Opportunity

Broadway West Palm Beach revitalized

West Palm Beach Broadway Corridor

Broadway Opportunity

Broadway presents a pivotal opportunity to foster widespread economic growth. Strategic investments and thoughtful redesign can transform this vital artery into a thriving district that generates opportunities for businesses and residents along its entire length. By prioritizing equitable development, the revitalization can attract diverse enterprises, create local jobs, and stimulate increased commerce, ultimately uplifting the economic well-being of the entire Broadway corridor and its surrounding communities. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of progress are shared, creating a more vibrant and prosperous future for all who live and work in the area.

What’s Holding Back Progress?

The Broadway Corridor in West Palm Beach, despite its potential as a gateway and its proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway and marinas, has historically faced several significant hurdles that have held back its economic development. These challenges are often interconnected and require a multi-faceted approach to overcome.

Restrictive Zoning and Height Limits:

• For a long time, the corridor had low height maximums (2-3 stories), which made it financially unfeasible for developers to build larger, more profitable projects, especially given rising land and construction costs. This limited the potential for mixed-use developments that could bring more residents, businesses, and vibrancy.

• Small and irregular lot sizes/depths also made it difficult to assemble parcels large enough for significant modern development.

• Perception and Legacy Issues:

  • The Broadway Corridor has been historically labeled as a "blighted neighborhood." This perception, whether entirely accurate or not, can deter private investment and make it harder to attract high-quality businesses and residents.

  • There have been perceived issues of crime (loitering, sex work) associated with some existing businesses, which further contributes to a negative image.

• Infrastructure and Walkability Deficiencies:

  • The corridor is often auto-oriented, with high roadway speeds and limited incentive for drivers to stop and patronize local businesses.

  • Narrow sidewalks and a lack of pedestrian amenities (shade, seating, aesthetic appeal) make the area less walkable and inviting for residents and visitors.

  • Limited parking can also be a deterrent for both businesses and customers.

  • Poor interconnectivity between lots and within the broader neighborhood.

• Economic Viability and Funding Challenges:

  • Rising cost of construction and higher interest rates for construction loans make it difficult for developers to break ground on new projects, particularly in an area that requires significant upfront investment to overcome existing challenges.

  • Limited CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) funding/TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds have also been a constraint, though efforts are being made to address this.

  • The long and linear nature of the corridor, without corresponding width, presents unique challenges for creating cohesive economic nodes.

• Regulatory and Planning Complexities:

  • Historically, there have been challenges with different visions between the City and FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) regarding roadway improvements and pedestrian integration.

  • Historic designations and contributing properties can add layers of complexity to the development process, requiring careful navigation to preserve historical character while allowing for progress.

  • The zoning approval process can be lengthy and complex, especially when seeking deviations (like increased height).

• Demographic and Social Considerations:

  • The corridor experiences demographic inequality, with a significant portion of the population below the poverty line. Development needs to be sensitive to these existing residents and ensure equitable development that prevents displacement and provides tangible benefits.

Recent Efforts to Overcome These Challenges:

It's important to note that the City of West Palm Beach and the CRA have been actively working to address many of these issues. Recent initiatives include:

• Redrafting of Broadway Mixed-Use Development (BMUD) regulations: This aims to attract quality businesses, enhance residential values, and foster multi-family developments, allowing for increased height limits (up to 6-7 stories in some areas, especially with affordable housing components).

• "Road diet" projects and Broadway Avenue Improvements: Collaboration with FDOT to improve pedestrian access, reduce car speeds, and enhance the environment with landscaping and multi-use trails.

• Focus on affordable and workforce housing: This is seen as a catalyst for broader revitalization and a way to address a critical housing need in the county.

• Strategic land acquisition and identification of catalytic anchor sites: The CRA is looking at leveraging city-owned parcels to jumpstart development.