January 2020 General meeting

January 28, 2020 General CPCA Meeting

Happy 2020, Neighbors,

We had our customary January Pot Luck Supper last night to kick off the new year.  Neighbors brought all sorts of hearty entrees and salads and we topped it off with pies and cookies and assorted candy.  A successful Pot Luck with lots to eat.  It was fun seeing neighbors after a long holiday season. Thanks to all who participated!

FLPD Officer Pekrol gave us details of the last two months burglaries and vehicle break-ins.  Good news is that we are not having a crime spree!  In fact, we have very low crime in Croissant Park.  We run neck and neck with Rio Vista for low crime rates.  Three residential burglaries and four vehicle break-ins in the last two months.  One burglar gained entrance by breaking a back window after observing the owner leaving the house.  One attempted burglary did not make entry, and the third on was a known party who stole from the owner.  All four vehicle break-ins were in unlocked cars.  Two things Ofc. Petrol stressed was to put any valuables out of sight and always lock the car.  FLPD non-emergency number is 954 764-4357.  Good idea to put it in your cell phone contacts.  Of course, if you are witnessing a robbery, break-in or whatever, call 911.  Our neighbors on 20th Street  have asked for additional police patrol because it has become a cut-through street and cars are ignoring the stop signs at 6th and 8th Aves.

Rob Hernandez, Deputy City Manager was our speaker.  He gave us an extensive description of the City’s water utilities action plan.  The City is about to embark on a major water utilities investment plan, including a new water treatment plant to replace the Fiveash plant, 60 miles of new water mains, rehab of 118 miles of wastewater mains, to name a few projects over the next 5 years. He also explained why Rio Vista’s sewerage problems occurred. Basically, old pipes and no easy way to access them.  He asked for our patience as there will be road closures in our future.  There is an interactive website to stay informed about projects in our neighborhood  gis.fortlauderdale.gov/LauderWorks. 

Rob also talked to us about more up-to-date methods of dealing with traffic with better computerized traffic systems, more “traffic calming”, i.e. roundabouts and narrowing streets in certain neighborhoods.  The City will also replace the decorative paver at major intersections that are deteriorating, and replace with stamped asphalt.  

Local school teacher, Sarah Leonardi introduced herself.  She will be running for a seat on the School Board.  The election will be on August 18th.

50/50 raffle was won by Matthew Wells.

Minutes by Virginia  

2020 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION - Marty Kiar

2020 Homestead Exemption

All qualified Florida residents are eligible to receive a Homestead Exemption on their homes, condominiums, co-op apartments, and certain mobile home lots.  To qualify for Homestead Exemption, you must own and make the property your permanent residence on January 1 of the year for which you are applying for this valuable exemption.  Pursuant to Florida law, all assessments and exemptions are based upon the status of the property on January 1.  If you purchased and/or made the property your permanent residence in 2019 and have not applied for Homestead Exemption, you can apply for 2020 exemptions at any time – there is no need to wait until 2020 to file your exemption application with the Property Appraiser’s Office.  You can easily apply online at www.bcpa.net or at one of our many outreach events.  Please visit http://www.bcpa.net/Events.asp to see when our Mobile Exemption & Information Team will be assisting property owners with exemption applications in your neighborhood.

The timely deadline to file for all 2020 exemptions is March 2, 2020.  You must make the property your permanent residence by January 1, 2020 in order qualify; however, you have until     March 2 to file your application with the property appraiser’s office.  The late filing deadline for all 2020 exemptions is September 18, 2020.

Once approved, your Homestead Exemption automatically renews each year provided there is no change in the ownership or use of the property.  If you are receiving Homestead Exemption for 2019, you do not need to reapply for this exemption.  You will receive a Homestead Exemption renewal card next month to keep for your records.

    

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954.357.6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Take care,

Marty Kiar, CFA

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr., CFE

Mobile Exemption and Information Team , Specialist II

Office of Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Broward County Governmental Center

115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Phone (954) 357-6871

Fax (954) 357-8474

Cell (954) 445-5732

E-Mail:  rwolfe@bcpa.net

Please see the “Click here for a complete list of available exemptions”

Follow our office at: http://facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA

CPCA October 2019 General Meeting

CPCA October 2019 General Meeting

October 29. 2019 CPCA Neighborhood Meeting

Howdy Neighbors,

Our final meeting for 2019 was well attended.  We began with the Pledge of Allegiance.  All seven Board members were in attendance.

—It’s Pie Night!  Our traditional October meeting invites all to bring a pie, or just come to sample the wonderful pies brought by your CP neighbors.

Officer Rodriquez

—FLPD Officer Rodriguez from the Neighborhood Crime team reported the Croissant Park crime statistics for the last 2 months.  There were 2 residential burglaries, one was a backyard shed and the other was an entry through an unlocked bathroom window.  There were 4 auto break-ins: stolen items were a wallet, a purse, a gun, and welding equipment.  Most occurred in the cemetery.  We are reminded not to leave valuables in plain sight because the bad guys WILL break a window to gain entry into the car.  There were 2 stolen vehicles.  All these crimes are active investigations. Ofc. Rodriguez suggests that when it comes to home security, devices like the Ring and other camera security products are the best line of defense, but using the ever-popular alarm service is also very effective.  He suggests using all the devices available, and don’t forget about one of the most effective—a barking dog!  Get to know your neighbors and be observant of the goings-on in your neighborhood.  With the holidays coming there will be many package deliveries  

—Our President Pat reports that the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Inc. site plan for an apartment building at 409 SE 8th Street will not be permitted by the City due to zoning rules that prohibit Level V SSRF within the district.

—Our VP Michelle gave us a clear and concise explanation of the “affordable housing” that is being introduced into various neighborhoods in the City.  Most recently we were informed about the proposed affordable housing project that will be built on SW 1st Avenue, south of the new firehouse just east of the railroad track.

