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Beachfront Dreamsand Resident Concerns The 60 Million WMODA Project Divides Lake Worth Beach

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 9:23 GMT by Palm Beach Post
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Lake Worth Beach is facing a significant crossroads as a proposed $60 million World Museum of Digital Art (WMODA) project sparks both excitement and intense opposition within the community. What was initially presented as a vibrant, modern addition to the town’s cultural landscape has become a lightning rod for concerns about density, traffic, parking, and the potential impact on the beloved beachfront character of the area.

The ambitious plan, spearheaded by digital artist Jim Sanders and his wife, Susan Miller-Sanders, envisions a sprawling complex featuring interactive art exhibits, performance spaces, classrooms, and retail areas. The proposed location is a 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Lake Avenue and A Street, currently occupied by a mix of commercial buildings and surface parking. Proponents tout WMODA as an economic driver that will attract tourists, create jobs, and elevate Lake Worth Beach’s profile as a cultural destination. They envision it becoming a regional draw, similar to Wynwood Walls in Miami or the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach.

However, the project has met with considerable resistance from residents who fear its scale and potential consequences. The primary concern revolves around density. The proposed building height of 52 feet significantly exceeds existing zoning regulations, requiring a variance that has fueled accusations of favoritism towards the developers. Many feel the structure will loom over the surrounding neighborhood, blocking views and disrupting the coastal aesthetic.

“This isn’t about being against art,” stated resident Barbara Golden at a recent town hall meeting. “It's about responsible development. This project is simply too big for this location. It feels like they’re trying to shoehorn something massive into a space that can’t handle it.”

Traffic and parking are also major sticking points. The current plan anticipates increased traffic congestion on already-busy streets, particularly during peak tourist season. Residents worry about the impact on local businesses and the overall quality of life in the area. While the developers have proposed some mitigation measures, such as valet parking and shuttle services, many remain unconvinced that these will adequately address the anticipated surge in vehicles.

The project’s potential impact on public beach access is another source of contention. The current site includes a small public parking lot used by beachgoers. While the WMODA plan promises to replace those spaces with new ones, residents fear that any reduction in available parking will further exacerbate existing issues and limit access to the shoreline.

The Lake Worth Beach Town Council has been navigating this complex situation carefully. They’ve held multiple public hearings, listened to concerns from both proponents and opponents, and are currently reviewing the project's impact studies. The Planning Commission initially recommended denial of the variance request due to concerns about height and density, but the council ultimately deferred a decision, requesting further analysis and revisions to the plan.

The developers have attempted to address some of the community’s concerns by modifying the design slightly, reducing the building’s footprint and incorporating more green space. They've also emphasized their commitment to working with the town to mitigate traffic and parking issues. However, these adjustments haven’t fully satisfied all critics.

Adding another layer of complexity is the financing structure of the project. While the Sanderses are contributing a significant portion of the funding, the project relies heavily on public incentives, including tax breaks and infrastructure improvements. This has raised questions about whether the potential economic benefits justify the cost to taxpayers. Some argue that the town should prioritize investments in existing community needs rather than subsidizing a large-scale development.

The debate surrounding WMODA highlights a broader tension between progress and preservation in Lake Worth Beach. The town is striving to maintain its unique character while also attracting investment and boosting tourism. Finding a balance between these competing interests will be crucial as the council moves forward with its decision on this controversial project.

Ultimately, the fate of WMODA rests on whether the Town Council can find a compromise that addresses the community’s concerns while still allowing for the realization of what proponents believe could be a transformative addition to Lake Worth Beach's cultural landscape. The next steps involve further review by town staff and another public hearing scheduled for later this month, where residents will have another opportunity to voice their opinions on this pivotal project.