Hallandale Beach Has Many Projects Underway

Unlike northern communities where they can dig large trenches at a time we have different challenges. In order to perform the work dewatering occurs and then the pipes are laid and connected. The holes are closed and then they move on.

The first condominium building is the most impacted to date. Their parking is right along where the digging is taking place. We understand that this is inconvenient particularly during the day. Please, as they say pardon our dust. They are moving fairly quickly for how intensive the work is. They will be putting a temporary layer of asphalt down so cars will be able to access parking once they are done in that area. The entire street will have a makeover when the entire project is complete.

Another large-scale project has been taking place throughout the CRA west of 14th Avenue. Our City in partnership with the CRA has begun the implementation of installing sidewalks where there are none, completing sidewalks where they were only half done and installing ADA Compliant Crosswalks. The goal is to facilitate safe walking not just for everyone but also those with disabilities. These are vital improvements for our community.

Many residents are under a misconception that the entire front of their yard and in the case of corner properties side yards is their property. Any property from the property line to the street is City Property. Residents are required to maintain this part of the property, but it is a City Right Of Way owned by the City. These areas vary in size depending on the layout and size of the property. Over the years residents have landscaped with shrubbery, trees and in some cases hardscapes.

In order to install sidewalks, the contractor will be taking out any obstacles that include: trees, fixtures, shrubbery etc. that impedes the ability to install proper sidewalks. Sidewalks just like roadways, bike lanes, stop signs and traffic signals all are required to meet the Uniform Traffic Codes. We know this will impact some residents.

I have received two calls already about driveways and trees. In all cases except for trees the property from your property line to the home will not be touched. If a tree’s roots impact the sidewalk they must be cut. If the stability and health of the tree is in question because it will need to be extensively cut the tree will be removed. In the case of removing trees, we will donate a new tree to the property owner if they would like one. We will not plant trees on private property due to liability issues.

Driveways will be cut out where the sidewalk will go, and the aprons will remain. The city is covering the cost of removal. The contractors and our Staff Project Managers will be doing everything possible to preserve the areas. Our goal is to return the area to a safe and aesthetic condition.

I apologize for any inconvenience during construction but be assured we will take every precaution to make sure the sidewalk is installed with as little impact to your driveway other than the portion that needs to be removed.

We understand that installing sidewalks has become an issue for some residents since they have become accustomed to the status quo. In reality there was a lack of foresight years ago when our City was being built to not require sidewalks when homes were constructed. Please note that in addition to the safety of pedestrians these improvements do add to the value and curb appeal to all our homes and neighborhoods.

As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City better! I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org. Or: joycooper@aol.com. Or Facebook: Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call my office number at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700. Working for you! Always have! Always will!