Viking Developers won approval
RIVIERA BEACH — Viking Developers won approval from the city council Wednesday to oversee a $59 million redevelopment for the city marina and surrounding property.
But the council had not voted as of late Wednesday on a proposal to lease the southern part of the marina to Rybovich Portside LLC for a megayacht repair yard.
Wednesday’s unanimous vote to make Viking the master developer for the redevelopment plan followed three hours of discussion punctuated by requests by Councilman Shelby Lowe that the agreement somehow ensure public access to the water for residents.
Following a 10-minute recess, City Attorney Pam Ryan said Viking agreed to add language that states the boat company will make efforts to ensure that the parking garage, a new Newcomb Hall and a community boating building are built.
Lowe has long pushed for a community boating program at Bicentennial Park similar to the one operated on Biscayne Bay by Shake-A-Leg Miami where adults, youths and the disabled learn about boats and go sailing.
“If you can’t enjoy the water, you might as well live somewhere else,” Lowe said.
Residents also spoke of the need for a marina plan that will benefit them.
“Keep it for the citizens,” said William Burrs, suggesting that the city rebuild the marina on its own using grant money.
New Jersey-based Viking operates a boat service business just north of the marina and owns property around the marina. Under the master developer agreement, Viking could transfer or assign development rights for any of the 19 marina project elements.
Future phases of the redevelopment plan include a public market, restaurant and retail space and a hotel or condos.
But the plan cannot proceed until state and county officials agree.
Palm Beach County commissioners must approve the use of $5 million in waterfront access bond money for the revised marina plan, and the state must approve the use of submerged lands at the marina for the megayacht service yard proposed by Rybovich.
County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor noted that Boynton Beach and Lake Park rebuilt their marinas without the help of outside developers and said the $5 million county grant for the city marina is for public access, not commercial yacht service.
The lease to Rybovich can’t happen unless the city resolves the state’s stipulation that submerged lands at the marina be used “for municipal park and recreational purposes only.”
A letter sent to council members Wednesday by Deborah Poppell, director of the state’s Division of State Lands, states the submerged lands used for marina slips belong to the state, not the city.
“The state of Florida has not been included in any negotiations between the city and Rybovich Portside LLC regarding the lease agreement and has not consented to the lease,” Poppell wrote. “Any lease between the City of Riviera Beach and Rybovich Portside LLC will violate the State of Florida’s dedication to the city.”
Negotiators for the city have said the city will not give up its submerged land dedication.
Council Chairwoman Dawn Pardo said the lease agreement is subject to state approval for the use of submerged lands.
“Ms. Poppell doesn’t have the last say,” Pardo said, noting that the state’s submerged lands are ultimately controlled by the governor and cabinet. “I just look at this as another piece of correspondence.”