Hollywood Planning and Development Board Special Meeting - August 4, 2026

The Special Planning and Development Board meeting on August 4, 2026, began at 3:00 PM (ET) at Hollywood City Hall. The meeting included new member orientation, elections, and consideration of four quasi-judicial items and a policy resolution. Key actions included approval of a residential variance, a 36-unit multifamily design and site plan, a major rezoning and site plan for the Emerald Hills Golf Course redevelopment with 284 dwelling units and a clubhouse, and transmittal of the Washington Park Industrial Area Redevelopment Program as a guiding framework.

Board Orientation and Elections

• Chief Planner Cameron Palmer provided an overview of board operations, meeting schedule (11 meetings per year, second Tuesday at 6 PM, summer recess in July), attendance requirements, and communication protocols.
• City Attorney Farosha Andashewa conducted a legal orientation covering the Sunshine Law, ethics, quasi-judicial procedures, ex parte communications, and proper motion phrasing.
• Elections were held: Joseph Stadlin was re-elected as Chair, Stephen Morales as Vice Chair, and Bob Glickman as Secretary (unanimous roll call vote).

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

• The minutes from June 9, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• The City Attorney explained that Item 26-V-35 (variance) from the June 9 meeting ended in a 3-3 tie, which under Roberts Rules and Florida law meant the motion failed and no final action was taken. The item was therefore pending and brought back for a full hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

Item 26-V-35 (315 South 56th Terrace variance):

• Diana Pitorelli (realtor, 30 years) spoke in opposition, citing the old neighborhood character, septic system concerns, lack of space for maintenance, and police activity at the property. She stated the applicant had previously admitted to renting the property despite homestead exemption.
• Waleska Oquendo (virtual) opposed, concerned about septic, police activity, and the property not being a family home.
• Kyla Ferguson (neighbor) opposed, citing conflicting statements from the applicant and flood concerns.
• J. Vargas (across the street) opposed, stating the applicant does not live there, the property has been rented, and the variance sets a bad precedent for financial gain.

Items 25-JVZ-16 & 25-DPJ-16 (Emerald Hills rezoning and site plan):

• Bruce Gottlieb (lifelong resident, Emerald Hills) expressed concerns about flooding, drainage, and traffic hazards.
• Risa Chopp supported the project, citing maintenance of green space and housing options for retirees.
• Sebastian Saragovia opposed, arguing flooding will worsen and citing the developer's own drainage study showing up to 25% reduction in pervious area.
• Stephen Baker (attorney, former engineer) supported, stating the golf course needs redevelopment and modern drainage will reduce flooding, similar to Hollywood Beach Golf Course.
• Kenny Zuch (PGA professional) supported, emphasizing Jack Nicklaus' involvement and the positive impact on the community and property values.
• Kevin Rafferty (general contractor) supported, citing improved drainage systems and community benefits.
• Carrie Franco (Grandview treasurer) expressed concerns about traffic on 46th Avenue, lack of specific information on entrances/exits, and Grandview's new flood zone designation. She recalled prior condition of phased development.
• Amanda Kovach (Grandview resident) opposed, citing flooding, lack of completed traffic study, and impact on views and property values.
• Liz Browser (35-year resident) supported, praising the project for modernization, housing options, and community gathering spaces.
• Gabe Seggy initially opposed but now supports after developer listened to community concerns.
• Ephraim Saragovia (43-year resident, town planner/developer) requested a 120-day extension for an independent engineering study on lake capacity and drainage.
• Jeremy Eisenberger supported, citing improved drainage system will alleviate flooding.
• Gail Miller (virtual) opposed, arguing the hearing is premature without a completed traffic study, questioned the deed restriction mechanism, and noted the developer could build up to 360 units.

Item 25-RESO-27 (Washington Park Redevelopment Program):

• Bruce Gottlieb (property owner with 50,000 sq ft in the area) stated he was never contacted for input, criticized that the plan has no teeth, and noted parking and truck issues are long-standing.

