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Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Boynton Beach moves closer to creating its very own downtown
Give the city of Boynton Beach credit. It finally has moved a critical downtown development project that had been stalled for almost eight years a big step closer to becoming reality. The city's Community Redevelopment Agency approved a plan to bring in a new developer to finish the Town Square Project, a development that will give the community something it has lacked for some time — a viable and potentially bustling downtown. For years, the city's $250 million effort to revitalize a four-block area off Boynton Beach and Seacrest boulevards has been left half finished and mired in legal proceedings. The project's government features — a new city hall and library complex, a children's museum, a cultural center and an outdoor amphitheater — were completed on time and had attracted residents and visitors with a promise of more to come. Unfortunately, the commercial side of the project that included office space, upscale restaurants, upscale condos and apartments, and a parking garage never materialized. That all changed earlier this month when the CRA approved a plan to use $35.2 million to build two eight-story buildings that would include almost 900 apartments, including workforce housing, 23,000 square feet of retail and parking — the missing but essential elements to build a thriving core community that has eluded Boynton Beach for years. It was not an easy decision, but the vote to move forward was the right call. More importantly, they made the decision the right way. They aired the proposal in public deliberations that at times had both the public and the city commissioners who serve as the CRA board going back and forth on the proposal's merits. Cost and the impact of development are always important considerations, but those conversations led to the right outcome — approval. Boynton Beach has had its challenges when it comes to downtown development. Much of the area's growth skirted the city itself, occurring in unincorporated Palm Beach County. The city's geographic disadvantage of having limited access to the ocean, along with a lack of leadership and resources, has made it difficult to fashion an attractive downtown. In 2018, the city came up with the Town Square project, a plan to build a downtown community around a new city hall and library. City officials found a developer and thought they were well on their way to revitalization. Three years later, half of the project was complete. The city could boast of a new city hall, library, children's museum and cultural center. The new plaza consistently drew crowds to cultural and music events at its amphitheater. Editorial: Florida's leaders need to craft a budget to avoid our own government shutdown Unfortunately, what remained undone was the private sector component of retail and residences that would have cemented the creation of a downtown Boynton Beach. The dispute with the initial developer dragged out in court and ended up costing the city because the 2018 agreement lacked a "reverter clause" that would have given the city the land back if the developer failed to meet its end of the bargain. Hopefully, the city has learned from that experience. City residents grappled with the idea of a new developer and a proposal calling for the city to come up with $35.2 million in tax incentives to start construction next summer. The financing plan prompted criticism of unwanted growth and traffic that would change the city into a smaller and more congested version of Fort Lauderdale. In the back of many minds, though, was the notion that the city had been here before, and it had with the previous developer. Editorial: With Trump's tariffs and federal cuts, Florida's tax plan comes at a bad time "This isn't a perfect situation. This isn't a perfect project," Commissioner Thomas Turkin said. "You know how I feel about the project in its entirety. You know how split and divided the residents are. But, I think if you look at this economically and you look at the metrics ... they don't pick sides. I'm not going to let perfect be the enemy of good." Boynton Beach now has the chance to develop a downtown that at the very least will generate new tax revenue and at most will become a new South Florida destination in the county's third-largest city. With so much promise on the line, the challenge for city officials is to ensure the final phase of development is completed without delay or drama. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: At last, a downtown Boynton Beach is closer to reality | Editorial
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Boynton's half-finished Town Square project gets $35 million from city to finish work
BOYNTON BEACH — After weeks of deliberation and nearly eight years for it to come to fruition, the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved Time Equities' request for a $35 million tax-increment financing plan to complete the city's long-delayed Town Square Project. 'We're here to do our best,' said Francis Greenburger, owner of Time Equities, who was seated in the front row at the May 13 board meeting. 'We're committed to realizing what we hope will be a high-quality project consistent with the vision that Boynton had for itself. … Give us the tools and we'll go to work.' Following lengthy discussions with the New York-based development company and much input from the public the past several weeks, the CRA voted to approve the $35 million request, passing it 4-1. The vote came after an attorney-client closed-door session, also known as a shade meeting, between city commissioners that lasted about an hour. A shade meeting is a session that allows a city's board or commission members to meet privately with an attorney to discuss public matters in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. Boynton Beach Mayor Rebecca Shelton, along with commissioners Thomas Turkin, Aimee Kelley, and Woodrow Hay, all voted in favor of the TIF request. Commissioner Angela Cruz was the sole vote against the deal. 'Metrics don't lie,' Turkin said. 'This isn't a perfect situation. This isn't a perfect project. You know how I feel about the project in its entirety. You know how split and divided residents are. But, I think if you look at this economically and you look at the metrics … they don't pick sides.' 'I'm not going to let perfect be the enemy of good,' he added. Despite formerly expressing disapproval, Turkin believes that the project will positively stimulate the city's economy, creating what he calls an 'economic boom.' 'I think it's in our best interest to move forward with this,' he said. Cruz said she felt the tax-increment finance request, or TIF, was too high and expressed discomfort with placing such a hefty investment in just one project. 'I don't feel comfortable with providing 95% of our TIF,' Cruz said. 