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Council approves Orchid Isle site plan after split over street trees
Summary
The council approved a site plan amendment for Orchid Isle at Avenir Pod 18 (104 single‑family lots) after a split over using bridal/royal palms versus buttonwood street trees; Council member Tinsley argued buttonwoods reduce long‑term maintenance and liability concerns.
The Palm Beach Gardens City Council approved Resolution 10‑2025 on March 6 to finalize architectural elevations, lot landscaping standards and a model row for Orchid Isle (Avenir Pod 18). Ken Tuma of Urban Design Studios presented the plan calling for 104 single‑family homes with six floor plans and three architectural styles.
The principal controversy centered on the proposed choice of bridal/royal palms as street trees. Council member Tinsley and other councilmembers raised maintenance and liability concerns, saying royal palms require strapping and frequent maintenance that can damage parked cars and impose long‑term costs on homeowners associations. Tinsley said she had asked the petitioner to use an alternate species and reported the applicant agreed to swap to buttonwoods in certain locations; other council members said they preferred the visual impact of palms.
After discussion and motions, the council voted to approve the site plan as presented in the agenda (the transcript records competing motions and a final affirmative vote). The council recorded a roll‑call decision during the meeting and moved on to additional Avenir items.
Council instructions: staff and the petitioner will proceed with final conditions of approval and any required sign removal on model‑row signage after sales are complete.
