Photo: CBS 12
Some neighborhoods in South Florida are unaffordable for the average family. That's why many municipalities are taking advantage of the "Live Local Act," which passed in the state legislature last year.
In Boca Raton, where renters are paying as much as 2-thousand dollars for a studio apartment, Council member Marc Wigder tells CBS 12 News that the law will make the city more affordable.
"If we want people to work here, they have to be able to live closer to where they work. Otherwise, they are commuting an inordinate amount of distance to commute to work. The idea here is not only are you getting the workers living close to where they work, it's less vehicle miles drive, it’s better for the environment, less gas usage -- so there is multiple benefits."
"Live Local" allows the city to redevelop commercial areas into a mixed-use community with fewer barriers.
The act provides funding, tax credits and incentives, as well as land use reshaping.
Boca Raton is rezoning a historically commercial district for mixed-use and city leaders are acceping applications from developers. The area encompasses Portions of Yamato Road, Military Trail, Clint Moore Road and Congress Avenue.
It's expected to get the governor's signature.