Coral Ridge Association raises concerns over new mixed-use project plans

The City Commission of Fort Lauderdale held a regular meeting on March 18, 2025, where significant discussions centered around a proposed mixed-use development project in the Coral Ridge neighborhood. The meeting highlighted concerns from local residents regarding the project's design and community engagement.

During the meeting, city officials reviewed the project's compliance with mixed-use standards, specifically addressing building length requirements for single-use residential buildings. The proposed development includes a 4,000 square foot restaurant and is designed as a multi-use structure, which does not have the same length restrictions as single-use buildings.

Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of communication regarding the project. Mary Pellequin, representing the Coral Ridge Association, voiced concerns that the project had not been adequately presented to the community, despite previous discussions in 2020. Pellequin emphasized that the current design had not been shared with the Coral Ridge Association or the Coral Ridge Country Club, which she found troubling.

Chris Williams, another community representative, echoed Pellequin's sentiments, stating that the neighborhood had been actively involved in past developments and had expected similar engagement for this project. He noted that the community had not been given the opportunity to provide input on the project's potential impact.

The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in local development projects, as residents seek to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their neighborhoods. The City Commission is expected to address these concerns as the project moves forward, with further discussions likely to take place in upcoming meetings.