Residents press council on downtown redevelopment as March referendum nears

With a referendum two weeks away, dozens of Boca Raton residents used Tuesday’s council meeting to press officials for facts and express opposition to a proposed downtown redevelopment and 99‑year lease.

Speakers questioned claims in developer materials about upfront funding and long‑term civic benefits. Several callers said campaign and door‑to‑door materials have overstated the amount of immediate cash the developer would provide; accounting and resident speakers clarified that the frequently‑cited $127 million is an estimated borrowing capacity based on future project revenues, not an upfront payment to the city. "This is not cash on hand," resident Michelle Grau told the council.

Others urged greater transparency about the Master Partnership Agreement. Speakers said the proposed plans would replace open parkland with several high‑rise towers and expressed skepticism that promised public amenities and park improvements are adequately guaranteed. Judy Morrow and others urged voters to reject the proposal and preserve Memorial Park.

Some speakers also urged the council to enforce existing codes — including short‑term rental and single‑family occupancy rules — and to respond to alleged misleading campaign communications. The mayor and city manager responded that the city enforces short‑term rental prohibitions as best it can and that staff will investigate enforcement complaints that residents raise. Councilmembers reiterated that the referendum gives voters the ultimate decision.

The meeting record shows sustained civic engagement and sharply divided views ahead of the ballot; the council did not take further legislative action on the redevelopment during Tuesday’s meeting.