Croissant Park General Meeting- January 2014

Happy New Year, Croissant Park neighbors,

We kicked off the new year with a huge turn out for the January Potluck Supper meeting.  The meeting began at 7:05 with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Board VP Michelle.  Other Board members present were our President Pat, Heather, Joe, Beth, Virginia, and our new Board member Manny.  We were glad to see our ex-President John McNamara and his wife Shakira here for the first meeting of 2014. 

Fort Lauderdale police Officers Stevens and Dejo gave us our crime report.  Starting with the November figures, there were 2 home burglaries and two vehicle break-ins.  December had 4 home burglaries, 2 vehicle break-ins.  January (to date) has had 2 home burglaries, 1 vehicle break-in and 1 business burglary.  According to Ofc. Stevens, our crime numbers are down, and when asked how we are doing in comparison to other local civic associations, she tells us we are doing really well, that our crime numbers are low in comparison.  One neighbor asked how FLPD goes about responding to a 911 call.  Ofc. Dejo tells us that they park their cruiser a few houses away, so as not to scare off the perpetrator, and then they surround the premises.  Homeowners are asked to stay back, never enter your house if you believe there might be someone inside.  Let the police do their job without interference.  Neighbors asked what we can do to prevent break-ins:  close and lock any gate that leads to side and backyards, don’t leave any valuables outside.  The same goes for cars: keep valuables out of sight and always lock your car.  Regarding the helicopter activity and police street blockage at 11pm last Wednesday night, neither officer had any infomation to offer.

After the FLPD report we chowed down at the long buffet table full of all sorts of casseroles, stews and chilies, noodle, quinoa and caesar salads, assorted interesting items and lovely desserts.  Once we had our fill, we got down to business and talked about a few things that affect our neighborhood.

First up was the 15th Street near 6th Ave project that is going to be on the Planning and Zoning Board agenda in March.  Pat will let us know exactly when that is so that those of us interested in attending and putting in our 2 cents‘ worth, can do so.  

The Monitor lizards are back!!  A few have been spotted and it is their egg laying season, so be on the lookout.  They can be nasty when protecting their territory.  If you happen to get bitten, treat with antibiotics right away.

A neighbor brought up the issue of trains and how we will be dealing with many more trains once the commuter starts from Miami to Orlando.  There is concern that we need to have the types of gates that eliminate the train horns from blowing though out the night.  The Board will look into this and see what can be done.

A discussion ensued about speed humps on certain streets that create more traffic for the adjacent streets. More discussion to follow.

The age-old issue of dog owners who don’t pick up after their dogs has raised its ugly head yet again.  We will be posting signs that include the enforcement code that addresses this problem.  A question was asked about what other neighborhoods do and we believe it is a universal problem in the area, judging by the numerous different types of signs spotted in all the neighborhoods. 

It has been suggested that if you have abundant fruit from your fruit trees, put a notice on Nextdoor to share with your neighbors.  This could discourage people from taking fruit that doesn’t belong to them.  One neighbor on 17th Street had a man climb her coconut tree to help himself to the coconuts, without her permission.  Or you could do what Jack Timmins, owner of T&T Realty did, he dropped off a huge basket of avocados from his trees to share with everyone. Thanks, Jack.

Let’s all make an effort to try a little kindness towards our neighbors on the Nextdoor website.  There has been a rash of snarky comments flying around, causing at least one longtime resident to remove herself from the site.  The purpose of this website is to share information. 

For the 50/50 raffle we had some extra bonus items to give away, thanks to the generosity of Ralph Clark.  Mary Lou won a wall clock, Bob Simac won a “Baby Cakes Mini-Cupcake Maker” (we might see some mini-cupcakes from Bob in the future),  Joy Stafford had the winning tickets for a camera and a set of garden tools, Norm Kublin and Jo Bowker each won a Ft Lauderdale License tag thing-a-ma-bob, and our Grand Prize winner was Alan McClung who won the 50/50 cash of $46 and promptly donated it back to the Association. Thank you, Alan.   And thanks to Ralph for all the fun raffle prizes.

