VISION ZERO: SAFER STREETS FOR FORT LAUDERDALE

http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/transportation-and-mobility/vision-zero-2851

February 2016- Neighborhood Meeting

February 2016-Neighborhood Meeting

Hi Neighbors,

The meeting tonight began with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:05. Because it was “Cupcake Night” everyone was encouraged to help themselves to the array of different kinds of cupcakes baked by members and a cup of coffee or soft drink.

Our first speaker was FLPD Officer Fernandez with the crime report for January and part of February.  There were two residential burglaries in the 800 block of 12th Court, two houses next to each other. Entrance was obtained by prying open the back door on one of the houses.  There were three vehicle burglaries, two of which were in the cemetery and one in the 400 block of 20th Street.  All three were unlocked cars with items in plain view, one car’s windows were down with a purse on the seat.  All in all, our crime statistics are staying low compared to other parts of the City.  Someone asked why a Broward Sheriff vehicle was in our area recently.  None of the officers at the meeting knew but said it was probably a BSO Task Force Unit that was following up on a lead.

Our next speaker was Alan Dodd with Ft. Lauderdale Public Works Department who presented us with architectural renderings of the future Fire Station 8 that will be built east of the railroad tracks on SW 1st Ave and just south of SW 17th Street.  The future station will not have a multi-purpose Community Room  due to lack of sufficient funds and lack of space in the facility that will be housing a HazMat vehicle, fire trucks and equipment, and all personnel from other stations in the event of beach evacuations during a hurricane.  The station is still in the design phase, to be completed by fall. Bidding for the contract will be in January 2017, and constructed by 2018.  A question was raised about the need for another fire station so close to Station 3 south of SR 84 on SW 4th Ave. Fire Chief Hoecherl answered by telling us that there are too many calls for Sta. 3 to answer in the optimum time of 6 minutes, presently.  There is also a need for a fire station on the east side of the railroad tracks due to the increase in trains that is in our future.  

A visually-impaired neighbor asked Alan Dodd with Public Works if he knew of any plans for audible crosswalks in the near future.  Mr. Dodd advised him to contact the Transportation & Mobility Department for that information.

The 50/50 raffle was won by Paul Ruble, who promptly gave his winnings back to the Association.  Thank you, Paul.

Our next Neighborhood meeting will be May 24th.  Hope to see you then.

Minutes by Virginia-Secretary

January 2016 Neighborhood Meeting and Potluck Supper

Hey C.P. Neighbors,

Happy 2016!  Wowza, what a turn out for the Pot Luck Supper meeting!  We had well over 50 attendees and a ton of scrumptious food.  The meeting kicked off with the Pledge of Allegiance led by one of our new Board members, Jodi Perraud.  She and our other new Board member Nicohle Kallio were introduced to the neighbors; we are so glad to welcome these ladies to the Board.  The 2016 CPCA Board is as follows:

Pat Rathburn- President, Michelle DiMaria- V.P., Joe Russell-Treasurer, Virginia Dill Russell-Secretary.   Directors: Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, Beth Falkenhagen, Nicohle Kallio and Jodi Perraud.

Officer Fernandez from FLPD gave us our crime report for the period of November through December 2015. We had 2 residential burglaries and 1 attempt, 2 stolen vehicles, 5 vehicle break-ins, 3 were in unlocked cars.  One vehicle break-in was in the cemetery and the perp was caught.  In another of the vehicle burglaries a gun was stolen but the gun was subsequently recovered. Nice work FLPD.  All in all, Officer Fernandez told us that compared to City-wide crime, our stats are low and we are doing very well.  A question was raised about the drug Flakka and we were told that a local detective who was sent to China reported that it has now become illegal there to manufacture the drug and many of the factories are being shut down. There should be less and less of the drug on the streets here as China tightens their laws.

Our speaker tonight was Commissioner Romney Rogers, who was accompanied by City Manager Lee Feldman, Asst. City Attorney D’Wayne Spence, Zoning Administrator Anthony Fajardo , John Ruttino with Broward County.  The format tonight was a Q and A session, with neighbors writing their questions on an index card, which Pat then presented to Comm. Rogers.  

