FOUR TO THREE VOTE. G.L. HOMES MAY NOT TRADE LAND TO BUILD IN WEST BOCA RATON.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE DENIAL.
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Palm Beach County Commission Tuesday evening voted against a controversial plan that would have effectively ended the Agricultural Reserve in South Palm Beach County. The plan, which would have permitted G.L. Homes to build nearly 1000 homes on farm land on the west side of U.S. 441 just north of Clint Moore Road, was denied 4 to 3. The vote came at the end of a nearly ten-hour meeting that was attended by hundreds.
The rejection came as a surprise. The Commission tentatively approved the plan in May, and was expected to finalize the approval Tuesday. Instead, hour after hour, experts revealed problems with the plan, inaccuracies, and a call-to-action by so-called supporters who ended up proving they were misinformed.
The G.L. Homes proposal would have included roughly 800 high-priced homes, 200 “workforce housing” homes, a small park, and a new campus for Boca Raton Torah Academy. The academy sent Rabbis and others who invoked the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to explain why they believe Palm Beach County should support a private religious institution in a residential community on land that voters voted to preserve. G.L. Homes would have built the facility.
In exchange for permission to build on protected land, G.L. Homes would have given lower-value land the company owns in Loxahatchee to Palm Beach County, and overseen the building of a water resource facility.
Questions About Plan Supporters. Why Were They So Uninformed?
Several supporters of the plan, many recent transplants from New York, showed how little they know about the area by talking about the need for fields and parks in West Boca Raton and West Delray Beach. These transplants, many living in G.L. Homes communities, were apparently unaware of the nearly 900-acre South County Regional Park just a few miles away. One, Jarrett Livingston, was blasted by Commissioner Maria Sachs when he falsely claimed that his children needed new soccer fields that would be built in the new community. New soccer fields are not a part of the plan. There are many in South County park. He also claimed there are no synagogues near his West Boca Raton home for High Holiday services. There are no fewer than five in the immediate area.
Those opposed to the plan questioned why Palm Beach County would approve a residential community on protected land, why G.L. Homes would be allowed to trade less valuable land in Loxahatchee for permission to build in a more valuable area, and whether a religious institution being a part of the deal violates the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution. It was also revealed by a Stonebridge Country Club director that G.L. Homes offered Stonebridge Country Club, which abuts the potential new community, millions of dollars in exchange for support. At least two commissioners questioned why GL Homes, which could have built “workforce housing” in communities across the region over the past decade, decided just now to include lower cost homes as a bargaining chip.
Commissioners Maria Sachs and Mack Bernard questioned why Palm Beach County would give G.L. Homes, a private builder, control over water resources in Palm Beach County. They voted no.
Maria Marino and Sara Baxter both pointed to the needs of residents in the northern part of the county potentially outweighing the needs of those in the south. They voted for the plan.
Mayor Greg Weiss cited the need for a water fix in the northern part of the county but said the G.L. Homes plan had too many unanswered questions. He voted against the plan. Commissioner Marci Woodward voted against the plan. Commissioner Michael Barnett voted for the plan. The final vote: 4 against the plan, 3 for the plan. It fails.
What do you think about the denial? Share your thoughts, below.
67 responses to “Palm Beach County Commission Denies GL Homes Plan”
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So happy it was rejected. GL homes is out of control! Thank you for voting NO!
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Thank God they didn’t get approval. There are enough homes here we don’t need more people or traffic.
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This was a bad deal for Boca. More high-end housing on agricultural land swapped for less valuable land. Donations to a country club in exchange for support, token workforce units, never mind all the inaccuracies involved. Thank you for seeing through this and voting it down. We have precious little undeveloped land as it is.
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It is about time
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South Palm Beach County needs all the agricultural preservation we have right now.
GL Homes is just looking to line their already deep pockets at the cost of making the traffic impossible (we have enough), ruin the nature that lives there. They already ruined Boca Minicipal Golf Course . Too
Much money for them and they would ruin with congestion. WE DONT NEED OR WANT IT. If it was up to them, they would steal the whites of everyone’s eyes. I SAY NO. -
We need to stop building and start preserving our land in Florida. The greed must stop! I applaud those of you who helped stop this.
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I am SO pleased that the PBC commissioners denied GL Homes the permission to destroy the AG Reserve! The preservation of the area is environmentally the best outcome. In 1999 the AG Reserve was set aside by the voters of PBC and the destruction of this area would have been so detrimental to the area in so many ways. KUDOS to all who worked toward this outcome!
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So thrilled the commission voted no. The agricultural reserve was set aside for a reason many years ago. I was infuriated to see GL Homes coming in and trying to buy everyone off in order to put more money in their own overflowing coffers. Thank you to the commissioners for your no vote. Thank you to all the people that showed up to fight this! For those commissioner that voted yes, they will get a no vote from me in the next election.
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this was done. out of prejudice and jealously. these commissioners. should reflect. on their lack of honorable values
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Sir
How do you know the decision was made out of prejudice? How do you know that??
