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Planning board approves Martin Manor conditional-use amendment to add museum and community space
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Summary
The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board voted 5–0 to approve a conditional-use amendment allowing a museum and community space at the Residences at Martin Manor, preserving an existing nursery and dedicating about 1,980 sq ft of a 1940s building for museum exhibits.
The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board voted 5–0 on Nov. 6 to approve a universal conditional-use amendment for the Residences at Martin Manor, allowing a museum and community space on the roughly 10.04-acre site at 1350 North Dixie Highway.
Planner Jacob Gurman, presenting for Development Services, said the application adds a second conditional use to an already-approved plan. "Approximately 1,980 square feet of the 1940s building is proposed to be devoted to the museum's use," Gurman said, and staff recommended approval after finding the project met the criteria in the city's comprehensive plan and zoning code. Gurman noted the site is adjacent to Hughes Park and Lincoln Court and that the previously approved nursery and after-school program will remain.
Petitioner Elie Zaccaritis, who was sworn before speaking, told the board the primary change since the earlier hearing is that the historic building will be open to the public as a museum, which is why the additional conditional-use approval was required. "The only differential is that it's now going to be open to the public," Zaccaritis said.
A member of the public who identified himself and gave his address as exempt under Florida statute said he supported the project and urged that the building facade be upgraded. After public comment closed, a motion to approve carried on a roll-call vote: Savelle, Salon, Dornblazer, Mitchell and Morgan all voted yes.
The approval amends the prior conditional-use approval and authorizes an institution of an educational or philanthropic character on the property; the clerk read the related city council resolution number as 36 20 24. The board's approval sends the amended conditional use forward per the normal process. The board closed the public hearing, took the vote and moved on to the next agenda item.