Boca Raton’s Mayor, Susan Haynie was arrested last week and charged with four felonies and three misdemeanors relating to income she allegedly earned from developers James and Marta Batmasian that wasn’t properly disclosed and for allegedly not being truthful with investigators (official misconduct and perjury).
This marks an historic occurrence in Boca Raton’s history and comes at a pivotal time. During Haynie’s two terms as mayor The city has experienced incredible development, particularly downtown. The most ambitious projects that have been completed include several luxury apartment complexes and Boca’s first downtown hotel, Hyatt Place. Projects currently underway include a Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, along with several other condos (Tower 155, 327 Royal Palm & Mizner 200).
Over the past several years there have been a number of vocal individuals who have felt that Boca Raton’s development has been too aggressive. A question that many in Boca Raton have raised is whether the pace of development over the past few years has been in the best interest of the residents and the quality of life that has existed for so many years and what it means for the future. It’s understood that all of South Florida has experienced exponential growth over the past several decades, but Boca Raton has largely been able to hold onto it’s “small town” aura.
Boca’s growth has translated to an increase in traffic and some folks feel that the new buildings don’t blend well aesthetically with the fabric of the city. Haynie has been at the center of this growth both as mayor and a member of the city council beforehand.
The relationship between Haynie and Boca’s growth is sure to be explored in much greater detail in the months ahead.