Delray Residential Alliance supports commerce plan for agricultural reserve's South Parcel

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission meeting on April 11, 2025, focused on a proposed development in the agricultural reserve, drawing significant community interest and concern. The meeting highlighted discussions around a new commercial project along the Atlantic Avenue corridor, which has been designed to reduce traffic by nearly 70% compared to previous proposals.

A key speaker, a farmer and president of the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, praised the applicant for meeting all necessary criteria for commerce in the agricultural reserve. He emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that the Alliance plans to send a letter of support for the application to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

However, not all feedback was positive. Joe O'Donnell, a local farmer, expressed strong concerns about the impact of the proposed development on agricultural operations in the area. He criticized the planning department for not adequately addressing agricultural issues and highlighted the potential for increased truck traffic on Starkey Road, which could disrupt farming activities. O'Donnell pointed out that the development could hinder access to his farm and other agricultural businesses, raising alarms about the compatibility of commercial growth with the agricultural reserve's intended purpose.

Commissioners engaged in a dialogue about the project, with questions regarding the preservation of land for water retention and the balance between agricultural and commercial uses. The applicant confirmed that a portion of the site would be set aside for preservation, which could also serve as a water retention area.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between development and agricultural interests in Palm Beach County, as stakeholders seek to navigate the complexities of land use in the agricultural reserve. The next steps will involve further community engagement and a review by the BCC, where the future of the proposed development will be determined.