Page 12 - Boca Club News - February '25
P. 12

Page 12, Boca Club News
      Council Corner: Reimagining Our Downtown



      Boca Raton Government Campus



      By Fran Nachlas, Boca Raton City                  group, setting clear terms in the detailed planning, financial   and economic benefits of our Brightline partnership and
      Council member /CRA Vice-Chair.                   and infrastructure components of the initiative sometime   create a more pedestrian-friendly environment while
         The redevelopment of the                       in March/April of 2025. As part of the process the city   preserving the vibrant, welcoming character of downtown.
      30-acre Government Campus in                      has also established a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)      Moving Forward.  As this exciting project moves
      downtown Boca Raton is finally                    section on its website to help residents stay informed.   through the review, selection and negotiation process I
      moving  forward,  nearly  a  decade               Some key takeaways include:                        welcome your engagement. The Government Campus
      after the city first set its sights on               Impact on Taxes: The project will not raise property   redevelopment will be a new landmark that blends civic
      revitalizing this aging area.  The                taxes but will generate new property taxes and land lease   needs with a more connected, sustainable future.
      process, which started in 2016, has               revenues for the city.                                The  next  few  months  will  be  critical  as  we
      faced delays, but now, in 2025, we are closer than ever      Public  Input: Residents are encouraged to provide   collectively work toward shaping a better future
      to realizing a more vibrant, sustainable, and connected   feedback via an online form or by attending ongoing   for our downtown. For more information visit the
      downtown.                                         public meetings. Of course, I am always available to you   city’s Government Campus Master Plan page or contact
         By the time you read this the City Council will have   via email or phone for any thoughts or ideas.  me at fnachlas@myboca.us or (561) 221-7902. As always,
      heard proposals from four groups competing to become      Community Improvement: A focus of the initiative is to   I’d love to hear from you.
      partners with Boca Raton to transform this critical space.   improve the area’s infrastructure, better utilize the mobility
      At the February 11th Council meeting these plans will be
      ranked, marking a major milestone in what promises to
      be a transformative project. The proposed redevelopment   The Importance of Annual Physicals:
      aims to blend essential public services with modern spaces
      for residents, business, living and recreation, creating a
      more pedestrian-friendly downtown, connected to the   Prioritizing Your Health with
      Brightline station and better suited to the evolving needs
      of our community.
         A Long Journey.  The idea of redeveloping the    Dr. Luisa Brito and Dr. Althea Watson
      Government Campus was first explored in 2016 when
      the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to rethink
      the outdated infrastructure. In 2017, Song + Associates,   Your health is your most valuable asset. Taking the time for an
                                                          annual physical is one of the most proactive steps you can take to
      an architectural firm, was selected to lead the charge.   ensure your well-being. These routine check-ups are essential not
      However, their proposed plans faced pushback due to   only for maintaining good health but also for catching potential
      high costs, leading to further delays. Then, in 2020, the   issues before they become serious.
      COVID-19 pandemic shifted priorities and the project
      stalled.                                            Annual physicals allow doctors to assess your overall health,
                                                          discuss any concerns, and run necessary tests to detect underlying
         But the vision never disappeared because the need is   conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels
      clear. The City Council kept the redevelopment on its   are just a few examples of silent conditions that may go unnoticed
      radar, listing it as a priority in strategic public planning   without regular screenings. Early detection can lead to timely
      sessions.  By  late  2024  the  private  sector  responded   treatment, significantly reducing the risk of complications and   at 9970 North Central Park Blvd., Suite 400-B. Dr. Watson
      and the city received two unsolicited proposals for the   improving outcomes.                        practices in both Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, with her
                                                                                                           additional location at 8200 Jog Road, Suite 204, making it easier
      redevelopment, prompting an open call for transparent,   At Palm Beach Health Network Primary Care, Dr. Luisa Brito   than ever to access quality care.
      competitive options under a state statute designed to save   and Dr. Althea Watson are committed to helping you stay on top
      taxpayer dollars and spur innovation. Months later, at the   of your health. They understand the importance of personalized,   Your annual physical is not just another appointment—it’s an
      January 2025 deadline, four groups had submitted their   compassionate care and offer next-day appointments to fit your   investment in your future. By addressing potential health concerns
      proposals.                                          busy schedule. Whether you’re due for your annual well visit or   early, you can take control of your well-being and enjoy peace
                                                          have specific concerns, their expertise ensures you’re in good
                                                                                                           of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late to prioritize your health.
         These proposals—by Boca Raton City Center,       hands.
      LLC; Namdar Group; Related Ross; and  RocaPoint                                                      Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Luisa Brito
      Partners—have undergone initial financial, planning and   Both Dr. Brito and Dr. Watson provide comprehensive services,   or Dr. Althea Watson and start your journey toward a healthier,
      infrastructure review. Each offers a unique vision for the   including same-day appointments, walk-in visits, pre-and post-op   happier you.
      Government Campus, but all share a focus on enhancing   care plans, annual physicals, and pre-surgical medical clearance.   Boca Raton: 9970 North Central Park Blvd., Suite 400-B | 561-
                                                          They are dedicated to creating a comfortable environment where
      connectivity, sustainability and mixed-use development.  you can discuss your health concerns and work together to achieve   487-7931
         Responding to Current and Future Needs of Boca   your wellness goals.                             Boynton Beach (Dr. Watson only): 8200 Jog Road, Suite 204
      Raton. This project is not just about new structures; it’s                                           | 561-740-4762
      about reimagining what downtown Boca Raton could be.   Located conveniently in Boca Raton, Dr. Brito sees patients
      The goal is to create a space that fosters a sense of place,
      promotes economic vitality and enhances the quality
      of life for residents. The development will focus on
      improving public services, creating pedestrian-friendly
      streetscapes and offering new opportunities for business
      and residential growth.
         As part of this process the city has committed to a   Going Away?
      transparent, inclusive approach. Residents will have the
      opportunity to weigh in at every City Council meeting,
      during all stages, with public engagement at ongoing
      feedback opportunities.  The City Council is taking
      a leadership role to ensure this effort is successful,                     Let us manage your home
      sustainable and right-sized for a sunny future for all of us.
         What Comes Next. The timeline for the redevelopment
      process is responsible, ambitious and eminently achievable.
                                                            JDF House Management Services
      Once the Council ranks the proposals in February the next
      step will be negotiating an interim agreement with the top






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