master plan update - City of Boca Raton

PUBLIC SPACEIMPROVEMENTSTo create wide sidewalks, arcades, pergolas,and landscaped areas with shadetrees, it will be necessary to provide suchspace both within the public right-ofwayand on private property. This mayrequire land in addition to that currentlyrequired as open space, but it willcertainly require private investment. Inview of current public budgets, it willbe important to establish public/privatecollaboration to achieve that. Inexchange for significant private investmentin the creation of the public realm,both in the public right-of-way and onprivate property, increases in the amountof development could be granted.PedestrianAmenitiesIncreasedDevelopmentAreaRESIDENTIAL DIVERSITYThe market study indicates the lack ofbalance in Downtown housing. Mostof the housing is second home and topof the market. To succeed, Downtownneeds a 7 day a week, 24-hour populationrather than empty windows.We encourage the development ofthe first few floors above ground-floorretail as small apartments or condominiums.It is most critical to have activewindows close to the ground where theycan enliven the public spaces below. Thislocation is not desirable for the high-endmarket which is based on distant views,but very good for those who want tobe close to the activity of Downtown.This is also the market most likely to useDowntown amenities on a regular basisand provide the animation needed for asustainable Downtown.We recommend that the City considergranting increased developmentrights in order to achieve this.ResidentialLinerIncreasedDevelopmentAreaDiagrams of incentives and examples of development41