Miramar News - February 2022

February 2022

NEW COVID-19 TESTING SITE NOW OPEN AT THE VERNON E. HARGRAY YOUTH ENRICHMENT CENTER

A new COVID-19 testing site opened at the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center (YEC) on Thursday, January 6, 2022. This new site is a part of Broward County’s efforts to expand COVID-19 testing in cities to meet the increased demand; and is in partnership with CDR Health.

Miramar City Manager, Whittingham Gordon stated, “The safety of our residents is my top priority, and I am pleased that the city was able to partner with the county to bring this convenient COVID19 testing location to the historic side of Miramar at a time when it is needed most.”

The site at YEC offers free drivethrough testing and is open daily to the public from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. The last car is allowed to join the line at 3:30 p.m. daily or until capacity is reached. No appointments are required. Rapid Antigen and PCR tests are available.

Drivers are requested to stay in the right lane on Miramar Parkway, heading east after the Turnpike overpass, to join the drive-through line.

While the COVID-19 test is free to the public, the patient’s insurance will be billed for the services performed. Insurance information can be provided at registration. If the patient does not have insurance, federally available programs will be billed for this service. Pre-registration is available at www.PatientPortalFL.com.

Other COVID-19 testing site locations in Miramar include:

Miramar Fire Station 107 11811 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025

Antibody, Antigen and PCR Testing available

Open daily between 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Appointment required at www.SolvHealth.com

Miramar Regional Park

16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027

Open Mondays through Fridays

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Appointments not required. Register in advance at www.Homesafe1st.com/covid

Lakeshore Park

8501 S. Sherman Circle, Miramar, FL 33025

Open Mondays through Fridays

9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Appointments not required. Register in advance at www.Homesafe1st.com/covid

For additional COVID-19 testing site locations in Miramar, visit MiramarFl.gov and for a comprehensive list of testing site locations in Broward County, visit Broward.org/coronavirus.

Message from the City Manager

Dear Residents,

Thank you for welcoming me with open arms as your new City Manager. We started 2022 on a very optimistic note and I believe that this will be a transformational year for everyone. As Omicron cases exploded over the past few weeks, we as a city have made sure that you, our residents have convenient access to drive-up COVID-19 testing on both the west side and the historic side of Miramar. We partnered with EmergenSea to offer COVID-19 testing at Fire Station 107 located at 11811 Miramar Parkway where antibody, antigen and PCR tests can be done. Appointments are required. We also continue to work with HomeSafe1st to offer testing at both the Miramar Regional Park and Lakeshore Park, Mondays to Saturdays from 11am-7pm. No appointment is required for these locations, but you can register in advance at Homesafe1st.com/covid. Our latest testing site opened at the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center offering testing daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last car being able to join the line at 3:30pm or until the site reaches capacity.

We also offer a great tool on the City’s website at www.MiramarFL.gov where you can view a map of all the testing and vaccine locations across the city. This way, if you need a test for any reason including travel or to feel safe before visiting friends or family, there is a location nearby ready to accommodate you.

Additionally, for your safety we have expanded our online offering to make it easier than ever for you to pay your bills and access our services via our website. No need to stand in line for some of the everyday business that you need to conduct at the city. If you need to submit a permit application, schedule an inspection, pay your water bill, make a passport appointment or more, it’s right at your fingertips at www.MiramarFL.gov.

Thank you for being residents of this great city. Stay safe!

Miramar News is produced by the City of Miramar’s Office of Marketing & Communications

Whittingham Gordon

Happy New Year Miramarians,

We are all blessed to see the year 2022 and I am hoping all is well with you and your families. As always, it’s a great time to set new goals and resolutions while surrounding yourselves with accountability partners to help you reach those goals.

As we continue to endure the surge of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, do know the City of Miramar will continue to provide information and resources for the community to keep us safe. I encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible. The science has proven this is our best defense to reduce the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations and death. We can and will get through this and we all must do our part.

A few updates regarding upcom-

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Wayne M. Messam

ing activities from my office: February is Black History Month and I have a number of activities planned throughout the City including A Clergy Luncheon that will kick off events for the month on February 1st. In addition, I will be hosting a Virtual Family Reading Night, on February 11th; a Divine 9 Free Super Bowl Viewing Party on February 13th; an art exhibition featuring the works of Purvis Young, Free Yoga Continues weekly on Saturdays from 10am-11am at the Miramar Cultural Center Botanical Garden and so much more. Please visit the City’s website for more information and to register for any of these events.

