Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major projects
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved several major projects during a recent meeting.
The Commission adopted a resolution authorizing a ground lease agreement with the U.S. federal government, through the General Services Administration (GSA), for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a multi-story public parking garage to support the new Fort Lauderdale Federal Courthouse.
The lease grants the City control of a 0.6225-acre portion of the courthouse parcel for 30 years, with rent obligations satisfied through a prior exchange agreement. The lease requires the City to construct a garage with no fewer than 275 spaces and assumes full responsibility for its operation and maintenance. The project is estimated to cost between $10.7 million and $13.9 million.
The Commission approved an agreement with Walker Design & Construction Co. in the amount of $2,705,087.82 for the Butler Building Upgrade at the George T. Lohmeyer Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The existing structure, originally built in 1988, was deemed obsolete and uninhabitable and will be demolished and replaced with a new facility to store materials and equipment and house Parks and Recreation Department administrative offices. Walker was selected as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder following a competitive solicitation and offered an additional voluntary price reduction. The total project cost, including construction, project management, and inspection services, is $3,134,261.82, with funding available in the FY 2025 Community Investment Plan.
The Commission adopted a resolution approving the name “Abiaka Park” for a new City park located at 501 SW 12th Avenue. The name honors the indigenous leader Abiaka and was formally requested by community members Patsy West and Tim Andrews. It received strong support from the Riverside Park Residents Association and unanimous approval by the Parks, Recreation and Beaches Advisory Board. The park spans 2.165 acres along the north fork of the New River. A $2,000 allocation for signage is included in the FY 2025 Parks budget.
The Commission approved an award of $700,000 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds to Oasis of Hope Community Development Corporation Inc. to support the construction of seven affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families earning up to 140% of the Area Median Income. The project includes three single-family homes and a four-unit townhouse development, all located in Commission District 3. The funding serves as gap financing and will help advance the Commission’s housing accessibility priority while ensuring timely expenditure of FY 2021–2022 SHIP funds as required by the State of Florida.
The City Commission adopted a resolution approving a $3,000,000 grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the construction of the Breakers Avenue Resiliency and Pedestrian Traffic Improvements Project.
The project aims to transform Breakers Avenue into a safer, more connected, and climate-resilient corridor by incorporating streetscape upgrades such as pedestrian lighting, landscaping, shared-use street design, and water and sewer utility improvements. Originally designed in 2019 with community input, the project has secured over $8.3 million in funding to date and remains a priority under the City’s strategic transportation and mobility goals. The design is advancing from 90% to final completion, with construction anticipated to be finished by December 2027, provided remaining funding is secured
