West Palm Beach CRA to begin lease talks for pop-up skating rink at 901 N. Tamarind

The City of West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously on May 12 to begin negotiations with TJ Spot LLC over a proposed short-term lease at 901 North Tamarind Avenue.

The action starts formal talks over a plan by TJ Spot, an operator of pop-up roller‑skating rinks, to occupy a semi‑permanent outdoor site at the Tamarind Avenue property while the CRA considers longer‑term redevelopment. The agency voted to “commence negotiations” on resolution 25‑17; the board unanimously approved the motion.

Jade Green, deputy director with the CRA, told the board that the site — acquired by the CRA in 2022 and previously used for auto sales — is adjacent to De Best Barbecue and that the agency received a single proposal, from TJ Spot. Green said the proposal would include youth fitness and wellness programs, continued family events, and the creation of an estimated three to five full‑time jobs. The applicant requested a $95,000 development grant to outfit the site and proposed a rent of $800 per month; Green said rent and grant figures will be evaluated during negotiations.

The CRA shared an economic manager’s analysis projecting an annual wage expenditure impact of about $218,000 and estimated property and sales tax of $93,000, for a subtotaled annual economic impact of roughly $311,000. Green also presented three cost scenarios the agency evaluated for siting the operation — full building rehab ($298,000), new modular ($283,000), and refurbishing used containers the CRA already holds ($214,000) — and said the CRA favors a used modular approach as a cost‑saving interim solution while preserving flexibility for future, larger mixed‑use development on the parcel.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm that container structures are allowed in the area and to clarify which costs are included. Green said planning had confirmed no prohibition on containers and that the CRA had spare used containers available for refurbishment, and that the container refurbishment and site work estimates include demolition, permitting, and landscaping; the requested $95,000 grant would be separate and intended to outfit rink‑specific equipment and site improvements if the board decides to award it.

Tawanna Teal, who identified herself as owner and founder of TJs Pop‑Up Rollerskating Rink, told the board she had not yet applied for other grants and said she is working with local partners, including BBIC and a fund she referred to as Quantum, which she said had provided a $10,000 grant to her business. Teal said she has been operating pop‑ups at CRA and city events and has been building revenue and inventory without outside grants, but that a lease commitment would strengthen future grant applications.

Commissioners expressed support for a locally rooted business activating a long‑vacant site and for using the interim container option to limit upfront public spending. Staff recommended approval to commence negotiations; the board approved resolution 25‑17 unanimously and directed staff to return with a negotiated lease for final approval at a future meeting, likely in June or July.

The CRA will continue negotiations with TJ Spot and return to the board with a proposed lease agreement and any recommended development grant or rental terms.