1301 development team pushes back on resident criticism
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Residents fear this is the beginning of rapid high-rise development along Hollywood Beach. Photo: Related Group
The developer of the controversial Portofino Hollywood project, better known as 1301, is meeting with residents to address what it says is widespread misinformation about the project.
Why it matters: Related Group's project has divided Hollywood, with many residents afraid the redevelopment of city-owned beachfront land will change the barrier island's character and spur more high-rise development.
Catch up quick: After zoning issues and resident criticism stalled the luxury condo for nearly five years, the Hollywood City Commission approved making 1301 a Live Local project under a 99-year lease.
- This change enables the developer to sidestep local zoning rules that could've put the project in jeopardy.
- Originally proposed as a 27-story tower with 111 units, it is now planned to have 29 stories with 210 units — 84 workforce rental units and 126 luxury condos.
The latest: The project is now the subject of a lawsuit, alleging it violates a deed restriction on the site and requires voter approval.
Driving the news: Axios attended the first of two public meetings to learn more about the project.
- Plans include a 20,000-square-foot-community center with an auditorium, multipurpose rooms and ballroom. There would also be 126 public parking spaces.
- Harry Berry Park would be expanded and new bathrooms and a playground added.
- Space for a coffee shop or convenience store is planned for the ground floor.
Friction point: Keith Poliakoff, attorney for Related Group, tells Axios that the biggest misconceptions are that the project would eliminate the park, dunes and community center.
- He says the land can be used for any public use, pointing to the 1974 deed that states "for whatever the Commission wishes."
- Poliakoff says the public opposition prompted the developer to get 1301 approved through Live Local, which allowed the project to become larger.
The other side: In addition to the environmental concerns, critics have slammed the project for having separate entrances for the apartment and condo units, which some call "poor doors."
- "I don't think any of you want to be known as the 'poor door' landlord, implying that our heroes or our busboys aren't fit to walk through the same lobby or swim in the same pool as the wealthier residents," Hollywood Commissioner Caryl Shuham said ahead of the May vote.
- Poliakoff maintains that critics weaponized the term "poor doors" and don't understand development of luxury condos.
What's next: Poliakoff says the groundbreaking is expected in late 2027.
- The next public meeting is 3 to 7pm on Aug. 6 at the Garfield Community Center, 300 Connecticut St.