New Affordable Housing Development Coming to Hallandale Beach: 116 Rental Units Approved

Puerto Rican Developer Brings New Housing Options to Growing South Florida Community

A significant new residential project is taking shape in Hallandale Beach, as the City Commission unanimously approved a mixed-use development featuring 116 rental units, including 17 designated as affordable housing. The project, developed by Puerto Rico-based SAG Development, will transform a 1.5-acre site on Pembroke Road into a vibrant residential and commercial space just east of I-95 and near the Big Easy Casino.

The commission's approval on Wednesday came with a specific requirement that 15% of the rental units must be designated for moderate-income tenants. These affordable units will be available to residents earning up to 120% of Broward County's median income, which currently stands at $75,534 annually according to the county's Urban Planning Division. This commitment to affordable housing addresses a critical need in South Florida's increasingly expensive residential market.

Project Details: Modern Design Meets Community Needs

The development's design includes several distinctive features that will enhance the neighborhood character while providing much-needed housing options:

• Eight two-story townhouse units facing Northwest 10th Street

• A two-story parking structure with 179 spaces, strategically designed to minimize street view impact

• Approximately 7,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space divided into eight retail bays along Pembroke Road

• An eight-story main residential building with contemporary architectural elements

The site's strategic location provides excellent accessibility, bordered by Pembroke Road to the north, Northwest Second Avenue to the east, Northwest Third Avenue to the west, and Northwest 10th Street to the south. Located just three blocks west of the Big Easy Casino, the development will contribute to the ongoing revitalization of this corridor in Hallandale Beach.

Zoning Approvals and Community Integration

To accommodate the project's design while ensuring community compatibility, the City Commission granted SAG Development several variances from standard zoning requirements, including:

• Modified front and rear setback requirements

• Adjustments to façade design standards

• Customized landscaping parameters

• Special provisions for parking-space configuration

• Adapted civic open space requirements

City staff confirmed that the eight-story mixed-use project harmonizes with nearby developments, including the Ashworth at Hallandale Beach, a five-story multifamily complex with 398 apartments currently under construction. The Ashworth, being developed by Coconut Grove-based 13th Floor Investments under managing principal Arnaud Karsenti, is located just east of the Big Easy Casino entrance at 831 North Federal Highway—a property owned by Jeffrey Soffer's Fontainebleau Development.

Economic Impact and Development Timeline

The economic benefits of this development extend beyond new housing options. With an estimated construction cost of $20 million, SAG Development will contribute approximately $523,000 in building permit fees to the city. The project also promises construction jobs and permanent employment opportunities within the commercial spaces.

SAG Development assembled the 1.5-acre site through a series of strategic acquisitions in early 2023. Property records indicate ten separate transactions, including seven purchases in January 2023 totaling $1.4 million. The remaining three properties were transferred through quit-claim deeds in February 2023 from Jacky and Gina Aizenman, who shared an Aventura address with SAG Development at the time.

According to state records, SAG Development's authorized member is Fastcap LLC, which maintains a postal office box in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Jacky Aizenman, according to his LinkedIn profile, serves as president of ASG Investment Corp., also based in San Juan.

Hallandale Beach's Growing Development Landscape

This latest approval continues the trend of thoughtful development in Hallandale Beach, a city strategically positioned between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The city has increasingly attracted developers looking to capitalize on its central location, relative affordability compared to neighboring communities, and pro-growth policies.

The addition of 116 rental units, including the 17 affordable housing apartments, represents a meaningful contribution to addressing the region's housing challenges. As South Florida continues to experience population growth and rising housing costs, developments incorporating affordable components have become increasingly important to maintaining economic diversity and workforce stability.

Insights About Hallandale Beach Development

Is there a housing shortage in Hallandale Beach?

Yes, like much of South Florida, Hallandale Beach faces significant housing pressures. The area has seen a 14% increase in average rental prices over the past year, making affordable housing developments particularly valuable for maintaining community diversity.

How does this development compare to others in the area?

This 116-unit development is considered mid-sized for the area. The nearby Ashworth development will bring 398 units to market, while this project distinguishes itself by including a higher percentage of affordable units than most recent developments in Broward County.

What qualifies as affordable housing in Broward County?

Affordable housing in this development will be available to residents earning up to 120% of the county's median income ($75,534). This translates to households earning approximately $90,640 or less, helping to serve middle-income professionals who often struggle to find suitable housing in the current market.

When is construction expected to begin?

While the developer has not announced an official groundbreaking date, similar projects in the area typically begin construction within 6-12 months of receiving final approvals, suggesting a potential start date in late 2025 or early 2026.

How will this development affect local traffic?

The project's 179 parking spaces exceed the minimum requirements, and its location near I-95 should help distribute traffic flow. The mixed-use nature of the development may also reduce some vehicle trips as residents can access ground-floor commercial services without driving.