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CRA reports new businesses, park renovations and leasing progress in downtown Oakland Park
Summary
The Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency reported recent achievements including new businesses (Voodoo Brewery, El Toro Cigars, Red Sea), completion of Doctor Carter G. Woodson Park renovations, progress on the Sky Building, and ongoing capital projects and small-business support programs.
The Community Redevelopment Agency updated the board on recent commercial openings, public-space improvements and redevelopment milestones in downtown Oakland Park.
CRA and Economic Development Director Naysa Herrera said the fiscal year 2024 CRA annual report has been published and distributed as required by state statute. Herrera listed recent new businesses including Rick and Joe’s Cookies, JJ Party Piñatas & Rentals, Red Sea (an Ethiopian restaurant), Voodoo Brewery and El Toro Cigars. She also noted the Doctor Carter G. Woodson Park renovation and grand opening in February, which added new basketball courts, playground surfacing, outdoor fitness equipment and a community garden done in partnership with the Urban Farming Institute.
Herrera reported progress on larger redevelopment projects: two buildings in the Sky Building complex have received temporary certificates of occupancy, the sky bridge has been installed, and ten residential units have been leased; staff continues commercial leasing work for ground-floor retail. She said Collins Community Center demolition has begun ahead of planned renovations and that North Andrews Avenue and Northeast 13th Avenue sidewalk and drainage projects are in design and bidding phases, pending FDOT concurrence where applicable.
The CRA noted a busy events calendar — Taste of Oakland Park, Dancing in the Streets and Youth Day — and said the district attracted thousands of attendees across recent events. Staff announced upcoming business resources including a May 9 Business & Beyond conference participation, a May 13 West Side business partners meeting, and a May 17 Art Walk. Herrera encouraged businesses to use county micro-grant programs and local technical assistance sessions.
No formal board action was requested; the report was informational and staff answered commissioners’ questions about collaboration with FDOT and continued outreach to West Side businesses and property owners.
