FL County Approves Huge Rural Development Conflicting With Comprehensive Plan

Despite working with rural property owners for seven years to develop a 'sector plan' directing growth in rural areas, Palm Beach County voted to send a proposed plan amendment allowing 10,000 homes to the State for review. Area residents object.

1 minute read

May 29, 2006, 9:00 AM PDT

By David Gest


A massive development containing 10,000 homes, a hotel, golf course, college campus, and millions of square feet for businesses may spread across the 3,900 acre Callery-Judge citrus grove in rural Palm Beach County, if Florida's Department of Community Affairs approves a preliminary comprehensive plan amendment submitted by Palm Beach County. Neighboring residents were infuriated that the project trumped seven years of work on the rural area sector plan, which had involved town meetings and focus groups.

The recently adopted sector plan was supposed to guide growth in the rural area, creating town hubs and regulating traffic. The state has yet to sign off on the sector plan. Without the land use changes just given preliminary approval, fewer than 400 homes could be built on the site. Under the sector plan, 3,100 homes would be allowed.

Thanks to Sheryl Stolzenberg

Friday, May 26, 2006 in Palm Beach Post

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