Related Ross Appointment Fuels West Palm Development Debate

West Palm Beach residents are pushing back after the city commission appointed a Related Ross executive to the Downtown Development Authority.

The appointment of Jordan Rathlev, an executive vice president at Related Ross, added fuel to an ongoing debate over downtown development, as residents demand greater transparency and a larger role in shaping the city’s future, WPTV reported.

In two public meetings this week, residents in “Save West Palm Beach” shirts expressed their concern about rapid development and high-rise construction, arguing the city is moving too quickly and prioritizing developer alignment over community interests.

They criticized what they see as an effort to transform the city into a financial hub.

“We do not want Wall Street South,” one resident said.

Tensions escalated when the city commission considered the appointment of Rathlev to the DDA, which oversees public safety, economic development and downtown character, according to its website.

Related Ross, led by billionaire Steve Ross, is one of the most influential developers in the city. Ross is investing an estimated $10 billion in projects in the city, including 6 million square feet of office space and 1.4 million square feet of condos.

“I don’t think you have the nerve to say no to Stephen Ross,” one resident told commissioners in the Monday meeting.

Others accused the city of favoring developers and failing to listen to the public, calling Rathlev’s appointment inappropriate. Rathlev is the second Related Ross executive on the seven-member board.

In response to the backlash, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James said the city would pause work on its downtown master plan and create a resident-led coalition to give the community more say. He said the coalition would improve communication and ensure residents “have a meaningful seat at the table.”

The master plan calls for the redevelopment of downtown West Palm Beach into a modern district that attracts jobs, improves the quality of life for residents and protects historic neighborhoods, according to its website.

—Grace McClung