Public Meetings - Boca Raton, Florida

The Boca Raton City Council held a regular meeting on March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included agenda amendments, board appointments, consent agenda approvals, several quasi-judicial public hearings, a presentation on the MiCA autonomous shuttle ridership update, and public requests. Key decisions included the removal of several downtown-related ordinances, postponement of a freestanding emergency room ordinance, and approval of a major development project at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Agenda Amendments - Removal of Downtown Ordinances: Council voted 4-1 (Mayor Singer, Deputy Mayor Nachlas, Council Members Drucker and Thomson in favor; Council Member Wigder opposed) to remove Ordinance Nos. 5771, 5774, 5775, and 5776 from the agenda. Most of these items were related to the downtown campus plan that had been rejected by voters. Council Member Wigder argued that two of the ordinances (5774 and 5776) were unrelated to the campus and would protect the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) area and preempt Live Local Act projects. The majority decided to remove all four. - Postponement of Freestanding Emergency Room Ordinance (Item 12A): Council voted 3-2 (Mayor Singer, Council Members Drucker and Wigder opposed; Deputy Mayor Nachlas, Council Member Thomson in favor) to postpone Ordinance No. 5767 to the second regular meeting in April 2026. The postponement was requested to allow parties involved in litigation related to a previous freestanding ER application to negotiate a settlement. Staff recommended proceeding, but the majority favored postponement to facilitate resolution. Board Appointments - Community Advisory Panel: Appointed Jolisa Caballero, Martin Castellanos, Linda Marinos, and John Shrey (all reappointed/appointed) by a 5-0 vote. - General Employees’ Pension Board: Appointed incumbent Mr. Lally by a 5-0 vote. - Planning and Zoning Board: Appointed Jorge Cameo by a 5-0 vote. - Police and Firefighters’ Pension Board: Reappointed John Gerard and Paul Lawless by a 5-0 vote. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5-0) with no removals. Items included: - Sealed bid for cartridge filters for potable water ($216,000). - Intergovernmental agreement for various trailers ($249,815). - Change order for nanofiltration unit upgrades ($217,866). - Resolution No. 018-2026: Grant application for citywide tree inventory. - Resolution No. 020-2026: Work order for 6551 Municipal Building renovation design. - Resolution No. 021-2026: Incentive for D-Wave Commercial Inc. (up to $500,000) – a quantum computing company creating 100 jobs (avg. salary $125,000) and partnering with FAU. - Resolution No. 024-2026: Agreement with American Express for card acceptance services. - Resolution No. 025-2026: Second Amendment for school police officers. - Board resignations (William Murphy, Marine Advisory Board). - Certification of elections for pension board trustees. Public Comments & Testimony - On Consent Agenda (Item F): Joseph Puchowski requested removal of D-Wave incentive item, questioning the definition of “qualified applicant” and noting the company had not appeared before council. Staff explained the incentive is performance-based, paid over time as jobs are created. - On Boca Raton Resort Development (Quasi-Judicial Hearings): Several residents spoke: - Margie Alloy (210 SE Mizner Blvd): Requested shifting the road alignment 10 yards south to preserve more mature trees. - Judith Kay (327 E Royal Palm Rd): Asked for pedestrian/bike access to the resort from Mizner Boulevard, noting the resolution language seemed to prohibit it. - Stephanie Rosenzwag (200 SE Mizner Blvd): Requested protection for pedestrians and cyclists during construction, citing Vision Zero and Complete Streets policies. She argued the Mizner Boulevard entrance should not be used for construction vehicles. - Mike Liebelson (398 NE 3rd Ct): Criticized the acreage change from 1.774 to 5.224 acres as not a scrivener’s error, and opposed construction traffic on Mizner Boulevard. He also called for disclosure of campaign contributions. - Richard Warner (1322 SW 9th Terrace): Opposed the rush to approve projects before the new council takes office, and raised concerns about cumulative traffic impacts from multiple developments. - Pam Pashki (341 SW 2nd St): Asked about parking compliance; noted the applicant was not requesting any deviations. - Joseph Bujalski (17309 Belboa Point Way): Requested a meeting with the applicant to discuss recorded property rights regarding fitness center access, and alleged the city and applicant were shifting responsibility. - On Golf Envy Conditional Use: No public comment. - Public Requests (End of Meeting): - Jonathan Unjin (6501 Congress Ave): Criticized the freestanding ER ordinance as overly restrictive and suggested it was designed to benefit certain parties. - Judy Morrow (no address given): Shared her experience as a poll worker and advocated for lower building height limits. - Pam Pashki: Criticized the CRA for granting a 41% parking variance without adequate discussion, and urged updating the city code. - Michael Schneider (5500 NW 2nd Ave, Condo 3): Opposed development on public land (North Park), skate parks, and Boys & Girls Club in his area; advocated for a golf course and community center. - Martha Parker (64 NW 7th St): Thanked council for tabling downtown ordinances and requested public meetings to educate residents about the Live Local Act’s impact. - Joe Majus (254 NE 5th St): Thanked outgoing council members for their service. - Richard Warner: Thanked staff and council, but criticized the council’s development agenda and urged protecting the “orphaned block” from future upzoning. Discussion Items - Boca Raton Residential and Parking Structure (Quasi-Judicial Hearings): The council considered four interrelated items for a new 76-unit residential building, fitness center, and site improvements at the Boca Raton Resort and Club (501 E Camino Real). - Staff Presentation: Owen Devlin (Senior Planner) presented the request for a future land use amendment (PR to RH), rezoning (REC to R-5), master plan amendment, and site plan approval. The 5.224-acre site (corrected from originally advertised 1.774 acres) will house an 8-story, 100-ft tall building with underground parking. The master plan consolidates prior approvals and caps residential units at 1,140. