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City Of Boca Raton
Untamed Growth
Having been actively involved in the local real estate market for 29 years, I am frequently asked about the seemingly untamed and aggressive growth of “downtown” Boca Raton, with its sprawl of ugly construction. It therefore appears prudent of me to share my opinion, both personally and professionally.
The most common question “Is it good or bad?” depends upon your vantage point.
If you are a business owner in downtown Boca Raton, then it is good. Particularly if you live within walking distance of your business.
If you are not within walking distance of your downtown business, then the massive explosion of tall cement structures lurking over our crowded streets is not so good. The upside for downtown business owners is more customers; the downside is traffic-clogged roads and increased commuting time. It appears the City is looking the other way as developers and many owners of these businesses make money and live well outside the downtown area.
From a real estate industry perspective, growth is positive because there are more units to rent. However, the negative by-product of unbearable traffic which causes difficult access to these units must be taken into account.
Another negative is that unchecked growth depresses property values all over Boca Raton, not just the downtown.
No one ever says, “Let’s increase property values by erecting rental complexes and hotel monstrosities that look like prisons.” This is not the tasteful, well-planned, upscale architecture for which Boca Raton has always been known.
Thanks to the current administration in Boca Raton, our charming downtown with its quaint stores and beautiful plazas is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. In my opinion, this is NOT what the vast majority of residents want.
Boca Raton is becoming the new Fort Lauderdale and on its way of becoming a mini Miami due to massive congestion and towering buildings with frontage practically up to the road. Huh? Setbacks? What setbacks?
When the question arose as to where we are going to put the thousands of parked cars that we do not have room for, the response was to bus people in off of the rail. Really? This increases property values? I think not.
Before approaching the concept of more money coming into the city via increased taxes, we need to consider the greater need (and expenditure of those monies) for increased emergency services.
Shall we also discuss how emergency services are going to timely get to their destination with the massive abundance of cars and buses congesting our roadways?
Although I could go on forever in this vein (like the unremitting building in the downtown area of Boca Raton,) let it suffice to say that as a homeowner and business professional, I prefer to maintain the history, beauty, quaintness and love for our city. To maintain our tradition of thoughtfully-considered planning and growth, allowing property prices to rise naturally. Do you remember the simple marketing law….the law of Supply and Demand?
I find it curious that every person I’ve spoken with on this subject in the last few years objects to the decimation of downtown Boca Raton. That not one resident, whether living downtown or not, thinks the current unfettered growth is a good thing. Hmm.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the citizens actually had representation…..oh, but that is a different matter. Or is it?
As a parting remark, at the northeast corner of South Federal Highway and SE 5th Street there is an elevated statue of Addison Mizner holding a monkey on his shoulder. I think I know where all his brothers and sisters are. I’m just say’n……
Orlando – Vero Beach – Fort Pierce – Port St. Lucie – Stuart – Jupiter – Palm Beach Gardens – West Palm Beach – Boynton Beach – Delray Beach – Boca Raton – Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood – Deerfield Beach – Lighthouse Point – Wellington
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Kissimmee – Cocoa Beach – Melbourne – Palm Bay – Sebastian – Hutchinson Island – Jensen Beach – Palm City – Port Salerno – Hobe Sound – Tequesta – Riviera Beach – Lake Worth – Ocean Ridge – Manalapan – Pompano Beach – Lauderdale By The Sea – Oakland Park – Dania Beach – Hallandale Beach – Loxahatchee – Royal Palm Beach – Okeechobee – Indiantown