🏛️ Palm Bay P&Z Board Approves Jupiter Blvd Boxing Gym, Advances LDC Updates, Plans Workshop
Recap of the April 2nd meeting including votes on conditional use, code amendments, and member election. 📅
Palm Bay, FL - The Palm Bay Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board met on April 2, 2025, making key decisions regarding a new board appointment, a conditional use for a local gym, and textual amendments to the city's Land Development Code (LDC). The session also included procedural briefings and the scheduling of a future board workshop.
Board Member Elected to CDAB
Denise Carter, the city's Housing Administrator, provided the board with an overview of the Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB). This advisory body guides city programs funded by federal CDBG and HOME grants, as well as the state SHIP grant.
Following Ms. Carter's presentation, P&Z Board Member Patrick McNally volunteered to fill the required P&Z seat on the CDAB. The board then formally elected Mr. McNally as their representative.
Jupiter Blvd Boxing Gym Approved Amidst Controversy (CU25-00001) 🥊
A significant portion of the meeting involved a conditional use permit request for Martinez Gym, seeking to operate an indoor recreation facility (boxing/fitness) in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district at 3565 Jupiter Boulevard SE, Units 2 and 3. The request drew notable public commentary concerning the site's history and alleged disputes.
Applicant Presentation: Marina Martinez, representing the applicant, explained the gym aims to serve the community with youth and special needs programs, fulfilling a vision started by her late husband, attorney Daniel Martinez. She highlighted the project's sentimental value and her desire to continue community outreach efforts previously associated with Martinez Law.
Public Comment (Favor): Resident Bill Batten spoke in favor, noting the potential benefit to local youth. He did, however, express concern that a non-profit status for the gym could potentially reduce tax revenue compared to a standard commercial operation.
Public Comment (Opposed): Significant opposition was voiced by Eddie Makiya, who stated he was involved in the gym's origins. Mr. Makiya alleged the initial lease was under "Fintech Sports," with Daniel Martinez intended as a sponsor. He claimed Mr. Martinez later moved his law practice into the space, performed unpermitted build-outs, and that the gym operation was previously shut down. Mr. Makiya also stated there is ongoing litigation involving himself and the Martinez estate over equipment currently inside the premises, raising concerns about its security if the gym opened publicly. He asserted the current application resulted from prior code enforcement actions.
Board Clarification: Before voting, the board and city attorney reiterated that the P&Z Board's decision was strictly limited to the land use question: whether a gym is an appropriate conditional use for that specific location under city code. They emphasized they could not consider or rule on the separate civil litigation or property disputes mentioned.
Decision: After the public comments and clarification of scope, the board voted 7-0 to approve the conditional use request, permitting the property to be used as a gym.
Land Development Code Amendments Advance (T25-00001 & T25-00002) 📜
The board reviewed two textual amendments to the City's Land Development Code (LDC), part of the Phase II cleanup and clarification process following the major LDC update adopted in September 2024.
T25-00001 (Chapter 172 - Development Review): This amendment modified development review procedures. Staff explained the changes clarified processes such as street naming conventions, the specific timing for PUD agreements versus Development Agreements, the use of traffic generation letters at early stages versus full traffic studies later, and the requirements for citizen participation plans. Public commenters raised concerns about potentially easing development standards and the timing of critical land use decisions. Following discussion, the board voted 6-1 to approve the amendments.
T25-00002 (Chapter 171 - Definitions): This amendment updated the LDC's definitions chapter. Revisions included adding terms like 'cemetery' and 'cluster subdivision,' clarifying others such as 'Accessory Dwelling Unit' (addressing multi-generational housing needs), and removing graphic elements incompatible with the online code publishing format. (Note: Board member Filiberto was excused prior to this vote). The board voted 5-1 to approve the definition updates among the remaining 6 members. The 'cluster subdivision' definition was retained for further consideration during future zoning chapter reviews.
Procedural Updates and Future Workshop ℹ️
The meeting also included important procedural updates for the board. Growth Management Director Lisa Frazier provided an overview of her department's structure, responsibilities, application review timelines, and key initiatives for the year. Board Attorney Michael Rodriguez delivered a presentation covering Florida's Sunshine Law and Public Records Law requirements, emphasizing open meetings, public notice, communication restrictions (including email, text, and social media), and proper voting procedures.
Acknowledging points raised during the LDC discussion and the presence of new members, Chair Karaffa directed staff to schedule a special P&Z workshop. This informational session on board procedures and LDC application will be planned for one hour prior to the next regular P&Z meeting.
Meeting Summary
The April 2nd Planning & Zoning board meeting concluded with the approval of a new community-focused boxing gym on Jupiter Blvd amidst public controversy, alongside advancements in technical updates to the city's land development codes. The board also filled its representation on the CDAB and initiated steps for further member education via a dedicated workshop.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.