begin late summer sewer installation in rp to events ... blogg ..... 954-467-5420 steve boone ........

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Riverside Park Neighborhood News

APRIL 2005

Riverside Park Residents’ Association, Inc. • PO Box 122, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302 • www.riversidepark.org


UPCOMINGEVENTS:

————————SUNDAY,APRIL 3GENERAL MEET-

ING4:00 pm.

at Radford Center (in the park - 551 SW

11th Ave.) ————————

INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER:——————

RPRA & City To Conduct

Compatibility Study— page 9

——————Construction Noise inYour Neighborhood

— page5——————

Sherwood ForestCommittee

— page 5——————

Stranahan High Update— page 6

——————Radford Park

Activities— page 4

Waterworks 2011 Project Design ManagerDoug VanNote and Deputy Program ManagerNannette Woods , will attend RPRA’s April 3General Meeting to review the latest sewerplans for Riverside Park. The Waterworks 2011team, which is responsible for planning andimplementing city-wide sewer installation, hasdeveloped a three-phase construction plan forsewer installation in Riverside Park, beginningwith the area south of Stranahan High School(Area 1-A –see map below).

Constructions in Area 1-A is scheduled to beginin late July or early August 2005 and finishabout 12 months later. The areas north of theschool and east of the school (Areas 1-B and 1-C – see map) will be done after the completionof Area 1-A; the current schedule calls for thesephases to begin in January of 2006 and end 12months later, assuming that Area 1-A is com-pleted on time.

The construction phase is followed by a 3-month certification period, after which home-owners will have 90 days to connect to the sys-tem. For residents in Area 1-A, these processesare planned for July-Sept. 2006 and Oct. Dec.2006, respectively.

Phased Approach Minimizes DisruptionDividing the project into phases (as opposed todoing the whole neighborhood all at once) is

necessary to keep the project and its impactmanageable, especially with regard to trafficmanagement. As we are aware, it is necessaryto tear up our streets in order to install thesewer mains. The team has developed a trafficmanagement plan (“maintenance of traffic”, orMOT plan) that preserves residents’ access toand from their homes.

Obviously, when the street directly in front ofyour house is being torn-up, you may need topark down the street. And when the mainroads are being torn up, you may need to use adifferent neighborhood entrance.

Despite the best efforts of the Waterworks2011 team, there is no avoiding project-relatedinconvenience. Our patience will be required.For its part, the City is committed to providingus with current project information and Q & Abrochures, overseeing the contractors usingperformance-based standards, and ensuringthat trauma to our swales, landscaping anddriveways will be repaired or restored.

Continued page 3

Be sure to attend the April 3 RPRA meetingto learn more about the locations of the 3pump stations (one for each zone) andother project specifics. and to hear fromTarpon River resident Sara Horn about herneighborhood’s experience when theirsewer lines were installed.

Riverside Park Residents’Association Membership Form

Name _________________________________________

Street Address (No P.O. Boxes)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone___________________Fax ___________________

E-mail___________________Occupation_____________

Company Name _________________________________

Check all that apply below:

� New Member � Renewal

� Own a home and reside in Riverside Park

� Nonresident � Rent in Riverside Park

� Youth (under 18)

� Non resident Property Owner

Membership: $15 per year, per person (Includes monthly Membership Advisory) Additional Contributions: Please consider making an additional contribution to support neighborhood improvement projects, publications, and other activities.

� $25 � $50 � $100

$__________ other contributions

TOTAL ENCLOSED: FOR MEMBERSHIP FEE,AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS:

$______________ Thank You!

Please make check payable to: Riverside Park Residents’ Association

Please fill out form completely, detach this page and mail with payment to: Riverside Park Residents’ Association, P.O. Box 122, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33302

Please list any volunteer services or donations you canprovide to RPRA and a representative will contact youfor further arrangements:_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Sewer Installation in RP toBegin Late Summer

by Tom Andrew, RPRA Board Member

Is your home and personalsafety important to you?

Then join a very worthwhile effort:your neighborhood association!

The Riverside Park Residents' Association has been success-ful but needs you more than ever now! Numbers count andyour participation and membership will make the differ-ence. Contact one of the Board Members today and discusshow you can help.

As residents of Riverside Park, we are proud of the specialfeel our neighborhood has. And we're working hard toimprove it. We invite you to become a part of RiversidePark, and to help us build it into an even betterplace to live and play.

What is it worth to you? For as little as $15 per year you canprotect the value of your home, improve neighborhoodsafety, and enhance your social life at the same time!Together we will make the difference!

General Meetings are currently held on the first Sundayof each month at 4PM in Riverside Park at the RadfordCommunity Center, 551 SW 11th Ave.

The next general meeting of the Riverside Park ResidentsAssociation is scheduled for Sunday,April 3,2005 at 4:00 pm.Please be sure to pay your dues and become involved!

1-B

1-C

1-A

David MarshallRiversideParkResidents’Association, Inc.P.O. Box 122, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33302

_______________________________________________

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Riverside Park Residents’ Association (RPRA) exists to pro-tect and promote the best interests of its residents includingimproving public facilities and services and fostering goodwill,cooperation, community and civic spirit, and friendship amongthe residents We are committed to cooperating with publicofficials and other community groups to encourage and pro-mote the development, redevelopment and improvement ofthe Riverside Park area and to publish information regardingthe development of the Riverside Park area._______________________________________________

CURRENT RIVERSIDE PARK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004-2005

President: David Marshall ............................ 954-761-7164Vice President: Tom Andrew ....................... 954-467-7223Treasurer: Richard Harper ............................ 954-463-4352Secretary: Jessica Brown............................... 954-486-9954DIRECTORS:Todd Adderly ................................................ 954-445-4078Marie Bessette .............................................. 954-760-9962Miranda Blogg ............................................. 954-467-5420Steve Boone ................................................. 954-524-7426Reed Markee ................................................ 305-389-5587Judy Reardon................................................. 954-462-1653Tod Sloan ...................................................... 954-462-4380

_______________________________________________

ABOUT THE RPRA NEWSLETTERThe Riverside Park Neighborhood News is a publication ofRiverside Park Residents’ Association, Inc. (RPRA). It reports onneighborhood events, including the activities of the RPRA andthe neighborhood’s charitable corporation, RiversideRenaissance, Inc.

Monthly typesetting, editing, and advertising by Charlie Read,www.firewatercreative.net , 954-888-8948. Original newslet-ter design by Joani Mullen.

ADVERTISING MANAGER:Judy Reardon 954.462.1653 or JudyReardon @yahoo.com

ADVERTISING RATES:Size 1Quarter 2Quarters 3Quarters One Year

Bus. Card $ 20 $ 40 $ 55 $ 701/4 Page $ 40 $ 80 $110 $1401/2 Page $ 70 $140 $200 $250Full Page $100 $200 $280 $350_______________________________________________Riverside Park is a neighborhood in southwest Fort Lauderdale,Florida bordered by Broward Boulevard,Davie Boulevard, I-95and the north and south forks of the New River. See below:

2 11

RPRA GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY,APRIL 3 4:00 pm. at Radford Center (in the park - 551 SW 11th Ave.)

President’s MessageFrom time to time, people ask me, “Why are you involved in your neighborhood associ-ation? Isn’t that just for people with too much time on their hands?” While involvementin the association certainly can take time, in my opinion, the benefits I receive outweighthe price I pay in time and effort.

Let me give two examples to show how neighborhood involvement is a case of enlightenedself-interest: the impending neighborhood sewer construction project, and the neighbor-hood compatibility study that the Association is working on together with the City.

