APRIL 2016 Central Beach Master Plan moves forward Long-awaited planning update focuses on streetscape improvements, zoning code amendments Last month, the city took a significant State Road A1A step forward updating the master plan for the The Florida Department of Central Beach area. Transportation has begun a project to make The public workshop held at the Hilton improvements to A1A from Sunrise Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort could not have Boulevard south to the Mercedes River. come at a more important time. Almost 400 Between now and next spring, FDOT residential units and hotel rooms are under will resurface the road, upgrade crosswalks to construction in that area, with 900 more handicapped-accessibility standards, add approved to be built. New proposals for the countdown timers to pedestrian crossing Bahia Mar and Bahia Cabana also loom on signals, add bike lanes to A1A south of the horizon. Mayan Drive, and install embedded lighting The city planning staff sought input from at several key crosswalk locations. residents and business owners to help prioritize future streetscape initiatives and but suffers from an antiquated street design. Bayshore flooding project change the zoning code. We want to establish The master plan update envisions a series The city will soon begin construction on clear design standards for future development of steps in North Beach to beautify the streets, a project to improve drainage around 777 and streamline the code so the development reduce speed, and create a safe, comfortable Bayshore Drive. Tidal and stormwater process is more predictable for both residents and connected environment for pedestrians. flooding have been damaging the area. We and builders. One idea is to remove central parking will add new gutters, swales and tidal valves The master plan update builds off the bays on Vistamar and Riomar and replace by the end of October. landmark 2009 study by the international them with greenery. Another idea is to create PACE Program consulting firm Sasaki Associates. Sasaki landscape islands between parking areas and The City Commission recently approved urged the city to do more to create a to repurpose asphalt space by narrowing a Property Assessed Clean Energy program continuous beach experience, activate the vehicle lanes and adding bike lanes. that will provide upfront financing for energy Intracoastal Waterway, make streets more Bulb-outs are suggested for some street conservation, renewable energy efforts and pedestrian-oriented and build more usable corners. Other intersections would be painted wind-resistance products. public spaces. with artistic designs much like has occurred Residents and businesses can use PACE One of the concepts proposed in the on Las Olas Boulevard. to reduce their carbon footprint and energy master plan update is active building facades. The city has received some financial costs. Examples include energy-efficient We no longer want garage openings and assistance to make this vision a reality. cooling systems, roofing repairs, solar panels loading bays to dominate the street, but rather The National Oceanic and Atmospheric and impact-resistant windows. there should be consistent landscaping along Administration awarded a grant to conduct a The state Legislature authorized cities to the street edge and more ground floors with hydrological assessment of the area. And, the create such programs in 2010. Fort stores and restaurants. National Endowment for the Arts is funding a Lauderdale will join the Clean Energy Green Much of the focus of the workshop was project called Botanizing North Beach Corridor initiative operated by Ygrene Energy North Beach Village. It’s home to quaint Village to design stormwater gardens as Fund Florida, which is in 21 other cities in boutique hotels and mid-modern architecture, public art. While on the one hand attractive, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. the gardens will also reduce the chance of In closing, I’d like to announce that my flooding. colleagues on the City Commission recently The city expects to finalize the named me to serve as Fort Lauderdale’s vice streetscape improvement plan and zoning mayor. I previously served as vice mayor 12 changes for the Central Beach by July. We years ago during my first tenure on the will then hold another public meeting by early commission and succeed Commissioner fall to present the draft master plan. If Robert McKinzie in the post. residents like it, the City Commission will Sincerely, undertake its approval. Here is some other news about progress around our district: [email protected] 954-828-5923 APRIL 2016

The returns to Fort Lauderdale's beach May 7-8 after a two-year hiatus.

The show will feature some of the premier civilian and military acts, including the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Air Force and the .

General viewing is free. A premium viewing area is available north of Sunrise Boulevard along State Road A1A. Tickets and additional information are available at fortlauderdaleairshow.com.

Commissioner Trantalis joins Andrew Gordon, president of Commissioner Trantalis meets with Carolyn Pierce, the Victoria Park Civic Association, at the neighborhood's president of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, while annual Spring Fling event. reviewing the portfolios of graduating students.

Commissioner Trantalis joins Mayor Jack Seiler in Commissioner Trantalis joins Alex Coffey of the painting a green stripe on Las Olas Boulevard in Community Appearance Board to recognize Don Crile of preparation for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. the Seven Isles neighborhood for beautifying his home. [email protected] 954-828-5923