CRA Spending:  Whoa!

1.  In 2004, Hollywood voters approved a public safety bond that included the demolition, rebuilding and expansion of the fire station located at 2211 N. Ocean Drive -- a project then estimated to cost $2,252,500.  The Beach CRA has transformed this plan into a mega $25-$30 million "public safety-vehicle storage garage-office development," at a different site a few blocks south of the existing station, on S. Ocean Drive between Madison and Monroe Streets.  This expensive public safety complex is not only incompatible with, and opposed by, the surrounding residential neighborhood but it is also out of step with the CRA-funded master plan for central beach.  And the cost is more than twelve times what the voters approved for this fire station.  No credible explanation has ever been given for this "bait and switch."  Let's get back to the original plan which will meet our needs at much less cost.

2.  The Beach CRA has allocated $1.5 million for new "designer" lifeguard towers along the beach, although the existing lifeguard stands are highly functional and can be repaired and spruced up for much less money.  This unnecessary purchase should be stopped. 

3.  The Beach CRA's pilot project to bury power lines on a six-block stretch of the broadwalk includes elaborate design schemes for street end pavers.  A more modest, less ostentatious and expensive type of paver should be selected, one that can be easily replaced when worn or broken.

Proposed Pavers for Garfield Street	Proposed Pavers for Grant Street

4.  Downtown CRA staff, who have no city planning expertise, have "planned" a 26 story condo/retail tower, twice the height of the Radius building, plus an office building and charter school for the southeast side of Young Circle.  As an "incentive," the CRA has promised the developer 90% of the increased tax revenues generated by this project for 15 years -- an estimated $25 million.  Shouldn't the city's professional planning staff be involved in reviewing and approving all Young Circle development? And do you think a payment of this magnitude to a private developer is a good use of our tax dollars?

 

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