The Pembroke Pines City Commission on Nov. 19 unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance to permit a short, procedural extension of agreements tied to Pines Place, the city’s workforce‑affordable housing property, while the city and private parties finish negotiations with the state.

City Attorney said the ordinance preserves protections secured this year in state legislation and gives the parties time to work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. "We are miles away from where we were several months ago," he told commissioners, saying the change is a "minimal extension of time" to let state officials complete their review.

Elliot White, a representative of the prospective owner, told the commission he and his team have been negotiating with city officials and DEP and that the extension is needed to finish the terms before a planned closing. "Agreed," White said when asked if the extension would allow the parties to finish their work and reach a closing in short order.

The ordinance (proposed number 2025‑18) authorizes execution of the sixth amendment to an agreement to enter into a sub‑sublease with H.G. Pines LLC and was advanced on first and second emergency readings before the roll‑call vote. Vice Mayor Hernandez moved the readings; Commissioner Goode seconded. On roll call all commissioners voted yes.

Why it matters: The property at issue is subject to long‑running subleases and statutory declarations dating back to earlier state approvals; the city attorney said the legislative language enacted this year adds protections for the city’s interest in preserving ad valorem exemptions and the property’s affordable status. Commissioners said the extension seeks to avoid jeopardizing those protections while state and local negotiations conclude.

The commission did not set a new substantive policy during the action; it authorized staff and the mayor to finalize the amendment and continue work toward closing.

The commission is expected to return to procedural follow‑up as the parties complete required state approvals.