Proposed Fort Lauderdale Development Getting Flak From Neighbors

Cortez Hotel in Fort Lauderdale

Why is it that some have a problem with change? Yes, there is some value in nostalgia but we are talking about real estate. Here in Fort Lauderdale there is an outdated, small hotel that has been slated for demolition and the land it sits on has a proposed development that some neighbors are complaining about.

I could see the uproar if the development was slated on some patch of pristine park land. I could even understand it if the development was going to disrupt the habitat of the Bald Eagle or maybe even some manatees….but it sits smack dab in the middle of similar condo and hotel development site and it would be replacing an eyesore in the neighborhood.

What makes this argument even more ludicrous is that the development confirms with the City’s stated purpose in regards to the land use of the parcel of land.

The City of Fort Lauderdale designated the area a Planned Resort Development District as a part of its municipal code. This PRD was “established for the purpose of promoting the development and redevelopment of the area immediately north of Las Olas Boulevard generally between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, as a high quality, public and private mixed use area that is the focal point of the central beach as a destination resort and county-wide asset.

The district is intended to permit and facilitate the redevelopment of the area as a world-class resort that is commensurate with the character and value of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s long-time reputation as a tourist destination.”

Cortez hotel Development Site In Fort Lauderdale

Hello..McFly..Knock Knock……hey what’s the deal here? You have a developer building a complex that specifically conforms with the City’s stated intention for land use in the area and there’s a problem?

In economic times where jobs and money are becoming scarce, we have people complaining about a development that conforms to municipal guidelines that will afford the community with additional taxes, more jobs and increased tourism and we have people complaining??? Are you kidding? I am surprised that this is even coming to a vote. How about we just round up the whiners and send them off to play shuffleboard and bingo in Bermuda while this complex gets approved. This is nuts.

The real problem here is that snobbery and good old fashioned greed has reared it’s ugly head.While the Fort Lauderdale Beach area has enjoyed a renewal in recent years, most of the development has been focused on catering to the very affluent. The complex slated on the old Cortez Hotel property is geared towards attracting a more moderately financed crowd who can’t afford or necessarily want to pay the prices of a 5 Star site.

Don Fischer, vice president of planning and development for Florida Estate Home Builders LLC, said Friday that rooms would cost $150 to $200, instead of the $400 to $700 he said other beach hotels charge.

Fischer said that’s one reason some neighbors were opposed: They thought their property values would be hurt.

“I think it’s one of selfish economic motivation,” he said.

The hotel could be a Holiday Inn; Fischer said the company is still negotiating with hotel chains.

Heresy! how dare you build a Holiday Inn a mere half a mile from where there used to be a Holiday Inn! Give me a break! No it’s not the “W”, or a Trump named development, but here’s the deal. It creates jobs, it draws more tourists, it increases the City’s revenue…bottom line it’s alll upside. The only people who are complaining are those who are afraid that their property values might be hurt.

The 200-foot-tall hotel would rise between two relatively new towers, the Las Olas Beach Club condo to the east, and Jackson Tower across Seabreeze Boulevard to the west.

Residents at Las Olas Beach Club came out in force to the planning and zoning hearing in July. Their luxury condo sits on the same block as the proposed hotel, and many of them objected to something so large being built so close to their balconies and windows.

At the hearing, residents said there already are many hotels charging moderate rates, and said the proposal clashes with residents’ vision for future redevelopment.

I have one thing to say to those who are complaining. Welcome to real life and we’re glad you decided to tune in to the reality of today’s economy. And oh yeah…get a life!