Fort Lauderdale CRA approves funding for affordable housing building
From David Volz
The Community Development Agency (CRA) Board approved a resolution for a $2 million Development Incentive Program forgivable loan for the New Hope Affordable Housing Development located at 1316 Sistrunk Boulevard. The project features a four-story development with 30 rental units with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and ground-level parking. The project, expected to cost approximately $6.43 million, will bring affordable housing to the Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Heights Community Redevelopment Area. Construction is expected to start this year and be completed in 2024.
Fort Lauderdale Commission works to help residents affected by flooding
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved some large contracts during a recent meeting. The Commission is working to help residents affected by the recent flooding.
The Commission approved a resolution that authorizes the payment of building permit fees and exemption from other fees on behalf of property owners for properties requiring renovation and repairs due to the April 2023 flood event. The severe weather event left many residential and commercial properties with significant damage, and permanent repairs to restore structures to pre-storm condition are to be completed by qualified and licensed contractors. To assist property owners, the City Commission agreed that the City would pay building permit fees for renovation and repairs on behalf of applicants. Permit applicants will continue to be responsible for additional fees collected for county and state assessments. Permit fees that involve activities such as zoning and landscaping reviews and inspections are to be exempted to reduce expenses associated with repair and restoration. Based on the expected average building permit fee of $355, city staff suggested a total of $400,000 from the General Fund to offset the cost to property owners. To provide further relief, building officials will not require building permits for items such as the removal of affected equipment and other items if they are not structural in nature.
The Commission approved an agreement with Bausch Enterprises, Inc. to purchase and install three ocean rescue lifeguard towers. The initial one-year contract amount is $268,450, and the resolution authorizes the City Manager to approve four one-year renewal options in the same estimated amount for a potential total contract amount of $1.34 million. The City owns and operates 20 lifeguard towers on our beaches, and the average life expectancy of a lifeguard tower is 15-20 years due to environmental conditions. The new lifeguard towers will be placed at the following locations: Tower 12 at 800 N. Atlantic, Tower 11 at 600 N. Atlantic, and Tower 4 at 602 Seabreeze Road. The contract will allow the City to purchase additional towers as needed according to the replacement plan over the next five years.
The Commission approved the award of design consulting services for the Las Olas Corridor Mobility Project with Kimley-Horn & Associates and with WSP USA, LLC. The evaluation committee determined both Kimley-Horn and WSP USA, LLC to be the highest-ranked, responsive, and responsible proposers. With the approval of the award of design consulting services to both firms, the next step is for staff to start negotiations with each of them, including pricing. After negotiations are completed, the proposed agreement(s) will require further City Commission approval. City Commissioner Steve Glassman said, “After more than two and a half years of stakeholder public meetings and the Commission adoption of the conceptual vision plan, it is time to move forward on the design phase of Las Olas Boulevard from the beach to Andrews Avenue.”
The Commission approved an agreement with Broward Housing Solutions to award HOME-ARP funds in the amount of $1.1 million for the development of an affordable rental housing project. The agreement also authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents necessary and incidental to the project. In 2021, the City was awarded $2.6 million in HOME-ARP funds to be used for qualifying at-risk individuals or families, including those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. There is no known fiscal impact to the General Fund, though there will be a fiscal impact in the FY 2020-2021 HOME-ARP funds of $1.1 million.
The Commission approved a construction agreement for streetscape improvements at NE 4th Avenue with FG Construction, LLC in the amount of $864,106, which includes $5,000 in allowances for permits, licenses, and fees. The project is located at NE 4th Avenue, between Sunrise Boulevard and NE 13th Street, and work to be accomplished includes widening the sidewalks, trees, an irrigation system, decorative pavement treatments, a district sign, and infrastructure for future lighting. This follows outreach to the community.
