Boynton suspends affordable home program pending rule changes

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Boynton suspends affordable home program pending rule changes

By Edward Sifuentes

Staff Writer

January 11, 2006

Boynton Beach � City officials temporarily withdrew a program that provides millions of dollars worth of incentives for developers that build projects that include affordable housing.

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted Tuesday night to temporarily suspend the program while they review its guidelines, including those addressing projects that change significantly before completion.

"I think a number of us feel it needs to be revamped," CRA Chairwoman Jeanne Heavilin said.

Most recently, the agency tentatively approved more than $1.6 million worth of incentives for the Ocean Breeze Community, an 84-townhome project at the site of the former Boynton Terrace Apartments property.

Ocean Breeze developers agreed to sell at least 10 of the units at below-market prices, or a maximum of $280,000.

Under the CRA incentive program, created two years ago to lure large projects to the city's downtown, developers can seek up to half of the increased tax revenue their projects will generate for up to 10 years. The program's rules require that the projects be built, occupied and on the tax rolls before the developer receives any of that money.

The projects are scored based on size, type, location, quality, economic impact and affordable access to determine the amount of the incentive.

In other action, the board tentatively agreed to pursue eminent domain procedures for four units at First Financial Plaza. The commercial building, east of Federal Highway on Ocean Avenue, is the site of the proposed Ocean One mixed-use project.

The building is on the site of what would be a parking garage that would include about 400 public parking spaces.

The CRA approved a plan to build a two-story community center at Intracoastal Park on North Federal Highway. The 12,800-square-foot Intracoastal Pavilion would be for public and private events, including homeowners association meetings, weddings and art classes.

Several homeowners from neighboring residential communities, including The Harbors, told the board they were concerned about noise and other problems. City officials said they would work with the residents to address concerns.

The CRA appointed Interim Director Lisa Bright as the agency's new director. Bright served as the agency's assistant director and was promoted when Director Doug Hutchinson abruptly resigned in October.