Since misguided speculation and misinformation are driving heated discussion and some opposition to the proposed RV resort in Loxahatchee Groves, let’s take a moment to speculate — realistically — on what’s actually at stake.
If our town defaults to a pattern of saying “no” to everything, regardless of merit or legality, we’re not heading toward rural preservation — we’re heading straight for lawsuits. Lawsuits we cannot afford. This likely consequence may not have occurred to the petition writers, but it’s one that everyone who signed on should consider seriously.
Loxahatchee Groves is small with dwindling financial resources. We cannot sustain ourselves on savings alone. Consistently rejecting code-compliant, revenue-generating proposals puts us on a direct collision course with our own comprehensive plan, which calls for fiscal stability and responsible growth. And contrary to some narratives, not every development proposal threatens our rural lifestyle.
The RV proposal, for example, is not requesting a commercial designation, and it comes with deed restrictions that protect the land from any kind of commercial intensification. Further, more than 60 percent of the property will remain green, and an additional eight acres dedicated to the town for conservation, installing walking, biking and horse paths. Plus, millions in native and non-invasive species landscaping. This project brings tangible and substantial revenue benefits while reinforcing the rural character we all value.
If the town’s plan is to reject all proposals, we send a message to less scrupulous developers: this town is vulnerable, both legally and financially. That’s not speculation — we’ve lost these kinds of lawsuits before. The stakes are now much higher. A bankrupt town cannot defend its borders, much less its rural values. If we lose our legal and financial footing, we risk losing incorporation entirely.
And that matters. Palm Beach County is already eyeing the expansion of Okeechobee Blvd. And we could easily be annexed into Westlake. When that happens, we will certainly see the very future we fear: multifamily development and commercial sprawl. And we’ll be powerless to stop it.
Yes, council members should represent the will of the people. But what if the loudest voices aren’t telling the truth? When opposition is built on misinformation, distortion or outright lies, is that still the will of the people — or just the loudest few?
This isn’t just a procedural concern — it’s an existential one. Truth matters. It’s what protects the process, defends our town and gives elected leaders the space to govern with fairness, courage and long-term vision. It also defends those who aren’t speaking out — whether they’re uniformed, misinformed or, and most likely in this particular case, too intimidated and afraid to speak up.
Something to think about.
Jo Siciliano, Loxahatchee Groves
