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Council approves Martin Manor Phase 2: 105 more affordable units, museum space preserved; votes 5–0
Summary
The council approved a universal conditional amendment and related site‑plan and conditional‑use resolutions for Residences at Martin Manor Phase 2, adding 105 low‑income units (to a total of 200 units on site), preserving one historic ’19 Forties’ building as a museum, and granting parking and setback variances; each measure passed 5–0.
The Boca Raton City Council on Nov. 18 approved a cluster of land‑use actions to allow the second phase of the Residences at Martin Manor redevelopment, adding two new three‑story residential buildings that together will create 105 additional low‑income units and preserve one existing 1940s building for use as a museum and community space.
City planner Jacob Kerman told council the application requests a universal conditional amendment for the 10.04‑acre site, a site plan amendment to permit roughly 98,738 square feet of new multifamily construction for a total of 200 low‑income units on the property, a technical deviation reducing required parking from 398 to 259 spaces, two setback variances and the abandonment of a small utility easement. Staff recommended approval after finding the project consistent with comprehensive plan goals and noted prior reviews by the CAB and Planning & Zoning board that recommended approval with conditions.
Applicant Ellie Zacharias and representatives from the Boca Raton Housing Authority described extensive community meetings, the decision to preserve the historic ‘19 Forties’ building and the income targeting for the new units. Ashley Whitby, executive director of the Boca Raton Housing Authority, said the project will contain income tranches between 30% and 80% of area median income (AMI) with an average property target of about 60% AMI, and that existing residents who were relocated during construction retain a contractual right to return to new units.
Public comment included both support for upgraded and safer housing conditions and objections from neighbors who said the redevelopment risks eroding the character of the Pearl City/Dixie Manor neighborhood and questioned the developer selection and lobbying history. John Perlman urged scrutiny of developer relationships and lobbyist activity; applicant representatives said residents’ right to return and historic preservation measures are part of the approved package.
Before final approval, council amended one conditional sentence that limited the museum use to a maximum of one employee (including volunteers) on shift; members agreed the operational restriction was unnecessary and removed the phrasing. The council then voted, with all five members present voting yes, to adopt ordinance 57‑42 (future land use amendment) and the two accompanying resolutions approving the site plan and the conditional use for the museum.
What was approved: the universal conditional amendment, the site plan amendment authorizing Buildings 4 and 5 and related improvements, two setback variances, a technical parking deviation to preserve more open space, and an institutional use allowing the preserved 19 Forties building to operate as a museum.
Why it matters: The approvals increase the city’s permanently subsidized housing inventory and preserve a locally meaningful historic structure while balancing parking and setback modifications to allow more on‑site green space.
What’s next: With council action complete, applicants may proceed with the conditioned construction permits and the housing authority will continue coordination for resident relocation and return plans.