Suzy from Expresso on Andrews Avenue supplied the coffee, as she always does at our meetings.  Thanks again, Suzy.

And a big thank you to all of you who contributed and participated in our Pot Luck Supper.  The food was great and it was a terrific way to see old friends and meet new neighbors!

All the best for 2014.

Virginia Dill Russell-Secretary CPCA

Minutes of the Croissant Park Neighborhood Meeting 11/19/2013

Croissant Park Civic Association

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Novembere 19, 2013 

Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.

Board Members Present:  Patricia Rathburn, Heather Cuniff, Rhonda Kramer, Michelle Di Maria

Motion was made and carried to appove September meeting minutes as posted on the blog.  

Treasurer’s Report was made to the membership at hand.

Police Report: None

Motion was made and carried to approve the slate for Board of Directors for the 2014 year.  (Manny Carrera, Loren Colburn, Heather Cuniff, Michelle Di Maria, Beth Falkenhagen, Rhonda Kramer, Patricia Rathburn, Joe Russell, Virgina Russell)

Old Business: None

New Business: 

Suggestions were requested by the Board for future speakers.  Manny Carrera suggested we have a “refresher” course on how to keep your home safe. 

Lauren Colburn stated she is starting a committee to look in to what we, as a neighborhood want in terms of zoning and creating a plan for the neighborhood.

Discussion of the Neighborhood Yard Sale included great feedback, and the suggestion that we hold another one in the Spring.  The Gore-Betz Park was suggested as a possible location.  

A concern was brought up by a neighbor regarding the traffic in front of the elementary school.  It was recommended that she contact the principal.

Carlos, a local firefighter, stated that he is seeing a lot of crime in the neighborhood.  He inquired if there was an officer assigned to the area that we could call directly.  He suggested that we all be diligent and call the police when we see suspicious person in the neighborhood.  There is generally a fast response time to these types of calls.

Pat Rathburn stated that there are only 4 officers assigned to our district, although we do not get dedicated coverage, we do get coverage.

A suggestion was made that we request an off duty car be parked in the neighborhood as many other neighborhoods have done.  

Next General Membership Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014.

MIchelle Di Maria

Monitor lizard

Neighborhood Meeting - Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The next meeting for the Croissant Park neighborhood is Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm in the Community Center.

Agenda:

1.  Crime Report from the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept neighborhood officers.
2.  Speaker - 211program.
3.  Approval of the slate of officers for the 2014 Board of Directors.
4.  Dessert - bring your favorite Thanksgiving dessert with a copy of the recipe for neighbors to taste and possibly try at their own Thanksgiving dinner.
5.  50/50 contest.

There will probably be other topics of conversation - perhaps something you would like to discuss.  See you there.

Neighborhood Yard Sale

National Recycle Day is November 15, 2013.  To recognize this event the Croissant Park Civic Association is organizing a Neighborhood Yard Sale on Saturday, November 16th, 2013. Hopefully this will be the First Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale and we will do it again each year. 

Neighborhood wide Yard Sale

 

Where:  at your house

Donation of $10 to the Croissant Park Civic Association -  

P.O. Box 13117, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

You will get your address on the map / list - and signs put out for your street

You will also get an ad in the paper

                      contact me - at  loren.colburn@gmail.com 

Croissant Park General Meeting September 2013

Croissant Park General Meeting September 2013

Hi Neighbors

Our September meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:05pm.  Board members in attendance were Pat, Rhonda, Heather, Karla, Michelle, Joe and Virginia.

