A redevelopment plan for Boca Raton’s government campus has sparked debate among residents and city officials. The project, known as One Boca, is a partnership between the city, developer David Martin’s Terra, and the Frisbie Group. The proposal has faced opposition from some residents organized under Save Boca, led by Jonathan Pearlman.
Save Boca collected over 7,000 signatures to force a referendum aimed at amending the city charter and municipal code. The proposed changes would require public votes before leasing or selling any public land larger than half an acre. Supporters say this would safeguard public spaces, while critics argue it could hinder essential city management.
On Monday, Palm Beach County Judge Joseph Curley ruled that these referendums were unconstitutional. He cited legal precedent stating that electorates cannot subject actions of the city council to a referendum.
Local attorney Ned Kimmelman filed a lawsuit against Save Boca and Pearlman in October seeking an emergency injunction to stop the referendums. “Save Boca and Pearlman are conducting an audacious scheme to evade Florida law and abuse our electoral process in Palm Beach County and the City,” according to language from the suit.
Kimmelman withdrew his initial suit but refiled on October 31. In this round, Rescue Boca Community Initiative supported him by filing an amicus brief alleging that Save Boca received over $40,000 in donations before registering as a political committee.
At a recent city council meeting where tensions ran high over accusations of misinformation from both sides, council members approved ballot language for a March referendum concerning only approval of the One Boca project itself.
Pearlman stated that despite Judge Curley granting an injunction against their efforts, “the suit is ongoing and Save Boca is still pursuing the changes to the city charter and municipal code.”
Developers have scaled back plans for One Boca from 15.4 acres down to 7.6 acres in response to local concerns.
