Coral Springs city commission approves early construction of permanent access road for City Village project to support new downtown development
Coral Springs, Florida – The Coral Springs City Commission has given the green light for a key change to the City Village mixed-use development, approving the construction of a permanent access road earlier than initially planned. The unanimous vote, which took place during the first commission meeting of 2026, marks a significant step forward for the ambitious project aimed at reshaping the city’s downtown.
The decision modifies a special exception that was previously granted for City Village, a development being spearheaded by Amera Corp. on land along West Sample Road, at the former City Hall site near Coral Hills Drive. The change means that a permanent drive, originally slated for phase two of construction, will now be built as part of the first phase.
“Since they further developed the plans, they have determined that the best path forward is to now develop the permanent drive that was originally shown on phase two, to develop that as part of phase one,” said Tina Jou, the city’s urban planner.
City Village is one of Coral Springs’ most prominent redevelopment initiatives in recent years, and it forms a central part of the city’s vision for a walkable, family-friendly downtown. The first phase of the project will include 300 residential units and roughly 20,000 square feet of commercial space. Plans for future phases call for at least 65,000 additional square feet of commercial development, though construction on phase one has been delayed and is now expected to start later this year.
Commissioner Shawn Cerra praised the developer and property owner for adapting their plans in response to community concerns. “This is definitely addressing the traffic concerns that were brought to our attention and to yours,” Cerra said. “We appreciate your efforts going out into the community and letting the people be heard.”
City staff explained that the developer’s original plan called for a temporary access road during the first phase of construction, with the permanent drive deferred until phase two. However, as the design advanced and traffic considerations were studied, the developer concluded it made more sense to construct the permanent access sooner.
“None of the special exceptions that were requested back in 2024 have changed,” Jou added. “It was just the conditions that were related to the temporary access drive that needed to be updated as part of the conditions for approval.” Staff emphasized that all other aspects of the project, including approvals granted in 2024, remain intact.
The move is expected to benefit both residents and the surrounding community. By building the permanent road earlier, the development aims to ease traffic flow, improve safety, and better integrate the project with the existing city grid. City officials believe this adjustment will also streamline construction logistics for the first phase, reducing potential disruptions and helping ensure the timely completion of critical infrastructure.
City Village represents a broader effort by Coral Springs to establish a vibrant downtown district, a shift from the primarily suburban layout the city has maintained for decades. The mixed-use development is designed to blend residential living with retail, dining, and public spaces, offering residents the ability to walk or bike to shops and restaurants rather than relying solely on cars.
Local leaders have repeatedly cited City Village as a model for responsible urban growth, highlighting its potential to attract new residents, support small businesses, and strengthen the city’s tax base. The decision to move up the construction of the permanent access road is being framed as an example of how city officials and developers can work together to respond to public input while maintaining ambitious growth plans.
As construction on the first phase moves closer to breaking ground later this year, officials expect the City Village project to serve as a key anchor for Coral Springs’ evolving downtown landscape. With its mix of housing, commercial spaces, and improved infrastructure, the development aims to set a new standard for community-focused urban planning in the area.
