CROISSANT PARK GENERAL MEETING MAY 2023

 CROISSANT PARK GENERAL MEETING MAY 2023

Greetings CP Neighbors,

Due to flooding at our Community Center meeting place we  held our May meeting at Broward General Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room-1st Floor.

Our President Pat Rathburn called the meeting to order, introduced the Board members, and established a quorum.  A motion was approved to waive the reading of the prior meeting’s minutes.

A motion was made and approved of the appointment of Jarrod Gaylis to fill the vacancy on the CPCA Board.

FLPD Officer Reynaldo Santo from the Community Support Unit reported the crime stats in Croissant Park.  April had 8 crimes of various nature: 2 vehicle burglaries, 2 residential burglaries, 2 aggravated batteries, 2 larcenies. May reported 4 crimes that included a vehicle burglary, a vehicle stolen, a larceny that involved a stolen bicycle and a robbery by a contractor in a home.The most notable concern of these crimes was due to failure to lock vehicles and homes. A firearm was stolen from an unlocked car. A wallet and laptop was stolen from another unlocked car, and an unlocked car was stolen when the keys were left in the vehicle. We are reminded to lock our cars and to put all valuable items out of sight!

Officer Hagerty suggested that when calling 911 to report a crime in action we are encouraged to say “yes” if asked if you want contact with an officer instead issuing a BOLO (Be On The Lookout). Depending on how busy they are they will eventually send an officer to you in person.

An incident was reported involving  a large dog that attacked a small dog on SW 16th Street.  The small dog was euthanized due to severe injuries.  Originally the owner of the small dog reported the event to FLPD but cancelled it and reported it to Animal Control instead. There a many rumors about this large dog attacking people and other dogs, but none others have been reported.  There must be an official report to the proper authorities for any action to be taken.

An explanation of changes to the current By-Laws were  presented by Michelle.  A motion was made and approved to accept the changes in the By-Laws.

Our first speaker tonight was our Vice Mayor/4th District Commissioner Warren Sturman.  His office is working on making communication with constituents more efficient.  Jerri Pryor and Renee Manchoy are his new assistants helping him with that project.  A few questions put to the Vice Mayor:

1. Why is the trash pick-up so irregular?  Answer:The City is negotiating new contracts for all the waste companies
2. Can anything be done about the hydraulic fluid leaking from the waste pick-up vehicles? Answer:There are newer, better-maintained trucks out on the roads now.
3. What has been decided about the New River railroad bridge?

      Answer:The tunnel idea is being re-thought due to recent     flooding. The alternative is a high bridge.  Nothing has been resolved yet.

4)   What is the status of the new neighborhood entrance signs?

      Answer Jerri Pryor will look into it and will work with us to resolve.  

5)  Jean Ready reported illegal dumping in the alley between 19th     and 20th streets at the railroad track.  Also a heavy vine has engulfed a power pole and looks as if it will pull the pole down.

Our second speaker was Rafael Santos, our Code Compliance Officer.  Many complaints about Code violations go unresolved.  Mr. Santo, who has been on the job for a year now assures us they are starting to crack down on violations. To report Code violations call 954 828-8000 non-emergency, 954 828-5222 ,or email: RSantos@fortlauderdale.gov

The subject of speed humps has come up again. If you want to apply for traffic calming on your street, you must obtain a majority of residents to sign in favor, apply that to the City and get on the list.  There are currently 5 streets that are on the list.  The City has to find money in the budget for these projects.  Pat will look into this matter with the City.

The Croissant Park Board is looking into various methods to send a newsletter at this time.

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Stay tuned for the location of the June meeting.

Minutes by Virginia-CPCA Secretary

  

Flood Recovery Efforts 4/21/2023 Update

 

Flood Recovery Efforts Ongoing

Recovery Update: Friday, April 21, 12:15 p.m.

City crews continue efforts to complete muck removal and street sweeping operations across the City. These operations are expected to be finished today. Debris removal will continue until all flood-related debris is cleared.