Forget the alleged prejudice, this land was voted to be preserved by the residents of Palm Beach County, and nobody has the right to go against the will of the people in this room in this respect. And as is the truth, there are plenty of places for the kids to play in plenty of religious outlets in this county! Religion has begun to have too much power in this country, and enough is enough. Religion is a choice. No one is born a certain religion, and therefore, if someone wants to have a house of worship that caters to their religion, then they can buy the property and build their facility there and not rely on public land.I am not an atheist by any stretch of the imagination, and I still remain tired of people imposing their religious values on others, as it’s become too common in this country!
In addition, no more huge developments should be permitted until the infrastructure can accommodate the influx of people and the drain on services.
Oh, it just seems evident that the powers that be quite often in the selfish interest of developers in those people who really don’t give a darn about the quality of the environment or our planet are hell-bent on destroying the very reason many people moved to Florida in the first place!
The Ag reserve was approved for and created for everyone, no matter their religion, race, etc.
Green space is healthy for everyone.
people need to stop accusing others of prejudice and bias every time they don’t get their way.
So obviously, I am thrilled that the county commission finally appears to have had a conscience and cares about more of the Florida‘s environment and quality of it rather than approve another unnecessary development!-
I’m not surprised it did not pass. If you looked at the plans — clearly these homes would be purchased by a religious Jewish sect. Please note: I am the child of Auschwitz survivors. I moved here from Rockland County in New York. I had to leave. I am a mainstream Jew who was harassed by them, i.e.kids throwing rocks at my car as I left my driveway because it was Saturday. So thank you to those who voted against the swap.
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That you for your well written response. I wholeheartedly agree with you.
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This was a great loss for those who voted no. first the land swap would have increased the amount of land in Farm area. Gl proposed to give more land than they wanted. Making the agriculture area large than than before.!!! That said, now the county has to pay for the new water shed, no park , no housing for teachers, firemen police etc. Look what you lost .Next time you might want to look beyond the religious part.
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That is such an inappropriate comment to make. Educating yourself on what the majority of voters overwhemingly past in 1999 would be advised.
Imo, as a Jewish woman, what GL Homes attempted to do was to buy the orthodox community, as well as other, to sway the vote.
Kudos to the commisioners for actually doing the right thing by voting this down!-
Thanks for your well reasoned comment. Arnold is truly delusional which he has shown the rest of us with his crazy post. This was a win/win for the residents of PBC. The time for truth and common sense has finally come to this county and kudos to them for sending a message to GL Builders that we want to save our lifestyle & green spaces for future generations. It’s beyond time for developers like these folks to understand that enough is enough, our roads are out of control, our schools are overcrowded and the infrastructure can not handle another 1000 new homes. It’s just that simple.
The dishonesty, bribe & use of false information just compounds the issue…making it almost a case where the builder should be taken to court for the way they handled themselves and tried to deceive the folks of Palm Beach County…it really is criminal! GL Homes should be banned from ever doing business in PBC again!!!
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Amen!!! Thanks to the honest and moral commissioners who were voted in to represent the people, for actually doing their jobs! To the other three…I can’t wait to see you voted out!
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As a fellow Jew, I take great offense at what you are implying. Did it ever occur to you that there would be far more negatives than positives and that most in this area(who weren’t promised 4m ‘bribes’ actually opposed the whole plan? Majority rules, as it should. No matter what your color, creed, religion, sexual preference or anything else. It’s congested enough in West Boca/Delray.
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Amen Jill, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Time to call out GL Homes and those that lied & spread the misinformation, what you did was so wrong, so wrong and I just don’t see how responsible folks can act so irresponsible! But we now know who y’all are really are, the emperor really has no more clothes! And what makes it all so bad is that being honest & truthful from the beginning would’ve been so much better. And it just goes to what’s wrong today in our country where folks think it’s acceptable to lie, cheat & steal to get the results they desire. But that’s just not the American way and the truth will always ring true.
The board saw through all the nonsense & made the best decision for PBC and it’s residents going forward. It took courage, guts & conviction to do the right thing. Lying & trying to bribe others again does not play well. The real winners here are the residents of Palm Beach County!!!
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Your comment is ridiculous and absurd! To bring in prejudice is probably the most ridiculous part of what you wrote…why are you playing the religious card here? Makes you look like a real moron sir, and totally uncalled for! Stop trying to play the victim here as it just comes across as plain dumb! These many homes in that area is just not needed. It’s a shame how folks have basically lied & withheld valuable information that just doesn’t pass the smell test!
Shame on you sir for trying to invoke religion here just because you can. By doing so, you’ve lost all credibility! Again sir…shame on you!!! -
Your post makes no sense and using the fake religious card is truly an insult to us all! I don’t understand why folks always seem to do this. This whole deal was bad for Palm Beach County and the board did the right thing here! Time to send GL Homes packing!!
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thank you commissioners
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It is so obvious that both Sara Baxter and Mike Barnett are in the pockets of GL and its many contractors. Those two have never seen a bribe they didn’t like. Just look at what Barnett was involved in last year – funneling Saudi money into a small town… why on Earth would a ‘personal injury’ lawyer and the chair of the local Republicans be involved with that sort of chicanery? As for Baxter, let’s start taking bets on how soon she leaves the Commission chambers in handcuffs… it has happened in Palm Beach County before, after all.
