12 Reasons to Move to Boca Raton, FL

12 Reasons to Move to
Boca Raton, FL

Boca Raton offers up the classic Florida dream, and much more
By Stephanie Stew… on Wed, 10/07/2015 - 02:45

Courtesy of Wikimedia.org

“We’re a city that has it all, good schools, great employment, beautiful weather and world class quality of life.”

Susan Haynie
Mayor of Boca Raton

Living in Boca Raton means you get the kind of romantic Florida beach living idealized from the mid-20th century onward in books, music and movies. But the city is more than its beaches, with its rapidly growing economic environment, A-rated public schools, five colleges, abundant public parks and spaces, and a vibrant art culture. There’s also a thriving tourism industry, with a plethora of resorts catering to travelers looking for golf, the beach or just an escape. Reasons to move to Boca and make a home are myriad. Here are a few reasons we think living in Boca Raton is a wise choice.

“We’re a city that has it all,” says Mayor Susan Haynie. “Good schools, great employment, beautiful weather and world-class quality of life.”

1. Great Neighborhoods

Whatever your ideal arrangements are, from high-rise condos along stretches of sandy beach to gracious golf course-centered homes, to quaint mid-century single-family houses in Florida style, all can be found in Boca Raton across its 29.6 square miles. As an added bonus, Boca has a low tax rate, resulting in part from the highest assessed value in Palm Beach County.

2. Abundant Economic Growth

Boca Raton’s business climate has generated some 8,000 new jobs over the past five years. That includes a burgeoning tech industry and reputation as a solid tech startup hub. Other major employers, according to Mayor Haynie, include education (with 28 public and private K-12 schools, plus five colleges), Office Depot’s corporate office, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Garda, ADP Payroll Services, IBM and Jarden Consumer as well as the insurance and medical industries and the city itself, with 17,000 employees.

3. Higher Education

Boca Raton is home to Florida Atlantic University, its largest university, plus smaller colleges Lynn University, Palm Beach State College, Everglades University and Digital Media Arts College. Mayor Haynie says that brings in a student population of 40,000. “When new companies move into the area, the first question they ask is often ‘Do you have an educated workforce to build from?’” says Mayor Haynie. “The answer is a resounding yes.”

4. Outdoor Living

Boca Raton has some 46 parks, covering 16,000 acres of parkland and trail. Two continuous north-south trail routes connect the Tri Rail system to Florida Atlantic University, so that students living farther out can then bike from the train station safely. The city also has 4 miles of beautiful public beach, left in its natural state rather than commercialized. Boca Raton also has one of the only dog beaches in Palm Beach County for pet owners.

5. Public Spaces and Experiences

Built in a Mediterranean Revival style, Mizner Park serves as one of the focal points of the city for residents and tourists alike. The epic Town Centre Mall (mixed indoor and outdoor shopping), which includes Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, is the largest mall in the region. A vast mixed-use project, Mizner offers a diverse collection of things to explore. The Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park sits at the north end, along with an amphitheater and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

6. Arts

Speaking of those arts locales, Boca Raton’s Festival of the Arts, each March draws tourists from all over. An extraordinary celebration of the arts across the board, the festival offers up classical music, jazz, dance, film, writers and more. The goal is not only celebration, but sharing all aspects of the arts with all ages.

7. Sports

Of course, the world flocks to Palm Beach County for golf and the chance to swim, boat or go snorkeling off the splendid beaches, but Boca also hosts the Allianz Championship golf tournament, which brings visitors in annually to see outstanding PGA Senior Tour players battle it out on the greens. Boca Raton’s institutions of higher education, particularly Florida Atlantic, also provide plenty of collegiate sports to cheer. The biggest new sports draw for the city is the Boca Raton Bowl, held at Florida Atlantic University’s stadium. The city recently signed a six-year contract with ESPN for coverage, with a playing date immediately before Christmas. “Last year, Marshall was one of the colleges playing, and their band actually went out and practiced on the beach,” Mayor Haynie says. Boca also has huge organized youth sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse and plenty of available facilities to make both youth and adult participation possible.

8. Great Restaurants

Boca Raton’s dining options seem to be getting better every year. For those interested in keeping things fresh and local themselves, the farmers market runs each Saturday from October through May. The farm-to-fork Farmer’s Table at the Wyndham Hotel Boca Raton sets an example for local sourcing done well. Other favorites include Yard House, Max’s Grille in Mizner Park, Gluttonous Goat, Rebel House and more. A number of high-end chains also thrive in Boca, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Morton’s. The city is currently working with upscale chain Houston’s to plan a destination restaurant on the waterfront, according to Mayor Haynie.

