Page 28 - Boca ViewPointe - March '23

Page 28, Viewpointe March 2023
Council Corner: Farewell And Time For Reflection

B y A nd r e a Le v i n e I led a proposal for slower traffic and walkability along provide for so many needs in our community.
O’Rourke, Boca Raton Palmetto Park Road in Downtown with a focus on “building What is on everyone’s mind is the growth we are seeing.
City Council Member, streets for people.” I supported partnering with the Boca Raton We can’t deny the growth that has hit us in Boca Raton and
Deputy Mayor and Museum of Art, the Boca Raton Historic Society on their the south Florida region in a big way, especially since COVID.
CRA Chairperson. Ms. growth goals, and the Mizner Park Amphitheater offering our I started my years in service promising to be a watchdog for
O’Rourke is stepping down community wonderful entertainment. responsible growth. I couldn’t stop growth as all landowners
due to the regulations of During my two terms there has been a focus on creating and and developers have rights. However, I did my best to maintain
term limits. maintaining a robust economy. I have supported our Economic my intention of always pushing for more beautiful buildings.
Development team in recruiting business headquarters, More innovative ideas for growth and less density. More open
Time is swiftly moving working to encourage co-op workspace and, most importantly, space. More green space and trees. Streets designed for people,
toward March 31, my last maintaining Boca’s low tax base. where we can ride our bikes and walk safely.
official day serving Boca As a Florida Atlantic University alumnus, supporting And yet there is more work to be done.
Raton as an elected official. Thank you for the opportunity and partnering with our local universities has been a priority. Although at times it has been a hard ride, it has been a
to share my thoughts with you and report happenings during For that matter, I have dedicated myself to working with our great ride. I thank everyone who supported my efforts, gave
the past six years. important city partners: The Boca Raton Airport Authority, the me great ideas, engaged in meaningful discourse. I thank my
I have often been addressed as a politician and I must share, PB County Transportation Authority, the Greater Boca Raton family and dear friends for their patience. However, it’s time
I never related to that title. Being elected to serve our great Beach and Parks District, the PB County School Board, our to say farewell. At this juncture, there is a turn in the road and
city in a nonpartisan position, I have truly and proudly seen outstanding Police and Fire Departments, along with the large time for me to explore other avenues. I wish the current City
myself as a community servant. And what an honor it has been and hardworking group of nonprofit organizations that help Council and my successor the best of luck. 
to represent the residents of Boca Raton! I step down with both
happy and sad emotions. I look forward to joining my husband
in (semi) retirement, and yet I will miss the privilege of steering
our city in a direction that I felt was important as it related to
growth, safety, sound economics, recreation, education, not
to mention a pandemic. I believe preserving our history and
quality of life as we inevitably move into the future has been Do you need
of the utmost importance to me.
My mission statement when I ran for office in 2016/17
was “Encourage creative, open-minded and visionary
leadership that bridges the gap between citizens and
government and to protect our unique quality of life.” At
the time I ran for office, our community truly embraced the Help?
idea of a resident on City Council who represented their point
of view. That’s what encouraged me to follow this path and
hold to my purpose these past six years. I have followed my
mission… from the waterfront, to downtown, to mid-town
and beyond. It hasn’t always been easy. However, I have kept
my eye on the ball. I reminded myself often of why I served
and what attracted us to Boca Raton in the first place. It was
outstanding amenities, services, and top-level quality of life.
During my time in office, I have been proud of many
accomplishments. As I prepare to step down, I would like
to highlight a few…
The new Brightline station to West Palm, Miami, Fort
Lauderdale and soon to be added Orlando. This service
provides an enhanced travel experience with the important
goal of taking cars off the road. I was part of our City Council
lobbying the PB County School Board for Boca Raton to land
a brand-new and much needed elementary school. Along with
that, two existing school rebuilds, with additional middle
school classes. I am so proud of two new city parks with water
access and more pickleball courts (El Rio and Wildflower).
We have recently completed a redo of the public boat ramp.
We are renovating Rutherford/Lake Wyman parks, with more
water access. We have opened a new municipal golf course
with more amenities to follow on that campus. One only needs
to walk or bike it to see how busy the El Rio Trail is. I am We have the help
also supporting the idea of more trails to come on the Ocean
Breeze property, thanks to the Beach and Parks District. I
was in complete support of my colleagues on City Council that is just right for you!
initiating Race to Zero (sustainability goals) and Vision Zero
(less road fatalities) as important objectives.
I have led and supported many downtown initiatives, which Call or Email us for a
include approval for the new Cultural Art and Innovation
Center, wayfinding signs, enhanced and safer crosswalks, better
street lighting, art in public places, murals and sculptures. Have FREE Consultation
you seen the mural at Mizner Park Amphitheater?

From The Desk Of from page 27
Companion Care
All development proposals must be found consistent
with the Comp Plan in order to obtain approval from • Help with Daily Tasks
the commission.
If a proposed development is inconsistent with the • Transportation for Shopping,
plan, an amendment to the Comp Plan may be approved Errands or Medical Appointments
to ensure consistency. If a required amendment fails,
the project cannot proceed as proposed. • Medication Reminders
Comp Plan hearings are publicly advertised, and
the public is welcome to attend and speak. • Overnight Attendant Care
The meetings are held at the Robert Weisman Palm • Family Caregiver Relief
Beach County Governmental Center, 301 N. Olive Ave.,
sixth floor, West Palm Beach, on the following dates:
• May 5, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
• August 30, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. 954.494.0552
• November 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
If you have any questions about the Comprehensive
Plan, contact the Planning Division at (561) 233-5300. jeff@IDSinhomecare.com
If you require assistance, please contact our
office at 561-355-2204 or email Mwoodward@ Insurance & Licensed & Insured
pbcgov.org.  Private Pay Accepted HCS232941 & NR302-11054 www.IDSInHomeCare.com