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CRA approves up to $773,000 to underwrite undergrounding work adjacent to Cocogate
Summary
The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency on Sept. 10 approved an interlocal agreement to fund undergrounding of overhead utilities adjacent to the Cocogate project, agreeing a not-to-exceed estimate of about $773,000 and clarifying the work is part of a longer-term, phased program.
The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency voted Sept. 10 to approve an interlocal agreement that will provide funding to underground existing overhead utility lines adjacent to the Cocogate project.
The agreement covers the stretch from Coconut Creek Parkway north to the Cocogate property boundary; staff said the cost estimate for the CRA portion is $773,000. The board approved the measure by roll call during the meeting.
Board members and the applicant discussed scope and timing. Staff said the CRA will not immediately underground the lines but will contribute funding as part of a future, comprehensive undergrounding project. Florida Power & Light (FPL) has told the city it would not underground only that isolated section and instead prefers a longer run; under the city code an applicant can either underground or make an in-lieu payment into the city utility underground fund.
Matthew Scott, representing White Oak Development, said the property has long been a target for redevelopment and argued the CRA contribution would help facilitate the project and other public benefits the developer is proposing. Board members asked whether the CRA contribution means a waiver of fees; staff replied the developer will still pay impact and connection fees and that reductions for park impact fees are part of a separate developer agreement to be considered by the City Commission.
Board members also pressed about future cost escalation, noting that doing the work years from now could increase costs; staff said applicants who receive an in-lieu payment typically pay today's dollars and the fund absorbs future increases as more projects contribute.
The vote authorizes the CRA to execute the interlocal agreement for the undergrounding contribution and sets the CRA's maximum obligation as described in the agreement. Implementation details, including sequencing and any broader city work that might extend the undergrounding, will be handled as the project advances and as FPL and the city coordinate.