For the holidays, my office treated 30 kids from three Miramar Churches to a shopping spree at Walmart. It wasn’t about buying just toys for them, a number of them purchased food and gifts for others with the funds.

Let’s have an amazing and safe 2022 Miramar!

Wayne M. Messam, CGC, LEED AP, BD+C Mayor

Robotics Skills Challenge done by Mayor and Broward County Public Schools on December 4th

Mayor hosted 30 kids from three churches in Miramar at Walmart for Christmas. Each child was provided $100 to shop for Christmas needs.

Mayor’s Chess Challenge at Vizcaya Park, October 23rd.

MESSAGE FROM VICE MAYOR YVETTE COLBOURNE

Women’s Equality Day

Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne sponsored ten (10) Miramar Seniors to attend the 2021 Florida Senior Games.

August 26, 2021 was proclaimed Women’s Equality Day by the Miramar City Commission. This day has been celebrated annually on August 26 since 1971 and commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to

This past year, The Florida Senior Games celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Over the years, it has grown providing seniors an opportunity to interact with other sen-

iors as well as the community in general and participate in various sports and fun activities. The focus of the Senior Games is not winning.

Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne also sponsored ten seniors enrolled in Miramar’s senior center to participate in the Domino Championship. Seniors received transportation from Miramar to the City of Plantation’s Jim Ward Community Center where they each donned their Senior Domino tournament gear and enjoyed meals.

Vice Mayor Colbourne cheered seniors on. She stated, “The spirit of competition keeps you young at heart.”

The Senior Domino Tournament took place on Sunday, December 5th. The ten participating seniors from Miramar were: Laveita Byers, Hazel Bushay, Dennis Benn, Colin Burke, Majorie Hinds, Monica Smith, Caleb Lewis, Ana Barillot, Myrtle Douglas, and Denton Harriott.

Vice Mayor also distributed free turkeys to needy Miramar families on November 9, 2021. This was a collaborative event, held in conjunction with Farm Share, the City of Miramar, and Commissioner Maxwell Chambers. Together the Vice Mayor provided 400 Miramar residents with free Thanksgiving turkeys.

“Many Miramar families are still recovering from the devastating effects of this pandemic. We must work together to get to the other side of this pandemic,” said Vice Mayor Colbourne. Given these harsh realities, she wanted to assist as many families as possible with food for their Thanksgiving meal.

In light of the pandemic, the Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway was a drive-thru event, lasting from 11 A.M. through 2 P.M. in the afternoon. The event was held in East Miramar at the Miramar Multi-Service Complex located at 6700 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar,

FL 33023, where many senior residents attend the City’s senior program, and provided a suitable kickoff to the holiday season along with the falling cooler temperatures.

First Annual Recognition of La Fraternidad, co-hosted by Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, the Quince de Septiembre Organization, as well as the Honduran Embassy (invite attached) on December 7, 2021, at MCC. Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, Commissioner Dale Holness, and the awardee for Volunteer of the Year are pictured.

Vice Mayor and team hard at workAdopt-A-Street 2022

Seniors enjoying their cake and pastelitos at the Multi-Service Complex from Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne.

Panama's 200th Independence Day Celebration held at MCC on November 20, 2021.

Seniors enjoying the domino tournament

MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER WINSTON BARNES

another Kite Festival this coming March, so stay tuned!

What a year we have experienced! 2021 was full of hope and excitement, tolerance, and conformation.

The City of Miramar prepares activities and community events at our parks for the residents' participation and entertainment. We wanted to do something different, so we organized a Kite Festival last November at Miramar Regional Park.

Kite flying is near and dear to my heart, I have fond memories of those days in my youth. The event was full of excitement not only because of the activities like the S.T.E.M program and the Kite show demonstration, it was exciting because we had an overwhelming number of families attend, from grandparents to toddlers. It was heartwarming to see the families spending an entire day together showing their children what they too enjoyed as a child and how they played.

We are in the planning stage of

Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays have come and gone, the traditional turkey and usual trimmings were distributed at locations throughout the city. My office issued gift cards at the Youth Enrichment Center for Thanksgiving and held a Christmas Brunch at Christway Baptist Church, all while practicing safety procedures.