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Debris removal trucks are operating in all areas that were affected by flooding. Residents should expect the trucks to make several passes through neighborhoods before completion. Please do not place debris in plastic bags as it will not be picked up. To prepare for debris removal, please follow the following guidelines. This information is available in English, Spanish and Creole at ftlcity.info/debrisremoval.

For all information on debris removal procedures and updates, go to ftlcity.info/debris.

SUPPORT RESOURCES

* A Disaster Distress Helpline is available to provide crisis counseling and support for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Anyone looking for additional support should call (800) 985-5990.

* The state has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $5 million available for businesses impacted by flooding. Businesses in Broward, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to the recent flooding. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL for more information and to apply.

* Broward County’s Mosquito Control Section is working to prevent mosquito infestation, especially in the hardest-hit areas of the area. Here’s how to request service: Call (954) 765-4062 or use this form: ftlcity.info/buzzoff.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER

The City’s 24/7 Customer Service center is experiencing technical issues and wait times are longer than usual. Staff is working diligently to resolve the issue. As an alternative to the phone number, residents can email Customer Service at lauderserv@fortlauderdale.gov or go to fortlauderdale.gov/lauderserv.

We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for patience as we work through these issues.

RED CROSS

Clients at the Holiday Park reunification Center are being moved to the Merrell United Methodist Church in Lauderdale Lakes today.

COMFORT STATIONS

The City’s comfort stations are open and ready to serve our neighbors. The following two locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

• Shirley Small Park - 1230 SW 34th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
• Broward County Fleet Service Center - 2515 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Services offered are:

• water
• food
• restrooms
• charging stations
• showers

Representatives from the state’s Hope Florida program will be on hand to assist families with referrals to agencies and partners in the area to resources and/or services.

The below location will be serving food and water only. It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (water will be provided as long as supplies last on Saturday). The location is closed Sunday and will reopen Monday morning.

• New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (1321 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311)

District 4 - Volunteer to Help! Saturday 4/22

 

DISTRICT 4 - Volunteer to Help! Friends and Neighbors, residents impacted by the massive flooding in Fort Lauderdale desperately need your help. Our county partners have teamed up, and United Way will serve as the lead organization to recruit volunteers.  Our first event is this weekend! Registration on-site is at the American Legion Post 36 (1620 W. State Road 84) beginning Sat, April 22 (two shifts—9:00am, followed by 12:00 noon), and also Sunday, April 23 (12:00 noon). Pre-registration online is preferred but is not required. (The online registration portal will be operational later this morning, but online pre-registration is NOT required to participate. We can register you on-site the day of the event). Volunteer Event 1 Volunteer Location: American Legion Post 36 - 1620 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Shift 1 - Sat, April 22 at 9:00am Shift 2 - Sat, April 22 at 12:00pm Shift 3 - Sun, April 23rd at12:00pm

Please show up to Volunteer, your neighbors, and community need you!

Special Meeting--March 2023

 Special General Meeting-March 2023

—The meeting began at 7 pm and was attended by Board members Pat, Michelle, Rhonda, Heather, Carlos, Joe, and Virginia. This Special meeting was called so we could invite Mayor Trantalis to speak. Heather led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

—FLPD Crime report had good news. Crime is down in our area; they reported one burglary. Purses were stolen, then returned. Our neighbor, Jarrod, on 18th Court, continues to report speeders on his street. Ofc. Jackson recommends reporting the speeder but adds that they cannot make an arrest if an FLPD officer did not witness the speeding. Jarrod is petitioning his neighbors to agree to speed bumps on 18th Court. Once he has all the required signatures, he can get on the list with the City for the speed bumps.

—TIP-A-COP is a program where FLPD officers serve as celebrity waiters in various restaurants in town. They donate all the tips they receive to the Special Olympics. They can be found at Tap 42, Red Lobster, Slackers, Chick-Fil-A, and other local restaurants. Look for them and help raise money for the Special Olympics!

