Although I have never eaten at Panama Hattie’s and Rum Bar, located at 11511 Ellison Wilson Rd., I drive by it every day to get to school. It is like a tradition for me. While I may not have many traditions at Panama Hattie’s, our school surely does! “For years, the school took new faculty and staff to Panama Hattie’s for a special luncheon to start the school year,” said head of Middle School, Mr. Charles Hagy.  Unfortunately, all these traditions must end. Panama Hattie’s’ last day was August 19, 2014. The restaurant and bar were open that day, but officially closed down for good at 10:00 p.m. (for the restaurant) and midnight (for the bar). This fun and beach-themed restaurant will be torn down and bought by Nick Mastroianni, developer of Harbourside. While residents of the Palm Beach County area may be a little nostalgic for their beloved Panama Hattie’s, there are bigger worries than seeing this restaurant go.

A proposal from Mastroianni stated the plan to build 150 condos or apartments, 160 rooms, a 10-story hotel, 35,000 square feet of office space, including a beach, shops, and restaurant space. Concerns from citizens of Palm Beach County revolve around possible traffic issues that may come along with this new development. Even our own Benjamin students have worries about the traffic. “I personally think that it will be harder to get to school,” Said seventh grader Sophie Rabiei. “Starting the day off by trying to get to school on time because of the bridge and the condos will make us have to get up even earlier and it’s gonna be way too busy and too much traffic,” continued a worried Rabiei. But it is not just students that are worried. “Traffic is my first concern,” admitted Mr. Hagy. Student and faculty safety [will be affected] because increased traffic during arrival and pick up times is always a top priority.  This could be impacted by greater traffic flow in the area,” finished Hagy.

However, according to a Palm Beach Post article written by Tony Doris, a coalition of locals, neighborhood groups, and public officials was formed to oppose the new plan and bring the problems that may come with it to Mr. Mastroianni’s attention. Because of this Mr. Mastroianni and his company  proposed a new plan that eliminated 66 condos, reducing the 150 condos to 84. Also, 20,000 square feet of office and restaurant space was reduced from the plan. While the proposed plan for the land is not set in stone, it seems almost a definite that Panama Hattie’s will be sold, torn down, and replaced by condos. Stay tuned as The Neersyde follows this emerging and breaking news story.