It has taken years of wrangling between the city of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County and even a threat by U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings to withhold federal funds but at long last the NE/NW 6th Street Streetscape Enhancement project for Sistrunk Boulevard is finally underway.
Officials broke ground on Jan. 12 for work to start on improving the historic black business corridor and try to set it on a path towards its former glory.

The $15 million project is expected to be wrapped up in about 16 months and, when it is completed, there should be a marked change in appearance that should lure more businesses to the neighborhood.

There are similar streets and surrounding communities in each county in the tri-county area and interest in restoring them vary. Perhaps the most notable efforts have been made in the city of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood where the initiative has included also restoring historic buildings.

There is not much happening, apparently, in Palm Beach County and it is hoped that officials there and in the relevant cities will pay close attention to what is going on to the south and join the effort to help once glorious communities reach back to the past to create a better future.