[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6351809,"mediaKeyId","2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805","parentId",2226758,"title","Commission increases B-MUD height incentive for workforce housing, clarifies bonus-unit rules","audioSeconds",300,"startMs",10100000,"endMs",10400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805&start=10100&end=10400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805/thumbnail_10100000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6351809/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Commission-increases-B-MUD-height-incentive-for-workforce-housing-clarifies-bonus-unit-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351809-c14bb97196ecb87688f00195120f7f91/orig.mp4?Expires=1776489948&Signature=iqtuE0dnaF1Uz5QNGYdVbtMD5vsUQvImB8i32kLh2dFGNeYFkkGnpGiDWj0Pl9hV24HV51dpOiFa81~itVSre6BqnA1qVuMFTp0FDqy6J7oQLQt8Y5bWjJpKVXOwh4W4vvK2kyazWmJeuTMYLXpTgLmZaE8FBLaW6NTIFrReGfOmHCLauwstXAIBQsDVFR3mpEeEMlHOn0mopzKJSPdFY6xdNyWaiRHCX6f5DuwMMNh59KfbCSYGi~KgALsz3--eeZL1JaRO1o~LeCBt23j-8HjxRVvXnmkcY7-CjcCnQWgDDXs5fhyHwOZPl0QaQ4Oy1A83rT4uyDPI4KjYjbm~fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of West Palm Beach, FL","date","2025-02-04T14:03:07Z","article","The City Commission unanimously approved a text amendment to the zoning code on Feb. 3, 2025 that increases and clarifies incentives in the Broadway Mixed-Use District (B‑MUD) to support affordable and workforce housing. The ordinance (No. 5123-25) modifies Article 17 of the zoning code to clarify bonus-unit calculations in cases of upzoning, to confirm the maximum floor area ratio allowed, and to authorize limited variance/waiver review for “Live Local” workforce housing developments.

Anna Maria Aponte, assistant development services director, presented corrections to the ordinance language adopted at first reading: the B‑MUD base is three stories and the incentive is four additional stories (for a seven‑story total), so the staff corrected an earlier misstatement that had described the incentive as three additional floors. Aponte told commissioners the revised text aligns the ordinance with the policy intent and provides administrative clarity.

A member of the public, Nick Bixler with Connect West Palm Beach, spoke in favor of the upzoning as a tool to add workforce and affordable units in a city with limited vacant land.

The commission moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance on second reading. The amendment was found consistent with the comprehensive plan and the planning board had recommended approval.

Why it matters
The zoning text change increases the development incentive in B‑MUD as an explicit tool to encourage workforce and affordable housing by allowing additional floors for qualifying projects and by clarifying how bonus units are calculated for properties seeking an upzoning.

Implementation
The ordinance authorizes limited variance and waiver review by the commission for Live Local workforce housing developments and updates plan sheets and development regulations to reflect build-out and plan changes. The staff said the change will ease administrative review and help developers align on the bonus-unit calculation rules.

Votes at a glance
- Action: Adopt Ordinance No. 5123-25 on second reading (zoning text amendment for affordable and workforce housing overlay)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous)

Next steps
Staff will implement the revised text when processing future B‑MUD applications and will apply the clarified bonus calculations to any pending upzoning requests, subject to site-level review and any authorized variance or waiver process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting | February 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission unanimously adopted a zoning text amendment clarifying and increasing B‑MUD incentives to support affordable and workforce housing, making the incentive four additional floors atop a three‑story base for a seven‑story maximum.","taxTitle","West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",4250,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351805,"Commission approves dock waiver at 8002 Flagler Court and plan amendment for 1309 South Flagler Drive",211,10679000,10890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805&start=10679&end=10890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805/thumbnail_10679000.jpg","/articles/6351805/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Commission-approves-dock-waiver-at-8002-Flagler-Court-and-plan-amendment-for-1309-South-Flagler-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351805-0b2c566b67dbd1df2bb63f54e4f8c3e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776489948&Signature=XSzSg5lTlAmsrqGOC3YxKkVt0eL9MyVRZcLgCsvzzpwha1dzy7rflQGr0xXqMrwALU146zLMR~aWAqXE0q1uSy0tn--H3yf5tx3Kp4AJGGAFg4TJcrEH8wVytx5WfWYHDXDnY9TdQEIkPP6Owpy4cE1aEikH~5fO1CpmdI1E3e5zSc1nfBHHcwEMZDQJP8Qy6JNiAf49~OmmhWz0Qb0FU5dCn4aUOVFlyMyKVrkwKg95rtGtGcXNaOh547E0QqqgqcT3Aq0OAbBmgR6-AMB3QFAT4qNqXSrPJXvDrPz8gChSzZEKgEgkIOBKE53WnMPcOF65v9XqvcwQO5PRpPANqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission approved two land-use items during the quasi‑judicial portion of the meeting on Feb. 3, 2025:

1) 8002 Flagler Court dock and boat-lift waiver (Resolution 284‑24): Docks & More Construction, representing the property owner, asked the commission for a Class A special use permit with a waiver to allow a dock and boat lift to extend beyond the standard 100-foot length. The existing dock extended roughly 67 feet into the water; the applicant requested an additional 50-foot extension to accommodate a larger boat and deeper mooring. Staff confirmed that the applicant provided required federal and state permits (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Florida DEP) and that the requested structure would not extend farther than neighboring properties. Planning staff recommended approval, and the planning board had recommended approval as well. The commission voted to approve the waiver and permit.