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 6-0. Staff proposed conditions (blacklined) to address construction traffic, including minimizing use of the Mizner Boulevard entrance, requiring off-site worker parking, and allowing city staff to restrict times. - Applicant Presentation: Bonnie Miskell (attorney for applicant) and architects Jim Tinson and Michael Gayhart presented the design, emphasizing preservation of mature trees, integration with the golf course, and a new sidewalk. The applicant opposed the staff’s blacklined conditions, preferring to handle construction logistics through the standard Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) process after approval. They offered to build ADA ramps and work with staff on pedestrian/bike safety. - Council Deliberation: After extensive discussion, council reached consensus to delete staff’s blacklined conditions and instead rely on the MOT process, with the applicant’s proffers (ADA ramps and pedestrian/bike safety focus) added to the site plan resolution (Resolution 17-2026). A 10-minute recess allowed staff and applicant to finalize language. - Votes (all 5-0): - Ordinance 5780 (Future Land Use Amendment): Adopted with scrivener’s correction. - Ordinance 5781 (Rezoning): Adopted with scrivener’s correction. - Resolution 16-2026 (Master Plan Amendment): Adopted with addition of “vehicular” to condition regarding access for guests/patrons, clarifying pedestrian access is allowed. - Resolution 17-2026 (Site Plan Approval): Adopted with applicant’s proffers (ADA ramps and pedestrian/bike safety during construction) added to condition 5C. - Golf Envy Conditional Use (Resolution 19-2026): Unanimous approval (5-0) to authorize a 3,263 sq ft indoor athletic training facility (4 golf simulators) in an existing 19,862 sq ft warehouse/office building at 6501/6531 Park of Commerce Blvd. The facility will operate 24/7, membership-only, no food/beverage. Staff and Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. Council members noted conditional use may be unnecessary for such uses and suggested future council consider streamlining. - MiCA Ridership Update: Zach Beer (Public Works Director) presented ridership data for the autonomous shuttle pilot in Mizner Park. Key stats: 93% autonomous operation, 150 loops completed, average loop time 12 minutes, total passengers carried exceeded benchmarks. Plans to expand service to connect Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place in summer 2026, pending NHTSA permit. Key Outcomes - Removal of Downtown Ordinances: Four ordinances removed from agenda (4-1 vote). - Freestanding ER Ordinance Postponed: Continued to second regular meeting in April 2026 (3-2 vote). - Board Appointments: All appointments approved 5-0. - Consent Agenda Approved: 5-0, including D-Wave incentive. - Boca Raton Resort Development Approved: All four items (land use, rezoning, master plan, site plan) approved 5-0 with modifications as described above. - Golf Envy Conditional Use Approved: 5-0. - Staff directed to work with applicant on construction sequencing through MOT process, with added conditions for pedestrian/bike safety and ADA ramps. Council Member Reports - Council Member Drucker: Reported on National League of Cities conference, focusing on transportation infrastructure funding, autonomous vehicles, and rail. She highlighted Boca Raton’s innovative reputation. - Council Member Wigder: Congratulated Mayor-elect Thomson and outgoing members, reflecting on the balance between historic preservation and innovation. - Deputy Mayor Nachlas: Delivered a heartfelt farewell speech, thanking staff, colleagues, and residents. She noted accomplishments in affordable housing, technology, and fiscal stability. - Mayor Singer: Thanked colleagues and staff, highlighted the formal dedication of Memorial Park that day, and listed city achievements in public safety, fiscal management, economic development, and green space. He urged continued progress. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held a regular meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1:30 PM at 6500 N. Congress Avenue. The primary agenda item was a quasi-judicial public hearing for the Mizner Plaza hotel project (DDRI IDA CRP-23-01). After extensive public testimony and deliberation, the CRA voted 4-1 to approve the project with several added conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 23, 2026: Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Brian Critchman (Tower 155 resident): Opposed the project due to safety concerns about construction near a structurally compromised building; criticized the city's lack of independent structural oversight. - Jeanette Orin (Tower 155 resident): Urged denial, calling the hotel "too large, too close" and a threat to neighborhood character. - Alan Slutsky (Boca Raton resident): Raised traffic concerns, noting that studies may underestimate gridlock, and called for binding mitigations. - Jill Rose (Tower 155 resident): Highlighted the 41% parking reduction as the largest ever requested, arguing a smaller building could avoid the deviation. - Richard Warner: Criticized the downtown code and urged denial. - Daniel Flynn (nearby resident): Spoke in favor, stating the hotel would revive Mizner Park and bring economic benefits. - Pam Pashki (Boca Raton resident): Opposed the parking variance and the use of city-owned property for alley widening without compensation. - Meredith Madsen (former city council candidate): Asked for deferral, citing the recent election results as a mandate against overdevelopment. - Jeffrey Weinstein (Tower 155 resident): Listed eight issues, focusing on parking and the city land concession. - Shelley Nesbet (nearby property owner): Supported the project, arguing it would enhance downtown vitality and economic growth. - Stephen Newman (Mizner Boulevard resident): Praised the design and walkability. - Scott Kerner (resident): Emphasized the need for development to attract youth and jobs. - Ned Kimmelman (downtown resident): Voiced strong support, referencing property rights and the need to avoid lawsuits. - Victoria Melazzo (Tower 155 resident): Asked the council to learn from the Tower 155 precedent and stop repeating mistakes. - Josh Rosenfeld: Supported the project, calling opposition selfish. - Martha Batmasian (property owner): Defended the project, citing its architectural significance and her family's long-term commitment to Boca Raton. - Shannon Otto (Boca Raton resident): Opposed overdevelopment, preferring a quieter city. - Joe Majors (Boca Raton resident): Criticized the parking deviation and suggested the applicant offer free after-hours parking downtown; questioned service entrance impacts. - Judy Morrow (nearby property owner): Suggested using city-owned land as a bargaining chip for a new downtown post office. - Ellen Bogdanoff (attorney for Tower 155 Association): Presented concerns about alley safety, requested 24/7 vibration monitoring, cameras, drone survey, wind modeling, and post-construction repairs. - Ellie Zacharitis (applicant’s attorney): Rebutted concerns, emphasized property rights, and argued the parking code is outdated; offered conditions including an elevated crosswalk and off-site parking contingency. Discussion Items - Parking Deviation: Staff and applicant argued the 229-space reduction (41%) is justified by outdated code and low projected demand; the city's parking study supported the reduction. Discussion centered on off-site parking at 100 and 101 North Federal Highway (245 spaces) within 600 feet, as allowed by code. - Alley Widening: The alley would be widened from 10 to 20 feet at applicant's expense; maintenance responsibility was debated. An elevated (raised) crosswalk was proposed to connect Tower 155 to the hotel. - Structural Protection: Conditions L and M in the IDA required a pre-construction structural report and vibration monitoring; additional Tower 155 requests (24/7 monitoring, cameras, drone survey, wind modeling) were partially accepted. - Height and Design: The 12-story, 140-foot building was praised for its architecture and integration with Mizner Park; it meets zoning except for parking. - Election Context: Some speakers referenced the March 10 municipal election results as a signal to slow development; others argued property rights must be respected. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner (Mayor-elect) Andy Thompson moved to approve DDRI IDA CRP-23-01 with amendments. Seconded by Commissioner Yvette Drucker. The motion passed 4-1 (Chair Marc Wigder dissenting). - Amendments Included: 1. Off-site parking contingency: If city manager or designee determines on-site parking is insufficient, applicant must provide off-site parking within 600 feet (e.g., at 100 and 101 N. Federal Highway), proportionate to the deficiency, with signage and a parking management plan. 2. Raised crosswalk (referred to as "raised" in the record) connecting Tower 155 across the alley, design subject to city approval. 3. Alley maintenance: Applicant responsible for maintenance and resurfacing of the full alley as directed by city manager. 4. Structural evaluation (Condition 5L): Pre-construction structural report of Tower 155. 5. Vibration monitoring (Condition 5M): Approved plan with benchmarks, vibrometers, tilt meters, and 24/7 email alerts to contractor. 6. Post-construction evaluation: Submit structural condition report of Tower 155 noting differences from pre-construction report. 7. Drone survey incorporated into the structural evaluation. 8. All structural conditions contingent on Tower 155 ownership/association providing reasonable access. - Other Conditions: The applicant accepted the structural monitoring language as underlined in Tower 155's proposal; did not agree to wind modeling, cameras, or post-construction power washing (to be handled privately). The city will not enforce those. - Next Steps: The project will proceed with the conditions. The board also noted that Tower 155’s requests regarding their own loading zone and alley access should be considered separately by staff. Other Business - Public Requests: None. - Director’s Report: None. - Attorney’s Report: None. - Commissioners’ Reports: Commissioner Scott Singer gave farewell remarks, thanking colleagues and staff after 12 years on the CRA. Chair Wigder noted the need to fix the downtown code. Meeting adjourned at 5:31 PM.

The City Council held a workshop meeting on March 23, 2026, at 5:33 PM. The meeting included board interviews, public comments, and updates from the City Manager on freestanding emergency facility regulations and the Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts (CIMD) impact analysis. No formal votes were taken, but direction was provided for future action. Public Comments & Testimony - Angela McDonald (1350 N. Dixie Hwy): A resident commissioner of the Buckwood Town Housing Authority, she expressed concerns about a policy adopted by the board on January 28, 2026 (6-1 vote) that restricts individual commissioners from requesting information from the executive director. She stated this policy is being used to silence dissent, noting a previous motion to remove her from the board. She read her statement into the public record. - Richard Warner (1322 SW 9th Terrace): Criticized the council's handling of the government campus project, stating the council was "tone deaf" and ignored the will of the people (4-1 vote against). He thanked departing council members but warned that a lesson should be learned. - Jonathan Ungin (6501 Congress Ave): Thanked the council for removing zoning restrictions and improving parking for medical uses. He urged the council to pass the freestanding emergency room ordinance tomorrow night, criticized a prior denial over a small variance, and called for better planning in the western part of the city. - Joe Majors (254 NE 5th St): Complained about traffic disruptions on East Palmetto Park Road due to utility improvements, noting that lane closures and removed on-street parking created a "nightmare." He opposed proposals to narrow Palmetto to two lanes. Discussion Items - City Manager Report A – Freestanding Emergency Facilities Update: Development Services Director Chad presented research on 18 existing freestanding emergency rooms in South Florida. Key findings: 14 of 18 have arterial frontage with direct access; 11 have dedicated right-turn lanes, 12 have left-turn lanes; 5 have separate ambulance parking. Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance 5767 (conditional use in specified districts, with parking and access standards). Councilmember Wiegder raised concerns about turn-lane requirements and the 12-month reapplication rule after a denial, noting potential litigation. City Attorney advised that ordinance can address these issues. Councilmember Drucker requested the PowerPoint for review. Councilmember Rucker expressed readiness to pass the ordinance, stating it's hard to anticipate every site-specific condition. No vote was taken. - City Manager Report B – CIMD Update: Staff presented a level-of-service analysis for adding 1,000 residential units under the CIMD ordinance. Sanitary sewer, potable water, and stormwater are adequate. Parks would remain well above the 11-acre-per-1,000 standard (projected 14.5 acres after units). Police would need 2 additional officers for 140 extra calls/year; fire rescue would handle 122 extra calls/year. Schools: projected demand of 59 students (27 elementary, 13 middle, 19 high), with potential capacity issues at Don Estridge and Spanish River High, but school district redistricting could address this. Traffic analysis projected Level of Service F failures by 2036 at several intersections due to background traffic, regardless of additional units. Staff identified mitigation measures (Boca Connect expansion, multimodal improvements, corridor upgrades) that could be funded by new development. Councilmembers noted the small impact of the additional units and the need for developer participation in mitigation. No vote was taken. - Mayor/Council Member Reports: Councilmember Wiegder raised removing ordinances related to the downtown campus plan but noted one item (a block between 3rd and 6th Streets including the library) should be incorporated into downtown regardless. He asked staff to consider this for tomorrow's agenda. Key Outcomes - Board appointments for Community Advisory Panel, General Employees Pension Board, Planning and Zoning Board, and Police and Firefighters Pension Board will be made at the March 24, 2026 regular meeting. - Ordinance 5767 (freestanding emergency facilities) is on the agenda for the March 24 meeting; staff recommends adoption, and council members expressed general support for moving forward. - The CIMD impact analysis was received; further discussion on mitigation funding and potential developer contributions will continue. - Councilmember Wiegder's proposal to rezone a block north of the downtown DRI will be considered at the next meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Boca Raton met on March 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and conducted a quasi-judicial public hearing regarding a conditional use and site plan amendment for Palm Beach International Academy at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC). The board voted unanimously in favor of both items. Additionally, the Director's Report highlighted the need to appoint a board member to the Affordable Housing Action Committee. