Aura Seaside plans to bring 244 multifamily units and commercial space
to replace the Cenacle retreat in Lantana.
Rendering provided
By Mary Thurwachter
A plat and site plan for Aura Seaside, also known as the Cenacle property, received a thumbs-up on Nov. 24 from the Lantana Town Council.
A more elaborate plan, requesting four variances to the town’s building code, came before the council in August, but failed to win support. No variances are required in the new plan.
Jerry Goray, an Ocean Ridge developer who is planning to purchase the property with his partner Manny Martinez of Trinsic Residential Group, said they had gone “back to the drawing board to come up with a design more in tune with (the town’s) wishes.”
Goray said he wanted the luxury apartment complex to look good, not only for the town, residents and neighbors, but also for someone very close to his heart.
“We can see the site from our house,” he said, “so if we don’t get it right, I’m going to hear about it not only from you, but my wife.”
The original plan called for 319 apartments, but the new proposal calls for 244 multifamily units. Also included are 10,200 square feet of commercial, office/retail space and 614 parking spaces.
The 10-acre waterfront property at 1400 S. Dixie Highway, across from the K-Mart Shopping Center, has been home to the Cenacle Spiritual Life Center for 52 years.
When the property is developed, it will be added to the tax rolls, something Mayor Dave Stewart wanted to happen next year. That would mean the closing would need to occur by the end of this year.
However, Goray said the closing couldn’t happen until mid-January. That means the town will need to wait another year to collect taxes on the property, currently tax exempt because of its church connection.
“We got nothing for the 52 years with the Cenacle, I think we can wait another 365 days,” Council Member Phil Aridas said.
Goray said he appreciated the town working with them on the project. “We respect their decisions, and we really are dedicated to becoming good neighbors. It’s been a long road and we are really enthusiastic.”
Dave Arm, president of the Lantana Chamber of Commerce, said it was a terrific project.
“This is an exciting time for Lantana, with the A.G. Holley property (being developed) and now this,” Arm said. “Five hundred-plus new residents can only be good for the town.”
In other action, the council voted to give Town Manager Deborah Manzo a 2.5 percent raise, slightly more than the 2 percent merit raises most town employees were given. Council members gave Manzo high marks in her annual evaluation and had awarded her more significant raises the past two years to put her salary more in line with other managers of similarly sized municipalities.
The raise will mean $2,925 will be added to her current yearly pay of $117,000.
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