CRA board picks Forest Development to enter exclusive negotiations for Marina Village Phase 2

Riviera Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency voted May 21 to enter exclusive negotiations with Forest Development to advance Marina Village Phase 2, after hearing five-minute presentations from three shortlisted teams and receiving public comment.

The board’s decision followed oral presentations by Sonnick/Sonnen Blick, Forest Development and Related Urban and a public comment period in which residents urged the CRA to protect affordability, local business participation and city infrastructure. Vice Chair Dr. Spiritis moved to select Forest Development; the motion passed 3–1 with Commissioner Miller Anderson voting no.

Forest’s lead presenter, Peter Betarian, described what he called “the largest guaranteed subsidy-free proposal,” saying the team would deliver a community convention center, expanded park space, workforce programs and local hiring opportunities. He said the proposal would create more than a thousand permanent jobs, more than 1,500 construction jobs and expected new taxable value exceeding $500 million. Forest told the board it would provide about $2.9 million in annual rent to the city and that its plan requested no direct public subsidy.

Board members repeatedly pressed developers on resident access and affordability. Councilwoman Davis Paneer asked how the convention space would remain affordable for local nonprofits and family events; Forest responded that the space would be available for community and CRA programming as well as larger events.

Sonnen Blick’s presentation emphasized private funding for parking and entertainment amenities and proposed a starting ground rent of $500,000 per year under a 99-year arrangement; that team said it would not request city funds and highlighted restaurants, an aquarium and an amphitheater. Related Urban proposed a $245 million project with embedded public investments, a multi-phase parking program and a 10‑year request for TIF (tax increment) reimbursement to finance a CRA-owned public asset, which the firm said would generate long-term returns for the CRA.

Public commenters expressed mixed views. Several speakers urged the board to prioritize local hiring and affordable retail and entertainment options; supporters of the Sonnick/Sonnen Blick team highlighted commitments to local subcontractors. One commenter, Nasha Wells, urged caution about Forest Development’s track record in a separate Lake Park marina project and said that town had experienced delays and litigation; no forest representative offered a direct response during the public comment segment, and the allegation remained an unresolved claim on the record.

Legal counsel reminded the board that the cone of silence remains in effect for the solicitation under Riviera Beach code, and staff said the vote authorizes exclusive negotiations rather than a final contract. Staff committed to weekly meetings with the selected developer and proposed returning a progress report to the CRA in six months; several board members urged staff and the developer to aim for a negotiated agreement sooner (board members suggested 45–60 days as a target if feasible).

Motion and vote: Vice Chair Dr. Spiritis moved to begin exclusive negotiations with Forest Development; the motion carried 3–1 (Commissioner Miller Anderson opposed).

Next steps: Staff will begin exclusive negotiations with Forest Development and hold weekly coordination meetings; the CRA will set negotiation milestones and expects to report progress back to the board. Any formal agreement will be subject to subsequent public meetings, negotiation outcomes and applicable legal review.