Fort Lauderdale approved a $74.9 million mixed-use development with a transit hub for trolleys, 92 condos, 75 rental apartments, a pedestrian promenade and 68,673 square feet of retail, on a city-owned lot currently used for beach parking.
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 Commissioners said they're still willing to discuss renovations or replacement for the outdated, city-owned swimming complex just south of the Birch lot.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.
Thanks to Sheryl Stolzenberg
Read the full story: Lauderdale OKs condo, retail project on site of beach parking lot
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