2025 Downtown Master Plan
The future of Downtown West Palm Beach is being decided — and residents, property owners and visitors like you deserve a seat at the table. The City of West Palm Beach is currently considering revisions to the Downtown Master Plan (DMP) — a legally adopted blueprint that guides downtown development as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The DMP sets the rules for building heights, land use, design, and infrastructure to ensure a vibrant, walkable, and architecturally cohesive downtown.
NOTE: This survey is different than the one you might have received from the DDA. We encourage you to complete both surveys.
TAKE THE SURVEY |
The more responses we gather, the louder our voice. Please share this with friends, neighbors, and fellow residents — every opinion counts.
Background & Next Steps:
It has come to the attention of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) that the City has hired a consultant, Zyscovich, and a steering committee was formed to revise the current Downtown Master Plan. Click Here to review the current WPB DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES. It was updated as of April 25, 2024. The steering committee, which does not include any representative from the DNA, has already met once and will have 2 more "Visioning Discussions" on April 30th and again on May 22nd from 5 - 7 PM in the Flagler Gallery at City Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
If you’d like to share your thoughts directly with City leadership, you’re welcome to reach out to the Mayor or Commissioners individually (due to Florida’s Sunshine Laws, group emails should be avoided for matters that may come to a vote).
Mayor Keith James, (561) 822-1400 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Christina Lambert, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Cathleen Ward, 561-822-1393 | cward@wpb.org
City Commissioner Shalonda Warren, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Christy Fox, 561-822-1390 | cfox@wpb.org
City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
Warm regards,
Your Friends At The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA)
There is strength in numbers! Not a member? CLICK HERE to become a member today!
October 21, 2025
2024 DNA Landmarking
Your voice & action matters, and we need your help to make a collective impact! The West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) values your opinion on the topic of historically designating and protecting older downtown buildings from demolition or from stripping it of its historic charm,
Please complete this important 2-question survey by May 28th, 2024.
CLICK TO TAKE SURVEY |
Additionally, we encourage you to share this email with your friends and neighbors, as there is strength in numbers. Together, let's shape the future of our community's waterfront.
Thank you for your participation and for spreading the word!
Here is more detailed information regarding this topic:
Background Information: It has come to the attention of the Downtown Neighborhood Association that the nearly 100 year old Harriett Himmel Theater was never historically designated to protect the building from demolition or from stripping it of its historic charm. This prompted the DNA to look at the status of many of our older downtown buildings to consider which buildings might be important for the city to historically designate. Historic designation is considered for buildings that are at least 50 years of age and are architecturally or culturally significant in our city’s history. Historically designating a building does not prevent the owner from modernizing or altering the interior nor does it prevent the building from being expanded in size. However, exterior modifications to a historic structure must comply with the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and the City's Design Guidelines. Owners of historically designated buildings are given property tax incentives for renovations and federal tax credits apply in some circumstances. For more information about the city’s historic preservation ordinance, please click here.
In addition to having been one of the most important cultural venues in our city’s history, the Harriett Himmel Theater is one of the city’s finest examples of Mediterranean Revival. 30 years ago, the community rallied to save the building as plans for CityPlace were crafted. Millions of dollars were raised , both taxpayer and private, to restore the building. The current owners have recently publicized plans to alter and modernize the building and underscored their intention to preserve the building as a focal point for CityPlace.
The DNA would like to gain a better understanding of the public support, or lack thereof, on this topic and is encouraging residents to take the survey. In the meantime, should you like to voice your opinion to the city commissioners and the mayor about this topic, we have included their email addresses below. Remember to always email commissioners separately regarding this or any issue they may/will vote on, due to Florida Sunshine Laws. Commissioners may not discuss issues outside of city commission chambers which may be voted on in the future. A group email can be misconstrued as discussion.
Mayor Keith James, (561) 822-1400 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Christina Lambert, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Cathleen Ward, 561-822-1393 | cward@wpb.org
City Commissioner Shalonda Warren, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Christy Fox, 561-822-1390 | cfox@wpb.org
City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
Kind regards,
Your Downtown Neighborhood Association
There is strength in numbers! Not a member? CLICK HERE to become a member today!
