Vision emerges to turn Flagler Drive into people-first corridor

West Palm Beach’s downtown waterfront is at a turning point, with a new city report calling for major changes that would make the shoreline more welcoming, connected, and actively programmed throughout the year. After more than a year of community engagement and urban-planning analysis, consultants say the city’s signature asset is underperforming — and that unlocking its potential starts with rethinking both management and design.

One of the boldest recommendations is to reduce Flagler Drive from four lanes to two, opening space for wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, and an expanded promenade that finally stitches the waterfront back to the downtown core. Planners described the current roadway as a barrier more than a connector, with too much space devoted to cars and too little dedicated to people. The draft downtown master plan presented earlier this fall echoed that view, suggesting that a narrower, more walkable Flagler could fundamentally reshape how residents and visitors experience the shoreline.

Perkins+Will’s 2017 “Adapt to Thrive” Proposal

Beyond mobility, the report highlights a series of comfort and access issues that keep people from spending time along the water. Shade is scarce, seating is limited, nighttime lighting feels insufficient, and wayfinding is confusing. Families shared concerns about walking the area after dark, and visitors noted how difficult it can be to navigate between parking, paths, and the water. Consultants also found that people naturally cluster in the few shaded, well-designed pockets — leaving wide stretches of the waterfront consistently underused.

The report outlines strategies to shift that dynamic, including more tree canopy, upgraded restrooms, clearer pedestrian routes, and the introduction of small-scale, everyday activities that balance the large events the area is known for. From fitness sessions on the lawn to casual pop-ups, the goal is to introduce rhythm and life to the waterfront on days when no major festival is taking place. Many residents also voiced support for features that would let them interact more directly with the water, including softer landscape edges, kayak access, floating elements, and ecological enhancements like mangroves or planted shoreline sections.

A recurring theme across the findings is leadership. Oversight of the waterfront is currently scattered among multiple departments, leaving no single entity responsible for operations, programming, maintenance, or long-term strategy. Consultants urged the city to appoint a dedicated administrator — a full-time steward focused solely on the success of the space. Mayor Keith James agreed to explore what he called a “waterfront quarterback,” someone who would oversee the area day in and day out and help coordinate efforts as improvements unfold.

Thousands of residents participated in the study, which follows the city’s earlier, abandoned effort to explore a marina expansion in 2023. This time, consultants said the community made it clear: the priority is not adding docks, but improving the everyday experience for the people who live, work, and visit downtown.

As commissioners review the final recommendations, there is cautious optimism that a more cohesive, more comfortable, and more active waterfront is within reach — one that reflects both the city’s growth and the community’s vision for what this shoreline can become.