Most of you are already well aware that the Waterworks 2011 project will be installing sew-ers in Riverside Park and elsewhere in the City, in time for Fort Lauderdale’s centennial cele-bration in 2011. As the articles included in this newsletter explain, the process will soonaffect our neighborhood, with Phase 1-A construction (south of Stranahan HS) scheduledto begin this summer. Although a major construction project like this one will always requirethe patience of neighborhood residents, the Waterworks project team is working hard tominimize the disruption – and to do that effectively, they need neighborhood input.

In parallel with the sewer installation, the Association is working with the City to conducta Neighborhood Compatibility Study. This study is intended to identify and help protect thedistinctive elements or our neighborhood, such as tree canopy, as the neighborhood devel-ops over time. Doing the study now will help ensure that developers understand what isimportant to Riverside Park residents when they consider projects in our area – and withsewers coming, developers are sure to be looking hard at our neighborhood. So with theprotections in place, we can improve both the value of our property, and our long-termquality of life in the neighborhood.

No doubt both of these projects could happen without direct neighborhood associationinvolvement – in fact, they could happen without the existence of a neighborhood asso-ciation. But the sewer project would probably be much more disruptive – and the neigh-borhood compatibility study might never happen at all – without input from multiplearea residents.

Henry Ford is reported to have said, “If you need a machine, and don’t buy it, you’ll pay forit without getting it.” Likewise, you can choose to be uninvolved in neighborhood projects,but your lack of involvement is likely to cost you in other ways, whether through inconven-ience during a sewer project or through reduced quality of life down the road.

There are numerous other projects I could highlight here – from anti-crime initiatives inSherwood Forest, to cooperative efforts with Stranahan High School at City CVC projects,to new recreational opportunities at the Radford Community Center in the Park – whereyour investment of a couple hours a month can mean the difference between a strongerneighborhood which enhances the city you live in, and a troubled neighborhood whichweakens it. So take a moment to consider how you can best contribute to your own well-being by putting in a couple of hours on behalf of the neighborhood, and then let usknow at the next General Meeting.

We’ll be looking for you!David Marshall, RPRA Board President

BAYSIDE MARKETImpressive Wine Selection — We sell Mondavi, not M.D.!

LARGEST SELECTIONImport and domestic Beer and Wine

Over 50 Brands of Import BeerHuge selection of affordably priced Grocery Items

Widest selection of RefreshmentsCigars — Cigarettes — Medicine — Pet Food

Cleaning Products — Organic and Soy Milk — Organic yogurt

LOOK NO FURTHER!

BREAKFAST ITEMSBarnie’s Gourmet Coffee & Cappuccino

Ice Creams — Ben and Jerry’s — Good Humor — Dove BarIce Cream Bars — Sandwiches — Novelties

Full Deli – Coming Soon

DELIVERY AVAILABLE — OPEN SEVEN DAYSEverything is always fresh, satisfaction guaranteed.

Look for the weekly specials - Accept all major credit cards

557 SW 12TH AVE 954-523-4409Located south of the swing bridge and just west of the new Riverside Park Community Center

The Sewer Connection

3

STEP 1: Pay Connection FeeNotification – Property owners will be notified in the mail that they will have90 days to pay and connect to the sewer system. Once you receive this notice,you should begin this process. Payment – Satisfy your connection fee payment using one of the followingmethods:• Submit check or money order with the remittance form included inthe notice in person or by mail to: City of Fort Lauderdale Treasury Division,100 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301.• Obtain and complete a “Promissory Note and Lien on PropertyForm” if you are eligible to finance the connection fee. This should be donein person at the address listed above.• If you have applied and been determined to be eligible for theSewer Connection Assistance Grant, you will receive a grant award letter inthe mail, and you do not have to follow any of the steps listed below. At theappropriate time, the City will contact you to arrange for a plumber to con-nect your building’s plumbing to the new sanitary sewer system.Receipt – Retain your payment receipt or copy of executed “Promissory Noteand Lien on Property Form” from the Treasury Division. If payment was madevia mail, the Treasury Division will mail you the receipt.

STEP 2: Obtain Required PermitsThere are two permits required for all new sanitary sewer connections:• Permit approval from the Broward County Department of Planningand Environmental Protection (DEEP) is required first. This office is located at218 SW 1 Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale (Phone: 954.519.1414).There are two forms, Information for Approval, and Plan Substitution, thatmust be completed and presented to the DEEP permit counter for approval.It is estimated that this approval costs approximately $35. The legal descrip-tion/subdivision name can be found on your property tax bill, if a survey is notavailable. The building department jurisdiction is "Fort Lauderdale" and thewastewater treatment plant is the “George T. Lohmeyer RWWTP”. • A plumbing permit is required from the City of Fort LauderdaleBuilding Services Division, located at 300 NW 1 Avenue (Phone:954.828.5191). The plumbing permit can be obtained by a licensed contrac-tor or by the property owner under an owner-builder arrangement. A typicalplumbing permit for one sewer connection and one septic tank abandonmentcosts approximately $55 to $60, and the sewer connection fee paymentreceipt must be presented at the time of submittal.

In addition to the permits listed above, other forms may be required includingbut not limited to:• An Owner Builder Permit Affidavit Form is required if a propertyowner applies for the plumbing permit and the property owner lives at thataddress. The owner will be required to sign a notarized plumbing permitapplication. • A Notice of Commencement is required if the total cost of installingthe sewer line exceeds $2,500. The Notice of Commencement can beobtained from the Broward County Records Division, located at the BrowardCounty Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 114. TheNotice of Commencement form, along with the instructions for completingand recording a Notice of Commencement is available upon request.

When the required plumbing permit application is submitted to the City ofFort Lauderdale, the DEEP approval must be attached, and a copy of therecorded Notice of Commencement (if required) must be attached as well.The original recorded Notice of Commencement is required to be on the jobsite when a plumbing inspection is performed. All required forms can beobtained by contacting the WaterWorks 2011 Call Center at 954.522.2604or online at www.waterworks2011.com.

STEP 3: Connect to the Sewer SystemSewer Connection – You have the option of hiring a plumbing contractor toinstall the necessary plumbing from your home or business to the sewer later-al, or you may complete this work yourself. The inside of this guide outlinesinstructions and helpful hints for property owners that will be completing thiswork on their own. Tank Abandonment – After your building is connected to the sewer system,your septic tank must be properly abandoned. The tanks’ contents must bepumped out and properly disposed. Next, a hole must be knocked in the bot-tom of the septic tank and the tank must be filled with a clean material suchas sand or gravel.

STEP 4: Final InspectionAfter connection to the sewer system is complete, and the septic tank hasbeen properly abandoned, you must arrange for final inspection of the con-nection in accordance with the requirements of the plumbing permit.Inspections can be scheduled by calling 954.828.5191 or online at the webaddress listed above.

The 4-Step Sewer Connection Process — What to Do after the Sewer Main is Complete

Sewers in Riverside ParkContinued from page 1The Water Works planners are currently assessing pump station loca-tions that will provide operational effectiveness and maintenance accesswhile minimizing the aesthetic impact on the neighborhood.Photographs of existing pump stations reviewed by the RPRA Board ofDirectors suggest that the type of pump stations we will be getting aremostly underground, with an above-ground structure roughly the sizeof a refrigerator that can be partially isolated from view by landscaping.

Be sure to attend the April 3 RPRA meeting to learn more about thelocations of the 3 pump stations (one for each zone) and other proj-ect specifics. and to hear from Tarpon River resident Sara Horn abouther neighborhood’s experience when their sewer lines were installed.

