Page 4A South Florida Sun-Times/Thursday, May 30, 2013 – 954-458-0635 – sfsuntimes@aol.com – www.southfloridasun.net
HALLANDALE BEACH GROWTH CRA has awarded a contract to two contractors to build 12 single family homes As the housing market picks up Hallandale Beach CRA has awarded a contract to two contractors to build 12 single family homes. Over the past years the city has acquired lots through donations from the county, direct purchase and in some cases, liens. These lots were transferred to the CRA and after a thorough inventory the CRA has decided to move forward to develop 12 lots suitable for single family homes. The lots are located with the Palms Neighborhood and will be eligible for sale to qualified buyers under HUD criteria for 80-130 percent of median income levels. In a meeting on May 16th Stuart and Shelby and DeAngelo Developers were both approved. The two contractors presented various floor models comprised of 2- 3 bedroom units with garages. On two of the odd shaped lots, a special design was presented including a two story model. The homes will be sold from 130,000 to 176,000. Both contractors have many years experience building and will be adhering to our Community Benefit Plan.
The CBP provides that city contracts and awards must include a benefit that uses local vendors and sub- contractors. This creates more wealth and jobs by insuring that that tax dollars remain in our community. These homes add a double benefit since they are part of our affordable housing programs. Eligible buyers will be able to apply for affordable housing grants and live here in our city. E911 Update Thanks to the many residents and elected officials throughout Broward the County that lobbied the county commission to change their position on funding communications. The County, on a 5-4 vote has decided to fully fund countywide communications. This is a major step forward to protecting all of our residents and visitors. The ultimate plan will be to ensure all cities are dispatched on one system. The system will have three major PSAPs; dispatch cen-
ters. The centers will be located in the Northwest, Central West and Southwest in facilities that are designed to withstand hurricanes. The most important improvement will be that all calls including cell phone calls will be handled more effectively. LAYNE BOULEVARD LIGHTING In partnership with the Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood District construction has begun to light up the center median south of the GISND guardhouse. This improvement will provide lighting for pedestrians and increase security. FASHION ROW ARTS DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS If you have not had a chance to visit 1st Avenue; I highly recommend it. Over the past months the city has added on street parking, curbing and landscaping to the area. For many years this area has been strug-
gling to redefine its identity. Many years ago the road was changed to one way. Compounded with the growth of Aventura Mall the once vibrant shopping area began to struggle. The city tried to make various changes to encourage growth and to date this has been the boldest. The city reduced the road to one lane and added parking to slow down traffic and create a friendlier area to walk. The new configuration also added more frontages to some stores. This will allow sitting areas. The next phase will include solar lighting, resurfacing, brick sidewalks, street furniture and drainage. The city will also be looking at adding a mixed used
zoning that will allow artists to live and work. This has been all part of a bold design district concept plan. Hopefully it will spur interest. In addition, the city is looking to move forward on a corridor master plan. We have been informed the Governor may have not vetoed 100,000 funding for Dixie Corridor. To date the CRA has set aside 100,000 for the design phase. GREEN CORNER The City Commission has just awarded its first ESCO. ESCO is an Energy savings contract. This is where the energy improvements are paid for up front in a contract and then the savings every year are used to pay off the improvements. The award
was given to Siemens Industry Inc. They will be conducting an Energy Audit on city buildings and recommending energy efficient retrofits. They will report back to the commission on which improvements should be preformed. The next step will then be awarding projects to construct! IT IS HURICANNE SEASON! PLEASE DUST OFF YOUR PLANS AND BE PREPARED! Please feel free to contact me at anytime with your questions and concerns. I can be reached at 954-457-1318, cell/text 954-632-5700 or e-mail me at www.MayorJoyCooper.com
Beginners' Tai Chi class to be held on Saturday mornings A beginners' tai chi class will be offered on Saturday mornings from 10:30 to noon. at the Taoist Tai Chi Society, 800 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd #27 (RK/Sage Plaza) in Hallandale, 954-455-2474, starting June 1. Taoist Tai Chi is a "soft" or internal martial art, designed to promote health and well-being for people of all ages and in all health conditions. Beginner and continuing classes, taught by accredited instructors, are offered at various times throughout the week. The International Taoist Tai Chi Society, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 charitable organization, provides instruction in the Taoist Tai Chi internal arts of health at more than 500 locations around the world. See http://taoist.org. NOTE: A special demonstration and free mini-lesson will be offered at the Hallandale Beach public library on Saturday, June 8, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.