Hometown News and Views

By Judy Vik

 Oakland Park – City commissioners have approved a $254,615 contract with Redevelopment Management Associates, RMA, to implement a five-year redevelopment plan and to market downtown as a culinary district.

The agreement calls for another $150,000 for incentives and marketing collaterals to promote development in the CRA.

In July, commissioners authorized an agreement with RMA to complete a general review of the city’s CRA plan, the Redevelopment Capital Program , or RCP, and develop a strategic plan for the next five years.

Ray Lubomski, community and economic development director, reported that one of the main accomplishments last year was reprogramming Broward County’s RCP funds into projects that further the five-year plan. Two properties were purchased, and several public improvement projects were funded with RCP monies, including fountains on 12th Avenue and a plaza near Oakland Park Station.

A major tenant for the Oakland Station, the Funky Buddha Brewery, has signed a lease with the landlord to locate a craft brewery and tasting room at Oakland Park Station. This business, along with a Green Market and a future restaurant will establish the north anchor of the downtown culinary center.

RMA has recommended that the parcel at 1299 Oakland Park Blvd. [the former Players Club] be developed as a south anchor to the Culinary Arts District as a culinary or hospitality school.

Lubomski said RMA and his staff are working with the property owner to recruit culinary-related businesses with an emphasis on culinary schools.