Pembroke Pines approves artificial turf deal as housing sale remains uncertain
Bundt cakes, swearing-in oaths and a packed chamber set the tone for a wide-ranging Pembroke Pines City Commission meeting Wednesday night.
The commission approved all consent agenda items March 18, including the installation of an artificial turf field at Pembroke Shores Park, while also weighing a separate multimillion-dollar housing deal that stalled and raised concerns about the looming state property tax changes.
Commissioners unanimously approved a 10-year agreement with Somerset Academy to construct an artificial turf field at Field No. 7, one of the night’s most anticipated items.
Somerset Academy parents, in a sea of blue jerseys, filled the chambers to show their support for the project.
However, it prompted questions from Commissioner Jay D. Schwartz about liability protections, insurance requirements and environmental impacts tied to artificial turf.
“I want to make sure that Somerset or WPPO (West Pines Baseball) or anyone else is going to be covered,” Schwartz said. “When there’s an item that says you don’t have to cover it, it doesn’t exclude you from getting sued, so I want to find a way to protect Somerset from exposure.”
City staff clarified that Somerset’s required general liability coverage would address injuries and that, once completed, the field becomes a city asset like any other facility.
The project is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete and has an estimated cost of $1.5 million.
Despite his concerns, Schwartz supported the motion and it passed unanimously.
Vice Mayor Michael Hernandez, who has been a vocal supporter of the project, signaled that similar improvements are in motion to expand to other areas of the city, including West Pines Soccer Park.
During public comment, Somerset Academy Principal Dr. Bernardo Montero called the project a long-awaited investment for the community.
“As long as I’ve been there, they’ve never had the joy of having a home base,” he said. “It’s going to be a field of dreams. ... I really sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and support.”
Environmental concerns resurface
Following the vote, Schwartz introduced a separate item for the city’s consideration about findings from a University of Florida study on the environmental effects of artificial turf.
The item led to a tense exchange between Schwartz and Mayor Angelo Castillo, who dismissed the need for formal action and said that the city’s environmental advisory board can independently review materials without formal commission resolutions or assignments to them.
Housing deal in limbo
Commissioners also spent some time discussing the future of Pines Place Towers, a city-owned senior housing property after a previous buyer, known as Hayden Glades, backed out in February, citing financial issues.
City Manager Charles F. Dodge said that there is renewed interest from another company that was previously interested in the location at about $90.25 million and asked for support from the commissioners to start negotiating.
Commissioner Maria Rodriguez supported moving forward but requested more background on the new buyer, including its business model and whether similar affordability commitments would be maintained for the current senior tenants.
Dodge is expected to return to the commission within the next 30 days.
Tax concerns and transparency
Outside of formal votes, commissioners also addressed concerns regarding the potential state-level changes to property taxes and their impact on city finances.
Castillo warned that eliminating roughly $100 million in property tax revenue could significantly disrupt city operations, including payroll, and could “almost immediately” freeze rescue services.
Rodriguez emphasized the need for better public understanding of how tax dollars are spent, civic engagement and election awareness.
“When this whole thing came up about property taxes, it is eye opening just how little people know about where their taxes go,” Rodriguez said. “We should be obvious, because the moment that we’re not obvious about where your taxes go, that’s when the apathy comes into our residents and they say, ‘Why do I even pay taxes, there’s still potholes.’”
Other agenda items
Commissioners approved the consent agenda in a single vote, including a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. for police equipment and technology not to exceed approximately $5 million.
They also approved a $198,700 agreement with Florida Atlantic University to conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment, funded through a state grant.
Two resolutions, including a water and wastewater services agreement and a policy governing town hall meetings, passed unanimously without discussion.
Commissioners get sworn in
The meeting began with the swearing-in of District 1 Commissioner Thomas Good and District 4 Commissioner Michael Hernandez, both re-elected to their seats.
Good gave emotional remarks thanking his staff, family and especially his wife, Patricia Good, who administered his oath of office. Hernandez, sworn in by state Rep. Robin Bartleman, encouraged residents to remain engaged in their local government.
