Tag Archives: Pier
The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Tourism Task Force: Working for All of Us
By Dawne Richards
“That was really, really, really good.”
So said Elaine Fitzgerald, President and CEO of Beach Vacation Rentals, and chair of the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Tourism Task Force. While she could have been talking about the exciting Pompano CRA updates shared by Sharon McCormick, the CRA’s new Communications Director, she was specifically referring to the fabulous plethora of pastries provided by Mary Keiser of the Beach Roast Coffee and Tea (and Bake Shop!), currently at 655 North Federal Highway but coming soon to Atlantic Boulevard.
Sandy Von Staden, Vice Chair of the East CRA Advisory Commitee and a tireless volunteer for many worthy City initiatives, was in attendance, as well as Karen Karam of the Ebb Tide Resort, Calli Waselenchuk of the Ocean Point Beach Resort, and several other local business people.
- Sandy Von Staden, Karen Karam of the Ebb Tide, and Adriene Esteban of the CRA discuss one of the many exciting CRA initiatives presented.
Ms. McCormick brought the group of about a dozen up to speed on the latest Pompano Beach Boulevard plans, as well as construction updates on the East Atlantic Boulevard project and the larger Atlantic Boulevard project. For the larger project, FDOT has provided the City with a start date of September 19; however, this IS a large roadwork project, so stay tuned for exact details. And don’t forget, the City issues a monthly update on all of the capital improvements slated in its five-year plan; the July 2011 update is available by clicking here. This update is a great place to keep up with what’s happening and what’s coming up. Also, remember that you can sign up for the weekly CRA E-newsletter by clicking here.
The group remained rapt throughout the meeting, absorbing all of the updates from both the East and West CRA projects. “The West CRA work,” noted Ms. Fitzgerald, “is so important. It has a direct impact on our beach visitors.”
- (L-R): Sharon McCormick and Elaine Fitzgerald
Attendees discussed the new Pier RFQ, to which responses are due September 30. Everyone oohed and aahhed when discussing the East Atlantic Boulevard work, and a generally dry “facts and figures” got exciting when the group did the math. Here’s how the East CRA’s Facade and Business Site Improvement Program works:
CRA contribution: 80% of the cost, up to $25,000
Limitation: This is per physical address
Business contribution: 20% of the cost, up to $25,000, which means that all costs over $25,000 are covered by the business
The exciting part: Thus far, the program has granted about $200,000 in improvement funds. At that rate, the minimum business contribution would have been $50,000 in total (since $200,000 = 80% of $250,000).
With us so far? As it turns out, the actual private investment thus far has been a whopping $140,000, nearly three times the minimum expected contribution. So this $200,000 grant has resulted in $340,000 worth of work . Wow!
Several businesses have already participated in this program, including the Pompano Pharmacy, Richard’s Barbershop, and Checkers Old Munchen German restaurant.
On the business relocation front, there’s good news to share as well. In October, BRS Aerospace brought its parachute manufacturing, and about 500 jobs, to Pompano Beach.
- And Beach Roast will put us on the road to dessert heaven, with its beach-themed treats that are as delicious as they are pretty.
The group took a break to sample some of Mary Keiser’s treats. “The CRA,” noted Ms. Keiser,” has put us on the map.”
September 2011 CRA News
By Dawne Richards
CRA Summer Sizzle Event
The first ever CRA Summer Sizzle event, held July 23, was a huge success! Congratulations to the winners of the Rib Cook-off and Baked Goods Contest:
Rib Cook-Off
1st Place Winner – A Catering By Marshall’s
2nd Place Winner – Glass Key Restaurant and Take Out
3rd Place Winner – Wright Now Ribs
Baked Goods Contest
1st Place Winner – Harry Diamond
2nd Place Winner – Liberty Tax
3rd Place Winner – Total Praise
A big THANK YOU to all the teams that competed and the CRA is looking forward to hosting the Second Annual CRA Summer Sizzle next year.
Art in Public Places Initia
tive
The first Art in Public Places project has been completed. Local artist Dahlia Baker “yarn bombed” a pole in front of the CRA Business Resource Center located at 50 NE 1st Street in Old Pompano. The term public art refers to works of art in any media that has been planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in the physical public domain, usually outside and accessible to all. Make sure to stop by the Business Resource Center to check out this unique piece of art.
East CRA Streetscape Projects Update
The CRA Board awarded a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to Burkhardt Construction, Inc. totaling over $13.5 million for planned streetscape improvements to Pompano Beach Boulevard, East Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard from Federal Highway to A1A , and Harbor Village. The GMP contract establishes a price for a specific scope of work and that price cannot be exceeded. These four projects will provide a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with new sidewalks, landscaping, street lights and the undergrounding of overhead utilities on Atlantic Boulevard and Pompano Beach Boulevard. The CRA contributed nearly $11.2 million to the GMP while the City contributed $2.346 million in funds which will be used to build a multi-purpose kiosk and water feature at the new Beach Plaza planned at the Atlantic Boulevard terminus. Funds will also be used to replace beach furniture and to add benches and bike racks along the corridors.
The Pier RFQ is now online!
Please click HERE to retrieve information about the latest City of Pompano Beach’s Pier Redevelopment Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Solicitation No. H-46-11. This RFQ seeks qualified individuals to develop a prime 8-acre beachfront site located on Pompano Beach. Complete responses must be received on or before 2:00 p.m., September 30, 2011. Questions should be addressed to City of Pompano Beach Purchasing Department, 1190 NE 3 Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954) 786-4098.
For more information on the Pompano Beach CRA, contact Jeanine Parisi at jeanine.parisi@copbfl.com or call 954.786.7824.
