Changing landscape: Will GL Homes land swap deal signal an end to 50 years of protected land?
Land swap plan in South Florida pits builder against environmentalists Palm Beach Post
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Changing Face of Palm Beach County’s Agricultural Reserve
Fifty years ago, a swath of rich agricultural land west of Florida’s Turnpike was simply called “The Reserve.”
Farm after farm dotted the landscape and at that time, county planners recognized the need to protect the area from development. It was one of the most productive agricultural areas in South Florida.
After voters approved an open space bond issue in 1999, the county adopted a master plan to restrict what could be built on what is now known as the “Agricultural Reserve.” What followed was $100 million of bond funds used to buy more than 2,400 acres of farmland with almost all of it leased to area farmers.
Preserving the Agricultural Reserve
The 60-40 rule was created, designed to limit density — 60% of a development had to be preserved as open space while 40% could be used for development. Builders were allowed to preserve land outside their development site as long as it was within the Ag Reserve.
GL Homes’ Land Swap Proposal
GL Homes, a home builder in the Ag Reserve, wants to build a high-end senior community west of Boca Raton. In exchange for permission to build, GL Homes would preserve land it owns in the Acreage area. The proposal includes additional benefits such as workforce housing, a water reservoir, a county park, a Chabbad synagogue, and land for a residential care facility and a Torah Academy School Campus.
Environmental Concerns and Opposition
Environmentalists and civic groups are strongly opposing the land swap, fearing that it would set a dangerous precedent for further development in the Ag Reserve. Critics argue that the deal would undermine the original purpose of preserving the land and lead to the loss of thousands of acres of preserved land.
Changes and Alterations to the Ag Reserve
Over the years, there have been several changes and alterations to the Ag Reserve:
- 2005: Approval of Bethesda West Community Hospital on Boynton Beach Boulevard.
- 2006: GL Homes’ purchase of land near canals to increase density.
- 2015: Repeal of the requirement for contiguous preserve parcels.
- 2019: Exemption of self-storage facilities from commercial classification.
- 2020: Rule change allowing landscapers to store equipment on preserve parcels.
- 2022: Approval of Congregate Living Facility and creation of “essential housing” and “commerce” categories.
- 2023: Proposal to build on preserved land near Delray Marketplace.
These changes have raised concerns among critics who argue that they were never envisioned and have contributed to the erosion of the Ag Reserve’s original purpose.
Final Vote and Future Implications
County commissioners will vote on GL Homes’ land swap proposal, which could have significant implications for the Ag Reserve. Critics argue that approving the swap would lead to the development of thousands of preserved acres and open the floodgates for further development in the area.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.4: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
- Indicator for SDG 11.7: Proportion of total area that is public space, by type of use.
- Indicator for SDG 12.2: Domestic material consumption per capita, by type of material.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. | Indicator: Proportion of total area that is public space, by type of use. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator: Domestic material consumption per capita, by type of material. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: palmbeachpost.com
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