Oakland Park CRA reports new businesses, park renovations and progress on Sky Building

The Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday received an update from Naysa Herrera, CRA and Economic Development Director, highlighting new business openings, recent park renovations and progress on downtown redevelopment projects while the board adopted minutes for its Feb. 19 meeting.

Herrera told the board, "I am pleased to announce that the fiscal year 2024 CRA annual report is published on our website." The report, required "per state statute," includes financial information and updates on CRA projects and programs, she said.

The update listed several newly opened or soon-to-open businesses in the CRA, including Rick and Joe’s Amazing Cookies, JJ Party Pinatas and Rentals, Bird Sprayers Repair Services, Amy Event Space at Prospect Plaza, Voodoo Brewery (recent grand opening), Red Sea (an Ethiopian restaurant), and the upcoming El Toro Cigars on Commercial Boulevard. Board members praised the influx of businesses; Chair Lonergan said, "We know you're doing your job and doing it well."

Herrera described a series of redevelopment and capital projects under CRA oversight. She said Doctor Carter G. Woodson Park reopened with new basketball courts, a new playground surface, outdoor fitness equipment and a community garden in partnership with the Urban Farming Institute. The Sky Building redevelopment has achieved temporary certificates of occupancy for two buildings, the SkyBridge has been installed, and 10 residential units have been leased; commercial-space leasing is ongoing.

On capital improvements, Herrera said demolition is under way at the Collins Community Center site to make room for a technology hub and an outdoor performance platform. She also reported sidewalk and drainage projects on North Andrews Avenue and Northeast 13th Avenue are out for bid and under review pending "adherence and concurrence from FDOT."

The CRA described programming and events designed to support local businesses. Recent events listed included Taste of Oakland Park (about 1,000 attendees, 32 vendors), Dancing in the Streets (about 1,300 attendees across five stages) and a Youth Day parade (about 3,000 attendees). Upcoming items include the "Listening to Your Business" workshop on April 21 at Jacopo Suris Park Community Center led by Sandy McDonald, director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development; the Broward and Beyond Business Conference on May 9; and a hurricane preparedness luncheon on May 22 at Funky Buddha. Herrera also said the Broward County small-business microgrant program will reopen applications in May and announced a city social-media feature called "Find It in Oakland Park: Your Business Story."

City staff and multiple board members emphasized outreach and the CRA’s limited staffing. Executive Director Abare said staff are tracking pending legislation in Tallahassee that could affect CRAs and told the board, "We'll get you a report on that before the week is out." Several board members thanked CRA staff for business outreach and follow-up after grand openings.

The board then moved to the consent agenda and approved minutes for the Feb. 19, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance: Motion to adopt minutes for the Feb. 19, 2025 meeting — motion text: "Motion to adopt minutes for the 02/19/2025 meeting." Mover: not specified. Second: Vice Chair Arndt. Vote: Yes — Vice Chair Arndt; Board Member Ayesha Gordon; Board Member Newbold; Board Member Budhu; Chair Lonergan. Outcome: approved.