9. The Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club and The Sanctuary

Having some of the most expensive gated communities in the entire country in your town makes for great property values for everyone. It also makes for a great tax base, which works in everyone’s favor. The Royal Palm and Sanctuary communities are two of the country’s most elite locales, where famous Hollywood residents rub elbows with some of the biggest names (allegedly) in organized crime.

10. It’s Miami Beach without the crowds

Boca has everything Miami has. But with a metro population under 100,000, it still keeps that small(ish) town feel. You might end up paying for what you get, but for those who can afford the Boca lifestyle, you can’t beat its exclusive feel.

11. Ferry rides to the Bahamas

About 85 miles due east of Boca Raton across the Atlantic is the second-most populous city in the Bahamas – Freeport. If you’re feeling tropical, you’re just a short puddle jumper flight away, or if you’ve got your sea legs, a ferry ride in first class might call your name.

12. Barrel of Monks Brewing

Craft beer is a hot commodity these days and Boca Raton is home to a stellar brewery. Barrel of Monks is the city's first production brewery, making small batch beers that pay homage to Belgium monks who perfected the art of beermaking for centuries. The Tasting Room is open Tuesday through Friday starting at 4 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Journalist Stephanie Stewart-Howard is the author of The Nashville Chef's Table and the forthcoming Barbecue Lover's Guide to Memphis and Tennessee Style and a yet-to-be named book on whiskey ...

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Boca Raton: agree's to golf course purchase

Boca Raton: City Council, Beach & Park District agree on golf course purchase

• Posted by Mary Kate Leming on October 4, 2017 at 10:45am
• Send Message   View Blog

By Steve Plunkett

City Council members agreed to lend the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District $24 million for its planned purchase of the private Ocean Breeze golf course in the north end of the city.
At a Sept. 26 joint meeting, Arthur Koski, the district’s executive director, promised the acquisition would transform the property into “a public golf course with a private course atmosphere.”
The district will rename the course Boca Raton National, he said.
The city will issue municipal bonds to finance the purchase; the district will repay the city out of its property taxes. It is the same process the two governments used to buy the Ocean Strand and Sugar Sand Park properties.
The golf course, at 5801 NW Second Ave., weaves around the Boca Teeca condominiums. It was recently appraised at $22.7 million, a figure below the district’s negotiated purchase price with Lennar Homes LLC of $24 million.
The $1.3 million gap did not deter council members.
“This is your deal. We’re here in a supporting role,” Mayor Susan Haynie said.
Council member Scott Singer said the district is paying “a pretty penny” for Ocean Breeze.
“Please make it a pretty course,” he said. 

Boca Raton may use eminent domain to preserve beach

Along the Coast: Boca Raton may use eminent domain to preserve beach

• Posted by Mary Kate Leming on October 4, 2017 at 3:00pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Related story: A Line in the Sand: At issue is whether building should continue east of the Coastal Construction Control Line

