Project hinges on access to Tri-Rail

Boca considers Midtown housing

Boca Raton could allow new apartments in a redevelopment area known as Midtown — but only if a new Tri-Rail station is part of the plan, a city official said in a presentation Monday.

City staff talked of the TriRail condition, aimed at boosting transportation options, at Monday’s City Council workshop meeting.

Midtown is envisioned as a “live-work-play” district that would feature shops, restaurants and apartments. Crocker Partners, one of the developers involved in the plan, has built shopping destinations before. It’s the same developer who in the 1990s built Mizner Park, offering retail and restaurants next to apartments in downtown Boca.

The Midtown project boundaries are from Interstate 95 west to St. Andrews Boulevard, and Glades Road south to Via Verde.

The Tri-Rail caveat was one change of many that city staff made after recommendations from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board last month.

“How did the Tri-Rail station become so fundamental to

this area?” asked Councilman Robert Weinroth.

“It has been an important component,” Deputy City Manager George Brown replied.

The old Kings Deli site on Military Trail and a property next door were identified as possible sites for the station by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority at a Dec. 5 meeting.

Tri-Rail service would be one of Midtown’s many transportation features. Pedestrian and bike access also are planned, as well as shuttles to nearby places like the Town Center at Boca Raton mall.

Other changes proposed Monday by the city include a minimum apartment size of 700 square feet versus the original proposal of 500 square feet, and a shuttle system that wouldn’t necessarily be run by the city, according to Brown, who made the presentation.

Additional issues include: building heights, parking requirements, street improvements, open space and other regulations for areas zoned for planned mobility.

Public hearings will be held to give council members and neighbors a chance to further discuss the project.

“We don’t think the train station should be a condition,” said J. Michael Marshall, the attorney for the developers, after Monday’s meeting.