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Dear Neighbor,
Earlier this month after a special election due to the resignations of three Commissioners, our city swore in and welcomed Commissioners Beasley-Pittman, Sturman, and Herbst. It is important that we now have a full Commission in order to continue the progress of the City and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we add to the list of accomplishments of these past four years and nine months.
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As 2023 arrives, we turn the page and start a new chapter. With any new Commission comes new challenges; I embrace the perspectives of the new Commissioners and their ideas that I know will enhance the work of our “Can Do Commission.” I love this city and it is truly a privilege to work alongside my colleagues and neighbors in building a better Fort Lauderdale for everyone.
I cannot stress enough the importance of working together for this City. With a divisive political climate in our state and nation, it is imperative to be champions of civility. During the past nearly five years, we have accomplished incredible things by collaborating with city staff, public/private entities, and residents who are invested in our community and always provide such valuable input. Did we always agree or will we always agree? No, but when we do not agree, we must do all we can to not be disagreeable.
Having participated in so many City holiday events and neighborhood holiday gatherings, I will tell you that there is a terrific spirit in Fort Lauderdale and the best people around who all love our city and want nothing but the best for it.
Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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The Year in Review in District 2
and more great things to see in 2023!
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Be patient, as I know there's a lot here, but I do not even mention everything in our district, and yet there is still so much - what a year!
2023 will see the completion of many exciting projects throughout District 2 and the City. Let’s take a look at the accomplishments which cover a vast array of projects; in addition to the many public works projects and transportation and mobility endeavors, I am so proud to have been part of a Commission that breathed new life into long-dormant public spaces and am ecstatic to watch them evolve into world class facilities to be enjoyed by our residents and visitors alike.
War Memorial
Mayor Dean Trantalis and I toured the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial project in November with representatives from the Florida Panthers and the progress is amazing!
Last May, the Florida Panthers broke ground on the $65+ Million Historic War Memorial Auditorium renovation. Under a public-private partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Panthers hockey team has been converting the 70-year-old War Memorial into a state-of-the-art concert and performance space, along with additional amenities for the entire community to enjoy.
The 144,000 sq. foot project will include two ice rinks, one being an official rink for the Panthers to practice with stadium seating for 1,000 and a second rink for the entire community to enjoy. The community rink, slated to be open early 2023 will offer a variety of youth and adult hockey programs, public skating, and figure skating for community members of all ages. In addition to the iceplex, a ballroom-style music venue will have a capacity of nearly 4,000, and the new 5,000-square foot restaurant will have indoor seating and an outdoor terrace that overlooks our beautiful Holiday Park. Additional components to the new design will add a community fitness center and upgrades to Holiday Park’s existing sports and recreation areas, including installation of new pickleball courts. Watching this project evolve in the construction phase is truly inspiring and I cannot wait for the highly anticipated Summer 2023 opening!
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Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and
International Swimming Hall of Fame
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Having a seat on the Board of Directors of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), I have been very involved in the resurgence of this peninsula. On July 10, 2018 the Fort Lauderdale City Commission authorized staff to negotiate a design-build contract for the renovation of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center with Hensel Phelps Construction and it was awarded on August 21, 2018; the vision of restoring this Fort Lauderdale gem started to become a reality. Following completion of the largest City renovation to date, in September, the city debuted the new pools at the aquatic center for the public to enjoy.
This venue, located on the barrier island’s Central Beach, is home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame and an iconic 27-meter dive tower (only one in Western Hemisphere), which in November won a top prize at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2022 Design Awards. At a cost of approximately $47 million, the project also includes:
· New 50-meter competition pool and refurbished 50-meter training pool
· New spa
· New filtration system, pumps, and chlorination systems
· New stadium lighting
· New amenity viewing decks
· Two LED video scoreboards
· Omega Swiss timing/scoring system
· Grandstands with capacity for more than 1,500 spectators
· New locker rooms and a weight room
· Parking and drainage improvements
· New main entry plaza, bathrooms, concessions, ticket office, and meeting rooms
This is a classic example of, “If you build it, they will come.” This is not just excitement that’s local - it’s nationwide and worldwide! Fort Lauderdale is poised to once again become the Swimming and Diving Capital of the World! Still to come: the replacement of the two peninsula bookend buildings for ISHOF that has been previewed around town to rave reviews.
