Amid a loud and furious public outcry, a luxury condo tower slated for public land on Hollywood beach would become a Live Local project under a controversial plan approved by the commission Wednesday night.

The 5-2 vote came after a marathon meeting where nearly 30 residents blasted the idea, saying it would forever change a cherished slice of paradise frequented by locals and tourists for decades.

Several speakers questioned the city’s projected windfall on the project, saying they suspected the numbers were inflated.

“This is a horrible contract,” resident Dan Lacey told the commission. “The city of Hollywood becomes a landlord for 100 years. And we are on the hook to collect rents. We’re on the hook for 100 years. This is not the goose that’s laying the golden egg. This is a terrible deal.”

Mayor Josh Levy and the rest of the commission defended the plan, saying it would help bolster the city’s supply of affordable housing.

Commissioners Caryl Shuham and Idelma Quintana cast the two “no” votes after the developer declined to avoid using “poor doors” that would force renters to use a separate entrance from condo owners.

The developer, Miami-based Related Group, plans to build the high-rise tower on city-owned land at 1301 South Ocean Drive. The parcel, deeded to Hollywood more than 50 years ago, is now home to Harry Berry Park and the Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center.

An amendment to the state’s Live Local Act expected to take effect July 1 would allow developers to build workforce housing on government land in a bid to tackle the state’s supply of affordable housing crisis.

As of late 2025, the plan called for a 27-tower with 111 luxury condo units.

With the potential switch to Live Local, the developer plans to build a taller tower with 210 residences. Of those, 126 would be condos and 84 would be apartments reserved for workforce housing for 30 years.

Over the entire lease, the city would collect an estimated $2.7 billion in payments, according to city projections shared with the commission on Wednesday night.

Shuham skewered the projection, calling it fantastical.

In December, the commission was told the project would bring in $1.8 billion over the 99-year lease, Shuham noted.

“That has increased by $1 billion since December?” she said with a quizzical tone. “It’s impossible. This is not a good deal for the city of Hollywood. The dollars are unrealistic.”

Resident Michael Seltzer also questioned the numbers, including the assumption that the condo units would sell for $5 million apiece.

“I think we’re getting hoodwinked,” he told the commission. “What happens if those numbers are wrong? Those numbers are fabulous. But I have a feeling they might be slightly exaggerated.”

As part of the 99-year lease, the developer has promised to build a new park. A modern two-story community center costing up to $20 million also would rise on the site, but the city would foot the bill.

Before voting, Shuham insisted that the developer avoid using “disgraceful” poor doors.

Speaking to her colleagues on the dais, Shuham said “I don’t think any of you want to be known as the poor door landlord, implying that our heroes or our busboys aren’t fit to walk through the same lobby or swim in the same pool as the wealthier residents. No segregation, no separate amenities.”

But when Shuham asked the developer’s attorney if his client would agree to a single entrance for all residents, the answer was a resounding no.

“I’m not agreeing to that,” Keith Poliakoff, attorney for the developer, said before walking back to his seat.

Commissioner Kevin Biederman joined Shuham and Quintana in taking a stance against separate entrances.

“I’m against the poor door entrance,” he said. “I think it should be one entrance. Let’s get this built. Let’s get a community center built.”

Commissioner Peter Hernandez, frustrated by the chorus of critics, suggested that money for the new community center be spent in another part of town where the residents would be grateful.

“I want the $20 million for somewhere else,” he said, looking out at the audience. “You guys don’t want the development anyway.”

Hernandez urged the commission not to “zero out” his idea.

“There is a need in different communities where they will be grateful and very appreciative,” Hernandez said.

The mayor said staff could look into the possibility.

“The developer might be eager to get a larger footprint on the project,” Levy said.

Before the vote, several residents pleaded with the commission to let the voters decide whether to move forward. Many of them reminded the board they’ve been fighting the project since 2021.

“I’ve been here five years doing the same damn thing,” said resident Mark Ross. “No, no, no. It’s not your land to give away.”

Hollywood commissioners signed off on the comprehensive agreement and ground lease four years ago.

Shuham argued that a new comprehensive agreement needed to be drawn up and voted on due to all the changes to the deal.

She pointed to the increase in density, the addition of rental units and the reliance on the Live Local Act.

Shuham also argued the plan should go to a vote of the residents.

“We have time to get it on the ballot for November,” she said.

Her request was met with silence.

Article Link: Hollywood agrees to Live Local plan for high-rise tower on public land
Author: SUSANNAH BRYAN