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 5, 2026: Approved by unanimous vote (6-0) without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public requests portion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Palm Beach International Academy at BRIC (Items 5.A.i and 5.A.ii): The board considered two related requests for the approximately 124.2-acre BRIC property at 5000 T-Rex Avenue: - Conditional Use Approval (CA-25-06): To authorize a 5,711 square foot private school for grades 6 through 12 (maximum 50 students on site) within an existing 1,770,417 square foot building in the Light Industrial Research Park (LIRP) zoning district. - Site Plan Amendment (SPA-03-01R2): To add 20 short-term bicycle parking spaces (14 outdoor, 6 indoor) and update the site plan to reflect current conditions on the northern portion of the property. - Staff (Brandon Chad, Development Services Director) and the applicant (David Millich, representing Miskel Backman, LLP) presented the hybrid remote/in-person school model, noting that students would attend 10–25 hours per week, with no set arrival/departure times. The applicant stated that student biking is not anticipated due to the location and surveyed usage at similar facilities; however, 282 bicycle parking spaces already exist across BRIC. Board members asked about bicycle access to the site and the distinction between short-term and long-term bike parking. Staff noted that future mixed-use plans for BRIC include significant streetscape improvements. - Director's Report: Brandon Chad informed the board about the Affordable Housing Action Committee, which requires a planning and zoning board member per ordinance. The seat was previously held by Ms. Ritchie. The committee met three times last fall with meetings lasting 1–2 hours. Board members were asked to consider volunteering; the appointment will be addressed in coming months. Key Outcomes - Item 5.A.i (Conditional Use): Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0). Voting yes: Chair Sevell, Matthews, Morgan, Dornblaser, McDermott, Mitchell. - Item 5.A.ii (Site Plan Amendment): Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0). Same roll call. - Next Steps: The board’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. The board will select a member to serve on the Affordable Housing Action Committee at a future meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) held a quasi-judicial public hearing on March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider a recommendation to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for an Individual Development Approval (IDA) for the Mizner Plaza Hotel project. The project, located at 132 and 170 Northeast 2nd Street, seeks to construct a 12-story, 219-room hotel with retail, restaurant, and spa uses, along with a parking reduction and transfer of development rights. The board voted 6-0 to recommend approval with two added conditions. Public Comments & Testimony - Tower 155 Residents (Opposition): Multiple residents spoke against the project. Concerns included the alley widening to 20 feet for two-way traffic, potential structural damage to Tower 155 during construction, increased traffic congestion, use of city land for private benefit, and the project not addressing affordable housing needs. One resident, Bob Simpkins, accused the board of ignoring residents and rushing the vote before upcoming elections. Another resident, Jeffrey Weinstein, argued the project required numerous waivers and was not an "of-right" development. Attorney Ellen Bogdanov requested additional conditions for structural surveys and vibration monitoring. - Shelley Nesbitt (Support): A nearby single-family homeowner expressed support, citing the project's walkability, iconic design, and benefits for the community, including additional hotel inventory for visiting families. - Gina Waldorn (Concern): A resident who grew up in the area expressed concern that the project caters to a wealthy demographic and does not reflect the middle-class, affordable character of Boca Raton. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Susan Lesser presented the IDA request, highlighting the project's compliance with downtown plans, pedestrian-friendly design (15–19 ft sidewalks, 20 ft staircase aligned with Mizner Park), and the technical deviation to reduce parking from 557 to 328 spaces based on a parking demand analysis. The project originally included a city-owned parcel for a park, but that was removed after opposition. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Presentation: Attorney Ellie Zacharitis presented the revised application, noting the removal of the city-owned lot and underground parking, reduction of hotel rooms from 242 to 219, and conversion of 4,000 sq ft of restaurant to a spa. She emphasized the building's design, including 40 ft of public space on the first two floors, a motor court for rideshare, and a 20 ft alley expansion (from 10 ft to 20 ft). She argued the parking code is archaic and that the project's parking is adequate. She also stated that Tower 155 is the tallest building downtown (160 ft) and that the project was designed to maximize views, leaving over 200,000 sq ft of leasable space unbuilt. - Board Questions: Board members asked about underground parking viability, public access to parking, trash pickup timing, and loading dock conditions. The applicant clarified that parking is efficient due to the rectangular lot, and that trash pickup will be timed and not occur between 7–9 AM. - Tower 155 Attorney Response: Ellen Bogdanov reiterated requests for pre-construction surveys and vibration testing, and asked that the alley be widened further or made one-way. The applicant agreed to three of five conditions and committed to working on the remaining two. - Board Discussion: Members expressed disappointment that the city-owned parcel was no longer included as a park, but acknowledged that many concerns from Tower 155 residents mirror those raised when their own building was approved. The board emphasized that their role is not to address all neighbor concerns but to evaluate the application against code. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Board member made a motion to approve the IDA as proposed, with two added conditions: (1) a structural survey of Tower 155 and surrounding property, and (2) vibration testing during construction. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (6–0). Board member Morgan was absent. - Next Steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the CRA for final consideration. The applicant will continue to work with Tower 155's attorney on additional conditions. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting concluded at approximately 7:11 PM.

