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Commission approves four "in-lieu" parking spaces to revive 270 E. Atlantic restaurant site
Summary
The commission authorized four in-lieu parking spaces to support the reuse of 270 East Atlantic Avenue for a new restaurant tenant, citing nearby garage capacity and the site's historic restaurant use; the measure allows the applicant to finish site-plan review and proceed toward occupancy.
The City Commission on June 3 approved an in-lieu parking request for 270 East Atlantic Avenue so a prospective restaurant tenant can complete its site plan and move toward reopening the property.
City staff explained the historic restaurant property (former Taverna Opa) sought four in-lieu spaces because interior reconfigurations (including a 157-square-foot walk-in cooler) and the formalization of existing breezeway seating increased the gross square footage used to calculate Delray's parking requirement. Because the property has no on-site parking capacity, the applicant proposed to satisfy the requirement by paying the in-lieu fee tied to downtown garage capacity. Staff reported both the nearby Fetterspiel (Old School Square) Garage and Arts Garage are within walking distance and currently have available capacity; staff also noted an average utilization reported in staff materials.
Downtown Development Authority staff told the commission they support the in-lieu request for a historic restaurant reuse. Commissioners discussed the city's in-lieu policy and noted the application would allow the property to re-open and preserve downtown restaurant activity without creating new surface parking or redeveloping the property.
After hearing public comment from the DDA and no opposition, the commission approved the in-lieu request. Staff noted the in-lieu approval clears the last regulatory issue holding the project in a temporary occupancy status; the applicant must finalize a level-2 site plan as required by code and meet permit conditions.
Ending
The in-lieu approval permits the applicant to complete site plan and occupancy steps. Staff will process fee payment or memorialize the payment schedule as provided by code and confirm final building and safety inspections prior to full occupancy.
