HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-11 CRA Board Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
AGENDA
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 - 5:30 PM
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE WITH REGARD TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THIS
MEETING OR HEARING WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING, AND FOR SUCH PURPOSE MAY NEED TO ENSURE
THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING IS MADE WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE
UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
LOBBYIST REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES, WHETHER OR NOT
COMPENSATION IS PAID OR RECEIVED IN CONNECTION WITH THOSE ACTIVITIES, EACH LOBBYIST SHALL FILE WITH THE
CITY CLERK AN ANNUAL REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PAY AN ANNUAL TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($250.00)
REGISTRATION FEE FOR EACH PRINCIPAL OR EMPLOYER. REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE:
WWW.DANIABEACHFL.GOV. (ORDINANCE #2012-019; AMENDED BY ORDINANCE #2019-019)
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN
ANY OF THESE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, 100 W. DANIA BEACH BOULEVARD, DANIA
BEACH, FL 33004, (954) 924-6800 EXTENSION 3624, AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
IN CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS, WE ASK THAT YOU:
A. PLEASE TURN CELL PHONES OFF, OR PLACE ON VIBRATE. IF YOU MUST MAKE A CALL, PLEASE STEP OUT INTO THE
ATRIUM, IN ORDER NOT TO INTERRUPT THE MEETING.
B. IF YOU MUST SPEAK TO SOMEONE IN THE AUDIENCE, PLEASE SPEAK SOFTLY OR GO OUT INTO THE ATRIUM, IN
ORDER NOT TO INTERRUPT THE MEETING.
DECORUM POLICY FOR MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA:
INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO MAKE ANY “CITIZEN’S COMMENTS” UNDER THAT PORTION OF THE CRA BOARD AGENDA,
OR WHO OTHERWISE WANT TO ADDRESS THE CRA BOARD, MUST FIRST BE REGISTERED WITH THE CRA SECRETARY
(CLERK) (FORMS ARE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE OF THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBER AND MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CLERK
BEFORE THE MEETING). OTHERS WHO WANT TO ADDRESS THE CRA BOARD ON ANY MATTERS MUST FIRST BE
RECOGNIZED BY THE CHAIR. ALL SUCH PERSONS MUST USE THE PODIUM IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBER. NO MORE
THAN ONE PERSON AT A TIME MAY ADDRESS THE CRA BOARD FROM THE PODIUM. COMMENTS ARE ONLY TO BE MADE
TO THE CRA BOARD AND ARE NOT TO BE DIRECTED TO THE AUDIENCE OR CRA STAFF.
NO INDIVIDUAL SHALL MAKE ANY SLANDEROUS OR UNDULY REPETITIVE REMARKS, OR ENGAGE IN ANY OTHER FORM
OF BEHAVIOR THAT DISRUPTS OR IMPEDES THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF THE MEETING, AS DETERMINED BY THE CHAIR.
NO INDIVIDUAL MAY SPEAK DIRECTLY TO OR ADDRESS THE CHAIR, BOARD MEMBER OR CRA STAFF: COMMENTS ARE TO
BE ONLY DIRECTED TO THE CRA BOARD AS A WHOLE. NO CLAPPING, APPLAUDING, HECKLING OR VERBAL OUTBURSTS
IN SUPPORT OF OR OPPOSITION TO A SPEAKER OR HIS OR HER REMARKS SHALL BE PERMITTED. NO SIGNS OR PLACARDS
SHALL BE PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBER.
IF ANY PERSON’S CONDUCT AS DETERMINED BY THE CHAIR IS FOUND TO BE DISRUPTIVE OR INTERFERES WITH THE
ORDERLY CONDUCT OF THE MEETING, THE PERSON MAY BE ASKED BY THE CHAIR TO LEAVE THE COMMISSION
CHAMBER; IF THE PERSON DOES NOT LEAVE AND THE CONDUCT PERSISTS, THE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL BE
REQUESTED TO ESCORT THE INDIVIDUAL FROM THE COMMISSION CHAMBER.
