Plantation Gateway Advisory Board

PLANTATION GATEWAY ADVISORY BOARD PALMS OF PLANTATION 1019 S STATE ROAD 7 PLANTATION, FLORIDA 33317 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Mike Hooley Jr. at 10:03 a.m. who invited those present to introduce themselves. Roll call was conducted by the clerk. A quorum was present. Present: Kenneth Anson, Plantation Firestone; Dwight Brady, Foreign Tech; Dean Bromante, Rogers Repair Center; Chair Mike Hooley Jr., Plantation Ford Staff Present: Planning, Zoning and Economic Development (PZED) Director Dan Holmes, Redevelopment Administrator Glendon Hall, Administrative Assistant IV Susan DiLaura, Administrative Assistant Nerissa Manic, Lieutenant Shane Highfield, Officer Felipe Toro, and Officer L. Rivera Also Present: Mayor Nick Sortal; Councilmember Tim Fadgen; Jack Aronauer, Palms of Plantation; William Laystrom, Sr., representing Rick Case Honda; Shakeela Robinson, Code Enforcement Inspector Supervisor 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES 2024-06-26 Gateway Advisory Board Minutes

Mike Hooley Jr. moved to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2024, meeting as presented; seconded by Dwight Brady. Motion passed: 4-0. 3. GATEWAY FINANCIAL REPORT July 2024 Financials Redevelopment Administrator Glendon Hall provided a summary of the Community Development Agency (CRA) and Gateway Development District financial reports. He confirmed that as of July 31, 2024, financials remained strong. Mr. Hall specifically highlighted that $33,000 of consultant fees were attributed to the predevelopment work for the Peters Road parcel, which is part of the 14-townhome project. The work included geotechnical studies, Phase I and II environmental assessments, and ground radar surveys, given that the site was a former mobile home park. Chair Hooley Jr. questioned the use of CRA funds for predevelopment work on the Peters Road parcel. He expressed concern about the role of the government in development projects, stating that he did not agree with the government acting as a developer. He also raised the issue of transparency, remarking that he was not fully aware of the project before the funds were allocated. Mr. Holmes responded to the concerns, explaining that the CRA had obtained City Council approval to proceed with the predevelopment work. He reiterated that the goal was to incentivize development by preparing the site for any potential developer. Mr. Holmes emphasized that this type of work is within the role of the CRA, whose purpose is to fill gaps and facilitate development in areas where the private sector may not engage on its own. Mayor Sortal provided additional clarification, explaining that the predevelopment work was presented multiple times to both the City Council and the Gateway Advisory Board during previous meetings, including at the Hometown Hero event. The Mayor also noted that although the CRA is involved in the predevelopment, the intention was not for the government to serve

as the developer but to make the property ready for development. He acknowledged the need for better communication between the City and the Advisory Board. Mr. Bromante asked how much the developer had paid for the land and whether the property had officially been sold. Redevelopment Administrator Hall clarified that the property had not yet been sold, but the CRA was handling all predevelopment work. He explained that this project had been put out to bid three times, but no developers had taken it on. By preparing the site with surveys, geotechnical assessments, and other necessary work, the CRA hoped to make it more attractive to potential developers, especially those focused on affordable housing. Chair Hooley Jr., reiterated his concerns, emphasizing that the role of developers should be separate from that of the government. He requested that, in the future, the City Council and CRA seek the Advisory Board’s input before allocating funds to similar projects. He stressed the importance of showing respect and courtesy to the Advisory Board by keeping them informed on decisions affecting the district's budget. Mr. Anson asked where the funds from the future sale of the Peters Road parcel would be allocated. Redevelopment Administrator Hall confirmed that the proceeds from the sale would go back into the CRA fund, not the general city budget. He added that the CRA’s goal was to ensure these townhomes remain affordable, particularly for local first responders, including police, fire, and potentially nurses and other City employees. Mayor Sortal briefly addressed additional concerns, mentioning that while first responders would get priority in purchasing the townhomes, the City would ensure that other qualified individuals would have the opportunity to buy if there weren’t any first responders that stepped forward.

