Planning board recommends Hillcrest Village affordable housing amendment with design conditions after heated public comment

The Planning and Development Board on Wednesday recommended that the City Commission approve a planned‑unit‑development amendment and site plan for Hillcrest Village, a proposed 110‑unit affordable apartment building at 1101 Hillcrest Drive, but it attached conditions requiring revised architectural designs and two design alternatives before final commission action.

The board acted after a lengthy staff presentation and more than an hour of public comment. The board’s recommendation covers the PUD amendment, the site plan and design; members voted to recommend the PUD amendment and site plan and to forward the design to the commission only after the developer submits revised architecture that simplifies facade elements, improves compatibility with neighboring buildings and breaks up the building massing. The developer must provide two alternatives for the commission to consider.

The project is proposed on a 2.45‑acre parcel within the Hillcrest PUD. Reggie White, planner with the City of Hollywood, told the board the applicant proposes an eight‑story building with 110 units, 157 parking spaces, and a package of resident amenities including a pool, fitness center and rooftop garden. White said the applicant is…