Page 4A southfloridasun.net • Twitter@sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • Thursday, December 5, 2013
As the traffic builds, it’s time to know where to avoid construction ‘hotspots’ By Mayor Joy Cooper HALLANDALE BEACH - I hope our readers had a safe and happy thanksgiving. I would also like to welcome back all our part time residents that have escaped the cold to their home away from home. It is always wonderful to see friends and catch up. It is also great to have our local businesses full of customers. For all of our returning residents I thought it would be a good idea to do a brief construction update. I will start beachside and work west. Over the past few months construction crews have been working to replace underground water pipes in preparation of the full facelift of A1A. It was decided to replace underground infrastructure before the resurfacing of the road. Crews were to be out of the area by December however the pipes still are being inspected for compliance with all water quality standards. When the inspections are finished they will complete lateral connections and close the open areas. The road will be restored and functional but will not receive the new asphalt until Phase II. New sidewalks, brick pavers, timed crosswalks and lighting will installed in the next phase scheduled to commence in June. The city is also working with Martin Gold Coast Media to install bus shelters along the corridors. Prince George’s shelter is under construction and others are being planned. To install shelters we are actively looking to partner with landowners to purchase the needed space. Many landowners have denied the city’s open request. The city wanted to proceed without quick takes. This is a form of eminent domain allowed by cities for infrastructure
• Many residents have complained about the east bound lane merger at Hallandale Beach Boulevard and Dixie Highway
Due to extreme weather and erosion on the beach the southernmost beach access had to be closed for safety reasons.
improvements. The city is looking too proceed with the hold outs thru this process. Hemispheres and Prince George have been working with the city and we hope others come forward. Due to extreme weather and erosion on the beach the southernmost beach access had to be closed for safety reasons. Staff is in the process of installing steps to ensure our residents have a safe path to the beach. This project was delayed due to the extension of turtle season which is typically over on November 1st. During the season no construction is allowed beachside. The extension was lifted in the middle of November and staff is planning to have this job done within 2-3 weeks. This past Tuesday we broke ground for the North Beach Park construction project. This is the third ground breaking for a new park over the past six months. Joe Scavo Park and BF James Park are currently under construction. In January, we anticipate breaking ground for the reconstruction of South Beach. During constructing there will be impacts to beach access. We remain sensitive to having our beaches available for our residents so staff will be working with construction crews to mitigate impacts and create access where we can. Beach amenities will be limited during this time but the end result will
Gulfstream Park to shine for the holidays Gulfstream Park kicks off the holiday season Friday, Nov. 29 with a South Florida tradition the spectacular Symphony of Lights in Champions Plaza. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, elves, jugglers, stilt walkers, angels, toy soldiers and artists. There will also be drawings for gift baskets. During an incredible light show - offered free every night through Dec. 31 from 6-11 p.m. - the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra is synchronized with over 350,000 lights and 750 sparkling strobes on a 50-foot tree and over 30 palm trees. The lights dramatically rise and fall throughout the entire show. According to John Carter, program director of Symphony of Lights, it takes "40 hours to program the show" as well as "29 miles of copper wire to carry the programming to those 350,000 bulbs." Gulfstream Park will be awash in more than 500,000 sparkling holiday decorations and strobes. The Symphony of Lights not only signals the beginning of the holidays at Gulfstream but the traditional winter Thoroughbred meet. The Champions Meet will begin Saturday, Nov. 30 with 10 races beginning at 12:40 p.m. and a free Gulfstream Park calendar while supplies last beginning at 11 a.m.
include a new concession stand, parking, playground, bocce ball, multiple pavilions, restrooms and beach friendly landscaping. Many people have asked about the bridge and why it is still not finished. This budget did not include funding to paint the bridge. Since there is major construction in the area, these issues were not addressed. It will be revisited this budget cycle. The bridge was never fully painted and obviously the color has been an issue with the majority of residents wanting it changed back. Moving west construction of the new Beachwalk Hotel/Condo is underway. Part of this project includes the reconstruction of Diana Drive. In January we will be hosting a community meeting to review alternative upgrades to the area. Staff is compiling the information and ideas received at the last community meeting on Diana Drive. They will be presenting alternatives to be discussed for input. The major project to address flooding on 14th Avenue is nearing completion. During construction unstable soil conditions were found and this delayed the project for 3
months. The new projected completion date is March. Many people have asked about the impacts to their properties. The city is committed to making sure all properties will be restored as they were found. In many cases old drives and sidewalks have already been replaced to a better condition. Fashion Row Arts District received a partial facelift over the summer. There is more parking and landscaping to enhance the area. The second phase of the project will include lighting, sidewalks, street furniture and drainage. Heading west to I-95 we have been dealing with the I-95 Express Construction. Two lanes under the bridge have been closed to accommodate construction. This has
caused increased delays. The same project is taking place on Pembroke Road. We have asked FDOT to reevaluate the traffic pattern and signalization to address the gridlock. Many residents have complained about the east bound lane merger at Hallandale Beach Boulevard and Dixie Highway. There is not one person that likes the configuration but it has proven to work. Recently the commission discussed removing the merger and reverting back to the old traffic pattern. This would mean less east west traffic flow. The other alternative was removing the left turns or at minimum removing the left turn on to North Dixie. The commission decided to keep the current configuration until a better alternative could be
found and a new traffic count could be completed. There are plenty of other minor projects underway and in the planning stages. I want to ask everyone to bear with the dust and inconveniences within the construction zones. We all know it has not been easy but the end result will mean an improved question of life. With that said, please drive safe, plan your trip time accordingly and slow down. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! As always please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions concerns and ideas on how to make our city a better place at office 954-4571318, cell/text 954-6325700 or visit my website at www.mayorjoycooper.com
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