Fort Lauderdale commission approves temporary lease for community court in Flagler Village, urges permanent solution

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Tuesday approved CM5, a lease allowing the city to continue operating community court in Flagler Village under a new five‑year agreement that includes an option for the city to opt out after two years. The vote was unanimous.

Commissioners and neighborhood leaders said the lease is a short‑term fix while the city and the Flagler Village Civic Association continue looking for a permanent solution that meets community needs and the logistical requirements of the program.

The Flagler Village Civic Association president, Phil Dunlap, told the commission the neighborhood supports the lease “because we recognize the need for these services,” but urged the city to “work … on a permanent solution that’s gonna still, and continue to provide the necessary services.”

Commissioner Steven Glassman noted the lease terms were changed from the last draft: the new agreement remains a five‑year lease but gives the city the ability to opt out after two years and to relocate to venues that are not limited to city‑owned property. City staff member Chris Cooper reported on past purchase discussions, saying, “we did 2 appraisals. The average between those 2 appraisals was at 2,400,000.0. The letter of intent signed for the purchase of the property after negotiating with the owner was $3,000,000,” a roughly $600,000 gap between appraised value and the owner’s asking price.

Several commissioners described the block near the Brightline station as a critical gateway to downtown and urged broader action. Commissioner Ben Sorensen said the property’s boarded buildings and a convenience store on the block “are a magnet for homeless people” and suggested the city consider buying and demolishing structures to repurpose the site. Mayor Dean J. Trantalis said the city should act independently if county plans do not materialize.

City staff and commissioners emphasized constraints that shaped earlier site‑search efforts: a previous court decision rejected moving certain homeless services far from where clients congregate, and commissioners said many potential downtown sites were unsuitable because they would be too close to residences, schools or faith‑based institutions. Commissioners also asked staff to reengage property owners and neighborhood stakeholders and to accelerate searching for viable relocation sites, including facilities that already serve unhoused residents.

Action on CM5 was formal: the motion to approve was moved and seconded and passed by roll call with all five commissioners voting yes. The approval permits the community court to remain in the current location under the new lease while the city pursues long‑term alternatives.

Commissioners and the neighborhood emphasized the lease is temporary. Several asked staff to return with options for a permanent site, and discussed—but did not authorize—possible acquisition strategies, including negotiation, further appraisal work, or eminent domain. No purchase or eminent domain action was approved at the meeting.