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Commission approves first reading to sell Jenkins House at 815 Palm Beach Lakes to Sickle Cell Foundation; $350,000 grant and 10-year use restriction included
Summary
On first reading the commission approved Ordinance 5129 to convey the Jenkins House at 815 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard to the Sickle Cell Foundation, including a $350,000 capped city grant for specified health-and-safety repairs and a 10-year mission-use restriction; the second reading is scheduled for May 12, 2025.
On April 14 the West Palm Beach City Commission voted on first reading to convey city property known as the Jenkins House (815 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard) to the Sickle Cell Foundation of the Palm Beaches, authorizing a conveyance agreement that includes a $350,000 capped grant for specified health-and-safety repairs and a 10-year restriction requiring the property be used for the foundation's mission.
Jennifer Ferriero, housing and community development director, disclosed a staff-handled conflict-of-interest protocol with Commissioner Shalonda Warren (the foundation's president and CEO). Commissioner Warren recused herself from discussions and did not participate in the negotiations, Ferriero said; the city attorney and ethics officer were involved in the process.
Staff recounted the site's history: the city acquired the property in 1966 via tax deed, previously held a long-term lease with the foundation for a different property at 1600 North Australian Avenue, and more recently the foundation occupied 815 Palm Beach Lakes while a new EVA/WMAC community hub was built. Staff said the conveyance was recommended to reduce the city's long-term maintenance liabilities and to give the foundation site control to pursue grants.
Under the proposed conveyance the city would provide a capped $350,000 grant to address roof and HVAC replacement, structural leveling, ADA bathroom upgrades, rear stair repair, door replacements and siding repairs; the foundation is responsible for all other improvements and any cost overruns. Staff said the $350,000 is capped and the city has no additional financial responsibility beyond that amount.
The proposed transaction includes a reciprocal access easement with the adjacent Vickers House (811 Palm Beach Lakes) because the properties share a driveway and parking. Staff said the conveyance requires ordinance approval (two readings) and scheduled the second reading for May 12, 2025. Ferriero recommended approval on the record.
Commissioners asked whether the grant amount was capped (staff said yes) and what would happen if the foundation could not maintain the mission; the deputy city attorney said the foundation would need commission approval to amend or be released from the covenants.
The commission approved the ordinance on first reading; the motion carried and the clerk recorded that Commissioner Warren abstained. Second reading and final conveyance are scheduled for May 12, 2025.
