Developer sues Boca Raton over failed plans
A developer is suing the city of Boca Raton for rejecting his plans to build single-family homes on a former golf course — and said a proposal is in the works to add an even more dense project there.
Developer Brian Tuttle had sought approval for a project known as Boca Royale, which would have added 101 one- and two-story homes on 55.12 acres once occupied by the Hidden Valley Golf Course. Home prices would have started at $750,000, he said.
However, in January, the city’s Planning & Zoning Board opposed the proposal, siding with neighbors who packed a city meeting complaining about the lack of open space and increased traffic. The City Commission rejected the plans about three months later.
At the time, city officials said the golf course land, at Northwest Second Avenue and Hidden Valley Boulevard, should remain zoned for recreation.
But Tuttle’s recently filed lawsuit argues that he shouldn’t have been denied because the proposed landuse amendment request was compatible with surrounding golf course looks from land uses. “The property is pro-
posed to be developed with single-family homes, consistent with the surrounding properties,” according to the lawsuit.
City spokeswoman Chrissy Gibson said the city has not yet been served. Mayor Scott Singer did not comment on the pending lawsuit.
“I stood with the residents who were rightfully
concerned about traffic with that plan,” Singer said this week.
Tuttle said he has been under contract for the land for more than three years. The price is undisclosed because it hasn’t sold yet.
He plans to submit a new site plan next week that calls for 27 singlefamily homes on that land, plus a 65,000-square-foot YMCA complex. He said these land uses don’t require any special rezoning.
“This proposal produces three times the amount of traffic that our 101 single-family homes would have because it’s a lot heavier intense use,” he said. “I admire the neighbors’ tenacity. They will grow to admire mine. I am 100 percent committed to developing this property.”