There is ‘truth’ then there is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth … what is in store for the Palmetto Bay downtown?

The Shores at Palmetto Bay LLC is a previously approved project that has recently requested to down scale the project based upon the new code. This project passed in 2018 on a 4-0 vote [Cunningham, Singer, Seigel Lara, & Flinn (note: DuBois did not participate)].

What about the retail, the commercial, items residents clearly wanted for the Downtown, not merely apartments? The 2018 Zoning Application for Shores Development passed by a vote of 4-0. This was the last residential application submitted for hearing for the Downtown Urban Village before the moratorium was voted on in April, 2017 (which was later dropped in 2019). During the hearing an additional ten amendments were added to the zoning resolution. These included a total of 307 parking spaces, increase in minimum apartment square footage, a transit stop and covenants to ensure dedicated landscaping and open space as presented. There were restaurants and first floor commercial planned for this property along with approximately one acre of village green space.

Now the project has morphed from a community destination to live work apartments. (CLICKHERE) The project list claims an application date of June 29, 2020. The village describes the application as follows: 

Request for approval of a site plan with a non-use variance proposing a 3-story mixed use project configured around three (3) respective buildings (the “Project”). The Project will encompass 120 total units, including 6 ground floor live/work units, with direct frontage along SW 97 Avenue (Franjo Road). The Project represents a significant reduction in development intensity and proposed density from the 2018 Site Plan Approval.

‘The Project represents a significant reduction in development intensity and proposed density from the 2018 Site Plan Approval.’
That is true – but is that the entire story?... Remember the meaning of ‘truth’ is relative for some. That is why oaths often include:

“…the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…” meaning:

The absolute truth about something, without omission, embellishment, or alteration. Used to swear in witnesses while giving evidence in court, and used by extension in other contexts.

(CLICK HERE)

This is a topic for future posts where I will dive deep into the recent code changes and provide the actual details as well as some reaction from some who have been and continue to be affected. Just note that the article about the Shores at Palmetto Bay LLC will discuss how this project removed more than a couple of floors – it removed the substantial retail, commercial, the public green aspects that many were clamoring for in the controlled redevelopment. Voters were promised more resident friendly amenities and less apartments in the 2018 election. Is this what they are getting? We are starting to see the shoes drop and what we have is a current mayor and council with their foot firmly on the gas to provide little more than apartments. 

Future post – Shores at Palmetto Bay LLC – what his sudden request to reconfigure this property tells us about the future of Downtown Palmetto Bay