[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6553984,"mediaKeyId","5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381","parentId",5032751,"title","Oakland Park commission approves first reading of downtown zoning change to allow waivers for supplemental rules","audioSeconds",3731,"startMs",7024000,"endMs",10755000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381&start=7024&end=10755","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381/thumbnail_7024000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6553984/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Oakland-Park-commission-approves-first-reading-of-downtown-zoning-change-to-allow-waivers-for-supplemental-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553984-f1ea4f1536eed264fdb2f581057cd42f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202318&Signature=ZRaL7EV6ULN37kgPD5efVSd5WXO~-M8uMmW3zNd8fxYcCW8rB1swJaJ64ifxTC78uUhK9ir8vGio7P3Chq841ws5bxf52sNHq4dKyv2FjP6~SYyiDC-KGNj50J05LWZpj2-ztRGjTbgEHybj-nPqdcrhX-3O1dPHjTAxPMs~ifFsxaaVvRUZ63xEKWKC7KMeY46iHHoDoWAiq9lZ0I4OlGjX-JKgmMmEyK5Toq7Bb95jQ9nCacNCk~npmYgsJcNKusVxsiV4s2HfeN17DTllirQiOJEQxJPxj8DwrdT6XLR2j-5VpKkBmqI8sLitL~BfUWXFQmK~ugQAnqEG498F0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oakland Park","date","2025-06-18T18:30:00Z","article","The Oakland Park City Commission on June 18 voted unanimously on first reading to adopt a staff‑initiated amendment to the city’s land development code that creates a waiver process for certain supplemental development regulations in the OP3D downtown district.

The ordinance amends Chapter 24 (Land Development Code) and specifically modifies language in section 24‑266(c) and 24‑273 to add a defined waiver procedure for uses subject to a supplemental 40‑foot setback in parts of the OP3D district. Staff said the change is intended to address situations in which otherwise permitted uses cannot operate within an existing or newly constructed building because the code’s supplemental setbacks render portions of rent‑able space unusable.

What staff proposed and why
Sierra Marrero, the city’s director of engineering and community development, told the commission the code’s current supplemental regulations have had the unintended effect of blocking permitted uses from locating in some downtown properties, including recently constructed space in the Sky Building. Marrero said the proposed text amendment would preserve the OP3D use list but provide an administrative pathway for relief when a property cannot reasonably comply with the supplemental rule without losing the ability to use otherwise permitted space.

Key elements of the approved first‑reading change
- Waiver process: Staff would accept a formal waiver application showing an undue burden or physical constraint and that the proposed use would be consistent with the comprehensive plan and OP3D objectives. The city’s Development Review Committee (DRC) would review the technical findings and make a recommendation.
- Final authority and appeals: Under the draft language the city manager would have final approval authority on waiver requests; the code requires written notice to the commission and permits an applicant or affected person to appeal a denial to the commission.
- Limits and safeguards: The amendment does not change which uses are permitted, conditional or prohibited; it only establishes a process for limited administrative relief from specific supplemental development standards. The amendment explicitly preserves other variance and conditional‑use processes.

Public comment and planning‑board history
The Planning & Zoning Board heard the item and recommended approval, 4‑2, with two specific conditions: (1) the final approval authority for waivers should rest with the DRC (rather than the city manager) and (2) the city should provide advance notice to potentially affected parties before a waiver is considered by the DRC. Public speakers during the June 18 hearing included a downtown property owner and small‑business operator who supported the change as a way to accelerate tenanting and redevelopment, and others who asked that the public‑process safeguards be retained.

Commission debate and vote
Commissioners asked staff for additional safeguards and requested that staff implement a notification process so existing businesses could receive advance notice of waiver applications that might affect them. The city manager said he supported the staff recommendation but agreed staff should include notice to potentially affected parties. After discussion the commission voted to approve the ordinance on first reading; roll call was recorded as Yes from Commissioners Budhu, Vice Mayor Arndt, Commissioner Gordon, Commissioner Newbold and Mayor Tim Lonergan.

Next steps
Staff will prepare a second‑reading ordinance and recommended edits for final consideration; the public hearing process will continue and the second reading will incorporate clarifying language about notification procedures and the appeal path required under the code.

