Developer Asi Cymbal’s plan to move a rain tree to that is standing in the way of his Marina Lofts project on the south shore of the New River has Fort Lauderdale residents up in arms, the South Florida Business Journal reported.
According to the Broward-Palm Beach New Times, about 75 people marched on Sunday from the Pirate Republic, a bar, to the rain tree’s location at 413 Southwest Third Avenue, in protest of the tree’s relocation. The developer has said he will post a $1 million bond in case the tree dies during relocation.
The Fort Lauderdale city commissioner already rejected pleas to grant the six-story-tall, nearly 100-year-old tree a historical designation.
Supporters of the proposed three-tower project feel that it will open up the New River to public access and help attract more young professionals to the area.
Cymbal Development spokesman Seth Gordon said that an acre of land will be devoted to create a park-like setting for the tree on the same property. The embattled tree is currently behind a chain link fence on a vacant lot, the Business Journal said. [South Florida Business Journal] –Evan Bleier