Discussion Items

Item 26-V-35 – Variance to Reduce Combined Side Yard Setback (315 South 56th Terrace)

• Staff recommended approval, noting the variance meets criteria for administrative variance (less than 25% reduction and under 5 feet) and is consistent with code.
• Board members questioned self-imposed criteria (Board Member Glickman) and potential flooding. Staff clarified the existing non-conforming setback dates to 1957, and drainage will be handled at permitting.
• Applicant Trevor Munnilal stated the variance minimally adjusts setbacks, does not impact neighbors, and is for a practical layout.
• City Attorney reminded the board that variance attaches to land, not occupancy/police matters, and those are separate enforcement issues.
• Vote: 5-3 in favor (Christine Corbo, Dallas Delgado, Barbara Pomilio, Massimo Gramanzini, Mina Morgan voted Yes; Joseph Stadlin, Richard Blatner, Bob Glickman voted No). Motion carried.

Item 24-DP-79 – Design and Site Plan for 36-Unit Multifamily (2306 Van Buren Street)

• Staff presentation: project is 4 stories, 45 feet, 36 residential units, 49 parking spaces, compliant with all zoning. Public art in the form of a mural conditionally approved.
• Board discussion focused on artwork (flamingo mural) and mechanical screening. Several members praised the design.
• Vote: Motion to approve design and site plan as presented with condition on public art passed unanimously.

Items 25-JVZ-16 & 25-DPJ-16 – Rezoning to Planned Development, Variances, and Site Plan for Emerald Hills

• Joint staff presentation covering rezoning of 166 acres from CC (Country Club) to PD (Planned Development) with 284 dwelling units (single-family, townhomes, condos), a clubhouse with 40 lodging units, and preservation of 133 acres of golf course. Variances sought for reduced peripheral landscape setbacks and parking modifications.
• Applicant Jeff Kadem (Complete Cities Planning Group) highlighted 8 years of community engagement, 36% density reduction from original plans, new Jack Nicklaus-designed course, private club, and deed restriction on golf course open space.
• Discussion: Board Member Blatner raised concern about phasing condition from prior land use amendment (clubhouse and golf course must be completed before residential COs). Applicant confirmed this requirement remains. Board Member Glickman questioned variances for new development. Staff noted PD standards are flexible.
• Board Member Blatner disclosed attending an open house (ex parte).
• Public testimony was extensive, as summarized above.
• Vote 1: Motion to approve rezoning (finding criteria 1-5 satisfied) passed unanimously.
• Vote 2: Motion to adopt variances passed unanimously.
• Vote 3: Motion to approve design and site plan with conditions (including parking operational plan) passed unanimously.

Item 25-RESO-27 – Washington Park Industrial Area Redevelopment Program and Urban Design Guidelines

• Staff and consultant (Nicole Thompson, Cameron Palmer) presented a year-long community-driven plan with short, mid, and long-term recommendations targeting parking, mobility, facade improvements, street hierarchy, and land use transitions.
• Board discussion: Members raised concerns about funding, enforcement of parking, displacement history, and the lack of specificity. Board Member Blatner noted the area's long-standing issues and called for a parking study. Board Member Glickman raised environmental justice concerns. City Attorney clarified the resolution is policy guidance only, no regulatory teeth.
• Vote: Motion to forward the recommendations to City Commission for consideration as a guiding framework passed 8-1 (Board Member Glickman dissenting). Board asked that commissioners review the meeting record.

Key Outcomes

• 26-V-35 Variance: Approved 5-3.
• 24-DP-79 Design and Site Plan: Approved unanimously with condition on public art.
• 25-JVZ-16 Rezoning: Recommended for approval to City Commission (unanimous).
• 25-DPJ-16 Variances, Design, and Site Plan: Approved unanimously with conditions.
• 25-RESO-27 Washington Park Redevelopment Program: Transmitted to City Commission for adoption as policy guidance (8-1).
• The board will meet next on the following week for continued regular business.

Note: Meeting date is August 4, 2026, per user input; agenda shows start time 3:00 PM. The transcript reflects a longer session extending into evening.