An Exclusive Preview of Waldorf Astoria’s Inaugural Standalone Residences in Pompano Beach, Florida
Developer Related Group, in collaboration with Merrimac Ventures and Hilton, is set to introduce Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach, marking the first purely residential tower under the Waldorf Astoria brand and the initial appearance of Waldorf Astoria in Broward County. “Pompano Beach is unique in that it’s a city that has all the infrastructure and amenities you want in your hometown, with close proximity to the excitement of Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Miami.” – Dev Motwani, Managing Partner, Merrimac Ventures “We have been paying particular attention to emerging markets and where we see the Waldorf Astoria customer living and traveling. Pompano Beach is very much considered that type of growing market, poised to grow and rival neighboring locations like Miami and Fort Lauderdale as far as appeal to live and own a home.” – Dino Michael, SVP and Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands This exceptional development, situated along the coast just north of Fort Lauderdale, occupies a prime two-acre oceanfront site. The 28-story tower will house 92 luxury residences and feature a private 19-slip marina, a rare amenity in the region. The project’s unique position in the market is emphasized by its focus on permanent residents, distinguishing it from typical temporary guest-focused properties. “Standalone branded residential projects from luxury hospitality brands are nothing new, but they allow for more freedom and flexibility where the focus is purely on the residents, not an influx of temporary guests.” – Nick Pérez, President of Condominium Development, Related Group The meticulously planned communal spaces within the tower include a 20,000-square-foot oceanfront pool deck, 200 feet of beachfront access, a beachside cafe, and wellness-focused facilities such as a spa and fitness center. Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a range of amenities, including pool-side service, a personal concierge, and in-residence dining. The property will also showcase museum-quality art from the renowned Jorge M. Perez Contemporary Art Collection, creating a sophisticated ambiance. “We spent months going over the history of the Waldorf Astoria brand, speaking with its brand ambassadors and visiting its top locations around the world—all with the goal of capturing every nuance, every subtlety, and every whisper of the brand’s timeless essence.” – Nick Pérez, President of Condominium Development, Related Group The interior design, led by Nichols in collaboration with BAMO, Enea Landscape Architecture, and KORA, ensures a world-class experience. Residences will range from two to five bedrooms, offering floorplans spanning from 2,100 to 6,100 square feet. Each unit will feature top-of-the-line amenities, including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, spacious balconies, and custom Italian cabinetry. “The quality of design and amenities will be second to none, elevating the market and the type of resident coming to the Pompano Beach market.” – Dev Motwani, Managing Partner, Merrimac Ventures Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach promises unparalleled luxury and service, setting a new standard in the Pompano Beach market and offering residents the enhanced lifestyle benefits associated with Waldorf Astoria’s global legacy. Waldorf Astoria Residences’ official sales launch will be on Nov. 1, 2023. If you want to join their VIP list: visit https://waldorfastoriaresidencespompanobeach.com. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Brand New Youth Sports Complex!
