Fort Lauderdale’s long-awaited decision on whether to eliminate the tree-lined median on Las Olas Boulevard will have to wait until after the holidays.
City commissioners were expected to debate the controversial proposal during their 1:30 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, but ran out of time.
They now plan to take up the matter after the holidays on Jan. 6.
The city has spent more than five years discussing a dramatic redesign of Las Olas that calls for the removal of the tree-lined median to make way for wider sidewalks and outdoor cafes.
Critics have spent years arguing the trees give Las Olas its charm and should be left alone.
Several residents were prepared to make that argument again Tuesday.
Four blocks of olive trees planted decades ago currently line the median on Las Olas. All would be taken out under the redesign.
In 2023, the estimated cost of the plan was approaching $200 million. Critics worry the cost has only increased since then.
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan