Urban Planner Makes Recommendations For Hollywood Beach

The results of a much-anticipated planning and zoning study were presented to Hollywood Beach residents and business owners at the District 1 Commissioner Meeting/CRA Beach District Showcase on Nov. 2.

The community-focused meeting was hosted by City Commissioner Cathy Anderson and the Beach District of the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency at the Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center.

The comprehensive study by urban planner Bernard Zyscovich addresses City codes, regulations and objectives for future public and private development, as well as new marketing and tourism initiatives for Hollywood Beach, the economic engine for the entire city.

Zyscovich outlined five main principles that will foster a "village atmosphere" on Central Beach: to preserve the urban character and scale and incorporate historic preservation; to promote ecologically friendly design and activities; to develop a mobility and parking plan; to address FEMA requirements; and to create zoning recommendations.

Zyscovich's recommendations include branding Hollywood Beach as a "green destination," or nature-based resort area, that utilizes both sides of State Road A1A with a boardwalk along the Intracoastal Waterway and boat rentals providing water access.

The study recommends making A1A more pedestrian-friendly by promoting alternative forms of mobility at hotels and motels, such as rental bikes and electric-powered mini-cars, as well as tram service along A1A and Surf Road. Zyscovich also proposes reducing the parking requirements for commercial and hotel properties, and building "capture garages" as part of a shared parking strategy.

The study relates beach zoning to land use through the establishment of design criteria that allow for variety. Zyscovich said individual beach properties could be considered for historic designation, as well as the pedestrian Broadwalk and the district itself.

The study also recommends height and shade limitations for new construction, as well as new setback requirements on A1A and Surf Road that would eliminate the impression that buildings are "right on the street," Zyscovich said.

"Developers will know that they can't come in here and build things that will be out of scale and out of character with Central Beach," he stressed.

Other topics of discussion at the community meeting included the need for a new fire-rescue station in the Beach District and details on upcoming development projects. Hollywood Beach's ongoing redevelopment effort includes more than $120 million in public improvement projects, including the multimillion-dollar Broadwalk makeover now underway.

For more information, call the CRA Beach District at (954) 924-2980 or visit www.hollywoodbeachcra.org.