Mike Diamond

1 week ago | palmbeachpost.com | Mike Diamond

Palm Beach County's Infrastructure Sales Tax has generated $3 billion for towns, schools and the county. Palm Beach County's 1% infrastructure sales tax will expire at the end of 2025, resulting in a 14% overall sales tax reduction. The tax, approved by voters in 2016, generated nearly $3 billion for infrastructure projects, including parks and athletic fields.

1 week ago | palmbeachpost.com | Mike Diamond

Florida enacted a law requiring inspections and reserves for condo buildings after the Champlain Towers South collapse. The law has led to financial burdens for condo owners, including increased fees and insurance premiums. Many condo associations are struggling to comply with the new regulations, leading to potential safety concerns. Palm Beach County is taking action against non-compliant associations.

2 weeks ago | palmbeachpost.com | Mike Diamond

Palm Beach County commissioners voted to allow affordable-housing developers to build fewer parking spaces per unit. The new rule only applies to affordable housing projects, not workforce housing, and is expected to be used in areas where mass transit is readily available. The county staff acknowledged the existing code is based upon a suburban, vehicle-based style of development and does not consider the location of the project, the number of bedrooms or the age and income of tenants.

2 weeks ago | palmbeachpost.com | Mike Diamond

Palm Beach County approved two new workforce housing projects despite concerns over high rent costs. The developer argued that rising construction and insurance costs necessitate the high rent prices. Some officials expressed concern that the high rents, exceeding fair market value, will make the units unaffordable for many workers. A previous report found that some workforce housing tenants were paying market-rate rents, raising questions about the program's effectiveness.

3 weeks ago | palmbeachpost.com | Mike Diamond

A farmer who sold land in the Ag Reserve with a no-build restriction is seeking to have the restriction removed. The farmer, Richard Bowman, proposes building townhomes and workforce housing on the land. The move is facing opposition from environmentalists and some county commissioners. A final decision on the proposal is expected in July. DELRAY BEACH — After cashing in on a $2 million windfall 18 years ago, a farmer agreed never to build on a parcel in Palm Beach County's Ag Reserve.