A dispute over the future of Boca Raton’s government campus has intensified following a court ruling on a proposed referendum. The city, in partnership with Terra and the Frisbie Group, is moving forward with the One Boca redevelopment project. However, some residents have raised concerns about how public land should be managed.
Since Terra and Frisbie’s proposal was selected in February, a group called Save Boca, led by resident Jonathan Pearlman, has organized opposition to the plan. Save Boca collected more than 7,000 signatures to secure a referendum that would amend the city charter and municipal code. The amendments would require voter approval before leasing or selling any public land larger than half an acre. Supporters argue this measure would protect public land, while critics say it could complicate city management.
On Monday, Palm Beach County Judge Joseph Curley ruled that these referendums were unconstitutional. He cited legal precedent stating that electorates do not have authority to subject city council actions to referendum.
Earlier in October, attorney Ned Kimmelman filed a lawsuit against Save Boca and Pearlman seeking an emergency injunction to block the referendums. “Save Boca and Pearlman are conducting an audacious scheme to evade Florida law and abuse our electoral process in Palm Beach County and the City,” according to the suit.
Kimmelman withdrew his initial lawsuit but refiled it on October 31. This time, Rescue Boca Community Initiative submitted an amicus brief supporting Kimmelman’s position. In their brief, Rescue Boca alleged that Save Boca accepted over $40,000 in donations before registering as a political committee.
Both sides have accused each other of spreading misinformation during public meetings. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, officials approved ballot language for a March referendum related only to approving the One Boca project itself.
Pearlman stated that although Judge Curley granted an injunction against their efforts, “the suit is ongoing and Save Boca is still pursuing the changes to the city charter and municipal code.”
The scope of One Boca has been reduced from its original size of 15.4 acres down to 7.6 acres as plans continue to evolve.