ALL CELLULAR TELEPHONES ARE TO BE SILENCED DURING THE MEETING. ALL PERSONS EXITING THE COMMISSION
CHAMBER SHALL DO SO QUIETLY. (RESOLUTION #2020-CRA-006)
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Addressing the Commission: A thirty (30) minute "Citizen Comments" period shall be designated on the agenda for citizens and
interested persons to speak on matters whether or not scheduled on that day's agenda. Individuals wishing to speak on a matter
not included on the "Public Hearing" section of the agenda, which matter pertains to an item before the City Commission which
requires a decision of the City Commission, may do so by signing in and submitting a form to that effect with the City Clerk prior
Agenda – Community Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 5:30 PM
Page 2 of 2
to the meeting. Speakers at Public Hearings shall also submit such a form. Each speaker shall be limited to 3 minutes for his or
her comments. If more than ten (10) speakers express a desire to speak, the Commission shall determine on a meeting by meeting
basis whether to (a) extend the time allotted for citizen comments to accommodate all speakers, or (b) whether to limit the number
of speakers or amount of time per speaker. A speaker's time shall not be transferable to another speaker.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Administrative Report
4. PRESENTATIONS
1. South Florida Community Land Trust, Mandy Bartle, President and CEO
2. Love Our Nation, Ovrill Dwyer Co-Founder/Executive Director
5. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes: January 14, 2024 CRA Board Meeting
2. Travel Requests: None.
6. PROPOSALS AND BIDS: None.
7. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
1. CRA Vision and Direction
8. INFORMATION ITEMS
9. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
10. ADJOURNMENT
City of Dania Beach
Memorandum
DATE: 2/11/2025
TO: Chair and Board Members
FROM: Michael Chen, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Administrative Report
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CRA Plan Priority: Establish a local business inventory, conduct outreach and annual business
surveys to identify market conditions, and determine critical needs of local business leaders. The
CRA has secured a comprehensive list of City/CRA businesses through the Bludot subscription.
The City has 2,813 businesses, 1,070 of which are in the CRA. The data is updated monthly and
is being uploaded into the CRA’s CRM software. A copy of the raw data has been shared with
the Finance Department to assist tracking Business licenses.
All businesses are listed with address, NAICS code, and City/CRA. Most listings include contact
names/titles, website, phone, number of employees, and opening year. Some examples of the
analytics included are below:
City Place (59 SW 3rd Ave): The City Place Apartment features 99 units in the 8-story building,
for people making up to 60% of area median income (AMI). In addition to affordability, the
developer is providing employment assistance, fiscal management, and home ownership
opportunities to the tenants.
City Place has begun to accept applications for its low-income affordable apartments. To date the
CRA office has received over 30 inquiries regarding leasing and residency qualifications and we
refer them to the leasing office. Also, we collaborated with the developer’s leasing office to be
better prepared and organized to manage the inquiries. The latest information provided to us is
that they have committed all the available units and have started a waiting list.
The CRA’s role in the leasing is a result of our promotion of City Place on the CRA Website. If
you enter a search for “Landmark Development Dania Beach,” the CRA website is the #1 result
on the search list. If you enter a search for “City Place Apartments Dania Beach,” the CRA
website is the #5 result on the search list, but it is the first non-realty entity in the search list.
BRAVO Visits: The purpose of a BRAVO visit is to ensure that businesses feel supported and to
identify how the City can assist with their growth and success. Each business visit is provided
with a folder containing helpful handouts on City/County demographics, including information
on employment training support from CareerSource Broward, and CRA programs, services, and
resources designed to support business development,
Through these interactions, the CRA Business Manager can foster stronger relationships with
local businesses and gain insights into the unique challenges they face, ensuring that the City is
better equipped to assist them moving forward.
.
Hotel Dello Fort Lauderdale Airport, by Hilton (28 S Federal Hwy): According to Thomas
Geres, General Manager, Hotel Dello is performing well, with a balanced mix of business and
leisure travelers during the weekdays, while cruise passengers primarily occupy weekends.
Recently, the hotel expanded its amenities to include a bar with seating and a full menu.
However, this new amenity is not yet fully operational.
