By HILLARY COPSEY
Southbend neighbors are ready to talk with the city about building boat ramps in their area, though not everyone — not even every City Council member — likes the idea.
The city proposes to build a multi-ramp boat launch on 50 acres it owns off East Snow Road and Bay St. Lucie Drive. Boats launched from the property would have room to maneuver into the St. Lucie River because the site faces Kitching Cove, and the parcel has less than an acre of wetlands to be disturbed by construction.
Mostly, however, the city wants boat ramps at Bay St. Lucie because land-locked Port St. Lucie has few other options.
"If anybody were to go to Veterans Park this Sunday at 2, 3, 4 in the afternoon, I think it would be quite obvious there is a need for boat ramps: You wouldn't be able to find a place to park," Parks Director Chuck Proulx said.
Veterans Memorial Park on Midport Road — with just three ramps — is the only boat launch in the city. About 14,000 people own boats in St. Lucie County.
Facing increasing pressure from regional planners to provide for St. Lucie County boaters, a majority of City Council members supported the $2 million Southbend ramp proposal last week. If approved, a proposed boat ramp fee charged to western developers could pay for the project.
But Councilman Christopher Cooper flatly refused to support developing the site, and even those in favor of the plan admitted the ramps significantly could increase traffic on and around Southbend Boulevard. The council decided to ask Southbend residents to help with the planning process.
The proposal received mixed reviews in the quiet, well-manicured neighborhood along the river.
West Snow Road resident Janine Bischone totally is against the project, but Quay Street homeowner James Sanders preferred ramps to a housing development. Neighbor Glenn Krumenacker was split — liking the idea, but worried about traffic.
Regardless of opinions, most were willing to hear the city proposal and eager to throw in their two cents.
"We would certainly be active in discussing what's best for those lands, for the water and the quality of life for our residents in there," said Jim McKenzie, Bay St. Lucie Homeowners Association president.
The boat ramp facility likely would most affect Bay St. Lucie, the upscale, 29-home community at the end of Bay St. Lucie Drive. The meandering drive is public, but it only leads to the private gate protecting the community.
But residents can expect several more years of peace before boat-towing SUVs roll through their neighborhood. Permitting the project alone is expected to take at least two years because of necessary environmental studies, Proulx said.
And some residents say the city is going to need all the time it can get to properly design what is sure to be a popular park.
"Conceptually, the idea is really nice," Krumenacker said. "But the reality is that that piece of property is very inaccessible. It's going to be a serious challenge for them to provide for the kind of (positive) response they're going to get. They may create a problem they can't overcome."
SOUTHBEND BOAT RAMPS
Port St. Lucie officials want to build a boat ramp facility on 50 acres east of Southbend Boulevard. The project could include:
• Multiple boat ramps.
• Large parking lot.
• Walking trails.
• Picnic area.
WHAT'S NEXT
Before the City Council considers the boat ramp proposal for final approval, the Parks Department will host public workshops to gather suggestions and concerns about the plan from Southbend area residents.
Once a plan is created, the city will begin the permitting process, which could take as long as two years.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Upgrades studied for St. Lucie West Boulevard
By CHRIS YOUNG
City and private engineers have made a preliminary study of road improvements to St. Lucie West Boulevard to reduce accidents and increase safety.
The boulevard, a major east-west thoroughfare, may get median barriers and extended turn lanes at intersections between Peacock and Bayshore boulevards. If City Manager Don Cooper and City Council approve the plans, more detailed construction plans would be done, said Kim Graham, city engineer.
The plans were spurred by anticipated widening of the bridge over Interstate 95, said Councilwoman Michelle Berger.
"We definitely need more turning lanes, like off Peacock and Cashmere," she said.
Growth of the city and more stores and attractions in St. Lucie West have meant more residents are using the roads. The boulevard started to exceed its capacity in 2003, said Engineering Director Walter England, approaching "parking lot conditions."
