With Elections Over, We Are Back To Work

Our Former City Manager RJ Intindola and the Commission at the time had just concluded a very contentious meeting at OB Johnson Park where residents rightfully were demanding investment in our neighborhoods on the western side of our City. I agreed with our residents and was working to address their needs alongside a commission that was stuck in the sand when it came to making change happen. The quality of life, on ‘the other side of the tracks’ was glaringly lacking investment.

My friend’s father came up to me after the meeting and asked me to give him a minute. I of course obliged and we stepped off to the side. I will never forget the conversation. He started with “You seem like a lovely smart young lady. I can tell that you seem to want to make everyone happy. My advice to you is you will never make everyone happy.” I was taken back, and my response was, “you may be right, but I will not stop trying.” He gave me a smile and said, “Keep up the great work.” And I said thank you.

So, while we have all won the election thirty percent of the voters feel disenfranchised and want their voices heard. I will remain true to making sure I continue to work for every resident. As a Commission, we need to work hard and address issues we continue to hear about. Traffic, Homeless and cleaning up our corridors. We recently made these issues priorities this summer through our vision plan.

Our main roadways are controlled by Broward County and FDOT. Federal Highway is already budgeted for repaving and upgrades. There was a meeting right before the election conducted by FDOT on their planned project. Hallandale Beach Boulevard is also slated to be repaved the following year.

Traffic is another issue that we have only a bit of control over. We have been working with the county for years to complete real-time signalization for our traffic lights. The county is finally after years implementing the program which should be completed at least for Hallandale Beach Boulevard in 2025. The system will monitor and change the lights to move traffic from the FDOT staffed monitoring center that will change signals on demand.

There is another project that will adversely impact our traffic, and it is the red light system on the ramps to I-95. The goal is to move traffic on I-95 by adding lanes and adding lights on the ramps without regard to local traffic impacts. This goal has already changed the pattern on Hallandale Beach Boulevard, and we are backed up all the way to Federal during rush hours. I fought against these changes, but FDOT has control. I, along with the Commission, will continue to lobby for improvement.

Many voters I spoke with were unaware that all of the development north of Hallandale Beach Boulevard is all in Hollywood. As a City, we fought the development of Hyde through litigation. Our case was weak at best as we had limited standing. We won a settlement of $350,000.

As we can see developments continue to march forward. With the State preempting cities with the Live Local Act many developments do not need to receive city approval. It allows commercial property owners to develop up to ninety units per acre so long as it is a mixed use and includes 40 percent affordable units. We have not had one of these projects yet but be prepared because they are on their way.

The Homeless issue is something we tackled last year. We adopted our own ordinance, taskforce, and partnership with beds at The Caring Place. We were on the right track to begin getting help for the homeless or arresting the homeless, refusing to move on. Right before the election the Sheriff announced that he would not accept any arrests of homeless individuals into the jail.

The battle played out on the county level and there was finally a resolution. The county passed their own ordinance that made it clear the county would require the sheriff to not abdicate his responsibility. We now must rescind our ordinance and adopt the counties. I will continue to update readers on this issue. Private property owners must file an agreement with our Police Department and post their properties correctly to allow us to use arresting authority.

The last but just as critical issue is the cleaning of our roadways. The last comment and complaint I received in an email was right on point. They pointed out the lack of maintenance but also understood that private property owners have an obligation to maintain and clean their property including the right of way and everyone should be held accountable.

I have pushed that we power wash our sidewalk at a minimum once a year on our main corridors. Even with this we need to continue to educate and enforce the laws on the books. This is a job of Code Enforcement, the Commission and all of our Stakeholders.

Our first regular meeting and organizational meeting was yesterday November 20th. This meeting is where we appoint a Vice Mayor. Next article I will be able to report on these actions.

Congratulations to Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on their 95th Church Anniversary Scholarship Gala. Friendship has much to celebrate as they were recently selected as the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award Recipient. The gala was complete with entertainment from the Unveiled Glory Praise Dancers, Wanda Williams and the Starlets. Community partners joined in support: Memorial Healthcare Systems, United Way Family Stability Program, Born On Purpose Project, and many more. Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a staple in our Hallandale Beach community.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like, follow, and share.