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Commissioner Baxter simply voted in the interest of her district, which was for less intensive development than what was previously approved, as Commissioner Sachs simply voted in the interest of her district, which of proposed to be subject to rules being bent to arbitrarily transfer development rights. Keep in mind that McKinlay, Baxter’s legitimately corrupt predecessor, championed the land swap proposal in the first place.
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YES! Let’s have a moratorium on all proposed “home developments” for a ten-year period.
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A development moratorium is a wonderful way for the county to get sued, lose, and taxpayers foot the bill for attorney fees. The City of Boca Raton learned the hard way in the 1970s and early 80s. Look it up, there’s enough case law to fill an entire library.
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Thank you commissioner’s for voting NO to destroying the agricultural reserve ! The land needs to remain as it was intended, not every piece of land needs to be developed.
Let GL build on their loxahatchee land. Additionally, if a bargain chip was used Gl contributions to roads and building schools would have been a good idea, not favoring a building for one religion. Thank you again to everyone who fought , enough is enough !
No building on agriculture reserve. -
Thank you to the Commissioners who voted NO!! We bought here because we were told the AG Reserve would be preserved for the land and for farmers…not for GL Homes.
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Thank you, thank you to the commission for doing the right thing!
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Thanks for no vote. Scary that 7 people control the impact of the lives of thousands. I am sure GL will come back with another deal. They didnt purchase that land to own dirt.
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This 100 percent. It was former County Commissioner Burt Aaronson who pushed for and gave GL absolutely EVERYTHING they wanted and beyond, and got away with it while his colleagues went to jail over matters that would appear trivial in comparison. The sad thing is that every Commissioner since his passing appears entirely oblivious, but GL has a Plan B, C, and probably up to Z, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s worse than before and pitched under a different board makeup several years from now. To wit, if GL didn’t postpone the hearing to this year and presented it to the board prior to November 2022, the vote gone the other way with Weinroth.
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I want to thank those commissioners who respected the desire of the majority of PBC residents- I want to thank COBRWA for its grassroots effort to preserve this land. It is my understanding that years ago the taxpayers of the county underwrote a significant bond in the millions of dollars (or more) and that has to be respected- finally Maria Sachs championed the call to oppose GL – kudos to her.
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Tremendous news to wake up to. The insanity permanently ruining South Florida has to stop. Thanks you PBC for at least a temporary respite
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Glad to see the majority of the commissioners put the people first instead of the special interests.
To say the 4 million dollar “ gift “ to one country club community to garner support for this project is eye opening to say the least.
It would be interesting to know how many other “ gifts “ have been given to who to obtain their support. -
The real heros here, besides Vice Mayor Maria Sachs and Commissioner Marci Woodward who opposed the swap all along and showed real leadership, are Commissioners Mack Bernard and Mayor Gregg Weiss who flipped from pro- to anti-swap. Bernard showed that he had done his due diligence, what he called “deep digging,” and asked a series of questions of a GL expert witness concerning their failure to give written answers to the commission prior to yesterday’s vote. Weiss did a good job of keeping the proceedings orderly and should be re-elected easily. Bernard is term-limited as a commissioner. How about governor?
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Thank you. Commissioners, for turning down the GL proposal. Our open spaces are too valuable to be destroyed with more housing developments. PBC is already overdeveloped. We don’t need more pressure on our roads, our schools, our hospitals, our water resources. And thanks for honoring the voters in 1999 who voted 2:1 for the Ag Reserve.
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Yeah for the Commissioners who voted NO!
Didn’t Palm Beach County residents vote and pay to preserve the Ag Reserve a decade or so back?
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False. The Agriculture Reserve was established by the BCC in 1997, after fifteen-plus years in the making. The 1999 bond you speak of was for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands county-wide.
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Seriously, does it really matter when it came into being? Has no bearing here whatsoever. This was a bad deal for PBC as a whole, those folks who were bribed and spread their misinformation just compounded the problem here. At the end of the day, the right thing was done for the residents of PBC. I’d strongly suggest to that individual who moved here from New York, the door swings both ways. You can just move back if it was so much better there!!!
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Yes it was a lousy deal, but facts matter over feelings when a governing body makes a legislative decision that requires competent substantial evidence, otherwise GL can easily challenge and have it overturned in court. Claiming a private landowner who wants to bend the rules somehow bamboozles voters whose tax dollars bought land nothing to do with it, is about as bulls**t as GL arguing that making a development fifty-five and older will be less of an impact on roads.
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Well done Board!! You got this one right. I’m a developer and this was one of the best land grabs for GL that I’ve ever seen. Glad there were
4 members who were willing to kill it. -
This will be approved in less than five years. No doubt, its inevitable.
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I understand people from up North wants to move to FL, specially SoFla, but we’re overpopulated already!! Even in Central FL a lot of beautiful wooded areas are being turned into homes.
