Planning board removes $95,000 beautification condition for North Park after applicant to build streetscape improvements

The Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board on a 5-0 vote approved a revision to the North Park site-plan resolution that deletes a roughly $95,000 beautification payment after the applicant agreed to build off-site streetscape improvements.

The amendment affects the approximately 69.49-acre property known as North Park at 5800 Northwest Second Avenue. The change removes a condition in Resolution No. 2024-013 that required a contribution to the city’s beautification program; staff recommended deletion because the project will deliver sidewalks, street trees and related improvements along nearby streets.

Brandon Shad, the city’s development services director, told the board there are no physical changes to the approved site plan and that the project’s off-site street improvements “meet the same intent of the condition.” Shad said the original beautification payment was “approximately $95,000.”

At public comment, resident Richard Perez asked whether the city uses a specific formula to calculate beautification contributions and whether funds go to a project-specific account or the city’s general beautification program. Shad replied that the formula is typically based on the amount of frontage on public streets and that beautification funds are not necessarily location-specific; they can be used for streetscape and median improvements anywhere in the city.

Two other residents spoke. Michael J. Schneider said residents oppose adding a skate park at North Park and prefer retaining golf-course uses; he also pointed the board to an Ocean Breeze Park master plan. Chandra Madula, who said she lives adjacent to the site, asked how residents can obtain the published park plans and expressed concern about wildlife and uncertainty over which recreational facilities would be included. Shad responded that plans are in the agenda package and on the city website and offered to follow up with residents to review what is being contemplated.

Chair Seville called for a motion to approve the amended site-plan resolution (listed on the agenda as item 5a). The motion and second were recorded and Jamie called the roll; Mr. Morgan, Mr. Dornblazer, Ms. McDermott, Ms. Ritchie and Chair Seville each voted yes. The board passed the amendment 5-0.

The board did not change other development parameters for the site during the vote. Staff said the streetscape work proposed by the applicant—sidewalks, street trees and similar improvements along Jeffrey Street, 60 Seventh Street and portions of Second Avenue—was the reason staff recommended deleting the monetary contribution.

The applicant on the record is the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. The resolution amendment deletes the specific payment requirement from the previously approved site plan; the city will continue to track and review on-site and off-site improvements through the site-plan process.

The board moved on to other items after the vote.