Chair Hooley Jr. concluded the discussion by emphasizing the need to prioritize projects that would benefit the entire Gateway district, not just isolated parcels like the Peters Road development. He encouraged the City Council to maintain regular communication with the Advisory Board and called for more transparency before approving projects funded by the CRA or Gateway. 4. DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Development Report Redevelopment Administrator Hall provided a development update, noting the relocation of the post office and ongoing public projects while emphasizing the importance of keeping the Board informed. He discussed the district's information repository, which tracks development projects, code violations, and police activity, attracting investor interest with over 1,000 hits. He also demonstrated the City Map of Businesses along the Gateway Corridor, showing the concentration of investments in the area. Mr. Hall highlighted the urgency of using CRA funds before they are reclaimed by the County and confirmed that Publix is moving forward with site upgrades that will create local jobs. Overall, these efforts are aimed at revitalizing the Gateway District and boosting investment. Item 7 was heard prior to Item 5. 5. GATEWAY POLICING/CODE UPDATE Officer Toro presented the policing code update and stated that the Police Department had responded to 2,267 calls, made 27 arrests, and conducted 9 field contacts. Lieutenant Highfield passed around a copy of a recent marijuana bust. Officer Rivera provided a crime update and mentioned that the Trespass program has been very effective, particularly in response to concerns raised by the district manager of Walgreens. Chair Hooley, Jr. asked about the existing camera system, and Officer Rivera provided details on a recent incident.

Redevelopment Administrator Hall inquired about issues with Wawa. Lieutenant Highfield shared further updates, explaining that they want every business to participate in the Trespass program. He also mentioned plans to roll out a bicycle patrol focusing on the homeless, graffiti, and improving business relationships. Council Member Fadgen asked if a tenant could join the program if the property owner was unwilling, and the response was no. Council Member Fadgen suggested compiling a list of businesses not registered in the program so that board members familiar with them could reach out. Officer Toro assured the board that they consistently reach out to businesses to explain the benefits of the program. Shakeela Robinson from code enforcement handed out a flyer listing recent code violations. Chair Hooley, Jr. asked if any codes had changed to prevent recurring issues, such as those related to hotels and motels. Mr. Holmes and Council Member Fadgen addressed this. Mr. Brady inquired about maintenance near his business, which led Chair Hooley, Jr. to request that a representative from Public Works attend future meetings. Chair Hooley, Jr. mentioned three key points: creating a wish list of high-priority items to be included in future agendas, ensuring Engineering and Public Works are present at upcoming meetings, and expanding the Trespass system throughout the district. 6. GATEWAY ENGINEERING UPDATE This item will be heard at the next meeting. 7. NEW BUSINESS/OTHER DISCUSSIONS Rick Case Genesis Showroom and Parking Structure

Attorney Laystrom, Sr. provided an update on Rick Case’s new development, stating it would be 7 floors and 6 stories, with job approval expected in 7-9 months. The project aims to maximize space, with the top floor dedicated to parking and the first floor serving as an expanded service facility. The parking on the top will be screened from view. He noted enhancements would be made to the back of the property, including collaborating with the City to relocate a utility pipe. Mr. Anson asked if the old property would be demolished, to which Attorney Laystrom, Sr. replied that it would be an addition, not a demolition. Chair Hooley Jr. inquired if Rick Case would seek funds from the CRA, and while Attorney Laystrom, Sr. mentioned they might consider it if necessary, they were not currently seeking support. Attorney Laystrom, Sr. expressed excitement about being part of the district and mentioned that the project would likely generate additional jobs. He emphasized that the Rick Case team values the work being done in the district and looks forward to the development's contribution to the area 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS Redevelopment Administrator Hall informed the board about the dedication ceremony taking place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Kingsley Park, and mentioned that they had received a grant for a mural. Director Holmes noted plans to set up a meeting with Chair Hooley, Jr. to discuss various concerns. 9. ADJOURNMENT: 11:14 a.m. Notice: The City of Plantation will provide reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals requesting special assistance in order to attend or participate in this meeting; provided however, that a request for such assistance must be made to the Office of the City Clerk (954) 797-2237 at least five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting.

Any member of the public who wishes to make comments via email prior to the meeting should send the email comments to the City Clerk’s Office at abeggerow@plantation.org no later than 12:00 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled meeting. More than one (1) elected official may be in attendance.