Photo byThe Delray Gazette

COMMISSION APPROVES 3 WAIVERS FOR NEW PROJECT

October 6, 2024

The Maxwell, a proposed 23-unit high end project slated for Pineapple Grove, was approved by the City Commission. In two separate applications, the project's representatives requested approval to use art deco for the architectural style of the building and 3 waivers to the City's development rules.

The art deco style request was unanimously approved. Vice Mayor Casale was the lone voted against the request for the 3 waivers, which were granted by the Commission 4-1.

Photo byCity of Delray Beach

The 3 waivers included: 

• A waiver to allow a streetscape width of 11 feet and 2 inches whereas 15 feet is the required
• A waiver to allow a front setback of zero feet whereas 10 feet is the required
• A waiver to reduce the civic open space requirement from 841 sq. ft. to 778 sq. ft.

Commissioner Long complimented the applicant with a "good job guys," and stated "I personally don't think waivers are exceptions." The Gazette vehemently disagrees, otherwise why would the City hold a "quasi-judicial hearing" to approve or deny waivers?

Vice Mayor Casale said: " ....at a certain point we have to start ... following our own rules because we keep making exceptions to them over and over again."

Commissioner Burns asked a few questions of the project and then gave full support as did Mayor Carney.

Fun Fact: Mayor Carney appointed the developer of The Maxwell to the board of Delray's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) last June.

The surprise vote, approving all 3 waivers came from Commissioner Tom Markert.  During his campaign, Markert described past city commissions as being far too generous granting “a million exceptions” to development projects - yet anyone watching the meeting would say Markert is following suit.  

Delray Beach Commission Meeting Link