By Steve Plunkett

    The Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District is considering dusting off its power of eminent domain to block construction on the beach of a four-story house and a four-story duplex.
    District officials also would negotiate with the owners of two long-occupied, neighboring properties, seeking to raze the structures and connect the undeveloped parcels to Ocean Strand, 15 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway they have been saving for a future park.
    The vacant parcels are 2500 N. Ocean Blvd., which has permission from the state but not yet the city to build a four-story residence east of the Coastal Construction Control Line, and 2600 N. Ocean. The city is awaiting a final report from its environmental consultant on the duplex planned at 2600 N. Ocean.
    The district also has its eyes on a duplex at 2330 N. Ocean Blvd. Longtime resident Al Petruzzelli lives in the northern side; Philip Gori, who lives in the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, owns the southern half.
    Petruzzelli’s nephew David, who lives on nearby Lago Mar Lane, said his uncle was not aware of the district’s proposal and that the property has been in the family for more than 70 years.
“I don’t think his position has changed at all,” David Petruzzelli said. “He is not a willing seller.”
Lawyer Keith Poliakoff, who represents Natural Lands LLC, owner of 2500 N. Ocean Blvd., said the state found its proposal will have no environmental impacts and his client has the “absolute legal right” to develop the parcel.
“In the event that the [district] attempts to ‘take’ this property, my client will not hesitate to protect its legal rights,” Poliakoff said. “The [district] will have the herculean effort to demonstrate that this taking has a legitimate public purpose or necessity.”
Boca Raton City Manager Leif Ahnell sparked the discussion on eminent domain, calling it “an option available to acquire properties for public use, when there is not a willing realistic seller.”
    “As you know, the city has a strong desire to preserve oceanfront properties in the city for public use,” Ahnell wrote in a late August email.
    District commissioners asked Arthur Koski, their executive director and lawyer, to investigate the process. At their Sept. 5 meeting he reported “significant pre-suit requirements” must be met, chief among them getting an appraisal of each parcel and sending it along with a notice of intent to the owner.
    Then both sides negotiate, with the district filing a lawsuit to condemn the property only if they cannot settle on a price.
    “If there’s going to be a fight over it, that’s what the fight will be — over the valuation,” Koski said.
    The district also must show a need to take ownership of the property, “which could very well be the simple desire to acquire beachfront property or the preservation of the dune, protection of A1A,” Koski said.
    Beach and Park Commissioner Susan Vogelgesang worried about the occupied parcel.
    “One of these properties does have a home on it,” she said. “How does that work? Do you condemn it and just move the poor person out of his home?”
    Koski said one solution would be for the district to take title but agree to let the property owner stay in the home for the rest of his life.
    “I am in favor of doing whatever can be done to acquire those properties,” said Golden Harbour resident Al Zucaro, who leads the BocaWatch website. “The beach is important, it needs to be preserved, and the general sentiment that I’m aware of across the board in the city of Boca Raton is that it’s a travesty that buildings are going to be built on the beach.”
    Because 2500 N. Ocean and 2600 N. Ocean are undeveloped, they would be subject to a “quick taking,” in which the district takes possession of the properties and a jury sets their value afterward. The district has the power of eminent domain in its 1974 enabling legislation, but has never used it.
    Mayor Susan Haynie asked the district in December 2015 to investigate buying any undeveloped beachfront parcels a week after she and the rest of the City Council reluctantly granted a zoning variance allowing the home at 2500 N. Ocean to be built. That same month furious residents formed the Boca Save Our Beaches group to fight the proposal.
    The state issued 2500 N. Ocean a “notice to proceed” in October 2016, ruling that the project would not “weaken, damage or destroy the integrity of the beach and dune system.” 

Hurricane Irma hits La Fontana

The winds blew, the ocean roared and the trees felt the pain...
Hat's off to the maintenance team - No Power for a few days & the generator performed perfectly.

There was vast tree damage and some retainer wall damage but all in all the building stood strong.

^-AA⁺A

Housing Predictions for 2018

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

New homes are expected to be a “primary driver of sales in 2018,” as 1.33 million housing starts are predicted next year—up from 1.22 million in 2017, according to Freddie Mac’s September Outlook report, which gauges future real estate activity. Total home sales are expected to increase about 2 percent from 2017 to 2018, according to the report.

Economists also predict that the uptick in housing starts, coupled with a moderate increase in mortgage rates, will help slow the run-up in home prices next year. Freddie Mac forecasts a 4.9 percent increase in home prices in 2018, lower than the 6.3 percent growth seen so far this year. Mortgage rates also are up from near-record lows in 2016, prompting predictions that refinancings will fall to 25 percent of mortgage activity in 2018—the lowest share since 1990, according to Fannie Mae.

Still, homeowners likely will continue building equity next year. In the second quarter of 2017, the dollar volume of equity cashed out was $15 million, up $1.2 million from the first quarter. As home prices rise, cash-out activity has been rising, too.

“The economic environment remains favorable for housing and mortgage markets,” says Freddie Mac chief economist Sean Becketti. “For several years, we have had moderate economic growth of about two percent a year, solid job gains, and low mortgage interest rates. We forecast those conditions to persist into next year.”

Source: “Looking Ahead to 2018,” Freddie Mac Outlook (Sept. 21, 2018)

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 Boca Raton: State approves construction of 4-story mansion on beach

