Zoning board denies Luminess Care special-exception after residents describe repeated 911 and EMS calls

The Pompano Beach Zoning Board of Appeals denied a special-exception application from Luminess Care to operate a transitional community residence on Northeast 19th Street after staff reports and substantial public testimony described code violations and repeated emergency responses.

Scott Riali, development services staff, told the board the property was operating without a required community residence certificate and staff found multiple deficiencies in the application, including lack of verified documentation of licensure or equivalency and evidence of clustering: "Based on its analysis staff finds that the application does not meet the applicable review standards for special exception approval," he said. Mario Sotolongo, city code compliance director, reported two open code cases and unpermitted interior work. Deputy Robert Ferrelli (BSO) summarized 12 police calls to the address over the past year, while Assistant Chief Matthew Aldridge (Pompano Beach Fire Rescue) reported 24 EMS calls year-to-date, including five in August. Neighbors gave detailed accounts of disturbingly frequent incidents such as intoxicated people wandering into yards, loud vans, and safety concerns for children.

Applicant representatives said Luminess Care provides a 45-day program and asserted they are FAR-recognized and licensed by the state, and they offered to increase on-site staffing and comply with city requirements if granted. Board members said the application failed to demonstrate the six special-exception review standards and voted unanimously to deny the request.