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LICIA Newsletter |
A Word from the New President
I would like to thank everyone for voting for me and having the confidence in me to be the President of LICIA for the ensuing year. I was born in South Florida and I have lived in Lauderdale Isles since 1980. I have seen major changes occur, some good, some not so good.
We have approximately 750 homes here in the Isles and we all need to work together as a team to make sure that any changes are positive ones. We hope this year that there will be a higher turnout for the General Meetings so that all of us will be informed of any changes that will be occurring in our community. The General Meeting is a good time for you to address any issues you may be concerned about.
Current
Concerns
We are currently working on the T-Dock issue at Hacienda Cove. Hacienda Cove is the new rental development currently underway on the New River and State Road 84 in the Town of Davie. The developer, American Village Development, wants to construct eight T-Docks to be randomly spaced along the shoreline to accommodate approximately sixteen boats. A petition was circulated for homeowner signatures by each trustee opposing the imposition of the proposed T-Docks and sent to the appropriate authorities. Also, a concern is speeding up and down our Isles. I would like to see the speed limit reduced to 25 mph.
These issues will be addressed at the next General Meeting scheduled for 7:30 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2000 at the yacht club. I look forward to a large turnout to show support for our Lauderdale Isles.
I would like to thank each and every household for submitting their annual dues. As you know, the dues are $15 per year, any additional amount is more than welcome. If you haven’t yet submitted your annual dues please do so. The address to which they should be sent is: LICIA, 1300 Riverland Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
New
Entrance Way on Davie Boulevard
By Joan Sheridan, Chair S.W. Coalition
On November 15, 1999, the City of Ft. Lauderdale Landscape Architect, Mike Fay, presented to the S. W. Coalition of Civic Associations, plans for the entrance-way signage at 44l and Davie Blvd. The plans were unanimously approved as presented to the coalition. For over three years the S.W.. Coalition of Civic Associations has been working very hard to revitalize Davie Blvd. and the surrounding communities. The new entrance signage will be a very nice enhancement to Davie Blvd. with landscaping, irrigation, brick pavers, and lighting. This project is under construction now and will be completed this year. A copy of these plans will be available for you to see at the general meeting on February 17th.
Update - S.W. Coalition
of Civic Associations
By Joan Sheridan, Chair
The boundaries of the S.W. Coalition and Lift Up Davie Blvd. are as follows:
*Florida’s Turnpike on the West
*I-95 on the East
*Broward Blvd. on the North
*the New River Canal on the South
Within these boundaries there are 13 organized civic association groups that participate in this coalition. Since 1996 the presidents or a representative for each group have attended monthly meetings and share information, concerns, up coming projects, that directly affect our S.W. community. Since so much has happened since 1996 and you may not be aware of some of the accomplishments of this group I thought I would give you an update.
The coalition has been responsible for making sure that the development of the U-Store’s facility looks as nice as it does today, considering the fact that we were unable to successfully create a greenway there. The original plans for the U-Store It was presented to the S.W. Coalition on February 17, 1997. The original design did not look anything like what is there now. If it wasn’t for the hard work of all the neighborhood associations our community would have had a gray painted over, no stucco, Pantry Pride building with a red stripe and minimal landscaping. The plans were revised three times to make sure we were happy with the final results.
On August 16, 1999 Mike Fay, City of Ft. Lauderdale Landscape Architect presented final landscaping plans to the coalition on the I-95/Davie Boulevard beautification project. Because of the persistent efforts of the S.W. Coalition; who had been requesting landscaping west of I-95 for over two years, approximately 375 trees will become available and will be planted in the 12 foot medians west of I-95 in approximately one year.
For over three years the coalition has shared crime statistics and has net worked with BSO and City of Ft. Lauderdale Police to make a safer community for all of us. Whether we live in the unincorporated area or the city of Ft. Lauderdale crime affects all of us in our neighborhood.