Las Olas Undergrounding
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Just days after the City Commission approved the ordinance establishing the process for communities seeking undergrounding on May 18, 2010, Las Olas Isles neighbors applied and began efforts to make this project a reality. After many hurdles, a groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated on June 14, 2022, officially marking the start of construction. Utility conduits are being installed using horizontal directional drilling.
This trenchless method is more efficient than traditional open-cut construction and results in less disruption to roads and traffic. Construction is being done primarily from west to east, but some operations may vary due to unforeseen conflicts or tidal impacts. Many thanks to the residents for their patience these past twelve years. Getting this project started has been a priority of mine since being elected in 2018. Completion is expected in February 2023. I have requested that staff prioritize meetings with the other District 2 neighborhoods interested in undergrounding their utilities: Idlewyld, Riviera Isles, Seven Isles, Victoria Park, and Sunrise Key.
Las Olas Marina
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On July 19, 2019, the City Commission gave final site plan approval for Suntex to own and operate the Las Olas Marina for 50 years in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale. The redevelopment project began in the first quarter of 2022.
This $65-$70 million dollar project is in addition to the $70 million redevelopment the City of Fort Lauderdale has already invested to create waterfront and beach access, public parks, and new parking facilities. The marina will include 68 boat slips capable of handling vessels up to 250-feet and two buildings – a 15,000-square-foot, two-story high-end restaurant with spacious outdoor seating and a 31,000-square-foot, three-story marine services building containing a casual restaurant, dockmaster’s office, ship store, offices, and a Captains and Crew Lounge with a rooftop gym, swimming pool, a chef’s kitchen, recreational spaces, and substantial crew amenities.
This project has an economic impact of $220 million with an annual impact of 1,100 full-time jobs, and $10 million in infrastructure improvements for the city of Fort Lauderdale. We are on target for having the docks open by the Boat Show 2023 and the buildings by the 1st quarter of 2024.
I want to thank the residents and developer for the ongoing meetings and communication as the magnitude of this project poses many logistical issues for the neighborhood.
Cool news: Thanks to a live webcam installed on the Portofino condominium rooftop, you can now see the project evolve throughout the entire construction process. You can even view the time-lapse feature to see all of the progress to date. Check out this project which is vital not only to the beach, but to our entire city and region. https://app.oxblue.com/open/lasolasmarina.
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Recently Completed Projects! | |
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BTactical Project - Lake Ridge
The city leveraged resources through the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to improve multi-modal options and safety on NE 15 Avenue within the Lake Ridge Community. Since the May 2022 installation, these improvements have slowed drivers down from an average speed of 40 mph to 35 mph and made crossing the street safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The quick-build pilot project uses short-term, low-cost, and scalable interventions intended to create long term improvements when funding becomes available.
As part of the process, the project team tests design options to better understand corridor needs. Initial changes included widening the turning radii at key locations and refreshing planters and landscaping at the NE 12 Street intersection during the October 2022 FTL Make a Difference Day. Upcoming initiatives include refreshing planters and landscaping at NE 11 Street and evaluating the intersection of NE 15 Ave and NE 13 St in consideration of the reintroduction of a right turn lane. Learn more: BTactical Quick Build NE 15 Avenue.
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Kayak Launch - Middle River Terrace
A kayak dock was installed last week in Middle River Terrace where the city has already provided a dock and a much cleaned up area. Neighbors and canoe/kayak adventurers will now be able to access this amenity for recreational purposes. Thank you, MRTNA President Troy Liggett and the board as well as our Parks and Recreation Department for getting this project accomplished.
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Street Calming - Middle River Terrace
Our Transportation and Mobility Department is designing traffic calming options for NE 16th Court from Old Dixie Highway to NE 5th Terrace including two mini-roundabouts and one median island. Preliminary design plans have been shared with the Association, staff has reviewed the latest set of plans and provided technical comments back to be able to finalize plans. Awaiting final plans. Funding is yet to be determined for installation.
Click on the image below to view the latest presentation.
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NE 13th Street 24" Force Main Replacement - South Middle River | |
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NE 13th Street 24" Force Main Replacement - This project is for the replacement of a deteriorated 24-inch diameter sewer force main measuring approximately 3,300 linear feet. The force main is located along NE 13th Street, from State Road 845 to State Road 811. Phase 1 of this project (consent order) was completed on 10/22/2021. There are 3 more phases added to this project (non-consent order) with Phase 2 and 3 under Design Criteria Package (DCP) development, is scheduled to bid by end of 2022. Phase 4 is in planning phase and is not currently funded.
See the visual map below to view phases 1 through 4.