I live in Boca and what used to take me 15 to 20 minutes commute about 5 years ago is now taking me 35! And it’s just getting worse. -
Thank you to Maria Sachs and Mack Bernard for their persistence in conducting research that revealed the inconsistencies and vague double talk from a billionaire developer who blatantly distributed favors to the GL Homeowners who themselves were unaware of the true ramifications of this project. He dangling a mere 200 work force houses in an area far away from his expensive homes. Why had he not offered that in his other communities? He misled people by the “carrot” he he held in front of them.
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Thanks to the four, non-corrupt commissioners led by Ms. Sachs, and shame on all those supporters of the plan who played into GL bribery and shamelessly used religion as their motivation.
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YAY!!! Thank you to those that voted against and all people who helped support this decision! Well done!!
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Thank You Commissioners For Blocking This Project.
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On its face, GL’s plan should have been struck down. Its “offer” of benefits was illusory; the $4,000,000 “offer”to Stonebridge is is a bribe.
And, I would bet that there is a nexus between the odious newbie GL homeowner and GL principals.
GLs taking of the Boca municipal golf courses did nothing for the community other than burden Glades Road making crosstown traffic a parking lot.
BG -
Traffics already a mess here in West Boca.
I’m very happy with the denial.
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Thanks so much for the ones that voted against it!! The traffic is so bad here and crime keeps going up.
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Best news ever. About time commissioners say no to these developers who think they can do whatever they want
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Good!l Why do we have to keep deciding this over and over? We are paving over the land that needs to be unpaved.
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I also am glad that the proposal was voted down for many of the reasons previously stated. No one seemed to mention that the West Boca schools are already overcrowded. The addition of 1,000 new units would potentially add hundreds if not thousands of new school-age children as well. Any builder should be required to build new schools as part of any building plan.
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I also am glad the proposal did not pass for many of the same reasons previously stated. What no one seemed the mention was the already overcrowded West Boca schools. Adding 1,000 new units would potentially add hundreds, if not thousands, of new students to the school system. Any builder should also be required to provide funds for, or build, new schools for the area.
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It is ludicrous that one religion is offered facilities to coerce commissioners to approve this absurd development. I am also Jewish but believe in the separation of religion and the state as provided in the constitution. Bribing residents with t-shirts, lunch, and bus trips is not appropriate. GL has not proven to be a good neighbor with their developments on Lyons Rd. We don’t need any more.
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Finally, representatives of the people actually representing the people they represent! The AG Reserve was established for very good reasons by the residents and voters in this area and the Commission has the responsibility of ensuring the will of the people and not their own interests or ideologies. The Commission did their due diligence and responded to the will of the people! They will continue to need the support of the people, GL Homes will be back!
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now we have to hope the makeup of the commission does not change. this was a bad deal for the area and a great deal gl. we have enough million dollar homes
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Think the worst part of this is the misinformation that Mr. Livington tried to use in his argument and the audacity of Ms. Frankel to actually try and lie about the $4 million dollar “bribe”. They are both really people with a lack of any moral standing here…lying & trying to misinform folks is bad enough but pulling out the religious card is something I found truly awful. Why do some people feel it’s o k to lie & be dishonest? It just shows to me their lack of character and they both should be truly ashamed…truly ashamed!
G L Homes has lacked the moral high ground in their sleazy dealings with Palm Beach County and they should be fines & banned from doing business here. They’ve just shown their true colors here as people and our community no longer matter…all they care about is the money! Shame on them all and hope that buyers boycott this company to show them that their kind of sleazy behavior will no longer be tolerated!!! -
As a 30 year resident of South Florida I am encouraged by the Commission’s vote against this project to take away more of the Agricultural Preserve. However, 4 to 3 is not a big win. GL homes will not stop. They will apply again, they will wine and dine, they will work on getting the “right” people on the commission. It’s only a matter of time. The developer always wins in the end. There is just too much money in it for them to quit.
Voters: find out where your candidates stand on land development before you vote. It’s the only power we have.
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You’re 100% correct!! We residents have to fight GL Homes back
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Thank you to the 4 commissioners that voted against this plan!!! We should vote out the 3 that voted yes at the next election …
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Thank you commissioners for voting this down and doing the right thing! We voted years ago to preserve the Ag Reserve. And still need to protect it.
Moreover, our infrastructure cannot support all of these new homes. Our roads, schools, medical services, etc. are already severely stressed and overcrowded. Thank you for not further adding to the problem.
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NO – NO – NO……YAEH………Now keep “GL” home builders permanently away from our protected lands and preserves. Much Luck…. Nobody is surprised nor unhappy about this unless you’re on the receiving end of bribe money and gifts from a huge builder GL HOMEs. Wow, so glad you added a comment section! Looks like the trend of happy residents having the ability to share their thoughts about this planned development that the people who live here do not want. Have you driven from Clint Moore to Atlantic Avenue north on Lyons, it is unbelievable. Leave some open space in Boca, I just said to my wife yesterday, at the rate these projects get approved, and speed of build – Boca will be one BIG subdivision….we need to keep some land!!!! I am 10 year resident, and at one time summer was slow season here, but now it looks like gridlock in season.
