Planning and Development Board Meeting - December 10, 2024

The Hollywood Planning and Development Board held its final meeting of 2024 on December 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The board addressed four quasi-judicial items: a variance for a hotel rooftop, two continuances, and a new Taco Bell restaurant. Public testimony highlighted persistent noise issues from the hotel's rooftop restaurant/nightclub, leading to a continuance of that variance request. The Taco Bell project was recommended for approval with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (November 12, 2024): Unanimously approved.
• Continuances:
  • Item 2 (24-DP-14): 2219 Lincoln Street – 109-unit residential development. Continued to January 2025 (date certain) to refine transportation rationale.
  • Item 4 (24-DP-31a): 2800 Oakwood Boulevard – 120,000 sq. ft. commercial building. Continued indefinitely (will require re-noticing) to improve design.

Public Comments & Testimony

Item 1 – 19-V-04b (Kosher Hotel rooftop variance): Five residents spoke in opposition. Key points:

• Jose Funis (5505 SW 44th Terrace): Reported noise from the rooftop restaurant/nightclub until 2–4 AM, windows shaking, and privacy violations (guests throwing food into his yard). Said police and code enforcement have been ineffective.
• Eugene Steinberg (5501 SW 44th Terrace): Described chronic disruption impacting sleep and health; police called over 40 times in recent months. Urged denial unless noise is addressed.
• Caroline (5520 SW 44th Avenue): 35-year resident; said the rooftop behaves as a nightclub, not a restaurant. Noted that rain provides the only respite from noise.
• Beverly Robinson (5505 SW 44th Avenue): Emphasized foul language and loud music; called Hollywood code enforcement unresponsive, while Dania Beach responds.
• Additional speaker (name not given): Resident with young children; reported music until 3–4 AM, inability to sleep, and parking issues.

Item 3 – 24-DP-31c (Taco Bell): No public comments.

Discussion Items

Item 1 – 19-V-04b: Variance to increase roof covered amenity area from 30% (3,350 sq. ft.) to 49% (5,511 sq. ft.) at 5510 S. State Road 7 (Kosher Hotel).

• Staff presented the request, noting that criterion D (need not economically based or self-imposed) was inconclusive. The applicant, Joseph Kaler, explained that the additional coverage would protect diners from rain and sun without adding occupancy or amenities. Existing pergolas allowed sideways rain.
• Board members expressed concern about noise complaints. The city attorney clarified that the board’s purview is limited to the variance criteria; noise enforcement is a code issue. However, the board could impose conditions related to acoustic performance if the variance were approved.
• Resident testimony strongly opposed the expansion, citing ongoing noise violations. The applicant’s representative, Tweet Turner, noted existing permitted pergolas.
• After deliberation, a motion to continue the item (when ready) was made and seconded. The board requested that staff provide information on noise ordinance requirements, decibel levels, restaurant vs. nightclub licensing, and hours of operation before the next hearing. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3 – 24-DP-31c: Design and Site Plan review for a new 2,187 sq. ft. Taco Bell at 2700 Stirling Road (Oakwood Plaza).

• Staff presented the project: a replacement of the existing Taco Bell on a 0.67-acre site. Key features: double drive-thru, covered outdoor seating, walk-up window, and 15 parking spaces (8 required). Stacking improved from 2 to 6 vehicles per lane before the order board, and 12 total to the pickup window. The building is smaller than the existing one.
• Applicant Dwayne Dickerson highlighted collaboration with staff on landscaping, pedestrian access, and orientation of service areas. The design includes a right-out-only exit to avoid cross-traffic conflicts.
• Board members praised the design and pedestrian improvements. Staff recommended approval with a condition to provide bicycle parking (already accepted by the applicant).
• The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the design and site plan to the City Commission.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Previous meeting minutes.
• Continued: Item 2 (24-DP-14) to January 2025 (date certain); Item 4 (24-DP-31a) indefinitely.
• Continued: Item 1 (19-V-04b) – when ready. Board directed staff to provide information on noise ordinance, licensing (restaurant vs. nightclub), decibel requirements, and enforcement procedures for the next meeting.
• Recommended Approval: Item 3 (24-DP-31c) – design and site plan for Taco Bell, with condition to install bicycle parking. Votes: unanimous (9-0 on both motions).