Question 1: who is responsible for the repair of sidewalks in front of our homes? Answer: the homeowner is responsible, but the City pays “trip and fall” lawsuits.  If you hire the City to do your sidewalk, you can pay the cost over 10 years, which makes its easier on the pocketbook.  And, they will do a great job because that’s all they do.

Question 2: Northbound 3rd Ave. near the bridge has a 25 MPH painted on the paved roadway.  Could we do that here in Croissant Park to help alleviate the speeding problem? Answer: The County must approve it.  Lee Feldman says to let him know which streets, he will forward info to John Ruttino.  

Question 3: Can we get some kind of ruling on new buildings that have garage doors fronting the street, front doors on sides of homes that are built to property lines and some better rules for providing sufficient parking.  We have made our requests for these items clear for several years.  Answer: Anthony Fajardo with Zoning tells us “it is still on the list.  It takes time to revise zoning.  It is a low priority.”  Regarding cluster homes ordinance: Pat reminds Mr. Fajardo that they were to be an exception only, but have become the norm and to please take that into consideration.
Question 4: How long does an “open permit” last?  We have new structures in the neighborhood that remain unfinished and consequently, off the tax rolls. Answer: They have 180 days with a valid permit and when they commence activity the 180 days starts over. Let Zoning know which properties we think might be violating the rules. 

Question 5: Why are Vacation Rentals treated differently than Sober Homes and Crew Houses?  Answer:  These are complicated issues that fall under the purview of ADA (American Disabilities Act) and FHA (Fair Housing Act) and to make changes we will need to appeal to the State Legislature and higher up.  “It won’t change without pressure”.  The suggestion is to write to our Congresswoman Lois Frankel at https://frankel.house.gov. You can also use Twitter, Facebook, or the old-fashioned way: Washington, DC Office:1037 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515,(202) 225-9890.  Boca Raton Office: 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 490, Boca Raton, FL 33431, (561) 998-9045 (866) 264-0957  fax (561)998-9048.

Question 6:  How many parking spaces are aloud per house/unit?  Answer: 2 per unit. 

Question 7:  SW 22nd Street has a gravel road that trucks cut through to SR 84. Answer:  It is illegal for the trucks to use that road, call the non-emergency police department number (954) 764-HELP (4357) to report these trucks.  Get a license plate if you can.  

Question 8:  Is it legal for Realtors to leave their signs in yards even when the house is rented or sold?  Answer: It is NOT a Code violation.  

Question 9:  What can we do when cars are illegally parked on sidewalks?  It usually happens at night when Code is not out to see the infraction.  Answer:  Call the non-emergency police phone number (954) 764-HELP (4357).  Hey everybody-put this number in your contacts list on your phones.  Apparently it a very handy number!!

Question 10:  How hard would it be to re-zone our neighborhood to better reflect single family zoning?  Answer: 60% of the neighborhood in agreement is necessary to get the ball rolling, followed by many hearings.  The process requires a big effort on the part of the residents.

Question 11:  This is more of a comment on the Rustic Manors building in the vicinity of Broward General Hospital.  It is under investigation regarding their right to provide housing for clients of their Pompano Beach treatment center.  Under the Social Services Residential Facility (SSRF)regulations they can house their clients there if they complete the proper application process. 

Question 12: How can we report if we suspect a home is renting to transients on a regular basis?  Answer: code@fortlauderdale.gov or call Lee Feldman’s office at (954) 828-5013.

Question 13:  Why does it take Code Enforcement so long to enforce code when there is unpermitted building occurring such as bedroom/bathroom add-ons on my street? Between my neighbor and I, we called Code several times to no avail.  Answer:  They will look into it.  In the meantime, we, the residents, are the eyes and ears, please report what you see to the relevant agencies.

Millie Porter won the raffle prize tonight of a brand-new 30-cup coffee urn.  I guess that means you’ll be having some big meetings at your house, Millie. 

The winners of the red  ‘Drive Like Your Kids Live Here’ signs were Sandy McClung, Chris Kallio, Joe Russell and Kathy Bower.  Pat Rathburn won the 50/50 raffle and donated her winnings back to the Association.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50-ish.

