The Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major agreements
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission adopted a resolution approving a comprehensive agreement with Hall of Fame Partners LLC, in substantially the form as written, for a project that includes the construction, maintenance, and operation of east and west buildings at the International Swimming Hall of Fame Complex, located at 501 Seabreeze Boulevard. The comprehensive agreement is a framework that allows the City to move forward with further discussion to come and not a final analysis of the status of the project in its entirety. The east building will include a welcome center, retail and office space, a rooftop terrace, and more amenities. The west building will house an ISHOF museum, aquarium, teaching pool, dryland training, diving grandstand seating, parking event and office space, a rooftop restaurant, and more. The project also calls for a proposed Ocean Rescue building, seawall improvements, and a promenade. The overall project would be constructed in phases, with the first phase including the seawall improvements, infrastructure, and Ocean Rescue facility. The City and Hall of Fame Partners LLC will continue formulating the overall plan for the second phase and any subsequent phases. Total project costs are estimated at $190 million, resulting in a maximum annual commitment for the City of $11 million per year. That obligation will be offset by revenues generated from leased space in the buildings and other projects. Commissioner Steve Glassman is pleased with this project. “These two buildings will bookend the peninsula in spectacular fashion. They will compliment the work done so far on this site in returning Fort Lauderdale to the top of the aquatics world. Our staff and financial advisors have thoroughly vetted all the financials and I concur with their assessment,” he said.
The Commission adopted a resolution approving and ratifying a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 31 – Police Officers and Sergeants. The previous agreement expired on September 30, 2022, and the City and Fraternal Order of Police came to two tentative agreements – a one-year agreement from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, and a three-year agreement from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2026. The City Commission offered praise to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department as well as City staff involved in the negotiations. The agreements continue to provide competitive pay and benefits to our first responders, who provide an invaluable service to the community.
The Commission adopted a resolution approving and authorizing the execution of the Water and Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The agreement will finance a portion of the cost of construction for stormwater improvements in seven neighborhoods – River Oaks, Dorsey Riverbend, Durrs, , Progresso Village, Melrose Manors, Victoria Park and Southeast Isles. Several of these neighborhoods were greatly impacted by the flood event in April 2023, highlighting the need for such improvements. Total construction costs are estimated at approximately $244.89 million, and up to nearly $120 million can be financed through the loan agreement.
The City Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $550 million. The bonds will provide financing for the construction of the new Prospect Lake Water Treatment Plant and related efforts. The Prospect Lake Water Treatment Plant project has an aggregate, fixed project cost of $485 million. Connecting the project to the City’s existing water system requires the City to make an additional investment of approximately $189 million for infrastructure elements and improvements.
The Commission approved a resolution providing notice of intent to enter into a comprehensive agreement for an unsolicited proposal to construct, operate, and maintain a Water Taxi terminal at 1001 Seabreeze Boulevard. The notice of intent includes a 45-day period to accept other proposals. Glassman said, “This water transportation hub between the fire station and Bahia Mar is yet another way of reducing cars on the road. As this part of the beach redevelops, this water terminal will play an important role in bringing residents and visitors to and from the Barrier Island.”
