Planning board recommends Diplomat Activity Center land‑use expansion despite residents’ objections

The Planning and Development Board voted 4–3 to recommend that the city commission transmit a proposed comprehensive plan amendment to change 2.03 acres at 3726 South Ocean Boulevard from medium‑high residential to the Diplomat Activity Center (a regional activity center designation). The parcel is located on the barrier island across the Intracoastal from Hallandale Beach and immediately south of the Diplomat hotel and convention center.

Staff presentation and applicant vision: Carmen Diaz of the planning division summarized the multi‑stage county and city process for county‑level land‑use changes. Diaz explained that a local recommendation is the first step; Broward County and state reviews follow and more detailed site‑specific studies (traffic, evacuation analysis, utilities and coastal management) are evaluated later. Applicant counsel Pedro Gasano said the project team envisions a hotel and convention corridor to…