A Fort Lauderdale board asked city commissioners to reconsider a nearly $34 million aquatic center along the Intracoastal Waterway.
During their meeting on Monday, members of the city’s Beach Redevelopment Board unanimously recommended that commissioners come up with a new project for a site that was once planned as a new home for the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The board expressed doubt about the aquatic center being an economic engine for Fort Lauderdale Beach. About $25 million in city redevelopment property taxes is allocated to pay for most of the project.
“In my heart of hearts, I’d like to see this project eliminated entirely,” board member Dan Matchette said, as cited by the Sun-Sentinel.
Some board members suggested simply replacing the existing aquatic center’s bleachers and improving the bathrooms instead of overhauling the entire facility. The idea of a three-story parking garage on the property was also questioned by the board.
Commissioners are expected to vote on a site plan for the aquatic center during their Aug. 19 meeting. [Sun-Sentinel] — Eric Kalis