Broward Commissioner Steve Geller Was Lobbyist For Hallandale Oasis Development

Hallandale Beach City Commissioner Michele Lazarow received campaign contributions from Greenspoon Marder political committees while Steve Geller represented the developers of the massive “Hallandale Oasis” Development next to the Gulstream Race Track and Casino. On May 4, 2016, Commissioner Lazarow voted to approve the $250 million dollar development. The Sun-Sentinel reported the massive project on Hallandale Beach Boulevard would include two 26 story condominium buildings, a 19 story hotel bulding and a 10 story office building. 

Geller, an attorney with Greenspoon Marder, is a registered lobbyist for the Hallandale Oasis development. Geller himself presented the project details to the commission.

Less than one month earlier, Michele Lazarow received campaign contributions from the Greenspoon Marder Law Firm and the GM Citizens For A Smarter Florida political committee. According to her campaign treasurer reports, the $500 contributions were made on April 7,2016. One day earlier, Lazarow received $1,000 contributions from three different entities associated with Gulfstream Race Track. She received money from The Village At Gulfstream Park, Orchid Concessions and Gulfstream Park.

REDBROWARD previously reported these same gaming interests and political committees supported Steve Geller’s campaign for the District 5 seat on the Broward County Commission. Geller is a strong proponent of expanded legalized gambling in Florida.

Geller, Greenspoon Marder and the gaming industry funded the shadowy “Public Service” political committee which backed Michele Lazarow and Anabelle Taub in the November election. REDBROWARD revealed Public Service chairperson Evan Ross helped orchestrate a press conference which painted Lazarow and Taub as victims of spying by their political opponents. 

Campaign mailers stated Lazarow and Taub wanted to bring back “honesty” to the Hallandale Beach City Commission. Lazarow railed against the Diplomat Hotel for funding her opponent’s campaign. She said, “The Diplomat is funding a 125k PAC to run me out of office. It isn’t going to help and they are going to lose 125k.”  

Did big campaign contributions to politicians and political committee help Gulfstream Park win? 

Lazarow’s attorney Brian Silber doesn’t believe in coincidences. 

Neither should Hallandale Beach residents. 

Michele Lazarow should explain her ties to Gulfstream Park, Evan Ross and his committee and her vote on Steve Geller’s project to Hallandale Beach residents.

Steve Geller presents the Oasis project at the May 4, 2016 Hallandale Beach City Commission meeting