The 10-acre sports complex includes: 4,000 square feet facility with concessions, offices and restrooms 4 rectangular fields for soccer, lacrosse and flag football (2 artificial turf + 2 Bermuda grass designed for younger children) Parking support for Sample-McDougald House Don’t wait to sign your children up for Fall sports at this beautiful new facility located at 700 NE 10th Street. Call (954) 786-4119 or visit parks.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/athletics for more information. LA Fitness and fitness trails with brand-new equipment are within walking distance from the Athletic Fields. The facility is conveniently located just minutes from 3-miles of beautiful shoreline with endless watersports, 700 acres of parks, as well as professional golf, tennis, and aquatics facilities. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Redevelopment of Christ Church moves forward, Unveils 319 Modern Apartments
In the heart of Pompano Beach’s historic downtown district, a significant transformation is underway. The former Christ Church United Methodist property, once a cornerstone of the community, is set to make way for the impressive Old Town Square II high-rise apartments. Spearheaded by developer Adam Adache of Cavache Properties, this ambitious project involves the acquisition of all five parcels (A through E) that constituted the church property. Currently, parcels B and D are under meticulous site plan review. Attorney Nectaria Chakas shed light on the project’s scope, revealing plans for two buildings housing a total of 200 one-bedroom apartments, 100 two-bedroom apartments, and 19 three-bedroom apartments. The recent approval of a pivotal ordinance, incorporating four key text amendments to the zoning code, signifies a significant step forward. Among these amendments, the developer seeks to add an extra four feet in height to the building, modify massing restrictions in the Historic Transition Area, alter density in the Transit Core Area, and change the use of two blocks from residential multi-family to mixed-use residential, thereby enabling commercial activities on the first and second floors. A notable amendment includes allowing a 19-foot height clearance between the ground and residential floors, effectively encouraging more residents to embrace downtown living. Chakas, drawing parallels to Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant Flagler Village, emphasized the project’s walkability, citing the presence of amenities like yoga studios, further enhancing the area’s appeal. However, not all voices resonated in harmony with the project’s vision. Commissioner Alison Fournier, expressing her concerns, highlighted the potential challenges of increased density amidst existing traffic congestion. In contrast, Mayor Rex Hardin defended the project, underscoring the urgent need for increased housing options and downtown revitalization. He emphasized that Pompano Beach’s downtown is not a traditional single-family neighborhood and, therefore, can sustain higher density developments. An essential aspect of the project revolves around preserving the community’s heritage. Plans are in motion to relocate the 1930s historic chapel to Centennial Park, offering an enchanting venue for weddings and events. Additionally, Adam Adache has shown a commitment to affordable housing, with 15 percent of the units, approximately 48 apartments, being allocated for affordable housing at around $2,000 per month, with some units priced even lower. While opinions remain divided within the community, the consensus leans toward progress and growth. Supporters, such as local business owner Connie Bookholt, emphasized the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality. She advocated for the necessity of density, recognizing it as a driving force behind economic vitality. In the midst of change and transformation, Pompano Beach stands at a crossroads, where the echoes of history meet the aspirations of a vibrant future. The Old Town Square II high-rise apartments promise not just new residences, but a potential renaissance for this cherished community, where the old and the new coexist in harmony. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Approval Granted by Planning and Zoning Board for Christ Church Redevelopment
Pompano Beach witnessed unanimous endorsement on June 28 from the Planning and Zoning Board for the architectural blueprints of Old Town II, an upcoming development. The city commission holds the final authority to greenlight the project. Situated at the intersections of 210 NE 3 St. and 290 NE 2 St., the proposed initiative envisions the construction of two structures across two land parcels. The first is a 10-story edifice with a mixed-use designation, complemented by a 6-story residential building. The taller construction accommodates a 415-space parking facility (inclusive of 32 on-street parallel spots) and dedicates 3,400 square feet of its ground floor for commercial purposes. The housing component, spanning 319 units and distributed across both buildings, encompasses a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, extending up to 1,152 square feet. Notably, 48 of these units are allocated for affordable housing requirements. Encompassing 2.34 acres, the development integrates a plethora of amenities for residents. These include a pool, dog park, fitness center, spa, clubhouse, and several lounges. The plan emphasizes connectivity with the provision of 10-foot wide sidewalks surrounding the premises, coupled with the planting of trees. Additionally, the blueprint outlines the incorporation of two bridges on Northeast 2 Street, strategically positioned on the third and sixth floors. This architectural choice facilitates seamless access for occupants of the smaller building to the amenities and parking hosted by the larger structure, negating the need to descend to street level. The ownership of the land presently rests with Christ Church United Methodist, an entity no longer utilizing the site for religious gatherings. Plans are underway for the sale of this property to Adache Group Architects. Notably, Adache Group Architects is actively engaged in the development of Old Town Square, a 10-story structure incorporating 280 apartments and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. This