Facing vocal neighborhood opposition, the developer must now decide how—and whether—to move forward with the proposed re-development of the Sunset Golf Course.

Broward County, particularly the city of Hollywood where Sunset Golf Course is located, is a nearly built-out community; vacant land in urban development areas is rare and valuable as it offers the opportunity to create much-needed housing, open space, recreation facilities or commercial venues. The Sunset Golf Course site, located in an established residential community, is close to downtown Hollywood and offers easy access to a major highway—making the site ideal for many potential uses.

 

 

As you work through this case, you will assume the role of urban planner, weighing the needs of the developer, the neighboring community, the municipality and other stakeholders to formulate a recommendation.

As you review the case, note the stakeholders’ priorities, keeping in mind that while the neighbors are advocating for maintaining the status quo the developer has the right to re-develop the property—and the city of Hollywood and Broward County are obligated to ensure that whatever the developer ultimately does ensures the safety of the entire community.