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Good bye to GL
They are the least deserving private company for any special treatment by PBC -
The very idea that that one person tried to use false information was bad enough. But the woman who lied with a straight face about the $4 million “bribe” just took my breath away! Using lies & misinformation about something this important is plain crazy. GL Homes has treated West Boca in a horrible fashion and seems to think it’s residents are idiots but this is not the case. the majority of the board saw through their smoke & mirrors and made the right choice. Why did GL Homes need to lie to get what they wanted is beyond me as the truth would’ve been so much easier. Going forward, this company will be monitored like no other which they did to themselves. Being dishonest does not pay because eventually, you will be outed and the real truth will be known to all. Being honest upfront would’ve made a big difference I suspect.
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Thank you for a good decision. The AG Reserve was paid for by the residents and must be protected.
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I am so glad some arrogant uninformed New York transplant got his head handed to him by Commissioner Sachs. They come down here with their big mouths and their big wallets thinking they can influence local politicians.
So glad they got it handed to them.
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So Happy GL homes was voted NO. palm beach county residents were given a victory over New York Rich transplants wanting to convenience themselves in an effort to price us out of our peaceful community. The plan never considered the loss of valuable land, increase in traffic congestion, and more increase in inflation all for more wealthy greedy people to move in? The ratio for more affordable housing over luxury homes should be 800 for affordable :200 for luxury, not the other way around. It’s as if GL homes was just inserting small,lazy bargaining chips to say “see we do care about the community” GL homes just cares about themselves, bribing False supporters to come down and state misinformed opinions and claims on what was in the deal. Palm Beach county residents are so happy that the bill was rejected, even people I know who couldn’t show up.
So happy it was rejected. GL homes is out of control! Thank you for voting NO!
Thank God they didn’t get approval. There are enough homes here we don’t need more people or traffic.
This was a bad deal for Boca. More high-end housing on agricultural land swapped for less valuable land. Donations to a country club in exchange for support, token workforce units, never mind all the inaccuracies involved. Thank you for seeing through this and voting it down. We have precious little undeveloped land as it is.
It is about time
South Palm Beach County needs all the agricultural preservation we have right now.
GL Homes is just looking to line their already deep pockets at the cost of making the traffic impossible (we have enough), ruin the nature that lives there. They already ruined Boca Minicipal Golf Course . Too
Much money for them and they would ruin with congestion. WE DONT NEED OR WANT IT. If it was up to them, they would steal the whites of everyone’s eyes. I SAY NO.
We need to stop building and start preserving our land in Florida. The greed must stop! I applaud those of you who helped stop this.
I am SO pleased that the PBC commissioners denied GL Homes the permission to destroy the AG Reserve! The preservation of the area is environmentally the best outcome. In 1999 the AG Reserve was set aside by the voters of PBC and the destruction of this area would have been so detrimental to the area in so many ways. KUDOS to all who worked toward this outcome!
So thrilled the commission voted no. The agricultural reserve was set aside for a reason many years ago. I was infuriated to see GL Homes coming in and trying to buy everyone off in order to put more money in their own overflowing coffers. Thank you to the commissioners for your no vote. Thank you to all the people that showed up to fight this! For those commissioner that voted yes, they will get a no vote from me in the next election.
this was done. out of prejudice and jealously. these commissioners. should reflect. on their lack of honorable values
Sir
How do you know the decision was made out of prejudice? How do you know that??
Forget the alleged prejudice, this land was voted to be preserved by the residents of Palm Beach County, and nobody has the right to go against the will of the people in this room in this respect. And as is the truth, there are plenty of places for the kids to play in plenty of religious outlets in this county! Religion has begun to have too much power in this country, and enough is enough. Religion is a choice. No one is born a certain religion, and therefore, if someone wants to have a house of worship that caters to their religion, then they can buy the property and build their facility there and not rely on public land.
I am not an atheist by any stretch of the imagination, and I still remain tired of people imposing their religious values on others, as it’s become too common in this country!
In addition, no more huge developments should be permitted until the infrastructure can accommodate the influx of people and the drain on services.
Oh, it just seems evident that the powers that be quite often in the selfish interest of developers in those people who really don’t give a darn about the quality of the environment or our planet are hell-bent on destroying the very reason many people moved to Florida in the first place!
The Ag reserve was approved for and created for everyone, no matter their religion, race, etc.
Green space is healthy for everyone.
people need to stop accusing others of prejudice and bias every time they don’t get their way.
So obviously, I am thrilled that the county commission finally appears to have had a conscience and cares about more of the Florida‘s environment and quality of it rather than approve another unnecessary development!
I’m not surprised it did not pass. If you looked at the plans — clearly these homes would be purchased by a religious Jewish sect. Please note: I am the child of Auschwitz survivors. I moved here from Rockland County in New York. I had to leave. I am a mainstream Jew who was harassed by them, i.e.kids throwing rocks at my car as I left my driveway because it was Saturday. So thank you to those who voted against the swap.
That you for your well written response. I wholeheartedly agree with you.