94

Historical Poster SalesBooming Success for RP

by Judy Reardon, Advertising Manager

Historical Posters on Las Olas proved abooming success for Riverside Park. Over$1200 worth of prints, and several hundreddollars worth of frames, were sold by thestalwart group of enthusiastic volunteersfrom RPRA who turned out to man ourbooth at the Las Olas Art Festival. Four differ-ent prints depicting Las Olas Boulevard circa1912, Stranahan House circa 1915, theAndrews Ave Bridge, circa 1919, and PortEverglades circa 1932, were sold in a choiceof black and white, black on ivory, and sepiatone prints.

These beautiful historical posters, great forhome or office, sold for $15 each, two for$25, or four for $40. Framed posters wentfor $25 or $40 depending on the type offrame. Copies of each print are still available.

If you would like to purchase a poster pleaseemail me at [email protected] or callme at 954.462.1653.

Call soon, while supplies last.

As a response to the increasing pressure fordevelopment of Riverside Park, yourAssociation has teamed up with City plan-ning officials to conduct a neighborhoodcompatibility study addressing the impactof development on the neighborhood.

The purpose of the study will be to identifythose neighborhood elements most worthpreserving, and to put guidelines in place toensure that development does not adverse-ly affect them. The RPRA Board feelsstrongly that both residents of RiversidePark and developers considering invest-ment in the neighborhood are best servedwhen the neighborhood clearly spells outits likes and dislikes with respect to develop-ment and preservation.

It is hoped that the study will encourage thetype of development considered desirableby the community, while curbing thosedevelopment practices considered noxious.To the extent that development can beinfluenced early on, it can save effort andexpense for both developers and the neigh-borhood in creating a productive workingrelationship.

Since there is a strong neighborhood con-sensus that tree canopy and landscapingare distinctive elements of Riverside Park,the study will place special emphasis onpreserving this aspect of the neighborhood.In addition, the study will review other dis-tinctive elements of the neighborhood tosee what can be done to preserve its over-all character.

Funding for this effort is limited, so thestudy may not be able to cover all areas thatthe neighborhood would like to review. Sofar, the Association and the City have iden-tified a total of $50,000 in funding, to

come from the City’s Neighborhood Capital Improvement Program ($35K), from thedevelopers of Bentley at Riverside ($10K),and from the Association itself ($5K). This isexpected to be adequate to study landscap-ing and zoning issues, but may not covertraffic issues.

Association representatives will be meetingwith City officials before the April 3rd RPRA General Meeting in order to further define

the scope of the study and prepare to put the study on the City Commission agendafor approval. Unless significant roadblocksarise, we expect the study to begin asearly as April. Be sure to attend the AprilGeneral RPRA Meeting for a full update onthis important land use study. In the meantime, feel free to contact RPRA PresidentDave Marshall at [email protected] orat 954-761-7164 with any inputs you mayhave regarding this study.

The Radford CenterRPRA PARK ACTIVITIES:Charles and Irene Radford Community Center - 555 SW 11th Avenueby Debbie Gasperic, Parks and Recreation Dept.

If fun and fitness are part of your plans forpersonal growth in 2005, you don’t have totravel far. The Fort Lauderdale Parks andRecreation Department is offering opportu-nities to get to know neighbors, burn calo-ries, reduce stress and kick up your heels atthe Charles and Irene Radford CommunityCenter in Riverside Park.

Offering for the Winter/Spring Season Including:

TENNIS PLUS(Beginning Feb. 14 2005)A life skills and tennis program that focuses onimproving positive behaviors and self-confidence inchildren ages 7-14. Four Week Sessions Monday andWednesday: 4:00 - 5:30 pmResident $40.00Nonresidents $46.00Y.E.S. participants $10.00.

YOGA Experience and learn relaxing beginner level tech-niques intended to help improve mental health andflexibility. Tuesday 6:00 pm to 7:30 pmResident $8.00Nonresidents $9.00.

STRETCH-N-TONE(Beginning Feb 23 2005)A non-aggressive stretching format designed toimprove your overall flexibility and muscle tone oncelearned these techniques can be applied to youractive and leisure life styles. Wednesday 10:30 - 12:00 noon Residents $8.00Nonresidents $9.00.

SOUTH FL SUPERSTARSA beginner level high-energy program for childrenage 5-12, is designed to improve hand-to-eye coordi-nation and balance and promotes teamwork.Wednesday 6:30- 7:30 pm A one-time registration fee $20.00Monthly program fee $40.00

BALLROOM DANCE CLASSThis step-by-step program is developed to interest the novice or skilled in dance. Each month it featuresa new dance as it mixes a little old with controversial.Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pmResidents $6.00Nonresidents $7.00

KIDS CARDIO CAMP(Watch for Start Date)For the Beginner or the little SchwarzeneggerAges7-14This fun and high-energy camp was developed tomeet the health, fitness, and weight challenges oftoday’s youth. Based on the President’s PhysicalFitness Program. Participants will be exposed to anexercise, nutrition and health collage. Tuesday 3:00-4:00 pmResident $30.00Nonresident $35.00Y.E.S participants $10.00

BRIDGE(Beginning Feb 17 2005)If cards are your thing, then Bridge is your game. Thismidmorning activity is intended to teach the noviceand challenge the experienced.Thursday 9:30-11:00 amFee: $3.00

For more information call 954 468-1553.

When you rent...The Importance ofTenant Screeningand References

by Tom Andrew, Vice President, RPRA

Our neighborhood is only as good as ourneighbors. Accordingly, the Riverside ParkResidents’ Association has long advocatedand embraced the inclusion of people of allraces, religions and orientations who shareour values of living together in a clean,quiet and safe community. With 3 of every4 dwellings in Riverside Park being non-owner occupied, renting residents largelydetermine the quality of our neighborhoodand therefore the quality of our lives.Because of this, landlords and propertymanagers have a special responsibility todetermine whether or not a potential ten-ant is a good citizen.

Tenant screening for a serious criminalrecord is an excellent toll for making thatdetermination. In addition to protectingneighborhood residents, a landlord or prop-erty manager can protect his or her proper-ty from crime by declining to rent to personswho have a history of victimizing others.In this “information age” it is easier than

ever to identify criminal risk. Anyone canuse www.google.com to look for accountsof a person’s crimes that have been in inter-net news. A number of reputable compa-nies provide more detailed information use-ful in tenant screening for a very reasonablefee. If you are a property manager with abusiness license and a minimum of 3 leases,you can register with Accurint (Call561.981.4778 or visit their website:www.accurint.com). Professional propertymanagers may also subscribe to Merchant’sAssociation of Florida for backgroundchecks (Call 800.226.4483). Of course, noone is advocating the exclusion of someonewho has been ticketed for jaywalking orother non-malicious offenses. But crimesthat are predatory in nature may be reveal-ing of the nature of the offender.

Cautious landlords and property owners alsoknow that job verification, responsible refer-ences, sufficient security deposits, anddecent credit can also help indicate andensure that a potential tenant is a responsi-ble person. Property and neighborhood canfurther be protected if lease agreementsinclude a clause regarding unlawful behaviorand disturbances, with violations of thisclause of the lease agreement being groundsfor forfeiture of deposit and/or eviction.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • MARINE • AUTO TINTING • LLUMAR FILM

WE COME TO YOU!

SUNDAY,APRIL 3 RPRA GENERAL MEETING

4:00 pm. at Radford Center (in the park - 551 SW 11th Ave.)

Riverside Park, City to ConductNeighborhood Compatibility Study

by Dave Marshall, President, RPRA

Noise

Himmarshee

CAN A CONSTRUCTION SITEOPERATE EQUIPMENT ALL

DAY AND ALL NIGHT?by Jessica Brown, RPRA Secretary

Has the noise from construction projectsever bothered you early in the morningor late in the evening? Well, believe itor not, construction companies mustcomply with noise ordinances and limittheir hours of operation. Our neighbor-hood currently has one large construc-tion site located on SW 18th Avenue,and we may be affected by many morein the future. This article will provide abrief overview of the City’s Noise ordi-nance as it relates to the hours of oper-ations for construction activities.

