Page 34 - Layout 1

LOBI0522.qxp_Layout 1 4/25/22 10:30 PM Page 32

View from the Isles continued

Do the people of Fort Lauderdale value their public lands?
Will we have the foresight of those who came before us? Or
will we convince ourselves that, instead of parks and open
space, what we need is more condos and commercial
enterprises? The Parks Bond vote of March 2019 says we do
support public lands. More recently, a poll indicated that 90%
of voters oppose private development on public lands; another
86% oppose 100-year leases.

It is time to put the future of Fort Lauderdale’s public lands in
the hand of the true owners – the citizens of Fort Lauderdale.
There are many ways to accomplish this, but we must not
delay if we are to save our remaining public lands.

About the author
Mary C. Fertig lives in Fort Lauderdale. She and her husband,
Chris, have lived in Idlewyld for nearly 40 years where they have
raised six children, numerous dogs and an assortment of other pets.
Mary has served on and chaired many boards at the City, School
Board, and County level as well serving on many civic groups.

32 LAS OLAS BOULEVARD & ISLES