With Boca Raton wrapping up its centennial year and entering a new century of service, residents remain embroiled in a fierce debate over a public land controversy.
At issue is the redevelopment of a valuable parcel of property near the downtown Brightline station.
The city, through a public-private partnership with a developer operating as One Boca, aims to create a more walkable and welcoming place for all residents.
But a group called Save Boca, comprised mostly of a small, but vocal band of citizens living near the proposed development, are vehemently opposed to any development. They successfully pushed for the issue to be placed on a March 10 ballot.
Save Boca supporters are concerned about traffic, building heights and the project cost.
At numerous City Council meetings, they have hurled insults at elected officials and jeered at people speaking against them.
According to legal filings, the group’s founder spent $60,000 of his own money to fund yard signs, T-shirts and other materials. He is also running for City Council and recently filed a lawsuit against the City.
Over the past year, through a series of public meetings, the One Boca team listened to concerns and reacted by significantly reducing the amount of residential housing, office space and hotel rooms while increasing public spaces.
Highlights of a recently released revised plan:
- A new pedestrian promenade will be lined with shops, dining and gathering spaces
- Less than eight acres of underused parking lots and outdated buildings will be held for private development
- The rest will be public spaces, with Memorial Park remaining city-owned and significantly enhanced with better fields and facilities like restrooms
- Recreation areas will more than double, adding playgrounds, tennis courts, shaded walkways and other spaces
- A new City Hall, community center and a police substation will be built with funds from the private development
- As part of the residential building, there will be workforce housing and, due to public demand, a grocery store
- Public safety will improve through bike lanes, more shade trees and a mobility hub
The project’s financial benefits are significant and could offset a possible cut in property taxes being considered by the state.
According to an independent analysis, the project is expected to generate over a quarter of a billion dollars in annual economic output, resulting in an estimated $88 billion in total economic impact over the 99-year lease.
This is in addition to the billions in direct revenues the city will garner through rent payments and new taxes the project will generate.
As I look to the decades ahead, I see financial security for all of Boca Raton that ensures our children and their children will continue to enjoy the excellent services and quality of life which make Boca Raton one of America’s best places to live, work and play.
I urge my fellow citizens to support One Boca and vote accordingly March 10.
A separate item on the same ballot is whether to float a $175 million bond to finance the building of a new police station on city-owned land near the Spanish River Library.
The current station, built in 1986, is outdated and can’t adequately accommodate the 300-plus officers and civilian staff working there.
A positive outcome will finally give the police department the modern and efficient facility it deserves. The average property tax will only increase $124 a year, but ensure our growing community remains safe and secure.
Bob Tucker, a retired corporate executive, has lived with his family in Boca Raton since 2008. He serves part time as executive director of the Boca Raton Police Foundation.
