Grassroots Oakland Park

As the acorn grows

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:38:00 +0000

Although Oakland Park is a relatively young city, it does have a storied history. A project is underway to document and preserve this history through the voices of those who witnessed it, and participated in it. The Floranada Project is an ever-growing archive of video and audio interviews with long time residents. It will cover every corner of the city and be a comprehensive resource for those interested in how OP got to where it is today. Those interested in contributing their stories please contact Darleen Mitchell (954-564-5997) or Robert Rutherford (954-632-9051).
In the meantime, enjoy the above video snippet of Ted Galatis, Sr., who as a young city attorney shepherded Oakland Park's geographical expansion.

View of a secret

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:48:00 +0000

In a bizarre display of secrecy and disdain, Oakland Park Main Street has again slighted the residents of Oakland Park. An event to honor hometown hero Jaco Pastorius and muralist Bill Savarese was held at Jaco Park on Dec 2, the day after Jaco's birthday. The concept of honoring a muralist alongside the music giant would be merely absurd, but the fact that this event was a private affair -by invitation only- borders on elitism. Bear in mind, OPMS is a public-private organization whose largest single contributor is the City of Oakland Park; that is, the taxpayers. Yet OPMS did not see fit to hold a public celebration of Oakland Park's best known resident.

World's Greatest Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:12:00 +0000

Today would have been Jaco's 60th birthday. Although the City isn't doing anything to mark this significant date, there will be a party for him in Boca Raton. See flyer below.

Broward Musicians Association at Elks Club this Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:26:00 +0000

RIP, Jaco

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:44:00 +0000

Yesterday marked the 24th anniversary of Jaco's passing. A year ago his son Julius marked the date by visiting the place our city named in his father's honor and sent a beat across the green. Below is a video of the visit.

Main Street at night, revisited

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:43:00 +0000

One year after Oakland Park Main Street's Michael E. Carn's comments and six months after the beginning footage was filmed, GrOP revisited Main Street to take note of its current state. Noticeable improvements? No, in fact quite the opposite. The north end is a forbidding black hole, the strip is devoid of activity, and there is nothing going on to attract visitors. But the street looks great.

There are some good things happening with OPMS, however. More tiles have been installed on the Jaco Park mural and food trucks are coming soon.

Backyard medicine, visualized

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:53:00 +0000

About a year and a half ago, horticulturist David McLean gave a lecture at the library about medicinal plants that can be grown in the yard. Here is the speech on video, with separate vids for each plant. Be well.

Happy Birthday, OP

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:11:00 +0000

On July 1st, the Oakland Park Historical Society hosted the City's 82nd birthday party at Tequila Sunrise.

Jaco docu, and money's where the mouth is

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:55:00 +0000

At the June 15 Commission Meeting, Siegi Constantine of Oakland Park Main Street announced a documentary about Jaco Pastorius would be filming in the City, including Jaco Park. She followed up this decidedly welcome news with an admission that mural tile sales were not meeting projections, and placed the blame for this squarely on the residents of Oakland Park. [Note: Projections were 250 tiles per month; only abut 70 tiles have been installed, and those were done last September.] Ever the benign force for good in our city, OPMS the month previous blamed the City Commission for not showing them adequate support.

Cherry Creek sojourn

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Cherry Creek is a little winding waterway that allows visitors to leave the rat race behind and let all cares float away. See it from a duck's-eye view in this video:

This footage was taken about a year ago, pre-dredging.

Casino Hall

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:21:00 +0000

Recently some intense rounds of high stakes gaming have taken place at OP City Hall. The players are the City Commission and Oakland Park Main Street. The ante on the table is taxpayer dollars & Oktoberfest. The first move was played by the City Commission when they tendered a contract extension through the end of the year to OPMS. The extension was offered in good faith and intended to maintain relations with OPMS while the City's budget process was underway.

Then came the bluff from OPMS. It came in the form of an official letter and basically said 'Thanks, but no thanks.' The organization wanted no part of an extension. They would sever ties with the City and would not organize Oktoberfest any longer. The City was at fault for taking so long to commit any assistance to their cause.

The bluff worked. It sent the Commission into a tizzy, made up of equal parts confusion and indignation. A large portion of a City Commission meeting was dedicated to sorting out the affair. In the end, after some last minute assurances, the extension was approved on both sides. So the game continues, until another player buys in...