The Boca Raton City Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:05 p.m. for a regular meeting that lasted until 10:30 p.m. The council considered a wide range of items, including a fitness center conditional use and site plan for The Boca Raton resort, an ordinance clarifying freestanding emergency facility regulations (postponed for further study), an ordinance updating City Council rules of procedure, an ordinance clarifying retail requirements in commercial‑industrial multifamily developments (CIMDs), and an ordinance strengthening candidate residency verification. Several downtown land‑use ordinances were postponed to the March 24 meeting. Public comment focused on the downtown campus project, code enforcement, and other community concerns. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the workshop meeting of February 9, 2026 and the regular meeting of February 10, 2026 were approved unanimously. - A proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Florida Bicycle Month was presented. The city now has over 84 miles of bicycle lanes and shared‑use paths. - Consent Agenda items (Resolutions 015‑2026, 016‑2026, 017‑2026 and board minutes) were adopted on a single motion, 5‑0. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Fitness Center Conditional Use & Site Plan (Items 11A&B): - Stephanie Rosenzweig (200 SE Mizner Blvd) expressed concern that the existing service entrance on SE Mizner Boulevard could become a construction entrance for the fitness center and future towers, conflicting with a 1990 condition that the entrance be used exclusively by hotel employees and service vehicles. She requested that the Camino Real members’ entrance be used instead. - Joseph Bujalski (17309 Boca Pointe Way) raised questions about a 99‑year agreement between the Boca Raton Hotel and his community, contending that the hotel’s maintenance obligations have not been upheld and that the city should address property rights before approving the fitness center. - On the Freestanding Emergency Facilities Ordinance (Item 12B): - John Donaldson (800 Crestwood, Royal Palm Beach) presented a parking study showing that freestanding ERs typically require about two parking spaces per 1,000 sq ft, while the city’s proposed rate of 1.75 per 1,000 sq ft for surgical centers is higher. He urged reliance on empirical data rather than a generic standard. - Dr. Evan Goldstein (2517 Seminole Circle), an emergency medicine physician, testified that his freestanding ER in West Boca sees up to 90 patients per busy day, receives 2–3 ambulances daily (up to 10 on busy days), and has a 11 % admission rate. He emphasized the need for adequate access, noise management, and parking. - Josh Brody (7897 Placio Del Mar Dr) argued that the ordinance was initiated in response to a specific denied application and that emails obtained through public records show that draft language was prepared by a private attorney for a council member, raising concerns about who is shaping the city’s zoning rules. - Jeffrey Barker (1905 NW Corporate Blvd), representing the owner of the parcel that was denied a freestanding ER, questioned the eligible‑parcels map, noting that many sites shown lack direct access to arterial roads. He also argued that the proposed parking requirement (5.7 spaces per 1,000 sq ft) is far above observed usage in similar facilities. - Gila Brand (980 N Federal Hwy) stated that the overturned application had been properly vetted and supported by staff and the planning board, and that the new ordinance appears to be drafted to exclude that site and favor another property. - Jonathan Unj (6501 Congress Ave) also highlighted the disparity between the city’s parking standard and those of other municipalities, and questioned why access requirements are more restrictive than those in Palm Beach County. - Richard Warner (1322 SW 9th Terrace) expressed confusion over why a medical facility should be blocked by bureaucratic parking debates, and criticized the council for delaying the matter. - On the Rules of Procedure Ordinance (Item 12A): - Pam Paschke (341 SW 2nd St) asked whether a majority of three votes is needed for passage, suggested clarifying that any speaker prohibition applies only to that meeting, and questioned whether the rules adequately require disclosure of relationships with subject matter. - Richard Warner asked where the full compendium of rules could be found and whether the changes would reduce transparency. - On the CIMD Retail Clarification Ordinance (Item 12G): - John Donaldson questioned why the first 2,000 sq ft of retail in CIMDs generates traffic counts and parking requirements, even though the city provides a 5 % trip reduction and a $12.80 shuttle fee per trip. - On the Candidate Residency Verification Ordinance (Item 12H): - Pam Paschke asked how a renter who pays utilities to a landlord could satisfy the new three‑document requirement. - Richard Warner questioned whether voting history alone proves non‑residency and whether utility bills are sufficient proof of residence. - Public Requests (Item 14): - Brianna Hanquist (5710A Coach House Circle) advocated for preservation of urban forests and gopher tortoises, and requested arborist reports for three 100‑year‑old banyan trees removed at 400 S Dixie. - Michelle Grow (4550 NW 23rd Terrace) challenged the claim that One Boca is contributing $127 million in upfront funding, stating that it is borrowing capacity based on assumptions, and that the city’s public facilities are taxpayer‑funded. - Sherry Croyle (1224 SW 14th St) reported ongoing violations of the city’s occupancy limits in single‑family zones, with absentee landlords renting to more than three unrelated students. - Margie Aloy (210 SE Mizner Blvd) asked the council to require the developer of a new condo tower to shift a proposed road to avoid cutting mature trees, using an existing paved maintenance entrance instead. - Phil Croyle (1224 SW 14th St) suggested adding Section 28‑2 (definition of family) to the supplemental code enforcement procedures in Section 9.60 to lower the burden of proof for initial violation notices. - Richard Warner criticized the city for not addressing short‑term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) enforcement and for