Fort Lauderdale OKs Major Mixed Use Project

City Commissioners see the Birch parking lot site as crucial for capturing traffic as it enters the Beach, and perfect for providing groceries and services for beach residents to diminish citywide traffic. The International Swimming Hall of Fame didn't just lose its savior site for building a new complex; it lost some goodwill among city leaders with its threats to leave the city if it didn't get the deal. Commissioners said they're still willing to discuss renovations or replacement for the outdated, city-owned swimming complex just south of the Birch lot. Hall of Fame Chair Sam Forester didn't take the criticism hard. "It's a pretty thin pancake that doesn't have two sides," he said.