Community advisory panel presents downtown vision: shuttles, events and mixed-use, residents cautious about "attainable" housing

Linda Marinis, chair of the Community Advisory Panel, presented findings from a January 18 public conversation attended by about 200 people, summarizing resident preferences for the future of downtown Boca Raton.

Residents prioritized improved downtown mobility and connections, including a fixed-route shuttle linking the Brightline station to parks, the community center and the beach. Marinis said participants favored shared-use paths and better pedestrian crossing lights, and many suggested improving lighting to support evening events.

"A free shuttle transportation system within downtown is a valuable amenity," Marinis said, summarizing sticker-board results from the event. Residents also prioritized family-friendly activities, a farmers market (which several speakers asked to restore), outdoor music and more evening programming so downtown would be lively after dinnertime. Recreational amenities such as skate parks and tennis facilities drew strong support at roundtable sessions.

On housing, the panel reported mixed reactions to mixed-use development and widespread opposition to the label "attainable housing," which participants associated with negative connotations. Marinis recommended that staff consider alternative terminology such as "workforce housing" and emphasized community education about definitions and parameters.

Council members praised the turnout and suggested ways to broaden outreach, including QR surveys and state-of-the-city engagement to reach residents who did not attend. Several members said shuttle/circulator planning should be coordinated with mobility staff and considered in the city's strategic planning.

Next steps: Council and staff said they will review the advisory panel report, consider additional public surveys and examine circulator/shuttle options that could connect downtown destinations and underused parks like Wildflower Park. The Planning & Zoning and strategic-planning processes will incorporate panel input as the city refines downtown recommendations.