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Residents at West Palm Beach workshop warn plan could displace seniors and small businesses; ask for stronger protections
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Summary
During the Downtown Master Plan workshop residents and small‑business representatives urged protections for existing affordable and senior housing, questioned proposed waterfront height increases and requested clearer accountability for incentive funds and small‑business supports.
During the public‑comment portion of the Downtown Master Plan workshop, multiple residents and local small‑business representatives urged the city to clarify how the draft zoning and incentive proposals would protect existing affordable and senior housing and support small businesses downtown.
Michael Butler, who identified himself as a downtown resident, told the panel the city already feels ‘‘overcrowded’’ and said moves that push affordable housing away from jobs will hurt service workers who currently live close to downtown. ‘‘Affordable housing... I'll put it 4 miles from here. So the people who service us... they gotta live out of town, then take transportation in town. How is that helping them?’’ Butler asked.
Several commenters raised alarm about the possible re‑zoning of parcels along Flagler Drive and the Trinity Church site; residents from buildings identified as St. James and St. Andrews expressed fear they could be displaced. A resident said management had earlier told them the buildings would remain affordable, and attendees requested staff confirm there were no active plans to remove long‑standing senior housing.
Small‑business advocates urged the city to include measures that support ground‑floor, pedestrian‑scale commercial tenants. Danielle Casey of 1909, a downtown co‑working incubator, said high parking costs and unavailable parking passes are forcing startups and small businesses to leave: ‘‘For 4 months, there has been absolutely no parking passes available… forcing our small business owners… to pay $20 a day for parking. Not attainable, not affordable.’’
Speakers also pressed for practical delivery and loading solutions; Greg Wise and others said recent downtown buildings lack adequate loading areas and delivery vehicles block streets. Board members and staff acknowledged the concern and noted the zoning will include loading requirements for new buildings, but they said operational enforcement and legacy building solutions would require separate strategies.
Staff responded to commenters by saying there were no current applications to demolish St. James or St. Andrews and offered to follow up with residents about lease/use agreements and property discussions. Officials encouraged residents to provide written comments and to attend the upcoming DAC and Planning Board hearings.
The public comments underscored equity concerns that participants said the city must address as it moves the plan through formal hearings.
