Delray Beach City Council discusses updates to Live Local Act and workforce housing

In a recent City Commission meeting, Delray Beach officials discussed significant changes to the Live Local Act, a state initiative aimed at increasing workforce housing. The act allows developers to bypass local land use and zoning regulations for projects that include at least 40% workforce housing, enabling them to build at the highest density permitted by the municipality.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the implications of these changes, particularly regarding the preemption of local control over land use. The act now permits residential developments on mixed-use and church properties, expanding the scope of where workforce housing can be built. However, local leaders noted that the revisions do not adequately protect historic districts, as many of Delray Beach's important areas were established after the cutoff date set by the state.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the requirement for administrative approvals for developments under the Live Local Act, which bypasses the usual commission review process. This has raised alarms about the potential for unchecked development in areas that may not be suitable for high-density housing.

The meeting also highlighted a specific project at 2101 South Congress Avenue, which proposes 386 units, with 156 designated as workforce housing. While the project aims to address housing needs, concerns were voiced about traffic management, as the development currently has only one main entry point, which could lead to congestion.

Commissioners are urging residents and developers to stay informed about ongoing developments through the city’s website, which tracks projects under the Live Local Act. As Delray Beach navigates these changes, the balance between increasing housing availability and maintaining community standards remains a critical focus for city leaders.