Article Courtesy of The Sun Sentinel

By Paul Owers

Published September 25, 2016

About 600 people turned out Wednesday to hear a developer’s pitch to build a housing community on a former golf course at the Villages of Oriole, west of Delray Beach.

Miami-based 13th Floor Homes wants to build 528 units in a gated development called Avalon Trails. The mix would include 108 single-family homes, 180 townhomes and 240 condominiums or rentals.

The developer insists the project would enhance Villages of Oriole and improve property values, though some residents are concerned it would block views and disrupt their quality of life.

Mike Nunziata, division president for 13th Floor, estimated the new homes would be priced from the $200,000s to the $500,000s. He stressed that Avalon Trails would remove the uncertainty surrounding the land and bring fewer than half of the 1,200 units that are approved for the 107-acre site now.

“We think this truly is the best option for all involved,” he told the crowd gathered at the clubhouse at Huntington Lakes within the Villages of Oriole.

The 55-and-older community off Atlantic Avenue near Florida’s Turnpike is made up of 3,742 condos, townhomes and villas.

Some residents who oppose Avalon Trails said the land should be preserved.  Read more: