Stephen Ross pledged $30 million through Related Ross to fund a new waterfront park along Flagler Drive. But the plan hit a wall when the city approached a 42-year-old family restaurant about relocating. E.R. Bradley's said no. The eminent domain word came up. And now the whole thing is on pause.
Key Takeaways
- West Palm Beach paused a proposed waterfront park after the owners of E.R. Bradley's Saloon refused to relocate.
- Related Ross committed $30 million to fund the park with no development rights attached.
- The mayor denies raising the issue of eminent domain, but the restaurant's owners say it was discussed.
A billionaire developer pledges $30 million to turn a stretch of Flagler Drive into a waterfront park. The city approaches a 42-year-old family restaurant about relocating. The restaurant says no. The eminent domain word gets thrown around. And now the whole thing is on pause, for the second time in three years. Welcome to West Palm Beach waterfront politics.
What was proposed?
Related Ross, Stephen Ross's Florida-focused firm, committed $30 million to fund a waterfront park connecting Fern Street to Clematis Street along Flagler Drive. The design includes a dog park, sand volleyball courts, two large open lawn areas, and a reimagined amphitheater. Flagler Drive would be rerouted through the downtown area.
Related Ross framed it as a philanthropic investment with no development rights attached. The company's statement: "Our intention has always been to work with the landowners, and the proposed park design keeps E.R. Bradley's as central to the experience."
Mayor Keith James described it as a "people-first" waterfront responding to the "Your Waterfront, Your Way" community engagement process conducted in 2025. The proposal would also remove an affordable event venue currently operating on the site.
Why did E.R. Bradley push back?
E.R. Bradley's Saloon is a 42-year-old family-owned waterfront institution. Frank and Gail Coniglio opened it in Palm Beach in 1984. The restaurant moved to its current Flagler Drive location in 1999. Frank Coniglio died in 2020. The business is now co-run by son Nick Coniglio and mother Gail Coniglio, the former Mayor of Palm Beach.
Nick Coniglio said the city had pressured the restaurant for seven months to sell or relocate. He claims Mayor James raised the possibility of eminent domain if they refused. Mayor James publicly denied the claim in a YouTube video: "The city is not using or pursuing the use of eminent domain as part of this effort."
Coniglio also owns the adjacent building containing Avocado Grill, 123 Datura, Four, and the parking lot. All were reportedly part of the pressure to sell. The restaurant's position: "We're not going to get choked off or squeezed out."
Looking for waterfront property in West Palm Beach? Talk to a local real estate agent who understands how major development projects affect property values. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group or call (561) 556-9853.
What was offered, and was it formal?
The two sides tell different stories.
Mayor James said the city offered $35 million to relocate E.R. Bradley's 150 yards south with permanent property rights and restaurant exclusivity in the expanded park. Coniglio says no formal offer was ever made. The building is estimated to be worth $100 million. Mayor James characterized the situation as "not a no, more of a 'show me the money.'"
As Larry Mastropieri explained on the Discover South Florida Podcast: "If no formal offer was actually made, then this sounds like someone calling on a Saturday night and saying they like a listing. That's not how serious real estate deals get done. You put the offer in writing, and then everyone can react to the actual terms."
Avocado Grill owner Julien Germaud operates nearby with approximately 45 employees and 11 years in business. His property was also reportedly part of the relocation discussions.
Why was the project paused?
The announcement: Mayor James announced a pause on April 27, 2026, with listening sessions to follow. This is the second time in three years he has paused a major waterfront reconfiguration after community opposition. The city also paused a marina proposal in 2023.
The criticism: Commissioner Cathleen Ward was direct: "I just feel like we missed the mark and now we're gonna be doing more meetings, more engagement, backtracking, paying another consultant."
The traffic concern: Downtown infrastructure is already strained by approved development of office towers, a hotel, and thousands of residential units. Rerouting Flagler Drive adds to that burden.
The bigger picture: Related Ross has been actively investing in West Palm Beach. The $772 million loan for the 10 and 15 CityPlace office towers was the largest construction loan in Florida history. The $30 million park commitment is framed as philanthropic with no development rights, an unusual structure worth noting. If the project proceeds, the city retains full control.
This is a classic West Palm Beach growth fight. You have a major waterfront vision on one side and a long-standing local institution on the other. If the city wants this to move forward, the details need to be formal, clear, and in writing.
FAQs about the West Palm Beach waterfront park dispute
What is the West Palm Beach waterfront park proposal?
Related Ross committed $30 million to fund a waterfront park along Flagler Drive connecting Fern Street to Clematis Street. The design includes a dog park, volleyball courts, open lawns, and a reimagined amphitheater.
Why is E.R. Bradley refusing to relocate?
The 42-year-old family-owned restaurant says no formal offer was made. Owners claim the city pressured them for seven months and raised eminent domain as a possibility. The building is estimated at $100 million.
Did West Palm Beach threaten eminent domain?
The restaurant's owners say eminent domain was raised as a possibility. Mayor Keith James publicly denied this, stating the city is not using or pursuing eminent domain as part of the effort.
Who is funding the West Palm Beach waterfront park?
Related Ross, Stephen Ross's Florida-focused firm, committed $30 million with no development rights attached. The city would retain full control if the project proceeds.
Is the West Palm Beach waterfront project canceled?
No. The project is paused as of April 27, 2026. Mayor James announced listening sessions to gather more community input. This is the second waterfront pause in three years.
Local help for buyers and investors in West Palm Beach
If you are buying, selling, or investing in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, or anywhere in Palm Beach County, understanding how major development projects and waterfront plans affect property values matters. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group, Realtors®.
For practical, hands-on support across the region, call (561) 556-9853.
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