The Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted Oct. 23 to authorize an agreement with Florida Power & Light for new decorative LED streetlighting in the Melrose Park neighborhood, approving CR4 after extended public comment and a commission discussion focused on cost and design.

Commissioner Pamela Beasley Pittman introduced the item for her district and moved approval; the resolution carried 4–1, with Commissioner Steve Glassman casting the lone no vote. Commissioners and staff described two competing approaches in the record: a full‑buildout design calling for 555 decorative fixtures and a neighborhood proposal to begin with a smaller incremental rollout (150 lights) at “key intersections and potential school bus stops.” The final vote authorized the agreement with FPL and the construction program as presented to the commission.

The item drew a large turnout from Melrose Park residents. Commissioner Beasley Pittman presented a neighborhood petition submitted to the clerk containing roughly 400 signatures from residents who said they want streetlights. Speakers for and against the project testified at the meeting.

Cost and contract structure. Gladys, a Florida Power & Light representative who addressed the commission, explained the budget structure the company presented. She said the $36,000 monthly figure discussed at the meeting covers the bundled LT‑1 agreement — amortized capital costs for poles and fixtures, maintenance and energy — and is an “evergreen” contract approved under the FPL program. The one‑time “aid of construction” cost of about $900,000 would cover installation work such as handholes, conduit and undergrounding. Gladys said the monthly energy component alone would be about $788 for the entire project; the remainder of the $36,000 figure represents amortized capital and maintenance.

“The cost includes the poles, the fixtures, the maintenance of those, as well as the energy. So it’s all bundled into that one monthly cost,” Gladys said.

Residents described safety and quality‑of‑life reasons for supporting lights. Supporters said darkness deters walking, increases fear among elderly residents and makes it harder to see people entering the street. Several speakers recounted near‑nighttime crashes and thefts and urged commissioners not to wait for serious incidents before installing lights.

Opponents and concerns. Opponents raised several concerns: some said that brighter lighting could encourage speeding; others objected to the long‑term monthly payment and asked whether lower‑cost alternatives — including resident‑installed post lights or solar options — were fully explored. Commissioner Glassman repeatedly questioned the ongoing monthly payment, calling $36,000 “very excessive” and pushed staff to renegotiate rates with FPL or explore alternatives. Staff said they had met with the neighborhood and would continue to pursue negotiation with FPL on pricing and the option of starting smaller.

Contract terms and timeline. Gladys said the LT‑1 contract’s initial term is 10 years and automatically renews every five years thereafter unless the city elects not to continue. The one‑time aid‑of‑construction fee is paid up front for installation; the monthly amount amortizes capital, maintenance and energy over the contract period. Staff also said FPL had offered to work with the city on a phased installation if the commission wanted to start with fewer fixtures.

Outcome and next steps. The commission approved CR4 authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement with Florida Power & Light. Commissioner Glassman voted no. Commission and staff said they would continue conversations with FPL about pricing and consider phased implementation and alternatives as the project proceeds. Staff will also finalize the placement plan and construction details with the neighborhood association and FPL prior to installation.

Votes at a glance: CR4 (Melrose Park LED streetlighting agreement with Florida Power & Light) — motion moved by Commissioner Pamela Beasley Pittman; vote: Yes 4, No 1 (Commissioner Steve Glassman). Key financials cited at the meeting: one‑time aid‑of‑construction ~$900,000; monthly bundled LT‑1 payment ~$36,000 (includes amortized capital and maintenance); energy component ~$788/month for all lights; initial contract term 10 years with automatic five‑year renewals.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article include Commissioner Pamela Beasley Pittman; Commissioner Steve Glassman; Gladys (Florida Power & Light representative); and multiple Melrose Park residents who testified.