Fort Lauderdale city commissioners voted Tuesday night to move forward with ending the city’s agreement with One Eleven Properties, a company that no longer exists. The deal had allowed some businesses in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District to operate under special “Entertainment District” rules, including staying open an hour later along Himmarshee Street.
Once the termination takes effect, those businesses will have to close an hour earlier than they do now. Mayor Dean Trantalis said the change is part of continued efforts to make the area safer. The district has faced complaints about crime and underage drinking.
Recent steps have included more police officers, barricades and lighted towers in the area, along with a crackdown on underage drinking.
At the meeting, many residents asked commissioners to eliminate the Special Entertainment District altogether and stop granting waivers. Trantalis said the city also has to weigh business interests and will look for a compromise.
Commissioners will hold a second reading of the agreement in November. After that, business owners will have 180 days to apply for some of the restrictions to be waived.
