Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Lauderhill Building Officials Extend Brampton Courts Evacuation Deadline Until Thursday, July 1, 2010.

On Tuesday, June 22nd, the City of Lauderhill Building Officials deemed the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of all four of the Brampton Court buildings unsafe - 1980 NW 46 Avenue, 4591 NW 19 Street, 1981 NW 43 Terrace, and 4391 NW 19 Street. Residents were notified to move out by Friday, the 25th of June by noon if they resided above the 1st floor. With only one of the eight elevators in service, City Fire and Building Officials deemed the facilities unlivable because of deteriorated staircases.

The Building and Fire Officials have been witnessing progress toward minimizing life safety issues in the staircases. Based on those developments the deadline was extended several times, where residents now have until Thursday, July 1, 2010, by noon to vacate the property. Officials will continue to closely monitor progress and the Fire Watch is still in effect.

Residents can call the Family Success Center at 954-357-6367 and Legal Aid at 954-765-8950 for assistance during this difficult time. Also, the City website www.lauderhill-fl.gov has a link for several neighboring apartment associations with specials for those displaced from Brampton Courts.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Lauderhill Building Officials Extend Brampton Courts Evacuation Deadline For a Second Time....

On Tuesday, June 22nd, the City of Lauderhill Building Officials deemed the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of all four of the Brampton Court buildings unsafe - 1980 NW 46 Avenue, 4591 NW 19 Street, 1981 NW 43 Terrace, and 4391 NW 19 Street. Residents were notified to move out by Friday, the 25th of June by noon if they resided above the 1st floor. With only one of the eight elevators in service, City Fire and Building Officials deemed the facilities unlivable because of deteriorated staircases.

Yesterday, the Building and Fire Officials witnessed progress toward minimizing life safety issues in some of the staircases. Based on those developments the deadline was extended until Saturday, June 26th. After today’s continued progress the City has extended the evacuation deadline by another 24 hours, where residents have until Sunday, June 27, 2010, by noon to vacate the property. In the meantime, Officials will continue to closely monitor progress until the property is in compliance and the residents are safe. An around- the-clock Fire Watch is still effect.

Residents can call the Family Success Center at 954-357-6367 and Legal Aid at 954-765-8950 for assistance.

Lauderhill Building Officials Extend Brampton Courts Evacuation Deadline....

On Tuesday, June 22nd, the City of Lauderhill Building Officials deemed the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of all four of the Brampton Court buildings unsafe - 1980 NW 46 Avenue, 4591 NW 19 Street, 1981 NW 43 Terrace, and 4391 NW 19 Street. Residents were notified to move out by Friday, the 25th of June by noon if they resided above the 1st floor. With only one of the eight elevators in service, City Fire and Building Officials deemed the facilities unlivable because of deteriorated staircases.

Yesterday, the Building and Fire Officials witnessed progress toward minimizing life safety issues in some of the staircases. Based on yesterday’s developments and the projected schedule of improvements, the City has extended the evacuation deadline by 24 hours, where residents will not have to evacuate their apartments until Saturday, June 26, 2010, by noon. In the meantime, Officials will continue to closely monitor progress until the property is in compliance and the residents are safe.

The safety and welfare of Lauderhill’s residents are always the City’s primary concern. A 24 hour, 7 day a week Fire Watch, established last week, is still in effect.

The City has compiled and distributed lists of available properties in the surrounding community that are for rent. Many properties have given the displaced Brampton Residents rental rates that were competitive. Several properties even waived deposits and application fees for the displaced residents. The Family Success Center and Legal Aid have also given displaced residents substantial assistance.

For more information on the property owners, and how they described this property on their web site see: http://atlantichousing.org/BramptonCourt.htm.

Also, it has been discovered that several tenants have Section 8 Housing Vouchers issued through one of the local Housing Authority.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Commissioners Bates and Holness Run For County Commission District 9

Earlier this month, both Lauderhill Commissioners Margaret Bates and Dale Holness submitted their required Irrevocable Resignation to Run for another office. Both are running to fill the open seat for County Commission District 9, recently vacated by the arrest and conviction of former County Commissioner Joe Eggelletion.

Several other candidates are running for District 9, but the decision by Commissioners Bates and Holness open up their seats on the Lauderhill City Commission to be filled in the November, 2010 General Election, for the two remaining years of their terms.

The Democratic Primary is on August 24.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Home Decor Row Sidewalk Sale


From July 2 through 5, the Home Decor Row at University Drive in Lauderhill will be hosting a Sidewalk Sale. The area of the sale will be along University Drive between 44th Street and Commercial Blvd., and along Commercial Blvd. Stores specializing in home furnishings and furniture, along with other stores and restaurants, will be holding special street sales. The area covers about 1 mile.

On July 3 there were also be special entertainment and other events. For more information go to http://www.HDRow.net/.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

CARIBBEAN AMERICAS SOCCER ASSOCIATION (CASA) PRESENTS:

SUPER LEAGUE SEMI FINAL AND FINAL SATURDAY JUNE 19 & 26, 2010

Come see some of the best soccer players in South Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America as they vie for the prestigious CASA Super League Cup.

