Weston commissioners authorize solicitation of offers for Town Center Park property

The Weston City Commission on June 16 voted 5-0 to authorize staff to solicit offers or proposals for the potential conveyance of Town Center Park in Weston Towne Centre.

City Manager Mr. Decker told the commission that Belmont Investment Group has discussed acquiring a significant portion of the park and outlined why staff believes the property warrants review: the park is largely surrounded by private property, has limited current use for city events, has been costly to maintain and has been the site of disturbances that created liability concerns. "Over the last 4 years, we've spent about $700,000 to maintain the park itself and the facilities," Mr. Decker said during his presentation.

The vote directs staff to proceed with a public solicitation of proposals under state statute, evaluate any offers with a selection committee, and return recommendations to the commission. Commissioner Mary Molina McPhee made the motion to proceed; Commissioner Byron Jaffe seconded. The roll call vote was: Commissioner Fabio Andrade — yes; Vice Mayor Henry Mead — yes; Commissioner Mary Molina McPhee — yes; Commissioner Byron Jaffe — yes; Mayor Margaret Brown — yes.

Why it matters: Town Center Park contains the amphitheater, restrooms and an extended boardwalk around the lake in the Towne Centre area and is uniquely enclosed by private development. Commissioners said the property’s irregular shape and limited programming, along with recurring maintenance and liability costs, make exploring alternatives appropriate. Staff cautioned the solicitation does not obligate the city to accept any offer.

Commissioners and staff discussed what parts of the footprint should remain city-owned. Several commissioners said they want to retain the public walkway along Royal Palm and Bonaventure; Vice Mayor Mead said the worst outcome would be to end up where the city is now and supported exploring options. Mr. Decker and another staff member described possible approaches to preserve public access, including deed restrictions or easements if conveyance occurs.

Staff and commissioners noted specific cost and maintenance details during the discussion. Mr. Decker said the city has spent about $700,000 on maintenance over four years and cited past disturbances and at least one litigation matter tied to the site as part of the liability concern. Parks staff estimated a recent roof replacement for the amphitheater at about $60,000. Commissioner Byron Jaffe described the lot as an irregular parcel of roughly "1.8 acres, maybe a little less" and urged redevelopment that would better serve residents while preserving public access.

Several commissioners emphasized that any future redevelopment would still require the usual land-use and site-plan approvals and return to the commission. City attorney Mr. Cole confirmed the commission could reject all proposals if none met the city's standards.

The commission’s decision launches a months-long solicitation process to run through the summer, with potential follow-up discussion and any recommendation to the commission expected in the fall. Staff said they expect the solicitation could yield few proposals because of access limitations and the property’s location, and that any received offers would be evaluated against city priorities.

Votes at a glance Agenda item 6 — Resolution authorizing solicitation of offers or proposals for potential conveyance of Town Center Park property — Motion to solicit proposals approved 5-0 (mover: Commissioner Mary Molina McPhee; seconder: Commissioner Byron Jaffe).