Riviera Beach planning board backs replat for Aqualina mixed-use project, 4-1

The Riviera Beach Planning & Zoning Board on April 10 recommended that the City Council approve a replat for the Aqualina mixed‑use project, PA‑23‑0006, sending the item forward by a 4‑1 vote.

The Aqualina replat covers about 3.385 acres at 3700 Broadway and supports a previously approved site plan for a 25‑story mixed‑use development of 399 condominium units for sale, about 9,680 square feet of retail, roughly 17,120 square feet of restaurant space and about 11,000 square feet of office space, plus a parking garage. The board’s recommendation is a final plat step before the project goes to City Council and, later, building‑permit review.

The board’s action matters because the replat clears the legal boundary needed to convert the site into condominium parcels and to allow the developer to proceed toward permits and construction. The project also includes a payment in lieu for workforce housing and a public pedestrian access dedication along Lakeshore Drive that staff said will remain open to the public.

Kurt Thompson, the city’s principal planner, told the board the plat has satisfied the city’s subdivision code and state platting requirements and that staff concluded the replat “meets [and] protects the public health, safety and welfare.” Thompson said the site plan and rezoning previously were approved and that the replat is the final step before City Council review.

Members of the public raised concerns about density, traffic and affordability. Rochelle Hughes, a resident who spoke during public comment, questioned whether workers and residents would use transit and said, “That’s about 800 vehicles because I’m sorry. Nobody’s gonna walk.”

The developer’s representative said retail and restaurant space are being reserved for the market and that no specific tenants have been secured yet. Brian Terry of Insight Studio said, “We do not have a particular user for that at this point in time,” and added that leasing will take place when the spaces are marketed.

On affordable and workforce housing, Thompson and the applicant said the project will participate in the city’s MHOP program through a payment in lieu. Thompson described the contribution as approximately $4,935,000 to be deposited into the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund for future workforce‑housing projects. City staff explained payment timing: roughly half is paid when the developer applies for building permits and the remainder is paid before issuance of the certificate of completion.

Board members pressed for details about parking and access. Staff said the code requires 999 parking spaces for the mix of uses and that the developer plans to provide 1,007 spaces. Thompson and the applicant also confirmed multiple driveways and pedestrian access; the plat dedicates a roughly 27‑foot‑wide pedestrian greenway along Lakeshore Drive for public use.

Questions about the project’s effect on property taxes and seniors prompted discussion but not action. Sam Bauer, senior vice president with Forest Development, said development like Nautilus increased taxable value in nearby Lake Park and “we expect that to be repeated with Aqualina and Riviera Beach,” while attorney Wayne Richards noted Florida’s homestead cap and said the state constitution limits annual increases for homesteaded properties to 3 percent.

The planning board approved the resolution recommending the replat for PA‑23‑0006 with Miss Burgess dissenting. The item now moves to the Riviera Beach City Council for final action; building permits and other agency reviews remain required before construction can begin.

Votes at the board on PA‑23‑0006: Chair Wiley — Yes; Miss Joseph — Yes; Miss Shepherd — Yes; James Gallon — Yes; Miss Burgess — No. Outcome: recommended to City Council.