A retail center could become 736 apartments
Two development proposals, a court update, and two September events.
Two separate development proposals could reshape major Deerfield Beach sites, while the Question D ballot lawsuit continues without emergency relief. Two community events later this month also have firm dates and registration details.
JBL is pursuing a rezoning plan for the 13-acre Rivertowne Square site on South Federal Highway. The proposal calls for 736 apartments in two eight-story buildings, plus two garages with 1,232 spaces.
The plans keep 75,527 square feet of retail. Of that, 24,000 square feet would be new ground-floor space in the apartment buildings; the rest would remain in existing space.
The two buildings would contain 394 and 342 apartments. The unit mix is 116 studios, 379 one-bedroom apartments, and 241 two-bedroom apartments.
The city is considering the rezoning; this is a proposal, not a finished project. The plans were designed by Deerfield Beach-based Gallo Herbert Architects.
A separate City Center proposal mixes a hotel, homes, and offices
MBA Development Partners of Florida has proposed a separate mixed-use project called Deerfield Beach City Center. The plan is for 3.75 acres at 1045 Southwest 11th Way, just east of Interstate 95.
The proposal includes a hotel, residential units, office space, and a small retail component. It is distinct from JBL's Rivertowne Square redevelopment.
The Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to consider the land-use change, rezoning, allocation of 150 flex units, and site plan today, September 3. The City Commission would still have to approve the land-use and zoning changes later.
The site remains under contract, so the project is still in the review stage.
Question D goes to the printer while the lawsuit continues
The emergency phase of the lawsuit over Ballot Question D ended on August 17. Judge Carlos Rodriguez denied an injunction one day before the ballot-printing deadline, and the question went to the printer.
The order focused on timing and procedure. It did not decide whether the ballot language is legal, and the underlying case continues on a slower track.
Question D would move city elections from March to November and extend current commissioners' terms by about 20 months. The lawsuit argues that the ballot summary does not disclose how the extension interacts with the city's eight-year term limit.
The city filed its answer on August 31. The full Question D language will appear on the November ballot while the legal challenge remains unresolved.
Heroes Together puts mental health on the calendar
- When
- Wednesday, September 16 · 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Where
- Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex, 445 SW 2nd Street
Heroes Together: Creating a Mentally Healthy Community is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The city event takes place at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex, 445 Southwest 2nd Street.
Check the city calendar for any updates before attending.
Save the date: Junior Anglers Day at the pier
- When
- Saturday, September 19 · 7:20 AM-12:00 PM
- Where
- International Fishing Pier, 200 NE 21st Avenue
Junior Anglers Day is set for Saturday, September 19, from 7:20 a.m. to noon at the International Fishing Pier, 200 Northeast 21st Avenue.
The event is for children ages 5 to 13. The fee is $10 per angler, and preregistration is required.
Confirm registration details before heading to the pier.
Coddington trial moves to October 26
Judge Frank Ledee granted Cory Coddington's unopposed motion for a continuance. Coddington faces eight charges stemming from an alleged June 6 crash and carjacking on East Hillsboro Boulevard, including carjacking, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery on an officer, resisting with violence, felony meth possession, and petit theft. The charges are allegations, and the case remains unresolved.
The new calendar call is October 15, followed by a jury trial scheduled for October 26. The State did not object, and the August 26 order also accepted Coddington's waiver of speedy trial.
The proceedings are scheduled for Courtroom NW4750 at the Broward County Courthouse. Coddington must appear in person at both October hearings.