Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 400 NW 73RD AVE PLANTATION, FLORIDA 33317 THURSDAY, July 10, 2025 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Maggie Zalamea at 4:34 p.m. Roll call was conducted by the clerk. A quorum was present. Present: Jon Auerbach, Robbie Auerbach, Carl Buehler (arrived late), Edwin Cordova, Toshia R. Drummond, Mitchell Rosenstein, and Vice-Chair Maggie Zalamea Absent: Chair Michael Dutko Jr., Mayor Nick Sortal Also Present: Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development (PZED) Dan Holmes; Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development (PZED) Assistant Director Michael Alpert; City Attorney Kerri Ezrol; PZED Grants Administrator Edlyn Griffith; Chief Administrative Officer Jason Nunemaker; Councilmembers Denise Horland and Timothy Fadgen APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES May 1, 2025 Meeting Minutes Jon Auerbach moved to approve the May 1, 2025, minutes as presented, seconded by Robbi Auerbach. Motion passed: 6-0. NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Inc. proposal for the development of attainable housing at 150 N. Hiatus Road Assistant PZED Director Michael Alpert gave an overview of a city-owned property near Old Hiatus Road and Broward Boulevard, where the City Council approved an agreement with Habitat for Humanity to develop workforce housing. The property, previously considered for a fire station, is zoned for residential use. Member Cordova inquired about the property's proximity to a nearby Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) substation and potential health concerns. PZED Director Dan Holmes responded that the substation is approximately 70 feet from the site and there are no City Code provisions requiring greater distance, but Staff would be open to reviewing the concern further.

Chief Administrative Officer Jason Nunemaker explained that the City Council approved moving forward with a Habitat for Humanity partnership to build 16 attainable townhomes on surplus City land. The project is subject to input from the advisory board and the public. CAO Nunemaker outlined key terms, including a nominal $10 land sale, prioritizing first- time buyers such as City employees, residents, teachers, and public safety workers. Homes would be restricted for affordable ownership (60–120% AMI) for 99 years, with protections like a restrictive covenant and a reverter clause if the project fails. 2. Presentation & Discussion: Habitat For Humanity Townhome Proposal on Hiatus Road Nancy Robin, Habitat for Humanity, explained that while the exact site plan is still being developed, they are aiming for flexibility to build up to 21 homes on the 1.32-acre parcel if zoning and feasibility allow. Ms. Robin emphasized the goal of maximizing homeownership while maintaining quality of life with green space and parking. Ms. Robin also discussed the rigorous application process, including income verification, background checks, sweat equity requirements, and long-term deed restrictions to ensure affordability for future buyers. Ms. Robin highlighted that the homes are sold with mortgages - not given away - and that resale prices are tied to income limits rather than market value, preserving affordable housing stock over many decades. Committee Members raised questions about the density allowed on the property, the feasibility of building the maximum number of homes, and concerns regarding safety near the nearby power substation, including potential electromagnetic frequency (EMF) exposure. There were also inquiries about the structure and management of the homeowners’ association and how future resales of the homes would be handled under the deed restrictions. Vice-Chair Zalamea opened public comment. Cathy Bowers, a Plantation Club resident, raised concerns about the safety of building homes near high-voltage power lines and electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). She urged the City to conduct further studies to ensure the health and safety of future residents before proceeding with the development. Frank Carreras expressed support for Habitat for Humanity but criticized the City donating land to just one organization, questioning how this benefits all Plantation residents. They voiced concerns about the “socialist” aspect of giving away land and emphasized the value of hard work and personal sweat equity in homeownership. Member Rosenstein supported the project, explaining that providing affordable homes for City employees like teachers and firefighters benefits the entire City of Plantation community by improving quality of life and housing stability. He emphasized that offering land practically for free is a good bargain for residents.

Council Member Denise Horland expressed strong support for the partnership with Habitat for Humanity, highlighting the City’s long-term ownership of the land and the need to address affordable housing for local employees. She emphasized that the project will help retain valuable City workers and first responders by offering affordable homes, creating generational wealth, and generating tax revenue for the City. She also addressed safety concerns about electromagnetic fields, noting the property’s safe distance from power lines. Rob Koreman,1095 White Hawk Street, supports the Habitat partnership, explaining that the nearby structure is a substation, not a high-voltage power station, and that the distance from power lines is sufficient to mitigate EMF concerns. He emphasized that the land is surplus and being used for public good by providing housing for 16 families, offering positive PR for the City, and helping families build generational wealth. Vice-Chair Zalamea closed public comment. 3. Presentation & Discussion: Plantation Pointe Midtown Residential Project @ 7700 W. Sunrise Boulevard Cushla Talbut, Esq., of Greenberg Traurig, representing the Applicant for the Plantation Pointe residential project, presented plans for a new multi-family apartment development. The project will include 300 rental units, 20% of which will be designated as affordable housing at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The site, located at the northwest corner of the former Motorola facility now known as Plantation Pointe, is currently an underutilized parking lot. The proposed six-story building will feature studio to three-bedroom units, two parking garages (one for residents and one for commercial uses), and amenities such as a gym, a 3,500-sq. ft. lobby, pool deck, and a landscaped pedestrian path. The design emphasizes connectivity to the rest of the campus, activating Sunrise Boulevard with thoughtful architecture and landscape preservation. The project is utilizing the Live Local Act to allow residential use on industrially-zoned property and will follow the 10% affordability pathway, even though it exceeds that threshold with 20% affordable units. During the presentation, Committee Members asked several questions. They inquired about the identity of the developer, which was confirmed to be Midtown Capital, a residential developer based in Coconut Grove. They also questioned the parking ratio for the residential component, which will be 1.78 spaces per unit, including allowable reductions under code. Additionally, members asked whether the affordable units were evenly distributed across all unit types rather than being concentrated in studios-this was confirmed. Clarification was also requested regarding the 120% AMI standard. Vice-Chair Zalamea opened public comment. None Vice-Chair Zalamea closed public comment.

