Westgate CRA recommends rezoning, 325-unit density bonus to enable 405-unit Westgate Village Phase I

The Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency on March 10 unanimously recommended rezoning the 42.06‑acre former Palm Beach Kennel Club property at 1111 N. Congress Ave. to a Multiple Use Planned Development (MUPD) and the allocation of 325 density‑bonus units from the Westgate Community Redevelopment Area Overlay (WCRAO) pool to facilitate a 405‑unit Phase I on 16.05 acres.

Elizée Michel, executive director, and Joni Brinkman, a project representative, presented the application to the board, describing a phased plan in which a five‑acre parcel would support relocation of the Kennel Club facility while Parcel A (16.05 acres) would be developed first with garden‑style multifamily rental apartments. The balance of the site (approximately 26.01 acres) remains subject to a future Development Order Amendment for subsequent phases.

The request forwarded by staff includes: (1) an Official Zoning Map Amendment to rezone the entire 42.06 acres to MUPD; (2) a Board of County Commissioners Class A Conditional Use allocation of 325 bonus units from the WCRAO density pool to allow 405 units on 16.05 acres; (3) abandonment of a 1983 special‑exception authorizing an open‑air flea market (R‑83‑0803); (4) a Type 2 variance to increase allowable plaza depth and a build‑to‑line exemption; and (5) a Development Review Officer request for a right‑of‑way easement exemption to adjust the Congress Avenue build‑to line.

Staff told the board the WCRAO Density Bonus Program is key to achieving the proposed unit count. The presentation described the existing future land use (CH/5) as supporting roughly 80 units on the Phase I acreage without bonus units; the 325‑unit allocation from the density pool would allow the proposed 405 units on 16.05 acres.

The board considered the staff recommendation and voted to authorize forwarding the recommendation to the County for the specified approvals. The motion was made by Board Member Ruth Haggerty and seconded by Board Member Joanne Rufty; the vote was 4‑0 in favor.

Next procedural steps described by staff include County review for the BCC Class A Conditional Use allocation of units, variances and DRO approvals, and a future Development Order Amendment for later phases. The Kennel Club’s existing facility (Parcel B) will remain operational at its current location while a new facility is constructed, according to the presentation.

The Board did not record public comment on the item during the meeting. The recommendation now proceeds to county review and any required hearings before the Board of County Commissioners.