This was a great loss for those who voted no. first the land swap would have increased the amount of land in Farm area. Gl proposed to give more land than they wanted. Making the agriculture area large than than before.!!! That said, now the county has to pay for the new water shed, no park , no housing for teachers, firemen police etc. Look what you lost .Next time you might want to look beyond the religious part.
That is such an inappropriate comment to make. Educating yourself on what the majority of voters overwhemingly past in 1999 would be advised.
Imo, as a Jewish woman, what GL Homes attempted to do was to buy the orthodox community, as well as other, to sway the vote.
Kudos to the commisioners for actually doing the right thing by voting this down!
Thanks for your well reasoned comment. Arnold is truly delusional which he has shown the rest of us with his crazy post. This was a win/win for the residents of PBC. The time for truth and common sense has finally come to this county and kudos to them for sending a message to GL Builders that we want to save our lifestyle & green spaces for future generations. It’s beyond time for developers like these folks to understand that enough is enough, our roads are out of control, our schools are overcrowded and the infrastructure can not handle another 1000 new homes. It’s just that simple.
The dishonesty, bribe & use of false information just compounds the issue…making it almost a case where the builder should be taken to court for the way they handled themselves and tried to deceive the folks of Palm Beach County…it really is criminal! GL Homes should be banned from ever doing business in PBC again!!!
Amen!!! Thanks to the honest and moral commissioners who were voted in to represent the people, for actually doing their jobs! To the other three…I can’t wait to see you voted out!
As a fellow Jew, I take great offense at what you are implying. Did it ever occur to you that there would be far more negatives than positives and that most in this area(who weren’t promised 4m ‘bribes’ actually opposed the whole plan? Majority rules, as it should. No matter what your color, creed, religion, sexual preference or anything else. It’s congested enough in West Boca/Delray.
Amen Jill, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Time to call out GL Homes and those that lied & spread the misinformation, what you did was so wrong, so wrong and I just don’t see how responsible folks can act so irresponsible! But we now know who y’all are really are, the emperor really has no more clothes! And what makes it all so bad is that being honest & truthful from the beginning would’ve been so much better. And it just goes to what’s wrong today in our country where folks think it’s acceptable to lie, cheat & steal to get the results they desire. But that’s just not the American way and the truth will always ring true.
The board saw through all the nonsense & made the best decision for PBC and it’s residents going forward. It took courage, guts & conviction to do the right thing. Lying & trying to bribe others again does not play well. The real winners here are the residents of Palm Beach County!!!
Your comment is ridiculous and absurd! To bring in prejudice is probably the most ridiculous part of what you wrote…why are you playing the religious card here? Makes you look like a real moron sir, and totally uncalled for! Stop trying to play the victim here as it just comes across as plain dumb! These many homes in that area is just not needed. It’s a shame how folks have basically lied & withheld valuable information that just doesn’t pass the smell test!
Shame on you sir for trying to invoke religion here just because you can. By doing so, you’ve lost all credibility! Again sir…shame on you!!!
Your post makes no sense and using the fake religious card is truly an insult to us all! I don’t understand why folks always seem to do this. This whole deal was bad for Palm Beach County and the board did the right thing here! Time to send GL Homes packing!!
thank you commissioners
It is so obvious that both Sara Baxter and Mike Barnett are in the pockets of GL and its many contractors. Those two have never seen a bribe they didn’t like. Just look at what Barnett was involved in last year – funneling Saudi money into a small town… why on Earth would a ‘personal injury’ lawyer and the chair of the local Republicans be involved with that sort of chicanery? As for Baxter, let’s start taking bets on how soon she leaves the Commission chambers in handcuffs… it has happened in Palm Beach County before, after all.
Commissioner Baxter simply voted in the interest of her district, which was for less intensive development than what was previously approved, as Commissioner Sachs simply voted in the interest of her district, which of proposed to be subject to rules being bent to arbitrarily transfer development rights. Keep in mind that McKinlay, Baxter’s legitimately corrupt predecessor, championed the land swap proposal in the first place.
YES! Let’s have a moratorium on all proposed “home developments” for a ten-year period.
A development moratorium is a wonderful way for the county to get sued, lose, and taxpayers foot the bill for attorney fees. The City of Boca Raton learned the hard way in the 1970s and early 80s. Look it up, there’s enough case law to fill an entire library.
Thank you commissioner’s for voting NO to destroying the agricultural reserve ! The land needs to remain as it was intended, not every piece of land needs to be developed.
Let GL build on their loxahatchee land. Additionally, if a bargain chip was used Gl contributions to roads and building schools would have been a good idea, not favoring a building for one religion. Thank you again to everyone who fought , enough is enough !
No building on agriculture reserve.
Thank you to the Commissioners who voted NO!! We bought here because we were told the AG Reserve would be preserved for the land and for farmers…not for GL Homes.
Thank you, thank you to the commission for doing the right thing!
Thanks for no vote. Scary that 7 people control the impact of the lives of thousands. I am sure GL will come back with another deal. They didnt purchase that land to own dirt.