Challenges: The hotel is facing significant challenges related to homelessness due to its
proximity to both a bus stop and Dania Beach City Hall. Homeless individuals frequently enter
the hotel, often causing disruptions. Notably, the hotel had to change the locks on its bathrooms
to prevent unauthorized access. There have also been incidents where homeless individuals
opened the refrigerator in the lobby, which contains drinks for sale, and took items without
paying.
Mr. Geres inquired about how the Dania Beach Library manages the homeless population. To
address this, the CRA Business Manager met with Ann Wenger, Community Library Manager,
who explained that as a public facility, the library does not prohibit homeless individuals from
using its services. Homeless individuals are only asked to leave if they violate the library’s code
of conduct, ensuring that the library remains a welcoming space for everyone.
Measures Taken: Hotel Dello has employed a security guard to patrol the hotel from midnight
to 7 AM to help mitigate the impact of these disruptions during off-peak hours. However, the
hotel is seeking assistance for times outside of these patrol hours, as the issue persists during the
day and into the evening.
CRA Action: The CRA scheduled a meeting with Captain Tarala and his homeless action team
on February 5, to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions for addressing the
challenges faced by the hotel and the broader community.
Dania Rexall Pharmacy (16-18 S Federal Hwy; According to Robert Kusher, President & CEO,
he purchased the building in 2016 as Dania Discount Drugs and subsequently opened the Rexall
Pharmacy. Over the years, Mr. Kushner listed the building for sale multiple times and received
three offers, which did not close. In July 2024, Mr. Kushner entered into a sales agreement with
real estate developers, who plan to redevelop the property. The new owners recognize the
property’s value for redevelopment. The terms of the contract stipulate that the building must be
vacated by May 2025 - Mr. Kushner intends to vacate the premises by the end early March
2025.
Mr. Kushner enjoyed his time operating in Dania Beach, but his original goal was never to stay
in the area permanently. His business model has evolved over the years, transitioning from an in-
person retail operation to a mail-order pharmacy. Mr. Kushner’s new model requires a setting
that does not involve public interaction. Consequently, he has decided to relocate his business
operations to a commerce park in Fort Lauderdale, which better aligns with his evolving needs.
The move will have negligible impact on employment. Most of the pharmacy staff will retain
their jobs at the new location.
Kavana Kava Bar (6 S Federal Hwy): Mr. Robert Gardner, the owner of Kavana Kava Bar,
chose Dania Beach as the location primarily due to the supportive and commission-friendly
business environment in the city, particularly the relationships he developed with Mayor Joyce
Davis and Commissioner Marco Salvino. Mr. Gardner has expressed a deep appreciation for the
small-town feel and sense of community in Dania Beach.
Kavana Kava Bar opened in October 2024, offering two unique beverages: Kratom, a coffee-
alternative beverage; and Kava, an alcohol-alternative beverage. Kava is known for its relaxing
and stress-relieving properties without the hangover typically associated with alcohol. This
concept stemmed from Mr. Gardner’s personal choice to avoid alcohol.
Business Operations: Kavana Kava Bar operates in two main segments: Morning (8 AM to 5
PM), which focuses on Kratom as a coffee alternative; and Evening (5 PM to 2 AM), when the
focus shifts to Kava as an alcohol alternative. Community engagement is being driven by themed
activity nights, such as:
• Monday: Game Night
• Tuesday: Trivia Night
• Wednesday: Pool Table Night
• Thursday: Bingo Night
• Friday: Ladies Night (buy one, get one free drinks)
Kavana Kava Bar processes a substantial number of Uber Eats orders, expanding its reach to the
broader community. Mr. Gardner has plans to grow the business further, including featuring live
bands and hosting larger events to increase engagement with the community and attract more
visitors.
Community Engagement: Kavana Kava Bar benefits from its location near City Hall,
particularly during events like Dania After Dark. This arrangement has proven successful, and
Mr. Gardner is interested in participating in more events with the City. The CRA Business
Manager has provided Mr. Gardner’s contact information to the Dania Beach Special Events
Team for any potential involvement in city-sponsored events.
