What Is WMODA:

In late 2023, representatives from the Weiner 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 Weiner’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. Weiner 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 your commissioner today and make your voice heard.

Source

A Vision to Consider:

We believe LWB can do better than WMODA.
There are alternatives that better suit our historic, low-rise city, including the implementation of the recommendations from the Final Downtown Parcels Master Plan developed during the successful 2022 charrette. This collaborative effort, sponsored by the city and the CRA and conducted by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, gathered input from participating residents.
 
After the charrette, the city planned to hire a consultant to create a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit designs for the L and M property from various developers, ensuring alignment with the community’s goals. However, this plan was disrupted by the unsolicited WMODA proposal, which has advanced quickly but does not reflect the preferences outlined in the Master Plan. Additionally, many community members are unaware of the WMODA proposal, raising questions about its public support.
 
It’s time to return to the RFP process to pursue a project that aligns with the outcomes of the 2022 charrette and considers the needs of the entire community.

Learn more at (link to the masterplan)

We’ve also included links to other current innovative and progressive projects that are historically appropriate and could potentially be incorporated into our downtown.

Learn more at www.sundyvillage.com/gallery

Learn more at www.westpalmbeach.com/shopping/cityplace/

 
 

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.

 

LWBcandoBetter@gmail.com