Boca Raton to Let Voters Decide Fate of Downtown Land Deal

BOCA RATON, Fla. — A recent Boca Raton City Council meeting stretched nearly five hours as residents voiced fierce opposition to a proposed public-private partnership that would redevelop 31 acres of government-owned land downtown, including Memorial Park. In response, the council voted unanimously to pause a planned Oct. 28 vote and instead send the issue to a citywide referendum.

The public-private partnership (P3) proposal, led by developers Terra and Frisbie Group, calls for a 99-year lease to build condos, offices, and a new City Hall. While revised versions preserve the city’s tennis center, skate park, baseball fields, and WWII memorials, opponents argue the plan privatizes public land and threatens community character.

“I’m here once again to talk about the parks because you didn’t listen to us when we told you that we don’t want this,” said Boca Raton resident Ariana Kurya. “This is our land and our right to vote.”

Steve Zumtoble, another resident, added humorously, “I can go on and on, but I think that’s enough for even Ray Charles to see this makes no sense. What Boca resident, in their right mind, once they truly understand [the plan] would support this? Yet, you guys continue to state there are a lot of people who do.”

Councilman Andy Thomson, who had voted against the original plan, urged colleagues to give city attorneys direction to draft language for a referendum. “Can we please begin the process so that it can be on the ballot at the appropriate time?” he asked.

That call, paired with nearly 7,000 petition signatures from the group Save Boca, shifted the project’s fate to voters. “There will be a vote and we will see where we go in between now and then,” Singer said. “Things will continue to evolve and evaluate. Ultimately, the people will decide.”

Other business included postponing zoning amendments to raise height limits to 100 feet in master-planned areas. City Manager Leif Ahnell also updated council members on pausing tennis court expansions at Meadows Park and renaming Fire Station 3.