23 Sep CRA Board Approves Additional Funding for the Renovation and Expansion of the Robert Bethel American Legion Post #220
On September 22, 2022, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners approved an additional $416,900 in CRA incentives for the renovation and expansion of the Robert Bethel American Legion Post #220, located at 1455 Sistrunk Boulevard. The expanded facility will include a large meeting area that can be rented by veterans and the public for special events.
The Board of Commissioners also waived the maximum funding amount and percentage of funding eligible for project costs under the Property and Business Improvement Program (PBIP). The PBIP is a CRA incentive used to attract and grow businesses located within the Northwest, Progresso, and Flagler Village neighborhoods. The forgivable loan is available to assist with capital improvements for the interior and exterior of properties.
The Robert Bethel American Legion Post #220, will undergo a substantial renovation that includes gutting its existing space. The building will also be expanded from a small 960 square foot building into a 2,544 square foot modern facility with an open space, high ceilings, and windows. The building will also include a new modern kitchen, handicap accessible restrooms, an outdoor social gathering and event area, office and storage space.
Robert Bethel American Legion Post #220 has been in existence since 1947 and has continuously provided benefits to the community through various services over the years including ROTC scholarships, academic scholarships, sponsorships of little league baseball teams, targeted food giveaways, and providing fellowship among veterans. They also have a women’s auxiliary unit that provides services to the community with an additional focus on women veterans, children and youth services, needy families, and supplies for disabled veterans.
The renovation and expansion of the building is being managed by the CRA. The project was put out through a competitive bidding process through the City of Fort Lauderdale Procurement Services Department on behalf of the CRA through the City’s bidding platform Bid Sync. Three (3) bids were received for Bid #12694-923 on July 19, 2022, and the lowest responsible bid was for $640,000. The bids did not include the cost of millwork for cabinetry, fixtures, and interior finishes and paint, which is estimated at an additional $100,000, for a total project cost estimated at $740,000. The American Legion has already contributed $26,773 for predevelopment cost for development review, architectural and engineering drawings. The CRA has also spent $41,927 as part of the Phase I and Phase II architectural services for the project.
Based on an updated total hard project cost of $740,000, an additional $436,900 is needed for this project. Without the additional funding, the project will not be able to move forward. The organization was previously awarded a $350,000 forgivable loan from the CRA Façade Program and PBIP program in 2019. Total funding approved for the project is now $766,717.
Consistency with the NPF CRA Community Redevelopment Plan
The NPF CRA Community Redevelopment Plan is designed, in part, to stimulate private development of areas planned for commercial development. The project is consistent with the NPF CRA Community Redevelopment Plan which provides for direct physical improvements to enhance the overall environment, improve the quality of life, and attract sound business and commercial development that provide employment and job opportunities. This includes expanding opportunities for existing stakeholders to participate in the revitalization of the area and to put together incentive packages that focus on existing buildings and people who have already invested in and own property in the community.