—The slate for the CPCA Board of Directors for 2020 was presented and elected.  The 2020 Board will consist of: President-Pat Rathburn, Vice-President-Michelle DiMaria, Secretary-Virginia Russell, Treasurer-Joe Russell, Directors-Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, and Jodi Perraud.

—The annual Joe Shover Award was given to Jodi Perraud and Vivian Cox for their outstanding efforts that have given us two years of our popular Bark-in-the-Park event. 

—The 50/50 raffle was won by several lucky ticket holders.  They received high-end candy donated by our friend and local Realtor, Jack Timmons. Recipients were George D, Tami McC, Joe R, Sandy’s hubby and our new friend Envia.  Hope you all have good dentists.

Thanks for all who brought pies.  We had seven yummy pies to sample.

Happy Halloween🎃

Minutes by Virginia

Photos by Rhonda

2nd Annual BARK in the PARK

2nd Annual

BARK in the PARK

Saturday, October 26, 2019, 

9 am-11 am

It was so much fun last year that Croissant Park Civic Association Director, Jodi Perraud and her neighbors on 20th Street have organized another event!  It will take place between SW 2nd & SW 3rd Ave. There will be music, pet parade, food, pet rescue group and a walk around the neighborhood.  So dress them up or come ‘au-natural’.  It should be a lot of fun for everyone—even if you don’t have a pet, bring the family and get to know your neighbors—both 2-legged and 4-legged kind!  Keep checking Nextdoor for updates.

 

To promote a safe and healthful environment, all dogs are required to be on a leash and participants must comply with all guidelines and laws in accordance to Broward County’s key provisions of Chapter 4 of the Broward County Code, the Broward County  Animal Care Ordinance

September 2019 Neighborhood Meeting

September 24, 2019 Neighborhood Meeting

Happy Fall, CPCA Neighbors

-Our meeting last night opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by our Vice President Michelle DiMaria, who also chaired the meeting.  

-Michelle reminded us that we will be voting for CPCA Board members at our October meeting.  As of now our slate consists of all the present Board members: Pat Rathburn, President, Michelle DiMaria, VP, Joe Russell, Treasurer, Virginia Russell, Secretary.  The Directors are Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, Jodi Perraud. We welcome any nominations for the Board and hope to see a good turnout at the October 28th meeting, the final Tuesday of the month.

-Our guest speakers were Nectaria Chakas, a lawyer with the Lochrie&Chakas firm representing the proposed development Poinciana Crossing, and Tam English, CEO of the Housing Authority. The project will be built on the empty lot on SW 1st Avenue just south of 17th Street, adjacent to the railroad tracks. We were shown artist renderings of the proposed affordable  housing for lower-to-mid income earners.  There will be 113, one and two bedroom units for qualified residents.  Qualifications will include proof of salaries and criminal background checks.  The proposed project will be presented to the DRC  ( Development Review Council). The project will not be required to present their plans for a public hearing as it is in compliance with zoning/ land use.   If approved by DRC construction would begin the summer of 2020 and would  last approximately 12-14 months. Looks like this is a done deal.  

-CPCA Neighbors, we had a very poor turnout last night and it seems to be a trend.  We have the same loyal handful who show up at the meetings, but that just isn’t enough. We meet every January, February, May, June, September and October on the final Tuesday of those months. We publish notices on nextdoor.com a few days before a meeting, and we put signs out in the neighborhood. We invite Fort Lauderdale Police officers to give us their crime report, and we try to have speakers with important topics at every meeting. Unfortunately, when we only have five people show up it is embarrassing to us and our guest speakers. Help us find out what you would like to hear or have addressed at our Neighborhood meetings. We are here for you, let us hear from you.  

-50/50 raffle was won by Joe Russell who donated his winnings back to CPCA.

-minutes by Virginia-Secretary 

Croissant Park Neighbor Meeting June 2019

Croissant Park Civic Association Neighborhood Meeting

June 25, 2019

Hi Croissant Park neighbors,

The meeting started at 7:10 pm. and was attended by Board members Heather, Rhonda, Joe, Jodi, and Virginia. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance was light, probably due to summer vacations getting a kick off this month.

FLPD Officer Rodriguez gave us the crime report for May/June:  2 house burglaries.  One was entered through a door, the other was through louver windows.  2 vehicle burglaries.  Both were in the cemetery in the afternoon.    We are reminded to lock your car doors and leave all valuables out of sight.                     

Glenn Reyes

Our speaker was Glenn Reyes, a former engineer with the Florida Dept. of Transportation.  His slide show featured safety tips for pedestrians, bicycles, and drivers. He gave each of us an Interactive Response device so that we could answer the Q and A part of the slide show.  The results were interesting.  Cell phones present a myriad of new problems, both with drivers texting while driving, but also pedestrians texting and not paying attention while crossing streets.  

Our friend John Bertino who is an aide to Tim Ryan, Broward County Mayor, stopped in to say hello and see how we're doing.

Natalie Levine

A neighbor started a discussion about the proposed low-income housing to be built on the lot just south of the new firehouse across the railroad tracks on 17th Street, behind the old Eckerd's building.

Free hurricane preparedness bags from the City were handed out to 10 people who had their ticket drawn.

Heather Cuniff

The Board has requested that all those who live in Croissant Park let us know if there are any speakers or subjects you would like us to feature.  Rhonda has requested that we let her know of anyone who has moved from Croissant Park but continues to use their Nextdoor account as a Croissant Park resident.

John Bertino

The 50/50 raffle was won by our newest member Natalie Levine, who generously gave her winnings back to the Association.  Thank you Natalie, and welcome! 

free t-shirts!

Minutes by Virginia
pics by Rhonda