City Council Approves Pine Island Road Townhouse Development and Traffic Modifications

The Tamarac Planning Board meeting held on September 3, 2025, focused on a proposed development project that includes significant infrastructure improvements and landscaping changes. The meeting began with discussions regarding access to the property, which will be facilitated by an opening on North Pine Island Road near a relocated bus stop. The new bus stop will feature an 8-foot by 20-foot bus shelter easement, dedicated by the property owner.

Key infrastructure changes include a 19-foot right-of-way dedication on North Pine Island Road and a 7-foot dedication on South Gate Boulevard, aimed at future road improvements. The project will also introduce southbound left turn lanes from North Pine Island Road, necessitating modifications to the existing median, including its width reduction and the removal of current landscaping.

A no U-turn sign will be installed in the new left turn lane to enhance traffic flow, addressing current U-turn issues in the area. However, these modifications will require the removal of the existing city entrance monument sign and the Tree City USA pole sign. In response, the developer proposed a new city entrance sign on their perimeter wall at the corner of North Pine Island and South Gate Boulevard. Approval for this sign is contingent upon its design, fabrication, and installation costs meeting or exceeding those of the existing sign, which totaled $22,242.53.

Additionally, the board recommended the dedication of a 100-square-foot easement for the new sign and the establishment of a maintenance agreement for its upkeep. The meeting also addressed the need for additional landscaping along South Gate Boulevard, consistent with the city's roadway landscape master plan, due to the removal of median landscaping on North Pine Island Road.

The proposed townhouse development will feature a two-way interior drive with dead-end drives for three-point turnarounds and emergency vehicle access. Recycling facilities will be incorporated within the garages. A traffic impact statement indicated that the development would generate less than 1% of the adopted level of service during peak hours, resulting in lower traffic than the previous commercial designation of the property.

Overall, the proposed development aims to enhance both traffic flow and community aesthetics while adhering to city planning standards. The board's recommendations will guide the next steps in the approval process for this project.