SEMI FINALS – SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010 @ Lauderhill, Sports Complex
 6:15 pm – Blazers FC versus FC Internaxionale
 8:15 pm – Haiti Allstars versus Juventus FC

FINALS – SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2010 @ Lauderhill, Sports Complex
 5:00 pm – CASA Super League Third place playoff
 6:45 pm – CASA Master’s League Final
 8:30 pm – CASA Super League Final

* FREE ADMISSION * ENTERTAINMENT FOR KIDS AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY * FOOD REFRESHMENTS / BAR ON SALE * MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

We hope you will join us for a fun filled evening we’re sure you will be glad you did! The Lauderhill Sport’s Complex is located @ 7500 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, Florida – it is about nine miles from the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and about twenty-two miles from the Miami International Airport.

CONTACT: RICHARD CAMPBELL FOR INFORMATION
TEL: (954) 895-4832 / Email: DBUCKNOR@HOTMAIL.COM

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Lauderhill Wins Honorable Mention for Climate Protection Award


On June 11, it was announced at the US Conference of Mayors Annual Conference, that Lauderhill was one of 5 cities selected for Honorable Mention for the 2010 Climate Protection Award.

This award given annually to recognize cities and mayors for innovative practices in their cities designed to increase energy efficiency and curb global warming.

Lauderhill's program, "Lauderhill's Sustainable Initiatives Green Program" coordinates numerous city programs involving energy savings and information. The web site is www.lauderhillgreen.com, and it informs viewers about a variety of green issues, including green ordinances of the city, to programs that teach how energy can be saved. There is information on how residents and businesses may obtain money to help reduce their energy costs.

The Award has over 200 applicants annually. One first place winner and 5 Honorable Mentions in each of the two categories. Sponsorship was by the US Conference of Mayors and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Lauderhill Wins US Conference of Mayors City Livability Outstanding Achievement Award


The US Conference of Mayors announced today the winners of the 2010 City Livability Award. Ten cities under 100,000 were recognized as winners, 4 Honorable Mention 3rd Place Awards, 5 Outstanding Achievement 2nd Place Awards, and 1 First Place Award.

Lauderhill won a 2nd Place Outstanding Achievement Award for its "Jazz Picnic in the Park" Concert Series. The major point is that the program provides a high quality event with top local performers, yet only costs $1000/performance. Therefore it is easily duplicated elsewhere, and provides a community event at a reasonable price. In fact, the event is becoming so popular that many tourist are attending.

The jazz concert has completed its 2nd season, and the 3rd season will begin in November. For more information about next season go to http://www.lauderhilljazz.com/.

Friday, June 11, 2010

SCHOOL’S OUT TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS

As the school year comes to a close, the City of Lauderhill, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST) of Broward County remind motorists and students to take extra traffic safety precautions during summer break. During the summer children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle crashes. FDOT and the CTST offer the following tips for making summer safer for motorists and students.

Tips for Motorists
· Slow down and obey all traffic laws, speed limits and traffic signals.
· Keep an eye out for children walking or bicycling in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
· Be alert for children playing and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
· When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking, biking skating or skateboarding.

Tips for Parents
· Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.
· Supervise young children as they are walking, biking or skating.
· Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.
· Make sure that your child is properly buckled up in the appropriate child safety seat and in the back seat. Safety experts advise that all children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat.
· Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.

Tips for Students
· Always buckle up when riding in a car. Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
· Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
· Learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It’s extremely important for you to use the sidewalk when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic.
· Always cross at crosswalks, obey all traffic signs and traffic lights.
· Teen drivers should avoid speeding and minimize distractions (texting, talking on cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio) while driving. Never overload your vehicle. Require everyone riding in your vehicle to use a safety belt.
· Teen drivers should be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

East Side Improvement Updates

Sadkin Center:

The building should be complete in June with final punch list being done in July. Staff should begin occupying the building on July 19, 2010. The building should be open to the public July 26, 2010 or August 2, 2010. The Grand opening is planned for August 26, 2010.

Crosswalk on 16th Street:

A request has been sent to Broward County Traffic Engineering to put in the crosswalk on 16th Street. The City will request a timeline for installation of the crosswalk and provide that to you.

Old City Hall

The City is completing this project in two phases. Phase one will include the land improvements excluding the building. The bid for phase one of the first City Hall park closed mid April. The City will negotiate with the selected contractor and the item should be on June or July agenda. The construction should begin in July/August. Phase two of this project is the construction of the building. Phase two of this project should go out for bid before the end of June.

47th Avenue:

We applied for a federal grant for improvements on 47th Avenue. We are awaiting a decision on granting the City federal stimulus funds for this project.

Sidewalk extensions on 49th avenue and 51st Street:

Due to budget constraints, we do not have funds to complete all of the sidewalk extensions at this time. However, DEES Director plans to install at least two of these sidewalk extensions during this fiscal year.

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Why Doesn't Someone Fix Those Pealing Mast-Arms?

This question has come up a lot. The mast-arms were put up all over Broward, and they are pealing. So, why aren't they fixed? Why is it taking so long? This is the answer we received from Broward County.

"The mast-arms are owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and were designed, permitted, and constructed as part of a FDOT project. These mast-arms are not owned by Broward County, nor is the paint finish maintained by the Broward County. FDOT is very much aware of this situation and is currently in the process of evaluating solutions to restore the paint finish to these mast-arms. We understand that FDOT has also filed a claim against the contractor as these mast arms are still under warranty. FDOT’s contact person for this issue is Mr. John Danielsen (https://webmail.lauderhill-fl.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=b055b25b1410446d99db9bd7a6bfaafd&URL=mailto%3aJohn.Danielsen%40dot.state.fl.us). You may want to contact him directly for the current status."

NOTE: The mast-arms are also not owned by the City of Lauderhill, and we cannot take action to fix them.