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2022 District 2 Development Projects
Under Review / Approved
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2022 Rezoning Project Highlights | |
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NW Rezonings for Redevelopment:
• Water Tower Apartments Rezoning
• 628 NW 3rd Avenue
• 615 NW 8th Avenue Rezoning for new mixed use development project
• Staff initiated Central City North-West Quadrant Rezoning
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District II Rezoned / Initiated Rezonings to Parks:
• Victoria Park - 2 North Victoria Park
• Cortez Triangle Park - North Seabreeze Boulevard
• DC Alexander Park – 500 Seabreeze Blvd
• Esplanade Park - 400 SW 2nd Street
• Las Olas Oceanside Park - 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard • 1016 Waverly Road
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Central Beach Master Plan / Zoning Regulations: The City Commission adopted an ordinance amending the City of Fort Lauderdale Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) Section 47-12, Central Beach Zoning districts to revise the process and procedures for uses in the Central Beach Zoning Districts, revising and adopting dimensional requirements including open space and streetscape design requirements, and prescriptive criteria for the design and compatibility point system.
Central City Rezoning: The Central City Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Board recommended rezoning areas of the Central City CRA in three phases. Phase I includes rezoning the area in the “Northwest Quadrant” (bound by Powerline Road, NW 16th Street, NW 7th Avenue and NW 13th Street) from Residential Single Family/Medium Density District (RDs-15) to Residential Multifamily Low Rise/Medium Density (RM-15) to allow a variety of housing types to encourage redevelopment and beautification. Phase I will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board at their January 18, 2023 meeting.
Phase II would rezone portions of the CRA along Sunrise Boulevard and the FEC Railway to a new zoning designation, Central City Mixed Use and will be considered by the Planning and Zoning Board at their March 15, 2023 meeting. Phase III includes amending the Future Land Use designation of the areas rezoned in Phase II to ensure adequate residential units would be available to incentivize construction of mixed-used development along Sunrise Boulevard and the FEC Railway while ensuring transitions to lower density areas, and to catalyze economic activity in the CRA overall.
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Sidewalk Ordinance: The City Commission adopted an ordinance amending criteria for sidewalk installation. The proposed amendments provide updates to engineering permit requirements, sidewalk specifications, repairs and requirement for new development and site alterations. | |
Historic Preservation Updates: | |
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• Development Services Department (DSD) has hired an additional staff member to assist with historic preservation efforts.
• A presentation on the Strategic Historic Preservation Plan has been given to the Historic Preservation Board and is scheduled for the Planning and Zoning Board. Staff will be sharing the document with the community and will ultimately be shared with the City Commission.
• The City Commission approved an amendment to the City of Fort Lauderdale Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) Section 47-27.7, Historic Designations, to include additional noticing requirements for historic designation applications
• A proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) to include an option to designate Thematic Historic Districts was reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) at their October 19, 2022, meeting. The PZB requested that staff perform additional community outreach and return to them in February 2023. Following review by the PZB, this item will be placed on a City Commission agenda for consideration. Separately, an ULDR amendment for implementing a Certificate to Dig process for archaeology review is in progress. This amendment will allow for review of certain ground disturbing activities that are anticipated to yield archaeological materials or historical information in an archaeologically significant zone through granting a certificate to dig.
• An update to the Sailboat Bend Historic District (SBHD) Material and Design Guidelines is in the process of being drafted but has not yet moved forward to the public hearing process. The amendments will update the existing guidelines to provide additional clarity concerning materials appropriate for the SBHD and will allow for a more streamlined review process for non-contributing properties located within the district.
• A grant application to the State of Florida was submitted to fund a new architectural resource surveys for South Middle River and Dorsey Riverbend. A second grant application was submitted to the State of Florida titled, “Telling the Story of the Sailboat Bend Historic District.” If awarded, this fund will be used to digitally archive records of the Sailboat Bend Civic Association.
• The City has been awarded $50,000 from the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources to conduct an Architectural Resource Survey of Rio Vista and Riverside Park. A consultant has been selected and survey work is planned to commence in January 2023.
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Affordable Housing Updates: | |
On September 20, 2022, the City Commission adopted a citywide affordable / workforce housing ordinance, creating incentive-based zoning regulations that support affordable / workforce housing development. This Commission priority continues to make progress as we add affordable housing throughout the city. (See the 2022 Strategic Plan Progress Report below to view additional information on affordable housing initiatives). | |
District 2 Public Works Projects | |
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Transportation Projects:
Click on the images below to view the transportation project reports for District 2's Middle River Terrace, Progresso Village, South Middle River, and Victoria Park.
