Palm Beach County considers commerce designation for Park West South on Atlantic Avenue

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission meeting on April 11, 2025, focused on the proposed Park West South project, which seeks to change the land use designation to commerce on the south side of Atlantic Avenue. This area, part of the Agricultural Reserve, has been a topic of discussion due to its history of agricultural use and recent developments.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted that the Agricultural Reserve encompasses 22,000 acres, with nearly 13,000 acres designated for preservation. The area has seen significant residential development, transitioning from farmland to mixed-use communities. The Park West South site is located near established neighborhoods, including Delray Lakes Estates, which has been present since the early 1980s.

The proposal aims to align with the county's vision for a mix of commercial and residential uses in the Agricultural Reserve. The area has previously accommodated various land use changes, including commercial and industrial developments, to meet community needs. The request for a commerce designation is characterized as low intensity and light industrial, consistent with past approvals along major corridors in the reserve.

The discussion emphasized the importance of balancing development with preservation, as the county continues to manage growth while maintaining the integrity of the Agricultural Reserve. The next steps will involve further review and consideration of the proposal by the Planning Commission.