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Dania Beach CRA outlines options for 148 North Federal Highway, opts to wait on LOI until related zoning clears
Summary
The CRA reviewed 148 North Federal Highway (former Jimmy's Chocolates), a city‑owned parcel purchased in December 2023 for $1.6 million, and discussed issuing a letter of interest to solicit proposals for sale, lease or public‑private partnership; board members recommended waiting for a related zoning item’s second reading before soliciting interest.
Redevelopment Real Estate Manager Yvanka Young Smith presented details to the Dania Beach CRA on June 9 about 148 North Federal Highway, the former Jimmy's Chocolates site, and asked the board whether to pursue a letter of interest or explore public‑private partnership options.
"As you know, the city purchased the property in December of 2023 for 1.6 million," Yvanka Young Smith said, describing the two‑lot parcel (about 18,700 square feet combined) with roughly 2,500 square feet of existing buildings and city‑center zoning that allows retail, residential, brewery, office, cafe or art gallery uses as a matter of right.
Staff outlined three primary pathways: sell the property, lease it, or pursue a public‑private partnership (P3), and proposed issuing a letter of interest (LOI) similar to the solicitation recently used for CRA property clusters. Board members and staff reported informal interest from a Miami chocolatier and other local business owners but noted no formal offers had been submitted.
Multiple board members recommended outreach to a neighboring property owner who recently purchased an adjacent corner lot (the owner of Gigi’s restaurant was mentioned) and suggested waiting until a related commission zoning item receives a second reading before circulating an LOI so the market would have clearer information about future land use and perceived value. Vice Chair Salino and others argued that delaying to the second reading could improve responses from the market.
Staff said it will continue realtor outreach and present a formal LOI scope once the board provides direction; if circulated, proposals would be returned to the CRA for review and the board would forward any final recommendation to the City Commission for approval because the city holds title to the parcel.
