Fort Lauderdale Commission meeting
By David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved large contracts that will affect residents for years during a recent meeting.
The Commission approved a $7.3 million agreement with Shiff Construction & Development, Inc. for Phase 1 improvements to the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center (JETC) at Holiday Park. This phase includes constructing 20 clay tennis courts with subsurface irrigation, a stadium court, lighting, fencing, bleachers, pathways, and shade structures. The improvements are part of the $20.95 million Parks Bond Program for Holiday Park. Funding includes a $1.5 million Legacy Gift from the Orange Bowl Tennis, LLC, which will also relocate the annual Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships to JETC. Additional phases will include broader park enhancements such as activity center renovations, athletic fields, and pickleball courts, with an overall budget of $23.9 million.
The Commission approved a quasi-judicial resolution for a Site Plan Level III Development Permit and Design Deviation for Nautica mixed-use development at 400 SW 3rd Avenue in the Downtown Regional Activity Center. The project includes 560 residential units, a 119-room hotel, a 90-slip marina, commercial spaces, and various amenities. Design deviations are requested for building height, building wall length, podium height, tower stepback, and tower separation to align with the Downtown Master Plan. The project received input from the Historic Preservation Board, Marine Advisory Board, and Planning and Zoning Board, with conditions to address Riverwalk connectivity, infrastructure upgrades, parking, and affordable housing contributions. The developer has committed to a $5.77 million payment in lieu of providing affordable housing units.
The Commission approved a two-year agreement with Circuit Transit Inc. for MicroTransit Pilot Services, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The service will operate in northwest Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods, including Rock Island, Lake Aire Palm View Homeowners Association, Golden Heights Neighborhood Association, Dillard Park Homeowners Association, Lauderdale Manors Homeowners Association, River Garden Sweeting Estate Homeowners Association, and Home Beautiful Park Civic Association. The pilot program aims to enhance accessibility and mobility by providing on-demand transit connections to Broward County Transit and LauderGo.
The Commission authorized the City Manager to execute a reimbursable grant agreement with the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to fund the design and permitting of renovations to the Lauderdale Isles Landing boat ramp. The grant provides up to $75,000 or 50% of eligible project costs, requiring a City match of up to $75,000. Proposed upgrades include widening the existing ramp and reconfiguring staging docks to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. The total estimated project cost is $150,000, plus $30,000 for ineligible in-house project management fees. This initiative aligns with the City’s goals to enhance public access to waterways and improve recreational facilities.
The Commission approved naming the new park at 2201 NE 19th Street as Bal Harbour Park. The property was purchased using Park Bond Dollars in October 2024 to increase park area throughout the City. The recommendation followed a request from the Bal Harbour Homeowner’s Association and a review process in compliance with the City’s naming guidelines. The Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Board unanimously supported the name during their September 25, 2024, meeting