allowing what he called misleading advertising by One Boca. - Elizabeth Decker (498 NW 7th Ave) argued that the downtown campus project was not designed with residents’ input, and that the February 24 meeting was too late to address core concerns before the March 10 referendum. - Martha Parker (64 NW 7th St) urged a “no” vote on ballot question 2, stating that a no vote preserves Memorial Park and allows time for a community‑driven plan. - Judy Morrow (address not given) criticized the developer’s mailers as misleading, arguing that they show tree‑filled renderings instead of the seven high‑rise towers planned. - Meredith Madsen (1193 SW 19th St) accused the council of creating the current divisive atmosphere and urged voters to reject both ballot questions and elect candidates who will bring the community together. - John Shy (4686 NW 2nd Ct) defended the project, saying he trusts the renderings and will hold the developer accountable. He rejected claims that he was paid by One Boca. - Joe Majes (254 NE 5th St) praised the council for allowing a direct up‑or‑down vote on the downtown project and encouraged voters to choose truth and experience over inflammatory rhetoric. - Eric Blanchett (102 NE 2nd St) alleged that Save Boca has violated campaign finance and election laws, and that their petition drive misled voters about their voting rights. - Stephanie Rosenzweig (200 SE Mizner Blvd) asked that a condition be placed on future approvals for the Boca Raton resort tower to prohibit construction vehicles from using the SE Mizner Boulevard service entrance, citing Vision Zero and complete‑street commitments. - Multiple other speakers also addressed the downtown campus, park preservation, and code enforcement. Discussion Items - Amendments to the Agenda: The council voted unanimously (5‑0) to postpone four downtown land‑use ordinances (Items 12C through 12F – Ordinances 5771, 5774, 5775, 5776) to the March 24, 2026 meeting. Item 12B (Ordinance 5767 on freestanding emergency facilities) was also postponed to the next regular meeting after a lengthy discussion and public hearing, with direction to bring it back at a workshop and regular meeting. Councilmember Drucker expressed disappointment that the postponement was not discussed earlier, but the council agreed to continue study. - Fitness Center Conditional Use & Site Plan (Items 11A&B): Staff and the applicant presented the proposal for a three‑story, 52‑foot‑tall, 31,695‑sq‑ft fitness center at the Boca Raton resort. The use would be limited to members and hotel guests, and no additional vehicle trips or parking are expected. The Community Appearance Board and Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. After public testimony, council voted 5‑0 to approve both resolutions. - Ordinance 5757 – Rules of Procedure: City Attorney Kaler explained that the update modernizes outdated language, clarifies existing practices, and consolidates scattered rules. Examples include gender‑neutral terms and a current version of Robert’s Rules. Public comment raised questions about quorum definitions, speaker restrictions, and disclosure requirements. The council adopted the ordinance 5‑0. - Ordinance 5767 – Freestanding Emergency Facilities (Item 12B): Development Services Director Shad presented the proposed code amendment allowing freestanding emergency facilities as conditional uses in certain zoning districts, with requirements for arterial access, no school‑zone adjacency, no abutting single‑family, and dedicated ambulance loading. Staff recommended approval. Public testimony was extensive, with supporters emphasizing the need for clear regulations and opponents questioning the process and specific standards (parking, access, buffers). Councilmembers raised concerns about conditional‑use uncertainty, parking rates, access points, and the need for more data from established facilities. The item was postponed to the next workshop and regular meeting for further study. - Ordinance 5773 – CIMD Retail Clarification (Item 12G): Director Shad explained the need to clarify that on‑site retail in CIMDs must be genuine, publicly accessible businesses (excluding gyms and tutoring). The Planning and Zoning Board recommended a 45‑hour per week minimum operating requirement. The council debated whether 40 or 45 hours was appropriate and ultimately adopted the ordinance with the 45‑hour requirement (5‑0). - Ordinance 5777 – Candidate Residency Verification (Item 12H): City Attorney Kaler stated that the ordinance increases required proof documents from two to three, adds declaration of domicile, and requires submission of a current voter information card. The council adopted it unanimously (5‑0). - City Manager and Council Reports: City Manager announced a public workshop on the police headquarters on February 25 at Spanish River Library. Councilmembers reported on legislative updates, the new Poor Lamar seawall (35‑ft deep metal barrier), affordable housing, CRA extension, and infrastructure projects. Mayor Singer thanked staff and residents, noting that the downtown campus vote is a direct yes/no question on the March 10 ballot. Key Outcomes - Approvals (all 5‑0): - Minutes of February 9 and February 10, 2026. - Consent Agenda (Resolutions 015‑2026, 016‑2026, 017‑2026, and board minutes). - Resolution 012‑2026 (conditional use for fitness center at The Boca Raton). - Resolution 013‑2026 (site plan for same). - Ordinance 5757 (Rules of Procedure). - Ordinance 5773 (CIMD retail clarification) – amended to require 45 hours per week operation. - Ordinance 5777 (candidate residency verification). - Postponed: Items 12C through 12F (downtown land‑use ordinances) moved to March 24, 2026. Item 12B (freestanding emergency facilities ordinance) postponed to the next workshop and regular meeting for further research and discussion. - Directives: Staff was directed to investigate code enforcement issues related to occupancy limits, short‑term rentals, and tree preservation at specific sites. City Attorney to provide follow‑up on petition acceptance procedures. - Next Steps: The council will hold a workshop on February 25 for the police headquarters. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026 (no meeting on March 10 due to the municipal election).

