City of Fort Lauderdale in mediation with Miami Beckham United
From David Volz
Miami Beckham United, Inc. is in a public-private partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale to construct a training facility, stadium, and community recreation site. The deadline to complete the project is July 18, 2023, and the City entered into a mediation process with Miami Beckham United to address outstanding issues. Those issues include time for the completion of the construction of the community site, Miami Beckham United, Inc.’s request for reimbursement of the costs for the demolition of Lockhart Stadium and Fort Lauderdale Stadium, and payment of outstanding building permit fees. Following a May 30 mediation meeting, the City and Miami Beckham United reached an impasse. Under the amended Comprehensive Agreement, if the project is not completed by the deadline, the City can proceed with the design and construction of the site at the City’s expense, and then seek reimbursement from Miami Beckham United. The Commission will invite representatives of Miami Beckham United for a public discussion at an upcoming meeting before the summer break.
The microtransit pilot program, referred to as the LauderGO! Micro Mover, powered by Circuit, has experienced high demand and now averages about 22,500 riders each month. This program was begun in August 2022. The pilot program was extended an additional six months and the service area has expanded twice, first along Sistrunk Boulevard and then into Galt Mile. The current pilot program is scheduled to end in September 2023, and City staff is exploring options to continue offering the services into the future. City staff is also pursuing county and state funding that could combine service areas and expand to parts of the City not currently included. The City has been approved for phase I of the county surtax microtransit program led by Broward County Transit, which has selected two areas for the three-year pilot program – south of Broward Boulevard, west of I-95, and south of Broward Boulevard between I-95 and Federal Highway. The state-funded program would expand service to the northwest portion of the City by repurposing existing grant funding that would provide approximately two years of service. The Commission noted the service’s popularity and its value to the community.
McNair Park expansion is complete
From David Volz
The McNair Park in Pompano Beach expansion and renovation project has been completed. City officials will be cutting the ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday, June 21st, at 10:00 a.m. The park is located at 951 NW 27th Avenue.
The McNair Park improvements included equipping the multi-functional facility with a new synthetic football/soccer field; supporting sports lighting; a new 8-lane Olympic-size running track; refurbishing the existing basketball court; replacement and installation of new playground equipment including a new flooring surface; construction of a new state-of-the-art 6,000 square foot clubhouse housing high-end exercise equipment; a private yoga room; office space; a concession area and expanded parking to accommodate another 270 spaces.
The Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a grant from Health Foundation of South Florida in the amount of $71,225 which received matching funds of $146,155 from the G.O. Bond designated for the McNair Park Improvement project. The mission of Health Foundation of South Florida is to invest in and be a catalyst for collaborations, policy and systems change that improves the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low to moderate income populations. Established in 1993, the nonprofit foundation has awarded over $125 million to nonprofits providing programs and services in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.
Watch a movie in the pool
From David Volz
The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back the Dive-in Movie series this summer!
People can swim in the pool and enjoy some family friendly movies at the Houston Sworn Aquatic Center, located at 901 NW 10th Street. Three movies start at 8:00 p.m.
Make sure to mark your calendars with the dates below. The movies are free and open to the public.
June 23rd – Holes
July 21st – Rise of Gru
August 18th – Sonic the Hedgehog
