Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-04 Residences to replace restaurant on US 1 (Hometown News)letownNewsOL.com North Palm/Juno Beach • A3 WEEK IN REVIEW Residences to replace restaurant on U.S. 1 North Palm Beach is making way for its first mixed -use property, said the chief building official for the Village. Eighteen townhouses, consisting of six units in three buildings, will stand where Roadhouse Restaurant used to be, across the road from the North Palm Beach Country Club at Yacht Club Drive, said Charles Cangianelli. "The Village was looking for a mixed - use project. They wanted a revitalization along U.S. 1, so I worked hand -in -hand with them (Village officials)," said devel- oper Gino Francavilla, owner of Villa Franca Design and Development in Jupiter. Although it was a private deal — the sale of property was between the owner of Roadhouse and Villa Franca — Village administrators are looking forward to the addition. "Mixed -use is beneficial to a municipal- ity because it allows for more retail and more residents," Mr. Cangianelli said. Villa Franca is developing the three- and four-story residences. "They will be luxury townhouses. Every unit will have an elevator," Mr. Francavilla said. Retailers surround the area the town- houses are being built, and the first floor of the townhouses will be shops, much like those along PGA Boulevard, south of the Interstate 95 ramps, Mr. Cangianelli said. The townhouses will range in size from 2,400- to 3,000-square-feet, Mr. Francavil- la said. The land technically does not belong to him yet. He could not disclose the restau- rant owner's name. The purchase is slated for Aug. 1 and construction should begin early next year, Mr. Francavilla said. The old Roadhouse Restaurant is the future location of town homes in North Palm Beach. Hobie Hiler staff photographer He does not foresee any problems with traffic on U.S. 1 because of the construc- tion. "We have Yacht Club Drive, which will be our main egress and entrance," Mr. Francavilla said. Assistant recognized for service George Warren, assistant director to North Palm Beach public safety director, Jimmy Knight, was honored for 30 years of service to the village at the July 27 council meeting. "George Warren is the epitome of what we want in public service," Vice Mayor Ed Eissey said. The staff he 'has to work with has made his dedication easier, Mr. Warren said. "Our public safety has the highest quality of personnel of any in the county," he said. Mr. Warren received a plaque and a bonus check in recognition of his 30 years in the department. His daughter, Debbie, attended the meeting. One candidate drops out of special election After the noon deadline passed on July 21, three candidates had registered to run for Group 3 on the Village council: Thye were Thomas Hernacki, Darryl Aubrey and Don Noel. Mr. Aubrey subse- quently dropped out, said Melissa Teal, village clerk. Councilman Manny Grinn died on June 28, after winning the seat in March. For- mer council member and mayor Judy Pierman is serving as interim council- woman, but did not wish to run, she said. The special election to fill the Group 3 seat will be held Sept. 5. The winner will fulfill the rest of Mr. Grinn's term, which ends in March 2008. — Compiled by Sarah Stover