I had the privilege to honor a longstanding business, Sam's Grocery Store, a staple in the community for several years, with a Proclamation and obtained sponsorship for a muchneeded piece of equipment to assist with their day-to-day operations.

As we embark on 2022, remember what we considered NORMAL no longer exists. Our world, community, and environment has changed; we must have an open mind, be tolerant, cautious, and focused. The COVID19, Delta Variant, and Omicron have hit us back-to-back, and we don't know when it will stabilize. The city has partnered with Broward County and opened several locations within the city to give you access to testing. As we maneuver through these changes, we hope you will exercise understanding and work with your neighbors and us so we can get through this together.

MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS

We are at the end of the summer and it’s time to get our kids back to school. After being away for quite some time, they are once again faced with the challenge of adjustingtoanewnormAs

Dear Neighbors,

The year 2022 has finally arrived, and as usual, we can't believe how the previous year passed so quickly. With its ups and downs, 2021 was an eventful year. By now we all are well acquainted with the perils of COVID and saw several people losing their loved ones to the virus, hence 2022 becomes even more important for us, in the sense that it gives us a chance to thank our loved ones and convey our New Year wishes to them.

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway:

To help provide some much-needed hope and cheer to families this Thanksgiving, on November 9th I joined with Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne to host a Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Giveaway and Food Distribution at Miramar Multi-Service Complex. Miramar residents were able to pick up a turkey and bag of groceries.

On November 22 , Vice Mayor Colbourne joined me to host a second Drive-Thru Turkey Giveaway in association with Publix Supermarkets at Monarch Town Center and Stiles Property Management.

The 23rd Annual PAL Golf Tournament:

November 12th was a day of

It has become increasingly evident that contrac- Jamaica Celebrates 59 years of Independence and India 75th year of Independence:

good, wholesome fun, and comradery when I met with our men and women in blue to raise funds for kids enrolled in the Miramar PAL program. It was a great way to support a good cause and be safe at the same time playing this contactless sport.

Art & Fashion Show:

Art & Fashion Show Weekend was a huge success. The idea was to promote equity and minimize disparities in the Fashion, Beauty & Art industries by creating a platform where a diverse selection of local talent could showcase their work in the community.

Art & Fashion Show Weekend was held on December 10-12, 2021 and brought a new perspective of arts and

Victor were hosts of the event.

I am proud to belong to a city that celebrates diversity and inclusion. In the month of August, The City of Miramar celebrated with these two countries. On August 6th, Jamaica’s 59th year of independencewascelebratedatMiramarRegional

culture to the City of Miramar.

The event promoted and celebrated diversity in Fashion, Beauty & Art and showcased an art exhibit inside of the Miramar City Hall, featuring local and foreign Visual Artists such as Sophia Angelica Caballero, Daryl Blake, Mary Stone, Alien Hidden, Jimmy Camille, Meliza Ruby, Ziika And Kin, Mesean Anderson, Sebastian Calibar and Charise Kelley.

Fashion shows included Designers G. Destin, Ruth Louissant, Patricia Pinnock, Maly Swimwear, Greatist Luv, Tony Brown Collection, Special Presentation by Alessandra Gold & Friends, and more. Recently crowned Miss Broward County, Cairo Eubanks and The Broward Social Network’s Ted

In an effort to promote the advancement of small businesses in the local community, the event also featured a free business workshop featuring accredited panelists and speakers spoke on topics such as, Breaking Barriers, How to Fund your Dream, Mind over Money and Increase your Influence on Social Media.

A big thank you to City Manager Gordon, Deputy City Manager Baker, Parks and Recreation Director Elizabeth Valera and her staff for their assistance in making this event successful.

I would like to take this time to wish you and your family a happy, prosperous, and most of all a healthy 2022. I am always here for you! Please free to contact my office at 954-602-5134.

Turkey giveaway at Monarch Town Center in association with Publix Supermarkets.

The 23rd Annual PAL Golf Tournament in aid of kids enrolled in Miramar PAL program. Acting Chief of Police, Leonard Burgess and Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers

Commissioner Chambers walks the runway

Vice Mayor Colbourne joins Commissioner Chambers on-stage

Hello, Miramar! I am grateful to be able to reach you through this medium once more. Let’s continue to wear our masks when required, social distance, practice proper hygiene and follow the CDC guidelines.

