Lake Worth Beach — We Can Do Better!
Lake Worth Beach — We Can Do Better!
In late 2023, representatives from the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA) in Hollywood, Florida, approached the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) seeking a permanent museum location. Since then, WMODA, the CRA, and city officials have worked together on a proposal.
The proposal includes a 33,000+ square foot museum showcasing Mr. Arthur Wiener’s glass and ceramics collection, 110 luxury apartments, 8 CRA-funded artist lofts, community space, and an arts alley on 1.78 acres of CRA-owned land between South M and South L Streets.
Additionally, three contributing historic structures will be relocated and restored.
While three development agreements have been reached, the project faces growing scrutiny from the community.
To support the project, the city plans to construct a 268-car parking garage for residents, visitors, and museum patrons. Taxpayers will cover the majority of the $8.5 million cost, with Mr. Wiener contributing only $1 million. The funding will also include $2.5 million from the CITY and $1.5 million from the CRA, along with the CRA issuing a $3.5 million capital improvement revenue note.
City commissioners promise residents a chance to voice concerns before final approval, but many feel the city has not justified backing a complex Public-Private Partnership involving nearly $20 million in taxpayer funds.
As of today, many residents remain unaware of key details, and greater transparency could lead to strong opposition. Others argue the project is too large for the area and could permanently alter Lake Worth’s historic, low-rise downtown.
Reach out to the members of the commission today and make your voice heard.
Learn more at (link to the masterplan)
A Note on Parking:
We want to draw attention to a key element of the WMODA proposal, which involves the construction of a new downtown parking garage on S K Street. This project would cost taxpayers $7.5 million, with the developer contributing an additional $1 million, resulting in a total expenditure of $8.5 million.
We believe it is unwise to take on this additional debt, especially considering the questionable need for a new parking garage. Just 2.5 blocks away, the Bohemian garage—a partially-owned city facility—remains underutilized and lacks downtown signage, despite multiple requests for improvements from the city. Before proceeding with this significant expenditure, we urge a reassessment of our current parking resources and needs.
More Information On Parking
Stop WMODA is a grassroots coalition of Lake Worth Beach residents, artists, small business owners, and advocates for equitable, community-first development. We came together in response to a growing pattern: city resources and public land being steered toward private profit, while the everyday needs of residents are overlooked. It’s a project that threatens our city’s character, affordability, and public trust.
Although the city held charrettes and gathered community input, the direction of the WMODA proposal hasn’t reflected many of the priorities residents expressed — like affordable housing, transparency, or long-term safeguards for the public. Nearly $19 million in land, subsidies, and infrastructure are now being offered to a private developer, with few binding commitments in place to ensure those public investments return lasting public value.
Meanwhile, small businesses and residents wait weeks or months for basic permits or services, while large developers benefit from fast-tracked attention and city-backed support. It’s not just one project — it’s a pattern.
We believe Lake Worth Beach deserves development that’s grounded in community input, not developer wish lists. That’s why we’re organizing to stop the WMODA garage deal and push for a better path — one rooted in transparency, affordability, and long-term public benefit.
We support the arts. We support thoughtful tourism. But we don’t support deals that bypass public accountability, displace working families, and reshape our city for someone else’s profit.
Lake Worth Beach should work for all of us! If you agree, we need your help. We’re seeking volunteers and donations to expand outreach and build a stronger, more informed local movement.
We’re up against powerful interests with deep pockets. While developers have lobbyists, legal teams, and access to public resources, we rely on community support to push back and demand accountability.
Your donation helps level the playing field. It allows us to print materials, organize outreach, and make sure residents know what’s at stake. If you believe Lake Worth Beach should work for everyone — not just a few — help us keep the pressure on.
