Landscape Initiative Update
The Landscape Initiative Project began in 2016 by identifying 123 properties within the City along major corridors that were not in compliance with their originally permitted landscape requirements. Enforcement was approached on a corridor-by-corridor basis, beginning along Federal Highway, then to Prospect Road, and then Powerline Road. The next corridor staff addressed was Oakland Park Blvd, dividing that corridor by I-95, first moving west to NW 31 Avenue, and then moving east from I-95 to Federal Hwy. The compliance initiative then shifted focus to Dixie Hwy and then to Commercial Blvd. The most recent corridor addressed was N. Andrews Ave, which became a focus of efforts after the beautification and improvements on the roadway work by the City had been completed.
At this time, staff is addressing properties on the Cypress Creek corridor. Staff also continues to work with properties that have not complied and returning to all corridors already completed to ensure the owners have kept the landscaping up to standards.
To date, a total of 115 properties are now in compliance throughout the City out of 123 properties that were identified at the beginning of this initiative. There are currently 3 properties that are not in compliance and are in various stages of enforcement. (See attachment for specifics).
Lien Compliance Initiative Update
Since October of 2014 thru March of 2020, staff settled 452 liens resulting in those properties coming into compliance. The first quarter of 2020, we settled 3 liens and collected $15,944 as a result of those settlements. Staff, in partnership with Orange Lien Data Company, are working diligently with property owners towards a goal of compliance. In 2017, the City Commission approved a contract with Orange Lien Data to assist the City in these endeavors.
Commercial Outdoor Storage Update
Staff identified 210 properties that will need to be in compliance by the July 3, 2020 enforcement date. Milestones were developed to track the progress of this program. Below is a list of those milestones that have been completed through March 2020.
Completed:
- Staff identified 210 businesses that require compliance with the Outdoor Storage Ordinance by July 3, 2020.
- Staff developed brochures and informational materials to educate owners on how to comply with the Outdoor Storage Ordinance and make them aware of the incentive program’s availability to assist with compliance.
- Staff completed 4 personal visits to each of the effected businesses and sent 5 letters to property owners in May 2018, January 2019, April 2019, July 2019 and November 2019 containing the informational materials.
- Staff publicized and held 2 Community Meetings at Jaco Pastorius Community Center on June 18, 2018 and February 27, 2019 to engage stakeholders, explain the incentive program and ordinance, as well as answer questions.
- 88 properties have complied since Community Enhancement began their visits and mailings.
- Two Business Owners have taken advantage of our Commission sponsored Commercial Outdoor Storage Grant to assist business owners with early compliance.