Q What is the CRA and where are its boundaries?

A: The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a special taxing district created by the Jupiter Town Council and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. The CRA collects tax revenues generated within the CRA Boundaries to be used primarily to fund capital projects within the CRA boundaries. The projects identified within the CRA plan that are eligible for funding include projects such as the reconstruction of A1A from Jupiter Beach Road north to US 1, construction of a parking garage, and construction of the Riverwalk. Click here to see the boundaries of the CRA.

Q What is the Inlet Village and where are its boundaries?

A: The Inlet Village is a redevelopment area generally located north of Jupiter Beach Road, south of the Jupiter Inlet, east of the Intracoastal oxbow and west of Dubois Road (see map on the next page). Inspiration for the character of development has been taken from historical development patterns and buildings similar to other Florida communities, such as Naples, Key West, and Fernandina Beach, and also in the northeast United States and the Caribbean Islands where water-oriented villages have evolved over many years.

Q Why were land uses changed in the Inlet Village?

A: During the late 1990’s, a developer submitted a conceptual plan to develop Suni-Sands Mobile Home park with three 8-story condominium buildings. The residents of the Town and the Town Council strongly opposed the project which would have allowed buildings of a height greater than the Jupiter Lighthouse. After the initial proposal for the development of Suni-Sands was turned down, the Town Council worked with a consultant, the concerned residents and property owners to prepare a plan that included desired development patterns, and standards and height criteria which were more in line with a village scale and character. To keep the overall height down to an average of 2.5 stories, but no greater than 3.5 stories, the Town allowed for an expanded use of the ground floor area.

Q Why are setbacks from the roadways so minimal for new buildings?

A: The minimum setbacks are consistent with the development patterns of historic village communities. Buildings are proposed to be oriented towards the street to define the public areas with architecture to create walkable areas for residents and visitors to enjoy. This development pattern also helps to avoid large expanses of parking areas from dominating the pedestrian area.

Q What is the maximum height in the Inlet Village under the General Commercial zoning district vs. the new Inlet Village land use and zoning district?

A: General Commercial allows up to 5 stories maximum or 6 stories if under building parking is included. Inlet Village allows for a maximum of 3.5 stories.

Q Why can’t development stand on its own with on-site parking like in most other areas of the Town?

A: By allowing for a combination of shared, off-site, on-street and multi-level parking, large, expansive and under-utilized asphalt parking lots can be minimized. With this combination of parking opportunities, additional area can be used for retail shops, galleries and other uses typically found in village districts. This strategy discourages the development of a project that is a single use with an expansive parking lot dominating the most publicly-visible area.

Q How late can a bar (or restaurant or retailer) stay open?

A: The Town code does not specify a closing time for bars, restaurants or retail. However, alcoholic beverages cannot be sold, served or consumed later than 2:00 am. Specific conditions are placed on site plan approvals to address any potential nuisances, such as noise.

Q Why is the Town promoting so much development?

A: Property development is determined by the property owner, the financial market and the demand for commercial and residential uses. The Town is responsible for establishing and maintaining development regulations and processing development applications.

Q A1A is already congested and pedestrians cross haphazardly. How will residents be able to get to and from their homes safely after all this new development occurs?

A: During the public workshops held prior to the Town initiating the design of A1A, many residents and property owners expressed concerns about congestion and public safety. As a result, the design of the A1A roadway will include enhanced traffic calming measures, continuous sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, lighting, bike lanes and reduced speed limits throughout the corridor.

Q What is the process to get a new development approved?

A: All properties in the Inlet Village that are proposing large scale development are required to be processed as Planned Unit Developments. This process requires a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council, so that public input can be considered prior to any significant development being permitted.