If Scripps Florida is going to grow into the economic powerhouse
promised in 2003 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush, that growth will begin on the
Briger property in Palm Beach Gardens. On Thursday, the Palm Beach
Gardens City Council needs to take the first step in turning the
682-acre parcel into a potential biotech hub.
The biggest
problem, opposition from neighboring Jupiter, was resolved this week
through a compromise among various interests — including Palm Beach
County — involved in the complicated land deal. Officials in
low-rise-friendly Jupiter worried about the prospect of tall buildings
lining the south side of Donald Ross Road east of Interstate 95. Donald
Ross forms the border between Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens. The town
argued that on its side of the road there are no high-rises. On the
Gardens side, the compromise would stagger building height. No building
taller than 75 feet would be allowed within 100 feet of the property
line. The tallest buildings, up to 150 feet, would have to be at least
150 feet away.
Scripps opened in February on the Jupiter side of
Donald Ross Road. The county paid $187 million to erect Scripps' three
buildings. The state offered $310 million for salaries and equipment,
in return for a certain number of jobs. Drawn by Scripps, the Max
Planck Society of Germany is operating its first U.S. satellite in a
temporary home on the site and plans a permanent structure.
The
county's deal to draw Scripps to the Jupiter site, however, promised an
additional 70 acres for expansion. That's where the Briger land comes
in. The county is the applicant for zoning changes on the 70 acres,
with Scripps holding final say on the site layout. A private landowner,
the Lester family, controls the rest of the site and has agreed to
dedicate 100 acres to biotechnology office and research space. The
family also wants 2,700 homes, a 300-room hotel and a large retail
center on the rest of the site.
The bulk of the rezoning request
for the Briger property will go before the Gardens council next month.
But Thursday's first step is critical, not only to this land deal, but
to the greater promise that is Scripps.