Challenges: The biggest challenge Mr. Gardner currently faces is dealing with a homeless
population that tends to congregate around the back door of his business. The presence of
homeless individuals has created safety concerns, especially for employees leaving at 2 AM and
for customers during evening hours. Mr. Gardner does not have his own security and is
requesting additional support from the city to address these safety concerns and ensure a secure
environment for both his staff and customers.
CRA Action: The CRA scheduled a meeting with Captain Tarala and his homeless action team
on February 5, to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions for addressing the
challenges faced by the hotel and the broader community.
2. PATCH
PATCH programs:
• The PATCH participated as a vendor at Dania After Dark Dinner at the Hall. They were
greeted enthusiastically by our neighbors. 3 Son Brewery was particularly interested in
buying fresh vegetables for their food service. We are setting up a BRAVO visit with the
owner and chef to follow up.
• PATCH Fresh Food Box: The program is increasingly popular, with 26 registered
members. Pick-up is Tuesday afternoons (4:00-6:00) or Wednesday mornings (10:30-
11:30). The cost is $20.00 per box, EBT/SNAP cardholders receive 50% off. Dania
Beach residents are given priority for distribution.
• Community Garden: 11 of the 12 plots in the Community Garden are rented. There are
two plots assigned to the Saratoga Seniors organization and two plots assigned to CW
Thomas program.
Fruitful Fields programs:
• Adult Intern Program: TFF is hosting an Adult Intern Program available at the three
community gardens they manage, including the PATCH. The program is for 9 hours per
week, September through April. The program provides participants with gardening skills,
fresh veggies which they grow, and a social environment. This program will start in
September and eight (8) people have registered for the PATCH. The program was
advertised in the Dania Beach Press, September edition, on social media, and posted on
the CRA website. (Flyer attached)
• Veterans, Youth and Special Need Agriculturists Assistance Program: The Farmers
Outreach program is primarily focused on assisting veterans, small farmers, minorities,
and the socially disadvantaged by offering a firsthand farming experience through
apprenticeships, agricultural workshops, and technical one-on-one advice on USDA
loans/grant programs.
FIU has approved the PATCH as their Broward location for the Intern program and has
discussed Bianca (PATCH Lead Coordinator) and Jaime (TFF Executive Director) to conduct
workshops for FIU. FIU is extending the USDA grant program support for the Adult Intern
Program described above.
Love Our Nation programs:
• Earth 2 Table: Earth 2 Table programs are held every Monday, 2:30 to 5:30, except for
school holidays. The program teaches youth the importance of making healthy food
choices and caring for the environment. Approximately 12 kids are attending this
program. Programs include gardening, journaling, etiquette, teamwork, communication
skills, finance, homework, and public speaking.
• Senior Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bicycle Distribution: The Love Our Nation Youth will
begin to call neighborhood Seniors and get their addresses and explain what the
SFF&VBD is and ask them if they would like to participate. In their groups they will map
the Seniors’ addresses and plan for the December event. The PATCH has “dedicated”
one of the raised beds to LON, which they use to teach gardening practices.
PATCH Ongoing Maintenance/Operations
• The Fruitful Field (TFF) has determined that a lot of the ongoing flooding on the PATCH
aisles are due to the soil compaction that has occurred over the years. TFF has a
“decompaction” machine they will bring to the PATCH to till the soil under the aisles
and put down a layer of mulch that will improve the absorption of water and reduce the
flooding. TFF has a supplier who will donate clean mulch for this initiative. Landscaping
cloth will be placed over the mulch to create a smooth walkway.
• PATCH Winter Crops: rainbow carrots; radish; white turnips; peppers; Tokyo bekana;
tomatoes; eggplant; beans; fennel; savoy cabbage; cauliflower; lacitano kale; curly kale;
tomatoes (maturing); red & green mustard; eggplant; mizuna (first harvest); arugula (first
harvest); mixed salad (first harvest); lemongrass; Italian & holy basil; Italian & Cuban
oregano; parsley, cilantro, and sage. bananas and moringa.
