Page 8 - Boca Club News - August '22

Page 8, Boca Club News

Government

Mayor’s Update:

Boca Raton–Home of Real Solutions, Real Results

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of the major grid. Further south, we’ve seen the extensive water lines, sewer lines and other infrastructure as part of
of Boca Raton. A South Florida work by FDOT at Glades Road and I-95, in preparation our Innovative Sustainable Infrastructure Program (ISIP).
native, attorney, mediator, and small for the installation later this year of a Diamond Diverging We are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to prevent
business owner, Scott and his wife Interchange. This new technology may look a little odd, as issues, which is why our water and sewer rates are less than
Bella live in Broken Sound with their drivers drive to the left of opposing traffic for a small stretch. one quarter of the costs of some other peer systems. As a
two young children. The benefits, however, are fewer left turns, which reduces bonus, we are doing all this work while keeping one of the
Last month, I discussed some of crashes and travel time. Boca Raton is one of the first places lowest property tax rates of any full-service city in Florida.
the goals that came out of strategic in the state to have a DDI of this size. Recent projects include the continuation of ISIP projects
planning sessions for maintaining a Schools: August 10th, 2022 saw the opening of the in the eastern side of the Boca Square neighborhood south
healthy economy in Boca Raton. This issue will focus on brand-new Blue Lake Elementary School, the first additional of Palmetto Park Road. Also, with the Brightline station due
recent improvements to our delivering real results to residents public school in Boca Raton in more than a generation. As a to open in late fall, we are investing in improving pedestrian
for the roadways, schools and utility systems we count on reminder, this school was originally planned to go elsewhere. connections from the station to the heart of our downtown.
every day. The City of Boca Raton is consistently working When that site fell through, we moved quickly to donate 15 We also recently approved hardening of a key facilities
to make sure these key systems and assets function at a high acres to bring the new school to our city. We got this new building to better withstand storms. Let this be a reminder
level. The goal is to ensure we have the peace of mind we campus only because we seized this opportunity, becoming to make sure that you are prepared for hurricane season.
want, the improvements we need, and the quality of life we the first city in at least 30 years to do so. After our initiative, Historically, more than 80% of East Coast hurricanes have
deserve. years of planning and much collaboration, this creative come after August 1st, so while the season may be nearly
Roads: The city and other governments continue to invest partnership with the District will add nearly 1,200 student half over on the calendar, we still need to be ready for what
in improving our mobility. The last few months have likely seats, serving both the many families in Boca Raton and may come and possible storms. Be prepared and read more
seen the greatest milling and repaving of roads in Northwest creating space for more new students as more people move at myboca.us/beprepared.
Boca Raton’s history. All the major roadways in this area here. We are fortunate that, with our safe and successful city,
should have completed paving projects by the time you read In addition, we continue to work with the Palm Beach we can focus on the priorities that matter to residents and
this. Both the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County County School District to coordinate on issues of school deliver real solutions and meaningful results. We develop a
worked on our respective roadways, creating improved lanes safety and traffic flow, as we entered into the first long-term plan of action and then, step by step, deliver on these priorities
on five major thoroughfares: Clint Moore Road, Yamato agreement to provide officers to assist the independent to solve problems. Serving as your voice in discussing and
Road, Spanish River Blvd., Jog Road and Military Trail. We School District police force responsible for the schools. We then acting on these important issues is what continues
timed the work to minimize impact during the slower summer also respond to concerns from neighborhoods, like Broken to fuel my commitment. I’m running in the upcoming
season, and to complete it for the start of the school calendar. Sound, about traffic flow from an increased number of parents March 2023 mayoral election to help see more of these
In addition, several state projects are nearing completion. choosing to drive to school rather than use buses. A reminder goals to completion, and keep working to raise and exceed
In September, the Florida Department of Transportation to us all—school is in session—please take extra care and expectations for what our great city can be. I’d love to hear
(FDOT) is due to complete the new Clint Moore Road Bridge slow down, especially when school zones flash their lights your thoughts on what we can do together to reach our goals.
over I-95. The city has been working on long-term plans to for reduced speed. Please share your comments, by email at ssinger@myboca.us,
connect Clint Moore Road to Jeffery Street across the F.E.C. Other Infrastructure: The City of Boca Raton continues or on the web at singerforboca.com, and stay connected for
railroad tracks, which will connect Northeast Boca to the rest its multi-year program of upgrading our roads, utilities, more news @ScottSingerUSA on all social media platforms.
Council Corner: So Much to Enjoy This Summer!

By Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Boca from Costco on Congress). With the city’s takeover, the of activities, restaurants, shows, concerts, and specials.
Raton City Council Member, Deputy golf course is getting better every day. You are welcome Hurricane Season. Happy to report we have been
Mayor, and CRA Chairperson to come out and play or join the league, which plays every hurricane free so far, but remind you to follow preparedness
Hope you all are enjoying the Wednesday. If you want lessons, we now have a pro out guidelines. You can easily find information on the MyBoca
summer in beautiful Boca Raton. there ready and willing to help your game! The city is website.
If you have followed my service currently working on the renovation of the building, as Be safe, be well. Until next time…
to the city, you may have noticed well as the tennis courts with added pickleball.
I am passionate about building Entertainment. Along with enjoying Boca’s beautiful
aesthetics, along with responsible, beaches and recreation facilities at our 48 parks, don’t
sustainable growth. With that comes special attention to forget to check out the Downtown Boca website for a list
building for people, which includes memorable spaces
that offer beauty, walkability and safety.
This spring, I proudly led an initiative to address
Palmetto Park Road in the Downtown area. Along with a
group of volunteer residents who are architects, planners
and urban professionals, we conducted a public outreach
workshop which culminated in a presentation to the City
Council. Our goal is to create a beautiful, walkable safe
promenade along Palmetto Park Road that helps businesses
along the corridor thrive and invites residents and visitors Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
to walk safely in Downtown Boca. every Day 3 - 6 pm
With so much development coming, including
the Brightline station scheduled to open this fall, the and Mon. - Thurs.
rebranding of the Boca Raton Resort, the Mandarin all Day at Bar Only
Oriental, a Cultural Arts and Innovation Center, and the
soon to open Wildflower Park (just to name a few), we Lunch SpeciaLS
believe it is a crucial time to address the missing link in
Downtown Boca. every Day
One of the goals is to bring connectivity of the ever- $
popular Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place by focusing on starting at 9
the heart that will connect the dots. I am happy to report
that the entire City Council embraced the idea. City staff
is now putting together a proposal to hire a professional
urban planning company to analyze the opportunities
and come back to staff and Council with new ideas. I am
hoping that additional parking can be incorporated into
future plans.
Boating. For our boaters, I am pleased to announce the
much-anticipated opening of the city’s renovated public
boat ramp at Silver Palm Park. There is plenty of additional
parking, a new floating dock, which now make up three
launch areas. Even if you’re not a boater, take some time
to check it out. Sit on a bench covered by beautiful sail
shades and watch the boats go by. While you’re there
notice the newly installed public art, my personal favorite.
Golf, Tennis & Pickleball. Remember to check out
the municipal Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club (across