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Residents press CRA on train safety, lobbyist registration and downtown outreach after Camino Square hearing
Summary
During and after the Camino Square hearing, residents raised safety concerns about nearby railroad crossings and a fatal BrightLine collision, questioned the adequacy of developer outreach and lobbyist registration timing, and urged updates to downtown development rules and multi‑modal safety improvements.
Residents at the Nov. 17 Boca Raton CRA meeting used the public comment period to press the board on several community concerns not limited to the Camino Square decision: railroad crossing safety near the project site, the timeliness and transparency of developer outreach, and the adequacy of downtown development standards.
John Pearlman recounted the Oct. 25, 2022 fatality of Jim Ostrowski near a nearby railway crossing and urged the city to treat pedestrian safety concerns seriously, particularly where new residential uses will increase nighttime foot traffic. ‘‘This is very likely going to be designated as a quiet zone, and it’s gonna pose a huge risk,’’ Pearlman said, referring to crossings used without audible horns. Several speakers urged additional engineering or the consideration of overpasses and pedestrian bridges to improve safety near downtown crossings.
Multiple commenters also raised procedural concerns. Mike Gleibelson and others urged stricter transparency around ex‑parte contacts and asked whether developers’ representatives should be registered lobbyists. Pam Paschke and Buffy Tucker asked the city to verify lobbyist registration records after hearing that the applicant’s attorney had registered with Palm Beach County; the attorney, Ellie Zacharaitis, told the board she is registered with Palm Beach County for both FCI and Kimco and said she follows the applicable registration rules.
Speakers repeatedly argued the city’s downtown ordinance (40‑35) is dated and urged the CRA to consider revisiting height and intensity standards before further downtown approvals. Several residents framed calls for more robust community outreach and clearer notice practices, especially for renter populations who may not receive property‑owner mailings.
The board and staff acknowledged the concerns and reiterated that safety and capital projects (including downtown walkability and potential railroad crossing improvements) are on the CRA capital improvements forecast. Staff said more detailed options and budgets would return to the CRA for consideration.
The public requests portion underscored that, even as the CRA moved forward with a development approval, residents remain focused on pedestrian safety, equitable outreach, and whether long‑standing downtown development rules still meet community expectations.