• PATCH Summer Crops: sage; lavender; sweet basil; rosemary; thyme; tomatoes; okra;
peppers; eggplant; beans; peas; sweet potatoes; Seminole pumpkin; summer squash, kale;
bananas; passion fruit; coconuts; watermelon (patch will start to grow in summer);
breadfruit, jackfruit; tamarind; papaya, cherry Barbados.
City of Dania Beach
Memorandum
DATE: 2/11/2025
TO: Chair and Board Members
FROM: Michael Chen, Executive Director
SUBJECT: South Florida Community Land Trust, Mandy Bartle, President and CEO
Request:
Background:
The South Florida Community Land Trust is nonprofit developer creating quality, sustainable
and permanently affordable housing across South Florida, especially for those most vulnerable to
being displaced from their communities by market forces, by developing ownership and rental
properties, creating paths to first-time homeownership, and supporting residents so they can
maintain housing stability.
As the organization’s first Executive Director, Mandy Bartle transformed SFCLT from a
fledgling nonprofit into a nationally recognized leader among community land trusts. Under her
stewardship, the organization has developed permanently affordable housing in 13 cities and
grown its assets to over $20 million. Mandy spearheaded the launch of the nation’s first equity
fund for community land trusts, capitalized with $755,000 in just one year, and managed over
$20 million in federal allocations for housing acquisition, renovation, and construction.
They are here to present their upcoming project in Dania Beach.
Budgetary Impact
Recommendation
City of Dania Beach
Memorandum
DATE: 2/11/2025
TO: Chair and Board Members
FROM: Michael Chen, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Love Our Nation, Ovrill Dwyer Co-Founder/Executive Director
Request:
Background:
At the December 10, 2024, CRA Board Meeting, the Board was advised of the Love Our Nation
(LON) interest in a CRA-owned property, located at 137 NW 4th Avenue. The CRA was seeking
Board approval to initiate a public notice regarding its potential interest to sell or lease a CRA-
owned property. The Board requested more information as to LON’s plans before considering
the subject. Love Our Nation, Ovrill Dwyer Co-Founder/Executive Director, is here to provide
the additional information and answer questions regarding their planned project in Dania Beach.
Love Our Nation is a nonprofit 501c3, established in the State of Florida in 2013. Their mission
is to educate and empower youth with life skills that will enable them to be healthy and
productive contributors in creating a more prosperous and loving community. The key initiatives
of LON are focused on the areas of Health, Education and Preservation of the Environment.
Love Our Nation has served the Dania Beach Community since 2015. This began with the Earth
2 Table gardening program at C. W. Thomas Community Center and The Dania Beach PATCH;
and then expanded to an after school safe zone resource to support children with homework
assistance (through the help of volunteer tutors), health and nutrition (in partnership with
FLIPANY and Loafing Around), dance classes and wellness (in partnership with Developing
Dream Foundation ), and financial literacy (in partnership with SUN Credit Union), golf classes
(with 1st Tee of Broward).
Budgetary Impact
Recommendation
DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present:
Chair: Joyce L. Davis
Vice-Chair: Marco A. Salvino, Sr.
Board Members: Lori Lewellen
Luis Rimoli
A. J. Ryan, IC
Executive Director: K. Michael Chen
City Attorney: Eve Boutsis
CRA Secretary: Erin McClendon
2. Citizen Comments
The following spoke:
- John Messida – 121 SE 3rd Avenue
3. Administrative Reports
Executive Director Chen presented his administrative report that was provided to the Board in
their packets. He touched on the following topics:
- SCORE Broward
- CRA Business Manager
- CRA Plan – Business List
- CRA Website
CRA Executive Assistant Denise Greenstein spoke about the PATCH having a booth at Taste of
Dania and there were many interested residents and business owners. She thanked the Parks and
Recreation staff for their assistance.
4. Presentations
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.
2
There were no presentations.
5. Consent Agenda
5.1 Minutes:
- January 14, 2024 CRA Board Meeting
5.2 Travel Requests: None.
Board Member Lewellen made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was
seconded by Vice Chair Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote.