• Posted by The Coastal Star on November 30, 2016 at 12:41pm

Project faces further review from city

after OK catches some off-guard

By Steve Plunkett
  
    The state’s environmental agency has issued a “notice to proceed” on construction of a controversial beachside mega-mansion, but Boca Raton officials say the owner of the undersized lot has more hurdles to cross.
    “You are hereby granted final authorization to proceed with construction” of a four-story, single-family dwelling at 2500 N. Ocean Blvd., according to the notice issued Oct. 18 by the Department of Environmental Protection.
    The entire lot, located on the ocean between Spanish River Park and Ocean Strand, is east of the state’s Coastal Construction Control Line, which calls for stricter scrutiny of proposed projects.
    But the landowner, Natural Lands LLC, still must pass review by the city’s Environmental Advisory Board and obtain a Coastal Construction Control Line variance and a building permit from Boca Raton, Deputy City Manager George Brown told the City Council on Nov. 22.
    Brown said the city was surprised that the DEP issued the permit without receiving a letter directly from Boca Raton stating that the proposal does not conflict with city zoning codes. The DEP confirmed that “although it is not their usual practice, they accepted a copy of [a city resolution] for the lot width variance, instead of a letter,” Brown said in a memo.
    The state agency’s files show the resolution was sent to Natural Lands with a cover letter in June from city zoning officer John Harbilas, who called it his “response to a request for a zoning confirmation letter.”
    “The subject property satisfies the minimum requirements of the [multifamily zoning] district, including the minimum lot size requirements, and also the minimum setback requirements,” Harbilas wrote the landowner. Natural Lands forwarded the letter to the DEP.
    The City Council in December 2015 reversed a Zoning Board of Adjustment decision that prohibited construction of the 10,432-square-foot house. The zoning board had declined to approve variances for property width and front-yard setbacks.
    Furious residents complained that the structure would change the face of the beach, disorient nesting sea turtles and set a precedent for even more development.
    Council members defended their decision, claiming the city would likely face litigation because more than a dozen similar variances had been approved before. Natural Lands had dropped its request for a front-yard setback, moving the proposed home almost 15 feet closer to the ocean. Approved in a resolution was an 11.5-foot variance from the minimum lot width of 100 feet.
    At the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District’s Nov. 14 meeting, Al Zucaro, of citizen watchdog group Boca Watch, said residents were “misled” by the City Council, who told them the proposal “had many steps to go before any reality might be attached to it.”
    “All the other side had to do to get that permit was to demonstrate that the city of Boca Raton had granted the zoning approval. And the variance did that,” Zucaro said.
    Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller said the CCCL is “a line of regulation, not prohibition” and “should not be confused with setback lines or lines of prohibition which are established through comprehensive plans and local zoning laws.
    “That being said,” Miller continued, “as part of the permitting process an applicant is required to submit written evidence from the local government stating the proposed activity does not conflict with local setback requirements or zoning codes — which the applicant did.”
    The DEP permit, which is posted at the site, expires Oct. 7, 2019. Natural Lands contacted the city Nov. 4 to begin the Environmental Advisory Board review, Brown said. The item will be scheduled for an advisory board meeting once the landowner resolves questions from city staff, he said.

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**LAKE WYMAN / RUTHERFORD PARK MEETING**

The Federation of Boca Raton  Homeowner Associations Tuesday, November 1, 2016 8:30 am Boca Raton Community Center 150 Crawford Boulevard What's on the horizon for Rutherford Park and how does this impact Boca Raton? Preliminary guidance has been provided by your elected City Council.   Boater?  Eco-tourist?  Nature-Lover?  Canoe Enthusiast? You won't want to miss this! Hear directly from City's expert on waterway projects, Jennifer Bistyga, about the plans for Rutherford Park. Community Spotlight

Helping to Build a Better Boca....for 50 years! For more information about the Federation, please visit our website

Boca Raton Federation of HOAs, P.O. Box 1855, Boca Raton, FL 33429-1855

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Lake Wyman vs City Will

Boca Raton / Lake Wyman

**Note - I am not an authority on this - my timelines and facts could be a little off...
However - I stand behind the meaning and the trajectory of this writing.
I do not have the time to take all day to "proof read", so please forgive my grammatical errors..

2011 - Lake Wyman
Study was done at lake Wyman -
Study outlined environmentally sound and protective plan that included renovation of the lake and the canoeing areas.
This study confirmed the environmental concerns including several "protected" species of seagrass, Manatee habitat and a very environmentally sensitive area.

2015 - Lake Wyman
The city - has another presentation on Lake Wyman -
The study - had very similar results, however, with pressure from the city, it included a "day dock" - "NOT  A BOAT RAMP / LAUNCH" - the city specifically Scott Singer, brought up the subject of a "Boat Ramp / Launch" - I personally and publicly objected to this idea.

2016 - Lake Wyman
The city has another presentation on Lake Wyman -
The presentation - IS 100% INCLUSIVE OF A BOAT RAMP AND LAUNCH -

Do you want a boat ramp / launch at Lake Wyman?  The current ramp is downtown, surrounded by "sea wall" - North of the ramp is sea wall and south of the ramp is Lake Boca - "Surrounded by sea wall"  - Now let's look at Lake Wyman - 5% sea wall - 95% mangroves -  trash bounces off sea wall - trash is absorbed by the mangroves...  Lake Boca has no beach, Manatees, seagrass or other protected species...  Lake Wyman has a beach, Manatees, mangroves, seagrass, and several other protected species...

