Grants fund neighborhood improvements
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is carrying on its efforts to keep the locale in tip-top shape. Under the town’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, folks can apply for up to $30,000 to spend on enhancements.
“Entryway signs, neighborhood street furniture, pillars, public art, lighting, bus stops and landscaping” are among the most popular requests said town public information officer Steve d’Oliveira. Even secular holiday lighting displays are eligible.
Homeowners’ associations that hope to add cameras, gates, guardhouses or any security-related needs will be considered on a case-by-case basis, he said. Groups may need to show liability insurance agreements.
Residents have until Sept. 30 to submit applications. Project proposals will have to prove substantial support from residents to be considered.
A petition would be an acceptable form of proof, d’Oliveira said.
Once proposals are submitted, town staff will review each one in October to make sure the requirements are fulfilled.
But from that point, the process moves fairly quickly, d’Oliveira said. It will likely take from a month to about six weeks for groups to be notified. From there, they have one year to complete their projects.
Neighborhoods are responsible for covering any costs that exceed the grant amount or $30,000 — including permit fees and design costs. Town staff time for administration will not be charged to the project.
For more information, visit Lauderdale by the Sea-fl.gov and click on the “Documents” tab, or call project coordinator Debbie Hime at 954-640-4205.
Neighborhoods eligible for the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program include Bel-Air; Terra Mar Island; Lauderdale Surf & Yacht Estates on Codrington Drive, Imperial Lane and Thomas Way; North Silver Shores on Commercial Boulevard to Pine Avenue, including North Seagrape Drive; North Bougainvilla Drive and North Poinciana Street; South Seagrape on South Seagrape Drive, Garden Court, Lake Court, Marine Court and Shore Court; South Silver Shores (Tradewinds Drive south of Commercial Boulevard, Miramar Avenue, Capri Avenue); South Bougainvilla Drive and South Poinciana Street; and Tropic Drive, Hibiscus Avenue and Allenwood Drive.