West Palm Beach CRA Advances Affordable Housing Through Historic Property Rehabilitation

The Planning Board of West Palm Beach convened on February 19, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including amendments to existing projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing housing affordability within historic districts.

The meeting began with a review of proposed changes to a garage treatment, which was deemed an active use issue. Following a brief discussion, the board moved to vote on the amendments. A roll call vote was conducted, resulting in a motion passing with a majority of 5 votes in favor and 1 against.

Next, the board addressed a presentation by Leslie Olson, a principal with the District Planning Group, representing the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Olson outlined the CRA's initiative to rehabilitate six historic shotgun-style properties located on a single parcel within a historic district. This project aims to balance historic preservation with the city's goals for affordable housing, allowing residents to purchase homes in these desirable areas.

Olson noted that while the historic preservation ordinances allow for special exceptions for expansions or new constructions, they do not currently accommodate the unique situation of multiple single-family homes on one parcel. This limitation poses challenges for the CRA's efforts to sell the rehabilitated properties as fee-simple homes to prospective buyers.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the collaborative efforts involved in the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving the city's architectural heritage while addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. The board's discussions highlighted the ongoing commitment to finding solutions that align with both preservation and community development goals.