Fort Lauderdale Commission approves contracts
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved various contracts and accepted grants during a recent meeting.
The Commission approved an allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds not to exceed $482,000 to help offset unanticipated costs that have occurred in the preparation to construct Habitat BBI Village project. The project is part of an agreement between the City and Habitat for Humanity Broward, Inc. for the development of 20 affordable townhouse units. During an environmental review, Broward County required a structural assessment of an existing masonry wall, which was ultimately deemed insufficient. As a result, the project team had to revise the site drawings to include the reconstruction of the wall. The project will incur additional costs for the structural assessment of the existing wall, revision of site plans to include a new wall, demolition and removal of existing masonry wall, and construction of the new wall.
The Commission, in separate votes, agreed to accept two grants totaling $370,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The funds will assist with the renovation of Osswald Park and Carter Park. Carter Park received $170,000 in grant funds that will be used for a new playground, picnic facilities, and landscaping, as well as renovations to the football field, basketball courts, and parking lot. Osswald Park was awarded $200,000 for the development of a playground, fitness trail, restrooms, bleachers, landscaping, and security lighting.
The Commission adopted a resolution approving a not-for-profit grant participation agreement for $100,000 with the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Inc. The organization will use City funds to provide subsidized childcare for approximately 2,500 children of low-income families who are eligible for the School Readiness Program. These funds will be used to match federal and state grants to help parents and guardians who are working, or attending school, to access affordable childcare at a quality, licensed facility of their choice.
The Commission adopted a resolution to amend the Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations, including updates to domestic pet (including dogs) access in parks, park property regulations, hours of operation, and enforcement. Previously, dogs were only allowed in designated areas such as Canine Beach, Riverwalk, and specific dog parks in Snyder Park, Riverside Park, and Holiday Park. With the amendment, dogs are now allowed in all City parks as long as they are on a maximum six-foot leash. There are restrictions in areas such as playgrounds, athletic fields, water play areas, and beaches. Other amendments focus on protecting the natural beauty and integrity of park environments, such as measures to prevent damage to trees and other flora. Wildlife protection is also emphasized with prohibitions on trapping, harming or disturbing animals within park boundaries.
Fort Lauderdale Commission discusses homeless situation
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission received information and discussed ways to deal with the homeless situation.
The Commission was provided with updates regarding actions taken to address homelessness. Since a state law and City ordinance that prohibit sleeping or camping in public became effective on October 1, 2024, approximately 143 related service requests have been submitted via FixIt FTL. The majority of those requests were generated at locations such as Fort Lauderdale Beach, Esplanade Park, the Riverwalk, and along major thoroughfares. Action was taken to address all of the requests. The City’s process to address homelessness and the related service requests will continue to be refined and improved leading up to January 1, 2025, when civil action can be taken against a county or municipality. In an effort to engage and receive feedback from the community, staff has hosted one public town hall with two more upcoming. The City has also added two officers to the Homeless Outreach Team and two administrative positions to the Office of Neighbor Support. The City and its partners continue to explore options for temporary and long-term shelters.
The Commission reviewed a presentation that outlined strategies for establishing standards for sound measurement, along with recommendations for detecting and enforcing compliance with reasonable maximum permissible sound limits. Following directions from the Commission, staff conducted a noise pilot study that resulted in suggestions for proposed ordinance amendments. With the assistance of the Noise Control Advisory Committee, staff made the following recommendations:
The inclusion of dBC limits to account for low frequency sounds such as bass. The specification that proactive noise measurements are taken five feet from a building, structure, or establishment, and that the maximum permissible sound-level limit for the source of the sound shall apply. Non-amplified sound emanating from residential properties shall not be plainly audible for a period of one minute or longer at a distance of 25 feet or more when measured from the source property line between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., among other amendments. An amended ordinance will be brought to the Commission for consideration at the next meeting.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners accepted the ranking of the Request for Proposals (RFP) Evaluation Committee for the purchase and development of property at 790 Sistrunk Boulevard. The CRA Board of Commissioners approved a $5 million non-forgivable Development Incentive Program loan to Sistrunk View, LLC, the top-ranked proposer. The organization is planning to develop a six-story, mixed-use affordable housing structure consisting of 75 to 106 apartments, over 10,000 square feet of amenity space, 5,700 square feet of commercial space, and structured parking screened from public view. All of the housing units will be affordable for those with incomes between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI).
