The adjectives are powerful and telling. “Wounded.” “Antagonism.” “Suspicion.” “Mistrust.”
These words were used by Oakland Park residents during a ‘listening session’ on May 26. The catalyst for the meeting was the city taking a hands-off approach to neighborhood participation meetings (NPM), which are required for new development. NPMs encapsulate why many residents feel frustrated and kept in the dark.
Since 2009, NPMs have been required at the start of the development process. Developers are required to notify neighborhood associations and, possibly (some say the language is unclear), residents within 750 feet of the site. Project managers are supposed to give public notice and give a written report to the city detailing community feedback.
While the city requires NPMs, they also take a hands-off approach on follow through. Residents say this allows developers to avoid nearly all community feedback, as city staff are not required to attend and no electronic record is posted.
The city detailed its role and said it meets or exceeds similar standards of nearby municipalities. But residents are demanding more than the bare minimum.
Speakers said NPMs’ notices are sent to unaffected communities while skipping over adjoining neighborhoods. Others say people can come in with a laundry list of concerns and the developer-written recap will say there was general support for the project. Since there’s no electronic record there is no way to tell.
Brad Ostroff, the city’s interim director of Building and Community Services, moderated the meeting. He said the city doesn’t want to influence the project before the official development process begins. However, NPMs are required, so they are a part of the process. There is also evidence that contradicts the claim that the city stays hands-off.
Resident Eric Peterson says he has done a deep dive and public records requests that show the city takes an active interest beyond taking any courtesy calls from would-be developers looking for a starting point.
He quoted emails between former Director of Engineering and Community Development Sierra Marrero and representatives of Covenant House.
On May 24, 2024, Marrero said, “This sounds like a great project and the location has been well received within the city. Let me know when to (sic) would like to schedule a meeting to review further.” On June 27, she got an email asking “Have you had a chance to conduct your additional research? Do you think that we are ready to start the entitlement process?”
She responded on July 1, “I have indeed been conducting my research and have worked out all elements but am still working on the residential portion of it. Perhaps if you have some time to chat I can work you through my thought process.”
All of this was before any NPM. After the meeting, Ostroff declined comment to the New Pelican saying he hadn’t verified the emails. Marrero is now assistant city manager/chief operating officer.
As for the future of Covenant House, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis recently said the organization was moving to Wilton Manors.
