Results

Public Official: Commissioner Chuck Clark
April 2005 Session

Final Report

Description of Project

The scale and layout of downtown Lauderdale by the Sea speaks to more traditional methods of urbanism. Four districts comprise the area, which is often referred to as the “T”. By maintaining, improving and expanding upon the existing dynamic, officials hope to establish the “T” as a multidimensional town center and ensure the sustainability of its commercial areas. The town would like to redevelop the Mediterranean Village District’s strip mall frontage, replacing existing structures with mixed-use buildings containing rear-loaded parking. The town is considering an increase in the existing building height limit as well as an extension to the current Commercial District. Though the Town is striving to establish a charming, pedestrian village character, it also recognizes the need to increase existing parking and hopes to enact measures that do so.

Design Institute Recommendations

At the end of the discussion on the Lauderdale-By-The-Sea downtown district, the Design Team members summarized the Key Issues and Recommended Actions as follows:

Key Issues:

•  Parking (lack of)

•  Building Heights

•  Street Design

Recommended Actions:

•  Use ULI Survey for block usage and shared parking.

•  Undertake redesign of El Mar and Bougainvillea Streets to improve pedestrian experience and create on-street parking.

•  Undertake redesign of Commercial Boulevard to create more order to frontage.

•  Building height can be increased, but number of floors should not be.

•  Redesign and reduce alley right-of-way behind Commercial Blvd.

•  Support mixed use on Commercial Blvd. and A1A with parallel parking.

•  Redevelop block between Town Hall and downtown.

Results
The Design Institute’s Final Report has cast a fresh perspective on several issues currently being considered by the Town. The Town will actively pursue a contract for architectural renderings of new entryway features that were recommended. Similarly, the Town will hold a contest for architectural renderings of a future Town Hall complex to be located on the site of the existing Public Works facility.

The Town’s Charter provision limiting height in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea will likely be on the ballot at either a November general election or during a March election. Meanwhile, the Commission has imposed a six-month moratorium on the construction of buildings more than four stories or forty-four feet in height. Mayor Pro-Tem Clark was the only dissenting vote. Shortly after, the Commission held an educational workshop on height restriction. The issue will remain active.

March 2006

In the March election, voters narrowly agreed to limit building heights to four stories throught the town.  Town leaders launched an agressive compaign urging voters to reject the proposal.  They claimed the measure would bankrupt the town by prompting a string of lawsuits from property owners.  Voters didn't listen.

Additional Contacts

Commissioner Chuck Clark

954-776-0576

Laura Ward - Assistant Town Manager

954-776-3611