Planning board approves Broward Block amendment to convert leasing office to street-level retail

John Schmidt, agent for the applicant, presented a request on Oct. 21 to convert about 1,700 square feet of existing ground-level leasing and management office space at the Broward Block development to commercial retail space facing Piccadilly. The conversion prompted a major amendment because the change requires a loading-space variance.

Senior planner Kevin DeFrank said staff did not object to the variance for loading space and recommended approval; he also submitted updated staff sheets into the record for the board’s motion pages. The planning board voted to approve the major amendment, citing the applicant materials and staff report as evidence.

Schmidt told the board the change is intended to increase active street-level uses and that the space is small and located in a walkable Northwood neighborhood. The applicant has not yet identified the precise retail tenant, and board members discussed whether the space was sized for a convenience store. Schmidt said the space is intended for “retail or commercial space” and that on-street parking and the walkable neighborhood reduce the likelihood of significant new vehicle trips.

The amendment includes: conversion of 1,700 square feet of ground-level leasing/management office to retail; use of existing inside parking/van spaces as loading area under a variance; and associated plan modifications. Staff’s findings said the application complies with amendment standards in the City of West Palm Beach Zoning and Land Development Regulations.

The planning board approved the amendment with no additional conditions, and the recommendation will proceed to City Commission per the normal review path.