[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6594819,"mediaKeyId","3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1","parentId",3054831,"title","Residents urge commission to reconsider Covenant House placement on West Side, cite safety and neighborhood-impact concerns","audioSeconds",604,"startMs",8498000,"endMs",9102000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1&start=8498&end=9102","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1/thumbnail_8498000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6594819/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Residents-urge-commission-to-reconsider-Covenant-House-placement-on-West-Side-cite-safety-and-neighborhood-impact-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594819-4d646600e3bbb483cd6e364d44e53b84/orig.mp4?Expires=1773691278&Signature=LKZ~qEF-hGoIOTbIyGipJAcc5270fS0zuCLpwoxUp00dG3lOYKPs32DPOoddUauTSGpvh72oiQzx~a3VGk5MxiDYZxg53KmjAhtJYw6w8dorDvbyG6KAWxl9Mq7UwsECpnQOOxiq904BEvI1K~~R7Kq4hShJ5Peomq~IOsc8F4D8t-kUpHwbpjlPk21NdL5tasB0ZdywgcWki4TlIfZe2bz8CVaAczMLef9yc~GbesL40vbjb19GlPR3Htn5Y-sHY5JO7fNQUj6RUlxQbbdFhI5ywB4dhhm8JeElsT45dQS-pBp-mGLFQWziskKUCIaGyhkmcOaL4DGpzX5dSw~4Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oakland Park","date","2025-04-16T18:30:00Z","article","Multiple residents used the public-comment portion of the meeting to raise concerns about a proposed Covenant House location on the West Side, asking the City Commission to reconsider the siting and to prioritize neighborhood uplift and public safety.

Resident William Barshop said he opposed Covenant House and argued the project would deter West Side development, citing that residents have repeatedly expressed organized opposition: “The West Side now has now, for the first time, really come in as a polarized group, and you have, I think, 789 signatures that say, we don't want this,” he told the commission.

Resident Stacy Norcross said she obtained public records from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department about incidents at Covenant House’s Breakers Avenue facility and told commissioners that, in recent months, staff had required police response for violent behavior and that a resident had been found in possession of an AR-15. She framed those items as reasons to re-evaluate siting: “Is this what we want to welcome to the West Side Of Oakland Park?” she asked. Norcross said she was placing the police reports into the public record for the commission to review.

Other commenters urged continued focus on West Side economic development and neighborhood planning. Eric Peterson, who said he had participated in earlier West Side vision forums, told the commission residents and business owners in that corridor remain eager for investment and asked the city to renew focus on the West Side commercial corridor.

Speakers framed their remarks as public comment and as requests for the commission to engage with Covenant House and potential alternatives; no formal Covenant House action or zoning application was on the meeting agenda and commissioners did not vote on the matter during the April 16 meeting. Several commissioners acknowledged the speakers’ concerns and said staff would follow up on community engagement and data requests.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oakland Park - City Commission Meeting - Apr 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents used public comment at the April 16 meeting to urge the City Commission to reconsider siting Covenant House services on the West Side of Oakland Park, citing safety incidents and neighborhood-impact concerns.","taxTitle","Oakland Park, Broward County, Florida","taxId",56674,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6594824,"CRA reports new businesses, park renovations and leasing progress in downtown Oakland Park",576,5866000,6442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1&start=5866&end=6442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1/thumbnail_5866000.jpg","/articles/6594824/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/CRA-reports-new-businesses-park-renovations-and-leasing-progress-in-downtown-Oakland-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594824-cf6fa7513d388a14216db5d512876444/orig.mp4?Expires=1773691278&Signature=OR8uYE-gGl99URZuQy~f1Pn~h71N1J3EqljuG29PsJtI9LVFB-HkZlnO6O~vxApZIKOzrJB~Oo0eITSTHuSEPcyfvyXdzlTAolKiUXRsKbjMa5ZJrstbKZ0FaLdY04eqaZRsVfeRnxpvffApyBK3WkDOT0trenK93V0LNHb0yU4pcoRfdWWAigRwp8e0DK3v-G6RO3C~SPlrB672LQ4SLG4FGBVyeYjZsaGiV9dEfxuzy5P~dsSWiVpw7eRJ7O6aQCjy7LXpK7xa-3C3LfNVuds7CWQ7q4P7FJoYlcKtGA2eUFgTC~HXXkC8Spio065-zfhAHwg9MOAchuDCWMcKkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Redevelopment Agency updated the board on recent commercial openings, public-space improvements and redevelopment milestones in downtown Oakland Park.