2) 1309 South Flagler Drive residential planned development amendment (Resolution 1‑25): The commission approved a major plan-development amendment for the Forte project (1309 RPD). The applicant requested seven minor changes tied to construction as built and to finalize conditions for certificate of occupancy. The primary items were a small setback change tied to an architectural column (a revised two‑column/three‑column treatment that modifies 25 square feet on two floors), installation of decorative safety railings adjacent to a neighboring property for fall protection, a minor height exception (a 6‑inch mechanical‑equipment overrun), plan-sheet and exhibit updates for administrative clarity, and a change in ownership/maintenance approach for an art-walk (Arcadia Road) parcel. Project ownership purchased the privately held parcel that had been expected to be city right-of-way; the owner will deliver and maintain the Art Walk while granting public and utility easements to the city. Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval; the commission approved the amendment.

Why it matters
Both items finalize construction and waterfront access details. The dock waiver addresses an individual property owner’s mooring needs while noting neighboring dock positions and existing environmental permits. The RPD amendment resolves as-built design details, minor code variances and easement arrangements so the developer can obtain a certificate of occupancy and deliver the planned public improvements, including the Art Walk.

Votes at a glance
- 8002 Flagler Court dock waiver (Resolution 284‑24): Approved (unanimous)
- 1309 South Flagler Drive RPD amendment (Resolution 1‑25): Approved (unanimous)

Implementation notes
Staff will process required permits and finalize easement instruments for the Art Walk parcel. The city and developer will coordinate on the installation, maintenance and public access terms for the Art Walk and associated utilities.","The commission approved a dock-length waiver at 8002 Flagler Court and a major plan-development amendment for the 1309 South Flagler Drive residential planned development, clearing both projects for final permitting and public improvements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351810,"Commission adopts complete streets policy to formalize walking, biking and transit goals",230,3010000,3240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805&start=3010&end=3240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805/thumbnail_3010000.jpg","/articles/6351810/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/Commission-adopts-complete-streets-policy-to-formalize-walking-biking-and-transit-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351810-afe9afa87cad06d282976d37b6bb1dd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776489948&Signature=Hml0cFnviurPuvE~hNluocoZ4EsgYujyBEhGS56e5D~M37yNuR7gOz91VA-cbieHl~ef9pvCzGhxoqigvYHgPYgCGzb03vHrJGhhfKJ6bF7ia9EeFoEAaXxjkyKX1Dt6xam8HrM2OsBOYliIf90iE9dkEjcFba4OgmhN1d3hAM9cv3wWcvqUZRBamRV5AFI-FiEYsiP~~WwXbNu0old~3YziJU6xXnBJCn1vPF4IizDu0kB5NEjDb1N7tYbhEZJiNUtjIamQEzTcvuZACmR2yM4xpkiVqZMUe~jvNcH8gHKhbwNjIm0Y5lYlXGwBeW61Lv1pFvRSMquSmVnpmWp~Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 13-25 on Feb. 3, 2025 to formalize a Complete Streets policy. Staff described the measure as an official statement that documents the city’s ongoing work to design streets that are safe and accessible for users of all modes—pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and drivers.

Jessica Keller, the city’s mobility and transportation manager, told the commission that West Palm Beach has practiced Complete Streets principles for more than a decade but never had a stand-alone policy. Keller said the policy will align with an updated downtown mobility plan (expected in March) and a citywide mobility plan targeted for completion by the end of the calendar year. She said the policy also expands consideration of connectivity and context-sensitive design to private development as well as public streets and will document implementation progress every two years.

Commissioner Christy Fox reminded the dais that the city incorporated Complete Streets concepts into its comprehensive plan as early as 2005 and praised the staff for producing a stand-alone policy that will make the city eligible for recognition and awards. Connect West Palm Beach and a resident speaker, Nick Bixler, both offered public support and urged the city to continue building safe infrastructure after recent local pedestrian crashes.

The commission moved, seconded and unanimously approved the resolution.

Why it matters
The policy formalizes an approach the city has applied in practice and is intended to make street design decisions more transparent and consistent across departments and private development. The policy’s stated aims include safety, connectivity, comfort and sustainability.

