Planning Board endorses 12-story residential development with increased units and workforce housing

The City Commission Meeting held on April 28, 2025, in West Palm Beach, focused on significant developments in urban planning and housing. The primary agenda item was a major amendment proposal for a residential and commercial project located on Lot 4 S, a 2.19-acre site.

The proposal seeks to increase the building height from eight stories to twelve, allowing for a total of 323 residential units, which includes a substantial increase in workforce housing units from 40 to 81. The project also plans to remove commercial space from the ground floor and enhance parking facilities, increasing the parking structure to nine stories with a total of 548 spaces.

Key waivers were discussed, including modifications to landscaping requirements and parking regulations. The project team requested a waiver for the on-site tree requirement, proposing to plant trees in common areas throughout the overall Center Park Development of Regional Impact (DRI) instead. This approach aims to enhance the park's aesthetics and pedestrian areas while accommodating the site's limitations.

The commission reviewed the project's compliance with city standards, noting that the proposed parking ratio of 1.7 spaces per unit is within the allowable reduction of 30%. Staff recommended approval of the amendment, highlighting that the project meets all necessary standards and has received a favorable recommendation from the planning board with a unanimous 6-0 vote.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to increasing residential options while addressing workforce housing needs and enhancing urban infrastructure. The next steps will involve further evaluations and potential approvals as the project progresses.