6. Proposals and Bids
1. Agreement with Rebuilding Together Broward County for the At Home Dania Beach
Safe At Home Program
Director Chen introduced the item.
Robin and Rita of Safe At Home spoke about the program
Board Member Ryan recalls a discussion to increase to $75,000 and Executive Director Chen
commented that he wanted to run this as a test pilot for $50,000 and if all goes well a budget
amendment could be done.
Board Member Ryan made a motion to approve the item. The motion was seconded by
Vice Chair Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote.
2. Agreement with Rebuilding Together Broward County for the At Home Dania Beach
Residential Beautification Program
Director Chen introduced the item.
To clarify for Vice Chair Salvino, Executive Director Chen stated that there were approximately
20 homes out of the 40 in the contract so the CRA will pay them out for the homes that have
been completed and the remainder of the funds that were set aside for those 20 homes would go
back to the line item.
Board Member Ryan made a motion to approve the item. The motion was seconded by
Vice Chair Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote.
7. Discussion and Possible Action
7.1 Six-Month Extension of the Real Time Marketing Agreement
Director Chen introduced the item and explained they are seeking a 6-month extension.
Extension instead of renewal as they are revamping the scope of work.
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.
3
Board member Lewellen asked what services are needed for the next six months and Executive
Director Chen responded that they would work on the PATCH website and social media. She
asked if any of it can be done in-house with city staff and Executive Director Chen responded
that they are currently looking into that option and is hoping to initiate an RFP and if he receives
the responses back, he can terminate the extension early.
Vice Chair Salvino asked if it can go month to month and Executive Director Chen responded
that with 10 days’ notice it can be terminated at any time.
Vice Chair Salvino made a motion to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Board
Member Ryan which carried unanimously on voice vote.
8. Information Items
There were no information items.
9. Board Member Comments
Board Member Lewellen reserved her comments for the Commission meeting.
Board Member Rimoli inquired about blue dot system versus using city staff to pull the business
licenses. There was discussion regarding the comprehensiveness of business licenses.
Discussion ensued regarding a CRA plan.
Board Member Ryan commented on the CRA and PATCH website.
Vice Chair Salvino would like to see a report on the businesses and Executive Director Chen
commented that he looks forward to having an economic development section of his monthly
report on the businesses called upon and any observations and comments.
Chair Davis commented that the Dania After Dark event was amazing, and she was glad to see
the patch participate. She was also glad to see the CRA engaged and out and about more in the
community.
10. Adjournment
Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY
ERIN MCCLENDON JOYCE L. DAVIS
CRA SECRETARY CHAIR – CRA
City of Dania Beach
Memorandum
DATE: 2/11/2025
TO: Chair and Board Members
FROM: Michael Chen, Executive Director
SUBJECT: CRA Vision and Direction
Request:
This item is on the agenda for discussion at the direction of Board Member Rimoli.
Background:
This discussion needs to include the Project Priorities listed in our CRA Plan, approved by the
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency by Resolution No. R-2023-CRA-005, and
adopted by the Dania Beach City Commission by Resolution No. R-2023-029, on March 14,
2023.
Attached is a table of the Plan’s Project Priorities and their status to-date.
Budgetary Impact
Recommendation
Dania Beach CRA 2023 Community Redevelopment Plan Update
Approved and Adopted on March 14, 2023
9.1: Identify, Evaluate and Prioritize Projects: The table below summarizes the implementation strategy for the CRA Plan Update. The table includes a description of the
Project/Action, the estimate cost, and the recommended priority.
Page 1 of 2
Project / Action Title Est Cost Priority Status
Federal Highway Public Realm Enhancements
Complete a design for FDOT review of placemaking sign elements and
wayfinding signage in the City Center and Arts, Entertainment & Innovation Dist.
$25,000 1-2 Yrs The Downtown Vision Plan and Wayfinding
sign “draft” concepts are ready for
presentation.
NW/SW 1st Street Enhancements
Design and construct a Complete Street with increased pedestrian emphasis.
Include public art installation locations. Modify code requirements to promote
dual building frontages and midblock pedestrian connections.
