Page 13 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - November '21

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 13
Commissioner’s Update

Public Input Improves Our matters needing attention. Whether it is a traffic problem, speed limit and install marked pedestrian crossings. After
uncollected trash, missing street signs, or a blocked
further discussions I held with Parks and Engineering
Community drainage culvert, we appreciate the assistance residents staff, we agreed to move forward with additional parallel
provide in reporting these types of conditions. With a parking improvements.
By County Commissioner county in excess of 2,300 square miles in area, county • The installation of a traffic signal at Northlake
Maria Marino staff cannot possibly provide enough coverage to drive up Boulevard and Ancient Tree Drive/Bay Hill Drive in the
If you have ever wondered and down every street to note items needing correction. To city of Palm Beach Gardens
whether your voice matters, complement our regular maintenance of facilities under our • Repair/replacement of sidewalk sections in the Roan
let me respond with an purview, your participation helps direct our crews and field Lane neighborhood in unincorporated Lake Park
emphatic yes. Many of our representatives to locations needing immediate attention. • Bike lanes, funded under a transportation grant
public projects begin through To give you an idea of how resident input matters, the program are in the planning stage for future installation
resident input. Your phone following District 1 projects are progressing or in the along Prosperity Farms Road, between Northlake
calls, emails and letters about process of completion, thanks to information received Boulevard and Donald Ross Road.
issues you are experiencing from the public: • Enhanced pedestrian crossings at 25 locations along
in the community initiate • Traffic counts taken at the urging of neighboring residents A1A/Ocean Drive in Jupiter and Juno Beach will include
research, and many times indicated the need to install a traffic signal at the intersection pedestrian-activated flashing lights for safer crossing and to
result in recommendations for improvements. of Toney Penna Drive and Central Boulevard in Jupiter. better to alert drivers. Installation will commence in 2022.
As engaged members of the community, you serve as • A traffic study performed on Beach Road in the area of • Neighborhood organizations in Jupiter Farms and Palm
the eyes and ears that help alert your county officials to Coral Cove Park resulted in a recommendation to lower the Beach Country Estates participated extensively in the process
to develop Unified Land Development Code amendments
related to community residences for the disabled.
• The North County Neighborhood Coalition is working
closely with government and transportation officials on
future improvements along the Beeline Highway and
Northlake Boulevard corridors.
Thank you for helping your county government improve
our quality of life, and as always, please contact me if I
can be of assistance to you by calling (561) 355-2201, or
by email to mmarino@pbcgov.org.

Town Of Jupiter

News

By Ilan Kaufer,
Jupiter Vice Mayor
Happy November,
I hope everyone had a
fun and safe Halloween.
With Thanksgiving
coming up now is a
great time to think about
what we are thankful for.
This year particularly I
want to thank all the
wonderful members of
our community who have kept us safe and healthy
during a challenging year. I also want to thank all
our local veterans as we celebrate their bravery and
sacrifice on Veterans Day. Please find below a few
recent council updates.
Town Budget
The Town Council approved the budget for the
2021/22 fiscal year. The town’s millage (tax rate)
will remain level and there is continued investment in
our infrastructure and some new community projects
related to playgrounds and pickleball courts, among
other items of interest. There was also discussion
concerning police department staffing and I will
continue to advocate that we fill all budget positions.
Feel free to write in with any budget-related questions
or any issue.
Public Comment And Concerns
The council asked the Town attorney to research a
third-party firm that could look into concerns raised
during public comment. Comments were raised
concerning issues between Town management and
Town personnel, and it’s important these be looked at
by an independent reviewer.
Bicycle And Pedestrian Safety And Traffic Strategic Plan
The Town Council received an update on bicycle
and pedestrian safety and an update to the traffic
strategic plan and listened to resident comments and
concerns about how to plan for the future.
Building Height Standards And Bonus Program
The council reviewed the building height standards
and planned unit development height limits. Proposed
changes to the height standards were sent to the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the council
is expected to review their comments and make a
decision on the issue in the next couple months.
Thank you for keeping up to date on these activities.
Please make sure to follow me on social media on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/kauferfl and on
Twitter @CouncilorKaufer for more frequent updates.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns
about these initiatives or any other Town matters,
please email me at ilank@jupiter.fl.us.