The city’s Development Review Committee granted partial approval for the controversial Obsidian condominium tower, also known as 1260 North Palm Residences, on May 15. Despite addressing most technical issues, the project still faces significant resistance from neighboring residents, particularly those in the adjacent Bay Plaza, over its height.

The proposed building’s height was reduced by 15 feet to 342 feet after an appeal for adjustments was rejected by the Planning Board in January. The height reduction was not among the adjustments sought in the appeal, which focused on habitable space reductions on the first and second floors and parallel façade coverage at the street level.

Hoyt Architects redesigned the lower levels to meet code requirements, requesting adjustments that include:

• A 19.9% reduction in parallel façade coverage along Palm Avenue for utility access.
• A 5.5% reduction in habitable space on the first floor and a 7.4% reduction on the second floor for a fire command center.
• A 9.3% reduction in retail frontage to accommodate stairs and a garage entrance, resulting in 6,227 square feet of retail space, 97% of the existing amount.

Despite the partial sign-off, Development Review Planner Amy Bavin clarified that the project is not yet approved, with zoning comments and conditions still needing to be addressed.