We are presently concerned about the increase of gang graffiti that has been showing up in both neighborhoods and how long it takes to remove it. Many of the community residents volunteer in both the city and county COP programs and have made a difference in the S.W. area, especially on Davie Blvd.
As we all know, annexation has been a major issue in all the unincorporated areas of Broward County. On January 24, 2000 the Presidents of Melrose Park and Broadview Park gave a report to the S.W. Coalition of Civic Associations on where they were in the annexation process. Ms. Shirley Small, President of Melrose Park stated that her community recently requested that they want to be annexed into a city. Their choices are Plantation or City of Ft. Lauderdale.. The Community Association of Melrose Park requested a bill be presented to the Broward Delegation with regards to annexation with the contiguous cities of Plantation and Ft. Lauderdale.
When the bill was presented on, January 3, 2000, Representative Josephus Eggelletion included an amendment to the bill stating that if the people of Melrose Park elect to go with the City of Ft. Lauderdale he is asking for the de-annexating of the commercial property on the East side of 44l, adjacent to Melrose Park. Also being requested is the de-annexating of the commercial property on the North side of Davie Blvd to 31st Avenue. In other words, what ever city Melrose Park chooses to be a part of will get all the commercial property bordering the community on the East off 44l and the North side of Davie Blvd. I am sure this will be quite an interesting outcome.
Mr. Jack Washburn, President of Broadview Park informed us that his community has also requested a vote on the ballot in November to be annexed into a city. The community requested that the City of Plantation and the City of Ft. Lauderdale be placed on the ballot for the vote. The cities have until July 15th to decide if they want to be placed on the ballot. Broadview Park has stated if there is only one city to be placed on the ballot they want the election to be null and void. The community feels they should have a choice. If both cities consent to be on the ballot, the annexation to the city receiving the majority vote would be effective September 15, 200l. When they know for sure that both cities will be on the ballot they will devote a full meeting to discuss the pros and cons of each city.
In June, 1998, the City of Ft. Lauderdale called and asked the S.W. Coalition to get involved and review the concerns of the contaminated soil and groundwater at the Florida Petroleum Reprocessors Superfund Site. The Coalition formed a Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) and with the help of EPA was able to receive a grant to have a Technical Outreach Services to Communities Program (TOSC). This team of research scientists/geologists from the Georgia Tech Research Institute reviews all the technical data, reviews the site work plan, educates the community and makes sure we understand what is going on. They basically work for the community. Included in this newsletter is the latest update from EPA on the site. PLEASE READ IT AND SAVE IT. We will keep you advised when the next public meeting will be.
On December 2, 1999 the Marine Advisory Board reviewed the application request for full funding from the Boating Improvement Fund (BIP) for development money for Riverland Woods. John Fiore, Broward County Parks and Recreation, presented the conceptual plans and all the letters of support for the project that I had requested from the Broward County Commissioners, State Representative Tracey Stafford and the S.W. Coalition of Civic Associations. Unfortunately we did not receive the full amount requested but we did receive $178,000 towards the development of the park. Without the support and all the hard work of the entire S.W. Community Riverland Woods would not have been preserved as a county park but instead it would have been an industrial development all the way down to the New River. John Fiore is currently working on a state matching funds grant from FRDAP, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, for development money for the park. He is also requesting the use of the DOT easement property for a wide turn around for small boat launching.
I am pleased to be able the give you this factual update so that you know what is going on in you community and together we are making a difference!!!!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind expression of sympathy for the loss of my mom. It is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated.