CRA and Economic Development Director Naysa Herrera said the fiscal year 2024 CRA annual report has been published and distributed as required by state statute. Herrera listed recent new businesses including Rick and Joe’s Cookies, JJ Party Piñatas & Rentals, Red Sea (an Ethiopian restaurant), Voodoo Brewery and El Toro Cigars. She also noted the Doctor Carter G. Woodson Park renovation and grand opening in February, which added new basketball courts, playground surfacing, outdoor fitness equipment and a community garden done in partnership with the Urban Farming Institute.

Herrera reported progress on larger redevelopment projects: two buildings in the Sky Building complex have received temporary certificates of occupancy, the sky bridge has been installed, and ten residential units have been leased; staff continues commercial leasing work for ground-floor retail. She said Collins Community Center demolition has begun ahead of planned renovations and that North Andrews Avenue and Northeast 13th Avenue sidewalk and drainage projects are in design and bidding phases, pending FDOT concurrence where applicable.

The CRA noted a busy events calendar — Taste of Oakland Park, Dancing in the Streets and Youth Day — and said the district attracted thousands of attendees across recent events. Staff announced upcoming business resources including a May 9 Business & Beyond conference participation, a May 13 West Side business partners meeting, and a May 17 Art Walk. Herrera encouraged businesses to use county micro-grant programs and local technical assistance sessions.

No formal board action was requested; the report was informational and staff answered commissioners’ questions about collaboration with FDOT and continued outreach to West Side businesses and property owners.","The Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency reported recent achievements including new businesses (Voodoo Brewery, El Toro Cigars, Red Sea), completion of Doctor Carter G. Woodson Park renovations, progress on the Sky Building, and ongoing capital projects and small-business support programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6594828,"Oakland Park applies for CDBG funds, awards $15,000 each to two nonprofits for local services",530,4534000,5064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1&start=4534&end=5064","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1/thumbnail_4534000.jpg","/articles/6594828/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Oakland-Park-applies-for-CDBG-funds-awards-15000-each-to-two-nonprofits-for-local-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594828-57afa7c46a89587906cdf4077957e971/orig.mp4?Expires=1773691278&Signature=aeZdav~W6Zb1y77HArD-Vsnc7zpEVXfm5xIb3YO-6MFyabhyCdsdnfjvoY3D64UgKZ6yfU3n0lyUWxNR0RDfSQSPW856SJF5vYiYzCbqDtc3V9pQ1nKUsnElaqa--s6W70r5wJgJ7EABnrhGX9VfO7U4oRgmDpuZHRLbMQstFB4rdFRrU32idYdCL1NzdWGYbdTNh9XkK7jE9-aCzqNxeAY9WdxDpA1gVe3WTo6hsBD3fRBImOk6rq7nXE5X7k38-VZyL67tSccAbvWiTgD-Xx6hKILoIzvXt~oMD6XdwgHdzvwydGGLoTkYr6fRBzcIKpOYx6DoonXcBZCF-o8amg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission moved to submit Oakland Park’s 51st-year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to Broward County and allocated the city’s public service awards to two local nonprofits.

Sierra Marrero and grants manager Claudell Rose explained that the city’s infrastructure portion of the CDBG application would seek roughly $200,000 toward work at the Glenwood Garden Park site at Northeast 30th Street and 13th Avenue. The proposed CDBG-funded scope is initial construction work such as a perimeter wall and stormwater undergrounding to support future park development.

Commissioners were also presented with ranked nonprofit applications for the public-service portion of the grant. The independent rankings—scored out of 22 points—placed Light of the World Clinic first (21.83) and Women in Distress second (20.58), followed by the Center of Independent Living of Broward (20.42) and Feeding South Florida (17.83). The commission voted to award two public-service grants of up to $15,000 each to Light of the World Clinic and Women in Distress.

