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Mayor’s Message

t seems like just yesterday that I was sworn in as mayor alongside the City
Commission. Over the spring and summer since then, we've been working hard to
Ikeep the promises made about smart growth, infrastructure, traffic, homelessness
and other matters. We can celebrate many successes.
The city succeeded in terminating the controversial Wave streetcar project. In the end,
even the state and county agreed that the price simply became too exorbitant. There
was widespread agreement that we need a better solution to downtown traffic. One
initial idea has arisen – creating a one-way traffic loop around the downtown that
would have a dedicated lane for a rapid transit bus line as well as room for bike
paths and wider sidewalks.

Meanwhile, the commission has made traffic light synchronization a top priority. We
are looking at creating LauderTrail, a network of connected bike paths across the city.
I’ve also been pitching the idea of a train tunnel under the New River to ease
congestion downtown and allow train and maritime traffic to better co-exist.
Members of the City Commission and I also campaigned to no longer raid our water
Dean Trantalis and sewer utilities to pay for general operating expenses of the city. That money
Mayor should address the serious problem of our aging infrastructure. The commission has
agreed to move away from the “return on investment” strategy over a four-year
period. We are making progress on upgrading the water and sewer infrastructure and
have pursuing a $200 million plan to address the neighborhoods experiencing the
worst flooding.

Still, there is more to do regarding infrastructure. The major analysis of our water and
sewer system last year stated there is a significant risk of calamitous failure of the
Fiveash Water Treatment Plant, and there is growing concern in the public about the
coloration of our water.
I’m pleased to say that a major initiative is underway to address homelessness in the city.
We expect to create a special Community Court this fall where individuals are not jailed
for offenses like panhandling and camping in public places but are given permanent
supportive housing and directed to the services that they need. We also are looking to
expand a rapid rehousing program so many more people can move off the street.
The new commission has taken steps to continue to improve quality of life.
The aquatic center on the barrier island is at long last getting a makeover.

The commission also made affordable housing a major goal. New regulations are in
place regarding sober homes,
residences where people stay while
recovering from substance abuse.
The city launched a night-time economy
division that monitors special events,
addresses noise complaints and deals
with other matters such as abuse of
short-term vacation rentals.
And, the new commission is ending gun
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
sales at War Memorial Auditorium.
Our hope is to repurpose War

10 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com