Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major contracts
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved contracts during a recent meeting
The Commission adopted separate motions for the sale, service, and consumption of food and alcoholic beverages on the public beach, including at the Bahia Mar Beach Resort and The Ritz Carlton Hotel. The motions apply to hotel guests or any person occupying a beach chair rented from a City-approved beach concessionaire and are limited to the area within each hotel’s upland property boundary lines that extend to the beach. The City may temporarily suspend or revoke, or permanently terminate the agreement if expectations are not met.
The Commission approved a resolution of support endorsing new municipal capital projects as part of the 2024 Mobility Advancement Program projects for Broward County surtax funding. The one-cent surtax, which started in 2019 and continues for 30 years, aims to increase mobility and address transportation challenges. The City recommends submitting three project applications in 2024, including $6.5 million for NE 26th Street Complete Streets Projects construction funding, $2.3 million for SW 14th Avenue and Middle Street construction funding, and $3 million for Laudertrail design funding. If the 2024 applications are awarded, funding will be received in 2029.
The Commission approved an approximately $320,000 agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for consultant services for the one-way pairs study for Andrews Avenue and SE 3rd Avenue between SE 17th Street and Sunrise Boulevard. One-way pairs are a concept that includes converting Andrews Avenue and SE 3rd Avenue to one-way streets – one in each direction – with the intent to create more efficient intersections and traffic flow. Goals include reducing the number of signal phase traffic signals, creating dedicated transit-only lanes, and adding more space for pedestrians and bicycles.
The Commission approved a $1.5 million funding agreement with the Broward County Habitat Community Housing Development Corporation for the development and construction of 20 affordable residential townhouse units for qualified low- to moderate-income families. The energy-efficient units will be located between Powerline Road and NW 19th Street, and homeownership opportunities will be provided to families with a household income that does not exceed 80% of the area’s median income.
The Commission approved a resolution supporting the submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program for the New River crossing. Recent studies for a New River crossing for commuter rail have identified four crossing alternatives – three bridge options and a tunnel, which is the City’s preferred alternative. The RAISE program has a $25 million maximum grant threshold for the planning phase and requires a 20% local match. The City intends to submit a grant application for $2.5 million for a total project cost of $3 million with the $500,000 local match. The City will provide notification to Broward County regarding the intention to apply and is seeking future partnership opportunities with the county. The study will provide a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat) for four different alternatives to determine which configuration, if any, would advance to the design phase.
The Commission approved the fiscal year 2025 City Commission priorities, which are an important component of the City’s budget planning process. Additionally, the priorities advance the goals and objectives in the City’s five-year strategic plan and its long-term vision plan. The Commission’s priorities established for FY 2025 include public safety, homelessness initiatives, affordable housing and economic development, transportation and traffic, infrastructure and resilience, and public spaces and community initiatives.
The Commission took steps to reduce the potential disruption of high-impact events such as Spring Break on beach property, including a boost to the maximum parking violation fee and an increase in the per-day parking rate during these events. In years past, the City Commission has taken steps such as prohibiting tents, tables, and the consumption of alcohol on the beach. To incentivize rideshare and other modes of transportation, the Commission approved a new parking violation fee of $125, which is $25 more than the current maximum special event rate, and the implementation of a parking rate of up to $100 per day per vehicle during high-impact events.
Oakland Park sees progress on Sky Building
From David Volz
Progress continues on the anticipated Sky Building on North Dixie Highway in Oakland Park. As construction moves ahead, the City is excited to share the latest pictures of the building exterior.
There will be a a mix of residential, commercial, and retail space, this transformative project will support local businesses and further the community’s vision for a vibrant downtown. Through an innovative public-private partnership between the City and developer NR Investments, Oakland Park will move operations to the west side of Dixie Highway and serve as a landmark tenant in the Sky Building.
The project will generate ad valorem revenue and give new life to the previously underutilized vacant lots in the heart of the downtown and just steps from Jaco Pastorius Park. In addition to centralizing City operations, the Sky Building will provide public parking and attainable housing opportunities. The project is also expected to enhance property values and spur further investments to create new retail, office, entertainment, dining, and housing offerings to help residents and businesses thrive. The project also supports transit-oriented development to promote mass transit, walkability, and sustainability throughout our community.
Leaders from Oakland Park schools and businesses met with members of the City Commission and the School Advisory Board last week during the February Downtown Business Partners meeting. The meeting aimed to identify ways for the business community to collaborate to support schools in Oakland Park. The event highlighted the community’s commitment to enhancing and supporting local students and educational opportunities. City leaders thank all the attendees and leaders from all Oakland Park schools for their meaningful contributions. We also want to thank Funky Buddha Brewery for hosting. The leaders look forward to continuing this important dialogue and seeing the positive impacts of these collaborations in our community.
