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Lighthouse Point commission approves $300,000 purchase of 2230 Northeast 38th Street
Summary
The City Commission voted 4–1 to authorize purchase of a long-vacant, code‑enforcement property at 2230 Northeast 38th Street for $300,000, approving staff to close by Jan. 10. Debate centered on title risk, use of contingency reserves, and whether the city should prioritize infrastructure needs instead.
The City Commission of Lighthouse Point voted 4–1 on Dec. 13 to approve a resolution authorizing the purchase of 2230 Northeast 38th Street for $300,000 and to allow city officials to complete closing and related expenditures. The motion was moved and seconded during the special meeting and passed after a roll-call vote.
City counsel/staff described the parcel as long vacant and subject to a protracted foreclosure history; staff said the city obtained an appraisal and negotiated with the bank through a broker to reach the proposed cash deal. “It’s a cash deal, $300,000 closed by January 10,” staff said, noting estimated closing costs of about $5,000. Commissioners who supported the purchase framed the lot as contiguous to existing city property and argued that owning the parcel increases options for future site planning.
Opponents raised fiscal-priority concerns, arguing the city would be removing property from the tax rolls and should instead focus limited funds on infrastructure such as stormwater, seawalls and bridges. A commissioner who opposed the purchase urged an explicit plan to repay contingency funds over time and said the city should be cautious about becoming a “land circulator.” The dissenting vote was recorded as Commissioner Joffe; the motion carried 4–1.
