BROWARD — Nearly $10 million will be spent in Broward County neighborhoods to finance projects that will create economic development, job creation and community enhancements.
Broward Commissioners approved the Broward Redevelopment Program funds for a variety of projects in seven Broward County cities.
The city of Miramar will receive $3 million for an amphitheater and roadway improvements. Tamarac will receive $1.5 million for Tamarac Village infrastructure improvements along with landscaping and sidewalks. Fort Lauderdale will receive $1.5 million to develop Complete Streets on Northwest 13th Street that will include bike lanes, landscaping, drainage and sidewalks.
The city of West Park will received $1.4 million for two separate projects that include build out costs for a potential restaurant site and the acquisition of property along State Route 7. Dania Beach is slated for $1.1 million to fund additional parking spaces located at a new mixed use project at Dania Beach Boulevard and Gulfstream Road.
Lauderhill will receive $278,000 to build 13,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and a café at the Village Center. Oakland Park will receive $1.1 million to create more space for vendors at the Central Market on Northeast 38th Street.
Commissioner Dale Holness, whose District 9 received $4.3 million of the allocation, said he appreciated what he received but wished Lauderhill had received more funding.
“The funding is needed for neighborhoods that have been left behind,” said Holness. “Private investments won’t come in if there is no infrastructure, and these communities are in desperate need of jobs.”
The funds, which have been distributed, are already at work. In the Lauderhill area on 441, an office and retail building is being constructed. In the Oakland park area land will be bought to develop a downtown culinary entertainment district.
The projects were first evaluated and then ranked by a committee to determine eligibility. Job creation was among the requirements to receive the redevelopment funding. Commissioners also asked that additional criteria be discussed and developed when Broward Redevelopment Program funds are awarded next year.
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