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Mayor Sortal's Special Plantation Update - June 5, 2026 |
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Este boletín también está disponible en español. Léalo aquí.
I’d like you to take a few minutes to read about the improvements we’ve made on the east side of Plantation.
Those who live on the west side of town may not often drive that way, and when they do, it may be just a quick pass-through on Broward or Sunrise boulevards. But there’s a lot happening, and the progress is worth a closer look.
Gateway Corridor transformation progresses
There is still work to be done, but we’ve taken a big step toward revitalizing the State Road 7 corridor. There are Pub Subs and BOGOs to prove it.
We’ve moved along at a brisk pace to improve the very easternmost part of Plantation and the result is a new look to the Gateway District, with Thursday morning’s ribbon-cutting for a Publix being the most recent – and significant – step.
It’s hard to believe that not long ago, this Community Redevelopment Agency District was a deteriorating commercial corridor characterized by vacant lots, uninviting storefronts and minimal landscaping.
But we have made substantial capital investments and fostered close cooperation between the city and the business community, so it is now an economically vibrant business district.
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A variety of interests
I’d like to spell out some of the recent successes:
A new freestanding emergency room opened in one of the parking lots facing State Road 7, near the former site of Plantation General Hospital, which closed in 2021. The HCA ER treats patients on the spot but also can quickly ship patients to HCA Florida Westside.
The Palms at Plantation is completing two years of providing 111 rooms of upscale senior living. As a bonus, the Palms offers its conference room for our Gateway Board meetings.
We used various strategies to address criminal activity associated with the Plantation Inn culminating in its closure. The closing reduced crime along the Gateway by more than 75 percent. The property is now fenced off and under new ownership. The city will ensure that the whatever use comes next is consistent with our aspirations for the district.
And we have two great relationships with builders: Green Mills is starting on an affordable housing project for seniors, working creatively to maximize a small space, and being a part of our attempt to mitigate the housing crisis.
Meanwhile, we have enjoyed early talks with Affiliated, which showed us an attractive plan for housing at the old Plantation General site.
Working with businesses
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COur methodology has been substantial capital investments and close cooperation between the City and the business community, to create an economically vibrant business district. Redevelopment Administrator Glendon Hall has been at the center of the progress, engaging with businesses and identifying city opportunities that can help them improve. Hall held a similar position in Fort Lauderdale and his outgoing nature has helped business owners recognize the city is a partner, not an enemy.
The City of Plantation created the Gateway Development District in 1988 to improve safety and facilitate redevelopment. The District collects revenue via an extra ad valorem on real and tangible property.
Improved lighting at bus shelters, license plate readers and increased police presence have been among the safety improvements. We’ve also used our code enforcement to address unsightly properties and our Trespass program has helped reduce the homeless population.
More robust landscaping is coming, with the City Council recently approving almost $500,000 collected via the Gateway (not everyday taxpayers!) thanks to a study and recommendations by engineering firm Kimley Horn.
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You could especially see the excitement Thursday morning, as patrons lined up as early as 5 a.m. for the 7 a.m. opening at Publix, 3901 W. Broward Blvd. Many stated that this Publix is closer to their home, and they will no longer have to drive to the Town Center Publix. The rideshare service FreeBee also will be expanding into Gateway in July.
I’m proud of the path we are taking in revitalizing the Gateway District, and we will continue to engage with businesses and study the options to make it even better. It’s the first piece of Plantation people see when arriving east from Fort Lauderdale, and it sets the stage for how they perceive the rest of the city.
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