Chaos ensues at the spectre of losing Oktoberfest

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OPMS takes the City to the woodshed

Memorial Day in Oakland Park

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:26:00 +0000

Drain Street

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Wed, 04 May 2011 02:04:00 +0000

---EDITORIAL---

Recurring costs
The City has done an incredible job redeveloping the downtown infrastructure. Millions have been spent on street, land, and waterscapes which foster an inviting environment. Where the City's job ends, Oakland Park Main Street's job begins: namely, to attract businesses. When economic times are lean, there are still entrepreneurs ready to take a chance. Yet after 10 years of marketing, there are few tangible returns on the City's annual investment with the organization. The annual base cost of the City's contract with OPMS is $50,000; however, that is only a fraction of the actual costs to the City. There are also reimbursements for annual OPMS meetings, awards events, and various meeting registrations, all of which add to the overall expense. In 2009, the City reimbursed OPMS about $3,000 for 'entertainment costs' at the City birthday party which was not originally budgeted. Also in 2009, OPMS undertook a mural project in Jaco Pastorius Park. They selected an artist without a bid request, and when that artist's work did not meet their approval they had the work painted over without seeking permission from the City Commission. That episode cost the City $10,000; another $5,000 of City funds were subsequently distributed toward a replacement mural. The mural project includes a signature tile program to raise funds; the original proposal anticipated 250 tiles installed monthly - in seven months only one batch of about 70 tiles has been installed. OPMS continues to ignore requests from City residents for details on the tile program.

Oktoberfest
On top of the recurring and unbudgeted costs, the City contributes tens of thousands more annually specifically for Oktoberfest. These contributions do not appear on the official list above since they are budgeted through the Parks & Leisure Services Department. Through that department, approximately $10,000-$12,000 is budgeted annually for direct costs; additionally, City staff time is also factored in, bringing the total amount to around $20,000-$25,000 per event. Oktoberfest has grown into a well-attended event for the City, however even though the City already pays for it separately, OPMS has inferred they will not continue to hold the event unless their annual contract is renewed.

Many happy returns?

Recent OPMS literature has touted the arrival of several new businesses to the downtown, a welcome sign to be sure even though none contribute to the nightlife envisioned on the street. Those recent arrivals are more than offset by the City's purchase, and subsequent eviction of the tenants, of the Nader Soliman building. The OPMS President has said the organization is willing to assist those tenants in relocating, but only after the transaction was finalized between the City and property owner. That hesitation coupled with the City's silence toward the tenants during the negotiations created an environment of instability and secrecy which prompted many of those tenants to take preemptive action and vacate the property ahead of schedule.

With the City budget in the $80-$90 million range annually, $70k+ per year for OPMS is a relative drop in the bucket. Cumulatively, those annual expenses represent a substantial figure topping $675,000 and begs the question: Has the City received a positive return on that investment?

Coming soon to downtown

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Downtown is getting a new tenant in the next few weeks: a Goodwill Superstore. This will replace the older one a mile away.

Million Dollar Parking Lot

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:45:00 +0000

The City has actively updated downtown infrastructure for some years now, and extensive work is being done to straighten out Dixie Highway. However, the latest project seems to be contrary to what the City wishes to achieve. An application for a $1.3 million interest-free loan has been submitted to the County and approved to build a parking lot at NE 12 Ave/38 St. The site is currently occupied by a building which until recently housed numerous businesses used by surrounding neighborhoods. Tenants are fleeing due to the uncertainty, since the City has not contacted the tenants per an agreement with the seller. That seller, Mr. Nader Soliman, previously denied the City permission to extend Main Street improvements to his property. Tenant reactions are mixed. One is hesitant to stay in the area lest the same scenario play out again at a new location; another vowed to reopen 'somewhere in the area'.

Surprisingly, the Oakland Park Main Street organization supports the project, though it means the removal of a good percentage of downtown biz. A request for comment from the OPMS President was not returned.

Main Street may soon become the best-looking ghost town in eastern Broward. The sale is set to close April 14, with demolition planned for December.

-----

UPDATE 23 April 2011:
After two weeks, the President of OPMS, Mr. Jason Hagopian, replied to questions regarding this issue. See answers below.

GrOP: Does OPMS support the City's purchase of the building and conversion to parking?
Hagopian: Yes, Main Street supports the purchase and conversion to parking. The additional parking will support events in Jaco Pastorius Park.

GrOP: Is OPMS assisting businesses in the building to remain downtown?

Hagopian: Upon completion of all closing transactions between the property owner and the City, OPMS is ready to assist businesses find new space in downtown where feasible.

GrOP: What would OPMS like to see on the property in the future?

Hagopian: For now, the property can be used for events such as Meet Me on Main Street.

---

A subsequent request seeking information about the Jaco Park mural tile program has gone unanswered.

Youth Day Parade 2011

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:07:00 +0000

Saturday, March 26 saw the 54th Annual Youth Day Parade roll through the downtown on its way to Wimberly Field. It is the longest running parade in Broward County.

Candidates questionnaire

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Early last week, GrOP sent a questionnaire consisting of five questions to the candidates in the election. Two candidates were promptly responsive; the others had no response at the time of this posting. Be sure to vote Tuesday, March 8th.

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What will you do to ensure adequate public safety standards in Oakland Park?

