Hallandale vice mayor accused of taking favors from developer

Bill Julian, vice mayor of Hallandale Beach, reportedly admitted to accepting favors from developer Michael Meyers in exchange for his vote approving the massive $450 million Diplomat Golf & Tennis Club condo and hotel project.

Local 10 News, citing a voice recording unwittingly left by Julian, reported that the vice mayor was heard accepting both a donation to his favorite city charity, as well as an offer to provide 300 volunteers for his campaign reelection.

When reached for comment, according to Local 10, Julian said he accepted the gifts. The vice mayor also disclosed that the conversation was with Meyers, part of the development team, and Holland & Knight attorney Debbie Orshefsky.

Louis Birdman, who’s building One Thousand Museum in Miami, and Nate Sirang of Concord Wilshire Partners are the project’s other development partners. The city commission approved the project in May.

Asked whether he should agree to receiving favors from developers, the vice mayor responded “What do you think other commissioners are doing? They’re all asking for their wish list.”

The development team released a statement saying its interactions with the city were “100 percent above the board and by the book,” according to Local 10. Orshefsky also denied the allegations.

Birdman, Sirang and Meyers’ $450 million project is slated to bring 250 condos and 938 hotel rooms to the golf course at 501 Diplomat Parkway. It has yet to break ground. [Local 10 News] — Sean Stewart-Muniz