms. Melissa Torres, 2720 Debryshire Road, Maitland, Florida came forward to speak in favor of the variance. Ms. Torres said she is a member of the Temple and also lives in the neighborhood. She expressed a concern with the safety in