Annexation
Committee Update
Craig Canning - Chairperson
Just a brief recounting of what has happened so far. An annexation committee was formed in February of 1999 to study the various annexation possibilities to comply with the Broward County mandate that all unincorporated land be annexed by the year 2010. The committee was also tasked with finding a consultant to complete an unincorporated neighborhood annexation study using monies that Broward County had set aside for such purposes. The committee reviewed 7 approved consultants and after careful deliberation, chose PMG Associates out of Deerfield Beach. PMG Associates were introduced at an LICIA General meeting on September 16, 1999 and received some very beneficial feedback from area residents on what was foremost on our minds relating to annexation. The committee also collected questions from area residents that are included in the scope of services of the annexation study. As of 1/31/00 we are very close to having our annexation study commence. According to Donald Stone of Broward County Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning, the scope of services for the Riverland area will be on the County Commission docket in early February. Once we get Commission approval, the notice to proceed with the study should be issued within 3 weeks. From there our consultants, PMG Associates, will have 120 days to complete the study. After notice to proceed is issued the timetable of tasks is as follows:
*approximately two months into the contract period, consultant will meet individually with the three neighborhood associations and the unincorporated area residents east of SW 31 Avenue to review study findings and format
*upon study completion, consultants will schedule one meeting for the overall area to review study findings
*schedule remaining 2 meetings as necessary
Hopefully, the full scope of services will be available for area residents to view on the LICA web site by the time the newsletter is printed. Keep an eye out!
Our web site address is: http://www.licia.org.
Please remember that this annexation study is for REFERENCE
only. This is NOT a referendum or some type of binding agreement. There will be
NO vote taken on annexation until you, the Lauderdale Isle residents, make it
happen!
23rd Annual Water-Way Cleanup
by Joan Sheridan
This year’s
Waterway Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th, from
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club at 2637 Whale
Harbor Lane, will be the official site, once again, for our neighborhood. The
cleanup event has grown each year and last year about 3,300 volunteers and 500
boats collected approximately 70.6 tons of trash which was down from 75 tons
last year. It is obvious that the message of not trashing our environment is
working. The key ingredient to the success of this annual event is the
participation of volunteers.
Joan Sheridan, will be the Site Coordinator again for our neighborhood at the Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club. We need volunteers and boats to make this event a big success, so please call Joan at 581-0816 and offer your assistance. All participants will receive a free T-shirt and ticket to the “Trash Bash” party. This year’s bash is being held at Rick’s Patio Bar & Grill at the Marina Bay Hotel & Resort which will include FREE food, refreshments, entertainment and fabulous prizes. Community service vouchers will be given to all volunteers that need them for the hours they work.
This is your chance to join fellow South Floridians in the
Waterway Cleanup effort to make our community a more beautiful place to live.
The cleanup is not only good for our environment, it’s a fun event for the
whole family to enjoy. If you have a boat, or plan to help out on shore,
participating is easy. All you have to do is volunteer and show up. Please wear
old clothes and sneakers. No one will be allowed to work if they are barefoot.
It would be a good idea to put on sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the
sun. If you have gloves or old nets please bring them. Together we can make a
difference!
SEE YOU SATURDAY, MARCH 25TH
Neighborhood
Beautification
Awards
--
information furnished by Ruth Lindgren
Plaques were presented to Robert Trafford of 2430 Marathon Lane and Craig McKewen of 2406 Whale Harbor Lane at the November general meeting for having attractive well maintained properties. John and Teresa Brewer will be the recipients at the February 17, general meeting.
If you know anyone that you think deserves recognition contact Ruth Lindgren, the committee chairman. Hopefully there will be pictures of the prize winning yards next issue.
Boaters Park
is Open
By Joan Sheridan - BURT Council Member
On January 14, 2000, Broward County Parks & Recreation had the opening ceremony for Boaters Park. Boaters Park is located on the north side of the Dania Cutoff Canal, west of Ravenswood Road; accessible only by boat. The park is 6.5 acres with dockage to accommodate 35 to 40 boats.
Boaters Park was created as a place where boats under 30 feet in length could go as a destination for picnics. This concept was approved by the Broward Urban River Trails Committee (BURT) and adopted as its first project for recreational use of the Intracoastal Waterway, Dania Cutoff Canal, and the New River loop.
