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Planning board approves Martin Manor conditional use to allow museum and community space
Summary
The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board approved a universal conditional amendment allowing a museum and community space in a 1940s building at the Martin Manor redevelopment (approximately 10.04 acres at 1350 N. Dixie Highway). The vote was 5-0.
The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board on Nov. 6 approved a universal conditional amendment to the Martin Manor redevelopment that authorizes an "institution of an educational or philanthropic character" — described by staff as a museum — in an existing 1940s building on the roughly 10.04-acre site at 1350 North Dixie Highway.
Jacob Girmen, planner II for the city, told the board the application would add a second conditional use to allow both the previously approved nursery/after-school program and a museum on the property. "Approximately 1,980 square feet of the 1940s building is proposed to be devoted to the museum's use," Girmen said, and staff concluded the project "meets the criteria for conditional use approval" and is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The Development Services Department recommended approval, and the project had previously been recommended by the CAB by a 6-0 vote.
Petitioner representative Eli Zacharitis—who identified himself and gave his address for the record—said the main change since the board last saw the project is that the 1940s building will be open to the public, which triggered the additional conditional-use requirement. "Because the museum space is open to the public, that triggered that additional conditional use application," Zacharitis said, and he offered to answer any questions.
A member of the public, Glen Groen, spoke in support of the project, calling it compatible with the neighborhood and saying he hoped the older building's facade would be upgraded.
After closing the public hearing, the board moved and seconded approval; the clerk conducted a roll-call vote and the motion passed 5-0. The transcript shows the board's vote but does not record any subsequent city council action in this meeting record.
Notes and clarifications: the item description in the record lists the applicant as "DM Redevelopment 2 LTD, a partnership between the Boca Raton Housing Authority and Atlantic Pacific Communities LLC." The 1940s building will retain resident community space in addition to the museum area; precise exhibit plans and final museum programming were described as "to be determined" by the property owner.
