It seems like forever Wellington Village toyed with the idea of ​​transforming its K-Park Package into a fundamental part of a city center that the village never had. Faced with offers to develop the 70-acre site at Stribling Way and State Road 7, the council is expected to vote to sell the land to Related Ross.

This may be a controversial decision for some, but it is a necessary step if Wellington is serious about meeting its need for a vibrant city centre. At present, K-Park remains the village’s best development tool to not only build a livable downtown that uses density to better drive village growth, but also to spur needed changes to the nearby commercial center of Wellington Green, a private plot which also needs some repair.

Wellington tries again to have a city centre: How Wellington Grows: Related Ross. has the chance to transform K-Park into “downtown”

Earlier this year, the village council voted to continue discussions with Related Ross, directing staff to work with the developer to arrive at a viable proposal. The village’s decision to reject resident Jim Ward’s proposal to buy K-Park for $54 million and build a mixed-use complex on the site was a good decision. Ross has the resources and influence to transform K-Park and ultimately spur desired changes at the neighboring mall.

The village’s negotiations with Related Ross continue, but it is now up to the council to take the necessary vote. A vote of approval still gives the village the power to shape the final design of the development. The developer still needs approval from the village planning board and a final vote from the board before construction can begin. This is a legitimate control the village has by working with Related Ross, which gives residents the final say on the project.

Wellington took time on K-Park plan

In an ideal world, the steps leading to the development of K-Park would have unfolded in a much different way. The community, knowing the potential value of the parcel, would have come together through a series of charrettes, community meetings and town halls to discuss what they wanted to see on the site and, more importantly, strategize realistic to achieve this. Once consensus was reached, the village would issue a request for proposals, a process that would hopefully attract the right developer with the right proposal.

Instead, the village finds itself in the awkward position of pushing for a development plan, but still not achieving community consensus on the parcel. Some want to start the process again, urging the council to abandon the plan before it by issuing a new tender. Others want community meetings to discuss what should be on the site – how much and what type of housing, what type of entertainment venues, green space, parking, bike paths – legitimate questions raised late in the process.

In the real world, the village council is faced with a decision regarding a mixed-use development of a “village square” consisting of low-rise buildings, bike paths and parks, 120,000 square feet of commercial office spaces and 500 apartments or condos.

The only complication, a private school that Related Ross says should be included in the project, remains a sticking point that is not expected to be a deal breaker. It is up to village officials to ensure that any part of the proposal meets the needs of the community as well as those of the developer. It is the responsibility of the developer to create a school that meets the expectations of the village. If they want the deal, they better find the right school.

Over the past 15 years, the village has considered a Palm Beach State College campus, a baseball complex, a senior community center, an equestrian venue, a mixed-use development with a botanical garden. Ideas came but nothing stuck. The decision should be easier now that the village has a workable plan and a credible developer.

“What Wellington is missing is the Wellington version of an urban experience,” a representative from Related Ross once said.

Choosing Related Ross may not appeal to everyone, but it’s a necessary step towards a more vibrant Wellington.

This article was originally published on the Palm Beach Post: Editorial: Village of Wellington should vote to develop K-Park parcel