West Palm Beach Workforce Housing Project Proposed in Westgate

A new apartment project could be coming to Westgate, a neighborhood just outside West Palm Beach, and it’s designed with local workers in mind. The team at Neighborlee Development is behind the proposal, which aims to bring West Palm Beach workforce housing to people who are struggling to find a place to live that’s both affordable and close to work.

What’s Being Proposed in Westgate?

The plan covers a small piece of land, just under 0.7 acres, across 2810 to 2818 Westgate Ave. and 2908 Nokomis Ave. The proposed building, called Neighborlee Living Westgate, would include:

38 apartments
1,585 square feet of retail space
53 parking spaces
A rooftop deck with ping pong tables, an outdoor kitchen, and seating areas

Neighborlee Development, led by Katherine O’Donnell, Joshua Bishop, and Kurt Jetta, purchased the vacant land in 2024 for $1.07 million. The team is hoping for approval from the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission on September 4 so they can move forward.

What Are Micro Apartments?

This project is all about making the most out of a small space. The building would include:

26 micro apartments at just 240 square feet
10 studio apartments at 366 square feet
2 one-bedroom apartments at 538 square feet

These units are compact but smartly designed, offering a simpler, and more affordable lifestyle. Micro apartments in West Palm Beach are becoming more popular as people look for housing that fits both their budget and lifestyle.

Who West Palm Beach Workforce Housing Project Is For?

The focus is on people earning between 60% and 100% of the area median income (AMI), which includes a large chunk of the local workforce. Think teachers, waitstaff, retail workers, and home health aides.

According to Neighborlee partner Arsine Kaloustian, the goal is to keep rents well below market rate to ease the burden many workers are feeling.

The Westgate CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) is backing efforts like this to create more affordable homes in the area.

Interior of a 240-square-foot micro apartment unit in West Palm Beach with kitchenette and balcony access.

What Needs to Happen First: Rezoning

To make this project possible, Neighborlee is asking the county to rezone the land from "residential high" and "commercial neighborhood" to "general commercial". They’re also requesting:

A workforce housing density bonus (so they can build more units)
A parking reduction waiver

These changes would allow for a denser, more urban-style building, which is a better fit for this type of West Palm Beach workforce housing.

The application is being handled by Bradley Miller of Urban Design Studios, a firm known for working on zoning and planning across Palm Beach County.

Westgate Is Growing: More Projects in the Pipeline

Neighborlee’s project isn’t the only big thing happening in Westgate. At the same zoning meeting, Terra and Frisbie Group (won a coveted bid to redevelop Boca Raton's government campus) will present a plan for hundreds of new apartments at the old Palm Beach Kennel Club site.

These projects are signs that Westgate is becoming a place to watch, especially for anyone interested in affordable housing in West Palm Beach or investment opportunities close to downtown.

Why Affordable Housing Matters in West Palm Beach?

Finding a place to live in West Palm Beach isn’t easy these days. Rent prices are up, and many working people are spending way too much of their paycheck just to keep a roof over their heads.

According to the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, more than half of renters in Palm Beach County are cost-burdened, meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing.

Projects like this one can help by:

Providing affordable places to live near jobs
Reducing commute times and transportation costs
Supporting stable, long-term communities

Frequently Asked Questions About Neighborlee Affordable Housing

What is workforce housing in West Palm Beach?

It’s affordable housing for people earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income. These are everyday workers—like EMTs, preschool teachers, and waiters—who don’t qualify for low-income housing but still can’t afford market rents.

How big is a micro apartment?

Micro apartments in this project are 240 square feet, enough for a living/sleeping area, kitchenette, and bathroom. They’re compact but designed to be efficient.

Who qualifies for workforce housing in Palm Beach County?

If your income falls between 60% and 100% of AMI, you may qualify for this type of housing. These homes are meant to serve working people, not luxury renters.

Are more micro apartments coming to West Palm Beach?

Yes, If this project goes well, chances are we’ll see more micro-unit housing across the city, especially in neighborhoods close to transit, schools, and shopping.

Talk to a Local Real Estate Expert

Westgate’s location makes it a smart spot for development. It’s close to downtown, near public transportation, and full of potential. If you’re looking for real estate opportunities in West Palm Beach, this is a neighborhood worth watching.

Want to Learn More West Palm Beach Workforce Housing Project & Other Opportunities?

Call The Mastropieri Group, Realtors® at (561) 544-7000. Our team of real estate agents in West Palm Beach knows the area and the trends shaping South Florida real estate. Whether you’re buying, renting, or investing, we’re here to help.

Posted by Larry Mastropieri on September 9th, 2025