Miami Herald Supports
2-Lane Revitalization of Sistrunk Boulevard
April 4, 2006 Editorial
INVEST IN SISTRUNK BLVD.
OUR OPINION: TIME TO GET THIS REVITALIZATION PLAN MOVING
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission will vote today on a compromise plan for revitalizing Sistrunk Boulevard, the once-vibrant road that runs through the city's historically black business district. The original plan called for landscaping the street, narrowing it to two lanes from four and encouraging retail and real-estate development in the area. The compromise plan would leave the boulevard open to four-lane traffic during rush hour. Commissioners should reject the compromise.
There are obvious practical reasons for maintaining four lanes of traffic to alleviate traffic on nearby east-west roads. But there are better reasons to stick with the original plan. Converting the road to two lanes and following up with the planned redevelopment projects will create the best chance for improving the area in ways that local officials have promised and that residents have long and eagerly anticipated.
Leaving the road as a four-lane thoroughfare would disappoint residents and limit the potential for an attractive, pedestrian-friendly business corridor.
In a letter to city commissioners, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fort Lauderdale, urged commissioners to reject the compromise and support the two-lane project. He reminded city and county officials that more than $10 million in federal funds has been available for almost two years but remains unused because local officials have not signed off on the plan.
After today's vote, county commissioners will consider the revitalization plan at their next meeting. The revitalization of Sistrunk Boulevard has been delayed and stalled long enough. City commissioners should vote to keep faith with residents by approving the two-lane project.
