Rendering of 1112 South Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach residents have sued a local developer who wants to replace a waterfront church with a 29-floor condominium tower.
Citizens for Thoughtful Growth are suing real estate firm GAK to keep the development, dubbed “Chapel by the Lake,” from going up at 1112 South Flagler Drive.
Although the city initially disapproved the tower, a five-member commission voted unanimously this month to approve it after deliberating for five hours, according to the Palm Beach Post. Locals are saying it violated the city’s development rules by doing so. The suit seeks to overturn the decision.
GAK purchased the 3.2-acre site from First Baptist Church for $23 million last year. Since then, the design for the tower has changed four times to meet the requirements of city zoning laws. Even so, the committee had to waive certain requirements to allow for the tower. [Palm Beach Post] — Angela Hunt