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Mayor’s Message

ome 100 days have passed since I was sworn in as mayor alongside the
new City Commission. We’ve been working hard to keep the promises made
S about smart growth, infrastructure, traffic, homelessness and other matters.
We can celebrate many successes.
The city succeeded in terminating the controversial Wave streetcar project. In the
end, even the state and county agreed that the price simply became too exorbitant.
There was widespread agreement that we need a better solution to downtown
traffic. One initial idea has arisen – creating a one-way traffic loop around the
downtown that would have a dedicated lane for a rapid transit bus line as well as
room for bike paths and wider sidewalks.
Meanwhile, the commission has made traffic light synchronization a top priority.
We are looking at creating LauderTrail, a network of connected bike paths across
the city. I’ve also been pitching the idea of a train tunnel under the New River to
ease congestion downtown and allow train and maritime traffic to better co-exist.

Members of the City Commission and I also campaigned to no longer raid our
water and sewer utilities to pay for general operating expenses of the city. That
Dean Trantalis
Mayor, money should address the serious problem of our aging infrastructure. The
City of Fort Lauderdale commission has agreed to move away from the “return on investment” strategy over
a four-year period. We are making progress on upgrading the water and sewer
infrastructure and have pursuing a $200 million plan to address the neighborhoods
experiencing the worst flooding.
Still, there is more to do regarding infrastructure. The major analysis of our water
and sewer system last year stated there is a significant risk of calamitous failure of
the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant, and there is growing concern in the public
about the coloration of our water.
I’m pleased to say that a major initiative is underway to address homelessness in
the city. We expect to create a special Community Court this fall where individuals
are not jailed for offenses like panhandling and camping in public places but are
given permanent supportive housing and directed to the services that they need.
We also are looking to expand a rapid rehousing program so many more people
can move off the street.
The new commission has taken steps to continue to improve quality of life.

Office Contact: The aquatic center on the barrier island is at long last getting a makeover. The
Scotty Wyman commission also made affordable housing a major goal. New regulations are in
Assistant to the Mayor place regarding sober homes, residences where people stay while recovering from
Email: swyman@fortlauderdale.gov
Phone: 954.828.5004 substance abuse. The city launched a night-time economy division that monitors
special events, addresses noise complaints and deals with other matters such as
abuse of short-term vacation rentals.
And, the new commission is ending gun sales at War Memorial Auditorium. Our
hope is to repurpose War Memorial, with one main idea being to open ice-skating
rinks where the Florida Panthers could also practice. We want to expand park
offerings for other sports such as lacrosse and soccer as well.

During the winter’s campaigns, voters made their voices heard that they preferred
smart growth strategies. We are seeing the commission move in that direction.

8 The Landings & Bay Colony