Regular CRA Meeting - February 4, 2026: Ambassador Contract, Reef Dispute, Downtown Vacancy
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Regular CRA Meeting - February 4, 2026
The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board met on February 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Commission Chambers Room 219. The meeting covered a consent agenda item authorizing a blanket purchase agreement for downtown ambassador services, informational reports on beach and downtown activities, discussions on a state warning letter regarding artificial reefs, downtown vacancy, mural design for the American Legion, and parking/street improvements. Board members also planned a forum with downtown business owners.
Consent Calendar
- Item 5 (Resolution R-CRA-2026-07): Approved a blanket purchase agreement with Mydatt Services, Inc. d/b/a Block by Block for community ambassador and environmental clean team services in an amount up to $500,000.00, piggybacking on a prior solicitation (22-P-00519 Ybor City). The motion carried 6-0.
Informational Reports
- Beach and Downtown Activities (IR-CRA-2026-02): Executive Director reported that FDOT’s Secretary has committed to attending the March commission meeting to discuss advancing work and a reimbursement agreement. CRA staff provided an update on a DEP warning letter regarding underwater artificial reef modules. The CRA has engaged an independent expert with 20 years of DEP experience to address DEP’s concerns. Vice Chair Callari expressed support, calling the reef project “innovative” and stating “those artificial reefs have flourished.”
- Downtown Construction: Construction on the 2000 block of Harrison Street is several weeks ahead of schedule. New light poles and specialized bollards have been installed. A “coffee with the crew” event was held at SASA; the next is scheduled for February 25 at Mystic. The next phase (north side, 1900 block) is expected to begin mid-March.
- Vacancy Study: CMED has identified a consultant for a downtown vacancy study; final paperwork is being managed. A market vitality update has been posted online and distributed to board members.
Discussion Items
- Block by Block Contract: Board Member Hernandez expressed concern about funding continuity after the CRA sunsets. The Executive Director assured the board that enhanced service levels will be maintained, and the city will work through the budget process to continue the service. Vice Chair Callari noted she spoke with the city manager, who indicated a plan to issue an RFP for more competitive pricing and a continuation plan. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
- DEP Warning Letter on Artificial Reefs: Susan (CRA staff) reported receipt of a warning letter from DEP’s West Palm Beach office regarding underwater reef modules installed for prevention. The CRA has replied offering to have an independent expert (former DEP employee with 20 years of reef experience) review the issue. Vice Chair Callari urged the board to “stand strong” and continue the work.
- American Legion Mural: Board Member Hernandez presented a revised mural design featuring the American Legion national emblem, Post 92 identification, a battle cross, and a taller soldier figure. Board Member Shuham suggested having Jill Weisberg review it with the artist for further refinement; Hernandez agreed. The American Legion also plans to submit a PIP grant application for parking lot signage, fencing, and landscaping.
- Downtown Vacancy and Business Owner Forum: Board members discussed the high number of downtown vacancies and the need to understand business owners’ perspectives. Board Member Quintana proposed a workshop with downtown business owners. Chair Levy directed staff to set up a forum, with consensus to hold it downtown. Joanne Hussey (Director of Communications, Marketing & Economic Development) outlined a planned 2026 retail recruitment strategy with a six-point plan, including regulatory review, tenant connections, and data analysis. She committed to presenting full details at the next meeting.
- Parking/Street Improvements: Board Member Hernandez reported on a successful one-way conversion of 19th and 20th streets, which legalized narrow parking spaces and created a safe bike lane. The engineering department is working on a letter to incoming residents about downtown preferences. Board Member Gruber noted the importance of using the consultant’s book of business to lure tenants.
Key Outcomes
- Vote: Resolution R-CRA-2026-07 (Block by Block contract) approved 6-0.
- Directive: Staff to organize a forum with downtown business owners and property owners, to be held downtown at a time convenient for businesses.
- Directive: Jill Weisberg to review the American Legion mural design with the artist; final approval deferred.
- Directive: CRA staff to obtain information on FDOT easement for the outfall at Trafalgar Tower (discussed during comments) and coordinate with the building department during a meeting scheduled for the next morning.
- Update: CMED to present the retail recruitment strategy at the next CRA meeting.
- Next Steps: Staff to follow up on the DEP letter regarding artificial reefs and seek resolution. Also, track progress on PIP grant applications for the American Legion and property improvements on the Broadwalk near Florio’s.
Meeting Transcript
One item. It's a resolution of the CRA approving and authorizing the CRA to issue a blanket purchase agreement for block by block uh for community ambassadors and the environmental cleanup services that take place downtown in an amount up to $500,000 based upon our in accordance with the procurement code. All right. Are there any speaker cards on item five? No cards. Executive director. Good morning, uh Chair, Vice Chair, and board members. So yes, we have uh John Cook and John Jason Stewart of block by block here with us if you'd like uh and as you can see some of our ambassadors as well who provide that enhanced level of uh cleanup and contact in the downtown. So we'd be uh if you would require any kind of questions or information, be happy to do that. But happy to continue with providing the enhanced service downtown. All right. I'm gonna clear it. Um I'll make a motion to approve. Um my only concern that I had and just put it on the record is um once the CRA is um sunset and moves forward, how are we going to continue the upkeep and where is that funding coming? It was instantly elaborate a little bit on that. Sure. But that's my biggest concern. And again, motion to approve. Yes, yes, Vice Chair. Let me say for the record that as we've committed before on the record and will do so again. Um the levels of in service of service and the enhanced levels of service that we have established in the downtown or the beach CRA. Um, we will continue. We're committed to continue to maintain those levels. We will work through this year's uh budget development process with the city to determine the best way to deliver this level of service and make sure that that continues, and so we'll have that opportunity to do that. And this is this is the uh the continuance that allows us to kind of bridge that time right now. So for the record, I I do also have the concern, and I've spoke with uh city manager, CRA director yesterday, and he assured me number one that they may very well be going out for an RFP due in the year in order to provide uh more competitive and more realistic numbers. And uh number two, that there is a plan to continue the service. So I thank you for uh for the efforts and I'll second the motion. All right, we have a motion and a second to approve item five. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, motion carries six-o. Thank you uh to the ambassadors to block by block. Uh we all see you out on uh Hollywood Boulevard, Tyler, Harrison, and we see the good work that you do. Obviously, you put a lot of pride into the work you do, otherwise it wouldn't the result wouldn't be as outstanding as we've seen it. So thank you for the work that you do. Uh we notice when you take good care and treat the downtown like it's your own house, uh, and you really do. And uh thank you so much. And that's why we're we so enthusiastically you know support this and want to see it continue. It's because of the quality of the work that you guys do every single day. Um and so thank you to each one of the ambassadors and the managers uh for your personal commitment to you know taking pride in what downtown looks like. Thank you so much. Mayor, may I ask you? Please go ahead. Uh one of the things that I would ask of you guys, ladies and gentlemen, whenever you are walking around and you see a light that it's out, if you could take a note and just provide that information to the CRA or to your supervisors, or whether it's a light poll that's been hit and that there's a cone on it, we would greatly appreciate that. The residents will definitely appreciate that. And that's been one of my goals is to bring back safety and lighting to the area. So whenever you see something like that that needs attention, please write it down and let us know.
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