Ocean Strand - Key Point -  One of the key reasons we had a successful outcome was due to the fact that the Park District was one our side -  AT LAKE WYMAN THIS IS NOT THE CASE - I SPOKE TO EARL STARKOFF, A PARK DISTRICT DIRECTOR, AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS IDEA LAST MONTH -

It was at that time I publicly predicted the city would force a boat ramp / launch at Lake Wyman.

Is there a point to fight this?  It appears there is no end to this cities leadership's power grabbing, money and destruction of our paradise...

When does this aggressive overreach stop? What is the goal of this leadership?

Answer - To make Boca Raton what they think Boca should be -  Not what the people want...

I cannot understand how these people can get elected or better yet re-elected.

CITY LEADER ARE RUINING BOCA RATON

PREPARE FOR A DOCK 

AND 

HUGE NUMBERS OF BOATERS AND LOTS OF TRASH -

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Downtown Boca Raton's 'ultra-luxury' condo building officially under construction

327 Royal Palm breaks ground

Charlie Keegan

7:06 PM, Feb 26, 2016

Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Construction is officially underway on downtown Boca Raton's newest building.

Developers and city leaders broke ground on 327 Royal Palm today.

The 100-foot tall building will be home to 24 "ultra-luxury" condos. Many of which have already sold.

The property is located at 327 East Royal Palm Rd., one block south of Palmetto Park Road.

Developers say it will fit nicely in the growing downtown area.

"Downtown is already a very vibrant place with restaurants and everything that is happening, and I think this building will bring a very select set of residents," said Ignacio Diaz, a developer with Group P6.

Many residents have spoken up against the size of new buildings downtown.

This one followed the city's building guidelines. It  received a minor, parking-related variance, according to the deputy mayor. It hasn't drawn much criticism.

The building should be open by December 2017.

Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Lake Wyman could make a comeback

Marci Shatzman mshatzman@tribune.com

Boca could consider resurrecting the Lake Wyman Project at a city park in a city neighborhood.

Three city advisory boards have recommended reintroducing the county's Lake Wyman Restoration Project in Boca Raton, a move that was welcomed by county officials if the city acts.

Plans in 2012 called for adding picnic areas, a boat dock, more boardwalks and an observation platform, and sinking acres of land for sea grass behind Lake Wyman Park and James A. Rutherford Park on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway.

City Council approved its share of the funding in May 2012, and former Mayor Susan Whelchel talked it up in her state of the city address in 2013.

But there was opposition. Some Golden Harbour neighbors wanted an independent study on how tides would flush in their neighborhood, built on canals. They also asked for a sinking fund to maintain the mangroves, and canoe and kayak trails that were overgrown and no longer usable.

But there were deadlines for grants at the time, and since then nothing has happened on the proposed 50-acre project.

Then on Dec. 10, 2014, the city's Marine Advisory Board started the ball rolling again when it recommended contacting the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management, which had shepherded the project along before.

Marine Advisory Board chairman Gene Folden brought the letter before the Parks and Recreation Board at its January meeting. And the Environmental Advisory Board voted unanimously to join the support effort Jan. 29. Chairman Stephen Alley called for a vote and the panel unanimously approved it.

Resurrecting the project, priced at $3 million at the time, would please former Boca Ratonmayor now County Commissioner Steven Abrams, who has always championed the project.

Robert Robbins, director of Environment Resources Management, said if the city wants to move forward, the county could start from scratch on the design and the funding. His department still lists Lake Wyman on its website as an estuary project.

"We still believe this is a very valuable project and would be happy to resume working with the city, but there's two things we need to know," Robbins said. "If the city wants us to come back and work with them, and we need to know the residents are engaged.

"We're fine looking at a project again with a clean slate and fresh eyes. It has to be environmental restoration and we prefer a public use component," he said.

Stakeholders include the city and county, Florida Inland Navigational District, called FIND, which was picking up most of the funding, and the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, among others.

"The FIND money would have to reapply, and the county money was used for other projects. That doesn't mean we can't find other money and look at other grants sources. But first there has to be an agreement as to the vision," Robbins said.

Abrams said everything remains on hold and "when the time is right we're more than willing to jump start the project," he said. "It's still a worthwhile project to do when they feel the time is right in renewing it."

He's still concerned about the neighbors.

"We have really worked hard to redesign the project to address their concerns," he said. "Ultimately, they live next door to a public park yet they have issues and we have to take those into account."

Copyright © 2016, Sun Sentinel