Fort Lauderdale commissioners approve change orders for troubled police headquarters as peer review flags life‑safety issues

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on May 6 approved construction management change orders tied to the new police headquarters while awaiting fuller technical responses to a peer review that flagged “life‑safety” concerns for some structural elements.

The vote approved an amendment to the construction management at‑risk contract (Moss and Associates) to continue project services; the motion passed 4–1, with Vice Mayor John Herbst voting no.

The decision came after public commenters urged the commission to halt work. “This needs to stop,” said Barbara Stern, a resident and frequent public commenter, describing the project as a “money pit” and urging an independent review before more money is spent.

City staff responded that the change order before the commission was limited to contract administration and other outlined services and does not cover the phase‑2 items raised in the peer review. “This is within the budget that was approved by the city commission previously. So we’re not asking for additional funds,” Assistant City Manager…