The State of our City is Safe & Sound! We look forward to a bright future as we continue to support our residents and businesses! Please tune in to watch my state of the city address at Miramarfl.gov/davis or on the any of my social media pages.

I was pleased to be able to sponsor a Thanksgiving Drive-thru once again for the residents called “Turkey & Fixins”. On November 13th, the residents were given a bag of “Fixins” donated from Farm Share, Inc. and on November 20th turkeys, courtesy of the City of Miramar. The drive-thru was done in two locations, the Miramar Multi-service Complex on the eastern historic side of Miramar and Sunset Lakes Community Center on the west side.

I was honored to sponsor “An Evening with an Olympian” on Tuesday, November 16th at the Cultural Center. The evening was a fundraiser, and introduction to the City, for Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce CD and her Pocket Rocket Foundation as well as the start of future collaborations. I am pleased that the event was a success and Miramar opened their hearts and pockets for the Foundation! Oh what a

night! Thank you to all who came out to support this event and those partners who worked hard to ensure its success!

The Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE), a vision of Commissioner Dale VC Holness held at the Broward Convention Center was a complete success. I had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Accra, Ghana, Hon Elizabeth Sackey.

It was great to be able to connect with our seniors after such a long time! I remember this was the place that my dad called his home away from home! They miss him as I do, along with those other members of our senior community who passed away over the last year and a half! We thank God for his mercy towards all of us!

On the evening of November 21st, I celebrated Panama's 200th year of Independence from Spain hosted by Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne and the SoFlo Panamanian Assoc. Then I fellowshipped with our Nigerian brothers and sisters at their Health and Education Love Project (HELP) annual fundraising event!

I had the opportunity to venture out into the city of Overtown at the Historic Rooming to enjoy a piece of Miami Art

Basel at the Art of Black Miami powered by the Hampton Art Lovers.

First Fridays 21st Anniversary kicked off at the Miramar Cultural Center's banquet hall on December 3rd. Patrons were treated to musical selections by DJ Gavin T, Mark Swaby, and DJ Radcliffe - A night for the grown and sexy.

Spent Tuesday afternoon with our lovely seniors at our Senior Holiday Walk! Many of them reminded me of my own parents as they imparted so much wisdom! I love me some them!

As I reflect on this past year and over my life in general, I am truly grateful for what God has brought me through! I am forever humbled that during my lifetime I can live my passion of serving others much like my mother did as a minister. There is nothing more rewarding to me than changing the lives of others for the better!

We held another successful Community & Cops at the Huntington South Park! Thanks to our law enforce-

My Saturdays are usually busy but in a good way. I joined the Coalition of Jamaican Alumni Associations of Florida’s annual health fair & fundraiser walk-a-thon! So proud to be an Alumnus of both Wolmer’s Girls High School and the University of the West Indies.

It was indeed a grand opening at the Taj Indian Grill in Cooper City where I connected with old friends and gained new ones! Thanks Sajan Francis Kurian for inviting me to participate!

Tis' the season once again we gave our youngest residents a Happy Holiday Gift. I had such a great time seeing your children's smiling faces as they received a gift from my office.

I had a great time at the Ansin Art Gallery with the works of the great artist Richard Hugh Blackford right here in Miramar Cultural Center Artspark! The gallery was open to the public till January 4th.

Continued on next page

ment officers for partnering to bring resources to the neighborhood along with the homeowner’s association!

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with Commissioner Davis at the Miramar Cultural Center.

I attended the Fundación 15 de September awards recognizing community leaders who assisted in repatriating over 4000 Hondurans during the pandemic. I am pictured w/ AMB Luis Suazo of Honduras, Juan Flores President of the foundation and Camilo Martelo Director of International Operations at Spirit Airlines.

Continued from previous page

Upcoming Events:

Black History Meets Reggae Launch

Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra Davis

February 2nd, 2022

Community IDs

Program-Registration

Sponsored by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

February 5th, 2022

Black History Meets Reggae Icon Awards

Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra Davis

Thursday, February 24th, 2022

Good Vibes Concert Series- Sound System Edition

Hosted by Commissioner Davis

Friday, February 25th, 2022

Afro-Carib Festival

Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra Davis

Saturday, February 26th, 2022

Please take care of yourselves and each other. To contact my office regarding any concerns, please free to call (954) 602-3155 or email me at apdavis@miramarfl.gov. You may subscribe to receive email updates from my office at www.miramarfl.gov/Davis or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @4AlexandraDavis.