In 2004, the road was targeted by the Metropolitan Planning Organization to have its traffic signals timed so that drivers going the speed limit hit more green lights than red lights.
The preliminary plans include cutting back landscaping to allow greater visibility, extending turn lanes off of St. Lucie West Boulevard including west of Peacock coming off the I-95 off-ramp, and adding medians along the boulevard.
All remaining median openings will get "peanuts," that will force drivers to turn onto the boulevard from one direction only, Graham said in a staff memo.
Intersections would also get Americans with Disabilities Act access and improvements, including Braille signage, Berger said.
City and private engineers have made a preliminary study of road improvements to St. Lucie West Boulevard to reduce accidents and increase safety.
The boulevard, a major east-west thoroughfare, may get median barriers and extended turn lanes at intersections between Peacock and Bayshore boulevards. If City Manager Don Cooper and City Council approve the plans, more detailed construction plans would be done, said Kim Graham, city engineer.
The plans were spurred by anticipated widening of the bridge over Interstate 95, said Councilwoman Michelle Berger.
"We definitely need more turning lanes, like off Peacock and Cashmere," she said.
Growth of the city and more stores and attractions in St. Lucie West have meant more residents are using the roads. The boulevard started to exceed its capacity in 2003, said Engineering Director Walter England, approaching "parking lot conditions."
In 2004, the road was targeted by the Metropolitan Planning Organization to have its traffic signals timed so that drivers going the speed limit hit more green lights than red lights.
The preliminary plans include cutting back landscaping to allow greater visibility, extending turn lanes off of St. Lucie West Boulevard including west of Peacock coming off the I-95 off-ramp, and adding medians along the boulevard.
All remaining median openings will get "peanuts," that will force drivers to turn onto the boulevard from one direction only, Graham said in a staff memo.
Intersections would also get Americans with Disabilities Act access and improvements, including Braille signage, Berger said.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
PSL investigating property on Becker
City engineers are investigating 187 pieces of property on and around Becker Road as they craft a plan to expand the road to four lanes.
The city has already purchased 70 lots in the area, but the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council expansion proposal — favored by City Council — requires another 187 lots for drainage, roundabouts, green areas and other improvements. City engineers and consultants are determining which properties are improved, as well as which lots are vital to the plan.
Engineers expect to present their findings to City Council for further direction within the next three months.
"We've got to figure out what we want to do," City Engineer Walter England said. "Then, either somebody's got to find some more money, or we'll have to phase back the plan."
The city has already purchased 70 lots in the area, but the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council expansion proposal — favored by City Council — requires another 187 lots for drainage, roundabouts, green areas and other improvements. City engineers and consultants are determining which properties are improved, as well as which lots are vital to the plan.
Engineers expect to present their findings to City Council for further direction within the next three months.
"We've got to figure out what we want to do," City Engineer Walter England said. "Then, either somebody's got to find some more money, or we'll have to phase back the plan."
BBBs issue real estate fraud alert
Business Bureaus in the United States and Canada on Monday issued an alert to help combat the growing incidences of real estate fraud.
The BBB offers the following tips for homeowners whose mortgage is in arrears or who are facing foreclosure:
• Read everything before you sign and get all verbal promises in writing. Some schemers will offer to complete paperwork for you, or ask you to sign a stack of documents, supposedly to secure a new mortgage. Victims later learn that they signed a quit-claim deed in which they gave away ownership of their home.
• Beware the personal approach. Some less-than-ethical businesses will stuff a handwritten note in your front door or mailbox that implies that help is available from someone you know or who has your interests in mind. Foreclosure scam artists know exactly what neighborhoods to blanket with their offers.
• If people describing themselves as "foreclosure rescuers" or mortgage brokers" instruct you not to contact your mortgage company or your attorney, be wary. You should be in touch with your mortgage company to explain payment problems and your lawyer is the only individual obligated to represent your rights.