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2022 Strategic Plan Progress Report | |
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Congratulations to Stephen Gollan on your promotion
to Fire Chief!
I would also like to express my gratitude to Chief Kerr for her many years of service. I wish her a happy and healthy retirement.
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Higher tides are predicted over the next few days (Dec 22-26.) Be aware of potential flooding!
High tides expected:
12/22 Thu 7:01 AM & 7:03 PM
12/23 Fri 7:53 AM & 7:56 PM
12/24 Sat 8:44 AM & 8:50 PM
12/25 Sun 9:35 AM & 9:46 PM
12/26 Mon 10:28 AM & 10:45 PM
More: fortlauderdale.gov/kingtides
Report Flooding: arcg.is/11mG5O1
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From the DDA - Huizenga Park in the News | |
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From the DDA - New Federal Courthouse
Receives Additional $55M
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The new Federal Courthouse on the Tarpon River is projected to break ground next year! Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced this week that an additional $55 million from the federal government will allow the project to move forward as scheduled.
Read more in the Sun Sentinel article.
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Motion Approving Second Amendment to Agreement and Task Order No. 3 to Agreement No. 12028-476 for Landscape Architecture Consultant Services for DC Alexander Park Improvements Project - Keith and Associates, Inc. - $195,840.00 - (Commission District 2) | Please click on the image below to view all the conceptual designs for DC Alexander Park. Which will prove to be a very exciting park across from the ocean. | |
Motion Approving Execution of a Subgrant Agreement with the Broward State Attorney’s Office for Work Performed Under the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Program Grant - (Commission Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4)
The ShotSpotter program has been very successful in dealing with gun-related crime in identified hot spots in our city. This will expand that program.
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Staff recommends the City Commission adopt a resolution establishing an Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) Advisory Committee.
Having brought this committee recommendation forward, I want to thank my colleagues for agreeing to the name change to "Fire Rescue Committee".
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Public Hearing – Quasi-Judicial Ordinance Approving a Rezoning from Planned Resort Development (PRD) District to Parks, Recreation and Open Space (P) District – North Seabreeze Boulevard – City of Fort Lauderdale– Case No. UDP-Z22013 – (Commission District 2)
We continue to approve rezonings to protect our parks.
| Update: 500 Hendricks, LLC v. City of Fort Lauderdale | |
In Late November, the Court issued an Order Granting 500 Hendricks, LLC’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the above-referenced matter.
What this means: The order quashes the City Commission's June 21, 2022, denial of the application. We anticipate that the Court will next enter an order in the mandamus action which compels the City to issue a development approval in accordance with the April 2022 decision of the City's Planning and Zoning Board.
We were advised that the City has the right to file a second-tier petition for writ of certiorari in the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Although such relief is very difficult to obtain, I advocated that the City Commission file a petition for a second tier writ of certiorari in the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Thank you to my colleagues for agreeing to appeal the initial decision.
| Federal Program: Free rapid tests can be ordered at covidtests.gov | Get free at-home COVID-19 tests this winter. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. | |
Eye On South Florida at the Winterfest Boat Parade! | |
Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine: January 9-15 | |
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2023 is just around the corner, which means it's almost time for the annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. The weeklong celebration kicks off in DowntownFTL with amazing dining events!
Don't forget there's a Downtown FTL Pass this year that includes a VIP ticket to Bar Fight and Poolside BBQ Battle. We hope to see you there!
Learn more and get your tickets now.
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Lots of fun coming to Las Olas Oceanside Park (LOOP)!
PIXAR PUTT begins Wednesday, January 25, 2023,
and runs through Sunday, March 26, 2023
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Just checked the calendar and I believe I attended the final District 2 neighborhood association holiday party on December 21st! What a season! It was great hanging out with the Flagler Village Civic Association. Thank you to Village Place for hosting and to Blue Tree Cafe for the delicious catering. | |
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We have the following Board Vacancies below. Please email Erica Franceschi [email protected] if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.
Board of Adjustment
Cemetery System Board of Trustees
Code Enforcement Board
Community Appearance Board
Community Services Board
Education Advisory Board
Insurance Advisory Board
Nuisance Abatement Board
Sustainability Advisory Board
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The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Cacicedo, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions [email protected] or 954-828-5923.
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Steve Glassman
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, District 2
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