Officer Stevens

Officer Dejo

FLPD Officers Stevens and Dejo were there to fill us in on the recent crime activities in our neighborhood.  Ofc. Stevens reported that since our last General meeting in May there have been seven residential burglaries, five vehicle break-ins and one stolen scooter.  We are reminded once again that leaving valuables in plain sight in our cars is an invitation for a smash-and-grab robbery.  These kind of vehicle break-ins are common in the cemetery.  Do the smart thing and put your valuables out of sight when you leave the car. And don’t forget to lock.  When the question was raised as to why we don’t see as many FLPD cars patrolling our streets, Ofc. Stevens said that there are more unmarked cars patrolling now and that they have put a bigger presence of patrol cars out west of us where the crime is more rampant.  They will begin moving eastward to our neighborhood again.  Regarding people speeding through our streets, she told us they are using radar to catch them, but they have to actually be there when the speeding occurs.  They cannot give a ticket if a witness sees a speeder and reports the tag number.  One neighbor who lives near the cemetery reported that there is a chronic speeder who detours through the cemetery on a regular basis.  Ofc. Stevens made note of that complaint and indicated that they will be on the lookout. Car thefts are down now that school is back in session, as the majority of thefts reported were being done by juveniles.  Ofc. Stevens suggested that we put an X through our license tag decal with a razor knife to prevent theft of the decal.  Also, don’t leave all the old decals on from year to year, as that makes it easier to peel the top one off.

Bob Vick & Eric Fernandez

Our next speakers were Robert Vick and Eric Fernandez, developer and architect respectively, of the SW 15th Street cluster home project.  They plan to build four, 2-story rental units, 2 bedroom/21/2 baths each, with room to park 3 cars per unit.  When asked what the units would rent for we were told they would be in the neighborhood of $1400-1800/month.  A question was raised about the need for a variance for the project and we were told that no variance is required and that all is reportedly in compliance with Planning and Zoning.  One member asked if the parking area would be paved with impervious pavers and Mr. Vick replied that they are not sure at this time what materials will be used.  Someone else asked about the mature oak trees on the property and we were informed that one will be removed for the driveway and two will remain.  Another neighbor disapproved of the enormity of the building and how it would affect the neighbors.  Several neighbors voiced concerns about maintaining the integrity of our neighborhood of single-family homes, and are worried that we are losing the battle.  

C.E.R.T.

Ray Dettman from CERT, Ft. Lauderdale’s Community Emergency Response Team was our next speaker. He outlined the free training program offered to prepare citizens like us to respond to emergencies in our own neighborhoods.   First responders often need assistance from trained volunteers after a disaster and that volunteer could be you.  The training course consists of many components, including, but not limited to, basic first aid, fire suppression, performing light search and rescue, and triage.  The training sessions are conducted on two consecutive Saturdays at Station 53 at Executive Airport.  The next session will be held on October 26th and November 2nd.  Call (954) 828-6700 to reserve a spot.  

 A motion was made and seconded to oppose the SW 15th Street project.  There was a discussion that followed; someone pointed out that two single-family homes could be built on that lot.  Another person pointed out that there will be many new rentals on the market soon and the competition could lower the rents for these units. Someone else suggested that a committee be formed to explore the project and present their concerns to the Planning and Zoning board.   A hand vote was taken, and of the 26 people in the auditorium, 13 voted in favor of the motion.  Because it was not a majority, the motion failed.

The annual Halloween party will be held at the Community Center on October 26 from 4-6pm.  Volunteers are always welcome to help out with the fun and games.  The kids in their costumes are a hoot--you could even be a judge in the costume contest.  We have received some candy and cash contributions for the party.

Steve Cook announced that we received a grant to fund our tree project and the signs that remind dog owners to pick up after their dogs.

Surveillance signs--an informal vote was taken and it was established that there is interest in displaying signs around the neighborhood that alert would-be burglars and other law breakers of the surveillance cameras throughout the area. Many neighbors have installed cameras to burglar-proof their homes.  We will look into the legality of posting these signs at our entryways to Croissant Park; they have proven to be deterrents in other neighborhoods. 

Nominations for the Croissant Park Board are open. All Board members wish to remain onboard and we have a nomination for a new member--Manuel “Manny” Carrera.  Voting will take place at the October meeting.

Rhonda has posted a link on Nextdoor to access the crime statistics for the area. This website contains all the crime data for the past few years.  Look it up if you are interested in comparing our neighborhood’s crime with other areas. Here it is again--

http://www.flpd.gov/index.aspx?page=58

The 50/50 raffle was won by Chris Falkenhagen.  Congratulations, Chris.

