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Commissioner’s Message

Greetings, Neighbors!

I
sincerely hope the new year brings happiness and prosperity to you and your
loved ones. As we settle in to 2024, I’d like to take a moment to discuss topics that
present challenges and opportunities to District 1 and to the City as a whole. From
parks to trains, I am staying on top of issues that matter most to residents and I am
committed to common sense solutions.

Dottie Mancini Park
The recent closure of the park has been a major concern for many of you that utilize
the space for health and wellbeing. I understand the particular importance of the
John Herbst park to the Imperial Point community. My direction to the City Manager’s office has
District 1 Commissioner been to continue negotiations with Broward Health in order to maintain the park
City of Fort Lauderdale
jherbst@fortlauderdale.gov space. I appreciate all of the community’s input and public participation in this
matter. You have spoken up and have been heard.

Bridge Vs. Tunnel
As the debate for a bridge or a tunnel continues, my stance remains that a light rail
crossing is necessary for the City’s growth in the next hundred years. Current trends
include population growth, increased rent and home values, traffic increases, and
a national push towards less vehicle emissions. The best way to prepare for the
impacts to the City from these forces is to start with light rail and continue building
the community with transit oriented design.

While we continue to review the costs and feasibility of each option, we must also
City Hall, 8th Floor
100 N Andrews Ave understand that our partnership with Broward County is vital for rail completion. I
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 will continue to listen to the desire of residents, while also working with Broward
County to bring rail across the New River.

Upcoming Beach Park Workshops
In response to the neighborhood’s
desire for a park at the Beach
Community Center, we will
be holding a series of public
participation workshops to
discuss potential ideas. It is
Office Contact
Amanda Foor important to me that our winter
District 1 Commission Assistant residents also have a voice in the
afoor@fortlauderdale.gov design and implementation of this
954.828.6132
project. Stay tuned for upcoming
workshop dates!
Thank you for a great 2023!
Here’s looking forward to
building community in the new year!

John Herbst
District 1 Commissioner, City of Fort Lauderdale

14 The Landings & Bay Colony

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