Florida Turns Old Hotel into Housing for Seniors—Angry Locals Say ‘Not in My Backyard!’

Palm Beach County, FL – In a bold move to tackle Florida’s affordable housing crisis, county officials have approved a plan to transform a former La Quinta Inn into permanent housing for seniors and veterans. While the initiative aims to provide a much-needed lifeline to vulnerable residents, it has sparked fierce opposition from locals.

The newly repurposed facility will offer 114 rooms to individuals aged 55 and older, with rent adjusted based on income. Officials emphasize that this is not a homeless shelter but a preventative measure to help seniors and veterans avoid becoming homeless due to soaring living costs.

To address concerns about security, every applicant will undergo a rigorous background check, and the facility will maintain a 24/7 security presence, including two on-site guards.

Community Concerns Stir Controversy

Despite the project’s good intentions, some nearby residents have voiced strong objections. Many fear the facility could impact their neighborhood’s safety and overall character. Residents of surrounding communities worry that the presence of low-income housing could lead to issues like increased crime or declining property values.

“We all want to help those in need, but we also have to think about the safety and well-being of our families,” one local resident said during a recent town meeting.

County officials, however, have pushed back against these fears, assuring the community that the strict screening process and security measures will prevent any disruptions.

Cost and Timeline

The estimated cost of the conversion is around $20.6 million, covering the purchase price, renovations, and upgrades needed to meet county standards. Officials argue that repurposing an existing hotel is far more cost-effective than building a new facility from the ground up, which could take years.

This move is part of a larger trend in Florida, where similar projects are being explored to combat homelessness and housing shortages. A similar proposal in Cutler Bay, Miami-Dade County, aimed at converting another La Quinta Inn into affordable housing, faced significant backlash from locals, highlighting the ongoing tension between community concerns and the need for more housing solutions.

As Florida continues to grapple with rising rents and home prices, officials say repurposing existing buildings could be a crucial part of the solution. But whether communities will embrace these projects remains an open question.