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Board recommends approval for Altier Jewelers conversion and small expansion downtown
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of an IDA amendment to convert a former bank/office at 641 S. Federal Highway into a retail jewelry store with a 575‑sq‑ft addition, removal of an exit driveway and added landscaping and sidewalk improvements.
The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board voted 7–0 Feb. 19 to recommend an individual development approval (IDA) amendment allowing Altier Jewelers to convert an existing two‑story bank/office at 641 South Federal Highway into retail medium and to construct a 575‑square‑foot addition.
Senior planner Jacob Gherman told the board the 0.43‑acre site is in the DDRI downtown district and that staff found the project consistent with the DDRI development order and the city’s urban‑design guidance. Gherman said the proposal reduces the site’s office equivalent (OE) development by converting 4,960 sq ft of office to 4,376 sq ft of retail medium while adding the 575‑sq‑ft expansion and an 8‑foot sidewalk along South Federal Highway. He noted that the Community Appearance Board recommended approval (5–0) and that staff received no public comments as of the hearing.
David Millage, representing the applicant, described the project as a ‘‘great repurposing’’ of a formerly used bank that will remove an existing exit‑only driveway onto South Federal Highway, add green space, and retain most existing trees while relocating three. "We think this is going to be a great benefit to the public welfare since we're reducing a conflict onto South Federal Highway," Millage said.
Board members praised the safety benefits of closing the Federal Highway exit and noted the project provided an extra parking space beyond requirements. With no public speakers, the board moved, seconded and voted to recommend approval to the Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Appearance Board; the motion carried 7–0.
The staff report and presentation noted compliance with ordinance 4,035 and that the urban design consultant found the project consistent with design standards. Conditions requested by CAB (perimeter screening measured on center) were addressed in revised landscaping plans submitted by the applicant, and staff included no additional conditions in its recommendation.
