By Sephora Charles
A recent survey shows most Lantana residents and visitors want little to no changes to the Lantana Beach Park, but that didn’t stop the Town Council from backing an estimated $13 million first phase of a total project that could end up topping $30 million.
The town hired CPZ Architects to create a conceptual proposal for the remodeling because the beach is “dilapidated in many cases,” Town Manager Brian Raducci said during an April 10 visioning session.
A bifurcated first phase would include rebuilding the boardwalk, demolishing the existing Dune Deck Café and pavilion, and constructing new restrooms, a new restaurant, a new lookout tower and retail kiosks.
Phase 2 is proposed to include $1.6 million to add new amenities to the lower part of the park; Phase 3 would allocate $14.7 million to construct a two-story parking garage; and Phase 4 would have $2 million to build a new pier.
The council reached a consensus to proceed with the project, beginning with the first phase. As the project continues, it will decide whether or not to continue with the other phases.
That move came despite the results of a staff survey of 689 residents and visitors in March. When asked what they think of the beach’s current appearance, 43% of respondents said minimal improvements should be made to “enhance the safety and functionality of the existing amenities.” More than 21% of people think the current appearance is fine, leaving 35% wanting a comprehensive look at the entire site so crews can make the discussed improvements.
Respondents also voted for the three amenities that are most important to them: showers and restrooms, the restaurant with a terrace overlooking the natural environment, and the picnic area. If residents had to eliminate proposed amenities due to costs and other factors, several voters chose to remove the second-floor event space, lookout tower, sand volleyball courts and casual food options.
In terms of usage, more than half of the respondents want the beach to remain as a quiet “best kept secret,” 24.4% want minimal improvements to increase usage and 18.3% would like to see major changes to increase the demand for services such as hotels and restaurants.
Raducci presented the results at the visioning session, a workshop designed for town officials and council members to discuss town's future.
Drainage project on Hypoluxo Island
Residents of Hypoluxo Island should expect detours and possible one-way traffic conditions over the next several months.
The town of Lantana started a multi-month drainage improvement project in April on the island to help mitigate flooding in certain areas. The project is anticipated to be completed toward the end of the year.
Construction workers have already started Phase 1 of the project near Beach Curve Road and Barefoot Lane. Phase 2 will be between 705 and 737 N. Atlantic Drive, with Phase 3 being from 925 N. Atlantic Drive to the cul-de-sac. Each phase is expected to last two months.
Access to homes will be maintained, but detours and one-way traffic are likely. Normal road access will be restored at the end of each workday. The town’s contractor will also be using the south side of McKinley Park as the project staging area, which will limit usage of the park
To stay updated on the status of the project, follow the Historic Hypoluxo Island and HIPOA Community Information Facebook pages.
— Patrick Sherry
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