As outlined in Section 17-10 (4) of theCode of Ordinances of the City of FortLauderdale, it shall be “unlawful” forany person to operate or cause to beoperated equipment used in commer-cial construction, repair, alteration ordemolition on buildings, structures,streets, or alleyways, before 8:00 a.m.and after 7:00 p.m.

However, be advised there are someexceptions. The first exception isapproved public works transportationprojects. The second exception is a spe-cial permit issued by the City Managerfor emergency situations or if there is aspecial need. The special permit is validfor 30 days.

To report a violation of this ordinance,contact the police department at 954-828-5700, option #6.

In conclusion, without a special permit,it is a violation of the City’s NoiseOrdinance for construction activities uti-lizing heavy equipment to operatebefore 8:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.

If you would like to read in detail thenoise control ordinance or learn moreabout the Code of Ordinances of theCity of Fort Lauderdale visit

www.municode.comclick “online resources”, then select thestate of FL., scroll down to FortLauderdale, and select.

58

Himmarshee District ReviewsCompliance, Safety, OutsideAlcohol Sales

From the Desk of Commissioner HutchinsonI am sure by now most of you have read the articles in the news-

paper related to the Himmarshee Special Entertainment Districtalong SW 2nd Street in the Downtown, so thought I’d give you aquick update as to the progress.

George Gretsas, our City Manager, along with the consensus of the entire CityCommission, met various times with the business owners along 2nd Street to strive for a“team effort” in getting the area “back on track.” the Himmarshee District has beenextremely successful since its inception and by partnering together, businesses and the City,it will only ensure its continued success for the future.

On February 16, 2005 all 14 bars, clubs and restaurants signed agreements to:

1) Review compliance with the business sidewalk café license,apply for a license if not currently licensed.

2) Remove all beer tubs and portable bars from the sidewalks. Alltubs and bars must be located inside the premises.

3) No sale of alcoholic beverages on the sidewalks unless to per-sons seated at the tables within the boundaries of the licensedsidewalk café area.

4) All beverages sold to persons leaving the premises or from door-way/window bars must be dispensed into plastic cups. Any patronleaving an establishment with a beverage must have that beveragein a plastic cup. No glass bottles being carried by pedestrians on thesidewalks or in the surrounding lots.

5) Area shall be kept clean. Businesses will arrange for weeklypressure cleaning, including the bricked area in the street in frontof their business.

A lot of focus, especially in the newspapers, was put towards “gum on the sidewalks.”Quite frankly, dirty, gummy sidewalks set a tone for any area whether it’s a residential side-walk, a sidewalk in a shopping center or a sidewalk in the Entertainment District.

I look forward to this “team effort!” Our City Manager has also assured us of a moreaggressive police presence and once again together we look forward to a cleaner, saferand even more successful Himmarshee Entertainment District. Crime prevention and com-munity partnerships will remain the focus of the law enforcement effort to keep Riverwalksafe and enjoyable.

Just a reminder, if you need my assistance please contact me at (954) 828-5004. Myoffice times are Tuesday through Thursday. My pre-agenda meetings are held on the firstand third Monday of every month at 5:30 in the City Commission conference room on theeighth floor of City Hall. Everyone is very welcome and encouraged to attend.

Stranahan High School

Crime

6 7

We can never stress enough how impor-tant it is for everyone to report suspiciousactivities in the neighborhood. If you wit-ness drug trafficking, prostitution or suspi-cious people lurking in the neighborhoodpossibly looking for opportunities to breakinto cars, homes or businesses, call it in.

Any time you see something out of thenorm call the police. In doing so you createa report, and that report gets transmittedto the patrol officers. If the officers have adescription of a vehicle or a person sus-pected of being up to no good they will bemore alert in their patrolling. By reportingsuspicious activity or violence you mightprevent crime from happening.

The Police department responds promptlyto calls for service and citizen reports ofsuspicious activities. Areas with the mostcalls for service get the most attentionfrom the department. But the policedepartment can’t do it all by themselves –they need our help to identify crime pat-terns in our neighborhood.

Not only can we help fight crime by callingin suspicious behavior, but we can alsoreduce the opportunity for crime by devel-oping safe habits ourselves. If we don’tleave cellphones on the front seat of carsif we don’t leave our purses, keys, or wal-lets out in obvious places – if we don’tleave the keys in the car when we stepinside to retrieve a forgotten item – then

we leave fewer opportunities for criminalsto take advantage of our carelessness.

Another avenue to combat recurring drugtrafficking and prostitution is the NuisanceAbatement Board. This entity deals withbuildings which have a documented histo-ry of illegal activities taking place at theseaddresses. The landlords can be heldaccountable for the activities taking placein their buildings. But if we don’t report itthe vicious cycle just continues.

That is why we urge everyone to report sus-picious activities, As neighbors we thankyou for your vigilance, We all want to havea cleaner and safer neighborhood andtogether we just might be able to do it.

Sherwood Forestby Miranda Blogg, RPRA Board Member

Work Crew 9AMSaturday, April 2nd

Residents of the southern part ofRiverside Park have formed theSherwood Forest Committee in orderto respond to localized issues. Thisgroup meets regularly to discuss ongo-ing projects, which include the doggiebag dispenser, our community watchbike rides, and security issues at 18thAvenue and Davie Blvd.; as well as newagenda items. The committee is plan-ning to have their next meeting onMonday, April 11th.

At the most recent Sherwood Forestmeeting, we discussed the pedestrianaccess at the south end of 18th Ave (atSW 11th Ct). We agreed to work withthe 'Just for Kids' day care center toclean up the intersection of SW 18thAvenue and SW 11th Court.

Accordingly, our next RPRA work crewwill be held at 9:00 am on April 2nd(Sat), at Just for Kids. Please bring workgloves, clippers, and other useful tools(sledge hammers, anyone?).

For more information, pleasecontact Miranda Blogg at

954-467-5420.

SABAThe Squeaky Wheel Gets the Oil:RP Residents must continue to report crime. by Marie Bessette,. Board Member, RPRASouth Andrews

Business Association–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The South Andrews BusinessAssociation (SABA) invites you

to hearBroward County MayorKristin Jacobs

at their next SABA General Meeting

Wednesday, April 20, 20055:30PM Networking/6PM Program

At the Women in Distress Bldg.1153 South Andrews Avenue

(at Davie Blvd.)For more information call

Jeryl Madfis at 954-463-0833

Ms. Deborah Owens, New Principal, Welcomed by Stranahan Highby Brian Dassler, English Teacher, Stranahan High School

New Principal for Stranahan —Stranahan said good-bye to principal EgleGallagher in December and hello to princi-pal Deborah Owens in February. Ms. Owensmost recently served as assistant principaland second-in-command at Dillard HighSchool. Previous experience included fiveyears as an assistant principal at MiramarHigh School and diverse roles such as sci-ence teacher, science department chair, girlsbasketball coach, and athletic director atDeerfield Beach Middle School. Stranahan isexcited to welcome its new principal

Curriculum Reform Coming toStranahan — Throughout the schoolyear, administrators, teachers, students,business partners, community leaders andothers have participated in a national discus-sion about how high schools, Stranahanspecifically, can reform themselves to bettermeet the needs of all students. The conver-sation has centered around the principles ofrigor, relevance, and personalization -termsthat dominate the national dialogue on highschool reform. Stakeholders have designeda plan that will place all incoming ninthgraders in a small learning community -where a small group of teachers and a smallgroup of students will be teamed with oneanother for an entire year. In followingyears, tenth through twelfth grade studentswill choose small learning communities thatare interdisciplinary and career-focused.

