In our September 2020 digital newsletter, the Seven Isles HOA Board of Directors reported on a proposed city plan for Las Olas Boulevard from the ocean to Andrews Avenue which could result in significant impact to Seven Isles if approved. Concerning changes to our community impacted by proposed design changes would include but not be limited to further delays for emergency response vehicles due to proposed narrowing of Las Olas at the west end of the Isles and a roundabout at Las Olas and 15 Avenue; further pressure on existing stormwater and sewer infrastructure; lack of a plan to address current flooding issues; risk of unintended overnight guests in proposed parks and rest areas planned all along the Isles, including one at the entrance to Seven Isles; a proposed elevated pedestrian path that would end right at Seven Isles’ entrance; and of course, costs to build and sustain aggressive plans. You can find a current detailed breakdown of the designs by clicking here
As part of our watchdog efforts, the Seven Isles HOA Board of Directors joined a consortium representing leadership from all of the surrounding Isles neighborhoods. At least one Board member has attended every meeting throughout September and October to ensure Seven Isles has representation. These meetings have brought together neighborhood leaders throughout the Isles neighborhoods and the Corradino Group, a firm hired by the City of Ft Lauderdale to design and propose Las Olas Boulevard changes and improvements. In September, all Seven Isles residents were notified of a call-to-action Zoom meeting to hear first-hand from the Corradino Group, which some of you attended. Additional meetings have also occurred in which the Corradino Group has sat down with the consortium of Isles’ neighborhoods to dissect and address Isles’ concerns for certain aspects of the Las Olas plan that are collectively seen as having a negative and burdensome impact on the Isles.
Background: Eight years ago civic associations met to strategize solutions for mobility concerns on Las Olas. Over the years some suggestions were adopted, such as the dedicated right turn lane at Las Olas and 15th Avenue. Two years ago Vice Mayor Glassman and Commissioner Ben Sorensen formed the Las Olas Mobility Working Group and eventually hired a consultant. On August 20, the Corradino Group consultants initially presented 3 plans, all triggering serious concerns among leadership in the Isles neighborhoods, including Seven Isles.
In September, the Seven Isles HOA Board sent a letter to all Ft. Lauderdale commissioners with respect to the greatest design concerns impacting Seven Isles. A copy of that letter was provided to HOA members with the October Q4 statements. As the consortium meetings progressed, it became clear that the Isles’ neighborhoods needed to work together to narrow our immediate “asks” in regards to aspects of the proposed plans that need to be modified and addressed. In a continued effort to streamline recommendations for effective planning along Las Olas that address our most pressing concerns for safety, including but not limited to unacceptable emergency response times, lack of crosswalks and continuous bike paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, and concerns for traffic flow, the consortium of Isles’ residents have proposed focusing first and foremost on the 5 top safety concerns:
- 1. Crosswalks east/west on 3 Northern Isles (Nurmi, Fiesta Way, Royal Palm) with motion; sensors and blinking lights;
- 2. Implementing at least 2 crosswalks North/South immediately;
- 3. Repainting the current bike lanes;
- 4. Ensuring consistent enforcement of speed and safety on Las Olas Boulevard in the Isles;
- 5. Budgeting appropriate dollars to address the EMS issues in the Isles (currently just at or below national standards, according to research data presented)
The consortium intends to present these concerns to the city commissioners. In terms of other aspects of the proposed plans, our message to the Corradino Group and city commissioners from Seven Isles to date, has been that many aspects of the 3 plans of the Corradino Group are not desired and negate rather than improve the Isles area.
Given the number of residents and leadership involved in these consortium meetings, virtual invitations for meeting have been frequent and have occurred quickly. Nevertheless, the Seven Isles HOA Board of Directors continue to encourage Seven Isles residents to get involved in these meetings if you wish to know first-hand what is occurring. If you wish to be added to the invitation list, send your request to the Board by clicking here and filling out the contact form. You can also use this communication format to express your opinions on these matters to the Board so that we can continue to appropriately represent the best interests of Seven Isles in future consortium discussions.