Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CRA approves Modera Boca IDA, adds 8‑foot sidewalk requirement
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency approved the Modera Boca individual development approval (CRP2401) for a 306‑unit, 12‑story project at 400 S. Dixie Highway, adopting the measure as amended to require an 8‑foot sidewalk; the vote was unanimous (5‑0).
The Community Redevelopment Agency of Boca Raton voted 5‑0 on July 14 to adopt DDRI/CRP2401, the individual development approval (IDA) for the Modera Boca multifamily project at 400 South Dixie Highway, as amended to require an 8‑foot sidewalk along Dixie Highway.
Staff presentations and the applicant’s testimony established the project scope: a 12‑story residential building with 306 rental units (about 416,137 square feet) and a seven‑level internal parking structure. The developer requested a technical deviation reducing required off‑street parking from 538 spaces to 468, a 70‑space reduction. Staff supported the deviation after reviewing the applicant’s unit‑mix analysis and applying Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) downtown urban parking rates.
“[The applicant] submitted an analysis that demonstrated that the rates they're proposing were reasonable,” Development Services Director Brandon Schied told the board, citing ITE guidance and unit‑mix assumptions that yielded lower per‑unit parking demand. Ellie Zacharaitis, representing Mill Creek and Group P6, said the team planned to push vehicle access to the rear alley and add pedestrian amenities, describing the design as “pedestrian first.” She also told commissioners the proposed rents would start in the low $2,000s for smaller units.
The board accepted a developer proffer to improve and maintain a small adjacent city‑owned lot as a public park (the applicant estimated about $300,000 in initial improvements plus ongoing maintenance), and amended the IDA to specify an 8‑foot sidewalk width (staff had previously listed 6 feet). The amendment was proposed and approved by voice before the final roll‑call vote.
Commissioners praised the project’s streetscape upgrades and reduced parking in light of downtown code discussions and regional comparisons. Jacob Germon, planner for the city, noted prior favorable recommendations from the CAB and Planning & Zoning board (each 5‑0). At roll call the five voting members — Commissioner Singer, Commissioner Drucker, Vice Chair Thompson, Commissioner Noklis and Chair Wigtor — voted “Yes.” The motion passed 5‑0.
Next steps include permit submittal by the applicant; staff noted additional technical reviews (public works, utilities and building permits) remain before construction. The board closed the public hearing and moved to a workshop on related downtown items following adjournment.