Engineering Students LookToward National RoboticsCompetition — For the second year in arow, engineering students have built a robotfrom scratch that will compete against teams from all over the country. Teachers David Platt and James Payne led the successful effort to the Peachtree Regional Competition where Stranahan's robot received compliments from teams from all over the south.

Stranahan Teachers Win Grantsfrom Best Buy — Social studies teacherJuan Formoso and English teacher BrianDassler both received $2,500 Te@ch Awardsfrom Best Buy. Mr. Formoso and Mr. Dasslerwill use their separate grants to purchaselaptops and other technology to use in theirclassrooms.

Stranahan's StudentGovernment Association (SGA)recently adopted a street in the RiversidePark neighborhood and conducted a clean-up as part of its March Madness spirit activ-ities. Other activities held during MarchMadness included a smartest teacher con-test benefiting St. Jude's Children's Hospitaland various spirit days. Mr. ThomasKostolansky, SGA advisor, organized theclean-up and other March Madness activi-ties with the leadership of Stranahan'sStudent Government.

Students, Staff Raise $2,000+ forLeukemia Society — The leadership ofscience teacher Francisco Saravia resulted inanother outstanding pennies campaign forthe Leukemia Society. A competition amongfifth period classes netted $2,476.41 thatwill directly benefit the Leukemia Society.The Stranahan teacher whose class collect-ed the most pennies was Ms. StephanieKeen - her fifth period raised almost $275.

Partnership with North BrowardHospital District — Stranahan sen-iors Sharde Chambers, Alana Edun, JanetJoseph, Christina Mathew, and JarrodMatthei are currently participating in aninternship at Broward General MedicalCenter. The interns are members ofStranahan's medical magnet programand will rotate with various doctors andmedical professionals at BrowardGeneral.

Students Assist with ServiceProjects — Students in Stranahan'sAcademy of Environmental Studies andCommunications assisted in the City ofFort Lauderdale's Citizen Volunteer Corpsneighborhood clean-up. Led by scienceteacher Mrs. Jennifer Hamilton, the stu-dents volunteered on behalf of theRiverside Park Residents' Association.

Stranahan Alumnus Gives Back— Andre King ('93) recently visited hisalma mater to share encouraging wordswith students during lunchtime presenta-tions and with student-athletes and theirfamilies at an awards ceremony. Mr.King is a member of the ClevelandBrowns and has generously donatedequipment to Stranahan's athletic pro-

gram including cleats and receiver/linegloves. Mr. King's visit is a credit to thegreat education he received at Stranahanand the relationship that teacher Mr.James Gard has maintained with Mr.King over the years.

African - American LiteratureCircle — Social studies teacher PatriciaLesesne is assisting in the coordination ofan African-American Literature Circle inconjunction with the African-AmericanResearch Library and Cultural Center anda faculty member at Florida AtlanticUniversity. Students participating in theliterature circle are reading Things FallApart and are meeting every other weekat the AARLC to discuss the book withlibrary staff and volunteers from FAU.

Partnerships with WaterWorks2011 — Students in Stranahan's ninthgrade Academy of Environmental Studiesand Communications are assisting theCity of Fort Lauderdale's WaterWorks2011 project with public outreachefforts, including writing news releases,text for web pages, brochures, etc.Many of the students will go on a tour ofprojects that are currently under con-struction as Fort Lauderdale seeks to

improve its infrastructure. Engineeringmagnet students continue to work withengineering firm CH2MHill on theWaterWorks project. Engineering stu-dents are learning how the competitivebid process works and will submit theirown bid for a construction project usingcost estimation software. The winningteam will receive recognition from theCity Commission.

Black History Presentation — Stranahan's Black History Committeeproudly sponsored three performances ofTony Thompson's "Just Us: From BeanPickers to Presidents" a celebration ofthe history of Black Fort Lauderdale inFebruary. "Just Us" told the story of FortLauderdale pioneers like John Hill and Dr.Niara Sudarkasa and how their influencecontinues to shape the Fort Lauderdalewe know today. The presentation wasorganized by teacher Ms. Deanne Taylorand included performances by membersof Stranahan's band and gospel choir.

Congratulations to Senior,Tanesha Clark, for receiving the JeromeEdmund Gray Youth Achiever awardand a four-year scholarship to FSU.

Noise

Himmarshee

CAN A CONSTRUCTION SITEOPERATE EQUIPMENT ALL

DAY AND ALL NIGHT?by Jessica Brown, RPRA Secretary

Has the noise from construction projectsever bothered you early in the morningor late in the evening? Well, believe itor not, construction companies mustcomply with noise ordinances and limittheir hours of operation. Our neighbor-hood currently has one large construc-tion site located on SW 18th Avenue,and we may be affected by many morein the future. This article will provide abrief overview of the City’s Noise ordi-nance as it relates to the hours of oper-ations for construction activities.

As outlined in Section 17-10 (4) of theCode of Ordinances of the City of FortLauderdale, it shall be “unlawful” forany person to operate or cause to beoperated equipment used in commer-cial construction, repair, alteration ordemolition on buildings, structures,streets, or alleyways, before 8:00 a.m.and after 7:00 p.m.

However, be advised there are someexceptions. The first exception isapproved public works transportationprojects. The second exception is a spe-cial permit issued by the City Managerfor emergency situations or if there is aspecial need. The special permit is validfor 30 days.

To report a violation of this ordinance,contact the police department at 954-828-5700, option #6.

In conclusion, without a special permit,it is a violation of the City’s NoiseOrdinance for construction activities uti-lizing heavy equipment to operatebefore 8:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.

If you would like to read in detail thenoise control ordinance or learn moreabout the Code of Ordinances of theCity of Fort Lauderdale visit

www.municode.comclick “online resources”, then select thestate of FL., scroll down to FortLauderdale, and select.

58

Himmarshee District ReviewsCompliance, Safety, OutsideAlcohol Sales

From the Desk of Commissioner HutchinsonI am sure by now most of you have read the articles in the news-

paper related to the Himmarshee Special Entertainment Districtalong SW 2nd Street in the Downtown, so thought I’d give you aquick update as to the progress.

George Gretsas, our City Manager, along with the consensus of the entire CityCommission, met various times with the business owners along 2nd Street to strive for a“team effort” in getting the area “back on track.” the Himmarshee District has beenextremely successful since its inception and by partnering together, businesses and the City,it will only ensure its continued success for the future.

On February 16, 2005 all 14 bars, clubs and restaurants signed agreements to:

1) Review compliance with the business sidewalk café license,apply for a license if not currently licensed.

2) Remove all beer tubs and portable bars from the sidewalks. Alltubs and bars must be located inside the premises.

3) No sale of alcoholic beverages on the sidewalks unless to per-sons seated at the tables within the boundaries of the licensedsidewalk café area.

4) All beverages sold to persons leaving the premises or from door-way/window bars must be dispensed into plastic cups. Any patronleaving an establishment with a beverage must have that beveragein a plastic cup. No glass bottles being carried by pedestrians on thesidewalks or in the surrounding lots.

5) Area shall be kept clean. Businesses will arrange for weeklypressure cleaning, including the bricked area in the street in frontof their business.

A lot of focus, especially in the newspapers, was put towards “gum on the sidewalks.”Quite frankly, dirty, gummy sidewalks set a tone for any area whether it’s a residential side-walk, a sidewalk in a shopping center or a sidewalk in the Entertainment District.

