🏛️ Palm Bay Council to Vote on Recycling Facility, Gym Proposal, and Infrastructure Projects
Packed April 3 Agenda Includes Final Decisions on Development and Public Services
Palm Bay, FL - The Palm Bay City Council will meet on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM to address several key issues that could shape the city’s future. Leading the agenda are a final vote on a controversial recycling facility, a proposal for a neighborhood boxing gym, and major infrastructure improvements—including the widening of Malabar Road and upgrades to the city’s water facilities. Additional topics include federal grant hearings, code amendments, and safety initiatives.
♻️ Recycling Facility Faces Final Vote
A proposal for a 36-acre tree and landscape recycling facility south of Foundation Park Boulevard will come to a final vote on its conditional use permit. The Council previously approved rezoning 15.4 acres, but final approval depends on this permit.
Community Concerns and Conditions:
Nearby residents have raised concerns about dust, traffic, air quality, and property values.
The Planning & Zoning Board reached a 2-2 deadlock, providing no formal recommendation.
Proposed conditions discussed include:
No burning of materials.
No processing of pressure-treated wood.
Daily street sweeping near the facility.
Required conservation easements as buffers.
The Council’s vote will determine whether the project can move forward amid continued neighborhood opposition.
🥊 Boxing Gym Proposed for Jupiter Blvd
Council will also consider Resolution 2025-14, which would allow M&R United Inc. to open a boxing and fitness center at 3565 Jupiter Blvd SE (Units 2 and 3). The 2.12-acre site, zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC), currently houses a gas station and convenience store.
The proposed facility would provide youth programs, fitness classes, and self-defense training. It also plans to accommodate individuals with special needs through adaptive equipment and inclusive instruction. The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the proposal on April 2 and is expected to deliver a recommendation prior to the Council meeting.
🏘️ Public Hearings on CDBG and HOME Funds
The Council will hold public hearings to set priorities for the 2025–2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME program funding cycles. These programs support housing rehabilitation, homelessness prevention, and other community needs.
Additional Considerations:
Council will also review substantial amendments to CDBG plans from 2022–2025.
Agencies applying for support include Aging Matters in Brevard and Angels Bridging Gaps.
🛣️ Malabar Road Widening and Utility Projects
Under Resolution 2025-15, the Council will vote on a Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement with FDOT to design the Malabar Road widening project, stretching from Minton Road to St. Johns Heritage Parkway. For those interested in a deeper dive into what the LAP agreement entails and its broader significance, this detailed overview provides additional context.
Other infrastructure projects on the agenda:
$250,000 for repairs and maintenance at the city’s water and wastewater plants.
$548,207 for a new industrial vacuum truck under a cooperative purchase.
Begin negotiations with Wharton-Smith, Inc. as Construction Manager at Risk for a reverse osmosis treatment plant expansion.
🛡️ Public Safety and Code Discussions
Council will vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with Homeland Security under the ICE 287(g) Task Force Model Program, enabling collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. For readers interested in a more detailed explanation of what this agreement entails, this overview provides an accessible summary.
Also under review:
Discussion on backyard chickens: Staff will present options for revising the Land Development Code to expand the number of hens allowed on single-family residential lots. While the proposal seeks to increase the current four-hen limit, city staff recommends keeping the code unchanged.
Approval of a grant application for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Nonpoint Source Management Program, aimed at reducing stormwater runoff pollution.
📣 Get Involved in Local Government
Residents are encouraged to attend the April 3 meeting at Palm Bay City Hall (120 Malabar Rd SE) or stream it online. Public input is especially valuable on topics such as the recycling facility and development projects. Those wishing to speak can fill out a public comment card before the meeting. Remarks are limited to three minutes.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.