Light of the World Clinic CEO Sandra Berry told the commission the clinic has served Oakland Park residents for decades and described services for uninsured and low-income patients; “I’m proud to say that…we have grown to imagine if you will what would you do if you had no health insurance,” she said. Susan Evans of Women in Distress described rising domestic violence caseloads and urged continued local support; “Unfortunately domestic violence is increasing right now,” she said during public comment.

The resolution to submit the CDBG application and to accept HUD’s final appropriation, if awarded, passed unanimously. Commissioners noted there are competing funding pressures at state and federal levels and asked staff to follow up on grant timing and next steps if the county award is made in October.","The commission authorized submission of the city's Community Development Block Grant application to Broward County, nominated Glenwood Garden Park improvements as the infrastructure project and voted to award two $15,000 public service allocations to Light of the World Clinic and Women in Distress.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6594832,"Commission approves Cypress Crossing mixed-use project, allocates 286 flexibility housing units",1846,2704000,4550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1&start=2704&end=4550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1/thumbnail_2704000.jpg","/articles/6594832/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Commission-approves-Cypress-Crossing-mixed-use-project-allocates-286-flexibility-housing-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594832-963f4f894f3a631c1260576e8fa31414/orig.mp4?Expires=1773691278&Signature=mbdrSLmQmUccZTKrIqME7PZ-mAhz5WlypEGqSfHUmPqfDkjuOVBozVw3H3Qi8D5LZBhDLmilaFMOVsQEedA7csKbFt8zpNpI3C3MTZ-ATrcuNBd~51GNqk8Rz4f52fSIDC8pnySTVlcSk~SlaPNzo3mCty0jmjY4-WuSAbqKbs3aOED61aEoZk0Np6cefBhke1B8zkq7cvgo-QoAkObHEt5~znoL20uJcIdd17byCwJIcSHzEpcW0beeSxSDmrJOAOWVMV1b6uWMAv6q5EmshpZaMryRyFoOpaA7IJ07FwI8OQqjEAwGgVwWNn4ErvZFmqNlgoX~q5EcxxtqOCjzjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On second reading the City Commission approved a mixed-use redevelopment plan and final plat for the former Florida Department of Transportation park-and-ride lot at the southwest corner of Cypress Creek Road and I-95, allocating 286 flexibility housing units and approving several city waivers and development commitments.

Sierra Marrero, director of engineering and community development, described the proposal as an eight-story mid-rise building with roughly 286 residential units and about 25,000 square feet of commercial space, plus two retail buildings and an internal private roadway network. Marrero said the project site totals about 8.4 gross acres (6.95 net acres) and straddles the Oakland Park–Fort Lauderdale municipal boundary.

Attorney Nectaria Chalkas, representing the applicant, told the commission the developer agreed to additional commitments since the first hearing, including solar lighting for surface parking and drive aisles, relocation of five EV charging stations to the surface lot for retail use, and execution of a development agreement and restrictive covenants. Chalkas said the applicant waived automatic administrative extension rights and agreed that any extension would require commission approval; she added, “So any extensions would be coming in front of the City Commission.”

Staff and the Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval. The commission approved six waivers tied to site area, landscape buffering and setbacks, a limited height exception, and additional monument signage because of the property’s irregular shape. Marrero said the applicant has committed to enhanced architectural screening, trellises and 52 EV charging stations in total (including the five to be relocated to the surface lot).

The item included both an ordinance on second reading to adopt the master development plan and the associated final plat. The commission voted unanimously to: adopt the ordinance approving the mixed-use master development plan and waivers; allocate 286 flexibility housing units to the project; and adopt the final plat for “Cypress Creek East,” subject to the plat note restricting the site to 286 mid-rise residential units and 25,000 square feet of commercial use.

Vote: Vice Mayor Arndt — yes; Commissioner Gordon — yes; Commissioner Newbold — yes; Commissioner Budhu — yes; Mayor Tim Lonergan — yes.

