MASTER PLAN FOR CENTRAL PARK

By Nick Sortal

The City Council approved spending up to $318,520 with Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc., for a master plan for Plantation Central Park. We will eventually be using money from the 2016 bond voters approved to upgrade our city’s most popular park. Ideas include creating a central location for tennis and pickleball and revamping the gym.

There will be plenty of opportunity for public input as we formulate a plan, and council members emphasized hearing what people want is vital.

Annual waste bill

We are considering changing the way we bill you for basic waste and recycling collection. Instead of a monthly cost appearing on your water bill, if approved, starting next year an annual solid waste assessment would appear on your property tax bill.

The move will help with revenue collection: almost everybody pays their property tax bills, while some have trouble keeping track of their water and utility bill, which results in other taxpayers subsidizing such users.

The city council approved the first step at its Jan. 11 meeting.

This does not change your current cost of services or the method of waste collection, whether you use blue bags or carts.

Vivace plans expansion

The city approved expansion for Vivace Gourmet Pizza & Pasta, 9763 W. Broward Blvd. Ella’s Café, located next door, is decreasing its space from two rooms to one. Vivace will knock out the common wall and become more spacious. Vivace is also adding a bar.

Community garden plans

Our plan to develop a community garden took a step forward this month when we met with leaders of the Plantation Garden Club. Most endeavors of this kind require a partner, and the garden club is willing to assist.

First, though, we need a good space for the garden. We’re working on it.

On the road again

Representatives from Broward County Transportation (BCT) provided a presentation regarding their Premium Mobility Plan, known as PREMO. PREMO is in the planning process, initiated by BCT, seeking to identify mobility needs and trends within Broward County.

Their initial focus is on roadways where investments in premium transit projects could be made.

Among the initial corridors under review are Broward Boulevard, Nob Hill Road, Pine Island Road, SR7/441, Sunrise Boulevard and University Drive. If you would like to learn more, please go to their website premo.broward.org .

Carmen Hurlbut receives countywide award

Plantation’s Carmen Hurlbut was chosen Chief Structural Inspector of the year 2022 by the Broward County Code Officials Educational Association.

Hurlbut, who has been with the city for five years, was picked by the committee for her outstanding work with the architects, engineers and contractors applying for permits in Plantation. She is the city’s assistant building director and chief structural inspector.

Hurlbut joined Plantation after working for her own company alongside her husband Cliff, she says both felt a passion for the field of construction since they got married in 2005. She recalls applying for permits throughout Broward County and dreaming of one day working for a Building Department. That dream came true when a City of Plantation Structural Inspector encouraged her to apply for a vacant position as Structural Inspector.

▸ Questions or comments? I prefer email. Mayor@Plantation.org.