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Council unanimously approves Martin Manor Phase 2, adding 105 affordable units and preserving a 1940s building for a museum
Summary
The council voted 5–0 to approve rezoning/site plan and related resolutions for Martin Manor Phase 2, which adds 105 low‑income units (for a total of 200), includes parking/setback deviations, and preserves one historic 1940s building to house a museum and community space.
The Boca Raton City Council unanimously approved an amendment and site plan on Nov. 18 to advance Martin Manor Phase 2, a redevelopment of the roughly 10.04‑acre site at North Dixie Highway and Glades Road that will add 105 low‑income housing units to the existing 95, for a total of 200 affordable units.
Planner Jacob Kerman described the proposal as two new three‑story buildings (about 98,738 square feet) together with preservation of a single 1940s building; the application requested a technical deviation to reduce vehicular parking from the code‑required 398 spaces to 259 spaces and two setback variances to bring buildings closer to the street.
Applicant Ellie Zagarias and the Boca Raton Housing Authority stressed preservation and resident protections. Zagarias said the preserved 1940s structure will be repurposed as a museum devoted to Dixie Manor history and community uses, and she emphasized that all 95 existing units will be replaced on‑site and that residents who were relocated have the right to return. "Adding an additional 105 units that are truly affordable, it really melts my heart," Zagarias said.
Council discussion acknowledged resident concerns raised in the hearing but also highlighted the need for new affordable housing and improved living conditions; the housing authority said unit income limits will range from 30% to 80% of Area Median Income with a property average around 60% AMI.
Council voted 5–0 to adopt ordinance 57‑42 (future land use amendment) and two companion resolutions approving the site plan and conditional use amendments; council also approved an amendment removing a sentence that would have limited museum staffing to a single on‑shift employee, with that amendment passing before finalizing the resolution.
The approvals include conditions to preserve mature trees, underground utilities along Dixie and Glades roads, and new street‑side sidewalks and trees. Staff noted the project had prior CAB and Planning & Zoning Board recommendations of approval and emphasized compliance with the city's comprehensive plan and affordable housing objectives.
Next steps include ministerial permitting and construction sequencing consistent with conditions of approval.