John Adornato: Public safety is vital issue for me, as I have heard from many residents how important our community safety is. As far as maintaining adequate standards, we need to evaluate how we’re doing in every facet, from police response, to fire-rescue response, and other issues, such as traffic measures. My understanding is that our fire-rescue response rates are higher than the average, and that makes me very proud of our Fire-Rescue department. I will not act to jeopardize those critical standards that we need to be safe and will seek ways of trying to improve our standards, while being fiscally accountable to our residents.

Larry Gierer: In order to ensure public safety we need to generate more revenue into the City.

What will you do to ensure the financial soundness of Oakland Park?

John Adornato: I believe that the city is quite sound financially. Years ago there were problems with the City’s finances, however, the leadership and city manager at the time dealt with the challenges and overcame them. As far as your question in reference to the current economic situation, I certainly have heard a lot of things from the neighbors that I’ve talked to. They want certain services maintained and also holding taxes low. I promise to hold taxes low and maintain the necessary health and safety standards we need. I will scrub the budget and seek to overcome inefficiencies, help prioritize spending, and find innovative ways to address problems that may cost less than traditional solutions.

Larry Gierer: I would work hard to attract new business's [sic] to our City. The City has to actively promote/market themselves to the business community and our residents. We need more special events taking place on Main Street. Such as; Taste of Oakland Park or The All American Town That Came to Dinner. Easier to promote/market an area that is vibrant and full of life. We need to expand beyond Octoberfest and Youth Day. We also need to embrace Main Street. Main Street is the catilyst [sic] of our Downtown. Main Street has a great plan in place to market the vacant business and buildings on Main Street. The City needs to direct interested parties to: www.oaklandparkmainstreet.org Click on Available Space/Business Directory
You will find what is for sale and rent, in addition to what current zoning allows. This could be incorporated into the City's marketing plan.

Is it a priority for you to see downtown become a viable entertainment/dining district?

John Adornato: Oakland Park is a wonderful residential city that has the opportunity to provide more smart options for our residents. A vibrant Main Street with shops, restaurants, and other mixed uses that residents can take advantage of will also draw non-residents. A commuter-rail line on the railroad tracks will allow Oakland Park to increase its tax base. In the meantime, our city must seize upon that future by working with appropriate businesses to incrementally achieve that vision.

Larry Gierer: Yes, it is one of my priorities. How can it not be. We have invested in the Downtown for over 10 years. It is now time to attract the entertainment and dining to our Main Street district. Creating events on Main Street will help build interest in the City. Oakland Park has to get in the business of marketing itself. We can not continue thinking build it and they will come...no one will come unless we create a strong marketing campaign and work with the residents and the business community at large.

Do you support creating more pocket parks in Oakland Park?

John Adornato: I think these can be a great idea for neighborhoods. We have to be cautious about a few things: will it cost money to acquire these lands; how much will maintenance costs be; will there be negative effects on the neighbors, like parking, noise, or vagrancy issues; etc. Otherwise, however, I think the city could use more green space, places for kids to play, and an area for neighbors and friends to gather.

Larry Gierer: Yes, it is one of my priorities. I take pride for the addition of 7 new parks added to the City while I was a member of the city commission from 2001-2009, especially Jaco Pastorius Downtown Park.

Do you support the designation of a Midtown district along the Prospect Road corridor, and future enhancements there as outlined in the CRA plan?

John Adornato: I support bringing smart, appropriate businesses for our city and our residents to enjoy. I think we can be well-poised for such growth as we emerge from this economically-difficult time, including along Prospect Road.

Larry Gierer: Absloutely! [sic] It was and is a part of the CRA Plan which I was partly responsible for creating.

Exotic matters

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 22:12:00 +0000

On March 3, the monthly environmental lecture was held at Jaco Community Center. The speaker was Chris Lockhart, who gave a presentation on exotic/invasive plants. She began by explaining how plants in similar environments to ours around the world have been introduced. Some have been to the detriment of the natural ecology, such as Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, carrotwood, and melaleuca. Some good introductions are citrus, vegetables, pentas, and oleander. There are about 140 non-native invasives in Florida.

BSO goes Dirty Harry (pt 2)

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:22:00 +0000

A year after BSO posted a Dirty Harry-style message for customers of the pill mills along Commercial Blvd, the FBI closed down at least one of them during a sweep across South Florida.

Your next Commissioners (cont'd)

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:16:00 +0000

On February 24, the Prospect Gardens Community Group held its Meet the Candidates forum at Collins Community Center. Five of the six candidates came to share their thoughts and vision for the future of Oakland Park; Buddy Helland (candidate for Seat 3) did not attend due to a prior commitment.

Seat 2

-Michael Carn: Spoke about how his father was his hero, and his neighbors trust him. Has extensive experience in economic development. Asked one thing of those in attendance: look at the records of the candidates, and the types of things they are doing. Said the voters' endorsement means the most to him.

