A proposed redevelopment of Boca Raton’s government campus has led to a heated dispute over the use and control of public land. The project, known as One Boca, is being developed through a partnership between the city, Terra led by David Martin, and the Frisbie Group.
The One Boca proposal was selected for the redevelopment earlier this year. In response, a group of residents formed Save Boca, under the leadership of Jonathan Pearlman. The group gathered more than 7,000 signatures in opposition to the project and called for a referendum to amend city rules. Their proposed amendments would require voter approval before any public land larger than half an acre could be leased or sold by the city. Supporters say these changes would safeguard public spaces; critics argue it would complicate essential city management.
On Monday, Palm Beach County Judge Joseph Curley ruled against these referendums, stating that “electorates do not have authority to subject city council action to referendum.” This decision follows legal action initiated in October by attorney Ned Kimmelman against Save Boca and Pearlman. “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 Kimmelman’s lawsuit.
After initially withdrawing his suit, Kimmelman refiled it at the end of October. The Rescue Boca Community Initiative then joined the case with an amicus brief supporting Kimmelman’s position. Rescue Boca claimed that Save Boca had received over $40,000 in donations before registering as a political committee.
During a recent city council meeting—where accusations of misinformation were exchanged—the council approved ballot language for a March referendum focused solely on approving or rejecting the One Boca project itself.
Pearlman maintains that despite Judge Curley’s injunction halting their efforts for now, Save Boca continues its campaign to change local laws regarding public land sales and leases.
Meanwhile, Terra and Frisbie have reduced the scale of their development plan from 15.4 acres to 7.6 acres in response to ongoing community feedback.
