From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved several large projects during a recent meeting
The Commission approved an agreement with Horsepower Electric Inc. for the installation of fixed emergency generators at Stormstation 1 and Stormstation 2 in downtown Fort Lauderdale, with a contract amount of $2,942,250, including allowances of $130,000. The total project cost is $3,004,250, covering additional in-house project management fees. This project is in response to flooding experienced during Hurricane Irma when power loss at key pump stations led to significant downtown flooding. The new generators will ensure continuous operation of the stormwater pumps during future power outages, enhancing flood protection. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) requested a modification to the generator placement to align with the Huizenga Park plan.
The Commission approved a three-year agreement with SoundThinking, Inc. (formerly ShotSpotter, Inc.) to continue and expand the City’s gunshot detection, location, and forensic analysis service. The contract totals $1,453,350 for the initial three-year term, with two optional one-year renewals bringing the potential total to $2,461,860. The ShotSpotter system has proven effective in providing real-time alerts for gunfire incidents, leading to the recovery of 1,660 shell casings, 25 guns, and 9 arrests in 2023 alone. The service will expand coverage from 4.66 square miles to 6.77 square miles within Fort Lauderdale, enhancing the City’s ability to respond swiftly to gun violence and improve public safety. Funding of $484,450 for FY 2025 is already allocated, with future funding contingent on budget appropriations.
The Commission approved an amendment to the Site Plan Level IV Development Permit for Ocean Park Residences, increasing the project to 76 multifamily units with a five-story parking garage. The development, located at 2851/2901 NE 9th Court, replaces a previously approved mixed-use project that included a hotel and retail space. The revised plan features a 14-story residential building with a height of 144 feet, rooftop amenities, and a separate parking structure. The modifications include requests for yard changes, building height above 120 feet, and adjustments to tower stepback and separation requirements. The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) recommended approval with conditions such as infrastructure improvements, easements, and compliance with historical preservation protocols.
The Commission approved the rezoning of 0.62 acres at 216 SE 8th Avenue from Residential Multifamily (RMM-25) to Community Business (CB). The rezoning includes allocating 0.62 acres of commercial flex acreage for a proposed mixed-use development. The project will feature a five-story parking garage with 302 parking spaces, 6,000 square feet of restaurant space, 11,036 square feet of retail, and an 8,570 square-foot Fire/EMS station. This development is part of a Comprehensive Agreement with Las Olas Parking Solutions, LLC, aimed at enhancing the Las Olas Boulevard corridor. The proposal aligns with the City’s comprehensive plan to promote smart growth, improve public safety, and support economic development. The project has been reviewed by the Development Review Committee (DRC) and the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB), which recommended approval. Conditions include infrastructure improvements for water and sewer capacity, neighborhood compatibility measures, and public participation requirements.
The Commission approved on first reading amendments to Chapter 17 – Noise Control of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Code of Ordinances. The proposed changes are based on recommendations from the Noise Control Advisory Committee (NCAC) and a soundscape study conducted by Siebein Associates, Inc., followed by extensive community outreach. Key changes include introducing dBC limits to account for low-frequency sounds like bass, setting proactive noise measurements to be taken five feet from the building generating the noise and allowing complaint-based noise measurements in Special Entertainment Districts to be taken from the complainant’s property line and adding restrictions for non-amplified sounds from residential properties to limit audible noise during specific hours. Public consultations included multiple town hall meetings and presentations to civic associations. These revisions aim to balance community peace with the needs of businesses, ensuring Fort Lauderdale remains a vibrant but livable city.