Commissioner Davis with West Park Commissioner Joy B. Smith.

Good Vibes in Miramar

Officer Jerome Bowerbank receives Life Saving Award from Interim Chief of Police Leonard Burgess: On June 12, 2020, Officer Bowerbank responded to a disturbance call. Upon clearing the location, he noticed a distraught woman leaving in a vehicle and proceeded to follow her. The woman stopped her vehicle on the shoulder of Bass Creek Road just before the overpass to I-75. As officer Bowerbank pulled up to check on her wellbeing, she told him that she was going to kill herself and began to run toward the top of the overpass. Officer Bowerbank, without hesitation, exited his vehicle and immediately ran after her. As the woman lunged over the railing, he was able to grab her and prevent her from landing on the northbound lanes of I-75. The woman began to violently hit the officer as he brought her over the rail. Officer Bowerbank continued to hold on to her, while verbally attempting to calm her down, until another officer arrived to assist. The young woman was safely detained and transported to the hospital for assistance. Officer Bowerbank’s courage and quick thinking, without regard for his own safety, undoubtedly prevented a tragedy from happening. His selfless and heroic actions were recognized by The Florida Chiefs of Police Association who selected him as the recipient for the 2020 Lifesaving Award.

A great time was had by all at the Kite Festival at Miramar Regional Park

L-R: Miramar Police Department 51st Citizen’s Police Academy Graduation

Community Resource Officers with Miramar Residents

Miramar Resident Nikki Officer and daughter enjoy the Inaugural Kite Festival hosted by Commissioner Winston Barnes

Community and Cops event held in Huntington and Windsor Palms

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Police Department Recognition and Commendations

Officers of the Quarter Award presented to Officer Elisa Romero and Officer Chad Smith (holding their awards), also in the picture presenting the award Major Shalida Smith, Major James Dunkelberger, Major Jose Vargas and Interim Chief Burgess.

Unit Citation Award presented to Internal Affairs Unit Sergeant Frank Defalco, Captain Tysheika Shaw-Williams, with their Captain Jason Prigmore, also in the picture presenting the award from Captain Rachel Patters, Major James Dunkelberger, Captain Cesar Andina, Major Shalida Smith, Major Jose Vargas and Interim Chief Burgess.

Community Involvement Award presented to Officer Yessenia Diaz and Officer Jasper Sejour with their Sergeant Jason Brooks and Captain Florinet Derac, also in the picture presenting the award Major Jose Vargas, Captain Cesar Andina, Major James Dunkelberger, Major Shalida Smith and Interim Chief Burgess.

Unit Citation Award presented to the Code Compliance Division, Code Compliance Supervisor Duvard Francois, Code Officer Steven Smith, Code Officer Jasmine Streeter, Code Officer Shannon Card, Code Officer Giovanni Martelli, Code Administrative Coordinator Madalyn Ramos, Code Officer Olga Periut, Code Administrative Coordinator Ericca Rittenhouse, Code Supervisor Nilka Smith, Code Officer Sean Williams, Code Officer Matthew Bass, Code Officer Anastatia Diaz, Code Officer Brian Spence, Code Officer Shani Allman and their Code Compliance Manager Ricardo Collings, also in the picture presenting the award are Major Shalida Smith and Interim Chief Burgess.

Longevity Award presented to Code Compliance Supervisor Duvard Francois for 20 years of service, also in the picture presenting the award Major Shalida Smith, Major James Dunkelberger, Major Jose Vargas and Interim Chief Burgess.

Longevity Award presented to Communications Supervisor Helen Edwards for 25 years of service, also in the picture presenting the award Major Shalida Smith, Major James Dunkelberger, Major Jose Vargas and Interim Chief Burgess.

Seniors Holiday Walk at Miramar Regional Park

Highlights from the Police Department’s Christmas Gift Distribution

On December 24, 2021, Miramar Police Officers - with Santa in towarrived at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to deliver toys to children who spent Christmas away from home. The pandemic prevented us from entering this year, but we were honored to have some of the children view the delivery from the hospital’s pedestrian bridge. This tradition began in 2009, inspired by one of our own officers who spent the holidays at the hospital with his daughter, Amanda Arianna. Although Amanda lost her battle to cancer, her spirit and memory lives.

Celebrate Black History Month

Employee Spotlight

(program logic control) and HMI (human machine interface) to improve treatment process efficiency and modernizing the SCADA and telemetry system of the City.

