Commission approves first reading to rezone Deer Creek site for 43 townhomes

On June 2 the Deerfield Beach City Commission approved, on first reading, an ordinance to rezone roughly 4.43 gross acres at 3116 Deer Creek Country Club Boulevard from Business Community (B‑1) to Residence Multifamily (RM‑15), authorizing a maximum of 43 townhome dwelling units.

Applicant representative Christina Balenki of Miskal Backman presented the project on behalf of KHOB's "Tides at Deerfield Beach" proposal, describing the site as heavily wooded and largely hidden behind an office building and noting adjacent RM‑15 zoning to the east and north. Balenki said the proposal would produce a two‑story townhouse product, at a density under 10 dwelling units per acre, and argued the rezoning met the city's five rezoning criteria including comprehensive-plan consistency and compatibility with neighbors.

Clerk disclosures showed the applicant's representative reported campaign contributions under the city's code of ethics (Mayor Drozki $1,000 on 01/10/2025; Vice Mayor Hudak $1,000 on 11/17/2022; Commissioner Preston $1,000 on 02/21/2023; Commissioner Shanetzky $500 on 01/10/2025). Commissioners asked staff to check for any historical significance on the parcel and sought sensitivity to a small homeless encampment on the property; the applicant said outreach to Broward County homeless services had already occurred and the developer would coordinate before construction.

Commissioner Shanetzky, whose district abuts the area, and Commissioner Plow both spoke in favor of the rezoning for compatibility reasons. The motion to approve first reading carried by unanimous roll call (Plaut, Preston, Shanetzky, Vice Mayor Hudak, Mayor Drozki).

Next steps: The applicant will return to the commission in approximately two weeks with a full site plan and building elevations for review.