Riviera Beach Approves $375M Marina Redevelopment

Voters in Riviera Beach approved a $375 million public-private redevelopment plan for its marina on Tuesday.
Viking Development, a division of the Viking Yachts repair yard that makes its home in the city, got permission to negotiate a 50-year lease for the marina, which was previously managed by the city. The developer will cover $336 million of the costs with the rest coming from public funds.
The redevelopment will include new shops, restaurants, a boardwalk promenade and improved marina facilities. The outdated Newcomb Hall will be replaced with a 300-seat event center that will include a restaurant, cafe and a second story terrace overlooking the water.
In addition, $4 million in improvements will be made to Bicentennial Park.
“The Marina redevelopment will bring hundreds and eventually thousands of jobs to local residents, in addition to millions in property tax revenues,” Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Tony Brown said in a news release. “We have one of the most spectacular waterfront locations in all of South Florida, and now we can finally move forward.”
The first phase of construction is set to break ground on April 10.
Future phases of the project could include a hotel, parking garage and residential units.
 
Source:  SFBJ