Residents press CRA for transparency on government‑campus plans and tennis‑center replacement

During the public‑comment portion of the July 14 CRA meeting, several residents asked the board to provide more detailed feasibility, financial and timing information about the larger downtown and government‑campus planning process. Speakers said independent cost‑effectiveness and public‑benefit studies required by state statute had not been completed and asked that the city provide clearer schedules, appraisals and ordinance language before moving forward with land transfers or sales.

John Perlman, who described himself as an organizer of a Save Boca petition, said the initiative would restrict the alienation of public land over half an acre without a public vote and urged residents to sign the petition. Residents also expressed concern about the Boca Raton Tennis Center: tennis advocates asked the city to commit to replacing the center’s 10 courts at Meadows Park or a comparable site before any downtown courts might be removed.

Multiple speakers asked for clearer answers about the government‑campus financing: what the city’s obligations would be for each phase, whether appraisals and ordinances would be in place before transfers, and what contingencies exist if phases are not completed. The board and staff responded that the project is still in an early planning phase; staff and CBRE will present additional materials at a scheduled workshop and the city will transcribe and respond in writing to detailed public questions.

No formal action was taken at the meeting on the government‑campus concept; staff said additional workshops and written follow‑ups are planned.