At the July 12, 2005 Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations meeting, Mr. John Terrell, Marine Advisory Board Chair, presented the findings of that Board on the proposed change of use to allow commercial rental of dockage for the Las Olas Marina which would reduce the recreational use of the facility.

P. O. Box 1492
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33302
July 12, 2005

City of Fort Lauderdale
100 North Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Attention:        Mayor Jim Naugle
                        Vice Mayor Christine Teel
                        Commissioner Dean Trantalis
                        Commissioner Carlton Moore
                        Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson
                        City Manager George Gretsas
                        City Attorney Harry Stewart
                        City Clerk Jonda Joseph

Reference:     Las Olas Marina – Change of Use

Ladies and Gentlemen:

At the July 12, 2005 Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations meeting, Mr. John Terrell, Marine Advisory Board Chair, presented the findings of that Board on the proposed change of use to allow commercial rental of dockage for the Las Olas Marina which would reduce the recreational use of the facility.

Following a lengthy spirited discussion of the assembled membership, a motion to submit the following Resolution was made by David Marshall, Riverside Park, and seconded by Bunney Brenneman, Coral Ridge Isles.  This motion was accepted by a unanimous vote.

By Resolution of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations, It is hereby requested that the City of Fort Lauderdale make no change to the lease with the state of Florida regarding Las Olas Marina without significant public input through a hearing process.

The participating membership expressed considerable concern about making any changes to the existing lease that could allow for a commercial use at the marina on a temporary or permanent basis.  Loss of those facilities to the recreational community would conflict with the consensus attained in establishing that facility initially.

Before any change is made to the existing lease or the facility use is given over to the Water Bus or any other commercial entity, we respectfully request a public hearing on the proposed change that could result in the loss of public recreational use.

Sincerely,

Eugenia Duncan Ellis
President
Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations