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Planning board approves McNabb House and Botanical Gardens site plan amid heated public debate
Summary
The Pompano Beach Planning & Zoning Board approved the McNabb House & Botanical Gardens major site plan for 2250 E. Atlantic Blvd., subject to three staff conditions. The decision followed presentations from staff and the CRA, extensive public comment, and a counsel review of a recusal request tied to a board member's social‑media posts.
The Pompano Beach Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve the McNabb House and Botanical Gardens major site plan (PNC 25‑125002) on Aug. 27, finding that the application provided competent, substantial evidence to meet site‑plan criteria. Pamela Stanton of Development Services summarized the proposal: the relocated McNabb House would be adapted as a restaurant with a kitchen annex and balconies, and surrounding parkland would be developed into sensory botanical gardens, an event pavilion and indoor‑outdoor program space. Stanton told the board staff recommended approval with three conditions: obtain a public‑purpose adjustment, dedicate a 5‑ft right‑of‑way along East Atlantic Boulevard, and satisfy standard permit conditions prior to building permits.
Applicant representatives and designers described a project intended to preserve a central canopy tree and create an immersive sensory garden with elevated boardwalks, a sensory history garden and revenue‑generating elements to sustain maintenance. Kirk Olney, the landscape architect, said the intent was "to keep the community involved" and described plans for an event lawn, a 9,279‑square‑foot event building and a restaurant; he added, "the intention is for this to be open to the public free of charge" while revenue would come from events and food and beverage operations. Residents and neighborhood advocates offered mixed comments: some praised the design and the potential for education and safety through activation, while others urged delay to address traffic, long‑term maintenance costs and budget clarity.
A representative for the Pompano Beach CRA placed on record objections to the participation of board member Gigi DuBeck over social‑media posts, saying the posts created a perceived lack of impartiality. City counsel responded that Florida law does not require abstention absent an identifiable ethical conflict and suggested the board could discuss social‑media guidance separately. After deliberation the board approved the plan. The approval carries the staff‑recommended conditions; staff and the applicant said outstanding technical comments, including traffic review items, must be resolved before permits are issued.
