Sunrise commissioners did not let a neighbor’s lawsuit deter them from approving the $1 billion Metropica development during Tuesday’s meeting.
The commission unanimously voted in favor of the 4 million-square-foot mixed-use project west of Sawgrass Mills. It also rezoned the project site to allow the phased development to occur. Phases one and two include 1,250 residential units, nearly 500,000 square feet of commercial space and 150,000 square feet of office space on 28 acres.
FVP Sawgrass filed a lawsuit against Metropica and Sunrise last week, according to the Sun-Sentinel. The company claims its Sawgrass Commons Shopping Center would be dwarfed by the massive development and clog up an access road it owns. That shopping center is located at 13001 West Sunrise Boulevard.
“There appears to be a private dispute between these two parties,” Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan said. “It’s unfortunate the city has been dragged into this.”
Metropica developer Joseph Kavana wants to begin construction in early 2015. [Sun-Sentinel] — Eric Kalis