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President’s Message

Happy New Year! Here are answers to
a couple more questions we received

from CRCCE residents:

Q: Have we submitted an application for undergrounding of utilities? Would be
great for the neighborhood, both for resiliency and beautification.
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-i-z/public-works/
engineering-division/undergrounding-overhead-utilities

Tim: The Board has discussed this in the past, but we have not submitted an
application. We agree that undergrounding the overhead FPL, ATT and Comcast
Tim Hernandez lines has many benefits, as you mention. Certainly resiliency during storm events,
President
beautification, increased tree canopy, and shaded streets and sidewalks are among
them. The City has established a process for undergrounding these facilities, which
requires 70% of the residents of a defined area to vote to approve the utilities
OFFICERS undergrounding AND agree to an assessment to cover the cost.
I talked with Gary Foster, who is the City’s project manager for the Las Olas
Tim Hernandez
President undergrounding project, which is currently underway. This remains the only project
underway to date, though undergrounding applications have been received from the
Karen Polivka Seven Isles, Idlewyld, Rio Vista and Sunrise Key neighborhoods. According to Gary,
Vice President
Idlewyld is likely the next project up, as they are already negotiating their agreement.
Craig Singer
Treasurer The total project cost for Las Olas was approximately $9,000,000. This covers 311
homes on nine finger islands south of Las Olas. The cost came to just under $29,000
Vicki Lynch per home. Bonds were issued so that cost was amortized over 30 years. The cost was
Secretary
about $1,000 per home per year, which is added to each homeowner’s tax bill. The
interest rate on the bonds was 5%. It would likely be higher today and construction
costs are higher as well. The Las Olas project was authorized ten years ago when long
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
term rates were lower than they are today. Design and construction costs have done
Jonathan Brody nothing but escalate over the past few years due to numerous factors. Gary expects
Renata Cammarata newer undergrounding projects to be implemented much more quickly, since the Las
Tim Hernandez Olas project established a process and many lessons have been learned. But he
Judy High cautions he would still figure a timespan of 3-5 years from authorization to completion.
Vicki Lynch Though I have long been supportive of undergrounding, the salient question is clear.
Robert Mayo Could we in CRCCE muster the required 70% support? We would really need
Brian O’Connell someone to take this on, as it will require a great deal of time and effort to make it a
Paige O’Mahoney reality. If anyone wants to spearhead this initiative, please let me know.
Karen Polivka
Bruce Quailey Q: What’s going on at Bayview Park? I saw a sign at the Park which says
Craig Singer improvements are being made. I also saw some stakes in the ground.
Jeff Stich Tim: The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has several improvements
planned, including the following:
• Extensive storm water drainage improvements (pipes, structures and drainage
fields) which should reduce the downtime on the ball fields after major rains.
• A new permanent sign at the NE corner of Bayview Drive and NE 44th Street.
CORAL R DGE • An extensive concession stand renovation which will include installing air
conditioning in the restrooms.
COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES • Installation of new Healthbeat Fitness Equipment.
C OMMUNIT Y ASSOCIA TION
• See the graphics following on pages 8, 10 and 12.

6 CORAL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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