edifice is conveniently positioned across from the aforementioned church. During the meeting on June 28, the developer made a commitment to contribute $50,000 towards initiatives aimed at traffic calming. Representing the developer, Nectaria Chakas, an attorney, conveyed that the intention is to procure the additional parcels surrounding the church’s vicinity. Chakas indicated that Adache Group Architects is likely to propose a subsequent project for these parcels at a later date. While the developer’s blueprint entails allocating at least one parking space per residential unit, Board member Derek Lewis expressed reservations about potential overflow parking in the neighboring areas. He inquired whether occupants would be required to pay for extra parking spaces. Chakas responded that such concerns would be addressed in the future as a management decision. Board member Carla Coleman also raised concerns about the possibility of residential parking extending into the surrounding neighborhood, a phenomenon often referred to as “bleeding.” Such concerns were echoed by Tundra King, who sought information about security measures due to the presence of an unhoused population nearby. Chakas reiterated that decisions regarding security would ultimately fall under the purview of the management company. Among the remarks made in support of the project, Saracha Peterson, the sole member of the public to speak, lauded the developer’s decision to designate certain units for affordable housing rather than opting for a fee to the county. This choice was deemed desirable for the community. Commending the developer for incorporating the garage within the building, Board Chair Fred Stacer shared his agreement with Peterson’s sentiment, underlining the alignment with the desired developer archetype. Pending approval by the city commission, the ambitious $100 million endeavor is projected to commence construction in 2024, with an estimated completion date in 2026. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Harrah’s Pompano Beach Unveils Plans for Expansive 223-Acre Project Named ‘The Pomp
Harrah’s Pompano Beach, previously known as Isle Casino Pompano Park prior to its rebranding by Caesars Entertainment, is preparing for a significant expansion. This development is located approximately 35 miles north of Miami and involves an overhaul of the racino property. In 2018, Caesars Entertainment acquired the Isle Casino and Harness horse racetrack through a merger with Eldorado Resorts. This led to the rebranding of the racino, which was later transformed into Harrah’s Pompano Beach in late 2022. Within the casino premises, visitors can find a total of 1,500 slots and a poker room featuring 40 tables dedicated to the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Due to the declining interest in horse racing across the United States, Caesars made the decision last year to discontinue live racing at this historically significant facility, which has been in operation for nearly six decades. Caesars’ primary focus has shifted towards gaming and hospitality rather than equestrian activities. The renowned Las Vegas gaming corporation aims to metamorphose Pompano Park, originally known for its horse racing and slots, into a premier casino and resort destination. This transformation is intended to be complemented by a sprawling mixed-use development. For the redevelopment of the former racetrack, stables, and training grounds, Caesars has entered into a partnership with The Cordish Companies, a distinguished gaming and hospitality firm headquartered in Baltimore. Spanning across a substantial 223-acre expanse in Pompano Beach, the property, much of which remains undeveloped, is slated to undergo a transformation into what is now known as “The Pomp.” This joint project announcement was made by Caesars and Cordish on a Thursday. The Cordish Companies, recognized for its Live!-branded entertainment districts, boasts several successful ventures, including Texas Live!, Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia, and Kansas City Live!. While Cordish has gained acclaim for its casino establishments in Maryland and Pennsylvania, their role in Pompano Beach will prioritize non-gaming attractions. In a collaborative statement, Caesars and Cordish unveiled the name of the mixed-use development at Harrah’s Pompano Beach: “The Pomp.” This expansive complex is expected to encompass an array of features, including two hotels, diverse entertainment and dining options, retail and office spaces, as well as a remarkable 4,000 luxury residential units. Blake Cordish, Principal of The Cordish Companies, highlighted that “The Pomp” offers an exceptional opportunity for creating a vibrant destination. This project stands as a unique fusion of casino gaming with top-tier entertainment, retail, dining, lodging, office facilities, and lifestyle amenities. The name of the development carries historical significance, paying homage to the site’s past as a horse racetrack. Once completed, “The Pomp” is set to become a prominent destination in Southeast Florida. The development process is projected to span multiple years and encompass various construction phases. Ultimately, Harrah’s Pompano Beach and “The Pomp” are anticipated to collectively offer an impressive 1.3 million square feet of retail and entertainment space, alongside 1.35 million square feet of Class A office space. As part of the development, Cordish will introduce its renowned Sports & Social restaurant to “The Pomp,” along with a PBR Cowboy Bar, a popular sports bar and live country music concept operated by Professional Bull Riders, Inc. Furthermore, “The Pomp” will include a Topgolf venue, featuring 102 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays and the signature ball-tracking technology associated with Topgolf. While specific budget details and completion timelines were not provided by Cordish, the company’s track record in the Sunshine State remains notable. Their involvement in assisting the Seminole Tribe in constructing casino resorts, including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, underscores their expertise in the field. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Exciting News: Enhanced Ride Partner Services Coming to Tri-Rail Stations!
