BOYNTON BEACH A vacant Winn-Dixie building at Federal Highway and Woolbright Road soon could be a 10-story living space overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
City officials are reviewing a plan submitted by Hallandale-based developer Isram Realty Group that would raze the aisles of Winn-Dixie, at 1620 S. Federal Hwy., in the city’s Riverwalk Plaza and put waterfront real estate in its place.
The plan calls for one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and upscale boutiques at the site of the Winn-Dixie, which has been closed in January 2015.
Boynton is concentrating on making Federal Highway more attractive to developers, officials say. The vacant 60,000-square-foot grocery store is at a “superior location” because of its proximity to Interstate 95 and the Intracoastal, officials say.
Developers say that they envision a living facility with 326 units, more than 800 parking spots and retail stores, according to a site plan submitted to the city by Isram Realty.
The plan also calls for moving some of the restaurants in the plaza; however, the Wells Fargo Bank, Walgreen’s, JoAnn Fabric’s and Prime Catch will remain in their current spots.
Mayor Jerry Taylor said he wants to make sure it’s the best thing for the city.
“The residents have concerns with height and traffic, and they need to address those concerns with the developers,” said Taylor.
Harry Woodworth, president of the Inlet Cove Association, a coalition of communities along Federal Highway, said that the development is not “compatible” with nearby developments.
“We don’t want our Federal Highway to be one filled with high-rises,” he said. “This is not a 15-story town and we don’t want it to become one.”
Woodworth said his association is not against development, he just wants the surrounding community to have an input.
“Once it’s done, we have to live with it,” Woodworth said. “It has a lot of issues. There will be gridlock — we’re talking a lot more traffic there.”
The city hasn’t conducted a traffic study in the area regarding the development.
Isram Realty did not respond to requests for comment.
The developer and residents will meet March 30 to address their concerns.
aanthony@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6648 or Twitter @attiyya_sun
