Dear Neighbor,
The greatness of our community starts with passionate neighbors like you. Although summertime is here and the Commission is on break from July 6th through August 15th, our District 2 staff is available all-year round to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions, comments, or thoughtful suggestions. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
|
|
District 2 Office Changes
Nancy Fry started as my Chief of Staff in March of 2021. She has been a strong advocate for all our neighborhoods throughout District 2. I cannot tell you how much I will miss Nancy and working with her every day. It has been an absolute pleasure to know her and to witness her intelligence, passion, and dedication.
We thank her for her service to the City and wish her the best on her future endeavours as a defender of democracy.
|
|
|
In addition, Erica Franceschi will be joining our office this week as the new Chief of Staff. Erica Franceschi is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, she moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2012. In 2015, she joined the City Clerk’s office, where she administratively coordinated 40 city advisory boards, assisted the City Clerk with the 2018 municipal elections and thus has a relationship with constituents from all four districts within the city. Most recently, she has served with Commissioner Moraitis in District 1 and now will continue to serve our city in District 2.
We are excited to have her join the District 2 Team! She can be reached at efranceschi@fortlauderdale.gov. Please join Ashley and me in welcoming Erica!
|
|
|
Please welcome Greg Chavarria as our new City Manager effective July 23rd 2022!
|
|
Greg joined the City of Fort Lauderdale as an Assistant City Manager in September 2020. One of the contributing factors that attracted him to Fort Lauderdale, is the melting-pot of professionals, communities, and cultures that exist in the metropolitan City. Prior to joining Fort Lauderdale, Greg was the City Manager for the City of Hallandale Beach, a vibrant coastal community of South Florida.
Greg is a public servant professional with more than 23 years of experience in municipal local government. He holds a dual engineering degree in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering from the University of Miami and a Master of Science degree in Management of Information Systems from Florida International University. His portfolio includes supporting core services of notable communities like City of Miami and the City of Doral as well. Some of his accomplishments include completing smart city initiatives for water works, implementation of public safety technologies, managing infrastructure and public facility projects, and providing ongoing support for improved economic development outcomes for the South Florida region. Greg is a constant advocate for innovation and transformational leadership and looks forward to further support strategies for enhancing the quality of life of communities and business growth.
|
|
|
The Commission Fiscal Year in Review! |
|
Whether it is infrastructure improvements (water, stormwater, wastewater), transportation and mobility projects, public works projects, or smart development, work continues to improve each and every District 2 neighborhood and the quality of life of each resident in our district and the entire city. Let's look at some D-2 highlights which demonstrate what our "Can Do Commission" is accomplishing to build community and improve Fort Lauderdale. |
|
Thrive Progresso
The Northwest Progresso Flagler Heights CRA has already contributed $2.8 million toward the success of this project back in 2019, and the Fish brothers, Jonathan and Abraham, have invested about $15 million so far. Moreover, 25% of the leasable area will have rent limits in place to remain affordable to small businesses as a community benefit while the remaining space will rent at market rate to support the project.
This arts-centric project will expand the redevelopment and excitement that we are already experiencing in District 2's Flagler Village and MASS District. The Arts are so vital to our city! They are not only an economic engine, but also nourish our soul and connect each and every one of us.
|
|
Las Olas Undergrounding Project
Twelve years ago, the City of Fort Lauderdale created a process for neighborhoods to underground all utilities. The Contractor began construction on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Isle of Capri Drive and Mola Avenue for this long-awaited project in the Las Olas community. This project includes undergrounding overhead utility wires, installing new underground electric and communication services to each home, installing new streetlights and poles, resurfacing streets, and restoring curbing and landscaping as needed near new ground-mounted equipment facilities.