Attention all Tri-Rail commuters and travelers, we have some fantastic news to share that will make your transportation experience even more convenient and affordable. Starting from August 15, 2023, Tri-Rail’s Ride Partner services are getting a major upgrade, and we’re thrilled to introduce new subsidies to enhance your journey. Introducing $5 Uber and Taxi Subsidy We understand the importance of making your commute as seamless and affordable as possible, and that’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we’re introducing a $5 Uber and Taxi subsidy at all Tri-Rail stations in both Palm Beach and Broward County. This means that getting to and from your Tri-Rail station has never been more cost-effective. Whether you’re heading to work, catching a flight, or exploring the area, this subsidy will be available to make your travel experience even better. Enhanced Service Between PBI and West Palm Beach Station For those traveling between PBI and the West Palm Beach Station, we’re continuing to provide a $15 subsidy. This enhanced subsidy recognizes the significance of this route and aims to offer you a comfortable and affordable travel option. Stay Tuned for Future Updates While Ride Partner coverage is not yet available in Miami-Dade County, we’re actively working on expanding our services to provide a wider coverage area. Stay tuned for future updates as we strive to make our transportation solutions accessible to more individuals across the region. Complimentary Shuttle and Freebee Services As part of our commitment to your convenience, we’re pleased to inform you that our complimentary shuttle bus service between FLL and the Fort Lauderdale Airport Station will continue to be available. Additionally, the Freebee service will remain accessible at the Cypress Creek Station, offering you more ways to move around easily. Get Ready to Experience the Upgrade We can’t wait for you to experience the enhanced convenience and affordability that our updated Ride Partner services will bring. To learn more about these changes and to download the new Uber vouchers, be sure to visit our website at https://www.tri-rail.com/pages/view/ride-partners. At Tri-Rail, we’re committed to making your travel experience exceptional, and these new enhancements are just one of the ways we’re achieving that. Get ready to enjoy more seamless, affordable, and convenient transportation options starting August 15, 2023. Your journey is about to get even better! South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Introducing ‘The Pomp’: Harrah’s Pompano Beach Reveals Ambitious 223-Acre Development Project
Undergoing a significant transformation, Harrah’s Pompano Beach, formerly Isle Casino Pompano Park, is expanding after its rebranding by Caesars Entertainment. The property, located 35 miles north of Miami, recently underwent a rebranding and revitalization by Caesars, featuring 1,500 slot machines and a renowned 40-table WSOP poker room. Ceasing live racing due to national trends, Caesars plans to reshape the historic venue in collaboration with The Cordish Companies, turning the 223-acre property into ‘The Pomp,’ a premier casino, resort, and mixed-use destination. The Cordish Companies, renowned for its Live!-branded entertainment districts like Texas Live! and Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia, is extending its reach to Pompano Beach. Partnering with Caesars Entertainment, they’ve unveiled plans for ‘The Pomp,’ a groundbreaking mixed-use development at Harrah’s Pompano Beach. This ambitious project will feature two hotels, a variety of dining and entertainment options, retail and office spaces, and a total of 4,000 luxury residential units. According to Blake Cordish, principal of The Cordish Companies, “The Pomp represents one of the most dynamic opportunities for placemaking in the United States.” The development integrates casino gaming with top-tier entertainment, retail, dining, hotels, residences, offices, and lifestyle amenities, creating a unique destination. The name ‘The Pomp’ pays homage to the area’s history, once associated with a horse racetrack. Spanning over 1.3 million square feet of retail and entertainment space and 1.35 million square feet of Class A office space, The Pomp will be developed in multiple phases over several years. Cordish plans to introduce its Sports & Social restaurant and the popular PBR Cowboy Bar, alongside a state-of-the-art Topgolf venue featuring 102 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays, set to open later this year. While specific budget details and completion timelines are yet to be disclosed, The Cordish Companies have a strong presence in Florida, having previously collaborated on the construction of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa with the Seminole Tribe. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
OceanLand plans 40-story apartment tower near Fort Lauderdale Brightline stop
