By Mary Thurwachter
Lantana may allow five-story buildings on Ocean Avenue.
The decision is likely to be considered, at least, in the year ahead as the town grapples with redeveloping downtown, specifically four parcels on the north side of the road owned by sister-and-brother Marsha Stocker and Steven Handelsman.
The topic came up during a visioning session the Town Council and staff had on April 19 at the Finland House. Similar sessions have been held for the past two years and are a way for leaders to focus on priorities in advance of budget discussions.
Town officials have wanted to spruce up Ocean Avenue for years and have been frustrated with the declining condition of the 12 cottages between Oak Street and Lake Drive.
Last September, some progress on the project was reported by Nicole Dritz, Lantana’s development services director, who said the vacant cottages, once home to restaurants and shops, were headed for demolition.
The siblings, who inherited the properties after the death of their parents, Burt and Lucille “Lovey” Handelsman, owe the town more than $850,000 for code violations for the ramshackle buildings. But they’re interested in a land lease and looking for a developer to build a mix of apartments, shops and restaurants.
Being flexible about building heights, the officials say, could be helpful in negotiations with developers.
No votes could be taken at the visioning workshop, but council members agreed by consensus that they were willing to consider bending on the town’s current three-story height limit. Council members also said they would be open to changing parking requirements and will consider forgiving all — or part of — the fines owed.
The council had consensus agreement on several other proposals as well, including looking into a possible land swap with the old bowling alley property owned by developers
Michael and Tony Mauro at 200 N. Third St. and three town-owned properties on the Intracoastal Waterway at 202, 206 and 210 N. Lake Drive. The 1.1-acre Third Street parcel is adjacent to the town library and could be used to build a community/recreation center, Town Manager Brian Raducci said.
“We’re waiting on appraisals and if we want to do this, we may have to take it to the voters,” he said.
If the swap goes through and a recreation center is constructed, the current community center on South Dixie Highway would be redeveloped.
With the new master plan in mind, the town will also look at rebuilding the pavilion and Dune Deck restaurant at the public beach. To that end, the town will investigate private partnerships to help finance the costly project.
A few council members said they would like to explore construction of a fishing pier, although Town Attorney Max Lohman warned permits may be difficult to secure and that the town may need to redo its charter.
Other proposals up for consideration include adding docks at Sportsman’s Park, bringing in a kayak vendor at Lyman Kayak Park, expanding library hours to include Saturdays, adding a splash pad at Maddock Park or Bicentennial Park, resurfacing stamped concrete sidewalks on Ocean Avenue, and adding lighting to the beach parking lot.
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