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held its regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The meeting included a quasi-judicial public hearing on an amendment to the Royal Palm Place Hotel Individual Development Approval (IDA), public requests, and a discussion on postponing downtown land development ordinances. The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:40 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 9, 2026: Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Nachlas, second by Commissioner Singer). Public Comments & Testimony During the Quasi-Judicial Hearing (Royal Palm Place Hotel IDA amendment): - Richard Warner (resident) expressed opposition, stating the project would destroy Boca Raton's charm and questioned the demand for additional hotels. He urged the board not to approve variances. - Pam Paschki (resident) requested that lobbyists state their clients when speaking. She criticized the modern design of the proposed parking garage and urged it to better match Royal Palm Place's style. - John Pearlman (founder of Save Boca) argued that the city should not become an urban center like West Palm Beach. He criticized the Development Services Department for not filtering proposals and claimed the process is flawed. - Judy Morrow (resident) suggested the city focus on attractions like an aquarium or turtle hospital rather than hotels, and referenced Delray Beach's six-story height limit as a model. - Joseph Pajowski (resident) praised the project's mixed-use potential but questioned the need for a parking variance. He also raised concerns about the Meisner Park lease assignment, alleging the city did not review financials of the actual assignees. During Public Requests: - Andrea O'Rourke (former commissioner, resident) criticized the government campus process as flawed and misleading, noting that the P3 project is no longer just a government campus. She urged honesty in communication and questioned why Meisner Park is deteriorating while the city focuses on new development. - John Pearlman repeated concerns about public land use and alleged the council planned to bulldoze Memorial Park (which Chair Wigder refuted). - Richard Warner again criticized downtown development and supported the need for attractions. - Joseph Pajowski elaborated on the Meisner Park assignment, asserting the city approved an assignment to entities without equal financial standing as the original tenant, and that the CFO admitted to not reviewing financials of the actual assignees. - Keith Nelson (resident) thanked the council for postponing the ordinances and asked about community involvement in rewriting the downtown code. Discussion Items 1. Postponement of Downtown Land Development Ordinances (Ordinances 57, 71, 74, 75, 76) - Mayor Singer proposed postponing the second public hearings on these ordinances to after the March 10th election, citing potential outcome-determinative results and the need for more public outreach. Commissioners Drucker, Nachlas, Thomson, and Wigder agreed, noting concerns about Live Local Act compliance and the lack of urgency. The council unanimously agreed to postpone. 2. Quasi-Judicial Hearing – Resolution No. CRP-00-02R7 (Royal Palm Place Hotel IDA Amendment) - Applicant Presentation: Ellie Zacharitis (attorney for the Batmasian family and Investments Limited) presented the amendment. Key changes include: - Reducing hotel rooms from 144 to 137 (removal of below-grade parking due to cost). - Reducing hotel square footage from 167,360 to 80,800 sq. ft. - Constructing a 7-story parking structure (501 spaces) with ground-floor retail/restaurant (10,707 sq. ft.) on the site of two existing buildings to be demolished. - Eliminating a 24-space public parking plaza and adding open space (increase of 7,100 sq. ft.). - Requesting a technical deviation to reduce required parking from 2,099 to 1,417 spaces (shared parking analysis) and a drive-aisle reduction from 26 ft to 24 ft. - The applicant argued the parking deviation allows flexibility for future tenant changes and is consistent with modern urban downtown needs. They noted the project would eliminate the existing parking deficit at Royal Palm Place. - Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Susan Lesser explained that the project complies with Ordinance 4035, received unanimous recommendations from the Community Appearance Board (6-0) and Planning & Zoning Board (7-0), and improves parking: required parking reduced from 1,946 (2022) to 1,905, while provided spaces increase from 1,239 to 1,480. The parking deficit would be eliminated. - Board Discussion: - Commissioners questioned sequencing (garage before hotel), pedestrian connectivity, sidewalk widths, and architectural harmony. - Commissioner Drucker emphasized support for removing underground parking due to high water table and praised the overall improvement to Royal Palm Place. - Chair Wigder and Vice Chair Thomson argued that property owners have rights to develop consistent with code and that the project improves existing nonconformities. - Commissioner Nachlas expressed preference for Meisner-style architecture but accepted the mix. - Vote: Motion to adopt Resolution CRP-00-02R7 as amended (moved by Commissioner Thomson, seconded by Commissioner Nachlas). Roll call: Thomson (yes), Nachlas (yes), Singer (yes), Drucker (yes), Wigder (yes). Passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the Royal Palm Place Hotel IDA amendment (Resolution CRP-00-02R7), authorizing the revised hotel, parking structure, and site improvements. - Consensus to postpone the second public hearings on downtown land development ordinances until after the March 10, 2026 election, with further public outreach planned. - Directives: Chair Wigder asked staff to consider making title descriptions clearer for parking deviations to avoid public confusion. Commissioner Nachlas requested follow-up on valet plan enforcement. Chair Wigder also suggested a study on parking demand timing to potentially adjust enforcement hours. Commissioner Reports - Commissioner Drucker provided a report on the CRA’s history and future priorities, emphasizing walkability, traffic calming, parking reform, and the need for early planning for the CRA’s sunset. - Commissioner Singer reiterated that Memorial Park will be formally dedicated regardless of the March 10th vote and corrected misstatements about bulldozing the park. He also recommended periodic parking demand studies. - Commissioner Nachlas requested enforcement of valet parking plans. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM to be followed immediately by a City Council workshop.

