By Margie Plunkett
BOYNTON BEACH — The City Commission called for developer proposals to fashion a new police station and City Hall at its Feb. 17 meeting, after contemplating a $30 million pitch to move the city complex to Renaissance Commons.
Earlier at the meeting, developer Compson Associates withdrew the Renaissance Commons proposal, which included refurbishing the nearby 1927 high school. President Jim Comparato said it had become “politically charged” and that Compson would include its plan as part of the request for proposals. Commissioners voted at the meeting to seek three proposals: for a new police station on a city-owned tract at High Ridge and Gateway; for a police station elsewhere; and a joint project with both police station and City Hall. They told planners to note the 1927 high school in the request for proposals as well.
The vote was the culmination of a meeting at which City Manager Kurt Bressner presented six options for the police station/City Hall development involving the Compson proposal. That plan included a land swap between Renaissance Commons at Congress and Gateway and the current city site. Retail space and up to 376 workforce housing units would be built where City Hall is now. Fire Station No. 1 would be replaced. The plan’s price tag of about $30 million was similar to an estimate for building a stand-alone police station without moving City Hall, the city manager’s report said.
Several residents spoke against moving City Hall, arguing it would kill the area’s economy.
“Once a major employer moves out, they’re really hard to replace,” said Victor Norfus. “City Hall is a major employer.”
The 1927 high school could serve a dual purpose, once refurbished, housing some city offices, Norfus suggested. “That will revitalize the downtown.”
The question is whether more affordable housing is still necessary, given lower housing prices in a market that still appears to be seeking bottom. One resident implored commissioners to take a trip around town to see all the empty housing units already.
Some commissioners and residents alike voiced reluctance to spend taxpayer money in a spiraling economy. “In this day and age with the economy being what it is, I’m torn with the idea of moving City Hall,” said Commissioner Woodrow Hay.
“I don’t want to rush into anything,” Hay said. “It wouldn’t hurt us to wait a little longer and do it the right way.”
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