• Never sign a contract under pressure and never sign away ownership of your property. Remember, signing over your deed to someone else does not necessarily relieve you of a loan obligation. Ask a trusted family member, attorney or a financial professional to review any paperwork you are asked to sign.
• Before agreeing to any deal, contact your local BBB for a report on the company and check with your state attorney general and state Real Estate Commission. On the Treasure Coast, call the BBB office in Port St. Lucie at (772) 335-2017.
For additional information, call (800) 834-1267 or visit www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org.
The BBB offers the following tips for homeowners whose mortgage is in arrears or who are facing foreclosure:
• Read everything before you sign and get all verbal promises in writing. Some schemers will offer to complete paperwork for you, or ask you to sign a stack of documents, supposedly to secure a new mortgage. Victims later learn that they signed a quit-claim deed in which they gave away ownership of their home.
• Beware the personal approach. Some less-than-ethical businesses will stuff a handwritten note in your front door or mailbox that implies that help is available from someone you know or who has your interests in mind. Foreclosure scam artists know exactly what neighborhoods to blanket with their offers.
• If people describing themselves as "foreclosure rescuers" or mortgage brokers" instruct you not to contact your mortgage company or your attorney, be wary. You should be in touch with your mortgage company to explain payment problems and your lawyer is the only individual obligated to represent your rights.
• Never sign a contract under pressure and never sign away ownership of your property. Remember, signing over your deed to someone else does not necessarily relieve you of a loan obligation. Ask a trusted family member, attorney or a financial professional to review any paperwork you are asked to sign.
• Before agreeing to any deal, contact your local BBB for a report on the company and check with your state attorney general and state Real Estate Commission. On the Treasure Coast, call the BBB office in Port St. Lucie at (772) 335-2017.
For additional information, call (800) 834-1267 or visit www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Hurricane Grill looks to perk up PSL, Westmoreland 'eyesore'
By CHRIS YOUNG
After years of planning and bureaucratic hurdles, a developer may soon break ground on the last corner of one of the city's busiest intersections.
The southeast corner of Port St. Lucie and Westmoreland boulevards boasts a stretch of foot-high grass and a cluster of palm trees, but new billboards announce a Hurricane Grill And Wings with eight retail spots and a bank.
City Council members said the City Fountain Center parcel finally is coming together, though not exactly as they wanted.
"I wanted a more upscale restaurant than the Hurricane Grill, but it does have probably the best wings in St. Lucie County," said Councilman Jack Kelly. "I'm glad to see it moving forward. That property has been an eyesore as long as I've been in Port St. Lucie."
Kelly said the line of rental houses that used to be on the property "never looked right" for the city's vision for Riverwalk.
Neighbors on adjacent Petunia Avenue recalled that tenant turnover was high, and the houses weren't well-maintained. Betty Keele, 74, said that the neighbors across from her property even sold used appliances from their back porch.
Developer Frank Poma agreed to buy the lots for about $2.1 million and razed the houses.
The city, Poma said, has dragged its feet on approving his rezoning and replatting, taking a couple of years.
Kelly agreed, saying the property was tied up in the planning of a special assessment district that would fund intersection expansions and Riverwalk South — city land bordering the St. Lucie River including a botanical gardens.
The project was complicated further by the corner wedge, a perennially vacant city-owned parcel that Poma committed to furnish with a 20-foot-wide fountain as part of his sale agreement.
Talks between Poma and the neighbors about the restaurant, at one point a sushi restaurant, led one resident to circulate a letter about the Hurricane Grill.
"A beer and wings place attracts a different crowd than a sushi restaurant," said the letter's author, Harvey Glatt, who was concerned about noise.
Hurricane Brand Holdings chairman Michael Matakaetis said the new location would be family-friendly and not a true bar, selling beer and wine only.
Betty Keele said she was waiting for a sound wall that city officials promised would be built.
Poma said he would build it before constructing the building, but the site plan has needed revision because of city staff requirements. He is submitting a revised plan in the next several weeks.
