We need you to show up at City Hall for the next meeting/Citizen Comments at 5 PM on Tuesday, Sept. 14th. 

The city's economic development team, along with Related Group, updated the city on their proposal and presented it at the city meeting on 8/25. You can find the video presentation here (agenda item 30, Citizen Comments on project agenda item 31): https://hollywoodfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx 

Related Group was asked to present some plans for a lower building with fewer stories so that the city commission could see that financial impact. The team failed to do so. They said that they want to build 30 stories, and so no alternative plans were given, as directed. The building was only lowered by about 20 feet. The proposed condominium building would be 347 feet tall, much higher than neighboring buildings, and approximately seven times what the current code allows — if commissioners say yes to a 99-year deal.

Why would they be allowed to ignore height restrictions? Because it is city-owned public land. Don't we have height restrictions for a reason? 

Commissioner Shuham said that the Related Group didn't do themselves any favors (at a previous meeting) by denying that the building would cast a shadow on the beach. Related Group responded by saying they can show a shadow study that shows that the Summit's shadow on the next block is just as bad as theirs would be. She questioned the value of the appraisal of the land, as well as what our responsibilities would be during and after the 99 years. If sales are sluggish, the developer plans to market the units as luxury rentals. Some residents are concerned about vacation rental nightmares, a common problem in our city. 

The land, deeded to the city 47 years ago, is currently home to Harry Berry Park and the Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center at 1301 South Ocean Drive. The deed restriction requires the land be used for a parks, recreation, open space, or other public purpose. A 30 story glass tower is the opposite of open space. The video simulated tour during the 8/25 city meeting resembled something out of downtown Miami. 

Related Group now says they will not place Harry Berry Park or any plazas on top of the dunes, but will instead completely eliminate Azalea Terrace, and also "enhance" the dunes and add crossovers. (We already have crossovers, and more crossovers could weaken the dune's effectiveness). Some residents are concerned about storms and sea level rise. Some residents questioned how good this financial deal is. 

Some prefer it not be built at all.
“Listen to your residents,” Uden told commissioners. “We don’t want this here. Please don’t put a high rise here. It’s not worth it, whatever revenue you’re getting. It’s not worth it.”

Sun Sentinel article here: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/hollywood/fl-ne-hollywood-condo-public-land-deal-20210826-nw6e3cb2vbfvxjvijuy4cheghi-story.html

Would you like a 30 story high rise on our public land? Or would you like the city to work together with residents to improve this property without a private condo building? Ask your commissioners how they feel about this project, and tell them how you feel: 954-921-3321

CShuham@hollywoodfl.org, KBiederman@hollywoodfl.org, LAnderson@hollywoodfl.org, LSherwood@hollywoodfl.org, AGruber@hollywoodfl.org, TCallari@hollywoodfl.org, JLevy@hollywoodfl.org 

Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/NO-private-condo-tower-on-Hollywood-public-beach-101689205539310

Thank you, and we hope to see you at the September 14th city meeting at 5 PM, City Hall. Mark your calendars! 

Photo: Rendering of a 30-story luxury condo tower that might be built on public land at the southern end of the beach in Hollywood. The city has yet to sign off on the deal. (Sun Sentinel- Arquitectonica/Courtesy)