Urban League's 19-Acre Housing Project Nears Reality in Oakland Park

A transformative housing development project on the outskirts of Downtown Fort Lauderdale is inching closer to becoming a reality. During a recent Oakland Park City Commission meeting, important zoning changes were unanimously approved, marking a significant milestone for the Urban League of Broward County's ambitious plan. The proposed Village at Oakland Park, set to be built on a spacious 19.4-acre plot at the junction of Northwest 21st Avenue and Northwest 26th Street, will comprise 355 apartments and 144 townhomes, offering affordable housing options to a wide range of residents.

The development is a collaboration between the Urban League, Broward County Public Schools, and the Harris Chapel Church, which is situated on the site. One of the primary objectives of this project is to address the pressing issue of housing affordability. Germaine Smith-Baugh, the CEO of Urban League of Broward County, emphasized the urgent need for accessible housing, particularly in Broward County, which ranks last in terms of housing affordability among Florida's counties. By incorporating affordable housing units into this development, the Urban League aims to ensure that the ongoing growth and development in Oakland Park are equitable and inclusive.

The Village at Oakland Park is more than just a housing complex. It seeks to create a vibrant community space that caters to various needs. The plans include a generous 30,000 square foot community center, providing a hub for residents to connect and engage. Additionally, there will be an 8,000 square foot preschool facility, further enhancing the appeal of this development to families. Recognizing the importance of parking, the project will offer 795 parking spaces, including a three-story garage with 383 spaces, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors.

Crucially, the proposed units at the Village at Oakland Park will cater to individuals and families across a broad range of income levels. Ranging between 30% and 140% of the area median income, these apartments and townhomes aim to address the diverse needs of the community. With Broward County's area median income standing at $67,000 for a single person, this development offers a vital solution to the pressing issue of affordable housing.

A Beacon of Affordability and Inclusivity

In an inspiring decade-long endeavor, the Urban League has been dedicated to a monumental project that has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Initially introduced as a smaller development back in 2019, the proposal aimed to create 100 apartments catering to residents within the 60% to 120% of AMI income bracket. Encouraged by their noble cause, the nonprofit engaged with the community in 2021, earnestly seeking support for their ambitious plans.

The proposal put forth by the Urban League received commendations from commissioners for its wide range of income options and the inclusion of homes available for purchase. The meeting held this Wednesday witnessed the heartfelt endorsements of several community members and local leaders who passionately expressed the pressing need for affordable housing in the area. Reflecting on this momentous support, Smith-Baugh, the visionary behind the project, acknowledged the significant shift in attitude towards the pressing issue of housing affordability. From facing ridicule five years ago, she has now become a welcomed participant in important discussions.

The road ahead for the proposal entails securing approval from the Broward County Planning Council and county commissioners before returning to the Oakland Park City Commission for the final nod. Smith-Baugh remains optimistic, highlighting her positive conversations with county officials, as she strives to complete all necessary processes this year, with a hopeful groundbreaking in late 2025.

Spanning over a remarkable expanse, The Village at Oakland Park would comprise not only five apartment buildings but also five townhome buildings and 26 duplex-style townhomes. The highest structure in the development would rise to five stories, while an impressive 7.3 acres of open space, inclusive of a playground and community garden, would be set aside for the residents' enjoyment.

Transforming Urban Space into a Vibrant Hub

Amidst the concrete jungle, a remarkable opportunity emerges as the Urban League, alongside Harris Chapel, embarks on a joint partnership, consolidating their combined 10.1 acres of prime land. Serving as the catalyst for change, this project possesses boundless potential for community development.

An alluring piece of the puzzle lies within the Rock Island Professional Development Center, comprising an expansive 9.6 acres. With Broward County Schools relinquishing ownership, the Urban League eagerly awaits the completion of the entitlement process to secure this valuable property. The stage is set for a truly transformative venture.

A ray of hope shines brightly upon the project as influential entities, Florida Blue and Bank of America, pledge their unwavering support. Florida Blue, a distinguished affiliate of Blue Cross Blue Shield, contributes a remarkable $1M, underscoring their commitment to the growth and prosperity of the urban landscape. Furthermore, Bank of America, through its remarkable Neighborhood Builders program, pledges $200K, affirming their dedication to fostering affordable housing. These generous investments add significant momentum to the project's pre-development phase.

Now in the captivating realm of financing, the Urban League charters a diverse course, diligently exploring various avenues. Equity investors and debt acquisition serve as potential sources to propel this initiative forward. Philanthropy, foundations, and corporate entities stand poised to contribute, adding to the pool of equity. It's a simple equation: the greater the equity, the more attainable and affordable this project becomes. Together, these financial endeavors ignite the flames of possibility.

The Urban League Takes the Lead in Development

The Urban League has received numerous proposals from developers eager to participate in their project. However, the nonprofit organization has decided to first complete the entitlement process before considering any joint partnerships. By doing so, they aim to maintain full control over the development's size and scope, aligning with their vision of economic freedom. This commitment to staying in control of their own destiny is of utmost importance to the organization. "Economic freedom is freedom," emphasized the Urban League's spokesperson. The Urban League's focus on retaining control, as long as appropriate, emphasizes their dedication to shaping the development in a manner that aligns with their goals and values.