After many hurdles, we broke ground in the Las Olas Isles- the first neighborhood to cross the finish line. In District 2, we are working to assist several more neighborhoods in the queue including Idlewyld, Riviera Isles, Seven Isles, Victoria park, and Sunrise Key. Congratulations to all involved in bringing this project to fruition.
|
|
ArtsPark - Flagler Village
On Tuesday, March 15, 2022 our City Commission approved a comprehensive agreement with One Stop FTL, LLC. Following a presentation by Colliers International to summarize a financial analysis of the proposal, a presentation by the developer, and a public comment period, our Commission voted to enter into a comprehensive agreement with One Stop FTL, LLC, whose proposal will bring a cultural center and ArtsPark featuring green spaces, gardens, and shade structures to the City-owned property located at 301 N Andrews Avenue. Next steps for the developer include securing financing, developing the site plan, and following the City’s permitting process.
I want to thank everyone for all of the input and feedback we have received on this project during the last 20 months. In addition to all the written communication, there was more than 12 hours of public comment at 3 Commission meetings. The item passed with a vote of 4-1 in favor of the project because it makes sense for the neighborhood and the city. The public will still have the opportunity for comment when the site plan goes to DRC, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the City Commission.
|
|
B-Tactical - Lake Ridge
On May 13, 2022, I had the pleasure of being a part of the B-Tactical NE 15th Avenue Installation project. This community-led project will serve as a connector between Lake Ridge and Holiday Park or the beach for bicyclists and pedestrians. It was amazing to see the members of Lake Ridge Civic Association paint an artistic design that they selected along the street. This pilot project will improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. It’s truly an honor to see this project come to fruition and I am thrilled that the data collected from this effort will pave the way for future pedestrian-friendly efforts. Thank you, MPO, our Transportation and Mobility Department, and the Lake Ridge Fort Lauderdale Civic Association! “Unity in the Community!”
|
Made to Move - MASS District
The City of Fort Lauderdale was one of only five communities awarded the “Made to Move” funding out of fifty cities that applied, and artist Daniel Marosi was selected by a local committee to spearhead the effort to create a safer environment for those who walk and bike. Congratulations to our Transportation and Mobility Department, Dylan Lagi of MASS and all involved! My advocacy for the arts is well known and that is why I absolutely love events in the downtown portion of my district in and around Flagler Village, FAT Village, and MASS District. Art is the soul of our city; it’s on the walls, in our galleries, and now (more and more) in our streets.
|
|
Dive Tower - Beach Aquatic Center
The City of Fort Lauderdale gave the media a “sneak peek” of the one-of-kind dive tower and aquatic center on the beach (which is still under construction). Hard to describe the joy and excitement felt by all in attendance as we watched young divers do their thing. World Champion Steve LoBue made the first dive ever from the top 27-meter platform. Congratulations to everyone who helped us get to this special milestone in our great city!
|
|
War Memorial - Holiday Park
On May 25, 2021, the Florida Panthers broke ground on the $65 Million War Memorial Auditorium renovation which will preserve the historic 1950 structure and add 2 new ice rinks. It is scheduled to be completed this summer. The Panthers will have an official practice rink with stadium seating for 1,000 in which practices and training camps will be free and open to the public for viewing. In addition to the practice rink for the team, there will be a second rink for the entire community as well as a ballroom-style music venue with a capacity of nearly 4,000 and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. This historic revitalization will make War Memorial Auditorium a community hub for sports and entertainment.
More excitement coming to Holiday Park!
- 8 additional pickleball courts
- Moving the playground, splash pad, and fitness area closer to the train engine (and hopefully enlarging)
- More passive open space in the SW corner of the park
- Dog park moving north of War Memorial
- Enhanced lighting for the athletic fields already approved with Parks Bond funds
- Larger buffer around the edges – amenities moved toward the center
|
|
Bahia Mar
On Tuesday, April 5, my fellow Commissioners and I approved a master lease for the Bahia Mar site. Following a presentation by the City’s Finance Director and a representative from Colliers International with updated financial projections, comments from representatives of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and a public hearing, the City Commission approved a master lease between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Rahn Bahia Mar, LLC. The proposed project will bring a new hotel, marina, residential units, restaurants, shops, and a waterfront promenade to the City-owned property located at 801 Seabreeze Boulevard.
