Residents press for wider environmental and agency briefings before Woodlands hearing

Residents and several commissioners urged the City of Tamarac to set up additional community meetings with the developer and county and state regulators to give neighbors more information about remediation and project management for the former Woodlands golf‑course redevelopment.

‘‘We should have a meeting of the staff and the professionals where the community can get answers for these questions,’’ Commissioner Wright said during the meeting, arguing the neighborhood “has a lot of questions in terms of what's happening.” City Manager Tony Palacios told the commission the city can convene appropriate departments and bring in parties as long as the topics fall within the city's jurisdiction.

Public commenters at the meeting pressed the point: Donna Rosenblum Pickens and others said the developer’s community meeting on Aug. 18 had left many questions unanswered. ‘‘I would respectfully request that you grant the community's request’’ to defer a Sept. 9 hearing so county and state staff can attend, Eileen Lieberman Michaelson said.

Palacios said the applicant has indicated an intent to request deferral; commissioners debated whether a deferral would simply delay answers. Vice Mayor Bolton said developers should hold a community meeting now and not wait ‘‘to kick the can down the road,’’ while noting legal notice requirements for such meetings. The commission did not take a formal vote on deferral during the manager's report; the matter will appear on the Sept. 9 agenda with the applicant’s request noted and the city prepared to advise residents on participation options.

Why this matters: The Woodlands redevelopment includes four parcels near existing homes and is linked to environmental remediation and a potential Brownfield designation. Residents asked for coordinated briefings with the county and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection so local decision‑makers and neighbors can better understand risks and timelines before any final action.