West Palm Beach Residents Oppose Flagler Drive High-Rise

More than 100 West Palm Beach residents gathered Wednesday to oppose high-rise development along South Flagler Drive, citing traffic concerns and threats to historic neighborhoods.

The city hosted a public workshop at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church to solicit feedback on zoning regulations for a 12-acre stretch. Staff discussed parking, building density, and height limits, but residents broadened the conversation to object to what they called excessive waterfront development.

"The traffic has increased exponentially," one attendee said. Residents argued the rapid construction pace is changing their community's character.

Residents said they support development in principle but want officials to weigh cumulative impacts. "I'm not against developing and bringing value to our neighborhood, but can we take into consideration the overall impact?" one resident asked.

Amy Triggs objected to high-rise placement near historic neighborhoods. "If we want high-rises, they have a place, downtown or near downtown. It's not appropriate to build a high-rise near a 1920s neighborhood," she said.

Jeff Eagle opposed a planned building approaching 190 feet in height near a historic area.

The city paused high-rise approvals for six months in July to review waterfront zoning regulations. City officials said property owners retain development rights but the review allows community input before projects advance. The city plans to review feedback from a community survey on Nov. 4.