4. Presentation & Discussion: The Residences @ Plantation Square @ 8190 W. Sunrise Boulevard Marcos Puente, representing Plantation Square, presented a 307-unit apartment project that includes 40% affordable housing - 25% at 80% AMI and 15% at 120% AMI. He emphasized deeper affordability than the Live Local Act requires and explained he is pursuing a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) agreement instead, which offers better financing and lower rents for local workers. He is willing to enter into a 30-year affordability covenant and highlighted the project’s location, transit access, and need for more affordable housing in the area. Committee Members inquired about the potential traffic impact of the proposed 307-unit residential development compared to nearby projects. Mr. Puente explained that, despite having a similar number of units to the adjacent Leena Apartments, the new project has significantly fewer bedrooms, resulting in lower expected daily visits. He also noted that nearby commercial establishments, such as Chick-fil-A, generate substantially more traffic than residential developments, suggesting the overall traffic impact would be manageable. Vice-Chair Zalamea opened public comment. None Vice-Chair Zalamea closed public comment. 5. CDBG Consolidated Plan PZED Grants Administrator Edlyn Griffith provided an update on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan, explaining its purpose and the required two public hearings. She outlined that the Plan guides how Federal funds-of around $630,799 for CDBG and $186,188 for HOME funds in 2025 - will be used for affordable housing, public improvements, rehabilitation, economic development, and services. The Plan was developed using community surveys, nonprofit input, and public participation. The main focus areas for the coming years include affordable housing, public services, and grant administration. The public comment period is open until August 1st, with the final plan to be submitted to HUD by August 15th for approval and funding. Committee Members asked about the difference between the $400,000 and $180,000 amounts for home assistance. It was clarified that $180,000 comes from HOME grant funds used mainly for purchase assistance, while the $400,000 includes CDBG funds for home repairs and purchase help. They also asked about how many families were served, and it was explained that assistance can be up to $75,000 for repairs and $80,000 for home purchases.

6. Comprehensive Plan Housing Element PZED Director Dan Holmes began the presentation by outlining the draft updates to the Housing Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He explained that the updates were designed to align with new State mandates while also addressing local needs, with a strong focus on expanding affordable housing options, preserving existing housing, and improving housing accessibility. PZED Director Holmes noted that a large share of the City’s population - particularly those earning 0–60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) - are housing cost-burdened. He presented strategies to address this, including promoting accessory dwelling units, encouraging a broader mix of housing types, and updating land use and zoning policies to remove barriers to housing development. PZED Director Holmes also emphasized the need to create more walkable and transit- oriented neighborhoods, explaining that density alone doesn’t drive traffic - car dependency does. He highlighted that land use decisions directly impact mobility and that the Plan supports development patterns that reduce traffic and enhance transportation options. The presentation included details about implementation timelines and next steps for integrating the updated Housing Element into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Committee Members asked questions focused on the funding allocations and the specific uses of the HOME and CDBG funds. One member inquired about the difference between the $400,000 mentioned for housing programs and the $180,000 listed for home assistance. Staff clarified that the $180,000 represents Federal HOME grant funds used exclusively for purchase assistance, while the CDBG funds—approximately $400,000— support both home repairs and purchase assistance. Additional questions addressed the number of families served, the average funding per household, and how the proposed strategies would be implemented through zoning or development incentives. Committee Members also expressed interest in ensuring housing for lower-income residents and voiced support for efforts that would help meet the community’s growing housing needs. Vice-Chair Zalamea opened public comment. None Vice-Chair Zalamea closed public comment. OLD BUSINESS 1. Silver Linings Town Hall Planning Vice Chair Zalamea spoke on the upcoming “Silver Linings” Town Hall on November 6, which will focus on affordable living for seniors, touching on related topics like healthcare and transportation. The event is being planned with support from nonprofits to not only raise awareness but offer real solutions. We anticipate having some great panelists!

Staff shared updates on the new Freebee transit service in Midtown and increasing interest in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Committee members asked questions about how ADUs affect taxes, insurance, and HOA restrictions. Staff clarified that ADUs are taxed as property additions, insurance impacts are being researched, and HOA covenants can override City rules if properly documented. The meeting wrapped with a look ahead to the October public hearing and November’s town hall. 2. Update on Parking & Zoning Code PZED Assistant Director Michael Alpert updated the committee on the new Parking and Zoning Ordinance, which aims to encourage affordable housing and denser, mixed-use development in key city areas like Midtown and the Gateway. The Ordinance includes reduced parking requirements for affordable units, increased building heights in the Gateway districts, and a new Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zoning district focused on walkability and shared parking. Although the ordinance passed the Planning and Zoning Board and got initial City Council approval at the First Reading, a final vote is pending. Committee Members expressed concerns about whether reduced parking and mixed-use designs will realistically reduce car usage in areas lacking strong public transit. They also discussed challenges with ADU property taxes and safety perceptions around transit use. Assistant Director Alpert acknowledged these issues but emphasized that targeted growth and improved transit options could eventually reduce reliance on cars. PUBLIC COMMENTS Cathy Bowers, Plantation Club resident, expressed support for Habitat but voiced concerns about electromagnetic frequency effects needing further study. She also praised the new Freebee transportation service, highlighting its benefits for seniors, and thanked the Committee for their work. ADJOURNMENT: 6:52 p.m.