Downtown Lake Worth
When the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) made recommendations designed to reduce traffic accidents in Lake Worth’s downtown, the city responded with a broader vision. The Lake Worth community partnered with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council in 1992 to create a master plan. With help from the FDOT, major road projects improved pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety; after beautifying the area as well, the retail vacancy rate went down and property values went up.
City officials and residents provided the guidance to build on these successes by creating the City of Lake Worth Redevelopment Plan in 2001. Continued improvements have maintained the downtown area’s historic character. A Citizens Master Plan in progress in 2009 demonstrates ongoing participation of the community in its home.