This 100 percent. It was former County Commissioner Burt Aaronson who pushed for and gave GL absolutely EVERYTHING they wanted and beyond, and got away with it while his colleagues went to jail over matters that would appear trivial in comparison. The sad thing is that every Commissioner since his passing appears entirely oblivious, but GL has a Plan B, C, and probably up to Z, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s worse than before and pitched under a different board makeup several years from now. To wit, if GL didn’t postpone the hearing to this year and presented it to the board prior to November 2022, the vote gone the other way with Weinroth.
I want to thank those commissioners who respected the desire of the majority of PBC residents- I want to thank COBRWA for its grassroots effort to preserve this land. It is my understanding that years ago the taxpayers of the county underwrote a significant bond in the millions of dollars (or more) and that has to be respected- finally Maria Sachs championed the call to oppose GL – kudos to her.
Tremendous news to wake up to. The insanity permanently ruining South Florida has to stop. Thanks you PBC for at least a temporary respite
Glad to see the majority of the commissioners put the people first instead of the special interests.
To say the 4 million dollar “ gift “ to one country club community to garner support for this project is eye opening to say the least.
It would be interesting to know how many other “ gifts “ have been given to who to obtain their support.
The real heros here, besides Vice Mayor Maria Sachs and Commissioner Marci Woodward who opposed the swap all along and showed real leadership, are Commissioners Mack Bernard and Mayor Gregg Weiss who flipped from pro- to anti-swap. Bernard showed that he had done his due diligence, what he called “deep digging,” and asked a series of questions of a GL expert witness concerning their failure to give written answers to the commission prior to yesterday’s vote. Weiss did a good job of keeping the proceedings orderly and should be re-elected easily. Bernard is term-limited as a commissioner. How about governor?
Thank you. Commissioners, for turning down the GL proposal. Our open spaces are too valuable to be destroyed with more housing developments. PBC is already overdeveloped. We don’t need more pressure on our roads, our schools, our hospitals, our water resources. And thanks for honoring the voters in 1999 who voted 2:1 for the Ag Reserve.
Yeah for the Commissioners who voted NO!
Didn’t Palm Beach County residents vote and pay to preserve the Ag Reserve a decade or so back?
False. The Agriculture Reserve was established by the BCC in 1997, after fifteen-plus years in the making. The 1999 bond you speak of was for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands county-wide.
Seriously, does it really matter when it came into being? Has no bearing here whatsoever. This was a bad deal for PBC as a whole, those folks who were bribed and spread their misinformation just compounded the problem here. At the end of the day, the right thing was done for the residents of PBC. I’d strongly suggest to that individual who moved here from New York, the door swings both ways. You can just move back if it was so much better there!!!
Yes it was a lousy deal, but facts matter over feelings when a governing body makes a legislative decision that requires competent substantial evidence, otherwise GL can easily challenge and have it overturned in court. Claiming a private landowner who wants to bend the rules somehow bamboozles voters whose tax dollars bought land nothing to do with it, is about as bulls**t as GL arguing that making a development fifty-five and older will be less of an impact on roads.
Well done Board!! You got this one right. I’m a developer and this was one of the best land grabs for GL that I’ve ever seen. Glad there were
4 members who were willing to kill it.
This will be approved in less than five years. No doubt, its inevitable.
I understand people from up North wants to move to FL, specially SoFla, but we’re overpopulated already!! Even in Central FL a lot of beautiful wooded areas are being turned into homes.
I live in Boca and what used to take me 15 to 20 minutes commute about 5 years ago is now taking me 35! And it’s just getting worse.
Thank you to Maria Sachs and Mack Bernard for their persistence in conducting research that revealed the inconsistencies and vague double talk from a billionaire developer who blatantly distributed favors to the GL Homeowners who themselves were unaware of the true ramifications of this project. He dangling a mere 200 work force houses in an area far away from his expensive homes. Why had he not offered that in his other communities? He misled people by the “carrot” he he held in front of them.
Thanks to the four, non-corrupt commissioners led by Ms. Sachs, and shame on all those supporters of the plan who played into GL bribery and shamelessly used religion as their motivation.
YAY!!! Thank you to those that voted against and all people who helped support this decision! Well done!!
Thank You Commissioners For Blocking This Project.
On its face, GL’s plan should have been struck down. Its “offer” of benefits was illusory; the $4,000,000 “offer”to Stonebridge is is a bribe.
And, I would bet that there is a nexus between the odious newbie GL homeowner and GL principals.
GLs taking of the Boca municipal golf courses did nothing for the community other than burden Glades Road making crosstown traffic a parking lot.
BG
Traffics already a mess here in West Boca.
I’m very happy with the denial.
Thanks so much for the ones that voted against it!! The traffic is so bad here and crime keeps going up.
Best news ever. About time commissioners say no to these developers who think they can do whatever they want
Good!l Why do we have to keep deciding this over and over? We are paving over the land that needs to be unpaved.
I also am glad that the proposal was voted down for many of the reasons previously stated. No one seemed to mention that the West Boca schools are already overcrowded. The addition of 1,000 new units would potentially add hundreds if not thousands of new school-age children as well. Any builder should be required to build new schools as part of any building plan.
