``This particular type of project does not match where we are going in terms of our redevelopment,'' Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong said, referring to the area known as Gateway 7, located on U.S. 441 between Davie and Sunrise boulevards. ``We've come a long way, but not quite far enough.''
In June 1998, developer Loren Mintz first proposed building a cluster of large, warehouse-like buildings on 163,000 square feet on the west side of U.S. 441 just north of Peters Road.
Council members have repeatedly tabled the proposal because of concerns that Mintz's project does not mesh with the city's goal of redeveloping U.S. 441 as a classy business zone, Councilman Lee Hillier said.
Mintz made some changes in his latest site proposal, including relocating handicapped parking and increasing the amount of landscaping fronting U.S. 441. But he also requested waivers for a pedestrian zone around each building and for a required five-foot strip of landscaping.
His latest proposal failed to provide enough landscaping to meet city codes, Plantation landscape architect Jeffrey Siegel said.
Councilman Ralph Merritt moved to approve the site if Mintz provides 25 percent landscaping and asks for no waivers. The motion was approved 3-2, but was vetoed by Armstrong - to a burst of applause from the audience.
``She came through,'' Country Club Estates resident George Lord said.
Lord and other residents of Country Club Estates, located behind U.S. 441, have long been concerned as to how the busy road will be redeveloped. The back end of Mintz's proposed lot is adjacent to homes and must abide by several codes to protect residences from noise, pollution and other hindrances.
But resident Kathy Batt told council members she was worried that Mintz could develop his project and then ask the city to change the ordinance so he can bring in any kind of business.
``We've seen it happen before,'' Batt said.
Richard Allen, who lives along U.S. 441, said the City Council should be more flexible.
``That property could sit there forever,'' Allen said. ``It would be a great improvement to have Mr. Mintz's project there.''
Mintz was given about two months to work with city planners to come up with a site plan that meets city codes.