Canadian transplant Jean Francois Roy paid $13M for dev site in March Jean Francois Roy, a Canadian transplant, has planned a 40-story apartment tower near the downtown Fort Lauderdale Brightline passenger train station. OceanLand Investments, the development firm led by Roy, intends to construct a 392-unit building that includes a parking podium and a 10th-floor amenity deck. The location for this project is at 105 Northwest Third Avenue. Both a company news release and an OceanLand spokesperson confirm these details. The design of the tower is a collaboration between FSMY Architects + Planners and AM Studio, and it may also feature around 8,800 square feet of ground-floor retail space and potentially a restaurant. OceanLand acquired the development site, which encompasses the adjacent lots at 113 and 117 Northwest Third Avenue and at 110 Northwest Fourth Avenue, for $13.2 million in March. The land is situated west of the Brightline station. As per the spokesperson, construction is anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2025. Despite the increased cost of construction financing due to interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, South Florida developers are persistently announcing their project plans. Many of these developers are directing their focus towards multifamily projects and are taking the opportunity to build near Brightline’s stations. To the east of the Fort Lauderdale stop, the Damaghi family from Great Neck, New York, owns two parcels of land that were acquired in 2021 and 2022 for a total of $39.4 million, according to records. However, the family has not yet revealed any details about their development intentions. In the vicinity of Miami-Dade County’s Ojus station, Arnaud Karsenti’s 13th Floor Investments proposed a 300-plus-unit apartment building at 19680-19770 West Dixie Highway in December of the previous year. Additionally, Yakov Cohen and Shimon Bouskila submitted an application for a 15-story, 261-unit apartment project at 2655-2660 Northeast 189th Street, a few blocks south of the Ojus station. OceanLand, a Fort Lauderdale-based company founded by Roy in 1990, boasts a portfolio of previous projects comprising 26 condominiums, multifamily properties, and senior living facilities, totaling over 4,000 units. Notable ventures include the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Singer Island, Palm Beach, and Aqua-branded condominium buildings in Fort Lauderdale. Furthermore, OceanLand initiated the sale of units in their 94-unit Sixth & Rio condo building located at 501 Southeast Sixth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale last year. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Pompano Beach gives final approval to Cavache’s 319-unit multifamily project
Construction is expected to start early next year, with completion slated for 2026 Cavache Properties has received final approval for its second multifamily project in Pompano Beach, located in the Old Town Square area. Cavache Properties has received approval for their second multifamily project in Pompano Beach, known as Old Town Square II. The development will be situated at 210 Northeast Third Street, encompassing the former Christ United Methodist Church building as well as adjacent parcels to the north and south. Comprising of two buildings, the development will feature a 10-story structure with 229 units and a six-story building with 90 units. These two buildings will be interconnected by pedestrian bridges spanning Northeast Second Street, as stated in a news release from Cavache. The 10-story building will incorporate 3,400 square feet of commercial space designated for retail or a restaurant. Old Town Square II will offer apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. Construction is scheduled to commence early next year, with an estimated completion date in mid-2026, according to the press release. The project received approval from the Pompano Beach Planning and Zoning Board last week. After acquiring a 5-acre assemblage consisting of six lots, including the designated Old Town Square II development site, Cavache Properties received approval nearly two months later. The purchase, worth $8.4 million, encompassed various properties such as 219 Northeast Third Street, two lots at 200 Northeast Fourth Street, and an empty parcel located on the northwest corner of Northeast Second Avenue and Northeast Second Street. According to Adam Adache, the managing partner at Cavache, the Christ United Methodist Church had stopped using the Pompano Beach building and had been conducting services in Fort Lauderdale prior to the sale. As part of their plans, Cavache intends to relocate a historic building from the church campus to Centennial Park. Regarding the remaining approximately 2.7 acres that won’t be developed as Old Town Square II, Adache mentioned that Cavache currently lacks specific project plans, as shared with TRD in May. Notably, Cavache is also working on the first phase of the Old Town Square project, located one block west of Christ United Methodist Church. This phase, spanning 1.7 acres between Northeast Second and Third streets on the east side of Northeast First Avenue, involves the development of a 281-unit residential complex with over 5,000 square feet of retail space. Completion for this project is