Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollywood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with medium priority
Carolina Street signal modifications and A1A undergrounding
The big A1A undergrounding and streetscape project got a $59,208 change order and a 240-day extension to finish FPL pole removal and restoration work. The new Carolina Street pedestrian crossing signal should be up in about 45 days.
Property Improvement Program Grants
A new downtown restaurant owner got stuck paying out of pocket for awnings and paint tied to a building code violation his landlord never disclosed, then found the CRA grant fund already committed. The board stepped in to direct staff to process his roughly $7,500 application, raising questions about how the CPIP program handles after-the-fact work and wait lists.
Downtown streetscape and wayfinding wrap-up
Downtown improvements are nearly done: crosswalk repairs on Hollywood Boulevard are complete, crash-rated bollards are almost all in, Harrison Street landscaping is planted, and new directional signage is going up. The vacant La Piazza building will get window wrapping to brighten the block.
Hollywood Hills High School traffic and flooding
A resident described daily chaos outside her home near the high school — parents U-turning mid-street, kids crossing dangerously, and chronic flooding on Sarazen Drive that the city promised three years ago to fix.
School Zone Warning Lights
The commission took the first step toward bringing back red-light cameras, limited to serious violations like running red lights and illegal U-turns, with officers reviewing each citation. Most commissioners had concerns; a broader roadway-safety workshop is planned for the new commission before second reading.
Downtown walkability and food trucks
A restaurateur got a code violation for hosting food trucks in his own parking lot because of the 200-foot rule. The commission directed staff to review the aging ordinance, possibly letting restaurants opt in if parking works out.
Parking Fee Waiver
Hollywood is hooking locals up with free beach garage parking whenever king tides flood the streets. If you live near the coast, you finally have a dry, no-cost spot to leave your car.
Fire Station 74 HVAC Replacement Cost Increase
Up to $1.9 million contract with Lebolo Construction to replace the fire station's failing HVAC system.
City Attorney Performance and Compensation
Commissioner Hernandez publicly questioned whether the city attorney's office has the experience and staffing Hollywood needs, pointing to outside counsel spending and delayed certification. The full commission weighed in, and a detailed performance review with department feedback is set for later this month.
Employees' Retirement Fund Correction
A drafting error in last summer's pension ordinance accidentally cut off seven longtime employees' ability to purchase credited service. The fix passed first reading.
Resilient Florida Resiliency Projects
Three resiliency projects get a shot at state grant funding, with the city on the hook for matching dollars if awarded.
Gracewood Sidewalk Network Project
The city locked in a $200,000 federal Vision Zero safety grant (with $50,000 match) and picked Kimley-Horn to design new Gracewood neighborhood sidewalks.
Sidewalk Cafés at US-1/Young Circle
An agreement with FDOT would let restaurants operate sidewalk cafés in the state right of way on the western edge of US-1/Young Circle, supporting downtown dining.
Citywide Professional Answering Service
City will hire 22nd Century Technologies to replace the notorious phone tree with a 24/7 AI and live-agent service. Contract must come back to commissioners with the price before final approval.
Self-storage facility proposed at 1109 North 21st Avenue
A developer proposes a four-story, 50,472-square-foot self-storage building with one residential unit, and wants the required 10-foot setback reduced to zero. Neighbors on 21st Avenue would see a taller building closer to the property line than the code normally allows.
27-unit apartment proposal at 1118-1126 North 17th Avenue
A four-story, 27-unit apartment building is proposed in the FH-1 district within the Regional Activity Center. It would add residential density to the 17th Avenue neighborhood.
Rezoning of 2326 Thomas Street to Government Use
The county wants to formally rezone its 53-year-old bus shelter storage yard to Government Use so it can eventually modernize the facility. Neighbors worry about the site's neglected condition and what could be built there someday.
33-unit apartment proposal at 1504-1510 North Dixie Highway
A four-story, 33-unit apartment building is proposed on North Dixie Highway and Roosevelt Street in the Regional Activity Center. It would add housing density along the Dixie Highway corridor.
Joint board meeting membership dispute
Board member Glickman raised that the full planning board was excluded from a June 29 joint hearing and asked whether the matter can be reheard; the city attorney and chair pushed to move on, creating a tense exchange.
Countywide climate resilience plan
Commissioner Shuham pitched the Regional Resilience Plan — a $28 billion, 50-year roadmap for adapting to flooding, heat, and sea level rise — and asked the board to factor it into development recommendations.