By Bill DiPaolo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
JUPITER -- —
The owner says a proposed miniature golf course east of A1A would be a family attraction featuring burgers, ice cream and alcohol, but some nearby residents fear too much noise and traffic.
“It’s going to be people golfing with soft music in t
he background. Families need something to do,” said Palm Beach Gardens resident Patty Bartoli. Her Palm Beach Gardens-based company, J.E.M. Partners, bought the 2-acre property just north of Jupiter Beach Road in June for $1.2 million, according to county records.
Some residents of The Estuary, a 150-unit condominium just east of the now-vacant property, say the golf course would bring late-night partyers to a quiet neighborhood. Some residents of Jupiter River Park, a mobile home park across A1A from the property, also have voiced opposition.
“It’s an amusement park with alcohol open late at night. It’s too close to residents. People around here are pretty emotional against it,” said Rick Meares, an Estuary resident.
Plans for Lighthouse Cove Miniature Golf call for a 20-foot-tall lighthouse, waterfalls and 36 holes designed to feature Jupiter’s history and local sea life. A 2,000-square-foot, two-story building with adjacent covered outdoor seating would serve light food, beer and wine. No indoor seating is planned.
Mini-golf would fit the “funky fishing village” feel the town is trying to create along A1A between U.S. 1 and Jupiter Beach Road, said Brenda Arnold, the town’s Community Redevelopment Agency program manager.
“We don’t need another bar-restaurant. Many residents tell me they want more family orientated activities in that area,” Arnold said.
The complex would be open seven days a week. Hours would be 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Bartoli said. Entrances and exits are planned on A1A and Dubois Road. Outdoor live music requires a special-event permit.
Plans call for an 8,000-square-foot preserve of native plants in the northeast section of the site. A 5-foot-wide sidewalk would take pedestrians and bicycle riders past the food shack between A1A and Dubois Road. The parking lot on the north side would hold 63 vehicles.
The town’s planning and zoning commission Tuesday voted 4-1 to recommend approval to the town council. A final vote by the council is scheduled for Dec. 18.
“We are not creating a bar scene. Families are getting younger in the area. We’re looking to create a laid-back, Key West atmosphere,” said Bartoli, who said the complex will create about 20 jobs.
To view the proposal, go to jupiter.fl.us.