Implementation details
Staff said the policy will be paired with an updated mobility plan and includes a requirement to document implementation and outcomes every two years. The city will continue to tailor street projects to neighborhood context and coordinate across departments to track miles of bike lanes, sidewalks and tree plantings.

Votes at a glance
- Action: Adopt Resolution No. 13-25 (Complete Streets policy)
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous)

Public comment
Resident Nick Bixler (Connect West Palm Beach) thanked staff and the commission for moving the policy forward and asked for continued attention to pedestrian safety after recent crashes.

Next steps
The downtown mobility plan update is expected in March 2025 and a citywide mobility plan by year-end; staff will report implementation progress and metrics every two years.","The City Commission unanimously approved Resolution 13-25, establishing a formal Complete Streets policy to align with the city’s mobility plans and to document street projects and outcomes every two years.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351811,"West Palm Beach adopts ordinance making small-business participation mandatory at 18% for construction contracts after heated debate",6720,3270000,9990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805&start=3270&end=9990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805/thumbnail_3270000.jpg","/articles/6351811/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/West-Palm-Beach-adopts-ordinance-making-small-business-participation-mandatory-at-18-for-construction-contracts-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351811-56cb8129514da7bad10b664377880947/orig.mp4?Expires=1776489948&Signature=kcUDOIEDy6zfU79qU~ffUlzfZb~Fa10YR5ON4KkeG8hroBd0cHysAPfFwleTB6xooFp9e7Bp371Q-z5lMdka1VIof-~jnJJjiYbYu1SVnlv60R7FGCg3MAI1cGRf8Ia9dREilQ6-VC12FOW~tig8GYMu51fAAQ7zaCD~4e7XNLrK6y3Tq3I-Ug60tvF0rws32ieYqdPxCLnGzCu12o7oO~PVNlYB0f6qyJdEnantJNHOx~W4nrGoTW-loRtYlPssLziMQ7Sx2nSUTq7Xs7z2IotTWxFGWIawbrBk8b7V9zdmwUjFZeqoRydXC01OW3CjOw-NKgpcB-5zi5EjLaJd1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Palm Beach City Commission on Feb. 3, 2025 adopted Ordinance No. 5118-24, revising the city procurement code to clarify the office name, redefine “small business,” and establish small-business participation as required when a level is set. The ordinance sets the maximum small-business participation at 18% for construction and master contracts and reorganizes and clarifies several related provisions.

City procurement director Frank Hayden told the commission the change primarily updates ordinance language to match a policy the commission approved in 2020 and city practice since then. Hayden said staff evaluates availability of certified subcontractors before setting a participation level for each solicitation and retains discretion to lower the participation target or set it to zero if there is inadequate local capacity.

Hayden provided participation figures and program details: “Our number of certified SBEs is close to a little over 400,” and the city’s pool of certified minority and women-owned firms is “about 300, over 300.” He told commissioners the city typically exceeds the stated goal on a cumulative basis and that the county’s comparable target is 20 percent.

Michelle Depotter, CEO of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Palm Beach County, said the AGC learned of the second-reading language shortly before the hearing and urged the commission not to convert the city’s goal into a mandate. “We are in opposition to a mandate,” Depotter told commissioners, citing capacity and workforce constraints in the local construction market and asking for more stakeholder engagement before a change to mandatory language.

Commissioners split on whether to convert the city’s longstanding practice into formal ordinance language. Supporters said the change brings the code into alignment with current procurement operations and reinforces the city’s commitment to opportunity for local small, minority and women-owned businesses; opponents said the industry needed more direct input and that setting a requirement—rather than a goal—could create unnecessary burdens on prime contractors without increasing local capacity.

The commission voted 3–2 to approve the ordinance on second reading. The mayor and staff said the change will be followed by a city-funded disparity study this year that will analyze local market capacity and inform any future adjustments to participation thresholds.

Votes at a glance
- Action: Adopt Ordinance No. 5118-24 (second reading) — procurement code amendments on small-business participation
- Mover: not specified; second: not specified
- Outcome: Approved 3–2
- Key change: Establishes small-business participation as required in solicitations when a participation level is set; sets maximum small-business participation at 18% for construction and master contracts.

Why it matters
The ordinance affects how the city structures contracting requirements for public works and master agreements. Staff said the change is meant to formalize a practice the city has applied in recent years; opponents warned that requiring participation could produce unintended cost or scheduling impacts if local subcontractor capacity is limited.

Implementation and next steps
Staff said waiver procedures already exist in the code and noted that the city may reduce or waive participation on a per-project basis if availability is insufficient. Commissioners and staff also committed to a follow-up process that includes a disparity study and additional stakeholder meetings.

Clarifying details
- City-certified SBEs: “a little over 400” (Frank Hayden)
- City-certified MWBE/WBE firms: “about 300, over 300” (Frank Hayden)
- County target cited by staff: 20% (noted as comparison)
- Staff retains discretion to lower or waive participation on a project-by-project basis if availability is limited.

