A controversial plan that will allow taller towers on Hollywood\u2019s barrier island in an attempt to spur redevelopment has won final commission approval, sparking warnings from opponents that the new towers will ruin the charm and character of a beach loved by so many.<\/p>\n
Supporters say it will save the beach from a blighted future<\/a> and bring new life to a stretch of beach in dire need of a makeover.<\/p>\n The 5-2 vote came Wednesday during a marathon 15-hour meeting that saw more than 60 people speak out against the plan to pave the way for taller towers.<\/p>\n Some pointed to flooding, sea-level rise and traffic gridlock as reasons to reconsider.<\/p>\n Hollywood officials argue the new rules<\/a> will give the city more control over beach redevelopment and serve as an alternative to Florida\u2019s Live Local Act, a state law that allows developers to bypass certain local zoning laws if they dedicate 40% of their project to workforce housing.<\/p>\n Looking out into the crowded commission chambers, Vice Mayor Traci Callari defended the overlay plan.<\/p>\n \u201cSome people didn\u2019t want to see Margaritaville built,\u201d Callari said. \u201cAnd we built Margaritaville. Some people will say it\u2019s the worst thing the city of Hollywood did. Others will say it\u2019s the best thing. It\u2019s a balance. It brings in revenue. And it brings in an opportunity for growth.\u201d<\/p>\n For years, much of Hollywood\u2019s barrier island has been bound by a height cap of 65 feet north of Hollywood Boulevard.<\/p>\n The new rules create a Hollywood Beach Overlay District on the barrier island with six development precincts, each with their own height and density rules. Under the plan approved by the commission, those rules will remain in place for up to five years.<\/p>\n Mayor Josh Levy voted in favor of the plan along with Vice Mayor Traci Callari and Commissioners Kevin Biederman, Adam Gruber and Peter Hernandez.<\/p>\n Commissioners Caryl Shuham and Idelma Quintana voted no.<\/p>\n