Broward greenlights massive townhouse development on former golf course
The stench of decaying turf and lingering pesticides finally yields to the promise of concrete – the Broward County Planning Council has unanimously approved a land-use change for the derelict Carolina Club golf course off Rock Island Road.
A 500-unit gamble and lingering concerns
The decision paves the way for a developer to erect 500 two-story townhouses, alongside retail space, a restaurant, and a small park. Eight years of silence and neglect have blanketed the 143-acre site, a history now overshadowed by the prospect of significant redevelopment. But the approval isn’t met with unbridled enthusiasm; resident outcry over potential traffic bottlenecks and the specter of soil contamination – specifically, the documented presence of arsenic – remains a potent force.
Allen Kopelman, a vocal opponent, bluntly stated his disappointment, characterizing the council’s decision as a disregard for public health. “I’m disappointed they don’t care about the public’s health,” he lamented. The developer, predictably, remained tight-lipped following the vote, while the Planning Council Chairman offered a carefully worded assurance: “We want to make sure we safeguard everyone. We can do that by making sure the processes are in place.”
Digging up the past
However, Kopelman and Pete Martino, another resident, aren't convinced. Martino pointed to the sheer volume of earthwork required – 143 acres – coupled with the potential for leaks from underground fuel tanks. “It’s 143 acres, that’s a lot of digging, plus leaks from fuel tanks underground,” he emphasized, painting a grim picture of what lies beneath the surface. The developer’s own report, Martino highlighted, indicates a 6-foot deep arsenic presence, a chilling reminder of the site’s former life.
The project's future hinges on state approval and final backing from the full Broward County Commission. If all proceeds smoothly – a significant ‘if’ considering the objections – ground is anticipated to be broken in 2027. The process, frankly, feels protracted, a bureaucratic dance around a deeply problematic foundation.
It’s a gamble, undeniably. And one that, for many in the surrounding area, feels profoundly unsettling. The echoes of the Carolina Club’s past are unlikely to simply fade away with the new construction.