The city is poised to close a loophole that allowed approved development projects to amend existing plans without appearing before the city council to approve the changes. Ordinance No. 5100 will require developers to have those changes approved by the council and limit the Community Appearance Board’s authority to modify development orders. The primary reason for the new ordinance were changes made to plans at the Addison Park Townhomes near Florida Atlantic University, which were approved as high-end condominiums.
“We were unaware of this loophole and flaw until these issues surfaced. Several people had come forward expressing dissatisfaction with how the project morphed, and this ordinance will require city approval for any substantive changes,” said Councilwoman Susan Haynie.
The ordinance was on the July 28 commission meeting agenda, but was kicked back to the planning and zoning board for review.
“It will be on the agenda for the next planning and zoning board meeting, and we should have it on our agenda in September,” said Haynie.
Councilman Anthony Majhess supports the ordinance and said it should pass with relative ease.
“I know one of the sticking points with that project is the issue with balconies. The initial plans included balconies and other decorative architecture, but those plans were changed,” he said.
Mayor Susan Whelchel said she is sympathetic to the economic downturn that may have lead to the changes, but that the ordinance is a good idea.
“Obviously as a city we want the project to stay on track and hope the project is finished, but this did catch our eye. It was a bit of a flaw in the system, and one that is now being addressed,” she said.