A development company founded by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner and billionaire Frank McCourt is pitching 40 luxury homes in the heart of Wellington’s horse country, clustered around equestrian amenities.
To turn into reality, though, the Isla Carroll project might have to hurdle over concerns it represents a gold rush of higher-density housing in the village’s equestrian area. That was the picture painted by skeptics after village approval of a blockbuster development plan by Wellington Lifestyle Partners, backed by equestrian businessman Mark Bellissimo, six months ago.
Some 35 of the proposed houses will sit on a third of an acre each, smaller than the multi-acre lots common in the area that traditionally allow room for things like stabling, application documents show.
“It’s very concerning,” said Maureen Brennan, a resident and equestrian who opposed the WLP project. “We knew Bellissimo’s approval was going to trigger it. We don’t need those houses.”
The proposal has been submitted to village planning staff, with no public meetings yet scheduled. It is likely to go before advisory equestrian and planning committees before the Wellington Village Council makes the final call.
It possibly sets up a big umpiring call from a reshuffled council, with two new faces since spring elections. Some returning members have downplayed the notion there is any precedent set by the previous vote, saying each application will be taken on its own merits.
The plan would require zoning and master-plan changes to allow 35 of the homes on a third of an acre each at the 80-acre site near the National Polo Center-Wellington off 120th Avenue South. Another five residences would be on 1.5 to two acres each, according to the proposal.
This is appropriate for the area, developers argue. In the end, 40 houses are being built on 80 acres, which in the big picture means an average of a house per two acres, the developers note.
The plan “fulfills the village’s goal of preserving and furthering the equestrian lifestyle by creating a unique equestrian club concept that will allow for the further establishment of Wellington as a premier equestrian community,” according to a justification statement from Lewis, Longman & Walker, a law firm working with the developers.
The property in question, once owned by disgraced polo patron John Goodman, is located on the west side of 120th Avenue South near Pierson Road. At present, it has an expansive single-family residence and stables, grooms’ quarters and associated facilities, and polo fields.
“Beyond its equestrian pedigree, Isla Carroll Wellington redefines luxury living with a comprehensive array of amenities tailored to enrich the lives of its residents and club members,” the project’s justification statement explains. “The club will offer diverse dining options and a grab-and-go market for everyday essentials. The site will also include an organic farm and petting zoo, offering members of all ages a place to learn, play and grow. Additionally, exquisite spa and fitness amenities will be available, along with a multipurpose event barn and adjacent lawn, capable of hosting member and community events.”
For good measure, there is also a promised “Trackman” golf simulation studio. The “petting zoo” could become a “rescue zoo” in the next version of the application, one person familiar with the plans said.
McCourt Partners and Discovery Land Co. announced a joint venture partnership Aug. 4 to develop the project.
“Isla Carroll is a unique opportunity for us to evolve the Discovery experience in a new setting: an equestrian center with unparalleled amenities and service in the vibrant Palm Beach County community of Wellington,” said Michael S. Meldman, founder and chairman of Discovery Land Co., in a statement.
“We are proud to have found a partner in Discovery Land Company who shares our commitment to celebrating the long history of equestrian lifestyle and sport in the area,” added Jordan Lang, president of McCourt Partners. “It’s our great privilege to work together to introduce a world-class experience that honors the Village of Wellington’s equestrian preserve plan.”
Skeptics say the project means that the village is losing two polo fields on the property and heading further down a dangerous trail. However, the Isla Carroll project does not require removing the land from Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Area (EPA).
On Feb. 7, the council voted for the first time in village history to remove 96 acres from the EPA to accommodate a new luxury golf community pitched by WLP.
Supporters of the project said this made sense because the plan made possible an expanded and consolidated Wellington International showgrounds, while allowing 203 luxury residences and a commercial main street with a hotel, shops, offices and restaurants.
“All of this is giving land for development,” said Jane Cleveland, former chair of Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee. “It’s another example of non-horse development.”
