From David Volz
More housing opportunities will be coming to Fort Lauderdale.
The Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners provided a $1.5 million increase in Development Incentive Program forgivable loan funding for a mixed-used development project located at 1217-1223 Sistrunk Boulevard. The final proposed development is a six-story building with 3,582 square feet of commercial space on the first floor, two parking levels with 58 parking spaces, and 27 residential rental units, three of which are dedicated in perpetuity for low-income housing. With the funding increase, the total CRA contribution will be $5 million, which is 33% of the total project investment. In addition to the CRA’s contribution, the project will be financed by a loan in the amount of $6.4 million from Grow America
September’s King Tides exceeded predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by as much as 12 inches resulting in the most severe King Tide to date, causing flooding in low-lying areas and inundating areas rarely experiencing tidal flooding. An update was provided to the City Commission regarding the conditions and actions taken to mitigate the impact on neighborhoods. The City has been proactive by prioritizing drainage improvements, constructing higher seawalls, and inspecting tidal valves prior to the first King Tide, among other efforts. Additionally, steps have been taken to respond to requests for inspections, remove ponded water, and identify and cite private seawall violations. Going forward, priorities include accelerating the design of higher City seawalls in impacted areas, continuing stormwater and resiliency projects.
The Fort Lauderdale Commission was given an overview of Melrose Manors Neighborhood Stormwater project, an effort to address flooding withing the Melrose Manors and Riverland Civic neighborhoods due to the lack of stormwater infrastructure. Considerable progress has been made, including environmental studies, initial data collection, public outreach, and a recommended design concept. The final design is currently underway, with ongoing data collection and public meetings, among other actions. Proposed improvements project a significant reduction to the level and duration of potential flooding.