The park has three shelters, two restroom facilities, sidewalks, and aluminum docks. The total cost for the project is $1,454,000, including a $69,000 grant from the Broward County Enhanced Marina Law Enforcement Grant (EMLEG) and a $705,000 grant from the Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP). The county used the EMLEG and FBIP grants as a cash match to apply to the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for $500,000. An additional $180,000 grant from the Broward Tree Trust Fund for the planting of 2,000 native trees and plants was awarded in l997.
This park is a great place for families to picnic and just enjoy the beauty of nature along the water. Many people have worked very hard to make this park a reality. So get in your boat and take a trip to this lovely park and enjoy!
Riverland Crossing
by Rich Thompson, president
Riverland Crossing is a 6 acre parcel at the north end of U Store It on 441 and Riverland Road, scheduled to be developed by early 2001. It will be a commercial strip shopping center with medical offices. The developer is talking to food stores and banks. That’s all we know at present, we will keep you informed.
The Wildlife Care
Center
by Rich Thompson
The Wildlife Care Center is a private, non-profit organization which relies on donations to treat injured, orphaned and abandoned animals.
Due to urban sprawl animal habitats are being destroyed. I am a volunteer for the Wildlife Care Center and am frequently called upon to rescue wildlife in our area. I have rescued such creatures as squirrels, ducks, raccoons, pelicans, rabbits and many more. Last month I rescued a falcon at Port Everglades which was treated and later released back into the wild. At present the Wildlife Care Center is overloaded with rabbits and chickens who can’t seem to find anyone to care for them, love them and give them a good home. Rabbits are neutered/spayed before being adopted. The Wildlife Care Center also has small domestic animals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and ferrets available for adoption. Reptiles, such as snakes, iguanas and some species of turtles and tortoises also need good homes. A variety of birds, including cockatiels, Quaker Parakeets, lovebirds and canaries are available as well. The Wildlife Care Center is a part of our community and is located at 3200 S.W. 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. For more information on adopting an animal or other ways you can help please call: (954) 524-4302.
Annexation Antics
an opinion by George Counts
The unincorporated area still has more residents than any major Broward city, yet it is without single member districting . Not one of the county commissioners or legislators representing this area is an unincorporated area resident. As a result, its taxpayers aren’t fairly represented. Annexationists have offered no hard evidence that Broward’s financially strapped cities can offer unincorporated area residents better police protection-especially clearance rates on crime, fire protection , EMS or code enforcement-than the county. Due to economies of scale, many cities continue to contract with the county for police, EMS, and library services.
Despite this, the completely restructured Ad Hoc Committee On Annexation held a public hearing on January 3, 2000 at Dillard High School. Most of the hearing was sparring between Ft. Lauderdale and Plantation over who should annex what in the Melrose Park area. Legislators Ritter and Eggelletion did most of the talking. It was usually about the profound miracles the urban ills wonder drug- annexation sparring between Ft. Lauderdale and Plantation over who should annex what in the Melrose Park area. Legislators Ritter and Eggelletion did most of the talking. It was usually about the profound miracles the urban ills wonder drug- annexation might work for unincorporated residents. As usual your legislator, Tracy Stafford of Wilton Manors, said little.
The president of one civic association who was listed on the agenda as a speaker was a no show. He apparently preferred Monday night football to speaking about how wonderful another layer of bureaucracy and taxes would be for his neighborhood.
Former Pan Am Captain, Bud Johnson of Water side Drive, our aircraft noise rep., Charles Gizzo, Jr. of Whale Harbor; and yours truly of Nassau; an excellent geographic cross-section of our area, Remote (noise) Monitor 8, attended the December 16, 1999, Airport Noise Abatement Committee meeting. It was held in Conference Room “A” at the airport terminal building , Dr. Abe Fischler, Chair, presiding. Refreshments were served.