In May 2021, Denis sat and passed the Certified Automation Professional certification examinations from the International Society of Automation (ISA). ISA has been recognized as the expert source for automation and control systems consensus industry standards.

Denis Maulini started with the City as an Instrumentation and Electrical Technician in 2013. He was involved with the annual calibration of instrumentations and worked closely with vendors in the procurement of instrumentations and equipment for use at the various facilities of the Utilities Department. In 2016, he was promoted to Utility Instrument Engineer 1 which he currently holds. Among his current functions are developing PLC

In October 2021, Denis Maulini sat and passed the national exams for Professional Engineers (PE) as administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for the following specialization: PE Control Systems. This is a testament of his knowledge and competency in the field of electrical and controls engineering. He is currently in his registration process with the Florida Board of Professional Engineers for his PE designation. Congratulations Denis on these milestone achievements!

Denis Maulini Utilities Department

Options for Affordable Living Space in Miramar

City of Miramar’s Land Development Code (LDC) contains regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a means of creating affordable living spaces.

An ADU is a secondary living unit, that has a separate kitchen, bathroom(s), and sleeping area(s), that can be detached or attached to the primary residence.

• It may be rented or may be utilized by family members and/or guests.

• It must share utilities with the primary residence and separate utility meters are not permitted.

• The owner(s) of the parcel shall provide an affidavit attesting that the ADU will be in compliance with all applicable requirements of the City Code of Ordinances, the minimum housing standards of the Broward County Code of Ordinances, as well as the provision of Section 163.31771, FS, as amended from time to time.

Development Standards (LDC 405.1.6):

(a) Number: No lot shall contain more than one ADU.

(b) Location: Detached ADU must be located to the side or rear of the primary dwelling.

(c) Square Footage: An ADU must not exceed 50% of the total square footage of the primary dwelling unit including unairconditioned areas, but in no case be greater than 1,200 square feet and in no case shall be less than 300 square

feet in area.

(d) Plot Coverage: Where applicable, any proposed ADU shall be within the plot coverage requirement of the zoning district where it is located.

(e) Height: The maximum height shall be two (2) stories. In no event, shall the height of the ADU exceed that of the primary dwelling.

(f) Architecture: Shall be architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling.

(g) Parking: Minimum one (1) parking space. Two (2) parking spaces must be provided for a proposed ADU with more than two (2) sleeping areas.

(h) Setbacks:

• Any proposed attached ADU shall be subject to the same front, side, side street and rear setbacks as the primary dwelling.

• Any proposed detached ADU shall be subject to the following setback requirements:

o Side and side street setbacks: same as the primary dwelling

o Rear setback: 10 feet for a one-story structure, and 15 feet for a two-story structure.

(i) Entrances: An attached ADU may either share a common entrance with the primary dwelling unit and/or use a separate entrance, which shall be located only to the side or rear. A separate front entrance for an attached ADU shall be prohibited unless it is located within a personal courtyard area not visible from the right-of-way.

Incentives for Developers Providing Affordable Housings

City of Miramar encourages developers to build affordable housings units and offers following incentives:

1. Lower impact fee.

a. Lower impact fee if 20% of the units are dedicated for affordable units.

b. Impact fees related to the development shall be waived for affordable when an application is made for the construction of affordable housing… Prior to consideration of any waiver request, the developer shall obtain certification from the community development department stating that the project qualifies as affordable housing at a specified income level(s). {Code of Ordinance Sec. 2-225.4}

2. Expedited Permitting process.

3. Reductions in the parking requirements in the Transit Oriented Corridor (TOC) by 35%. This provides an opportunity for more density and lover

priced units. {LDC 715.1.6.1.6}

4. Administrative approval in the TOC.

5. Reduced Park fees in the TOC.

6. Reduced minimum unit square footage requirement

7. Allowance of flexibility in densities

8. The City has a supply of “Affordable Flexibility Units” which are only allowed to be allocated for projects that promote affordable housing but can be used within the TOC (if necessary)

9. Allowance of flexible lot configurations - zero lot line homes and administrative variances

10. Micro units are allowed

11. Accessory dwelling units are allowed in all residential zoning districts

12. Modification of street requirements

(j) Easements: Shall be located outside any dedicated easements. This may include but is not limited to a Lake Maintenance Easement, Drainage Easement, Utility Easement, and Landscape Easement.