$1,500,000 2-4 Yrs The Downtown Vision Plan “draft” concepts
are ready for presentation. The CRA will
propose creating an “Arts District Overlay”
once the Vision Plan is adopted. The
Downtown Vision Plan and Wayfinding sign
“draft” concepts are ready for presentation.
CRA Website Enhancements
Improve the website to increase public communications through multiple
media streams that inform residents, promote activities, and attract community
redevelopment.
$30,000 1-2 Yrs The CRA website update is complete.
Business Academy Support
Continue to support small business management education and training within the
program.
$6,900 1-2 Yrs Continuing, ongoing. FY2025 programs
include October 2024: Simple Steps for
Starting a Business; November 2924 Financial
Strategies for Small Businesses.
At Home Dania Beach Program
Continue to support and consider expansion of the CRA-led development of low-
income affordable single-family homes program through the First Time
Homebuyer Program and Residential Revitalization Programs.
$120,000 1-2 Yrs Rebuilding Together is ongoing. In FY2025, 20
homes have been completed (total +220) New
program for interior safety improvements,
“Safe At Home”, has started.
Non-Residential Improvement Program
Establish new minor improvement (e.g., paint, landscape, etc.) program for
existing small business building frontage enhancements along Federal Hwy.
$100,000 1-2 Yrs Façade Grant Program is active. Five grants
were awarded in 2024. In FY2025, one new
grant has been awarded.
Workforce Training Program
Identify secondary and higher education providers to partner on aligned local
business employment skills programs.
$10,000 1-2 Yrs FIU has exhausted their funding for remote
IP2Mkt classes. Dania Beach is still listed as
a “Collaborator” for IP2Mkt programs at FIU.
Working with CareerSource to develop
cross-supporting programs.
Dania Beach CRA 2023 Community Redevelopment Plan Update
Approved and Adopted on March 14, 2023
9.1: Identify, Evaluate and Prioritize Projects: The table below summarizes the implementation strategy for the CRA Plan Update. The table includes a description of the
Project/Action, the estimate cost, and the recommended priority.
Page 2 of 2
Project / Action Title Est Cost Priority Status
PATCH Master Plan Implementation
Implement master plan elements by resolving land ownership through
improvement relocation or easements, installing ADA sidewalks, and increasing
program delivery.
$75,000 2-4 Yrs Rebuild of PATCH with 46 new raised beds is
completed. There has been a significant in
on-site programs – partners with FIU, Love
Our Nation, and Fruitful Field.
Project Arts, Entertainment & Innovation District
Evaluate code and plan revisions, public realm improvements, and use of non-
residential improvement grants (e.g., paint, landscape, etc.) to support
improvements and branding of the district.
$225,600 2-4 Yrs The Downtown Vision Plan and Wayfinding
sign “draft” concepts are ready for
presentation. Five Façade Grants a awards in
FY2024, 1 award in FY2025
Target Industry Inquiry
Establish a local business inventory, conduct outreach and annual business
surveys to identify market conditions, and determine critical needs of local
business leaders.
$5,000 2-4 Yrs We secured a list of City/CRA .businesses -
City 2,813/CRA 1,070. Target Industries are
identified on the CRA Website, including
Marine. Annual full-page ad in the GFL Alliance
Sourcebook. Annual 2-page ad in the Dania
Beach Chamber Sourcebook Annual 2-page
“branding” story in Invest Livability Magazine,
endorsed/distributed by the Greater Ft
Lauderdale Alliance. The mandatory CRA
Annual Report is designed and published as a
comprehensive marketing report
Special Events and Festivals
Continue to support the CRA-led events that activate the City Center sub-area.
$105,600 4+ Yrs DAD and Arts & Seafood are no longer
allowed by ss163, Part III. CRA will conduct
training and PATCH events.
Commercial Façade Grant Program
Continue to support and streamline the grant program to promote curb appeal
enhancements along Federal Highway. Consider program expansion that
incentivizes property owner actions and supports existing small business tenants
in enhancements along Federal Highway.
$100,000 4+ Yrs Façade Grant Program is active. Five grants
awarded in FY2024; I award in FY2025.