Keele said it's about time.
"Every year they've come up with something new," she said. "We were looking forward to the doggone thing getting started."
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Get ready for 'new era' of economic development in PSL
By HILLARY COPSEY
The city is entering a new phase of economic development as it finishes cleaning up the mistakes of the original developer, City Manager Don Cooper said Friday during a City Council planning retreat.
"At the winter retreat, in February, you will be in a new era of the city," Cooper said. "By February 2007, we'll have an answer to Burnham, whether or not they will come here."
Even if the California biotech facility, The Burnham Institute, does not build in Port St. Lucie, Cooper guaranteed other high-tech industry would arrive.
For years, the city has worked to build the roads, utilities and other basic amenities not provided by Port St. Lucie's founder, General Development Co.
That work largely is finished. Next year, a slew of new projects begin that will change the face of the city, Cooper said.
During the two-day planning retreat, City Council approved a $650 million budget that included cash for the Crosstown Parkway and Becker Road. Both roads will have exits on Interstate 95 underway next year, while a new interchange on Florida's Turnpike opens.
The city's first significant retail development — The Landing — is coming to Tradition, as Wal-Mart and Sam's Club go up on Gatlin Boulevard. Meanwhile, construction will start next year on City Center, the city's first downtown, causing "a radical change on the east-side," Cooper said.
And while growth is slowing, Planning Director Cheryl Friend said as many as 400,000 people could live in Port St. Lucie by 2016.
A major part of that growth will come in development west of I-95.
As many as 80,000 homes are planned in the western areas annexed since 2003. While those developments bring retail, school sites and other infrastructure the city needs, they also will add 200,000 people.
"We need to begin thinking, given that environment ... about the next 10 to 15 years, because it's going to be a different city than the last 50 years," Cooper said. "The city is now on a national stage."
As the city enters the high-wage industry competition, Port St. Lucie planners are trying to educate themselves, elected officials and the community. The city is hosting a biotech conference on October 27 with speakers from Scripps Research Institute and other organizations.
"We're hoping this is the first of many," Assistant Planning Director Daniel Holbrook said.
Port St. Lucie is about to embark on a new era of economic development, City Manager Don Cooper says. Next year, Port St. Lucie will start several city-altering projects:
Crosstown Parkway: The third east-west thoroughfare will be under construction from a new Interstate 95 interchange to the St. Lucie River.
Becker Road: Work will begin on a new I-95 interchange and finish on a interchange at Florida's Turnpike.
The Landing at Tradition: While not a city project, Cooper calls Core Communities' upscale shopping center the city's first significant retail development.
City Center: A partnership with developer George de Guardiola will create the city's first downtown.
The city is entering a new phase of economic development as it finishes cleaning up the mistakes of the original developer, City Manager Don Cooper said Friday during a City Council planning retreat.
"At the winter retreat, in February, you will be in a new era of the city," Cooper said. "By February 2007, we'll have an answer to Burnham, whether or not they will come here."
Even if the California biotech facility, The Burnham Institute, does not build in Port St. Lucie, Cooper guaranteed other high-tech industry would arrive.
For years, the city has worked to build the roads, utilities and other basic amenities not provided by Port St. Lucie's founder, General Development Co.
That work largely is finished. Next year, a slew of new projects begin that will change the face of the city, Cooper said.
During the two-day planning retreat, City Council approved a $650 million budget that included cash for the Crosstown Parkway and Becker Road. Both roads will have exits on Interstate 95 underway next year, while a new interchange on Florida's Turnpike opens.
The city's first significant retail development — The Landing — is coming to Tradition, as Wal-Mart and Sam's Club go up on Gatlin Boulevard. Meanwhile, construction will start next year on City Center, the city's first downtown, causing "a radical change on the east-side," Cooper said.
And while growth is slowing, Planning Director Cheryl Friend said as many as 400,000 people could live in Port St. Lucie by 2016.
