OAKLAND PARK, FL – In a written statement, Oakland Park Mayor Suzanne Boisvenue stated that despite the challenging economic times the country is facing and the collapse of the real estate market, the city of Oakland Park and its elected officials believe that the city is adhering to a “vision which will continue to improve the community and spark a rebirth of the downtown district and surrounding areas.”

Boisvenue contends that the city’s officials and residents are enthusiastic about the Oakland Park Redevelopment Agency (CRA) which emphasizes five main aspirations: downtown redevelopment, connections to the

downtown district, strengthening neighborhoods, increasing green space and increasing attainable housing opportunities.

The statement also confirmed that city has secured more than $30 million in funding for capital improvement projects over the past ten years.
“I recall how Oakland Park was synonymous with flooding for many years and it seemed like staff had to provide sandbags every time it rained,” said Boisvenue. “During the past few rainy seasons, our streets and neighborhoods have been dry and free of flooding due to the many successful drainage projects. It is incredible to walk into our new downtown Jaco Pastorius Park and see thousands of people enjoying the Oktoberfest or the PrideFest celebrations where nearly 9,000 people attended.”

Gary Lanham is one of the new business owners and credited the city staff for allowing a rapid permitting process, approval and move-in to become operational quickly. Lanham’s business joins the ongoing revitalization taking place in Oakland Park, bringing jobs and retail traffic to the downtown district.

“I live in The Corals neighborhood,” notes Lanham who has also served as president of his neighborhood association. “I selected Main Street because of the continued ease of doing business in Oakland Park.”

The city has recently acquired an old shopping center on the corner of N.E. 12 Avenue and N.E. 38 Street with plans to turn the property into a landscaped parking lot and the plans for G Resort to build on the old Gibby’s Restaurant property continues to move forward.

“We continue to transform our downtown into a walkable, workable and enjoyable destination where we welcome everyone,” concluded Boisvenue. “We see our downtown district as a vibrant and compact urban area that will foster smart growth and stimulate continued economic development.”