The City of Hollywood's Planning and Development Board convened on September 12, 2023, to discuss several key items, including a significant proposal for a new residential development. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call of board members, followed by a review of the agenda.
One of the primary topics was the withdrawal of proposed design guidelines for the city’s streetscape. City staff and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) decided to take a step back to further evaluate how alley usage would integrate into these guidelines. This item will be revisited in a future meeting, allowing for more comprehensive consideration.
The board also addressed procedural matters regarding quasi-judicial hearings. City Attorney Doug Gonzales explained that while most decisions are legislative, some require a more formal process, including sworn testimonies and cross-examinations. However, the board has the option to waive these formalities if all parties agree, which was the case for the next item on the agenda.
The highlight of the meeting was the proposal from DD Development LLC for a nine-unit residential project named "Supernova" at 1910 Washington Street. The applicant, Alex Yee, presented the request for variance, design, and site plan approval. Two neighboring property owners, Rohan and Rohini Belachan, expressed their support for the project and waived the formal quasi-judicial process, allowing for a more streamlined discussion.
As the meeting progressed, the board members engaged with the proposal, indicating a collaborative approach to urban development in Hollywood. The outcome of this proposal could significantly impact local housing availability and community dynamics.
The board plans to continue discussions on the Supernova project and other administrative items in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of community input and thorough evaluation in the planning process.