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Council approves Water Tower Commons site and landscape amendments but delays Dunkin' signage; developers agree to follow up
Summary
Council approved amendments to the Water Tower Commons commercial site plan and landscape plan and granted a special-exception amendment with the explicit exclusion of Dunkin' Donuts' expanded signage requests; council and staff agreed to additional review and on-site visits about noise and signage proportions.
The council heard a combined presentation on three companion items for the commercial portion of Water Tower Commons at 1001 West Lantana Road (special exception SE24-001, site plan SP24-0001, and landscape plan LP24-0005). Nicole Dritts, development services director, and Sandra McGrew of Urban Design Studios outlined tenant changes: Dunkin' has opened, Carl's Jr. and Panda Express are pending, a multi-tenant building will be split into two lease spaces, and drive-through configurations were modified.
McGrew described landscaping adjustments (increased tree counts, replacement of certain ligustrum shrubs with beauty leaf trees for screening) and proposed architecture and material finishes. The applicant team explained dumpster relocations to the rear and circulation changes. Traffic and signal issues were flagged for future coordination with Palm Beach County; the applicant's traffic consultant was present for follow-up discussion.
Council debated expanded signage requested by Dunkin' — including a "Lantana runs on Dunkin'" ancillary sign and other wall signs — and several council members expressed concern about setting a precedent for larger signage. Council directed staff to approve the special exception, site plan and landscape plan with the exception of all Dunkin' signage; the vote on the special exception carried 5-0. The council asked staff to obtain a consolidated graphic of the full building with all proposed signs and to continue on-site meetings to review noise mitigation around the adjacent car wash blower.
Hunter Mansour, representing the applicant, agreed to meet with council members and staff for further site inspections. Councilmembers suggested scaling or consolidating signs rather than approving the full range of Dunkin' requests at this time.