Public reaction and industry input
The AGC asked for earlier and fuller involvement in the drafting process and identified capacity and bonding as practical concerns for prime and subcontractors. Commissioners agreed to schedule additional stakeholder briefings and to use the forthcoming disparity study to inform any future policy changes.","On second reading the commission amended the procurement code to require small-business participation—set at a maximum 18% for construction and master contracts—by changing ordinance language to reflect the city's existing practice; the vote passed 3–2 after industry groups urged retaining a goal instead of a mandate.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351812,"West Palm Beach commission ratifies Antonio Araujo as police chief",1440,3600000,5040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805&start=3600&end=5040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2226758-36daec19b62e7948b56a6a6028be0805/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6351812/West-Palm-Beach/Palm-Beach-County/Florida/West-Palm-Beach-commission-ratifies-Antonio-Araujo-as-police-chief","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351812-2d4ec6568c00f4f65fbc579b1bbbbbbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1776489948&Signature=d2y064Hrl1be-wJFIERYm19PQJgZgsEsVjftpExt~AoBSYdYG-Oz2X1aHlFOL0spLAC4qKVVpWwLSFMDSYqTl78nOy63smPnIsh0BnEgWQmPP5GjzFOBQgwUA8CIo~-zOuLmHY5Cq3CDFM9Avd8cytzHq5He5PK-ELjchxORInLq2kEEAJPKuSlg73WRQ~6PJG2QjA40yiKU6CphfjYFf7Oyo1XwAPEYGvsoETcNOW3BiKGrNanHjNb0-6UyGI2bywGuXtZUnGBHd-WSZ59EGLLcrTWvY~RE6F8I~BEZ1CHs8ZloMbuVUMK636ZjIsZ0q~52Bvu~j4kkP8RwAHtmPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously ratified Mayor Keith James' appointment of Antonio Araujo as chief of police on Feb. 3, 2025. The appointment, announced by the mayor, will take effect March 3, 2025.

Mayor Keith James told the commission he appointed Araujo as interim chief in October and concluded a national search was no longer necessary after observing the chief’s “performance, vision, and ability to drive results.” James said Araujo “has been doing the work” to reorganize the department and institute leadership training, and the mayor asked commissioners to ratify his appointment.

City Administrator Armando Johnson, who said he works day-to-day with the chief, told the commission Araujo had taken a “deep dive” into the department’s administrative policies and had demonstrated an understanding of municipal budgeting and departmental operations. Johnson noted the police department’s budget and staffing while supporting the mayor’s recommendation.

Interim Chief Antonio Araujo addressed the commission and the public, saying he and his command staff had been assessing operations since October and had found “competent and engaged sworn and professional staff.” Araujo pledged “a fair, just, and constitutionally sound posture in all we do” and said he was committed to improving community-oriented public safety services and to building partnerships with neighborhoods.

Commissioners who spoke during the discussion praised Araujo’s neighborhood outreach and early steps to change department culture. Commissioner Kathleen Ward said North End residents felt “secure in your responses and how you interact.” Commissioner Shalonda Warren and Commissioner Christina Lambert cited training, supervision and accountability as early positive signs. Commissioner Christy Fox and Commissioner Joe Peduzzi also voiced support.

The mayor asked for a motion to ratify the appointment; the motion was moved and seconded and carried unanimously. The appointment will be effective March 3, 2025.

Votes at a glance
- Action: Ratify appointment of Antonio Araujo as chief of police (mayoral appointment)
- Moved: not specified; second: not specified
- Outcome: Approved (unanimous)
- Effective date: 2025-03-03

Why it matters
West Palm Beach’s police department serves a city with a 2025 department budget and staffing levels discussed at the meeting (staff cited a departmental budget figure of $97,000,446 and 315 sworn officers). The ratification signals the mayor’s decision to retain a leader who has already taken steps—according to the mayor and staff—to reorganize the department, institute leadership training and pursue community-oriented policing measures.

What comes next
Mayor James and Chief Araujo announced plans for community listening events across the city in coming months to continue outreach. The commission did not set additional conditions in the ratification motion.","The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously ratified Mayor Keith James' appointment of Antonio Araujo as the city's permanent police chief, effective March 3, 2025, after the mayor and city staff cited performance improvements during Araujo's interim tenure.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission increases B-MUD height incentive for workforce housing, clarifies bonus-unit rules

Commission approves dock waiver at 8002 Flagler Court and plan amendment for 1309 South Flagler Drive

Commission adopts complete streets policy to formalize walking, biking and transit goals

West Palm Beach adopts ordinance making small-business participation mandatory at 18% for construction contracts after heated debate

West Palm Beach commission ratifies Antonio Araujo as police chief