expected this year. Cavache Properties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, is led by Adam and Daniel Adache, along with Managing Director Anthony Cavo. The firm has successfully completed various projects, including the boutique condominium project called 30 Thirty North Ocean, which features two five-story buildings comprising 24 units situated at 3030 North Ocean Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The architectural design for Old Town Square II is being handled by the Fort Lauderdale-based Adache Group Architects, led by Daniel Adache. It is worth noting that the development on former church-owned properties is a trend observed in South Florida. In Pompano Beach, the Archdiocese of Miami’s 8.3-acre site at 1200 Northwest Sixth Avenue is being transformed into an affordable housing complex known as St. Joseph Manor II Apartments. Developer Smith & Henzy Advisory Group, who leased the site from the Archdiocese, is responsible for the construction of the 50-unit complex. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre
Redevelopment of Christ Church gets approval from Planning and Zoning Board
The Planning and Zoning Board granted unanimous approval on June 28 for the site and building design plans of Old Town II in Pompano Beach. However, the final authorization for the project lies with the city commission. The proposed development is situated at 210 NE 3 St. and 290 NE 2 St. It comprises two buildings on two parcels: a 10-story mixed-use building and a 6-story residential building. The 10-story structure will have a 415-space garage (with 32 on-street parallel spaces planned) and 3,400 square feet of ground floor commercial space. Across both buildings, there will be a total of 319 residential units, out of which 48 units are reserved for affordable housing. The development, spanning 2.34 acres, will offer various amenities such as a pool, dog park, fitness center, spa, clubhouse, and multiple lounges. The available apartments will range from one to three bedrooms, with sizes of up to 1,152 square feet. The project also includes plans for 10-foot wide sidewalks surrounding the development, along with trees and two bridges over Northeast 2 Street, connecting the two buildings. These bridges, located on the third and sixth floors, will provide convenient access for residents in the smaller building to reach the garage and amenities in the larger building without having to go down to the street level. The current ownership of the land belongs to Christ Church United Methodist, but they intend to sell it to Adache Group Architects. The church is no longer utilized for religious services. Adache Group Architects is currently in the process of constructing Old Town Square, a development located across the street from the church, which will consist of a 10-story building housing 280 apartments and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. During the meeting on June 28, the developer committed to donating $50,000 towards implementing measures to calm traffic in the area. Nectaria Chakas, an attorney representing the developer, stated that the remaining parcels surrounding the church will also be acquired by Adache Group Architects. She further mentioned that the developer will likely propose another project for those parcels at a later time. Despite the developer’s plan to provide a minimum of one parking space per residential unit, concerns were raised by Board member Derek Lewis regarding tenants parking in the surrounding neighborhood. He inquired whether tenants would be required to pay for additional parking spaces. Lewis expressed his observation that tenants often tend to park on the street, as has been observed in other buildings. “That’s really a management decision that will happen down the road,” responded Chakas. Board member Carla Coleman also expressed concern over residential parking from developments “bleeding” into the surrounding neighborhood. “This is an issue.” During the board meeting, the sole significant concern raised by board members came from Tundra King. She inquired about the security measures that would be implemented in response to her comment regarding a large group of “unhoused” individuals in the vicinity. In response, Chakas reiterated her previous statement, stating that the responsibility for security would lie with the management company. The remaining comments expressed during the meeting were in favor of the project. Saracha Peterson, the only member of the public who spoke, praised the developer’s decision to allocate some units for affordable housing instead of paying a fee to the county. Peterson emphasized that having this kind of developer in the community was desirable. Board Chair Fred Stacer also lauded the developer for discreetly integrating the garage within the building, echoing Peterson’s sentiments by stating that this is the kind of developer they wish to have. If the city commission grants approval, the project, estimated to cost $100 million, is expected to commence construction in 2024 and conclude in 2026. South Florida Luxury Real Estate | Ocean Area Living | Heather Lefebvre