Board approves AT&T site plan amendment for service operations center access and wall

The Planning and Zoning Board approved a site plan amendment for AT&T’s Pembroke Pines service operations center that will add a gated exit onto Southwest Fifth Street, replace visible chain‑link fencing with a precast concrete wall, and add landscaping to screen equipment storage areas.

Leslie Lewis, outside real estate counsel for AT&T and BellSouth Telecommunications, said the change would create a safer route for roughly 130 company service vans and about 30 larger vehicles that leave the property during morning dispatch, shortening a multi‑mile loop vehicles currently use. “AT and T desires to create a safer path so that their service vehicles ... will have a safer path to start on their work orders,” Lewis told the board.

Architect Ted Ruhl described the visual improvement the wall would provide, saying the chain‑link fence “is not particularly attractive” and the wall will “improve the entrance look into the shopping center.” He also confirmed the new access drive was designed 20 feet wide at the fire department’s request and will include culverts where the new roadway crosses existing drainage.

Board members asked about hours of use, traffic studies and easements. Lewis said AT&T had negotiated an access easement with the private drive owner and will participate in landscape maintenance; she said the driveway will be used primarily as an exit during the morning dispatch peak. Staff and applicants confirmed that traffic studies were reviewed during Development Review Committee review and were revised as required.

Member Goldich moved to approve the site plan as presented; Member Doris Gonzales seconded. The motion passed unanimously.