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Pompano Beach delays decision on Airpark land‑use and ESL changes after residents raise environmental, procedural concerns
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Summary
Commissioners postponed votes on a package of airpark items that would change 46.4 acres from open‑space/recreation to transportation and remove four parcels from the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands map, citing requests for written legal and wildlife analyses and additional review.
POMPANO BEACH — The Pompano Beach City Commission on Jan. 13 postponed a set of linked land‑use and zoning actions affecting the Pompano Beach Airpark after residents and several commissioners pressed for more technical and legal review.
Staff asked the commission to change the land‑use designation for a 46.4‑acre corner parcel from open‑space/recreation to transportation and to remove four parcels from Broward County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) map. City planners and airport staff said the proposed changes align the city’s map with FAA deed restrictions and federal grant assurances that limit uses on deed‑restricted airport property.
Jean Dolan, development services director, told the commission the county had unanimously approved the amendments and the FAA letter cited safety concerns where designating habitat can attract wildlife that endangers air navigation. Dolan also described mitigation commitments, including a gopher‑tortoise survey and seed/plant collection for transplanting to established preserves.
Opponents including nearby residents and environmental advocates urged delay. “Every time I look around we keep losing green space,” resident Carol Eisman told commissioners. Several speakers noted burrowing owls, gopher tortoises and scrub pine habitat they said merit protection. “There are other ways of accommodating a trade school,” Marilyn DiMartini said.
Barrington Irving, who has run aviation training programs in the city under a recent grant, spoke in favor of vocational opportunities, saying his program has enrolled adults and students and that he intends to continue serving Pompano even if he expands operations elsewhere. “I love Pompano,” Irving said, describing training placements he has achieved for program graduates.
Commissioners debated whether removing ESL designations would constitute an impermissible conversion of parkland under the city charter and whether the FAA’s objections were binding or advisory. Commissioner [Unidentified Speaker] asked staff and city counsel for a written charter opinion on whether redesignating park inventory triggers voter‑approval requirements. City Attorney Mark Berman said he would prepare written legal responses and staff agreed to coordinate an independent wildlife survey.
After extended floor debate and multiple motions, the commission voted to postpone the airpark land‑use and ESL items and related zoning changes to the Jan. 28 evening meeting to allow time for written legal and wildlife analyses and additional public review. The postponement was framed by supporters as a chance to resolve procedural questions and by opponents as necessary to protect long‑standing natural habitats.
The commission did not adopt any land‑use or zoning changes at the Jan. 13 session. Staff and the city attorney were directed to provide the requested legal memorandum and to facilitate access for additional ecological review before the next hearing.
