CRA delays vote on Camino Square Phase 2 amendment after contested hearing on retail loss, traffic and design

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 14 postponed action on an amendment to the Camino Square Phase 2 Individual Development Approval (IDA CRP‑1602R2) after more than two hours of presentations, public comment and questioning.

The amendment before the CRA would convert the previously approved Phase 2 program — roughly 37,399 square feet of retail in two buildings — to a development that includes 394 residential units, about 8,632 square feet of retail plus approximately 3,000 square feet of office/business-suite space, two eight‑story residential buildings, and a seven‑story integrated parking structure. The applicant also requested a one‑foot technical deviation from the driveway‑width standard and abandonment of two small utility easement portions; the proposal includes transferring 60,255 square feet of office‑equivalent (OE) development rights from Downtown Sub Area D to Sub Area G.

Senior planner Susan Lesser told the CRA that staff found the amended plan meets the requirements of Ordinance 4035 as amended and recommended approval. Development Services Director Brandon Shadd outlined the site history and said staff supports the design changes that, in staff’s view, move the site closer to the city’s downtown “walkable” vision.

"The proposed multifamil…