I also am glad the proposal did not pass for many of the same reasons previously stated. What no one seemed the mention was the already overcrowded West Boca schools. Adding 1,000 new units would potentially add hundreds, if not thousands, of new students to the school system. Any builder should also be required to provide funds for, or build, new schools for the area.
It is ludicrous that one religion is offered facilities to coerce commissioners to approve this absurd development. I am also Jewish but believe in the separation of religion and the state as provided in the constitution. Bribing residents with t-shirts, lunch, and bus trips is not appropriate. GL has not proven to be a good neighbor with their developments on Lyons Rd. We don’t need any more.
Finally, representatives of the people actually representing the people they represent! The AG Reserve was established for very good reasons by the residents and voters in this area and the Commission has the responsibility of ensuring the will of the people and not their own interests or ideologies. The Commission did their due diligence and responded to the will of the people! They will continue to need the support of the people, GL Homes will be back!
now we have to hope the makeup of the commission does not change. this was a bad deal for the area and a great deal gl. we have enough million dollar homes
Think the worst part of this is the misinformation that Mr. Livington tried to use in his argument and the audacity of Ms. Frankel to actually try and lie about the $4 million dollar “bribe”. They are both really people with a lack of any moral standing here…lying & trying to misinform folks is bad enough but pulling out the religious card is something I found truly awful. Why do some people feel it’s o k to lie & be dishonest? It just shows to me their lack of character and they both should be truly ashamed…truly ashamed!
G L Homes has lacked the moral high ground in their sleazy dealings with Palm Beach County and they should be fines & banned from doing business here. They’ve just shown their true colors here as people and our community no longer matter…all they care about is the money! Shame on them all and hope that buyers boycott this company to show them that their kind of sleazy behavior will no longer be tolerated!!!
As a 30 year resident of South Florida I am encouraged by the Commission’s vote against this project to take away more of the Agricultural Preserve. However, 4 to 3 is not a big win. GL homes will not stop. They will apply again, they will wine and dine, they will work on getting the “right” people on the commission. It’s only a matter of time. The developer always wins in the end. There is just too much money in it for them to quit.
Voters: find out where your candidates stand on land development before you vote. It’s the only power we have.
You’re 100% correct!! We residents have to fight GL Homes back
Thank you to the 4 commissioners that voted against this plan!!! We should vote out the 3 that voted yes at the next election …
Thank you commissioners for voting this down and doing the right thing! We voted years ago to preserve the Ag Reserve. And still need to protect it.
Moreover, our infrastructure cannot support all of these new homes. Our roads, schools, medical services, etc. are already severely stressed and overcrowded. Thank you for not further adding to the problem.
NO – NO – NO……YAEH………Now keep “GL” home builders permanently away from our protected lands and preserves. Much Luck…. Nobody is surprised nor unhappy about this unless you’re on the receiving end of bribe money and gifts from a huge builder GL HOMEs. Wow, so glad you added a comment section! Looks like the trend of happy residents having the ability to share their thoughts about this planned development that the people who live here do not want. Have you driven from Clint Moore to Atlantic Avenue north on Lyons, it is unbelievable. Leave some open space in Boca, I just said to my wife yesterday, at the rate these projects get approved, and speed of build – Boca will be one BIG subdivision….we need to keep some land!!!! I am 10 year resident, and at one time summer was slow season here, but now it looks like gridlock in season.
Good bye to GL
They are the least deserving private company for any special treatment by PBC
The very idea that that one person tried to use false information was bad enough. But the woman who lied with a straight face about the $4 million “bribe” just took my breath away! Using lies & misinformation about something this important is plain crazy. GL Homes has treated West Boca in a horrible fashion and seems to think it’s residents are idiots but this is not the case. the majority of the board saw through their smoke & mirrors and made the right choice. Why did GL Homes need to lie to get what they wanted is beyond me as the truth would’ve been so much easier. Going forward, this company will be monitored like no other which they did to themselves. Being dishonest does not pay because eventually, you will be outed and the real truth will be known to all. Being honest upfront would’ve made a big difference I suspect.
Thank you for a good decision. The AG Reserve was paid for by the residents and must be protected.
I am so glad some arrogant uninformed New York transplant got his head handed to him by Commissioner Sachs. They come down here with their big mouths and their big wallets thinking they can influence local politicians.
So glad they got it handed to them.
So Happy GL homes was voted NO. palm beach county residents were given a victory over New York Rich transplants wanting to convenience themselves in an effort to price us out of our peaceful community. The plan never considered the loss of valuable land, increase in traffic congestion, and more increase in inflation all for more wealthy greedy people to move in? The ratio for more affordable housing over luxury homes should be 800 for affordable :200 for luxury, not the other way around. It’s as if GL homes was just inserting small,lazy bargaining chips to say “see we do care about the community” GL homes just cares about themselves, bribing False supporters to come down and state misinformed opinions and claims on what was in the deal. Palm Beach county residents are so happy that the bill was rejected, even people I know who couldn’t show up.
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