Tamarac Commission to Discuss Affordable Housing, Renter’s Assistance, and Sabal Park

by Agrippina Fadel January 22, 2023

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Tamarac City Hall.

By Agrippina Fadel

The Tamarac city commission will tackle several major issues at their upcoming workshop on Monday, January 23.

Among the agenda items are the affordable housing crisis, measures to assist the homeless population and victims of domestic violence, and how the city can take advantage of federal programs to help homeowners and renters. The commission will also discuss the conceptual plan for Sabal Park, a nine-acre parcel located in the Central Parc community.

Affordable Housing

With Broward County being the least affordable Metro Area in the nation, the commission will discuss the effect of high housing costs and low wages on residents.

According to the supporting documents, homeownership in the county is not attainable: with a $600k medium home price, only 5% of all families can afford to buy a house. At the same time, low wages and high rents mean the local workforce is priced out of rental units.

The commission will discuss preserving affordable housing units through the Minor Home Repair Program and providing down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in Tamarac (both up to $60k) and look into the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $350k earmarked through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to supplement the homebuyer program and provide mortgage, rent, and utility assistance through the Residential Assistance Program.

American Rescue Plan Act

The commission will also discuss the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Tamarac’s total allocation is $10,897,007, with a proposed budget of 897k for the next year, which includes housing stability projects for the homeless, single-family roof and windows assistance, rental assistance, and housing for victims of domestic violence.

Sabal Park

Finally, the commission will discuss the conceptual plan for Sabal Park, including a splash pad, off-leash dog park, sand volleyball, basketball courts, playground, fitness area, picnic shelter, and restroom facility.

The commission will also decide whether to include a 15,000-square-foot community center. Without the center, development is $6,875,310, and with the center, $16,020,247, with operational costs of $75k per year versus $429k. The center would, however, raise the park’s annual revenue from $7.5 to $100K.

The workshop is held on Monday, January 23, at 10 a.m. Watch it live here.

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Agrippina Fadel

Agrippina Fadel grew up in Siberia and received her master's in journalism from Tyumen State University. A resident of Florida for over 10 years, she also works as a marketing and communication specialist at a local university.