Water Tower Commons hits snag

Construction yet to begin for phase 1 2017 opening

LANTANA — Construction on Water Tower Commons in Lantana was supposed to be well underway by now.

The first phase of the most significant development in the small town’s historywas expected to open by the end of 2017, revitalizing a stretch of Lantana Road, east of Interstate 95, and boosting property values in amostlyworking-class suburb that once served as home to the National Enquirer tabloid newspaper.

But the master developer recently scaled back plans for the commercial and residential project, and no buildings have broken ground. The 73 acres on the site of a former tuberculosis hospital remain fenced off to the public.

Mayor Dave Stewart says the delay does not mean Water Tower Commons has lost momentum.

“Even though it seems like nothing is happening, a lot is happening,” Stewart said. “If it takes another year, it takes another year. I’m surewhen it’s done it will be a great economic engine for that area. Asmy wife says, ‘you can’t rush a good thing.’ ”

In2015, the townapprovedmore than300,000 square feet of shops, offices and restaurants and up to 1,100 residential units.

But Lantana Development, a partnership that includes Boca Raton-based homebuilder Ken Endelson, told the town inMarch it was cutting back the commercial space to 209,000 square feet.

Lantana Development indicated that the struggles of brick-and-mortar retailers in an era of online shopping prompted the reduction, according toDavid Thatcher, Lantana’s town planner.

Mike Langolf, a vice president for the developer who oversees the project, did not return two phone calls and did not respond to an email seeking comment.

In an email last month to Town Manager DeborahManzo, Langolf said the developer has spent more than $4 million on infrastructure, installed new light poles and moved utilities underground.

Langolf said two national retailers have signed leases and three other leases were nearly complete. He said interest among retailers remains strong, although the only announced tenant so far is aWalmart grocery store.

Stewart said the project is taking longer as Lantana Development works with Palm Beach County on an agreement that will pay for future