Broward Commission Approves Monarch Hill Landfill Expansion, Coconut Creek Plans To Sue

by David Volz February 25, 2025

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Coconut Creek Commission Stands Firm Against Landfill Expansion, Rejects Waste Management Deal

Monarch Hill Renewal Energy Park in unincorporated Broward County. {Google Maps}

The Broward County Commission voted 5-3 during a February 25 meeting to change the land use for the 24 acres near Coconut Creek so it can be used for a landfill. The commission granted approval to Waste Management Inc. to allow it to increase the height of Monarch Hill to 325 feet.

All the Coconut Creek commissioners attended the county meeting and were very upset about the outcome. Many city residents and staff members took time from work to come to the meeting to protest the expansion.

“I am so upset we are preparing to sue. This decision was a total disregard and lack of compassion for our residents and their health and qualify of life. The water around the landfill is contaminated,” said vice mayor Jackie Railey.

Shortly after the vote, Railey said the city will take legal action against the landfill expansion. Railey told Coconut Creek Talk she wonders why the county is spending $33 million to upgrade Tradewinds Park which is next to Monarch Hill. “Our residents and their families will visit this park and play next to a toxic waste dump,” she said.

According to commissioner Jeffrey Wasserman, this decision just means more bad news for Coconut Creek and neighboring cities. He said the county commission should have allowed more time to find better options for waste removal.

In previous city meetings, all of the Coconut Creek commissioners, city administrators and community activists have said they are strongly opposed to the expansion of the Monarch Hill landfill. The city leadership has begun the initial process of preparing a lawsuit.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.