The Boca Raton City Council held a workshop meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, starting at 3:51 p.m. The meeting included public comments on downtown development, a ballot question, and zoning ordinances, followed by city manager and council member reports on transit, legislative updates, and community events. No formal votes were taken; several items were noted for future action. Public Comments & Testimony - Andrea Lavino Rourke (100 Southeast Fifth Avenue) argued that the ballot question on public land development was unfair and not truthful, and expressed support for the council's decision to postpone three zoning ordinances. She criticized the city for turning away FAU graduate students who wanted to hold a downtown planning outreach at the community center, and urged the council to prioritize community and business engagement before proceeding with the ordinances. - Judy Morrow (1305 Northeast Fifth Avenue) thanked the council for postponing the three ordinances, questioned the city's development trajectory ("Who owns the sky?"), and called for fixing underground water infrastructure before allowing more high-rise buildings. She urged voters to vote no on the ballot question to "save our public land." - Pam Paschke (341 Southwest 2nd Street) presented a shadow analysis showing that 12‑story (135‑foot) buildings across the street from Memorial Park would cast shade over the park until mid‑day, causing soggy grass. She requested that the city council commit to park improvements irrespective of the Boca One development. - Jonathan Unj (6501 Congress Avenue) criticized the developer (Boca) for not compromising on building heights (e.g., five or seven stories) and accused the development of being a political tool. He threatened to file a lawsuit under SB 102 if council leadership changes, arguing that downtown density should be the development right for all property owners. City Manager Reports - City Manager announced the final public workshop for the new police department headquarters: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Spanish River Library. Council Member Reports & Legislative Updates - Councilmember Rucker (also referred to as Drucker) reported on the inaugural America 250 train along Brightline, which she rode on Presidents’ Day. She noted Brightline’s strong interest in Boca Raton’s station and the potential for a second platform and coastal connection commuter rail. She also reported that Tri‑Rail (SFRTA) funding was restored in both the House and Senate budgets, and that e‑bike legislation is being discussed at the state level. Finally, she provided a legislative update on House Joint Resolution 203, which would eliminate homestead property taxes. She stated that the House had removed a phase‑out provision and now proposes full elimination, and that the Senate is expected to produce its own plan, possibly leading to a special session. - Councilmember Reeder noted that if HJR 203 passes immediately, Boca Raton could lose $58 million in revenue in the first year, with further impacts on other cities. He also announced the start of the Festival of the Arts downtown, beginning February 27, with events running through the first week of March. - Mayor highlighted the Freedom 250 mobile museum that stopped at FAU, the upcoming James Hardy Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational golf tournament, and the city's positive achievements: a 25.5% reduction in crime over seven years, a $850 million infrastructure improvement plan (ISIP) without bond or tax increases, and a water rate one‑sixth lower than some other cities. He encouraged residents to vote in the upcoming election while keeping in mind all the city's successes. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken; the workshop was informational. - The council acknowledged the postponement of three zoning ordinances, as previously mentioned by a council member. - The city manager directed attention to the upcoming police headquarters workshop. - Council members provided updates on state legislation (HJR 203) that could significantly affect the city’s budget, and noted ongoing discussions about e‑bike regulation. - The mayor urged voters to consider the city's overall positive trajectory when voting in the March election.

The Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Boca Raton held a regular meeting on February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The board considered four quasi-judicial public hearings, all of which were approved unanimously. The meeting also included approval of the previous meeting's minutes and public comments on one item. Consent Calendar - Minutes of January 22, 2026: Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Royal Palm Place Parking Structure and Hotel (Item 5C): - Monique Rambo (resident at 99 Southeast Meisner Boulevard) expressed general support for the plan but raised a concern about the removal of a pocket park that had been discussed in August 2025. She emphasized the importance of green space for residents and visitors. - Mary Ann Halas (owner of Salon 300, located at 233 South Federal Highway) asked whether the proposed changes would eliminate the Third Street entrance to Royal Palm Place. The petitioner clarified that the entrance would remain two-way. Discussion Items - Woodfield Country Club Buffer Wall Variance (Item 5A): The board considered a variance to allow an 8-foot wall along the northern property line (Clint Moore Road) instead of the maximum 6 feet. The applicant cited security concerns and deterioration of the existing fence. The security firm Allied Universal submitted a letter supporting the 8-foot height as a greater deterrent. The board approved the variance 7-0. - Altier Jewelers Individual Development Approval (Item 6A): The board reviewed an amendment to change use from office to retail (medium) and add 575 square feet to the existing building at 641 South Federal Highway. The project will close an exit-only driveway on Federal Highway, improve landscaping, and convert office equivalent development. Staff recommended approval; the board voted 7-0 to recommend to the Community Redevelopment Agency. - Golf Envy Conditional Use Approval (Item 6B): The board considered a conditional use for a 3,263-square-foot athletic training facility (indoor golf simulators) within an existing warehouse at 6501 Park of Commerce Boulevard. The facility will operate 24/7 with no food or alcohol. Staff noted consistency with industrial park uses. The board voted 7-0 to recommend to the City Council. - Royal Palm Place Parking Structure and Hotel IDA Amendment (Item 6C): The board considered a major amendment to the existing IDA, including reducing hotel rooms from 144 to 137, constructing a 7-story parking structure with ground-floor retail, and requesting technical deviations for parking requirements and drive-aisle width. The applicant argued that the parking code is outdated for a downtown setting. Staff recommended approval with conditions. A board member added a condition requiring that construction of the parking garage begin simultaneously with the hotel. The applicant agreed. The board voted 7-0 to recommend to the Community Redevelopment Agency. Key Outcomes - Woodfield Country Club Buffer Wall Variance: Approved 7-0. - Altier Jewelers IDA Amendment: Approved 7-0 (recommendation to CRA). - Golf Envy Conditional Use: Approved 7-0 (recommendation to City Council). - Royal Palm Place Parking Structure and Hotel IDA Amendment: Approved 7-0 with a condition that the parking garage construction start concurrently with the hotel (recommendation to CRA). - All votes were unanimous (7-0) for each item.