Photos by Rhonda

Winners of the 2015 Holiday Lights contest

Minutes by Virginia

Neighborhood Meeting & Pot Luck Dinner - Jan 26, 2016

Hi Neighbors,

The annual Pot Luck Dinner is this Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center.  Bring a covered dish, meet your neighbors, join the Association as a voting member for 2016, get a raffle ticket and maybe win a beautiful large Coffee Urn, the 50/50 drawing, or a sign to slow traffic around your home.

We will have Commissioner Rogers on hand to answer questions about Short Term Rentals / Sober Homes and development standards for our neighborhood.

Hope you can make this fun and informative evening.

Croissant Park Neighborhood Meeting--October 2015

Croissant Park Neighborhood Meeting—October 27, 2015

Hi Neighbors,

Our October meeting began, as usual, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  All Board members were in attendance.  

An assortment of pies were brought in by various members, including apple pie and a homemade  key lime pie from the baker’s own backyard lime tree! Thank you, Rhonda. A welcome treat to kick off the upcoming holiday eating season.

FLPD Officer Meredith Tisch gave us our crime report for the latter part of September and for October to date.  There were three residential burglaries, four vehicle break-ins and three vehicle thefts.  Three of the vehicle break-ins occurred at the cemetery.  In two of them the cars were not locked, and in one case the window was down with a purse on the seat.  Ofr. Tisch reminds us that the bad guys rarely will use forced entry unless they see something of value in plain sight, so lock up and put anything of value in the trunk or out of sight.  A few neighbors inquired about retrieving possessions that had been stolen from their homes.  If they were pawned, there is a good possibility they could be retrieved, but often stolen goods are taken to the Swap Shop or similar flea markets and are rarely retrieved.  Putting serial numbers on our valuables is one very good way of possibly recovering stolen items.  Most of the residential and vehicle burglaries are committed by kids, as evidenced by the rise in crime rates during Spring Break, summer and other school holidays.  Once the youths are arrested they are kept for a maximum 21 days, then they may or may not go to trial, depending on the evidence.   If a large item like a flat screen TV is stolen, often the perp will hide it in nearby bushes to be picked up after dark so as not to be seen in broad daylight carting away a large, awkward item.  If this has happened to you, check the area around your home.  

There will be a Halloween party at the Community Center on Saturday, Oct 31st from 4-6pm.  Kids of all ages dress in hilarious costumes, play games, get their faces painted, do a few arts and crafts. You are welcome to volunteer to help us sell hot dogs and drinks, judge the costume contest.  It’s a hoot.

The new slate for 2016 for the Croissant Park Board of Directors includes Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, Beth Falkenhagen, Joe Russell, Virginia Dill Russell, and two new nominees Jodi Perraud and Nicohle Kallio.  It was moved and seconded by Association members to elect this Board of Directors.

The topic of sober homes has become our major issue of late.  These residences are protected by the American Disabilities Act (ADA).  Ordinances cannot be passed that don’t apply to everyone.  In order to regulate any group housing, the regulations must apply to all transitory rentals, i.e. vacation homes, crew houses, sober homes, etc.  However, vacation rentals are a well-regulated group that are subject to background checks, finger printing and are known locations in the neighborhood, whereas unregulated sober homes are cropping up in large numbers.  In January 2016 a voluntary certification will be available to owners and operators of sober homes.  Without the voluntary  certification there will be no referrals from the various recovery agencies. A 16th Street resident asked if our RD-15 zoning is encouraging homes with many bedrooms, which in turn discourages the concept of single-family homes.  Our Association President Pat Rathburn has invited various City officials, none of whom got back to her for this meeting.  The next time we invite a City official we need to fill the room and show them this is a matter of great concern to us.  We need everyone to help so stay tuned and we will let you know when.  If you know the address(es) of sober homes we would like to keep track of them as they crop up in the neighborhood.  Contact Joe Russell by email at jvcarina@aol.com.  Not all of these homes are a problem, but if you have any problems you can call Code Enforcement at (954) 828-5207.

