Boca Raton planning board removes $95,000 beautification payment for North Park, cites off-site street work

The City of Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board approved an amendment on July 17 to the North Park site plan at 5800 Northwest Second Avenue that deletes a previously required beautification payment of about $95,000, with the applicant instead committing to off-site street improvements.

The change amends Resolution 2024-013, the board item stated. Brandon Shadd, the city's Development Services director, told the board staff found no physical alterations to the approved site plan and that the applicant, the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, will complete sidewalk and street-tree improvements along the surrounding streets to meet the intent of the beautification requirement.

The amendment removes the condition requiring a contribution to the city's beautification program. "There is a formula that's typically used, but the formula is based on the amount of frontage on public streets," Shadd said when asked how the payment amount is calculated. He added that the proposed construction of sidewalks and street trees would "beautify the surrounding street network" and that staff recommended approval.

Members of the public who spoke at the quasi-judicial hearing raised questions about project details and future park amenities. Michael J. Schneider, who identified himself as a resident at 5500 Northwest Second Avenue, said the neighborhood does not want a skate park in the site and told the board, "We don't want skateboarding, we want a golf course." Chandra Madula, a resident who said her apartment faces the site, asked what specific facilities were planned and said, "We would like to know about that," adding that residents had not seen the master plan.

Shadd said the project plans were included in the agenda package and posted on the city website and offered to meet with residents. On the use of the beautification payment generally, Shadd said the funds "are not necessarily location specific, but it could go to beautification of the streetscapes, basically medians is what that means, anywhere in the city." Richard Perez, a nearby resident, asked whether the beautification contribution is placed in a general pool or reserved for a specific location; staff replied the contribution can be used citywide for medians and streetscape improvements.

After public comment closed, a motion to approve the amendment carried on a roll call vote, passing 5-0. The board recorded the approval as amendment to Resolution 2024-013 to delete the condition requiring a beautification payment and allow the off-site street improvements in lieu of that payment. Board members voting in favor were Mr. Morgan, Mr. Dormlaser, Ms. McDermott, Ms. Ritchie and Chair Seville.

The board did not record any physical modifications to the approved site plan as part of this amendment; staff said any required site-plan approvals and setback or yard requirements would still apply at the time of subsequent permitting. Staff also offered to review detailed plans with concerned residents.