A Broward County judge ruled in favor of the city of Hollywood on Mar. 31 in a legal dispute over a proposed Live Local Act development, according to attorney Keith Poliakoff and court records.
The case centers on the city’s rejection of Condra Property Group’s application for a multi-building project at 2115 North Ocean Drive, which included a 17-story tower and plans for 282 apartments, with 40 percent designated as workforce housing. Judge David A. Haimes found that city officials acted within their rights when they denied the application, citing local zoning rules.
Poliakoff, who represents Condra Property Group, said the ruling “creates a massive loophole that completely undermines the Live Local Act and the state’s goal to provide affordable housing.” He also said his client intends to appeal the decision.
City staff had argued that Condra’s height comparison to Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort was not valid because that building is located in a governmental use zone and approved through a specialized process. Daniel L. Abbott, attorney for Hollywood, said: “The judge’s reasoning was similar to that of city staff when they denied the application.”
The state’s Live Local Act allows developers certain bonuses and incentives if at least 40 percent of residential units are set aside for households earning up to 120 percent of area median income. The law limits municipal authority over such projects but has been subject to ongoing changes by state lawmakers since its passage in 2023.
In recent legislative sessions, lawmakers expanded provisions allowing developers to build Live Local projects on public land under specific conditions and extended property tax abatements tied to securing building permits rather than project completion.
Observers will be watching how this case influences future applications under the Live Local Act as both cities and developers navigate evolving regulations.