Ending
Supporters said the waiver process balances the need for consistency in the downtown code with the practical requirement of enabling permitted uses to occupy constrained or adaptive spaces; opponents asked for continued public notification and retention of public review where significant departures from standards are proposed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oakland Park - City Commission Meeting - Jun 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Oakland Park City Commission on June 18 voted unanimously on first reading to adopt a staff‑initiated amendment to the land development code establishing a waiver process for certain supplemental development regulations in the OP3D downtown district.","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},6553989,"Oakland Park previewed $52 million water and sewer capital needs; consultants recommend phased rate increases",4149,2674000,6823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381&start=2674&end=6823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381/thumbnail_2674000.jpg","/articles/6553989/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Oakland-Park-previewed-52-million-water-and-sewer-capital-needs-consultants-recommend-phased-rate-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553989-2ff58356ded7dccb968effe079f72a09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202318&Signature=hyoE2xxms7Yhmu3JhzLC8AG0VwI2u8GQUzZkeTgKVaIRTnkCyaZeKvduYmWhs8Mrypp27CnH4ppnnK8MOXhjy1pzr7KoegSi9ZLE9l4LTMiYc5UeevlQp4HhOn3Uy6aYUFW4C0BlHMfVhrTYl7YzdZTBWqZfyQ6zOQdO0SmCRAK9XGd1~H0h1y~GWwo8vib7t-gop9PHge1VtdfbkUOMO-oEW1Oq-vCiMVB5ntn-Ypn25eKy3rNU0-GP~3HcV9rvpUFkS6nYff5-3-fjkm~QRJH8mMmFiD-ReK04HoqnR7ylWRwLVtSOnXPVCeZZF5AXYKFlffXxpwSL0TOPBhxcGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oakland Park commissioners on June 18 heard a preview of a water and wastewater system assessment and a draft rate plan that would fund significant capital reinvestment and operations for the city‑owned portion of water distribution and wastewater collection.

Public works director Albert Carbon introduced consultants Tim Hall of Craven & Thompson (system assessment) and Trevor McCarthy of Reftellus/Rate consultant (rate analysis). Hall summarized the engineering findings and McCarthy presented a draft finance plan: a $52 million, 10‑year capital program (about $30 million for sewer; about $22 million for water) and a recommendation for phased rate increases to fund operating and capital needs.

Why the review matters
Oakland Park owns and operates much of the water distribution piping and the wastewater collection system; the city purchases potable water from the City of Fort Lauderdale and sends wastewater to Fort Lauderdale or Broward County treatment plants. That structure makes Oakland Park’s costs vulnerable to rate changes by those suppliers, consultants said, but it also leaves the city responsible for pipe upkeep, lift stations and inflow and infiltration (I&I) remediation.

Key takeaways from the consultants
- Capital needs and funding approach: The consultants presented a 10‑year capital funding program of roughly $52 million (approx. $30 million sewer, $22 million water). McCarthy said the plan assumes pay‑as‑you‑go funding and no new debt in the short term; rate revenue and reserves would fund the capital program.
- Suggested rate path: McCarthy summarized a recommendation of 4% annual rate revenue increases for the water system and 7.5% annual rate revenue increases for the wastewater system, phased over multiple years, with the consultant and staff proposing a rate design change in 2026 to strengthen conservation pricing and protect low‑use residential customers. McCarthy said the proposed 2026 design change would yield an average residential bill increase of roughly 4.9% in 2026; later years would apply the 4.0% and 7.5% escalation factors.
- Inflow & infiltration (I&I): Tim Hall emphasized there are notable I&I flows in the wastewater system and recommended I&I remediation as a priority. McCarthy’s analysis assumed a possible 50% reduction in I&I if identified projects are implemented; that assumption translates to estimated avoided wastewater treatment costs of about $1.2 million per year at the end of the forecast period.
- Miscellaneous fees: The consultants recommended updating user fees and deposits to better align cost recovery with direct beneficiaries. Examples discussed were raising the water deposit from $110 to $170, a hydrant deposit increase (to cover meter costs), and higher after‑hours charges.

Risks and external dependencies
Staff and consultants repeatedly flagged the city’s exposure to supplier rate changes. Carbon and the city manager noted that Fort Lauderdale sets wholesale water and sewer charges for master‑meter customers and Broward County also affects portions of the service area; those wholesale rates would be pass‑through adjustments outside the city’s direct control. The city manager and commissioners discussed the importance of continued engagement with Fort Lauderdale and Broward County on future rate proposals.

Next steps
Staff said the report is draft and a final report is expected in a few weeks; staff will return with a formal ordinance and public hearings to set new rates and adopt revised miscellaneous fees as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

