Update: This post was published on the morning of Aug. 28, prior to the Commissioners’ vote on West End Crossing. But it’s now official: On the afternoon of Aug. 28, the commissioners voted 4-3 to DENY West End Crossing, with District 6 Commissioner Sara Baxter among those who voted to deny it. This means the project as proposed will not proceed at this time. The bad news is that the developer can come back to the commissioners with a revised proposal at any time. Normally, a developer must wait two years before trying again, but during the Aug. 28 hearing, Baxter waived that waiting period at the request of the developer’s attorney.

Below is the information that a resident offered to the commissioners, media and public during her speech before the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners today.

The Acreage Landowners Association (ALA) is relaying this information for the community and the media.

Everything that West End Crossing runs afoul of

1. Florida Statute 125.01(g)

This state law states that the power of county commissioners “includes, but is not restricted to, the power to … Prepare and enforce comprehensive plans for the development of the county.”

2. The commissioners’ oath of office

Their oath states, in part, “I will well and faithfully perform the duties of [the title of their office].” This oath comes from and is required by the state constitution — specifically Article II, section 5(b).

The fact that those “duties” include enforcing the comprehensive plan can be confirmed against F.S. 125.01(g) as well as a county brochure titled “Government in Palm Beach County 2025.” Page 4 of the brochure states:

“Following are some of the specific duties undertaken by the BCC: … Prepare, enforce and periodically review the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan for the development of unincorporated areas of the county.” (emphasis added)

3. The Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan

As thoroughly explained in a report written by the county’s own planners (which is titled “Comprehensive Plan Amendment Staff Report Amendment Round 25-A2“), West End Crossing goes against or fails to satisfy multiple aspects of the county’s comprehensive plan, including:

• FLUE Policy 2.1-f
• FLUE Policy 2.1-g
• Tier policy

4. The Palm Beach County Unified Land Development Code

In addition to requesting a comprehensive plan amendment, the developer behind West End Crossing requested a zoning change from the county.

Article 2.B.7.B of the county’s Unified Land Development Code (which is a fancy name for all the county’s rules and regulations governing how land is used and developed) states that a rezoning request “shall be deemed adverse to the public interest and shall not be approved” unless the request meets eight particular standards.

The West End Crossing proposal met only a couple of those standards, according to separate report by the county’s own planners (titled “Palm Beach County Zoning Application Staff Report“). Thus, the proposal is “adverse to the public interest” per the county’s own regulations.

Those eight standards are listed on page 34 here. Look for items “a” through “g.”

The reasons for which West End Crossing fails to meet most of those standards are detailed on pages 5-13 of the zoning staff report.

5. The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission

On Jan. 10, 2025, this commission voted 8-to-4 to deny the West End Crossing proposal. The minutes of this meeting are here.

6. The Acreage Neighborhood Plan

West End Crossing goes against sections L3, L4, L9, L10 and W1 of the Acreage Neighborhood Plan.

7. The Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study

As explained by county planners in “Comprehensive Plan Amendment Staff Report Amendment Round 25-A2,” West End Crossing is inconsistent with the recommendations of the Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study.

8. The EPA’s School Siting Guidelines

These guidelines issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a federal government agency, essentially advise avoiding locating a gas station within 1,000 feet of school facilities.

See the ALA’s Aug. 26 article for more info on the day care facility located 700 feet from West End Crossing’s property.

9. The ALA’s petition against West End Crossing

This petition had more than 1,000 signatures as of Aug. 27, the day before the commissioners voted on West End Crossing.

10. Commissioner Baxter’s own West End Crossing survey

The ALA published the results of this survey in a July 21 article after having to file a public records request for them.

Join the good fight before the next developer shows up!

The Acreage Landowners Association (ALA) is devoted to defending quality of life in The Acreage/Loxahatchee, but this grassroots nonprofit organization can’t do it alone. Consider joining forces with the ALA by:

• Becoming a full member ($20/year) or a free member (no cost).
• Following the ALA on Facebook.
• Donating to the ALA’s cause.
• Becoming a sponsor.