| Plans for new federal court house are released From David Volz A new federal courthouse is coming to Fort Lauderdale. The federal government showed architectural plans for the new downtown federal courthouse. It will include ten stories that will be located on the southern bank of the Tarpon River. There will be green spaces and a riverfront trail. It will cost about $190 million to build and is likely to bring more commercial development near the Broward County Courthouse complex. The federal government was able to obtain a 3.5 acre site on Southeast Third Avenue and Southeast 11th Street. The blue print was prepared by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The 252,000 square foot building will include 12 courtrooms and 17 judges chambers. There will be space for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit which is based in Atlanta. There will be space for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Two of the Southern District’s bankruptcy judges preside in Fort Lauderdale. |
Bridge rehabilitation construction project to begin in Hollywood.
From David Volz
The Florida Department of Transportation is about to begin the SR 822/Sheridan Street Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway rehabilitation project. The bridge will be 900 feet. Work will begin on January 22 and be completed in late 2022. The contractor will be PCL Construction and the cost will be $12,200,214.
Project improvements include installing bicycle-friendly / anti-slip walking plates along the moveable spans, removing existing curb and adding a 4-foot traffic railing between the sidewalk and roadway, removing and replacing the outer pedestrian railing, adding new pedestrian gates in each direction, renovating the existing tender house, upgrading electrical and mechanical components, and access platforms on the bridge
Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation offers Little Free Libraries
From David Volz
The City of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department has collaborated with a father/daughter duo, Madison Durand and her dad Fernando, who built and assisted in installing five Little Free Libraries in parks around the City. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires community members of all ages and backgrounds to read, exchange books, and boost their creativity to become the best version of themselves.
Little Free Libraries have been installed in George Brummer Park, Novelty Park, Harbor’s Edge, Jacoby Park, and the Hillsboro Inlet. A silver plaque will be displayed on each of the libraries with the phrase, “Take a Book, Share a Book.” There will also be a link to the Little Free Library website where you can find instructions on how to contribute to the libraries and the impact their organization has had worldwide. Remember, Readers are Leaders
Oakland Park wants to improve the downtown area
From David Volz
Oakland Park has been working on plans to revitalize the downtown, which include redeveloping more than six acres of City-owned property to bring new amenities to the area. The City is looking for the right partner to create a vibrant, cohesive, and walkable destination for residents, businesses, and visitors. Qualified firms were invited to submit proposals to redevelop the City property and present their ideas to the City’s Evaluation Committee.
The City of Oakland Park is installing new trees and shrubs in the medians along Oakland Park Boulevard, between NW 31 Avenue and NW 21 Avenue. While landscaping is installed, Oakland Park Boulevard will be reduced to two lanes in either direction. The temporary lane closures will be in effect weekdays through May, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Oakland Park is applying for a $400,000 grant to make improvements to the trail at Royal Palm Park and we could use your help. The city is hosting a public meeting to get community input. You can join city leaders on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom to share your ideas for park improvements.
The City is issuing a request for applications from non-profit organizations seeking assistance for programs that serve residents of Oakland Park. Funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through the Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development Division, for Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023. Approximately $30,000 may be available for up to two local non-profit organizations that serve our community.
The City of Oakland Park is working with Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Broward County, and the Broward MPO to host a follow-up meeting to discuss the corridors along NW 21 Avenue and Prospect Road. The virtual meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. Topics of discussion will include reconfiguration of traffic signals and traffic calming measures.
Oakland Park is working to make improvements to Woodson Park
From David Volz
The City of Oakland Park is working with the community to plan improvements to Dr. Carter G. Woodson Park, located at 3490 NE Third Avenue. The City has held three public meetings since October 2021 to get input from residents. We invite you to join us on Wednesday, May 11, in person or on Zoom to get an update and learn more about park improvements.
The City of Oakland Park received a Complete Streets Grant to make improvements on NW 21st Avenue, between NW 26th Street and Commercial Boulevard. Proposed improvements to enhance safety and aesthetics include landscaping in the medians south of Oakland Park Boulevard and painting the bike lanes north of Oakland Park Boulevard.
Through a partnership with SEFLIN, the Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library now offers access to three services from Brainfuse, including HelpNow, VetNow, and JobNow. Brainfuse HelpNow is an all-in-one suite of tutoring services for a wide range of academic needs; VetNow is an all-in-one suite of services for veteran needs, and JobNow provides resources for career needs. As a patron with a valid library card number, you can create an account and select among several service options. Once you select a service, the WebConnect online classroom launches.