Commissioners asked several practical questions during debate, including parking arrangements for visitors (staff and the applicant said visitors will use the parking garage and parallel parking along drive aisles), and whether the units would be used for short-term vacation rentals (applicant: units are intended as residences; no short-term rental restriction was imposed). The approvals clear the way for the applicant to seek Broward County redevelopment units and proceed to county review as required for the flexibility-unit allocation.","The City Commission approved second-reading ordinance and final plat for the Cypress Crossing/Cypress Creek East mixed-use redevelopment of the former FDOT park-and-ride site. The approvals allocate 286 flexibility housing units, authorize waivers, and include developer commitments on solar lighting and EV stations; votes were unanimous.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6594837,"Oakland Park and Wilton Manors present five-year update to joint climate action plan",614,1030000,1644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1&start=1030&end=1644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3054831-c14d96db09f55b3ee6a908bf5719dbe1/thumbnail_1030000.jpg","/articles/6594837/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Oakland-Park-and-Wilton-Manors-present-five-year-update-to-joint-climate-action-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594837-3fce14dd5f44246699b48fca3f402ab5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773691278&Signature=P-BmmNl5a0q6vwcz6k1HBlRxNoZlz9gc8YlhzQY5b5Wzc2zGp~tiPLA-2L0r8Fsx3xglOsXFTQbWRuEXnMxAfNLJGNb08vk-qJNvm5q6n531b2u02wTJPeleXxU6nN~QS7IUrRskWWD3Emna7OZJjmv3tauVd~ofZ0wSwSa5Sru9oc~v2T45n6Ue~pP9Vc8IevhNl2ZZmHUgRXeGWYBTk3b-OchnwXsk1fIC2aGrSGcFA63BJOpQxeDIY8zNKPCg9Ue7L0wHwib~Shjx9KdXJEwNWc6Me1mJSNcwEeXEEykefz-N4np3K07j3HcR3mPYtx0xUNexwMORDB-uX52-Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a five-year update to the joint climate action plan for Oakland Park and Wilton Manors, outlining seven broad strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resilience to flooding, heat and other climate risks.

City Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Molly Furch said the 2019 plan has been revisited “with fresh eyes and renewed commitment” and that the update is intended to move the cities from planning to action. The update highlights progress and adds new proposed actions, she said, and aims to make the plan “clear and accessible to everyone, not just planners, engineers.”

The presentation listed seven overarching strategies: sustainable communities and transportation; water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure; natural systems; energy and fuel; risk reduction and emergency management; public policy advocacy; and public outreach and engagement. Furch and Public Works Director Albert Carbon emphasized water and stormwater systems as a primary area of focus for local resilience work.

In response to a commissioner question about septic systems in Broward County, Carbon said Oakland Park itself is “100% sewer” but that roughly a third of the county overall still relies on septic systems. He described an ongoing county ordinance and planning effort to convert remaining septic-served areas to sanitary sewer and said residents who alter or replace septic systems are required to connect to sewer where available.

Commissioners commented favorably on the update and urged continued emphasis on planting trees, improving landscaping in public planters, and coordinating with county and neighboring jurisdictions for funding and infrastructure work. Furch noted one new proposed action in the update: “to develop and implement a plan to continuously educate residents on what can and cannot be recycled.”

The presentation was informational; no ordinance or formal action was taken on the plan during the April 16 meeting. Staff said the update will guide city and intercity work moving forward and that departments will continue to revise and implement actions as needed.","City staff presented a five-year update to the Joint Climate Action Plan (JCAP), outlining seven strategies for emissions reduction and resilience and noting new and ongoing actions including flood vulnerability assessments, infrastructure upgrades and public outreach efforts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge commission to reconsider Covenant House placement on West Side, cite safety and neighborhood-impact concerns

CRA reports new businesses, park renovations and leasing progress in downtown Oakland Park

Oakland Park applies for CDBG funds, awards $15,000 each to two nonprofits for local services

Commission approves Cypress Crossing mixed-use project, allocates 286 flexibility housing units

Oakland Park and Wilton Manors present five-year update to joint climate action plan