Jupiter hopes $15M Center Park plan revives area

JUPITER — A $15 million plan to redevelop about a dozen acres that are “the heartbeat of Jupiter” was given initial approval Thursday night by the town council.

The commercial proper t y is behind Miller’s Jupiter Ale House on the southwest corner of Alternate A1A and Center Street . Many businesses, from tile companies to bicycle shops, are in the area.

The application for the project called Center Park calls for a three-story storage building and offices/warehouse. A portion would be rezoned from commercial to industrial. Buildings would be 35 feet high.

Supporters said redevelopment is needed to maintain property values and attract new investment.

“This is a positive step for our town,” resident Jeff Orr said.

Opponents said the rezoning would bring oversized buildings and too much traffic:

“Traffic is already too much on Center Street. Thirty-five feet is too high,” said resident Teri Grooms.

“The new buildings would dwarf the structures in the area,” said council member Ron Delaney, who voted against along with Jim Kuretski in the 3-2 vote.

Supporters countered the area is long overdue for improvement.

“It’s an eyesore. We need to go forward,” said Vice Mayor Wayne Posner.

Second and final reading before the Town Council is May 16. For more, go to jupiter.fl.us The counc il also approved spending $2.8 million to buy two acres next to Jupiter High School.

The goal is to make the area safer for students, parents and employees, according to town officials.

Town resident Andrew Weston said the town is moving too fast and should consider alternatives.

“Where is the traffic study?” Weston said.

The vote was 4-1, with Kuretski dissenting.