A major part of that growth will come in development west of I-95.
As many as 80,000 homes are planned in the western areas annexed since 2003. While those developments bring retail, school sites and other infrastructure the city needs, they also will add 200,000 people.
"We need to begin thinking, given that environment ... about the next 10 to 15 years, because it's going to be a different city than the last 50 years," Cooper said. "The city is now on a national stage."
As the city enters the high-wage industry competition, Port St. Lucie planners are trying to educate themselves, elected officials and the community. The city is hosting a biotech conference on October 27 with speakers from Scripps Research Institute and other organizations.
"We're hoping this is the first of many," Assistant Planning Director Daniel Holbrook said.
Port St. Lucie is about to embark on a new era of economic development, City Manager Don Cooper says. Next year, Port St. Lucie will start several city-altering projects:
Crosstown Parkway: The third east-west thoroughfare will be under construction from a new Interstate 95 interchange to the St. Lucie River.
Becker Road: Work will begin on a new I-95 interchange and finish on a interchange at Florida's Turnpike.
The Landing at Tradition: While not a city project, Cooper calls Core Communities' upscale shopping center the city's first significant retail development.
City Center: A partnership with developer George de Guardiola will create the city's first downtown.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Torino park will take almost all of PSL's recreation cash
By HILLARY COPSEY
A $12 million regional park in Torino will take almost all the city's recreation cash for the next four years, the City Council decided Thursday.
The city included $5 million in the 2006-07 budget, which takes effect Oct. 1, to design and construct a four-field softball complex on a 139-acre parcel between West Blanton Boulevard and North Torino Parkway. By 2010, the city aims to spend an additional $7 million to transform the empty land into a regional park.
"This will be the single-largest parks improvement ever undertaken in the history of the city," Parks Project Manager Brad Keen said. "There may be smaller projects that we can get done, but this will be the major thrust for the next four years."
The city typically has built parks in phases, building a section one year then waiting several years before finishing the project. Often, there simply wasn't enough money to finish things at once, Parks Director Chuck Proulx said.
But since 2003, the area's growth has provided a steady income of parks impact fees from developers and a special parks tax. That, combined with ever-increasing construction costs, makes building all at once a better option.
"We have not had good experiences piecemealing our parks," City Manager Don Cooper said. "To be frank, it tends to cost us more money overall."
Many recent parks projects have run over budget and over schedule. Unexpected building needs and increased costs delayed the Torino field complex for three years.
Now, Torino could delay for four years the construction of regional parks in the eastern and southwestern areas of the city. Cooper said the city might be able to build Torino faster by borrowing the funds.
Impact fees and parks taxes will pay for the debt, Cooper said.
But first, the City Council must approve a master plan for the park. The city plans to host public meetings to gather residents' suggestions.
With the $12 million, the city hopes to build as many as eight baseball or softball fields, several other athletic fields, a playground and walking trails. Eventually, Cooper and Keen said the city might consider building a pool or community center at the site.
TORINO POSSIBILITIES
• Eight or more softball and baseball fields.
• A rugby field.
• Soccer fields.
• Tennis courts.
• Playgrounds.
• Pavilions.
• A fishing pier.
• Walking trails.
THE BUDGET
• City Council members Thursday unanimously set a property tax rate of $4.44 per $1,000 of taxable value for next fiscal year.
• The rate is a drop of 25 cents from the current year. A homeowner with a homestead exemption and a house with an assessed value of $200,000 would pay $804 next year, a reduction of $17 from the current city tax bill.
• Public hearings to finalize the tax rate will be held at council meetings at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 25 at City Hall.
• Residents also will see a $9 increase in stormwater fees and 1.5 percent increase in water and sewer rates.
• Key budget items include hiring 34 additional police officers.
OTHER RETREAT ACTION
• The City Council received an update about a new road maintenance system designed to spend paving dollars where they are needed most.
