Hallandale Beach Receives $14,879,219: The City Will Use The Monies For Sewer System Modernization

The City of Hallandale Beach received $14,879,219 Million for sewer system modernization. The City of Miami received the 40 shares, but we were the second highest city awarded. Broward County received $18 Million. Our staff has been very busy applying for this grant. In my opinion, due to our planning and ability to be shovel ready helped us acquire this much needed funding.

Over four years ago, we adopted what is called a Basis of Design Report BODR. This is a high-level blueprint analyzing all of our aging infrastructure. At that point the needs were well over $200 Million Dollars. Recently we approved the moving forward of specific designs of many projects that sat dormant over the past 4 years. These projects are vital and include pumping stations and lift stations. While we are grateful for the funds, we still have many more needs.

It is important to note that design work is underway and there are many projects we are doing. A new water main was replaced along Foster Street. The major SE Lift Replacement at City Hall is complete. If you have been in the area, you know this project took a little under a year, due to its size.

This station used to be what is called a small can station. It has not been touched for 35 years. Now it is a Master Station that will provide much needed capacity for current and future demands.

This week we also found out that we received an Emerald Award from Broward County. This past year a Rain – Butterfly Garden was built in partnership with Gulfstream Academy and The PAL Of Hallandale Beach. Alyssa Woods, our Sustainability and Green Director spreadhead the idea with the school. The School/Municipal Special Achievement in Green Infrastructure Award will be presented as part of Water Matters and a video will be displayed on their web-site. A banner and plaque will be proudly displayed at the school. I would like to thank The PAL Of Hallandale Beach, under the leadership of Jonathan Carrillo and of all the students for their support of this effort.

In other great news, The Pegasus Cup was a great success! Even with chilling temperatures, there was plenty of fun had by all. I had a chance to deliver one of the race trophies and a proclamation alongside Mayor Mike Udine of Broward County.

While most of the event’s pop-up venues are temporary, there is a new permanent addition being added to the track. In partnership with the owners of the Wharf Restaurant and Bar Group, The Track presented a sneak peek of “The Carousel Club.” The Wharf currently has three locations: Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach. They are a well-known hot spot for food, fun and live entertainment.

While the other locations boast water side venues, Gulfstream boasts trackside excitement. The highlight will not just be horse racing, but a unique bar that will actually be an antique carousel. Gulfstream is looking forward to the grand opening within the month.

As many new people are moving to our area some things that we are all used to seem odd to our new neighbors. I received a complaint about sirens from a resident of Aventura. Only one, but I think it needs to be addressed. Gulfstream Park has been part of our City for well over 60 years. Horse Racing is a sport that involves very well-trained jockeys. Jockeys are athletes and must follow many strict guidelines. Thoroughbred horses are also athletic and are treated with the utmost care. Some, like the participants in the Pegasus race for millions of dollars.

Horse racing obviously is not simply about a race, it is about training and daily exercise. Every morning the backside is busy with trainers, horse walkers and other support staff who start the day as early as 4:00 a.m. It is rare and something that is extremely dangerous that a horse may break free. In the event that this happens, the sirens are set off for the safety of the staff, the surrounding areas and yes, of course the horses as well.

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