Washington Park Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Dist.

Washington Park Civic Association Inc Minutes for May 8th 2003

Jun 11, 2003

WASHINGTON PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION INC
P O BOX 1233
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33311

May 8, 2003

We opened with prayer at 7:47PM.

Lt Fleming said they made an arrest on 28th and 6th Court for marijuana and a weapon. Thirteen arrests $305.00 in money collected. 2950 NW 8th Street towed a vehicle, 19 felonies arrest 12 misdemeanor, 15 notices to appear and 87 traffic tickets for Central County. Lt Fleming said they were having a problem locating the people on Mr Edison?’s property. Lt Fleming said he wants to meet with Mr. Edison and asked that Mr. Edison give his number to Deputy Joseph to further discuss the problem. Eugene wanted to thank Deputy Joseph for doing a good job and that the residents like him. New Code Enforcement Officer is Joy and she works 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Vehicles that are not running and parked in the right away can be towed after five days. Code and Zoning said no commercial vehicles should be parked in this neighborhood. She asked that we call her if we see any violations. She will be working on the vacant lots that are overgrown and have illegal dumping. Mrs. Giles said she has a problem with dogs. They beat up on her cat. Joy suggested calling animal control.

Ted Vitale said that the election of the Neighborhood Enhancement and Preservation Council would be held tonight. Voters must live within the District boundary, which are Sunrise Boulevard, Northwest 6th Street, Northwest 31st Avenue and Northwest 27th Avenue. He asked that everyone sign in. Ted explained what the Neighborhood Enhancement and Preservation Plan are about and Joe Eggelletion Jr sponsored that it. He said the Council was elected two years ago. The election was advertised in the Sun Sentinel last Saturday according to the Florida Statue. He asked if there were any questions and there were none.

The nominees for the election were Edison Wheeler, Gus Mackey, Jerry Wright, Sherry Graham (all declined), Idella Wright, Ivette Spence Brown, Sandra Bloodsaw, Yvonne Sumlin, Eugene Franklin, Sharon Coley and Julia Porter. Eugene asked if anyone wanted to nominate him or herself and there was no one. Twenty-two of the twenty-five people present voted and the winners were Eugene Franklin, Yvonne Sumlin, Julia Porter, Sandy Bloodsaw and Idella Wright. Ted said the Amendments for the Plan will go before the County Commission Meeting on June 6, 2003 and anyone can attend the meeting.

Eugene said to qualify for grant money from Community Development you must live in the home. Mr Edison has turned down the grant for $10,000.00. Runnell said she won the $10,000.00 grant and has called Ruby but has not been able to reach her. Eugene said we have changed from the lottery to a list for this year?’s grant money. A list will be made of the houses that need work. A list will also be taken from Lafayette Hart Association. The Neighborhood Enhancement and Preservation Council will take the list and work on the houses that need the work the most. Eugene asked Commissioner Rodstrom about the SHIP money. He said he had asked for $2,000,000.00 for his entire district. Eugene said he has been working with the Legislation regarding the real estate tax for our senior citizens. We have room for over 700 houses in Washington Park. New houses do increase our taxes. The lots were valued at $4500.00 to $5700.00 for a vacant lots four or five years ago and lots with houses were $6500.00. Today a lot is valued at $19,000.00 and the house and lot together for 1200 square feet is $85,000.00. We need to contact our Representatives Mandy Dawson and Chris Smith about helping our senior citizens with the taxes on their homes. He would like to have a building that can hold 10 to 15 senior citizens if they lost their home because of the taxes. When a home is built for senior citizens there are special tax credits available. He has also asked for help from SHIP funds. Warren said some people lose their home due to pride and maybe the Council needs to look into whom the people are that are losing their home for the taxes. Runnell suggested having a fund like a Sunshine Fund to purchase the properties that are being sold for taxes so we could help the resident.

Mrs. Giles questioned the status of our building. Eugene said Parks budget was cut back and we don?’t have enough property for a building. There is no money for a building right now.

Idella said $210.00 was collected in dues.

Mrs. Brunson motioned to adjourn and Mrs. Glee seconded the motion, meeting adjourned at 10PM