April 24, 2012 General Meeting

Hi Neighbors

This month's meeting started with the Neighborhood Action Team report from FLPD Officers Jackson, Guerro and Ho.  The crimes for March were down: 2 residential burglaries, 2 auto burglaries and one armed robbery near Freddie's Anchor Bar.  The armed robbery suspects were apprehended by Officers Guerro and Ho. Nice job, Officers!  The crime numbers for April weren't as encouraging: 7 residential burglaries and one auto burglary.  The auto burglaries usually occur at the cemetery when people leave a purse or other valuables in plain sight.  Bike thefts are rampant now, so we are advised not to just leave our bikes in the back yard, but to put them safely out of sight and locked.  Officer Jackson reminded us to keep a list of serial numbers of our valuables so that they can be traced and returned if they are stolen and sold to a pawn shop. Pawn shops are required to record serial numbers of items they purchase; unfortunately that is not the case at swap shops.  Remember--if you see something suspicious or out of the ordinary, notify FLPD at the non-emergency number (954) 828-5700 ext.4. The Neighborhood Action Team is patrolling our streets and alleys, as well as coming to every meeting we have.  They always have great tips and info, so come to the meetings and get to know them.  They're on our side!

Our next speakers were Monique Damiano and Gene Dempsey telling us about the LauderScape event that will be held at the Holiday Park Gym on Saturday, May 12, 2012.  There will be workshops about rain barrels and water conservation,  native plant landscaping techniques, and sustainable pest management.  Free giveaways will include a hose nozzle, rain gauges, trees, and a rain barrel raffle.  Check it out at www.fortlauderdale.gov/lauderscape or (954) 828-4757.  By the way, our city forester Gene Dempsey reminded us to continue treating for spiral white fly infestation systemically (applying product at the bases of plants) instead of spraying because the spray will kill off the natural white fly predators.

Susan Howell was handing out coupons for a free beer at our newest local restaurant on Andrews, Tap 42. Susan tells us that Andrews Avenue is the "next new thing" with the development that is starting up again.  Great for our property values!

Members voted on and approved an expenditure of $500 towards having the city fix and paint our damaged neighborhood sign near My Market on 17th St, in addition to painting the other neighborhood signs on 9th Ave.  Another $500 expenditure was voted on and approved to allocate funds for an insurance policy to cover the Board members in the event of a lawsuit. Laura Cancilla is the newest member voted onto the Board.  Welcome, Laura.

Fresh, new split rail fencing has been installed on the center median at the Community Center.

An electronic speed monitor is being used on 14th Street to remind  motorists to keep their speed at 25 mph.  Let's hope it works.

Our Social Media expert Loren has opened a Twitter account for Croissant Park.  You can go to twitter.com to sign up and follow all the goings on in the 'hood, and don't forget to friend us on Facebook.

Bicyclists will be happy to hear that there are plans for a bike lane on 17th Street between Cordova Rd. and the bridge.

The 50/50 drawing had lots of winners, thanks to Jack Timmon's generous donation of many bags of Ghirardelli chocolates.  Thanks, Jack.

Our next General meeting will be next month (May 29th) and we will have a speaker from the City to tell us about the new, rolling recycle carts that will replace the blue and green recycle bins that we currently use.  Hope to see you there.