The Croissant Park Civic Association: Minutes of the Croissant Park Civic Association neighborhood meeting

Minutes of the CPCA General Meeting Feb 25, 2025. Called to order at 6:35 pm.

Board members in attendance: > Pat Rathburn, President > Jarrod Gaylis, Vice President > Carlos Lang, Treasurer > Rhonda Kramer, Director at Large > Michelle Dimaria, Director at Large > Stacey Miscisin, Director at Large > John Marangio, Secretary Minutes from the January 25, 2025, meeting were approved. FLPD Officers Jackson and Trujillo with Crime Report: -1 larceny bike and scooter. -Auto break-in through trunk of car. -Question about updates on shooting on 3rd Ave.; officers had nothing to report, and the case remains open. Guest Speaker: District 4 Commissioner Ben Sorenson. Accompanied by Vicky and Sabrina, colleagues from the commission office. Question from Pat regarding building codes for new high rises: Ben responded, "LIVE LOCAL." A new law passed by the Governor allows any new building to match the height of any building within a mile. Ben reported that Fort Lauderdale downtown has NO height limit if approved by the FAA. A new building of over 600 feet in height was recently approved. Ben proposed a height limitation for new construction in the downtown area, which he plans to explore. Under the LIVE LOCAL legislation, at least 40% of new construction must be affordable housing. Pat added that two projects are planned through the South RAC Regional Activity Center in and around our local neighborhood. Ben plans to fight against these aggressive growth plans and find a way to regulate vacation rentals more tightly. The audience asked what Ben plans to present to leaders in Tallahassee: He stated a few changes to lower building heights. He mentioned concerns around additional cars, traffic, and congestion. Suggestions about adding requirements to construction companies to improve infrastructure. Ben discussed sewage and other capacity studies that are required for new construction. The audience asked what is planned to address road issues and potholes. Ben provided his cell number

(954) 802-3311

and the FIXITFTL app or Google FIXITFTL. Question about Bridge vs. Tunnel: Ben supports a tunnel and estimates it may be 10 years out from now. He reviewed several reasons to support a tunnel over a bridge. Police Station update: Following the construction issues that caused structural integrity issues in this new building, the Project Manager said the City has to pay a percentage to correct them. Ben challenged this, and the construction company agreed to financially support any corrections that need to be made and that remedial measures would be their responsibility. Regarding the City Hall, Ben supports placing it in the current City Hall; other suggestions are placing it next to the new Police Station. Pat asked about sudden increases in water bills, and Ben stated this is due to a new water facility being built. Also, sewage capacity has increased water bills. If a large increase is being seen, Ben asked that he be made aware, and he will inquire. Questions were posed around a traffic study to put a traffic light at Perimeter Road to address increased traffic due to the Pickle Ball courts. Ben said that request was turned down. Ben was thanked for his time and departed to attend another meeting. Pat reviewed the city’s plan to begin Smoke Testing in the sewer pipes. This will be done block by block. Pat passed around the flyer with a QR code for audience members to scan and get additional information. Pat then pivoted to introduce the PET PHOTO Contest and asked attendees to place votes based on their favorites. The Winners were Lea Cornblatt's kitty in 1st place (2nd year for cats!) and David Mintz's German Shepherd (the graduate). See pictures below. The audience asked about bulk trash regs, code enforcement, and street lamp outages. It was recommended that all these issues and items be reported to code enforcement and FIXITFTL or on the FPL website. It was announced that Croissant Park will hold a neighborhood Yard Sale on May 17th. Signs will be provided, and details will follow. The meeting adjourned at 730 pm. Minutes by John Marangio, Secretary Pic by Rhonda Kramer Donuts provided by our neighbor Bobby Palusha, owner of The Hollywood Donut Factory on Las Olas - spectacular!! The next meeting will be on May 27, 2025 If you would like to follow us on Facebook, use this link -