Pat Rathburn

Chris Falkenhagen

Hope everyone enjoyed the pizzas.  Coffee was supplied by Expresso on Andrews Ave.  Thank you, Susie!

We hope to see everyone at the October 29th meeting.  Stay tuned to Nextdoor and Facebook for more information about that meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Minutes by Virginia- CPCA Secretary

SoLO - South of Las Olas

Is SoLO district in Fort Lauderdale's future?

By Larry Barszewski, Sun Sentinel

June 8, 2013

Never heard of the trendy hotspot?

Don't be surprised someday if you're in Fort Lauderdale and get a hankering to go SoLO.

Maybe that's because right now it exists only in the mind of a businessman who's got plans for an upscale billiards place — "It's kind of like Blue Martini meets old pool hall," he says — and a similarly fashionable bowling alley on South Andrews Avenue.

SoLO — South of Las Olas — would be an entertainment and retail alternative to Las Olas or Himmarshee in the downtown area. The area would extend along Andrews from Las Olas to State Road 84, with its heart from Davie Boulevard to 17th Street.

"I think it's about time something happened on this side of town," said ex-yachtie William Dixon, enjoying an afternoon draft at Tap 42, a popular 11/2 -year-old bar and restaurant that's considered a model for what's possible on South Andrews.

"When Tap 42 was going in, it was like 'Wow. This is a great place. We don't have to go to Las Olas to have a drink,'" said Patricia Rathburn, who lives in nearby Croissant Park. "I think something else there that will bring people to South Andrews at night and make it more lively will be great for the area."

Enter Michael Rechter, CEO of Integra, a real estate and entertainment company that has developed shopping centers in Vero Beach and Stuart, each having the bowling and pool-hall concepts he's planning to bring to the SoLO district he envisions.

"We are going to have some interesting things to offer to people in Fort Lauderdale who five years ago wouldn't have even of thought of that area," Rechter said. "What we'd like to do is prime the pump."

Rechter is not the first to see the area's potential. The part of the avenue south of the Tarpon River was originally developed as a retail corridor in the 1930s and Tap 42 replaced Brownie's Tavern, which had been Broward's oldest bar before closing in 2009.

A group of local businesses formed the South Andrews Business Association more than a decade ago and pushed for a redevelopment plan for the blighted area that was finally approved by commissioners in 2010. It is designed to create a mix of homes, offices and shops and has relaxed parking requirements to entice businesses to the area.

Development of the area — near Broward Health Medical Center — also stands to benefit from the Wave, a $142.6 million electric streetcar project that will run down South Andrews and initially connect it with Las Olas and the Flagler Village community to the north.

"It's a much better street since we opened," Tap 42 co-owner Sean McMackin said. "It was absolutely horrible when we first came down here."

Rechter plans a Stix Billiards in the vacant, church-like, former firefighters union hall at Andrews and Fifteenth Street, a block south of Tap 42, and he hopes to finalize a location for his proposed bowling alley this week.

While Rechter anticipates opening the billiards hall by the end of the year, McMackin said that might be too ambitious given the various zoning, building and utility issues that come with an older area.

"What we thought would be an easy thing to do, change an old bar into a nice new bar, took a lot longer than expected," McMackin said. "It took us two years."

Rechter's Oakland Park-based company is taking the long view on SoLO and not expecting overnight change. He's looking for where the area will be in a decade, hoping it can follow a path like the SoHo district in New York or Wynwood in Miami.

"We'll take whatever space we possibly can and bring art, entertainment, dining to it," Rechter said. "Now, even though it's early still, I don't believe it's too early."

Raymond Dettman, president of the Poinciana Park Civic Association, is eager for South Andrews to take off and to have the remaining blighted, vacant parcels redeveloped.

"I think what we all want is more activity," Dettman said. "If that's a bowling alley or a pool hall, I think that's great as long as they don't impact the neighborhood."

Dixon, the former yachtie, thinks SoLO would draw a different type of crowd.

"It's a little bit too touristy on Las Olas," Dixon said, sitting at the bar at Tap 42. "I think this tends to have more of a local feel."

lbarszewski@tribune.com or 954-356-4556

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