Noise officer Lori Kligfeld reported the airport was extremely busy. She got that right. Between 9 &10 p.m. on December 26th eight large jets made sure the average noise level for that hour around and over my home exceeded 76db—a conservative figure. Carrier deck personnel have to put on ear protectors when noise levels exceed 70db. Airport consultants like to blame a lot of perceived aircraft noise on background noise. This was checked also. When there were no screaming jets, buzzing propellers or clattering helicopters the noise level dropped to an average of 44db.
These large jets are supposed to be less noisy (airport personnel prefer quieter) now due to engine and sometimes flap modifications to meet FAA Stage 3 requirements. Some of the smaller carriers still have a large percentage of their planes unmodified. However, the total and frequency of their flights is much less than those of some of the busier, larger carriers with a high percentage of modified aircraft but more unmodified aircraft and flights. The airport research on this is based on self-reporting by the carriers, not exactly one of the more reliable methods of getting objective, unbiased data. When asked about this, airport personnel said airline personnel wouldn’t dare mislead them.
Make your aircraft noise complaints by calling 359-1200, extension 7, after hours and holidays and 359-6186 days to Lori Kligfeld, airport noise control officer. If you would like to attend the next meeting, Monday, March 13, 2000, at 6 p.m. in Conference Room A of the terminal, call Bud Johnson at 797-8915 or George Counts at 584-4926 if you need a ride.
Spotlight
Your Neighbor
We’re starting a new feature that will spotlight someone who has contributed to the community in some way.
Terry’s
in the Spotlight
I am happy to present our first honoree, Terry Simonds. Terry was born in 1933 in New York City and lived in New England until he was 20. He then moved to Atlanta where he attended Georgia Tech. After spending two years of military duty in Germany in the late 1950’s, he served as senior technical editor for Scientific -Atlanta, an electronics firm in Atlanta. He retired in 1979 and moved to Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard Island off the coast of SE Massachusetts. He was active in civic affairs there and served on a committee that formed the Historic District Commission in Edgartown (incorporated in 1697) and served as the chairman of the commission for three years. He also served as the secretary of Edgartown Marine Advisory committee for three years, the Civil Defense director of Dukes County for three years and the trustee and secretary of the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Preservation Society for four years and as if that wasn’t enough, he was very active in ham radio while on the vineyard providing emergency communications for the island.
As you can see Terry gets involved with civic activities where ever he has lived. He and his wife Midge moved to Ft. Lauderdale in July 1991 and joined LICIA several years later. He currently serves as the secretary of the association and as the Webmaster for the association’s web page. This page is one of the best of its kind that I have seen. Terry not only has made it an extremely attractive site but he has it chocked full of helpful information. You can find out everything from the weather, to property values. Terry doesn’t just keep up the web site, which is a tremendous job, but he also keeps us informed in his newsletter EXTRA, by way of email, of breaking news events in our community. THANK YOU TERRY! Our community is a better place because of your efforts.
Note from the editor: If you
know of someone that you think deserves to be spotlighted for outstanding
service to the community, just contact me (see information on the refrigerator
list). You won’t even need to write the article. Just jot down all the
information and it can be written for you.
History: The Lauderdale Isles Yacht and
Tennis Club was founded in 1956. Conceived by Gil Development, the developer of
Lauderdale Isles, the club flourished throughout the 1960s and 1970s and
successfully provided a neighborhood gathering place and spirit of camaraderie
for all the Isles residents. Original homeowners had Charter Membership.
After the Charter was formed new members could join the club for a fee as
an Equity member or as a Non-Equity member.
Now: LIYTC has a clubhouse facility that can accommodate large parties as well as an intimate and casual lounge open to members and guests six days a week. Whether its members stop in after work or dinner, tie up at the dock for a visit, join other club members for the many weekly and yearly functions or hold private parties on its grounds, they are always assured an affordable, friendly atmosphere for socializing or entertaining.
