The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 6, 2024, to discuss several key zoning matters, including a significant economic development project known as Project Hotel. The meeting, originally scheduled for 9:30 AM, was shifted to 1 PM, allowing for a more comprehensive discussion among commissioners and stakeholders.

One of the primary topics was the consent agenda, which included a comment from Kelly Smallridge, the president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. Smallridge emphasized the importance of Project Hotel, highlighting its potential to attract high-quality manufacturing and logistics jobs to the area. She noted that the project aligns with the county's economic development strategy and represents a less burdensome option for the community compared to previous proposals. Smallridge urged the commissioners to support the project, stressing that Palm Beach County is competing with states like North Carolina and Texas for such opportunities.

During the meeting, the commissioners addressed procedural matters, including disclosures and potential conflicts of interest. There were no conflicts reported, and the board acknowledged one postponement regarding the Haverhill Recovery project, which was administratively remanded back to the Development Review Officer (DRO).

As the discussion progressed, it became clear that while there was strong support for Project Hotel, there remained a condition that the applicant and staff were not in agreement on. This issue was raised before the project could be approved on the consent agenda, indicating that further dialogue would be necessary to resolve the matter.

In summary, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to fostering economic growth through strategic projects like Project Hotel, while also navigating the complexities of zoning regulations and community impact. The board's next steps will involve addressing the outstanding condition related to the project, ensuring that all parties are aligned before moving forward.