During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the future of Riviera Beach, particularly regarding land acquisition, community development, and housing challenges. Miss Williamson, a candidate for the position of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) executive director, emphasized her commitment to the community, stating her vested interest in ensuring the city’s future and preventing it from being \"given away.\"

Williamson highlighted her experience in land acquisition, noting that 18 to 20 townhomes were built on a site she acquired. However, she acknowledged that without site control, development cannot proceed. This point sparked a broader conversation about the current state of housing in Riviera Beach, where only slightly over 3% of properties are homesteaded, indicating a significant reliance on industrial and commercial properties.

Mission McCoy raised concerns about the implications of this statistic, suggesting that the city has already experienced substantial gentrification. He questioned the feasibility of returning to a higher percentage of homesteaded properties, arguing that the reality of development has shifted the landscape significantly. McCoy stressed the need for a balance between ongoing development and maintaining home ownership opportunities for residents.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of land ownership, with McCoy pointing out that while there is land available for development, it is often owned by private companies. He questioned whether the city or CRA could negotiate to reclaim land for residential purposes, as a significant portion of homes in Riviera Beach are rentals, with estimates suggesting that up to 60% of homes fall into this category.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for a feasibility study to assess parking requirements for a marina project, underscoring the importance of planning in accommodating future developments.

Overall, the meeting highlighted critical issues facing Riviera Beach, including the need for strategic planning to balance development with community needs and the ongoing challenge of housing affordability in the area.