Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood District: A Special Meeting For Residents Was Held To Discuss Changes

Golden Isles was never a planned community so there were never what they call today, “Complete Streets”. Over 50 years ago “Pappy Layne” developed the area by creating finger islands that was once a swamp area divided by A1A and the Intracoastal Waterway. The land was dredged by Layne Boulevard and enclosed with seawalls. The lots were then individually sold to the builders. Many of the homes were built by the same builders that is why there are so many similar types of homes.

31 years ago, we purchased our home from Frank Ippolitto who used to live on Holiday Drive and has since retired. As a side note his son has continued in his footsteps and is a builder here in Hallandale Beach, Troy Ippolitto of Troy Dean Interiors on 8th Avenue and still resides in the neighborhood.

In 1991, there were still lots that were filled with Australian Pines or were simply vacant. The Point in Aventura was not even in existence and Aventura was not even a City. There are still no sidewalks and we still have original streets like many other areas of our City.

Once the neighborhood grew a group of neighbors united to address security in the area and establish a guard house. In the mid 1980’s Mr David Markowitz went door to door to collect donations and the guard house was built. In order to maintain the operations of the security Mr Markowitz united with Commissioner Sonny Rosenberg to ask Tallahassee to develop, as part of Chapter 163 of Florida State Statutes, Safe Neighborhood District rules and regulations. The district was established as a separate taxing district.

Since that time residents living south of the guard house have been paying extra tax to provide the guard house, guards, extra police patrols and upgrades to safety. Our City has another SND (Safe Neighborhood District) in Three Islands. Both of these districts are not private roads but a layer of additional service. They are both unique in the fact that GISND only has one way in and one way out. Three Islands has three. Three Islands Boulevard North and South and Atlantic different types of guard houses.

The SND’s are separate dependent districts and are part of the City. The advisory board is comprised of property owners in the district. They make recommendations to the Board of Directors which is comprised of the City Commission. Both districts pay an administrative fee to the City, so that all of the expenses are truly covered by the property owners.

Over the past months, the group and the GI Homeowners Association have been working with Stantec Group to develop a Master Plan for GISND. Mon-day’s focus was for Layne Boulevard only. There were three proposals shared by the engineers. Two created a central linear park that would have a ten-foot mixed use trail protected on each side with curbed landscaped islands. These plans would have one lane in and one lane out or a double lane for entrance and exiting the homes and the designated lane for the condominiums. The other plan would provide for a large median and one shared multiple use lane on the east side.

The meeting was well attended and many residents seemed to be open to improvements. There were plenty of questions. A super majority in attendance wanted to bury all of the above ground electric and utility lines.

Condominium owners were worried about their parking and access. I believe once they saw the designs they understood the parking would be preserved. Ideally many wanted the parking to be moved to the back. This concept will be researched, but there may not be enough right of way in the back. There is a large ten-acre parcel, but it is owned by Gulfstream Park. This meeting was only one (1) of the first rounds for input.

Please remember that donations for Ukraine are being collected and include only: SLEEPING BAGS AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES INCLUDING BANDAGES ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT, ASPIRIN, ETC.

Florida For Ukraine Co-President Rafi Nagli is running a warehouse located in Hallandale Beach. You can donate there in person, donation center hours are Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 3 PM at 227 NW 2nd Ave, Hallandale, FL 33009. I have also placed a bin at our City Hall to receive donations, they can also use cash donations. I encourage our residents to support these efforts. For Florida For Ukraine donation information and to offer assistance contact Karina: +1 (754) 703-6642 or Masha: +1 (312) 859-4896 or visit https://fl4ua.org or visit Amazon’s List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CO6LORBAFG3Q

As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Or visit my Facebook and Web-site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com.