Fort Lauderdale Commission discusses selling food on the beach and Huizenga Park
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission may allow hotels to sell food and drink on the beach.
The City Commission expressed interest in a proposed program that would allow Fort Lauderdale Beach hoteliers to offer food and beverage service, including alcohol, on the beach to their guests and members of the public who are sitting on the sand in front of their hotel. The program would enable hoteliers between Bahia Mar and Sunrise Boulevard to better meet the high standards of service requested by their guests and the public when visiting our world-class beach. Over the next few weeks, City staff will consult with Central Beach Alliance neighbors to seek their input before moving forward with drafting an ordinance that would allow this amenity to be provided. The City Commission could vote on this topic as early as Tuesday, August 16.
The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) provided an update on the reimagining of Huizenga Park, which spans 4.4 acres near Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. The proposed design calls for revisions to the way people move around the park and the inclusion of concessions, a restaurant, and public restrooms. The site plan also includes improvements to the iconic Spirit of Fort Lauderdale fountain, a large civic lawn, shaded areas, and a series of spaces for leisure and activities. The DDA’s proposed funding plan for the $15 million project includes major contributions from the DDA, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and private donations. The City Commission is reviewing the DDA’s request for a City contribution of $5 million over a seven-year period and may provide further direction when they return in August following the summer recess.
More affordable housing is coming to Fort Lauderdale.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners, adopted a resolution to approve an amended Development Incentive Program (DIP) Letter of Intent for the The Aldridge and The Laramore mixed-use affordable housing projects located at 1204 Sistrunk Boulevard and 1620 NW 6 Court.
In November 2021, the CRA Board approved a donation of CRA property and an $8 million CRA DIP Loan to Sistrunk Apartments, LLC for this initiative. Since then, the developer has secured construction bids and the construction cost has increased to a projected $22 million, resulting in the developer seeking an alternative funding program to implement the project. With the new proposed financing structure, the development will become more affordable and for a longer period. Instead of 80% of the housing units affordable at 80% Area Median Income (AMI) with a 15-year affordability term, the project will now have 100% of the units affordable at 60% AMI with a 30-year affordability term.
The CRA also adopted a resolution approving a second amendment to the Development Incentive Program (DIP) development agreement for the Thrive Progresso project, which is 60% complete. Since July 2019, the CRA Board has approved a $2.5 million CRA DIP forgivable loan and a CRA Streetscape Enhancement Program forgivable loan in the amount of over $490,000 for the renovation of five properties in the area of NW 5 Avenue and NW 7 Street that will bring office, flex, retail, lifestyle, arts, and other uses. In order to expedite construction, the CRA Board agreed to waive the stipulation in the development agreement that limited reimbursement of cost to twice per fiscal year.
Fort Lauderdale sets proposed millage rate
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commissions has set the proposed millage rate for Fiscal Year 2023.
The City Commission adopted a resolution acknowledging receipt of the City Manager’s budget message, estimates, and recommendations together with a Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The resolution also sets the proposed millage rate for the FY 2023 Budget at 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value for the 16th consecutive year and sets the debt service rate at .2833 per $1,000 of taxable value. Public hearings for the consideration of the proposed FY 2023 millage rate and budget are set for Tuesday, September 6, 2022, and Monday, September 12, 2022, at 5:01 P.M. or soon thereafter at City Hall.
Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major projects and expenditures
From David Volz
The City Commission approved a development permit application for The Arcadian, a proposed eight-story mixed-use development containing 480 residential units with 15,235 square feet of ground commercial space at 640 NW 7 Avenue. The applicant, Sunshine Shipyard LLC, requested 20 feet of additional height through the Northwest Regional Activity Center (NWRAC) affordable housing height bonus incentive as well as approval of an alternative design that deviates from the maximum floorplate requirements and tower stepback requirements of the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR). The applicant is providing 48 affordable units to be rented to residents with incomes at or below 100% of the median family income (MFI) in perpetuity.
The City Commission approved a $2,725,570 agreement with David Mancini & Sons, Inc. for the construction of Pump Station A-16 and supporting sewer infrastructure. The City Commission also approved a $1,881,743 agreement with David Mancini & Sons, Inc. for the construction of 1,000 linear feet of 30-inch water main and required control valves. Relocating these City-owned and operated water and sewer utilities is necessary in order to accommodate the construction of the new federal courthouse at SE 4 Avenue and SE 11 Street. These projects, which are expected to begin construction later this year, will increase capacity and enhance service reliability.
The City Commission approved a five-year agreement with Vector Fleet Management, LLC (VFM) for the purchase of Fleet Maintenance and Management Services in the initial five-year contract term fixed amount of $25,336,405 and authorized the City Manager to approve two two-year renewal options in the estimated four-year amount of $22,012,662 for a potential total contract amount of $47,349,067. The award-winning Fleet Services Program of the City’s Public Works Department will oversee VFM throughout the contract term to ensure timely and efficient maintenance of the City’s 1750+ vehicles and equipment and the City’s fueling infrastructure.
The City Commission approved a $9,098,926.87 agreement with Shiff Construction & Development, Inc. For the DC Alexander Park Improvement Project. The proposed project aims to create a 1.2-acre oceanfront park that includes a signature playground installation, elevated viewing platform overlooking the ocean, elevated ramp/walkway with play elements, and terraced walls with landscape beautification. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed by summer 2023.
“This award winning design will be a beautiful park across from the ocean just east of the Aquatic Center. Neighbors have participated in a decade of meetings and presentations, and we are finally getting closer to an open space for the entire city to enjoy,” said Commissioner Steve Glassman.
The City Commission approved a motion to enter into a first amendment to the comprehensive agreement between the City and Miami Beckham United, LLC. The amendment extends the deadline for the completion of the park at Lockhart Park until July 2023.
The City Commission approved a $350,000 agreement with Circuit Transit, Inc. for the purchase of transportation circulator service during a six-month pilot period. This pilot program will utilize electric low-speed vehicles that can seat up to five passengers to provide free on-demand service for the downtown urban core and free fixed-route service connecting parking facilities on the barrier island.