A neighbor, Robert

Kienzle who lives in the area east of SW 4th Ave on 20th St. has informed us of a gravel street from SW 20th St to SW 2nd Ave. that has become a short cut speedway for semi-tractor trailer trucks.  He spoke to a transportation project manager with the City, and would like the Board to look into it.

The 50/50 raffle was won by Joe Russell who contributed his winnings back to the Association.  Thanks Joe

Our next Croissant Park meeting will be January 26, 2016.  See you then…Happy Holidays!!

Minutes by Virginia
pictures by Rhonda

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal” - Partial Payment of Tax Bill

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Consider Partial Payments of Your Property Tax Bill!”

Dear Lori,

I heard a representative of your office speak to our Realtor® Property Tax 101 seminar.  He told me your office changed state law to allow taxpayers to make partial payments of their 2015 tax bill this year?  I might be interested in this payment option for my 2015 property tax bill.

R.B., Fort Lauderdale, FL (via email)

The Property Appraiser does not set or collect taxes.  In 2009, I asked State Senator Jeremy Ring of Parkland to change state law to allow the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division (Broward Tax Collector) to accept partial payments from taxpayers for payment of current year property taxes.  We were successful in passing Senate Bill 1580 and getting then Governor Charlie Crist to sign this bill into law. Last year 2,251 property tax bills where paid using the partial payment plan.

Between November 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016, a taxpayer can elect to make up to 5 partial payments, along with a $10.00 processing fee for each partial payment. Each partial payment must be at least $100 with the balance being paid in full by March 31, 2016 to avoid interest and penalties on the unpaid balance.  There is no application for partial payments.   Taxpayers must declare their intent to make partial payments to the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division (Broward Tax Collector) at the time of their first remittance, and partial payments cannot be made online.

Any unpaid balance becomes delinquent and is handled like any other delinquent tax bill and will be subject to the same interest and penalties, including having a tax certificate sold pursuant to Florida Statute. Partial payments are not eligible for any early-payment discount.  The taxpayer has the responsibility to ensure the remaining amount due is paid timely. The county will not send monthly invoices.  Partial payments cannot be made on delinquent taxes.

Additionally, not all Florida counties are participating in this program.  If you own properties in other counties, please check with your local Tax Collector’s Office to determine if this payment program is available.

Should you have any questions or wish to participate in the partial payment plan, please contact the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division 954.831.4000 or visit their website at www.broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111,  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

(November, 2015)

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr.

Deputy, Community Outreach

rwolfe@bcpa.net

954.357-6871 - (o)

954.445-5732 - (c)

Croissant Park Neighborhood Meeting--September 2015

Croissant Park Neighborhood Meeting-September 2015

Hi Croissant Park Neighbors,

Our September meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by our Association President Pat Rathburn.  All Board members were in attendance.

We took a few minutes to fill our bowls with the sample chili brought in for the chili cook-off before sitting down for the FLPD crime report.

Fort Lauderdale PD Officers Fernandez and Cuevas reported 4 residential burglaries, 1 auto theft, and 14 auto break-ins. They  informed us that our crime numbers were down for July and August, however the number of auto break-ins is out of control.  Folks are leaving valuables in plain sight in their locked and unlocked cars. Regarding house break-ins, ROC unit, Rapid Offender Control is monitoring our neighborhood and they are somewhat successful in apprehending the bad guys.  Crime in our area goes up by 60% when school is out, and the offenders are mainly after items for ID theft like driver’s licenses and credit cards, etc. rather than large ungainly items that make it hard to run away. On another subject  someone commented that she believes a neighbor, who has since moved away, had been filming pornography in their home, and she asked if it is illegal.  Surprisingly, Ofc.Fernandez  told us it is not illegal for one’s own use, but it is illegal for profit or if a child is involved.