—Our speaker tonight was Mayor Dean Trantalis. He reported that the new Police Department facility would begin construction next-door to the east of the existing station. The old one will be torn down when the new one is complete.

—The Mayor is a big fan of the affordable housing being built in various locations in the City. He considers it a success.

—Five-Ash water treatment facility is not producing suitable water and cannot withstand a Category 1 hurricane. A new, very expensive water treatment plant will be built to replace Five Ash. Various audience members commented about the water bills increasing. The Mayor reminded them that the water bill includes trash pick up and sewage treatment in addition to water usage.

— Q and A with the Mayor tonight regarding the Pickleball development at Snyder Park revealed that he is very much in favor of the project, though not fully aware of the contract terms with the developer. CPCA Pres. Pat Rathburn and VP Michelle DiMaria attended the DRC (Development Review Committee) meeting that discussed the contract terms between Snyder Park and the developer earlier today. Croissant Park was denied the status to speak at the meeting. Mayor Trantalis was unaware of this and guaranteed that Croissant Park would have status at the next DRC meeting. 

—The tree ordinance that prohibits cutting trees without a permit is not being enforced. Mayor says they are not listening at the City.

—According to the Mayor, the “Tesla Tunnel” from Performing Arts to the beach is on hold. Price tag of $100 million. Also on hold is a project connecting the airport and the port, a $200 billion project.

—Mayor Trantalis addressed the many concerns affecting our quality of life, one of which is the many high-rise buildings being built that will create excessive traffic and burden our aging infrastructure. 

—A big Thank You to My Market for providing sandwiches for tonight's meeting. Thanks to Carlos for setting that up. And thank you, Michelle, for the desserts and beverages you provide at all the meetings!

Minutes by Virginia

Pictures by Rhonda

CPCA General Meeting February 2023 - Megan Kelley, speaker

 CPCA General Meeting February 2023

—The meeting began at 7:10 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members attending were Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Joe Russell, Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, Jodi Perraud, Carlos Lang, and Virginia Russell.

Guess what street they chose for their group shot!!!

—FLPD Sergeant Graves, Officer Jackson, and their team gave us the crime report for February. There were three larcenies: an audio system was stolen from a vessel on 12th Street, a square of sod was stolen from a property, and some kids swiped a tandem bicycle garden decoration, which was returned to the owners. Excellent stats says Ofc. Jackson.

Ofc. Santos reported that a tag reader was recording license tags on SW 18th Street due to some complaints by neighbors. The officers remind us that if anything looks suspicious, like a car in your neighbor’s driveway that doesn’t belong, call FLPD. 

Ofc. Jackson invites all for a “Walk and Talk” with the police to get to know each other on an afternoon. Please email her at ajackson@fortlauderdale.gov for an appointment. 

Sgt. Graves has invited us all to take a survey to let them know how they’re doing. Visit the website at flpd.org/community/communitysurvey  

Our guest speaker tonight was Megan Kelley, a noted scholar of Regenerative Gardens, Whole Systems Design, and Permaculture Education. Megan spoke of the history of Ft. Lauderdale and the origins of names of the New River (Coontie Hatchee and Himarshee, depending on the Seminole you talked to at the time) long before any of us existed. Megan brought many samples of plants we will find in our gardens, their uses, and how to propagate them to keep your garden full of butterflies and edible plants. Megan described permaculture and explained what a food forest consists of. We happen to have a food forest growing and maintained by volunteers in Snyder Park. Email 

jrdill49@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about our food forest and volunteer at Snyder Park. 

For the attendees at the meeting tonight, we had a drawing for a dozen native plants to give away. Many neighbors who came tonight went home with a plant.

—The flooding at the 600 block of SW 12th Court will be addressed with new catch basins for the flooding in that area. 

—The proposed pickleball courts at Snyder Park may violate zoning codes. More on that in the future. 

We are adding a General meeting on March 28th. Stay tuned.

Minutes by Virginia, Secretary, CPCA

Pictures by Rhonda, Director, CPCA

Our newest neighbor, George!

