Portofino Hollywood High-Rise Project Advances Despite Resident Concerns Over Beachfront Development

The Related Group held a community gathering Thursday to counter what officials characterized as public misconceptions about the Portofino Hollywood development, a 27-story luxury high-rise proposed for the 3.5-acre site at 1301 South Ocean Drive. The project, which won city commission approval this spring, has faced sustained opposition from residents who worry the tower will fundamentally change the neighborhood’s character.

Keith Poliakoff, attorney for the developers, outlined several points he said have been misunderstood by the public. The existing community center will be rebuilt as part of the development, the park will remain intact, and the city stands to receive $2.7 billion over the course of a 99-year lease agreement, he explained. Poliakoff contested the assertion that the project lacks community support, noting that Hollywood has roughly 250,000 voters but opposition voices at public meetings typically number between 20 and 50 people.

The development qualifies under Florida’s Live Local Act, a state law that restricts municipal zoning authority for housing projects meeting certain criteria. Because the Portofino proposal reserves 40 percent of its units for affordable housing, local zoning regulations do not apply. According to Poliakoff, the project will enter its final review phase in October, with a planning and development board meeting and subsequent city commission session before construction drawings begin.