We’re Always Busy: In addition, the club supports many individual interests and member group endeavors, including a competitive Swim Team, Tennis & Pool Leagues, Wednesday night suppers, Friday bingo nights, Sunday pool tournaments and much more. On-the-water activities including boating and fishing events or river restaurant cruises, swimming, golfing, tennis tournaments and the Little Theater Group are also popular with members. Club sponsored parties and holiday celebrations attract both members and guests and are widely applauded for their broad appeal. Ask any member about the Easter or Labor Day picnics, Mother’s and Father’s Day brunches at the club, the Saint Patrick’s Day party, Country Western Night, Casino Night, dinner dances, the Shipwreck Party or the Commodore’s Ball. They’ll tell you LIYTC parties are lively events with lots of fun people. Join now before you miss even one!
For More Information contact:
Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club
2637 Whale Harbor Lane
Fort
Lauderdale, Florida 33312
954
583-7422
Pick up an application at the next scheduled LICIA General meeting February 17, 2000, 7:30PM.
Dear Property Owner:
Many Florida senior citizens are now eligible to claim a second $25,000 Homestead Exemption (which applies only to the County’s portion of the taxes and city taxes for residents of cities that also adopted the additional exemption). In order to qualify for the new $25,000 Senior Exemption, an applicant must be 65 or older as January 1, 2000, and have a combined household adjusted gross income not exceeding $20,000. Please follow the steps listed below to insure proper filing.
IF YOU FILE AN INCOME TAX RETURN:
1. Complete Part (A), Part (C), and Part (D) of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household
2. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household to the Property Appraiser on or before March 1, 2000. Submit a copy of your 1999 Income Tax Return Form 1040 and W-2 for all persons residing in your home (excluding renters and boarders) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1, 2000.
IF YOU DO NOT FILE AN INCOME TAX RETURN:
1. Complete Part (A), Part (B), Part (D), and Part (E) of Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household
2. Complete Lines 1 through 4 of the IRS Form 4506 and sign the form. There is no fee for verification of non-filing. Signatures of both husband and wife are required.
3. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household, proof of age, and the IRS Form 4506 to The Property Appraiser on or before March 1, 2000.
4. Submit a copy of your Social Security Statement (SSA1099) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1, 2000. The social security office will send you your SSA1099 by February 1, 2000.
Respectfully,
William Markham, CFA, ASA
PROJECT
UPDATE FLORIDA PETROLEUM REPROCESSORS
SUPERFUND SITE:
DAVIE, FLORIDA
Introduction
This is a continuation in a series of factsheets prepared for the South West Coalition of Civic Associations to apprise their members of the progress and future plans at the Florida Petroleum Reprocessors (FPR) Superfund Site in Davie, Florida. The FPR site is the former location of an oil reprocessing facility that handled waste oil contaminated with solvents from 1979 until 1992. Releases from this facility have impacted soils at the facility to varying degrees from land surface to a depth of about 60-feet below land surface. Contaminants have migrated into groundwater from this facility at levels above acceptable drinking water standards spanning an area approximately 680 acres in size.
Since impacts from this site are largely below ground surface and drinking water supplies are closely monitored, there are no immediate threats to nearby residents. The primary threat posed by this site is the potential long-term threat to drinking water resources.
Detailed information on the history of this site, potential threats, and the results from studies conducted to date are available for review at the Broward County Riverland Branch Library in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
In August 1999, the removal of highly contaminated soils was completed. This work involved the removal and off-site treatment and disposal of approximately 6000 tons of soil. The excavation encompassed an area approximately 11,000 square feet and extended to a maximum depth of 12-feet below land surface. It is estimated that excavation of the soil accomplished the removal of 44,000 pounds of waste oil and 221 pounds of waste solvents from the environment.
In addition to the soil removal, the extent and depth of residual dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) was documented. Eighteen, 60-foot deep, borings were installed in November 1999. These borings confirmed the presence of high levels of chlorinated solvents that are indicative of residual DNAPL. Although the highest levels of residual DNAPL were located between 30 to 40-feet below landsurface, some residual DNAPL extended to a depth of approximately 60-ft below land surface.
