Speakers at Monday’s Boca Raton downtown CRA meeting pressed city leaders on whether a proposed Save Boca charter amendment could affect lease agreements held by the CP Group, the company that recently bought Mizner Park.
The amendment, expected to appear on an upcoming city ballot, would guarantee that public lands stay public and cannot be sold to a developer. Giana Pacinelli, speaking for the CP Group on behalf of managing partner Angelo Bianco, said the company plans to bring in new restaurants, shops and a high-end grocer. Land use attorney Bonnie Miskel, whose firm represents the group, warned that the vote could invite a lawsuit or cost the city millions of dollars.
Several speakers, including Peg Anderson, a longtime city volunteer and president of the city-owned The Studio at Mizner Park, asked the CRA to postpone taking a position. Councilwoman Stacy Sipple disagreed, saying the issue “should go back to the people.” The CRA, which is made up of the city council, did not take a formal vote on delaying.
City attorney Josh Koehler said the question centers on the amendment’s language and noted that valid purchase options have existed for decades. He recommended revisiting the matter later, when the full city council can take it up. Council member Yvette Drucker, who was departing the council that day, called the situation disheartening.