I look forward to this “team effort!” Our City Manager has also assured us of a moreaggressive police presence and once again together we look forward to a cleaner, saferand even more successful Himmarshee Entertainment District. Crime prevention and com-munity partnerships will remain the focus of the law enforcement effort to keep Riverwalksafe and enjoyable.

Just a reminder, if you need my assistance please contact me at (954) 828-5004. Myoffice times are Tuesday through Thursday. My pre-agenda meetings are held on the firstand third Monday of every month at 5:30 in the City Commission conference room on theeighth floor of City Hall. Everyone is very welcome and encouraged to attend.

94

Historical Poster SalesBooming Success for RP

by Judy Reardon, Advertising Manager

Historical Posters on Las Olas proved abooming success for Riverside Park. Over$1200 worth of prints, and several hundreddollars worth of frames, were sold by thestalwart group of enthusiastic volunteersfrom RPRA who turned out to man ourbooth at the Las Olas Art Festival. Four differ-ent prints depicting Las Olas Boulevard circa1912, Stranahan House circa 1915, theAndrews Ave Bridge, circa 1919, and PortEverglades circa 1932, were sold in a choiceof black and white, black on ivory, and sepiatone prints.

These beautiful historical posters, great forhome or office, sold for $15 each, two for$25, or four for $40. Framed posters wentfor $25 or $40 depending on the type offrame. Copies of each print are still available.

If you would like to purchase a poster pleaseemail me at [email protected] or callme at 954.462.1653.

Call soon, while supplies last.

As a response to the increasing pressure fordevelopment of Riverside Park, yourAssociation has teamed up with City plan-ning officials to conduct a neighborhoodcompatibility study addressing the impactof development on the neighborhood.

The purpose of the study will be to identifythose neighborhood elements most worthpreserving, and to put guidelines in place toensure that development does not adverse-ly affect them. The RPRA Board feelsstrongly that both residents of RiversidePark and developers considering invest-ment in the neighborhood are best servedwhen the neighborhood clearly spells outits likes and dislikes with respect to develop-ment and preservation.

It is hoped that the study will encourage thetype of development considered desirableby the community, while curbing thosedevelopment practices considered noxious.To the extent that development can beinfluenced early on, it can save effort andexpense for both developers and the neigh-borhood in creating a productive workingrelationship.

Since there is a strong neighborhood con-sensus that tree canopy and landscapingare distinctive elements of Riverside Park,the study will place special emphasis onpreserving this aspect of the neighborhood.In addition, the study will review other dis-tinctive elements of the neighborhood tosee what can be done to preserve its over-all character.

Funding for this effort is limited, so thestudy may not be able to cover all areas thatthe neighborhood would like to review. Sofar, the Association and the City have iden-tified a total of $50,000 in funding, to

come from the City’s Neighborhood Capital Improvement Program ($35K), from thedevelopers of Bentley at Riverside ($10K),and from the Association itself ($5K). This isexpected to be adequate to study landscap-ing and zoning issues, but may not covertraffic issues.

Association representatives will be meetingwith City officials before the April 3rd RPRA General Meeting in order to further define

the scope of the study and prepare to put the study on the City Commission agendafor approval. Unless significant roadblocksarise, we expect the study to begin asearly as April. Be sure to attend the AprilGeneral RPRA Meeting for a full update onthis important land use study. In the meantime, feel free to contact RPRA PresidentDave Marshall at [email protected] orat 954-761-7164 with any inputs you mayhave regarding this study.

The Radford CenterRPRA PARK ACTIVITIES:Charles and Irene Radford Community Center - 555 SW 11th Avenueby Debbie Gasperic, Parks and Recreation Dept.

If fun and fitness are part of your plans forpersonal growth in 2005, you don’t have totravel far. The Fort Lauderdale Parks andRecreation Department is offering opportu-nities to get to know neighbors, burn calo-ries, reduce stress and kick up your heels atthe Charles and Irene Radford CommunityCenter in Riverside Park.

Offering for the Winter/Spring Season Including:

TENNIS PLUS(Beginning Feb. 14 2005)A life skills and tennis program that focuses onimproving positive behaviors and self-confidence inchildren ages 7-14. Four Week Sessions Monday andWednesday: 4:00 - 5:30 pmResident $40.00Nonresidents $46.00Y.E.S. participants $10.00.

YOGA Experience and learn relaxing beginner level tech-niques intended to help improve mental health andflexibility. Tuesday 6:00 pm to 7:30 pmResident $8.00Nonresidents $9.00.

STRETCH-N-TONE(Beginning Feb 23 2005)A non-aggressive stretching format designed toimprove your overall flexibility and muscle tone oncelearned these techniques can be applied to youractive and leisure life styles. Wednesday 10:30 - 12:00 noon Residents $8.00Nonresidents $9.00.

SOUTH FL SUPERSTARSA beginner level high-energy program for childrenage 5-12, is designed to improve hand-to-eye coordi-nation and balance and promotes teamwork.Wednesday 6:30- 7:30 pm A one-time registration fee $20.00Monthly program fee $40.00

BALLROOM DANCE CLASSThis step-by-step program is developed to interest the novice or skilled in dance. Each month it featuresa new dance as it mixes a little old with controversial.Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pmResidents $6.00Nonresidents $7.00

KIDS CARDIO CAMP(Watch for Start Date)For the Beginner or the little SchwarzeneggerAges7-14This fun and high-energy camp was developed tomeet the health, fitness, and weight challenges oftoday’s youth. Based on the President’s PhysicalFitness Program. Participants will be exposed to anexercise, nutrition and health collage. Tuesday 3:00-4:00 pmResident $30.00Nonresident $35.00Y.E.S participants $10.00

BRIDGE(Beginning Feb 17 2005)If cards are your thing, then Bridge is your game. Thismidmorning activity is intended to teach the noviceand challenge the experienced.Thursday 9:30-11:00 amFee: $3.00

For more information call 954 468-1553.

When you rent...The Importance ofTenant Screeningand References

by Tom Andrew, Vice President, RPRA

Our neighborhood is only as good as ourneighbors. Accordingly, the Riverside ParkResidents’ Association has long advocatedand embraced the inclusion of people of allraces, religions and orientations who shareour values of living together in a clean,quiet and safe community. With 3 of every4 dwellings in Riverside Park being non-owner occupied, renting residents largelydetermine the quality of our neighborhoodand therefore the quality of our lives.Because of this, landlords and propertymanagers have a special responsibility todetermine whether or not a potential ten-ant is a good citizen.

Tenant screening for a serious criminalrecord is an excellent toll for making thatdetermination. In addition to protectingneighborhood residents, a landlord or prop-erty manager can protect his or her proper-ty from crime by declining to rent to personswho have a history of victimizing others.In this “information age” it is easier than

ever to identify criminal risk. Anyone canuse www.google.com to look for accountsof a person’s crimes that have been in inter-net news. A number of reputable compa-nies provide more detailed information use-ful in tenant screening for a very reasonablefee. If you are a property manager with abusiness license and a minimum of 3 leases,you can register with Accurint (Call561.981.4778 or visit their website:www.accurint.com). Professional propertymanagers may also subscribe to Merchant’sAssociation of Florida for backgroundchecks (Call 800.226.4483). Of course, noone is advocating the exclusion of someonewho has been ticketed for jaywalking orother non-malicious offenses. But crimesthat are predatory in nature may be reveal-ing of the nature of the offender.

Cautious landlords and property owners alsoknow that job verification, responsible refer-ences, sufficient security deposits, anddecent credit can also help indicate andensure that a potential tenant is a responsi-ble person. Property and neighborhood canfurther be protected if lease agreementsinclude a clause regarding unlawful behaviorand disturbances, with violations of thisclause of the lease agreement being groundsfor forfeiture of deposit and/or eviction.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • MARINE • AUTO TINTING • LLUMAR FILM

WE COME TO YOU!

