Fort Lauderdale Ends Controversial One Stop FTL Project
A significant development took place in Fort Lauderdale this week as the city terminated its agreement with the One Stop FTL project, a controversial venture that aimed to transform a prime downtown location into a food and entertainment hub. After four years of mounting scrutiny and public opposition, city leaders opted to end a 99-year lease with developer Jeff John, marking a decisive moment in local governance.
The decision, announced during a city commission meeting, highlighted the shifting attitudes among officials regarding the project. City Commissioner Steve Glassman expressed his lack of trust in the venture, stating, “You have to be able to have a trust factor. I no longer have that.” His comments came after it became clear that the majority of his colleagues were also ready to withdraw their support.
Concerns about the One Stop FTL project had been raised since its inception. Activists and community members warned city leaders about the potential pitfalls of the public-private partnership. In a workshop held in 2022, local activist Mary Fertig cautioned about the numerous unknowns associated with the venture. Despite these warnings, city leaders were initially captivated by the project’s glossy presentations, led by land-use lobbyist Stephanie Toothaker.
Public Opposition Grows
The South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial board consistently voiced their concerns, publishing multiple pieces that questioned the viability of the project. Headlines such as “This land is your land, Fort Lauderdale” and “A city’s spectacular One Stop flop” underscored the growing skepticism surrounding the developer’s financial claims and the project’s overall feasibility.
The pivotal moment came when Ben Sorensen, a city commissioner who had previously supported the project, began to question its shifting financial landscape. He initiated the dialogue that ultimately led to the termination of the agreement. Mayor Dean Trantalis also played a crucial role after discovering that the project’s decision to sell a majority stake to an undisclosed company required the city’s consent, which had not been sought by the developer.
One of the most vocal opponents of the project was Heather Moraitis, who resigned from her position before her term ended. Her successor, John Herbst, was dismissed after he expressed concerns about the project’s financial viability. During a workshop, when asked if the project could be defended as a good investment, Herbst’s blunt “No” led to his removal just hours later.
A New Opportunity for Green Space
The termination of the One Stop FTL project is seen as a victory for local residents who fought to preserve their community’s green space. Leann Barber, a resident of nearby Flagler Village, expressed relief following the decision, remarking that the community’s park space should never have been handed over to a nightclub operator.
Legal and financial analyst John Rodstrom III also highlighted the need for rigorous due diligence in future projects, pointing out the lack of thorough background checks on the new investor. His ongoing reporting kept critical questions about the project’s funding alive, ultimately contributing to the decision to abandon it.
With the One Stop FTL venture now officially terminated, Fort Lauderdale has an opportunity to rethink its approach to urban development. City leaders can focus on protecting the remaining green space in downtown and ensure that any future projects reflect the wishes of the community.
As residents celebrate this moment of accountability, it is essential that they continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in local governance. The community’s perseverance has demonstrated the power of civic engagement in shaping the future of Fort Lauderdale.
