Greystar Cocomar Logistics Business Park from Atlantic Boulevard
By Bryan Boggiano
As Thursday night became Friday morning, a divided Coconut Creek City Commission, residents from Cocomar Palms and Lakewood East and developers voiced polarizing viewpoints about the proposed Cocomar Logistics Business Park.
The development would consist of three buildings totaling roughly 384,000 square feet for light industrial use. Greystar is the developer, while Coolidge, Inc. owns the land on which the proposed development would sit.
The commission planned to vote on rezoning the property from Cocomar Plaza Planned Commerce District to Greystar Cocomar Planned Commerce District, permitting a range of special uses, and approving a preliminary site plan on the first reading.
If they voted favorably, the commission would hold a second reading on Aug 24.
Generally, residents expressed negative reviews. They were concerned about traffic impacts and configuration, safety, environmental and aesthetic effects, noise, property values, and issues with possible site vacancy. Their oppositions ranged from one-sentence emails to a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation.
Steven Goldrick said the new development would bring tractor-trailers into close proximity to schools during rush hour.
“You’re putting a lot of children at risk,” he said.
Marianly Hernandez Primmer said not only will the increased traffic endanger lives, but the project will turn adjacent properties’ backyards into a truck-parking site.
Similarly, Mark Martone said, “Somebody’s going to get hurt in the future because of this.”
Residents supporting the project said the Cocomar Logistics Business Park would create jobs, diversify the city’s tax base, foster economic development, alleviate crime and homeless-related issues, and offset potential higher-density projects.
Those projects are possible because of the Live Local Act, which took effect in May. Under the law, local governments cannot restrict building heights below the highest-approved commercial or residential building within a mile.
One homeowner, Julie Price, prefers the business park over a higher-density residential property. She said the development would alleviate issues related to homelessness, saying homeless people regularly trespass onto her property when her teenage daughter is alone at home.
Rodrigo Diaz, who owns the property with his family, said his family filters through developments weekly and believes the Greystar development is most suitable for the community.
“We have the best team right now and the best team to develop this property,” he said.
Dennis Meeley, on behalf of Greystar, said left turns on Lyons Road would be forbidden. Additionally, he said environmental impacts would be minimal since they would relocate native trees and remove non-native ones.
Developers also proposed backing up a proposed wall on the property’s northern end to give residents 12 more feet of backyard space, among other offers.
Commissioner Jeffrey Wasserman expressed multiple concerns about Cocomar Logistics Business Park, including increased traffic and property incompatibility.
“It will pretty much impact daily life as [the residents] know it,” he said.
Brodie said addressing homelessness, privacy concerns, and residential safety was paramount to him, but he commended developers for going out of their way to listen to residents.
“I think it’s the best middle ground you’re going to find,” Brodie said.
Railey’s concerns were with the surrounding neighborhoods, schools, parks, and safety surrounding Atlantic and Lyons.
“That corner is a nightmare, at best,” she said. “It’s like a Bermuda Triangle.”
Vice Mayor Sandra Welch was concerned over plans not including an additional traffic light on Atlantic Boulevard. Meeley said developers would cover the cost if the county approved a traffic signal.
Mayor Joshua Rydell echoed his colleagues’ concerns, saying, “I have grave concerns on some aspects of this.”
Ultimately, Welch moved to table all three items to the commission’s Sept 14 meeting. Brodie seconded. The motion passed 3-2, with Brodie, Welch, and Rydell voting favorably. Wasserman and Railey opposed it.
Meeley said developers will continue to meet with residents, city staff, and commission members individually to gauge their opinions and make changes.
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