'We have multiple things that we're going to have to pay for as we grow as a city … (and) 95% is too much in my view. However, I do understand the reason for needing the tool.' The Town Square project began development in 2018. It started as a 16.5-acre mixed-use redevelopment project that included a city hall, library, fire station and an amphitheater in the heart of Boynton Beach. This portion of the project, the public sector, was completed in October 2020. However, the second half of the project, a private development in partnership with Boca Raton-based JKM Developers, sat idle for nearly seven years. After a lengthy standstill, Times Equities reimagined The Square and proposed a new plan — two eight-story complexes, hosting close to 900 apartments that stretch from Boynton Beach to Seacrest boulevards. The project was approved in April 2024. However, with a funding gap bringing the proposed eight-story complexes to a halt, developers turned to the city for money. The amount — a $35 million TIF, a price that had many residents up in arms and the CRA board divided. APRIL 2025: After hearing from residents, Boynton wants more feedback before Town Square project vote APRIL 2025: Boynton Town Square project is still only half-finished and new developer wants more money AUGUST 2018: New renderings released of Boynton Beach's Town Square project SEPTEMBER 2016: Boynton hopeful private group wants in on Town Square A TIF is a public financing plan intended to help community redevelopment projects and stimulate private investment in areas that need economic revitalization. Yet on May 13, the CRA voted to move forward with the project, approving the developer's expensive request. Robert Singer, Time Equities' director of development, assured the board their vote will not be in vain, maintaining his stance that the new development will create economic growth in Boynton Beach once completed. 'This is what drives jobs,' Singer said. 'What this is speaking to is permanent spending, permanent jobs, good jobs and businesses opening.' 'This is capturing the new people that come in, but then you have also the people that are living here who are going to have an opportunity to spend money. … It's a massive impact.' This vote may come as a surprise to some, as both residents and select board members — Turkin included — were initially against the request, stating that $35 million was an egregious ask from developers. In a previous CRA meeting, Turkin called the TIF request a 'bad deal' and said he could not agree to the developers' terms, nor the high amount. Local residents also expressed concerns regarding the height and density of the project, as well as the traffic and safety concerns that such a large development would welcome. 'I'm totally against this,' said Susan Oyer, Boynton Beach local and Realtor. Yet, with a sort of change in tune, she urged the board to approve the TIF request in hopes that developers would work with area residents to meet the needs of the community. 'There's no way to turn down this project,' she said. 'It's not a change of heart. It's acknowledging the reality of the situation, and if you play nice, hopefully you can get some accommodations … ways to make a project that no one's happy with a little bit better.' TE developers hope to begin the project by spring of 2026. They rejected the board's request to accelerate the projected start date. Yet, after nearly eight years of a vacant and 'blighted' lot surrounding Boynton's city hall, other residents are excited for the new development to take shape. 'I think the project is well designed. I think it's going to be impactful on our community in a very positive way,' said Anthony Barber, a resident of Boynton Beach. 'These are the kind of people we want to be in partnership with. … They're not here to just take,' he said regarding TE developers. 'The train is at the station. We need to be sure that we're on it for the benefit of our community.' This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boynton Beach votes to complete Town Square project
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Choose Rebecca Shelton and Dominick Vargas for Boynton Beach elections
If there was ever a community that could use a jolt on its city commission, it's Boynton Beach. Its much heralded Town Square Project remains unfinished, the Boynton Beach Mall is a languishing piece of undeveloped commercial property, its annexation plans are an idea bordering on a pipe dream and its city commission is still heavily influenced by the local police union. On March 11, voters will have an opportunity to make a difference in the race for mayor and the District 2 seat. Commissioner Angela Cruz, representing District 3 is running unopposed. The Post's recommendations follow below: Term limits prevent the current mayor, Ty Penserga, from seeking another term. Given that the city's political structure is a strong city manager-weak mayor form of government, the next mayor had better find a way to improve his or her position politically within the community to develop a stronger working relationship with city administration. The Palm Beach Post believes Rebecca Shelton fits that role best, and we recommend voters choose her for mayor. Shelton, 49, is a local business owner and longtime city resident. She has been active in neighborhood affairs, worked on the city's senior advisory board and helped run local political campaigns, including Persenga's initial campaign for the commission. If elected, better police protection and code enforcement will be her priorities. Transparency is also a high concern in her hope to make a greater number of residents aware of city government activities and decisions. Endorsements: Palm Beach Post Editorial Board endorsements for March 11 municipal elections Shelton is one of four candidates seeking to become the next mayor. David Merker is a former commissioner who is campaigning on past experience. The second candidate in the race, Golene Gordon did not accept The Post Editorial Board's invitation for an interview. Courtland McQuire, a 55 year-old business owner is also running. The next mayor must be ready to galvanize wide support to move the community forward. The Post Editorial Board believes that Shelton is that candidate. Incumbents usually have an advantage in editorial board endorsements. They have accumulated experience at the job and can boast of a record of accomplishments after serving time on the dais. This unfortunately is not the case in District 3. The Post recommends voters choose Dominick Vargas, a political newcomer and an improvement to the incumbent Commissioner Thomas Turkin who was first elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term. Vargas, 25, would admittedly be a fresh face on the commission, but he's a longtime resident of the city whose knowledge of the district and his previous work in local and state political campaigns would serve him well on the dais. Vargas' priorities include restoring trust in Boynton Beach government by prioritizing transparency, fiscal responsibility and community-centered solutions. He supports responsible development in downtown and in older east-side neighborhoods. He also questions the city's attempt to annex unincorporated county communities that don't want to be a part of Boynton Beach, preferring to look at the city's current budget to provide new revenue. Turkin did not accept the editorial board's invitation for an interview. The interview might have helped clear the air surrounding allegations that his presence at a crash involving his girlfriend led to favored treatment by city police, or Turkin's confrontation with Vargas on the last day of filing. No matter. Voters in District 3 have a choice. The Post believes Vargas is the one that deserves to win. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boynton Beach voters should elect Shelton and Vargas | Endorsements