The new system analyzes the condition of each road in the city,
Public Works Director Don Freedland said. Instead of paving whole sections of the city in a rotating schedule, workers now will pave individual roads based on need.
The system, which is used in Tampa, Orlando and Lakeland, should make the most of the city's annual $2.4 million paving budget, Freedland said.
• Council members decided to consider a 2.5 percent to 5 percent increase in rental fees for parks and recreation facilities.
"If they go up, you're talking about dollars, probably," Parks Director Chuck Proulx said.
Still, an increase in operating costs and employees needed to staff the facilities makes the cost necessary, Proulx said. He asked council to consider creating a yearly increase after the initial price hike to adjust for cost-of-living.
• Communications Director Wayne Larson updated the City Council on the city's marketing plan, which includes an upcoming survey of how residents get information.
Several council members criticized PSL TV-20, the public access channel, and the Community Relations Department, pledging to nix any requests for more money until programming improved.
But City Manager Don Cooper said the city must concentrate on improving its Web site, PSL TV-20 and other communication systems to market itself to big business.
A $12 million regional park in Torino will take almost all the city's recreation cash for the next four years, the City Council decided Thursday.
The city included $5 million in the 2006-07 budget, which takes effect Oct. 1, to design and construct a four-field softball complex on a 139-acre parcel between West Blanton Boulevard and North Torino Parkway. By 2010, the city aims to spend an additional $7 million to transform the empty land into a regional park.
"This will be the single-largest parks improvement ever undertaken in the history of the city," Parks Project Manager Brad Keen said. "There may be smaller projects that we can get done, but this will be the major thrust for the next four years."
The city typically has built parks in phases, building a section one year then waiting several years before finishing the project. Often, there simply wasn't enough money to finish things at once, Parks Director Chuck Proulx said.
But since 2003, the area's growth has provided a steady income of parks impact fees from developers and a special parks tax. That, combined with ever-increasing construction costs, makes building all at once a better option.
"We have not had good experiences piecemealing our parks," City Manager Don Cooper said. "To be frank, it tends to cost us more money overall."
Many recent parks projects have run over budget and over schedule. Unexpected building needs and increased costs delayed the Torino field complex for three years.
Now, Torino could delay for four years the construction of regional parks in the eastern and southwestern areas of the city. Cooper said the city might be able to build Torino faster by borrowing the funds.
Impact fees and parks taxes will pay for the debt, Cooper said.
But first, the City Council must approve a master plan for the park. The city plans to host public meetings to gather residents' suggestions.
With the $12 million, the city hopes to build as many as eight baseball or softball fields, several other athletic fields, a playground and walking trails. Eventually, Cooper and Keen said the city might consider building a pool or community center at the site.
TORINO POSSIBILITIES
• Eight or more softball and baseball fields.
• A rugby field.
• Soccer fields.
• Tennis courts.
• Playgrounds.
• Pavilions.
• A fishing pier.
• Walking trails.
THE BUDGET
• City Council members Thursday unanimously set a property tax rate of $4.44 per $1,000 of taxable value for next fiscal year.
• The rate is a drop of 25 cents from the current year. A homeowner with a homestead exemption and a house with an assessed value of $200,000 would pay $804 next year, a reduction of $17 from the current city tax bill.
• Public hearings to finalize the tax rate will be held at council meetings at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 25 at City Hall.
• Residents also will see a $9 increase in stormwater fees and 1.5 percent increase in water and sewer rates.
• Key budget items include hiring 34 additional police officers.
OTHER RETREAT ACTION
• The City Council received an update about a new road maintenance system designed to spend paving dollars where they are needed most.
The new system analyzes the condition of each road in the city,
Public Works Director Don Freedland said. Instead of paving whole sections of the city in a rotating schedule, workers now will pave individual roads based on need.
The system, which is used in Tampa, Orlando and Lakeland, should make the most of the city's annual $2.4 million paving budget, Freedland said.
• Council members decided to consider a 2.5 percent to 5 percent increase in rental fees for parks and recreation facilities.
