The Planning and Development Board meeting held on May 23, 2023, in Hollywood, Florida, focused on community engagement regarding a significant redevelopment project in the Emerald Hills area. The meeting highlighted the extensive outreach efforts made by the developers, including multiple public participation meetings and community events aimed at fostering dialogue and gathering feedback from local residents.

During the meeting, it was reported that a recent Zoom meeting attracted over 376 participants, marking it as the largest turnout for such an event. Developers emphasized their commitment to transparency and community involvement, noting that they sent thousands of mailers to residents within the development node to ensure widespread awareness of the project. Additionally, two community fun days were organized at the local country club, drawing over 1,700 participants combined, to engage families and showcase the potential lifestyle benefits of the redevelopment.

The developers acknowledged the mixed reactions from the community, with both supporters and opponents present at the meeting. They expressed their willingness to address concerns and work collaboratively with residents to refine the project. The developers underscored the importance of the redevelopment for the future of Emerald Hills, particularly in revitalizing the country club and ensuring its sustainability.

Key discussions also included technical aspects of the project, such as the proposed water retention areas and drainage systems. Engineers confirmed that the drainage infrastructure would be interconnected to manage stormwater effectively, aligning with the city's broader stormwater master plan.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the developers to continue engaging with the community throughout the lengthy approval process, which is expected to take two years. The developers aim to address concerns and incorporate feedback to ensure the project meets the needs of the community while enhancing the local environment.