Fort Lauderdale Commission discusses need for new City Hall
From David Volz
Greg Chavarria, the Fort Lauderdale City Manager updated the City Commission on the need for a new City Hall. Due to the current facility’s condition and the city’s growth, the manager recommended developing a centralized facility that would allow for several off-site departments to be moved into City Hall, while improving access to the public for City services.
He discussed funding options that include Federal financing programs that allow repayment over 75 years. Additionally, City Administration is in receipt of an unsolicited proposal to develop, design, site, permit, finance, construct, commission and maintain a new City Hall facility.
Chavarria requested additional time for staff to review the proposal before presenting it to the City Commission for discussion.
The Police Chief shared updates on initiatives that aim to enhance Public Safety. Some initiatives include the assembly of Neighborhood Action Teams that will be assigned to each district. Staff is also working with the YMCA to sublease a portion of their facility to serve as police sub-station for District 3. Another initiative includes to resume the Community Police Forum is also going to resume. The Forum provides an opportunity for neighbors to better understand police operations, increases transparency, builds trust and strengthens the Police Department’s relationship with the community. There are new changes to the Office of Internal Affairs, including improved processes for documenting and investigating complaints. Noise-detecting cameras are also being explored to enforce noise violations and may be operational by the beginning of next year.
The City Commission discussed the future of the Tunnel Top Plaza and a $5 million dollar donation given to the City to purchase public art for the plaza. The donor was late Fort Lauderdale resident James Windor Laird, who sought naming rights at a City park. The Commission decided to discuss the upcoming selection of the artwork and the appropriate manner with which to recognize Mr. Laird on the plaza at the November 1 City Commission meetings to give neighbors, the Art in Public Places Committee, and the Downtown Civic Association the opportunity to share their input before a vote on the issue
