Hollywood CRA Regular Meeting – April 2, 2025

The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board held its regular meeting on April 2, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting covered property improvement grants (PIP), a tree mortality analysis along A1A, and a policy change to allow seawall repairs despite code violations. Several items were debated, including a controversial dog daycare proposal, and the board took final votes on most agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Glickman, resident, urged the board to address persistent flooding caused by faulty flapgates, calling it the city's top infrastructure problem. He also noted a monument sign at the Beach Community Center has been non-functional for two years and parking lot lights are out.
• Alex Goyman, property owner (1818 Madison), explained the original plan for a 15-unit new construction was too expensive, so they pivoted to a dog daycare. He and operator Nicole Zafrani described sound mitigation plans (impact windows, insulation, indoor activities) and waste management.
• James Marco, President, Bavaria Apartments co-op, spoke about the building's 62-year history and ongoing improvements (impact windows, doors) to complement a new neighboring building. His attorney Mark Butler added that the white aluminum railings match the rear and the new development.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 (Withdrawn): Waterway at Hollywood Beach Condominium seawall PIP grant was withdrawn by staff before discussion.
• Item 6 – 1818 Madison Street (PIP, $75,000): Proposed exterior improvements (paint, stucco, impact windows, pavers) for a duplex converting from residential to a dog daycare. The board debated at length: concerns included parking in a narrow alley, noise, property condition, low TIF return ($2,245 on a $173,000 investment), and whether using CRA funds for a new business was appropriate. After a failed initial motion to deny, the board voted 5–2 to continue to June, then immediately reconsidered and unanimously denied the application. The applicant was encouraged to engage the neighborhood and understand kennel licensing requirements before reapplying.
• Item 7 – 1930 Jackson Street (Bavaria Apartments, $75,000): Exterior paint, new roof, and railings for a 20-unit co-op near a new four-story building. The project cost $150,000 (50% CRA share). TIF increase estimated at $1,900. Approved unanimously.
• Item 8 – 3400 North Surf Road (Atlantic Whitecaps, $34,700): Roof replacement with concrete tile, paint, and stucco. Total investment $69,000. Approved unanimously.
• Informational Report – A1A Tree Mortality: Acting Executive Director Susan Goldberg presented an analysis of 179 Montgomery palms planted along State Road A1A. Of 52 dead trees, a lab found saltwater intrusion, high sodium/chloride levels, and saturated soils in planting pits (only 30” x 30”). Recommendations: replace 22 trees in healthy clusters, remove 30 dead trees (fill pits with sand and cap grates), test one pit with alternative soil/geotextile technology (Dubai method), and consider green buttonwood trees for future phases (Phase 4). Board directed staff to proceed with these actions and evaluate correlation with flapgate failures.
• Seawall Exception to PIP Program: Goldberg recommended adding an exception to the beach grant program to allow seawall repairs even if a code violation exists, given public benefit. The board unanimously passed a resolution requiring seawalls to meet the 2050 elevation standard. Staff will proactively notify property owners with violations.
• Board Member Comments: Board Member Hernandez raised concerns about tree pit size (only ~24” square) and the need to explore private property plantings. Board Member Callari made a motion to appoint Susan Goldberg as permanent CRA Director, but after discussion Goldberg asked for 30 days to finalize a hybrid role with City Manager support before the board decides. Board members praised Goldberg's performance and offered flexibility in creating a manageable position.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6 (1818 Madison) denied (unanimous after reconsideration of continuance). Applicant may reapply after resolving issues.
• Item 7 (Bavaria Apartments) approved (unanimous).
• Item 8 (Atlantic Whitecaps) approved (unanimous).
• A1A tree plan adopted: Replace 22 trees, remove 30, test one pit with innovative technology, evaluate flapgate correlation, and consider green buttonwood for future phases.
• Seawall exception resolution passed (unanimous) requiring 2050 elevation compliance; outreach to violators will follow.
• CRA Director role: Board postponed a final decision to allow Goldberg and the City Manager 30 days to propose a restructured position that balances project management and executive duties.