Posted by Larry Mastropieri on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 3:06pm.
A new proposal for 259 homes in West Boynton Beach has stirred fresh debate in Palm Beach County over how the Agricultural Reserve should evolve. The West Boynton Ranches project, introduced in early 2025, has generated significant controversy among local residents and planning officials.
The location? A plot just south of Boynton Beach Boulevard and west of Lyons Road,right in the heart of the Agricultural Reserve, a stretch of land originally designed to protect farming, water resources, and green space.
The developer, JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture, is asking to build 259 homes, 65 of which would qualify as workforce housing under Palm Beach County's "Essential Housing" land-use designation. This designation allows for up to eight units per acre, which is the maximum being proposed for this site.
The Essential Housing classification was created to support more livable communities while still requiring land preservation. With rising home prices in the area, more than 130% in just five years, according to planners,developers say this higher-density model is necessary to house the county's growing workforce.
From teachers and nurses to retail and hospitality workers, the demand for affordable and workforce housing in the Ag Reserve continues to grow.
Though many residents agree that more housing is needed, they’re voicing concerns over the size of the project. In particular, those living in the Valencia Reserve, a 55-plus community just east of the proposed development, are worried about traffic and emergency access.
Several community leaders are calling for a density of four units per acre instead of eight, suggesting that the current proposal pushes the limits of what the area can reasonably support. Others are raising questions about whether the traffic impact on Boynton Beach Boulevard could become a burden for everyone who lives or commutes nearby.
The Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations also weighed in, urging developers to reduce the number of planned homes.
Despite these concerns, the project team has made it clear they don’t intend to reduce the unit count. They point to previous community meetings and emphasize that eight units per acre is a moderate density when compared with other urban developments across the county.
There are currently few rental options in the Ag Reserve only one development for farmworker housing exists. Proponents argue that a mix of ownership and rental units is long overdue in the area to meet the needs of everyday workers.
The Palm Beach County Planning Commission reviewed the proposal in early April 2025. After a heated discussion, they ultimately voted 6-2 against recommending the project for approval.
Even commissioners who saw merit in the idea acknowledged the tough position they were in. The need for density to support workforce housing was clear,but so was the intention of the Ag Reserve to limit development.
Some pointed out the irony: neighborhoods like Valencia Reserve once faced similar scrutiny when they were proposed, also requiring Ag Reserve land to be reclassified. Now, those same residents are pushing back against future growth.
The project now advances to the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners, who hold the final decision-making power. Although the Planning Commission’s recommendation carries weight, it doesn’t seal the outcome. More than just another development proposal, West Boynton Ranches serves as a critical test of how the county navigates the tension between growth and preservation, and between affordability and long-term livability.
If you're interested in learning more about housing options in the area, check out our Boynton Beach Housing Guide for detailed insights into local neighborhoods and real estate trends.
Contact The Mastropieri Group,Realtors® at (561) 544-7000 for up-to-date insights on developments like West Boynton Ranches and expert help navigating the Boynton Beach real estate market. As trusted local professionals, we’re here to help you find the right fit, whether that’s in a new community or a well-established neighborhood nearby.