A new mixed-use development may be coming to the Village of Wellington in the near future. The Wellington Village Council recently gave initial approval for a necessary zoning change that would allow for the construction of Lotis Wellington. The development will include an assisted living facility, medical offices, multifamily units, and a new daycare. The zoning change for Wellington’s Lotis project was approved despite community objections.
The Lotis Wellington
According to a recent article, in October, the Wellington Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board supported zoning and land-use changes for 64.02 acres of land on the west side of State Road 7 for a new mixed-use development. The Lotis Wellington Green project proposes amending Wellington’s future land use map from Palm Beach County’s low residential to Wellington’s mixed-use on an additional 10.36 acres. Developer, JKM Developers, wants to use four parcels located on the west side of State Road 7, about one-half mile north of Forest Hill Blvd, that had been approved for other uses. Several parcels were annexed by the village in 2004, and the remaining tracts were annexed in 2016. The project would involve rezoning the land from Palm Beach County’s public ownership to Wellington’s multiple-use planned development.
To proceed, the developer will need final master-plan approval to allow a mixed-use project. Lotis Wellington is anticipated to have 49,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, 40,000 square-feet of medical office space, 17,000 square feet of office space, and 2,500 square feet of banks, a daycare facility for up to 210 children, and 28.4 acres of open space with a lake, dog park, cypress preserve, and greenway with a multi-use public pathway. Project plans also include 191 multifamily units, 150 senior independent living units, and 110 assisted living beds.
Upon review, village staff determined that the project was compatible with the surrounding area. They also determined that the developer’s application to amend the land-use and zoning designation meets the criteria for Wellington’s comprehensive plan and the land development regulations.
Community Concerns
Some community members have expressed concerns that the new development may impact the green space next to the site. The neighboring Black Diamond neighborhood residents have opposed the development because runoff could fill in and endanger area wetlands. Others are concerned that there will be an increase in rental communities in the general area.
The Lotis project measures passed unanimously, and next, the Wellington Village Council will review the development. The public will have additional opportunities to make comments before a final decision is made. A request to appear before the council for a second reading on December 8 is expected. If the project receives all necessary approval, Lotis Wellington will be developed in three phases.
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