Commission approves first reading of Flagler House rezoning; neighbors sharply divided over 18-story plan and waivers

The West Palm Beach City Commission approved on first reading a rezoning request (Ordinance No. 5128-25) to change 3705 South Flagler Drive from multifamily high‑density residential (MF-32) to a Residential Planned Development (RPD) for the proposed Flagler House project. The proposal drew lengthy public comment both for and against and included an applicant presentation, staff report and a large number of written letters entered into the record.

Applicant and attorney Harvey Oyer described a proposed redevelopment that would replace the existing 1962 condominium with a new development of 39 units (the applicant said the site could support 46 units by-right but the proposal keeps density at 39). The project team said the design places the tower and associated parking podium well back from Flagler Drive and includes public-access and pedestrian benefits: a paved public access pathway to Flagler Drive, a pedestrian plaza with human and dog water stations, a paver crosswalk, an on-site pet-grooming business restricted to that use, an internalized service/ loading loop to keep service vehicles off…