Downtown Construction Projects to Come Under New Umbrella

BOCA RATON, FL-New commercial ventures may have to jump through several hoops if the city council establishes a revised approval process. Mayor Carol Hanson favors a measure that would mandate advisory reviews by two existing panels–the Planning and Zoning Board and the Community Appearance Board.

To spur Downtown growth in the 1980s, the city set up a system that did not require scrutiny from the Community Appearance Board in the Downtown redevelopment area, although it is required for other areas of the city. Hanson and other members of the Community Redevelopment Agency now believe the rate of Downtown growth currently demands more detailed investigation of newly-planned projects to maintain Downtown’s character.