CPCA General Meeting January 2023

 CPCA General Meeting January 2023

—Our meeting began at 7:10 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members Pat, Michelle, Rhonda, Heather, Jodi, Joe and Virginia were in attendance. Many neighbors attended and signed up for their 2023 CPCA membership.

—Our first speaker was FLPD Officer Jackson with two of her new crew members. The crime report for this period in Croissant Park included one vehicle burglary that involved a backpack being stolen from an unlocked car with windows open.  Two auto thefts occurred; one from a driveway that resulted in no arrest made.  The other auto theft was recovered in Hollywood. 

Ofc. Jackson invited us to take part in a new program called “Walk and Talk”.  We can stroll through our neighborhood with an FLPD officer in the evening. Email Sergeant Graves for an appointment ngraves@fortlauderdale.gov. 

On Monday, January 30th there was an epic traffic jam during the morning rush hour.  It seems all the railroad gates were closed for many blocks, causing a complicated grid lock.  Ofc. Jackson was asked where were all the police units? Apparently there is not enough personnel to cover that size of situation. 

Transients and convicted sex offenders are required to have an address, which turns out to be a hotel in the 1500 block of SE 17th Street, as described by Ofc. Jackson.  

—The ever-popular Neighborhood Support Night will be held on Thursday, February 16th from 5:30-8pm in the City Hall parking lot at 100 N. Andrews Ave.  It is a fun event where you can meet City officials, firefighters and police officers, learn about City career opportunities, play fun games with your kids. There is a tree giveaway among many other free items.  Check it out…its a fun night for the whole family.

—Vice Mayor and District 4 Commissioner, Warren Sturman, came to speak  about City matters and to hear our concerns in Croissant Park.  He covered various projects like the proposed tunnel to the beach (unpopular by  hand vote at this meeting), the park being built downtown, the failing Five Ash water treatment facility and its proposed replacement. There is a proposal to move the trees on the median on La Olas Blvd. to the sidewalks in order to improve traffic.

There was discussion of the approved project to build pickleball courts and a restaurant in Snyder Park.  This is a hot button issue that will affect us, and especially our neighbors to the south in Edgwood, who border on the Snyder Park property.

Discussion about the “affordable housing” incentive to build taller buildings being built near, but not in Croissant Park, will still affect CP because of our proximity. We are a traffic cut-through community, which brings more traffic and more speeders into our neighborhood, affecting our property values. A neighbor on 18th Court is extremely angry about speeders on his street.  One speeder hit and killed a dog on his street. 

Board member Michelle expressed dismay at various issues that we have raised many times in the past that have been ignored. One glaring example is the lack of sidewalks on SE 15th Street, between 4th Avenue and the railroad tracks.  It is extremely dangerous to walk or ride a bike due to cars at the businesses parked in the curve of the street. Vice Mayor Sturman said he would look into it. For Neighborhood Support contact the Vice Mayor’s aide Ryan Thomas at rthomas@fortlauderdale.gov or 954 828-5059.

The meeting ended on that note due to the late hour.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 28th at 7pm.  Hope to see you r there.

Minutes by Virginia-CPCA Secretary.

Pictures by Rhonda, CPCA Director

Neighborhood Meeting - Tuesday, January 31, 2023

 Dear Neighbor,

Vice Mayor Warren Sturman, our newly elected District 4 City Commissioner, will attend our Civic Association meeting TUESDAY, JANUARY 31^ST, at 7 PM to answer your questions on any subject of interest to our neighborhood.  So if you have questions or concerns,  this meeting will address any subject of interest, including development plans for South Andrews, affordable housing, and the current hot potato – pickleball.

The meeting will take place in the Community Center at 245 West Park Drive on the South side of the school.  Light refreshments will be served, and everyone in Croissant Park is invited to attend. You do not need to be a member but are welcome to join your Civic Association anytime. I've attached a membership application if you want to bring it to the meeting.

See you there!

 

Patricia A. Rathburn P.A.

CPCA, President

500 SE 17 Street #312

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

954-764-6166