Upcoming Plans
To address the ongoing source of contamination to the groundwater posed by the residual DNAPL, EPA is working with the potentially responsible parties (PRPS) on a cleanup plan. EPA hopes to have a plan developed for this work in the spring of this year. If implemented, this work will complete the removal of all contaminated materials that are an ongoing source of contamination to the Biscayne aquifer.
In conjunction with the DNAPL cleanup, EPA is still working on a plan to address the large area of groundwater that has been affected by this facility. EPA hopes to have a proposed cleanup plan ready for public review and comment by late-February 2000.
Brad Jackson, Remedial
Project Manager
USEPA (MO Stop: 4NVD- SSMB)
61 Forsyth St., SW, Atlanta, GA, 30303
(404) 562-8925
JACKSON.BRAD@EPA.GOV
Commission Update
Kristin D. Jacobs
115 South Andrews Avenue - Fort
Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 357-7002 FAX-
357-7295 E-mail: kjacobs@co.broward.fl.us
Every day, more and more people are moving to Broward County. And as our finite amount of open space is lost to housing tracts and stripmalls, I believe we must begin now to answer the question, “How will Broward County look in 20 years?” Will our existing artificial lakes be filled in to take advantage of their value as buildable land? Will development further separate our natural areas until they, too, lose their value to wildlife? Given strong property rights laws, what can government do to strengthen and preserve quality of life? There are many ways to answer these questions and I’d like to share my vision with you.
A
Glimpse into the Future
My vision is to create a network of “greenways” - protected, open corridors - arranged for conservation and recreation - to link our neighborhoods, parks, preservation areas, waterways and even businesses and schools. The idea is that even though we may be limited on wide open spaces, we could utilize the largely ignored FPL corridors, canal banks, abandoned railways and conservation easements.
I plan to take the success stories of Pinellas, Orange and Sarasota Counties and establish a greenways and trails system throughout Broward County. My vision is that 20 years from now, a person could, if they chose, hop on a bike and enjoy a scenic trip from as far West as the Everglades dike all the way to the beach on a paved path surrounded by lush landscaping and abundant wildlife.
Community
Benefits
Greenways and trails serve as close- to-home recreation areas for bicyclists, walkers, joggers, equestrians, roller bladers, people in wheelchairs, hikers, bird-watchers parents with strollers and more.
On October 7th, the Broward County Commission, along with the South Florida Regional Planning Council, will be hosting a day-long visioning workshop on Greenways and Trails.
They provide a “sense of place” and improve community pride. Neighborhoods can be linked by greenways to other features such as historic sites, cultural venues or commercial areas. As property owners in counties around the state have learned, greenways and trails increase the value of properties located adjacent to the corridor, particularly where greenways with trails pass through neighborhoods.
Greenways also help attract and nurture vulnerable native species by allowing wildlife to move between habitat areas that would otherwise be isolated from one another. Loss of habitat is often cited as the greatest problem facing Florida’s wildlife and plant communities. It is also widely recognized that maintaining a canopy of trees cools our climate and cleans our air.
I am excited to report that I was able to include in our 2000 Budget, money that will be used to study Broward to determine the best locations to begin a greenway system. I use the word “begin” because this is a process that will take many, many years to fully integrate.
On October 7th, the Broward County Commission along with the South Florida Regional Planning Council will be hosting a day- long visioning workshop on greenways and trails. The event will take place at the Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood beginning at 8 a.m.
Local elected officials, community leaders, local, regional and state agencies together with environmental groups and others with an interest in greenways will be attending.
I invite you to participate! If you can’t make the workshop, I hope you will share your ideas by calling or writing me. For details on the workshop, call me at 357- 7002 or e-mail me at kjacobs@co. broward.fl.us.