Many thanks to the 43 speakers who testified on this item and to those who provided a great amount of feedback and input over the past year. The public will finally get a chance to enjoy this public land while, at the same time, the city will finally realize a yearly revenue stream commensurate with the value of the property (the city for the past decade has received $1.7 million a year which will escalate to approximately $15 - $20 million per year plus $10 million in property taxes versus the $500,000 we collect now). Included in the improvements are resiliency measures to combat sea level rise and the creation of a community trust to assist the city with social service needs. The best part of this deal is that we will eliminate the way-too-dense 2017 approved site plan which does not work for the citizens and does not work for the Boat Show.
|
|
Joint Use Parks
On Tuesday, May 3, the City Commission adopted a resolution approving the Parks, Recreation and Beaches Advisory Board’s recommendation for approval of 12 parks improvement projects, including 11 joint use parks within Broward County Public Schools: North Fork Elementary School/Park, Sunrise Middle School/Park, Stranahan High School/Park, Stephen Foster Elementary School/Park, Westwood Heights Elementary School/Park, Rock Island Elementary School/Park, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School/Park, Dillard 6-12 School/Park, Harbordale Elementary School/Park, Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School/Park, Sheridan Technical High School/Sunset Park, and George English Pickleball Courts. City staff along with the program manager will work to finalize the improvements for each site.
I am pleased that our Commission restored total funding to all of these joint use parks in our city. It is important that what the voters voted on in the Parks Bond becomes a reality.
|
|
Last summer, our City Commission accepted the Las Olas Mobility Vision Plan that aims to provide mobility, infrastructure, and roadway improvements from Andrews Avenue to State Road A1A. The plan was developed by the Las Olas Working Group, led by Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen and me which was the result of several years of studies and public input. At the last City Commission meeting, staff provided an update on the effort including a recap of the project history, the status of current initiatives, and an overview of potential funding mechanisms. As construction on the new Tunnel Top Park nears completion at the end of this year, the project team is currently analyzing the establishment of a dual left turn from SE 15 Avenue to Las Olas Boulevard while preparing for the upcoming installation of two new crosswalks in the Las Olas Isles area starting in early 2023. The City’s preliminary fiscal year 2023 budget includes $7.1 million over the next three years to be allocated to this project.
My colleagues and I provided direction to utilize the initial funding for the design of project segments between Andrews and SE 17 Avenue. In addition to the planned funding, the Commission heard presentations from Transportation and Mobility staff and from Stantec, the City’s financial consultant, on potential funding methods including different types of assessment structures and their associated financial impacts. I want to thank all of the residents and staff for the tremendous amount of work that went into this project for the last three years. The June 21st agenda item continued to move us forward and the discussion began as to possible funding sources and local funding methods. The conversation will continue. Click here to view the City Commission approved east and west Las Olas Vision Plan.
|
|
Under the Leadership of the South Middle River Civic Association - District 2 Neighborhoods Unite to Help the Homeless
A few months back, Lin Morgan, President of the South Middle River Civic Association (SMRCA) and members of the board began meeting with Hope South Florida to work toward solutions to reduce the increasing number of people who are living on our streets. It has been an interesting and rewarding experience for the committee so far. They have learned many things through these meetings, especially that "Homelessness is complicated!"
Troy Liggett, President of the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association, JJ Hankerson, President of the Progresso Village Civic Association, and Michael Albetta, President of the Lake Ridge Civic Association, have joined this effort. SMRCA believes that collaboration among the neighborhood associations will carry a stronger voice within our city and foster partnerships to resolve local issues.
Lin attended Community Court, as recommended by Officer Brian Blount. It was a wonderful experience. She met some of the providers who are there weekly, the incredible city staff, and Judge Florence Barner. Over all, Ms. Morgan reported that it was a rewarding experience and she is very proud of our city and the services we provide. SMRCA encourages every civic association attend and see firsthand what the city is doing and bring the information back to educate their neighbors.
SMRCA also discovered that the city needs volunteers to distribute lunches to people facing homelessness on Wednesdays. Ms. Morgan proposed that every week a different civic association volunteer to provide bag lunches. The staff said only about 20 or 25 lunches are needed at this time. The number could grow from there once the word is out.
If you or your Civic Association would like to volunteer with this effort, please contact Lin Morgan at linmorgan@live.com.
