Commission grants one-year extension to MBA development, requires accelerated Mayo Howard Park work

The Deerfield Beach City Commission on Tuesday approved a 12-month extension — with two potential four-month extensions — to the entitlement period in the purchase-and-sale agreement with MBA Development Partners of Florida LLC for the redevelopment of the city-owned property at 1045 Southwest 11th Way.

The extension, approved unanimously, gives MBA additional time to obtain final development approvals while binding the developer to commence Mayo Howard Park improvements within 30 days of closing and permit issuance and to “diligently pursue” completion; staff said the change will accelerate delivery of some community enhancements to the city.

City Attorney Anthony Siroca summarized the change for the commission: the original agreement (approved 3/7/2023 and validated by referendum) included a 15-month entitlement period plus a possible six-month extension; MBA asked for more time because recent market shifts have raised construction costs and changed tenant requirements. In return for the extension, the draft amendment ties the developer to a schedule for the park and to a payment schedule for the previously promised $7.5 million in community enhancements.

Developer representatives Joel Kaplan and Mario Caprini told the commission they have spent roughly $1 million of their own funds on project work and cited higher construction prices and elevated interest rates as drivers of the request. Caprini said a new anchor tenant under discussion has high security requirements that require internal reconfiguration of building programing and that removing underground parking and other design changes are intended to reduce cost while retaining the project program approved by voters.

The developer team also told the commission they are ready to submit a plat amendment and that paying the community-enhancement funds at financial close — rather than at the first certificate of occupancy — will accelerate park improvements relative to the original schedule.

Public commenters urged caution and asked the commission to require accountability: resident Dan Hurst and developer peers asked whether the city has recent market appraisals for the four-acre parcel, whether the city will receive rent or other compensation during any extension, and whether the city has the remedies needed if the buyer fails to perform. The developer said the buyer had voluntarily offered $7.5 million and that failing to extend the timeline would likely restart a multi-year selection and referendum process, costing time and public resources.

Commission discussion emphasized a balance between giving a large, complex project time to adapt to market conditions and protecting city interests. Vice Mayor Preston, who introduced the motion to approve the extension, said the city chose MBA after a competitive selection and that staff and the developer have been “diligent” in negotiations. Commissioner Shanetsky said the alternative — restarting the process — would set the city back and favored approval. The motion passed unanimously.

The extension authorizes the one-year entitlement extension through May 7, 2026, with potential two four-month extensions if MBA is “diligently pursuing” approvals. The developer must begin park improvements within 30 days of closing and permit issuance; the draft development agreement will return to the commission with final details. Staff said they will provide written responses to specific public questions on appraisals, timing and enforcement provisions.