(k) Nonconformity: In no event shall the establishment of an ADU create a new nonconformity or expand an existing nonconformity. Conversion of detached garages or other accessory buildings and structures for the purpose of creating an accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted only if the newly created dwelling unit is permitted and all code requirements are satisfied.

(l) Impact Fees: Impact fees shall be assessed for the police and fire protection, water and sewer capacity, and park and recreation fees that are created by the additional unit. Here are some examples of ADUs:

A. Tiny House. 300 Square Feet minimum.

B. Modified Shipping Container. All modified and repurposed shipping containers shall either be designed with wall covers, themed mural images, or provide a see-through frontage area. Wall covers are required on all sides of

the structure not painted with a mural image. {Source for more information: LDC Section 809.21.}

*Micro Units – provides affordable, attainable and/or workforce housing within any of the multi-family (RM) residential districts. This is not for Singlefamily Residential Districts. Minimum floor area is 350 Square Feet. {Source for more information: LDC Section 405.11.3. and Table 402-4}

Taking advantage of claiming Granny Flat Exemption:

Taxpayers who build additions onto an existing home or perform extensive renovations to provide living quarters for a parent or grandparent may be entitled to a special exemption equal to the amount of the new construction (up to 20% of the homestead value).

For more information, please contact Broward County Property Appraiser’s office.

If you have any questions, please email your questions to PandZ@Miramarfl.gov.

Contributed by: Katherine Randall, Housing and Community Development Administrator –Community Development Department

Is 2022 the best time to buy a home?

The good thing is there are no “acceptable” or “unacceptable” answers to this question. The most important question to ask yourself and answer is, are you ready personally or financially to buy a house? There are a few questions you need to ask yourself as you contemplate the one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

1) How much do I want to spend on this home? 2) Which neighborhood would I

HOMEOWNERSHIP BASICS

like to live in? 3) What’s important to you as a buyer? Here a few more questions to consider before you make that huge commitment:

• What price house can I afford?

• Am I going to finance or pay cash?

• How much do I have saved for a down payment (FHA or Conventional)?

• Can I afford my desired neighborhood?

• Are home values increasing or decreasing in the neighborhood?

• How long will my commute take from work or my extended family (that could be important)?

• What kind of schools are in the neighborhood?

• Are there surrounding amenities and activities to entertain my family, within walking distance?

Once you have the answers to these questions nailed down, you can start your home search.

Before your make the decision to buy, here are a few things to pay attention to as you move along the road to homeownership.

1. Check your credit score

2. Know your buying power

3. Save for a down payment

4. Get pre-approved and choose a lender

5. Hire a trustworthy agent

6. Find the perfect home (Consider the neighborhood)

7. Make the best purchase offer

8. Hire a Real Estate Attorney

9. Make sure to do a home inspection

10. Prepare for closing

11. Close on your new home

Miramar Homebuyer/Purchase Assistance Program: The City of Miramar, Florida offers a “Purchase Assistance” program. This program provides down payment and clos-

ing cost assistance to very low- and lowincome first-time homebuyers. A first-time homebuyer, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is someone who meets any of the following conditions:

- An individual who has not owned a principal residence for three years.

- If you’ve owned a home, but your spouse has not, then you can purchase a place together as first-time homebuyers.

The amount of assistance varies with income level (see table below), and is available on a first-come, first-qualified basis until no more funding remains under the program. The maximum home value for purchase of new and existing units is established by the U.S. Treasury Department. Currently for the Miramar areas is $331,888 (amount subject to change in April) and each purchaser must meet the income limits to qualify for the program.

The Sunbeam Polar Express rolled through Town Center

Sunbeam Properties & Development had their sixth annual (2016 to 2021) Polar Express Toy Drive to collect bikes, books, toys and more which helped the Miramar Police Department’s Operation Blue Squad (OBS). OBS began in 2015 when officers saw that there was a need for items in underserved areas in Miramar. The Polar Express collects toys and travels from the Miramar Park of Commerce in a procession, with full police escort, to the Miramar Police Department.

Recipients of the toys were determined by the number of toys donated and priority was given to certain areas in Miramar, Whispering Pines Center, Kiwanis Club of Miramar/Pembroke Pines, Glades Middle School, Haven Lake Estates and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. OBS takes place throughout the month of December.