Thank you Lin for your leadership on this and thank you to all of our incredible neighborhoods who are assisting in this effort.
|
|
Working on Traffic Calming measures in Middle River Terrace
On May 25, 2022, our Transportation and Mobility Department (TAM) made a second presentation on a traffic calming proposal for NE 16th Court. After the neighborhood had the opportunity to share their ideas with staff and ask questions, the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association Board unanimously endorsed the project's conceptual design plans. TAM will present the final design at the next Middle River Terrace meeting on July 27, 2022. I am pleased and proud to see our staff and the neighborhood collaborating to bring such an important project to life. Click on the image above to view the Middle River Terrace – NE 16th Court Traffic calming alternatives presentation.
|
|
The June 2022 LauderTrac newsletters are out!
Please take a moment to review updates on the City Commission's top priorities for 2022:
- Homelessness and Housing Opportunities
- Infrastructure and Resilience
- Parks and Public Places
- Transportation and Traffic
Visit ftlcity.info/laudertrac or click on the images below for the latest updates and information on progress in each area.
|
|
|
|
Infrastructure and Resilience |
|
|
|
Infrastructure and Resilience |
|
Click on the images below to read Island Magazine's articles highlighting District 2 locations |
|
Fort Lauderdale Welcomes 11 New Firefighters |
|
Road Services Team in Action |
|
Good News!
Fiscal Year 2023 Preliminary Budget Information
|
|
Las Olas Mobility Plan Financial Study
(The work continues from the Las Olas Mobility Working Group.)
|
|
2022 Mobility Advancement Program Project Application Rankings and Recommendations for Broward County Surtax Municipal Capital Projects |
|
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
Parking Lot Improvements
|
|
Click on the image below to view the
2021 Water Quality Report
|
|
Starlight Musicals have returned to Holiday Park! |
|
Henry E. Kinney Tunnel Update |
|
2021 Neighbor Survey Results |
|
Effective Wednesday, June 1, 2022, all LauderGO! Community Shuttle service routes will be restored to their pre-COVID-19 schedules:
|
|
In Florida, through June 30, abortions are legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Beginning July 1, abortions are banned after 15 weeks with the only exceptions being saving a mother's life or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. There is no exception for rape or incest. |
|
|
|
On Tuesday, June 21, KAPOW (Kids and the Power of Work) President John Casbarro announced an award to Kerry Arthurs with the City's HR Dept. for her dedicated work in putting together the incredible volunteer event and career fair. He recognized Commissioner Heather Moraitis, ACM Greg Chavarria, and me in honor of our volunteer efforts with students.
|
|
Earlier this month, I presented a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, June 7, 2022, as Heilange Porcena Day in the City of Fort Lauderdale.
In 2022, Broward County Public Schools honored Heilange Porcena with the prestigious Principal of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership at North Side Elementary School. Ms. Porcena was joined by Ms. Qaiyim, the Assistant Principal. These women have done an outstanding job in raising the achievement levels of their students. And take a look at the 1927 school! The oldest, still in use, school in Fort Lauderdale!
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to Todd Doss and Cristina Montes, WOW Award recipients for the month of June! Todd & Cristina have modernized their home throughout the years and they have been mindful to preserve its historic character - this beautiful single-family home was built in 1938!
Sally Wickham Zubero and I were honored to present the WOW Award to Todd and Cristina at the June 7th Commission Meeting. We thank them for enhancing the Victoria Park neighborhood & the City of Fort Lauderdale!
|
|
We have the following Board Vacancies below. Please email Nancy Fry nfry@fortlauderdale.gov if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Board of Adjustment
Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board
Cemetery System Board of Trustees
Code Enforcement Board
Community Appearance Board
Community Services Board
Fire-Rescue Facilities Bond Issue Blue Ribbon Committee
Education Advisory Board
Insurance Advisory Board
Marine Advisory Board
Nuisance Abatement Board
Sustainability Advisory Board
|
|
The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Cacicedo, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions acacicedo@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-5923.
|
|
Steve Glassman
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, District 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
