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West Palm Beach Pauses Waterfront Park Plan for Public Listening Sessions

The pause signals a shift to public review driven by property rights concerns from longtime waterfront businesses.

Overview

  • Mayor Keith James told a city commission meeting the project is on hold while the city hosts listening sessions to show the waterfront plans.
  • The step follows community concern that the concept would remove parts of Flagler Drive and push traffic deeper into downtown.
  • After E.R. Bradley’s owners said the city raised eminent domain in talks, James said the city is not considering taking any property.
  • James said he explored private gifts for the park, citing up to $50 million, while coverage has reported a $30 million offer from developer Stephen Ross.
  • James said revised designs now keep current businesses in place, while the E.R. Bradley’s owner disputes any $35 million relocation offer and nearby restaurateurs fear losing staff and customers.