October 21, 2025
2023 - Marina Special Bulletin
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Your voice & action matters, and we need your help to make a collective impact! The West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) values your opinion on the proposed additional marina on the downtown waterfront. Please complete this important 3-question survey by July 19th, 2023. Additionally, we encourage you to share this page with your friends and neighbors, as there is strength in numbers. Together, let's shape the future of our community's waterfront. Thank you for your participation and for spreading the word! Here is more detailed information regarding this topic: The City of West Palm Beach is proceeding with plans to develop a new, additional marina on the Downtown Waterfront, located between Palm Harbor Marina and the South Cove Islands near to Okeechobee/Royal Park Bridge (from roughly the Clematis Street to Fern Street). The proposed marina, for 84 boat slips for yachts up to 150 ft, would encompass the current public docks and require a marina office building as well as a loading/valet area, most likely located in part of the current linear park along the waterfront. This development would significantly impact the ambience, character and functionality of our Downtown Waterfront Park, which is considered by many to be the most important amenity for downtown residents and visitors alike. The recent decision by the City Commission to enter negotiations for an additional marina stems from an unsolicited proposal submitted on June 30, 2021 by a local business group called City Harbor LLC, supported by the Palm Beach Boat Show. On August 9, 2021, the City Commission then adopted Resolution No. 210-21, without public comment or feedback, which determined that an additional city marina “would serve a public purpose as a recreational facility and would be used by the broader public at large”, and therefore determined to consider the proposal and accept other proposals for the same project. Consequently, the city hired an engineering firm to examine the feasibility of 3 proposals received. Finally, on June 5, 2023 at a “Special City Commission Meeting” initiated by the City Administration, the commission reviewed the proposals from 2 final applicants. During this meeting, the Commission had several options to consider, including halting the process, requesting more information, postponing the decision, issuing a standard Request for Proposal (RFP) for more proposals, or proceeding with the evaluation and selection of applicants. Again, the public was not permitted to speak at this public meeting. There was no public notice. By a vote of 5 to 1, with downtown Commissioner Fox voting “no” due to a lack of public input, the City Commission chose to move forward and selected the original applicant, City Harbor LLC, as the first choice. While the public has not had any opportunity to provide input for the unsolicited proposal before now, moving forward, the process will require public input. The Palm Beach Post article on June 9th reported that the city is pursuing the marina to “protect” the boat show. However, the Palm Beach Boat Show representatives have not said publicly that they would move if they do NOT get an extra marina and there is no indication or inclination that they would have anywhere else to move to. Here is a link to the video of the Special City Commission meeting on June 5th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Y1yWMn0LI The DNA would like to gain a better understanding of the public support, or lack thereof, for the additional marina and is encouraging residents to take the survey. In the meantime, should you like to voice your opinion to the city commissioners and the mayor about this project, we have included their email addresses below. Remember to always email commissioners separately regarding this or any issue they may/will vote on, due to Florida Sunshine Laws. Commissioners may not discuss issues outside of city commission chambers which may be voted on in the future. A group email can be misconstrued as discussion. Mayor Keith James, (561) 822-1400 | [email protected] City Commissioner Christina Lambert, 561-822-1390 | [email protected] City Commissioner Cathleen Ward, 561-822-1393 | cward@wpb.org City Commissioner Shalonda Warren, 561-822-1390 | [email protected] City Commissioner Christy Fox, 561-822-1390 | cfox@wpb.org City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
Kind regards, Your Downtown Neighborhood Association There is strength in numbers! Not a member? CLICK HERE to become a member today! |
October 20, 2025
August 2022 - Downtown Neighborhood Survey
The WPB Downtown Neighborhood conducts surveys as part of DNA mission to educate residents, government officials, and other organizations on public issues.
RESULTS ARE IN - Click here to view the 2022 Downtown Neighborhood Survey
Good news! Downtown WPB taxable property values have increased by 20% for the 2022 tax roll to an estimated $3,115,583,212*. The DDA has released a proposed $8.8 million budget for 2022-2023 that was reviewed at the Downtown Summit on August 24 at PB Dramaworks.
The proposed DDA budget was approved in public meetings on September 6 and September 21, 2022.
Thank you for caring about your neighborhood!
*Source: Dorothy Jacks, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, 2022 Estimate of Taxable Value, May 27, 2002
Change doesn't happen without effort. Keep making your voice heard! Raphael Clemente, Executive Director of the DDA, requested that members contact him directly at [email protected] or 561-833-8873.
