By Chang M. Kaus- Staff Writer
Boca Raton/Delray Beach News
April 2, 2002
It’s a massive task -to find suitable uses for the 308-acre Boca technology property south of Yarnato Road. The public has already had a chance at three workshops to put there suggestions on the table.
The Boca Raton Parks & Recreation Board pretty much presided without comment at the sessions held in January, February and March. Now, it’s the board’s turn to have a say.
P&R Board members have scheduled two workshops to continue discussing proposed uses for T-Rex-and to keep the dialogue with the public moving, The first workshop will be held Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. at the deHoerole Train Pavillon on South Dixie Highway. Another is scheduled May 9 from 3-5 p.m. in the Boca Raton Community Center next to City Hall.
Also, board members will visit the site April 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. to get a hands on by foot perspective of what they are dealing with.
The panel must come up with a recommendation for the city council before the project can move forward.
Hearings on proposed development of the land the city purchased for $45 million in September, 2000 have brought forward a variety of suggestions. Most involve some type of passive recreation, business or conservation use.
At a couple of meetings, Brian Penick, owner of a 12-acre dirt bike track in Dania, suggested creating a similar facility in the southern corner of the property. He said young people on motorized two–wheelers and mountain bikes currently use the area “illegally.”
The suggestion drew support from several other speakers at hearings, but city officials have been only lukewarm about it.
Penick said if he gets the OK to create a trail system for motorbikes on the property, he could bring in as much as $80,000 to 70,000 a year to help pay for additional development.
Several people said the city should encourage revenue producing uses on the site to cover the cost of future development. One suggestion that’s drawn widespread acceptance is a golf training center. Supporters see that as an alternative to a full-blown golf course.
Some types of athletic fields may be created on the land. Public support for soccer fields have been particularly vocal.
Many proposals reflect what has been shown in a “conceptual” plan drafted by architech, Richard Brooks and landscape architech Donald Murakaml. They propose transforming the area into a a large-scale park, with a lake promenade, ornate bridges, walking trails, a new library, a police-fire training center, the golf training site, a dog park and other amenities. It draws its inspiration from New York’s Central Park but is in Murakamis words, Boca-esque.