BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Boynton Beach commissioners moved forward Tuesday with a police drone first responder program, new waterfront development rules, downtown density changes and the next steps for Pence Park, while also agreeing to bring Boynton Forest back for a future public discussion.
The June 16 meeting followed a commission workshop on the city’s comprehensive plan update, where officials asked for more time and clearer public access before the plan moves toward a July transmittal hearing.
The meeting touched nearly every major local government pressure point in Boynton Beach: public safety spending, waterfront redevelopment, green space, park improvements, housing density, city manager authority and public concern over taxes.
Drone Program Approved 4-1
Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a drone first responder package after Commissioner Aimee Kelley raised concerns about the timing of the purchase during early budget discussions.
City staff said the city had terminated a prior drone first responder contract because the vendor could not deliver equipment within a reasonable time. The new package, discussed as an Axon system, would support the city’s real-time crime center with drone docks, 5G connectivity, thermal imaging, mapping and automated launches.
Staff said the first payment would not begin until Oct. 1, 2027. Officials also said the city had already budgeted $125,000 for the program, with the Building Department responsible for $90,000 for one drone first responder unit, leaving about $65,000 per year to be funded through the traffic safety fund rather than the general fund.
Kelley said she supports the drone program but could not support the purchase while the city is discussing staffing concerns, possible wage freezes and budget uncertainty. Other commissioners supported the item, saying the technology could help with missing persons, officer response and emergency operations.
The motion passed 4-1, with Kelley opposed.
Boynton Forest Returns To Agenda
Vice Mayor Thomas Turkin asked for consensus to place Boynton Forest on the next agenda, saying residents had continued to contact him about the future of the land.
Turkin framed the issue as preservation versus development and said the city should consider legal mechanisms, including deed restrictions or a supermajority requirement, to prevent future development if preservation is the goal.
Commissioner Mack McCray said he supported a study to determine how the city should proceed, while other discussion focused on whether a study was necessary if the commission’s intent is simply to preserve the land.
During public comment, speakers urged the city to protect the forest, citing green space, gopher tortoises, aquifer concerns and prior community turnout. One speaker with Save Boynton’s Forest said information had been forwarded to city officials regarding deed restrictions on the parcels.
The commission agreed to place the item on the next agenda.
Waterfront Overlay Moves Forward
Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of a proposed Marine District Overlay, which staff said is intended to promote marine-oriented businesses, waterfront restaurants, public waterfront access, enclosed dry boat storage, marinas, yacht clubs and water-based recreation.
Staff said the overlay would not automatically rezone properties, would not provide residential density bonuses and would not reduce existing environmental protections.
The proposed overlay would apply generally along key waterfront development nodes from around Gateway Boulevard south to about 200 feet south of Woolbright Road. Staff said new commercial waterfront development in the overlay would be required to provide a publicly accessible waterfront promenade through an easement to the city.
The overlay would also reduce the maximum hotel height in the district from 150 feet to 60 feet, according to staff, while allowing certain incentives for targeted marine and commercial uses.
The item is expected to return July 7 for final adoption.
Downtown Density Change Advances
Commissioners also unanimously approved the first reading of a downtown density code change that would eliminate a provision allowing residential units of 750 square feet or less to count as half a unit for density calculations in some mixed-use areas.
Development Director Amanda Radigan explained that the change would mean “one unit will equal one unit,” limiting density further downtown and removing an incentive that staff said may have encouraged too many small units.
Staff said the city wants developers to use the workforce housing program or payment-in-lieu option rather than rely on the smaller-unit density calculation.
Pence Park Plan Delayed For Revisions
Commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance abandoning a portion of Southeast Third Street right-of-way between Southeast Fifth Avenue and Southeast Sixth Avenue, a step tied to the Pence Park improvements project.
The broader Pence Park site plan was tabled so staff could return with revised drawings.
The project, located at 600 Southeast Fourth Street on a 3.33-acre site, includes renovation and expansion of the park, including sports facilities, a children’s play area, indoor space, storage and support areas.
After discussion, commissioners asked staff to incorporate several changes before the item returns. Those included a half basketball court, water misters, dog waste receptacles, a hedge near the rail fence line, a historical marker or display about Pence Park, and renaming the proposed civic room as a recreational room.
City legal staff said the 1949 deed requires the property to remain Pence Park, not be sold or transferred, and be maintained as a public park with an athletic field and children’s playground for public use. Legal staff said the proposed indoor space should support park and recreation functions consistent with the deed.
City Manager Authority Draws Debate
Commissioners voted 4-1 on first reading to approve an ordinance codifying certain city manager signature authority.
Deputy City Manager Andrew Mack said the ordinance consolidates existing authority from multiple prior resolutions and does not create new spending authority, expand financial powers or change the budget process.
Commissioner Angela Cruz opposed the item, raising concerns about charter language, transparency and whether the ordinance should include additional charter references related to contracts and mayoral signatures. City legal staff said the ordinance does not change the charter and instead codifies delegated authority for routine operational documents, permits and contracts already subject to budget, procurement, legal and insurance requirements.
The item passed 4-1, with Cruz opposed.
Other Actions And Public Comment
Commissioners approved a CRA-related item allowing six lots to be disposed of through an invitation to negotiate with Lennar for less than fair market value. Staff said city approval was needed for the CRA to move forward.
The commission also approved a procurement waiver related to the city’s banking services agreement with Bank of America. Staff said the waiver was needed after determining the city had piggybacked the solicitation process, but not the contract itself. Staff said Bank of America has had a 17-year relationship with the city and is already integrated with the city’s Workday ERP conversion. The item passed unanimously.
Public comments included calls for lower taxes, concerns about water bills and government spending, requests for more access to the library’s creative makerspace, support for the iCare program serving adults with autism and related disabilities, concern about rent increases at Heart of Boynton apartments, and comments about The Pierce redevelopment from Hurricane Alley owner Kim Kelly, who said she supports the redevelopment project.
The meeting ended at 8:55 p.m.
Stay informed on zoning proposals, City Commission decisions, and major development projects shaping Boynton Beach. Visit our Boynton Beach Government and Development page for ongoing coverage from City Hall, public meetings, and planning discussions.