(Ed.: Mr. Carn received the Sun-Sentinel endorsement earlier that day.)

-Roger Mann: No blemish on his record. Has been in OP since 1974. Extensive involvement in public safety, with the police and fire rescue. Concerned about cost to residents arising from new community appearance ordinance. He's retired, so he has the time to respond to residents.

-Shari McCartney: A mom and lawyer who loves Oakland Park. Spoke about crime rising as economy slows, concerned about losing BSO deputies. Wants to balance the budget. Wants city management to invite businesses to the City. Proposes replacing some empty homes with pocket parks. Wants to raise the standard of living. Said OP can be a little diamond. Pledges accountability and accessibility.

Seat 3

-John Adornato: Spoke about fiscal responsibility. Gave short history of his community activism, how he pushed for the annexation of North Andrews Gardens. Wants to be responsive to what residents need in their neighborhood. Will bring a fresh approach with residents' input. Will maintain public safety. Experienced in getting grants and using the money efficiently. Wants to establish consistent ordinances. Wants to get rid of pill mills.

(Ed.: Mr. Adornato received the Sun-Sentinel endorsement earlier that day.)

-Larry Gierer: Originally became a civic activist in Hollywood. As former Oakland Park City Commissioner, pushed ordinance reforming alcohol sales; ordinance may become model for county law. City was $3 million in debt when he entered office. Received $7.5 million in FEMA funding to mitigate flooding; City was laughingstock for poor stormwater drainage. Has a history of opposing pill mills.

The election is Tuesday, March 8th.

Del's departs

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:57:00 +0000

After more than 20 years as a Midtown OP institution, Del's Bait & Tackle is leaving for more abundant waters. They are well known for stocking a generation of young fishermen with choice worms, night crawlers, and shrimp. The store says the neighborhood has changed so much that no one there fishes anymore.

They are relocating to Fort Lauderdale, at the intersection of Sunrise Blvd and Powerline Rd.

Downtown Deutsch

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:44:00 +0000

On Feb 20, Oakland Park Main Street held its Second Annual Classic Car Show, with the entries limited to German makes. It was a pleasant day and a nice event.

Your next Commissioners (cont'd)

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:35:00 +0000

On Feb 17, the North Andrews Neighborhood Association held its Meet the Candidates forum at North Andrews Community Center.

Each candidate gave an introduction before taking audience questions, going alphabetically.

Seat 2 intros condensed:

-Carn: Leader for 19 years;

-Mann: Cut taxes;

-McCartney: Wants to fix economy.

Seat 3 intros:

-Adornato: Pushed for North Andrews annexation into OP, smart growth choices, fiscally accountable choices;

-Gierer: Fought expansion of Executive airport, signs program, capital improvements;

-Helland: Born and raised here, everyone is his boss, wants to be personable with small business.

This was followed by a question/answer period, with candidates speaking in no particular order.

How would you make Oakland Park business-friendly?

-Helland: Incentives;

-Carn: Set policies for every business equally, manager needs to be accountable;

-Mann: Too much red tape;

-Gierer: Smile and lighten up a bit;

-McCartney: Have a policy of welcoming business;

-Adornato: Consistency in ordinances, be realistic about business coming to OP.

What does public trust mean to you?

-Adornato: Comitted to being responsive, accountable;

-Mann: Integrity, not a blemish on his record;

-Helland: Trust is something that's earned;

-Gierer: Apologized for the Value Place votes, said some good came of that because Royal Palm Isles came together in opposition, acknowledged he will be held accountable for the votes;

-McCartney: Trust begins with the relationship a public official has with residents;

-Carn: Transparency, integrity, openness.

A question about a future without oil.

-Carn: Pursue green energy;

-Mann: Build paths for gold carts and electric vehicles, promote propane trains;

-McCartney: Become more conservationist;

-Adornato: Support activities to cut greenhouse gases, received county's Emerald Award for his home;

-Gierer: Solar power, mass transit;

-Helland: Put train station in Jaco Park, along with windmills and solar panels.

A question about sacrifice.

-Each gave examples of personal sacrifices necessary for achievement.

There will be another candidates forum Feb 24 for the Prospect Gardens Community Group.

The Garden Club scene

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:02:00 +0000

On Feb 10, the usual monthly environmental lecture was replaced with something a bit different. Inger Jones, District XI Director of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs introduced those in attendance to the garden club concept. The first requirement was to have a minimum of 10 members to start an Oakland Park garden club. That number was exceeded, showing there is interest. It was also mentioned how such a club would tie in to the community garden proposed in Prospect Gardens.

RIP Cara

noreply@blogger.com (grassroots oakland park) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:14:00 +0000

A unique memorial for Cara Catlin on a fence at Northeast High. The freshman was killed January 2010 in a car crash involving a BSO deputy.