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The Woodlands golf course before it was closed. Photo by Adam Baron

By Sharon Aron Baron

No ifs, and, or putts. The decision of whether to build several hundred new homes in the Woodlands Country Club is one swing away for 13th Floor Homes.

At Monday’s workshop, the Tamarac city commission will set a date for a special meeting to vote on the land-use change that could turn two 18-hole golf courses owned by ClubLink into approximately 397 single-family homes.

On May 4, the vote passed the Broward County Commission.

The meeting wasn’t without tension — and controversy. Woodlands residents appeared either in person or by phone, sharing their opinions for — or against the project.

Cecilia Klein Richards, a resident of the Woodlands, said she hadn’t heard of any real solutions from people that didn’t want the development. “I have watched the Woodlands go down so badly. I think the Woodlands needs 13th Floor to make this a better community.”

Judith Margolis, another resident of the Woodlands, wanted to keep the Woodlands golf course green and read a speech about how the commission must protect the interest of the citizens and the environment. “This is 168 acres in danger of becoming cemented,” she said.

It passed 5 to 3 by Mayor Geller, Vice Mayor Michael Udine, and Commissioners Ryan, Bogan, and Fisher.

Commissioner Nan Rich, who represents the Woodlands, and Commissioners Barbara Sharief and Beam Furr voted no.

Proposed site plan by 13th Floor Homes.

This sends the decision back to the Tamarac City Commission for a vote which now looks unlikely to pass.

current course conditions at the Woodlands Country Club.

Former Commissioner Julie Fishman — a “yes” vote on the project, was defeated in November of 2020 by now-Vice Mayor Elvin Villalobos — who has stated he is against it.

Commissioners Mike Gelin and Marlon Bolton are also against the land-use amendment, so unless they’ve changed their minds since the first round of votes, this won’t be a sinker for the developer.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is the Editor of Talk Media and Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, and Parkland Talk. Tamarac Talk was created in 2011 to provide News for the residents of Tamarac and is the #1 News Source for Residents.