SUNDAY,APRIL 3 RPRA GENERAL MEETING

4:00 pm. at Radford Center (in the park - 551 SW 11th Ave.)

Riverside Park, City to ConductNeighborhood Compatibility Study

by Dave Marshall, President, RPRA

The Sewer Connection

3

STEP 1: Pay Connection FeeNotification – Property owners will be notified in the mail that they will have90 days to pay and connect to the sewer system. Once you receive this notice,you should begin this process. Payment – Satisfy your connection fee payment using one of the followingmethods:• Submit check or money order with the remittance form included inthe notice in person or by mail to: City of Fort Lauderdale Treasury Division,100 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301.• Obtain and complete a “Promissory Note and Lien on PropertyForm” if you are eligible to finance the connection fee. This should be donein person at the address listed above.• If you have applied and been determined to be eligible for theSewer Connection Assistance Grant, you will receive a grant award letter inthe mail, and you do not have to follow any of the steps listed below. At theappropriate time, the City will contact you to arrange for a plumber to con-nect your building’s plumbing to the new sanitary sewer system.Receipt – Retain your payment receipt or copy of executed “Promissory Noteand Lien on Property Form” from the Treasury Division. If payment was madevia mail, the Treasury Division will mail you the receipt.

STEP 2: Obtain Required PermitsThere are two permits required for all new sanitary sewer connections:• Permit approval from the Broward County Department of Planningand Environmental Protection (DEEP) is required first. This office is located at218 SW 1 Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale (Phone: 954.519.1414).There are two forms, Information for Approval, and Plan Substitution, thatmust be completed and presented to the DEEP permit counter for approval.It is estimated that this approval costs approximately $35. The legal descrip-tion/subdivision name can be found on your property tax bill, if a survey is notavailable. The building department jurisdiction is "Fort Lauderdale" and thewastewater treatment plant is the “George T. Lohmeyer RWWTP”. • A plumbing permit is required from the City of Fort LauderdaleBuilding Services Division, located at 300 NW 1 Avenue (Phone:954.828.5191). The plumbing permit can be obtained by a licensed contrac-tor or by the property owner under an owner-builder arrangement. A typicalplumbing permit for one sewer connection and one septic tank abandonmentcosts approximately $55 to $60, and the sewer connection fee paymentreceipt must be presented at the time of submittal.

In addition to the permits listed above, other forms may be required includingbut not limited to:• An Owner Builder Permit Affidavit Form is required if a propertyowner applies for the plumbing permit and the property owner lives at thataddress. The owner will be required to sign a notarized plumbing permitapplication. • A Notice of Commencement is required if the total cost of installingthe sewer line exceeds $2,500. The Notice of Commencement can beobtained from the Broward County Records Division, located at the BrowardCounty Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 114. TheNotice of Commencement form, along with the instructions for completingand recording a Notice of Commencement is available upon request.

When the required plumbing permit application is submitted to the City ofFort Lauderdale, the DEEP approval must be attached, and a copy of therecorded Notice of Commencement (if required) must be attached as well.The original recorded Notice of Commencement is required to be on the jobsite when a plumbing inspection is performed. All required forms can beobtained by contacting the WaterWorks 2011 Call Center at 954.522.2604or online at www.waterworks2011.com.

STEP 3: Connect to the Sewer SystemSewer Connection – You have the option of hiring a plumbing contractor toinstall the necessary plumbing from your home or business to the sewer later-al, or you may complete this work yourself. The inside of this guide outlinesinstructions and helpful hints for property owners that will be completing thiswork on their own. Tank Abandonment – After your building is connected to the sewer system,your septic tank must be properly abandoned. The tanks’ contents must bepumped out and properly disposed. Next, a hole must be knocked in the bot-tom of the septic tank and the tank must be filled with a clean material suchas sand or gravel.

STEP 4: Final InspectionAfter connection to the sewer system is complete, and the septic tank hasbeen properly abandoned, you must arrange for final inspection of the con-nection in accordance with the requirements of the plumbing permit.Inspections can be scheduled by calling 954.828.5191 or online at the webaddress listed above.

The 4-Step Sewer Connection Process — What to Do after the Sewer Main is Complete

Sewers in Riverside ParkContinued from page 1The Water Works planners are currently assessing pump station loca-tions that will provide operational effectiveness and maintenance accesswhile minimizing the aesthetic impact on the neighborhood.Photographs of existing pump stations reviewed by the RPRA Board ofDirectors suggest that the type of pump stations we will be getting aremostly underground, with an above-ground structure roughly the sizeof a refrigerator that can be partially isolated from view by landscaping.

Be sure to attend the April 3 RPRA meeting to learn more about thelocations of the 3 pump stations (one for each zone) and other proj-ect specifics. and to hear from Tarpon River resident Sara Horn abouther neighborhood’s experience when their sewer lines were installed.

David MarshallRiversideParkResidents’Association, Inc.P.O. Box 122, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33302

_______________________________________________

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Riverside Park Residents’ Association (RPRA) exists to pro-tect and promote the best interests of its residents includingimproving public facilities and services and fostering goodwill,cooperation, community and civic spirit, and friendship amongthe residents We are committed to cooperating with publicofficials and other community groups to encourage and pro-mote the development, redevelopment and improvement ofthe Riverside Park area and to publish information regardingthe development of the Riverside Park area._______________________________________________

CURRENT RIVERSIDE PARK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004-2005

President: David Marshall ............................ 954-761-7164Vice President: Tom Andrew ....................... 954-467-7223Treasurer: Richard Harper ............................ 954-463-4352Secretary: Jessica Brown............................... 954-486-9954DIRECTORS:Todd Adderly ................................................ 954-445-4078Marie Bessette .............................................. 954-760-9962Miranda Blogg ............................................. 954-467-5420Steve Boone ................................................. 954-524-7426Reed Markee ................................................ 305-389-5587Judy Reardon................................................. 954-462-1653Tod Sloan ...................................................... 954-462-4380

_______________________________________________

ABOUT THE RPRA NEWSLETTERThe Riverside Park Neighborhood News is a publication ofRiverside Park Residents’ Association, Inc. (RPRA). It reports onneighborhood events, including the activities of the RPRA andthe neighborhood’s charitable corporation, RiversideRenaissance, Inc.

Monthly typesetting, editing, and advertising by Charlie Read,www.firewatercreative.net , 954-888-8948. Original newslet-ter design by Joani Mullen.

ADVERTISING MANAGER:Judy Reardon 954.462.1653 or JudyReardon @yahoo.com

ADVERTISING RATES:Size 1Quarter 2Quarters 3Quarters One Year

Bus. Card $ 20 $ 40 $ 55 $ 701/4 Page $ 40 $ 80 $110 $1401/2 Page $ 70 $140 $200 $250Full Page $100 $200 $280 $350_______________________________________________Riverside Park is a neighborhood in southwest Fort Lauderdale,Florida bordered by Broward Boulevard,Davie Boulevard, I-95and the north and south forks of the New River. See below:

2 11

RPRA GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY,APRIL 3 4:00 pm. at Radford Center (in the park - 551 SW 11th Ave.)

President’s MessageFrom time to time, people ask me, “Why are you involved in your neighborhood associ-ation? Isn’t that just for people with too much time on their hands?” While involvementin the association certainly can take time, in my opinion, the benefits I receive outweighthe price I pay in time and effort.

Let me give two examples to show how neighborhood involvement is a case of enlightenedself-interest: the impending neighborhood sewer construction project, and the neighbor-hood compatibility study that the Association is working on together with the City.