October 19, 2025
August 2021 - Capital Projects Survey
The Capital Projects Survey results are in!
We received more comments than ever with excellent suggestions to improve the quality of life Downtown through Capital Projects. Of course not everything can be accomplished right away, but rest assured that your Neighborhood Association will continue advocating for you.
The survey consisted of 5 questions including 2 open questions. We collected 174 responses as of 11:20am 8/17/2021.
See the full DNA Capital Projects Survey results with Comments here
Key Takeaways:
Enhancing the Tree Canopy came out on top as 106 respondents said they are VERY Interested.
- Flagler Waterfront Improvements came in next with 88 respondents saying they are VERY Interested.
- Fitness Trail/Park slightly edged out Dog Park with 111 vs. 99 respondents saying they are Interested.
63% STRONGLY AGREE when the "Covid Surplus" is amount is finalized, the DDA should use it to fund separate, tangible Capital Projects.
62% AGREE that as a resident, they would like to have more access and input in the DDA budgeting process.
Change doesn't happen without effort. Keep making your voice heard! Raphael Clemente, Executive Director of the DDA, requested that members contact him directly at [email protected] or 561-833-8873 to discuss the DDA budget.
October 18, 2025
June 2021 - Cleaning Survey
The Cleaning Survey results are in!
The survey consisted of 8 questions and an open question for other comments. We collected 111 responses as of 10:32am 6/22/2021
Thank you all for your feedback! See the full DNA Cleaning Survey results with Comments here
Key Takeaways:
83% said that the cleanliness of Downtown WPB is the TOP PRIORITY.
Only 14% agree that the public spaces in Downtown WPB are currently clean.
88% said the DDA should increase the scope and expense of cleaning services.
86% said the DDA should add the waterfront (and Meyer Amphitheater) to the (now approved) cleaning contract.
Only 17% agree that the Downtown Core sidewalks and pavers are sufficiently clean.
DNA survey results were presented to the DDA Board for consideration at the June 15, 2021 meeting. Despite the clear feedback from residents Downtown, the Board APPROVED the proposed contract with no increased scope. Cynthia Nalley, DNA President, dissented. They discussed re-evaluating the situation in 90 days and possibly adding Zone 7 (Waterfront and Meyer Amphitheater).
Change doesn't happen without effort. Keep making your voice heard! Raphael Clemente, Executive Director of the DDA, requested that members contact him directly at [email protected] or 561-833-8873 to discuss the DDA decision.
- The mission of the WPB Downtown Development Authority is "to promote and enhance a vibrant Downtown West Palm Beach for all."
- The DDA is funded through a 1 mil (.001) ad valorem tax levied annually on all property within the Downtown Development District as well as selected partnership, sponsorships, and grants when available. The annual budget for Public Realm Maintenance is $1,559,398. See the DDA June Board Packet and go to page 7 for more detail.
- The DDA contracts with vendors to provide janitorial and public space maintenance services. With a planned start of July 1, 2021, the DDA and Image Companies (who currently clean the WPB public parking garages) are considering a new Streets and Public Spaces Cleaning Services Agreement. The scope of the agreement provides district wide cleaning services, including at the Seaboard (Tri-Rail) Train Station per the DDA’s Interlocal with the City. Cleaning of the Flagler Waterfront or Meyer Amphitheater is not included in this agreement.
October 17, 2025
February 2021 - Security Ambassador Survey
The Downtown Development Authority currently contracts with PSC Security to provide security services Downtown through Security Ambassadors in easily identifiable yellow shirts. Changes are being proposed to this contract that will add ways to monitor, track, improve performance and clearly define expectations. See the DDA February Board Packet for more detail.
The City Commission recently passed a "Prohibited Conduct" ordinance that prohibits panhandling and soliciting, public indecency, urination, and defecation. The Commission will soon vote on adding a prohibition on sleeping or camping in public spaces within Downtown. Currently, PSC Security Ambassadors are not empowered to enforce this ordinance and must contact a City employee such as the WPB Police.
We want to hear from you! How do you think the Security Ambassador Program is performing? Do you think they should be able to enforce quality of life issues? Please take a moment to complete a short, anonymous survey.
The Security Survey results are in!
Thank you all for your feedback. The DNA will be sharing these results with the City Commissioners.
The rating scale is 1 - Strongly Disagree to 5 - Strongly Agree
October 16, 2025