South Palm Beach Council Rejects Plan to replace Inn with Condos

A controversial proposal to redevelop the Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn at 3550 South Ocean Boulevard in South Palm Beach into a luxury hotel/condominium was rejected, 5-0, by the Council. Remarks at the 4-hour public hearing last Tuesday night were equally divided between the "yeses" and "nos." It was pointed out that the changes would not create a precedent for future development because the Oceanfront Inn is the only commercial property in town. The proposed redevelopment would have resulted in a 12-story building over two stories of parking. Current law limits new buildings to six stories over one level of parking. The potential property taxes could be a financial windfall for the community. Mayor Maurice Jacobson's described this year-long plus discussion as the "most stressful" and "most overwhelming" issue in memory to concern South Palm Beach. Some felt the density and intensity were too much for the site. Some looked forward to the possibility of a hotel/luxury condominiums on the site.