DAVID KEELEY
This another in our series of articles looking into the workings of VCA committees. This article is on the Office Planning Work Group.
The VCA’s Office Planning Work Group is assisting the Board to secure a long-term functional and cost-effective location to conduct VCA business that meets homeowner and organizational needs.
The VCA currently leases office space off-site on Palm Beach Boulevard. The current lease expires in September, and the Board is negotiating with owner for an extension. This extension will provide the VCA time to secure a permanent office.
The Board created the Office Planning Work Group in March of 2025 and David Keeley, VCA Board member, was designated as the Board liaison to the Work Group. The Work Group has five homeowners, with collectively over 130 years of real estate development experience. They include Paul Culley, Mark Greco, Jack Hauser, Bill Savoie, and Steve Seidl.
“The VCA Board understands that leasing office space along Palm Beach Boulevard is not a viable long-term option. While leasing provides flexibility the risks outweigh the benefits,” explained David Keeley. “These risks include the availability of adequate space, rising lease expenses, exposure to landlord instability, and limited operational control of the space. Land is being rapidly developed along Palm Beach Boulevard and the VCA’s options are declining each day. We will always need an office and through leasing we are not developing equity. The Board knows we need to make a plan for the future.”
The Work Group has analyzed 5-6 options for the VCA to acquire a building or land to build a permanent office. These options are inside Verandah, immediately adjacent to Verandah, and along Palm Beach Boulevard.
Earlier this year the Board recognized the need to procure the services of a land use planning firm, familiar with Lee County building and permitting requirements, to assist us in understanding the development potential of several parcels. The Board issued a Request for Proposals, and in March two firms submitted proposals that are currently being reviewed. If the Board contracts with a firm they would provide site due diligence and feasibility assessments, identify infrastructure considerations, review how the 2002 Verandah Master Plan affects these options, prepare rezoning materials, and provide entitlement services.
“We know there is some anxiety among homeowners about the cost of purchasing space and we understand those concerns,” said David. “This has to be balanced with the risks and the ongoing costs of leasing. If we contract with a firm they will guide us through this process, we will have more information that we can share with homeowners about the options for a permanent VCA office.”
For more information about the Office Planning Work Group visit VCALife.com Additionally, you can reach out to David at [email protected].
