Mayor pauses proposed downtown waterfront park after leaked plans draw criticism

Mayor Keith A. James on Monday said he will pause work on a proposed expansion of downtown waterfront park space after details of preliminary plans were leaked to the Palm Beach Post and provoked public concern.

"During this process, there is no park or donation on the table," James said, announcing that the city will hold visioning and listening sessions across West Palm Beach before taking further steps. James described the proposal as a chance to double waterfront park space, fix traffic closures associated with major events and create permanent public open space funded largely through private donations — he cited efforts to secure more than $30 million in private funds and described an estimated combined value exceeding $50 million once land valuations and a conservation fund were included.

The mayor said he approached private donor Stephen Ross and other potential contributors to limit taxpayer exposure, and that five private landowners are integral to the long-term design. He said the city proposed integrating Bradley's restaurant into the plan rather than displacing it and emphasized the city would not use eminent domain.

"I approached Stephen Ross to solicit his help in funding this potential project, so there would be minimal cost to the taxpayers," James said. He acknowledged plans were shared privately with some property representatives and blamed parties involved for leaking those preliminary concepts to the press.

Public reaction at the meeting included strong opposition from Sylvia Perez, a downtown resident, who said the plan and its rollout raised questions about influence and priorities. "We, the people, are sick and tired of related laws calling the shots and telling us what is good for us," Perez said, urging the commission to prioritize affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization instead of a large waterfront redesign.

Several commissioners said the episode highlighted a need for clearer, earlier public engagement. Commission members asked staff for more detailed traffic analysis and cautioned against assuming mobility initiatives would automatically reduce congestion. "What if we're wrong? What if nobody takes the scooters?" Commissioner Fox asked, pressing staff about assumptions embedded in the downtown master plan.

James told the commission that no final decision has been made by the body and that any donation agreement to relocate portions of Flagler Drive or accept private funding would come to the commission for formal adoption. He pledged the administration would lead a robust community outreach process and return with clear plans and opportunities for resident input.

The commission did not take a vote on the waterfront proposal at the meeting; the mayor adjourned after other agenda items were completed.