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Coral Springs aims to create cohesive downtown vision. Residents have concerns

By Produced using AI, based on original work by Olivia Lloyd
As high rises sprout in downtown Coral Springs, residents say they’re afraid more could be coming to their backyards as the city proposes rezoning measures.
As high rises sprout in downtown Coral Springs, residents say they’re afraid more could be coming to their backyards as the city proposes rezoning measures. Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Coral Springs is considering rezoning 58 acres around its downtown Four Corners area, but residents worry the changes could bring more high rises to their neighborhoods.

City officials say the proposal aims to create a cohesive downtown vision, while a state law currently limits how much they can restrict building heights.

FULL STORY: As residents fear high rises, what does Coral Springs’ zoning proposal really say?

Coral Springs is looking to rezone a portion of land near downtown to be under the same “form-based” zoning code as the Four Corners area around University Drive and Sample Road.
Coral Springs is looking to rezone a portion of land near downtown to be under the same “form-based” zoning code as the Four Corners area around University Drive and Sample Road. Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Here are key takeaways:

  • The city wants to consolidate 58 acres near University Drive and Sample Road under a single downtown mixed-use district, continuing a process that began in 2017 with half of the 138-acre Community Redevelopment Area.
  • Residents told the Planning and Zoning Board they lack clarity about what could be built, especially after seeing the eight-story Modera apartment buildings rise at the Four Corners intersection.
  • Zoning Manager Elizabeth Chang said the maximum height discussed for the “edge” subdistrict near homes was four stories, but the ordinance language has not been finalized.
  • Director of Development Services Tina Jou said Senate Bill 180, a temporary state statute passed after recent hurricanes, prohibits cities from enacting more restrictive zoning laws until October 2027.
  • The board voted to send the amendments to the City Commission for an Aug. 19 vote, and staff said they will continue meeting with residents in the meantime.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

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