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Ben Sorensen
District 4 Commissioner
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
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Commissioner’s Message
Neighbors,
ver the last several weeks, I have been very happy working with our
neighbors, leaders and City of Fort Lauderdale staff to build a stronger
Ocommunity. I am excited to share an update on what's happening.
The City Commission passed the budget in September, so we begin October with
the new budget. We allocated significant funding for infrastructure, an absolute
necessity for the stability of our water and transportation systems. We need Fort
Lauderdale to be both sustainable and resilient, and advancing our infrastructure is
at the foundation of ensuring both.
TREE ORDINANCE
Trees are an integral part of our City and provide environmental, economic and
social benefits. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, I hosted a meeting with expert staff from the
City and neighbors to discuss the City's Tree Ordinance. Many of us are concerned
about losing green space and want to maintain the beautiful tree canopy in our
City. We discussed the matter at the City Commission meeting the following day,
and I look forward to more fruitful discussion about the legal and environmental
aspects of a strong tree ordinance policy.
AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PROJECT
With regard to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation project, both the City Attorney,
Alain Boileau, and the City's Zoning Administrator have determined the proposed
use constitutes a Social Service Residential Facility (SSRF) Level V. This type of use is
not permitted within the RAC-CC zoning district where the applicant is proposing the
project be built. The applicant may appeal the Zoning Administrator's determination
through the City of Fort Lauderdale's Board of Adjustment (BOA). If the BOA were to
find in favor of the applicant — and the City doesn't appeal the BOA decision —
the City's Development Review Committee process would continue and the item
would eventually be subject to call-up for review by the City Commission.
If the BOA were to find in favor of the City, the applicant could appeal the
decision in circuit court. If the BOA decision were to be appealed by either side
and the court found no error, the decision would stand. If on appeal the court
found the proposed use was not an SSRF (or found another error), then the DRC
process would be able to move forward.
61% OF TARGETED MAINLINES REHABILITATED
A new October report shows impressive success with the City of Fort Lauderdale's
Inflow and Infiltration Prevention Program: 61% of targeted wastewater mainlines
have been rehabilitated.
The City is investing $33.2 million in Inflow and Infiltration prevention projects to
remove stormwater from the wastewater system, which is the most cost-effective
way to improve the level of service for a wastewater system.
The City's plan addresses more than 41 miles of main line pipe and 4,300 lateral
services in six high-priority basins, including Downtown, Dorsey-Riverbend, Victoria
Park, Flagler Heights, Central Beach and Rio Vista.
rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com