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CRA reviews $4.33M concept to modernize Harrison Street; board urges more cafes, consistent lighting and scrutiny of tree choice
Summary
Consultants proposed a $4.33 million Harrison Street streetscape with new pavers, expanded sidewalk cafe islands, new pedestrian lighting and stamped crosswalks; board members urged wider deployment of bump‑outs for future restaurants, cautioned against using gumbo limbo trees and asked staff to return after business outreach and a budget outlook.
The Hollywood CRA reviewed a consultant concept on July 3 to refresh Harrison Street from 21st Avenue to Young Circle at an estimated cost of roughly $4.33 million. The plan would replace failing sidewalk pavers, install about 23,000 square feet of new pavers, add 53 new pedestrian light fixtures, construct three expanded sidewalk cafe islands and use stamped concrete for crosswalks.
Randy Hollingworth of Berman & Associates showed renderings that retain the existing royal palms where feasible, replace deteriorated ligustrum trees and add shade trees and updated lighting. “The proposed budget for the plan view is approximately $4,300,000,” Hollingworth said, describing sidewalk reconstruction, lighting wiring and stamped crosswalk work as the primary cost drivers.
Board members said they liked the vision but asked for refinements. Commissioner Clary and others pressed staff to permit more sidewalk cafes in future phases so the design does not cap growth in restaurant seating. Several members warned against the consultant’s suggestion to use gumbo limbo trees, citing root systems and infrastructure impacts; Clary said the species’ roots create long‑term problems and should be reconsidered.
Other topics included whether to install festoon lighting across the entire corridor or only at a gateway, the tradeoffs between retaining parking and creating bump‑outs for outdoor seating, and the possibility of treating part of the work as a change order with the contractor on current downtown projects to accelerate schedule and hold prices. The executive director said staff will meet with business owners and return with options, a two‑year outlook for CRA funds and recommendations for phasing and funding.
No action was taken; staff committed to additional outreach and an options memo including schedule, phasing, estimated costs and funding sources for the next board meeting cycle.
