A proposal to develop a luxury RV park in Loxahatchee Groves in Florida was denied by the town’s Planning and Zoning Board on May 19.
The proposal will now move to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council for further consideration. Town Manager Francine Ramaglia said the council may address the matter at a special meeting or during its regular session in July.
The board considered five items tied to the proposed 47-acre project—dubbed “The Paddock”—located on the east side of C Road, north of Southern Blvd.
Items included a comprehensive plan amendment, the creation of a new zoning category, and a site plan allowing up to 272 RV sites. Each item failed in 4-1 votes, with only Vice Chair Paulo Santana in support.
Gabriel Bove of The Bove Company, lead developer on the project, told the board that his team has been refining the plan for 18 months and held nearly 20 meetings with residents to address concerns.
The proposed “rural recreation RV resort” would have included clubhouses, a welcome center, recreational facilities, and an internal trail system accessible to the public
“We knew when we signed up for this endeavor that it would be challenging,” Bove said, as reported by Town-Crier on May 30. “The key is to control the growth and do it correctly with something that is beneficial to the town.”
The plan included multiple features aimed at aligning with the town’s Rural Vista guidelines. According to the developer, the resort would rely on existing tree canopy, avoid off-site mitigation, and fully manage stormwater on-site.
RV sites would include electric hookups to prevent generator use, and each unit would be connected to the Palm Beach County water and sewer system.
According to the proposal, Bove proposed dedicating 8.75 acres to the town for a nature trail and offered a one-time $500,000 impact fee plus an additional $25,000 in annual payments.
The plan also included a deed restriction preventing multifamily housing development and prohibited permanent residency, with RV site rentals limited to six-month stays.
While attendance was lower than previous meetings, several residents voiced opposition.
Kristy Coleman argued the RV park would disrupt the town’s character and suggested it be located closer to Southern Blvd. “Let our town be our town. Let us keep our character. We don’t need this here,” she said.
Board members also raised questions about the enforceability of long-term financial commitments and the implications of the Live Local Act, a new state law affecting zoning and housing density.
A motion by Santana to approve the comprehensive plan amendment failed to receive a second.
Neighboring resident Lawrence Gaines expressed concern over traffic congestion, questioning the appropriateness of allowing 272 RV spaces when single-family homes are currently restricted.
“Right now, if I wanted to put 35 homes on that property, I couldn’t do it,” he said.