Ending
The assessment identified large capital needs and a funding path staff said is intended to avoid borrowing and to limit rate shock through phased increases and conservation‑oriented rate design. Commissioners asked for additional comparisons to alternative suppliers and asked staff to keep working with Fort Lauderdale and Broward County on wholesale pricing and potential off‑ramps.","Oakland Park commissioners on June 18 heard a preview of a water and wastewater system assessment and a draft rate plan that would fund significant capital reinvestment and operations for the city‑owned portion of water distribution and wastewater collection.",{"_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},6553993,"Oakland Park presents five‑year capital improvement plan, highlights $70 million in grants",3054,1164000,4218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381&start=1164&end=4218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5032751-9a607e0ff25c19cee9b18d730b3b1381/thumbnail_1164000.jpg","/articles/6553993/Oakland-Park/Broward-County/Florida/Oakland-Park-presents-fiveyear-capital-improvement-plan-highlights-70-million-in-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553993-06586377bcc9be156e510d237dcf55ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202318&Signature=oh-J8PA2bIIKNfpYkpxZALC-iiUYQiCG21s6lcd71VF5vaTGGiRmHVOX~HTJYvkEPRMxayiTyFhR4EFOtSPx3~hJcFEqsCmcMGst~dhb3aIBDuaQ1MPj1l~bQtzmtMfQqVrhvFPFfpdSNqAg2aisBcVqCM~JDb3ExANNropA43mxUTKZAHJml65ZZWR~vl6T-KeP3kF13SKDGbEcNupoZX-dE90Hw2YPbmY-s6uSo9Ak8ksI9rppVZ~24UbmwF8ejiNGUpAGzIEi531E6C5wIfbNm8-3H9cY3MsSTzdc8J9JBCr3kw0GCT6B2Kibh17rkhqkE6wu8HU6Oqq9jpJJNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials on June 18 presented a five‑year capital improvement program and facility update to the Oakland Park City Commission, laying out completed projects, grant funding secured since 2015 and a pipeline of work the city expects to incorporate into its FY 2026 budget.

The presentation by Sierra Marrero, director of engineering and community development, and Albert Carbon, public works director, underscored grant funding and bond proceeds that have supported projects across parks, public safety, sidewalks and facilities. Marrero told the commission, “we have obtained almost $70,000,000 in grant awards, since 2015.”

The plan matters because it both documents near‑term construction that will affect neighborhoods and parks and feeds into the city’s budget process. City Manager Hebert told the commission the CIP is the first public step in a multi‑stage budget process and that the presentation will be incorporated into the budget recommendation to be delivered next month.

Most notable figures and near‑term items
- Grants and bond history: Marrero said the city has secured roughly $70 million in grant awards since 2015. She also noted the 2018 facilities bond originally totaled $40 million; roughly $5 million to $7 million of the original bond remains unallocated.
- Completed projects (selected): North Andrews Gardens community center (about $250,000 in grants); Harlem McBride community garden (about $180,000); WAG dog park added with CDBG funding of about $400,000; Oakland Park Elementary Safe Routes sidewalks (just under $3 million in grants); Lakeside sidewalk project (about $1.2 million); Fire Station 9 (about $2.5 million in grant funds); citywide paving (about $3 million in grants). Marrero summarized many of these as completed work that built capacity.
- Ongoing and near‑term projects: Sky Building tenant improvements and relocation of city administrative functions (temporary certificate of occupancy granted; tenant fit‑out expected to finish by end of summer 2025); Collins Building renovations (about $2.5 million in awards) to temporarily house library services during moves; Thirteenth Avenue sidewalk and drainage improvements (projected to enter construction after bids are evaluated); Veterans Park improvements (about $400,000 in grants) including an asphalt trail, kayak launch, lighting and parking improvements; Royal Palm Park trail rehabilitation (grant under $500,000) with pedestrian lighting and root‑mitigation work; Stevens Field improvements funded by a roughly $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund award for a new restroom and field upgrades.
- Facilities and operations: Public works staff and equipment have moved into a new public works complex and the new facility will serve as the city’s emergency operations center, Carbon said. Marrero and Carbon also previewed plans for additional park improvements, Centennial Park phases and hardening work at existing fire stations.

Staff and commissioners discussed implementation details and risks. Marrero flagged construction cost escalation since 2020 and credited the grants team—she cited Anna Alvarez, Claudel Rose and Melissa Alvarado—for helping secure outside funding. Hebert cautioned about external risks, telling commissioners that federal or state agencies could change funding availability: “there may be movement to try to claw back grants,” he said, and he asked the commission to be mindful that a multi‑year plan depends on commitments from outside agencies.

Commissioners generally praised staff for the work, asked clarifying questions about remaining bond funds and the status of Fire Station 87 hardening, and asked staff to review a local roadway near Fire Station 87 after members raised safety concerns about vehicle collisions at that location.

What’s next
Staff said the CIP presentation will be incorporated into the official budget recommendation to be submitted in July; many items discussed will require subsequent design, permitting and construction steps and may rely on grant or other outside funding. Marrero and Carbon told the commission they will continue regular updates and coordinate sequencing of projects to limit community impacts.

Ending
The update provided a roadmap for the city’s capital work and a list of projects staff expects to prioritize as the commission considers the FY 2026 budget. Commissioners and staff said they will continue to refine timelines and funding plans as grant commitments and construction bids are finalized.","City staff on June 18 presented a five‑year capital improvement program (CIP) and facilities update that catalogs completed projects, funding sources and near‑term work including the Sky Building tenant improvements, Fire Station upgrades, Veterans Park work and a pipeline of park and sidewalk projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oakland Park commission approves first reading of downtown zoning change to allow waivers for supplemental rules

Oakland Park previewed $52 million water and sewer capital needs; consultants recommend phased rate increases

Oakland Park presents five‑year capital improvement plan, highlights $70 million in grants