The Poinciana Plaza is a 12 acre commercial site at the Town’s northern gateway. It is home to the Royal Poinciana Theater, a variety of shops, service providers, professional offices, and restaurants. Proposals to redevelop the Plaza have generated spirited debate over the years. A current plan would upgrade and beautify the Plaza’s facilities, add condominiums near the waterfront, and replace the existing Poinciana Theater with a new theater elsewhere on the property.
The Poinciana Plaza was “landmarked” by the Town Council in 2008. Any change to the property must be approved by the Town’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. In addition, a 1979 agreement between the Plaza owner and the Town states that the Poinciana Theater site must be used solely for the performing and visual arts. Any revision of the 1979 agreement must be approved by the Palm Beach Town Council. A referendum may appear on the ballot in February 2010 that, if passed, would require voter approval of changes to the 1979 agreement.
Last season, the Plaza developer has presented a preliminary redevelopment plan for the Royal Poinciana Plaza. Both the Town Council and the Landmarks Preservation Commission responded favorably to the proposals and requested additional details. The Palm Beach Theater Guild, an organization dedicated to saving the existing Poinciana Theater, opposes the developer’s proposal to tear down the theater. The group would like to renovate and manage the existing building. Residents in the neighboring Palm Beach Towers have also expressed reservations to the plan and the group is currently involved in discussions with the developer.
Royal Poinciana Plaza Website
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Sample Viewpoints:
#1: The Poinciana Theater is a treasure worth saving. Its rich history must be preserved. The building can and should be returned to its original splendor.
#2: The Theater cannot survive economically in the modern world. The cost of restoring the building is far greater than theater preservationists admit. Many doubt that the necessary fund raising capacity exists to restore the theater. The developer should be permitted to tear down the current structure and construct a new state-of-the-art facility.
#3: The Plaza is fine the way it is. All it needs is a little sprucing up. The town does not want or need more condominiums. This is a commercial site that has been designated a landmark. The existing buildings should be restored and maintained.
#4: The Plaza is an eyesore in need of renovation. Condominiums must be part of any upgrade because that’s where the profit is. The Town should negotiate a new plan for the Plaza that every resident can be proud of
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