Ofc. Fernandez gave us a thorough description of the street drug called Flakka  that has made a dramatic appearance in our area.  Flakka is a synthetic bath salt from China that produces a euphoric high that lasts 24 hours, causing hallucinations, paranoia, extreme high body temperature, deranged behavior and super-human strength.  Flakka creates an immediate addiction, and consequently a rapid decline of a user’s lifestyle. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, taking the place of crack and heroin on the street. Hospital ER’s are flooded with users who have violent reactions and it is considered an epidemic that puts a severe strain on health care facilities and police departments. It can be disguised as candy wrapped in bright colors and we are advised to carefully check all Halloween candy for any signs of Flakka.  It can also be inserted into cigarettes.  Flakka can be sent through the mail so law enforcement agencies are monitoring United States Postal Service packages and have been successful in confiscating as much as one kilogram of the drug per week for the last 6 months.  Arrests of users and suppliers are made and the offenders bond out and hit the streets, re-arrested over and over again. This has become a serious problem for law enforcement as well as the court system with no obvious solution yet.  We are advised to call the police if we see someone acting erratic, never try to engage with them yourself, as they are irrational and extremely strong while using Flakka. Officer Fernandez has urged us to contact him directly with any concerns or questions, either by cell phone (954) 479-3183 or email ifernandez@fortlauderdale.gov.  

Many people are concerned about speeding on our streets and Ofc. Fernandez has told us he will alert the motor unit that we need them to monitor the neighborhood for speeders and to start writing tickets for the offenders.  A neighbor asked why 40 mph is allowed on 4th Avenue and the answer came from our President Pat who said it is a County road and they consider it a major artery to and from Downtown.  

At the recent District III Joint HOA meeting the FLPD discussed many new items and procedures available to the law enforcement community.  One very interesting item is a Lo Jack Safety Program for individuals at risk.  It works in the same manner as a Lo Jack for a car that has been stolen.  The individual at risk, i.e. an autistic child or an elderly person with Alzheimer's, wears a bracelet that looks like a watch and if they wander from the home the Lo Jack system can find them through radio frequency devices.  The FLPD has had 100% success rate.  The cost is $100 for the bracelet and $30 per month for the service.  We hope to have brochures available at the next meeting. 

The traffic study that the Association had done a few years back has been dusted off so we can review the recommendations for ways to slow down the speeders that we have on certain streets in our neighborhood. The study’s primary suggestion is to install a speed hump to deter speeders.  The residents on 15th Street are very concerned and some have expressed an interest in a speed hump, and others would rather not have one.  A consensus of 75% of the residents on the street is required and then  the request goes to the City.  If any of those 15th Streeters want to obtain a petition to start the ball rolling, contact us at mycroissantpark@gmail.com  

The subject of sober homes has come up again. In the past the Board created a map indicating the known locations of all the sober homes/halfway houses in Croissant Park.  Unfortunately it is an ever-changing landscape.  We request that you email Board member Joe Russell at jvcarina@aol.com if you know for sure of any residences in our neighborhood that operate as a sober home/halfway house. We will attempt to update the map. The State Senate and House have passed bills that would enable a process for certification of these homes.  It will be a volunteer certification, but without the certification they would not be eligible for referrals of clients from substance abuse treatment centers.  A neighbor has asked if we can change our zoning.  The Board will look into it.  Our Pres. Pat has discussed our issues with Mayor Seilor, specifically the loss of our family-oriented ambiance by way sober homes and large new structures built to the lot lines.

We are seeing many more homeless people wandering our streets.  Some of this may be attributed to the ordinance that prohibits the homeless from gathering in parks Downtown at night.  According to Commissioner Romney Rogers they have reduced the clumps of homeless and have dispersed them.  

Croissant Park Civic Association will be participating in the annual Halloween event at the Community Center on Saturday, October 31st from 4-6 pm.  That falls on the actual Halloween holiday for a change.  We can always use volunteers to help with the kids’ games, costume judging, bubble blowing, hot dog and soda sales.  It’s a hoot and we would love the help.  

Paul Ruble was the winner of the chili-cook-off and wins free membership for 2016

Beth Falkenhagen & Patricia Hjornhede

. Congrats Paul!  Thanks to all who shared their chili with everyone.

Thank you, Jack Timmins of T&T Realty who always brings some fun gift for everyone.  This month Jack supplied us with Tic-Tacs.  Not a bad idea after all the fire-breathing chili.

Patricia Hjornhede won the 50/50 raffle.

Hope to see you all at our last meeting for 2015 on Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm.

Minutes by Virginia Dill Russell- Sec’y CPCA