Most of you are already well aware that the Waterworks 2011 project will be installing sew-ers in Riverside Park and elsewhere in the City, in time for Fort Lauderdale’s centennial cele-bration in 2011. As the articles included in this newsletter explain, the process will soonaffect our neighborhood, with Phase 1-A construction (south of Stranahan HS) scheduledto begin this summer. Although a major construction project like this one will always requirethe patience of neighborhood residents, the Waterworks project team is working hard tominimize the disruption – and to do that effectively, they need neighborhood input.

In parallel with the sewer installation, the Association is working with the City to conducta Neighborhood Compatibility Study. This study is intended to identify and help protect thedistinctive elements or our neighborhood, such as tree canopy, as the neighborhood devel-ops over time. Doing the study now will help ensure that developers understand what isimportant to Riverside Park residents when they consider projects in our area – and withsewers coming, developers are sure to be looking hard at our neighborhood. So with theprotections in place, we can improve both the value of our property, and our long-termquality of life in the neighborhood.

No doubt both of these projects could happen without direct neighborhood associationinvolvement – in fact, they could happen without the existence of a neighborhood asso-ciation. But the sewer project would probably be much more disruptive – and the neigh-borhood compatibility study might never happen at all – without input from multiplearea residents.

Henry Ford is reported to have said, “If you need a machine, and don’t buy it, you’ll pay forit without getting it.” Likewise, you can choose to be uninvolved in neighborhood projects,but your lack of involvement is likely to cost you in other ways, whether through inconven-ience during a sewer project or through reduced quality of life down the road.

There are numerous other projects I could highlight here – from anti-crime initiatives inSherwood Forest, to cooperative efforts with Stranahan High School at City CVC projects,to new recreational opportunities at the Radford Community Center in the Park – whereyour investment of a couple hours a month can mean the difference between a strongerneighborhood which enhances the city you live in, and a troubled neighborhood whichweakens it. So take a moment to consider how you can best contribute to your own well-being by putting in a couple of hours on behalf of the neighborhood, and then let usknow at the next General Meeting.

We’ll be looking for you!David Marshall, RPRA Board President

BAYSIDE MARKETImpressive Wine Selection — We sell Mondavi, not M.D.!

LARGEST SELECTIONImport and domestic Beer and Wine

Over 50 Brands of Import BeerHuge selection of affordably priced Grocery Items

Widest selection of RefreshmentsCigars — Cigarettes — Medicine — Pet Food

Cleaning Products — Organic and Soy Milk — Organic yogurt

LOOK NO FURTHER!

BREAKFAST ITEMSBarnie’s Gourmet Coffee & Cappuccino

Ice Creams — Ben and Jerry’s — Good Humor — Dove BarIce Cream Bars — Sandwiches — Novelties

Full Deli – Coming Soon

DELIVERY AVAILABLE — OPEN SEVEN DAYSEverything is always fresh, satisfaction guaranteed.

Look for the weekly specials - Accept all major credit cards

557 SW 12TH AVE 954-523-4409Located south of the swing bridge and just west of the new Riverside Park Community Center

Join Today!

Riverside Park Neighborhood News

APRIL 2005



UPCOMINGEVENTS:

————————SUNDAY,APRIL 3GENERAL MEET-

ING4:00 pm.

at Radford Center (in the park - 551 SW

11th Ave.) ————————

INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER:——————

RPRA & City To Conduct

Compatibility Study— page 9

——————Construction Noise inYour Neighborhood

— page5——————

Sherwood ForestCommittee

— page 5——————

Stranahan High Update— page 6

——————Radford Park

Activities— page 4

Waterworks 2011 Project Design ManagerDoug VanNote and Deputy Program ManagerNannette Woods , will attend RPRA’s April 3General Meeting to review the latest sewerplans for Riverside Park. The Waterworks 2011team, which is responsible for planning andimplementing city-wide sewer installation, hasdeveloped a three-phase construction plan forsewer installation in Riverside Park, beginningwith the area south of Stranahan High School(Area 1-A –see map below).

Constructions in Area 1-A is scheduled to beginin late July or early August 2005 and finishabout 12 months later. The areas north of theschool and east of the school (Areas 1-B and 1-C – see map) will be done after the completionof Area 1-A; the current schedule calls for thesephases to begin in January of 2006 and end 12months later, assuming that Area 1-A is com-pleted on time.

The construction phase is followed by a 3-month certification period, after which home-owners will have 90 days to connect to the sys-tem. For residents in Area 1-A, these processesare planned for July-Sept. 2006 and Oct. Dec.2006, respectively.

Phased Approach Minimizes DisruptionDividing the project into phases (as opposed todoing the whole neighborhood all at once) is

necessary to keep the project and its impactmanageable, especially with regard to trafficmanagement. As we are aware, it is necessaryto tear up our streets in order to install thesewer mains. The team has developed a trafficmanagement plan (“maintenance of traffic”, orMOT plan) that preserves residents’ access toand from their homes.

Obviously, when the street directly in front ofyour house is being torn-up, you may need topark down the street. And when the mainroads are being torn up, you may need to use adifferent neighborhood entrance.

Despite the best efforts of the Waterworks2011 team, there is no avoiding project-relatedinconvenience. Our patience will be required.For its part, the City is committed to providingus with current project information and Q & Abrochures, overseeing the contractors usingperformance-based standards, and ensuringthat trauma to our swales, landscaping anddriveways will be repaired or restored.

Continued page 3

Be sure to attend the April 3 RPRA meetingto learn more about the locations of the 3pump stations (one for each zone) andother project specifics. and to hear fromTarpon River resident Sara Horn about herneighborhood’s experience when theirsewer lines were installed.

Riverside Park Residents’Association Membership Form

Name _________________________________________

Street Address (No P.O. Boxes)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Phone___________________Fax ___________________

E-mail___________________Occupation_____________

Company Name _________________________________

Check all that apply below:

� New Member � Renewal

� Own a home and reside in Riverside Park

� Nonresident � Rent in Riverside Park

� Youth (under 18)

� Non resident Property Owner

Membership: $15 per year, per person (Includes monthly Membership Advisory) Additional Contributions: Please consider making an additional contribution to support neighborhood improvement projects, publications, and other activities.

� $25 � $50 � $100

$__________ other contributions

TOTAL ENCLOSED: FOR MEMBERSHIP FEE,AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS:

$______________ Thank You!

Please make check payable to: Riverside Park Residents’ Association

Please fill out form completely, detach this page and mail with payment to: Riverside Park Residents’ Association, P.O. Box 122, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33302

Please list any volunteer services or donations you canprovide to RPRA and a representative will contact youfor further arrangements:_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Sewer Installation in RP toBegin Late Summer

by Tom Andrew, RPRA Board Member

Is your home and personalsafety important to you?

Then join a very worthwhile effort:your neighborhood association!

The Riverside Park Residents' Association has been success-ful but needs you more than ever now! Numbers count andyour participation and membership will make the differ-ence. Contact one of the Board Members today and discusshow you can help.

As residents of Riverside Park, we are proud of the specialfeel our neighborhood has. And we're working hard toimprove it. We invite you to become a part of RiversidePark, and to help us build it into an even betterplace to live and play.

What is it worth to you? For as little as $15 per year you canprotect the value of your home, improve neighborhoodsafety, and enhance your social life at the same time!Together we will make the difference!

General Meetings are currently held on the first Sundayof each month at 4PM in Riverside Park at the RadfordCommunity Center, 551 SW 11th Ave.

The next general meeting of the Riverside Park ResidentsAssociation is scheduled for Sunday,April 3,2005 at 4:00 pm.Please be sure to pay your dues and become involved!

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begin late summer sewer installation in rp to events ... blogg ..... 954-467-5420 steve boone ........

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