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‘Save Boca’ Organizers Say They Have the Signatures to Force Vote on City Hall Plan

Boca Vibe

By Boca Vibe

September 22, 2025

‘Save Boca’ Organizers Say They Have the Signatures to Force Vote on City Hall Plan

‘Save Boca’ Organizers Say They Have the Signatures to Force Vote on City Hall Plan

The organizer behind the “Save Boca” campaign, which opposes the city council’s plan to redevelop a 31-acre portion of downtown Boca Raton in partnership with the private developer, Boca Raton Development Group (BRDG), held up stacks of paper containing what he said were over 5,200 signatures collected in a petition drive before hand-delivering them to the city clerk during a spirited rally outside City Hall this morning. The signatures, if verified, would trigger a citywide referendum on the controversial project, potentially derailing the council’s ambitious vision for a revitalized downtown.

A Contentious Plan

The proposed redevelopment, dubbed “Boca Raton Renaissance,” aims to transform the area surrounding City Hall, currently a mix of parking lots, aging buildings, and underutilized green spaces, into a vibrant mixed-use development. BRDG’s plans include luxury residential towers, a new hotel, expanded retail space, and improved public amenities. The city council has championed the project, arguing it will generate significant tax revenue, create jobs, and enhance Boca Raton’s image as a premier destination. The plan also includes a significant investment in public infrastructure improvements, including updated roads and enhanced pedestrian walkways connecting to Mizner Park.

However, the “Save Boca” coalition argues that the project is too dense, will exacerbate traffic congestion already impacting residents near FAU and the surrounding areas, and will irrevocably alter the character of downtown Boca Raton. They contend the current plan lacks sufficient green space and fails to adequately address potential impacts on existing businesses and residents. Their concerns have resonated with a significant segment of the Boca Raton community, leading to the robust petition drive.

The Petition Drive and its Impact

Campaign organizer, Mark Reynolds, a long-time Boca Raton resident and owner of a local bookstore, addressed a crowd of approximately 150 supporters outside City Hall. “We’ve proven that the people of Boca Raton want a say in the future of their city,” Reynolds declared, holding aloft several large boxes filled with signed petitions. “For weeks, volunteers have braved the heat, knocked on doors, and engaged in countless conversations to gather these signatures. This isn’t just about a building; it’s about preserving the heart and soul of our community.”

The petition drive itself was meticulously organized. Volunteers, many of whom are affiliated with local civic groups and neighborhood associations, canvassed various neighborhoods throughout Boca Raton, focusing their efforts in areas expected to be most impacted by the proposed development. They utilized a variety of methods to gather signatures, including online petitions, in-person events at local farmers’ markets and community gatherings, and targeted mail campaigns.

Reynolds emphasized the campaign’s commitment to transparency and accuracy. “We’ve implemented rigorous verification procedures to ensure the validity of each signature,” he explained. “We’ve cross-referenced addresses, checked for duplicates, and meticulously documented every step of the process. We’re confident that we’ve far exceeded the number of signatures required to trigger a referendum.” The city clerk’s office will now undertake its own verification process, a task expected to take several weeks.

City Council Response

City Council members have yet to formally respond to the submitted petition. However, in prior statements, they have defended the “Boca Raton Renaissance” plan, highlighting its potential economic benefits and the extensive public input that has already been incorporated into the design process. Councilwoman Susan Hayworth, a key proponent of the project, has stated that the council remains committed to a revitalized downtown, but acknowledges the concerns raised by residents. She has expressed a willingness to engage in further dialogue with the community, though she has stopped short of endorsing any specific changes to the current proposal.

The council’s next scheduled meeting is in two weeks. While the petition’s status is uncertain, it is expected to feature prominently on the agenda. The council will need to determine whether the petition meets the city’s legal requirements and officially call for a referendum, allowing residents a formal vote on the “Boca Raton Renaissance” project. The political ramifications are significant. If the petition is validated and the referendum is successful, the “Boca Raton Renaissance” project could be delayed indefinitely or even scrapped entirely. The outcome will certainly impact the future development trajectory of downtown Boca Raton.

Concerns of the “Save Boca” Coalition

  • Increased Traffic Congestion: The coalition argues that the influx of residents and visitors from the proposed development will significantly worsen existing traffic problems, particularly during peak hours, potentially impacting commutes to and from FAU and surrounding areas within Palm Beach County.
  • Loss of Green Space: The current plan allocates limited green space, a concern for residents who value the existing parks and open areas in the downtown core.
  • Impact on Existing Businesses: The coalition expresses concern that construction and the introduction of new businesses might negatively impact the viability of existing shops and restaurants.
  • Density Concerns: The coalition believes the proposed development is too dense for the area, potentially leading to overcrowding and a decrease in quality of life.
  • Lack of Affordable Housing: The coalition argues that the focus on luxury housing units neglects the need for more affordable housing options within Boca Raton.

The Road Ahead

The coming weeks will be critical. The city clerk’s office must verify the signatures, a process that involves checking for duplicates, ensuring signatures are from registered Boca Raton voters, and confirming the authenticity of the signatures. If the petition is certified, the city council will be legally obligated to schedule a referendum. The campaign has also indicated that they will continue their outreach efforts, aiming to build support for their position in the lead up to the potential referendum. The future of downtown Boca Raton hangs in the balance, and the coming weeks will determine the fate of the “Boca Raton Renaissance” project and the influence of citizen action in shaping the city’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the “Save Boca” campaign?
The “Save Boca” campaign is a grassroots movement of Boca Raton residents organized to oppose the city council’s plan for a major redevelopment project in the downtown area, known as “Boca Raton Renaissance.” They believe the project is too large, will negatively impact the city’s character, and has not sufficiently addressed the concerns of local residents.
How many signatures are needed to force a referendum?
The exact number of signatures required to trigger a citywide referendum on the “Boca Raton Renaissance” plan is determined by the city charter. The “Save Boca” campaign claims to have collected well over the required threshold, but the city clerk’s office will need to verify the signatures before a referendum is officially triggered.
What happens if the referendum passes?
If the referendum passes, it would likely halt the current “Boca Raton Renaissance” plan. The city council would then need to reconsider the project, potentially scaling it back or finding alternative development proposals that better address the concerns of residents. The overall plan, timeline, and even its viability could be significantly altered.

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