Planning board approves Holy Cross clinic, flex policy change and Uptown land‑use tweak; central‑city rezoning delayed

The Fort Lauderdale Planning & Zoning Board approved three separate items and deferred another after public questions about process and state law. The board’s actions affect hospital outpatient services, cityaffordable‑housing flex policy and an Uptown land‑use restriction.

Holy Cross outpatient center and emergency department (200 East Sunrise Boulevard) The board voted to adopt a resolution approving a Site Plan Level 3 conditional use for Holy Cross Health's proposed comprehensive outpatient center and off‑site emergency department at 200 East Sunrise Boulevard (case UDPS25014). The application was presented by Steve Tillbrook of Ackerman Law Firm and Holy Cross representatives. The board’s approval endorsed the project as consistent with the Northwest RAC master plan design guidelines and included the standard conditions listed in the staff report. Public testimony included support from an immediate neighborhood representative, Olga Zamora of the South Middle River Civic Association, who said the project would provide meaningful services and improve the pedestrian environment. The project details recorded at the hearing: an 11,721‑square‑foot emergency department with 12 treatment rooms, an outpatient center with…