Greater Fort Lauderdale took a huge step forward last night with the approval of the Marina Lofts project by the City of Fort Lauderdale Planning and Zoning Board. Following expert presentations and numerous comments from residents that lasted well into the evening, the project was unanimously approved by the nine-member board, at just around 1:30 a.m. Many business leaders, including several Alliance board members and member company representatives, rallied together with young professionals, longtime Fort Lauderdale residents and local experts in support of Marina Lofts.

It was my pleasure to speak in support of the project, both as the CEO of Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County’s official economic development organization, and also as someone who grew up here. As I mentioned, on weekends you will find me out on the boat, between my home on the south fork of the New River, and downtown. One of my favorite views in the entire world, which I love to share with friends and first-time visitors to the area, is the view of downtown on the horizon as you leave the Intracoastal and head westward on the New River. I am excited by the potential to bring new life to the area.

Marina Lofts is a dynamic project that will invigorate the long-neglected south side of the New River, as well as provide affordable luxury housing for our growing creative class, while introducing iconic design by world-renowned architect, Bjarke Ingels, to our community.

I commend Asi Cymbal and his team for taking an effective grassroots approach to become a valued part of our business community, gathering and responding to input from local stakeholders and preserving existing businesses on the site.

As the project moves ahead, I hope you will join me in supporting a project that will be a welcome addition to our skyline and a catalyst toward strengthening economic development activity in Greater Fort Lauderdale.