"If they go up, you're talking about dollars, probably," Parks Director Chuck Proulx said.
Still, an increase in operating costs and employees needed to staff the facilities makes the cost necessary, Proulx said. He asked council to consider creating a yearly increase after the initial price hike to adjust for cost-of-living.
• Communications Director Wayne Larson updated the City Council on the city's marketing plan, which includes an upcoming survey of how residents get information.
Several council members criticized PSL TV-20, the public access channel, and the Community Relations Department, pledging to nix any requests for more money until programming improved.
But City Manager Don Cooper said the city must concentrate on improving its Web site, PSL TV-20 and other communication systems to market itself to big business.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
St. Lucie's crime rate down 7.2 percent
By WILL GREENLEE
The crime rate per 100,000 in Fort Pierce and fast-growing Port St. Lucie decreased last year, though rose slightly in the unincorporated county, according to state statistics released Tuesday.
The local figures, which reflect reports in seven categories of serious crimes, came from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as that agency and Governor Jeb Bush announced the state's index crime rate has reached a 34-year low.
The Port St. Lucie police showed a 10.4 percent drop from 2004 in the crime rate per 100,000, which appears to be a product of population growth because the number of serious crime reports remained essentially unchanged in 2004 and 2005.
Port St. Lucie's population last year was 129,135, an increase of about 14,000 from 2004, though the total number of serious crimes in 2005 increased by just 15.
"Overall I think we've done a fantastic job," Chief John Skinner said.
He said it appears the city won't be able to proclaim it's the safest of its size in the state as it has in years past.
"You can only keep it down so long," Skinner said. "You do the very best you can, but it's difficult when you have that many coming into the city."
The Fort Pierce police recorded a 5.1 percent drop in the crime rate per 100,000 from 2004, which Assistant Chief Sean Baldwin attributed partially to partnerships with the community and other law enforcement agencies and hard work by his department's officers.
"We had some significant decreases in our burglary and theft, which traditionally account for significant portions of our crimes," he said.
Burglaries dropped from 970 in 2004 to 872 last year while larceny went from 1,912 in 2004 to 1,629 last year.
Homicides, however, rose to 10 last year from six in 2004, and Fort Pierce continues to have the highest crime rate per 100,000 in the county.
Statistics show the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office had a 2.8 percent increase in the crime rate per 100,000 last year, with significant jumps in larceny and motor vehicle theft, which Sheriff Ken Mascara called "crimes of opportunity."
"Our crime prevention unit continues to try to educate our public on how to keep things locked up and secure when they're not around," Mascara said. "We are trying to address those little increases that we're experiencing."
Crime down
For seven major crimes, the crime rate dropped in St. Lucie County from 2004 to 2005, based on crimes per 100,000 residents:
Port St. Lucie: -10.4.
Fort Pierce: -5.1.
Sheriff's Office: +2.8.
St. Lucie County total: -7.2.
The crime rate per 100,000 in Fort Pierce and fast-growing Port St. Lucie decreased last year, though rose slightly in the unincorporated county, according to state statistics released Tuesday.
The local figures, which reflect reports in seven categories of serious crimes, came from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as that agency and Governor Jeb Bush announced the state's index crime rate has reached a 34-year low.
The Port St. Lucie police showed a 10.4 percent drop from 2004 in the crime rate per 100,000, which appears to be a product of population growth because the number of serious crime reports remained essentially unchanged in 2004 and 2005.
Port St. Lucie's population last year was 129,135, an increase of about 14,000 from 2004, though the total number of serious crimes in 2005 increased by just 15.
"Overall I think we've done a fantastic job," Chief John Skinner said.
He said it appears the city won't be able to proclaim it's the safest of its size in the state as it has in years past.
"You can only keep it down so long," Skinner said. "You do the very best you can, but it's difficult when you have that many coming into the city."
The Fort Pierce police recorded a 5.1 percent drop in the crime rate per 100,000 from 2004, which Assistant Chief Sean Baldwin attributed partially to partnerships with the community and other law enforcement agencies and hard work by his department's officers.
"We had some significant decreases in our burglary and theft, which traditionally account for significant portions of our crimes," he said.
Burglaries dropped from 970 in 2004 to 872 last year while larceny went from 1,912 in 2004 to 1,629 last year.
Homicides, however, rose to 10 last year from six in 2004, and Fort Pierce continues to have the highest crime rate per 100,000 in the county.
Statistics show the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office had a 2.8 percent increase in the crime rate per 100,000 last year, with significant jumps in larceny and motor vehicle theft, which Sheriff Ken Mascara called "crimes of opportunity."
"Our crime prevention unit continues to try to educate our public on how to keep things locked up and secure when they're not around," Mascara said. "We are trying to address those little increases that we're experiencing."
Crime down
For seven major crimes, the crime rate dropped in St. Lucie County from 2004 to 2005, based on crimes per 100,000 residents:
Port St. Lucie: -10.4.
Fort Pierce: -5.1.
Sheriff's Office: +2.8.
St. Lucie County total: -7.2.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Commerce on Becker Road advances
By CHRIS YOUNG
PORT ST. LUCIE — After months of waiting, the City Council advanced the city's plan for the Becker Road corridor Monday night.
To the applause of more than a dozen residents, the council unanimously voted to use an $80,000 report by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council as a guide to shaping the corridor and create a conversion zone. The zone would allow the gradual conversion of residential lots into commercial lots, a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning board.
The next step is to have staff do a needs assessment with pros and cons of variables such as traffic lights versus roundabouts, Mayor Bob Minsky said.
"We have to consider cost and functionality," Minsky said.
Property owners voiced their concerns at the meeting, demanding the city choose a direction.
"It is time for you to act with a vision," resident Bill Bristol said.
Realtor Eileen Smith said before the meeting that many lot owners along Becker Road want to sell but are having difficulty because no one knows what the future holds.
"What are the setbacks, the occupancy, the parking rules, the best places for alleys?" said Smith, who owns two lots on Becker Road.
The council last gave direction on the thoroughfare in April, approving a plan showing how side streets will intersect Becker Road and sites for future drainage ponds. That plan included a four-lane road with five traffic signals and no roundabouts, but officials said they could be added later.
Councilman Christopher Cooper said if city staff recommended a four-lane road with roundabouts for Floresta Boulevard, which the council approved in June, staff should be able to do the same for Becker.
"I can't see any valid reason for not supporting roundabouts," he said.
He added that the eventual road will not look 100 percent like the planning council plan.
"It won't look like that unless one person bought the entire thing and developed it," he said.
To solve a drainage problem on the expanded Becker Road, the council also voted to remove the four-foot wide bike lanes but widen sidewalks to eight feet on each side of the road.
The council also leaned toward having future developers build their own drainage instead of having a unified drainage system.
Creating such a system could require buying more than 270 lots, Assistant City Manager Jerry Bentrott said.
PORT ST. LUCIE — After months of waiting, the City Council advanced the city's plan for the Becker Road corridor Monday night.
To the applause of more than a dozen residents, the council unanimously voted to use an $80,000 report by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council as a guide to shaping the corridor and create a conversion zone. The zone would allow the gradual conversion of residential lots into commercial lots, a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning board.
The next step is to have staff do a needs assessment with pros and cons of variables such as traffic lights versus roundabouts, Mayor Bob Minsky said.
"We have to consider cost and functionality," Minsky said.
Property owners voiced their concerns at the meeting, demanding the city choose a direction.
"It is time for you to act with a vision," resident Bill Bristol said.
Realtor Eileen Smith said before the meeting that many lot owners along Becker Road want to sell but are having difficulty because no one knows what the future holds.
"What are the setbacks, the occupancy, the parking rules, the best places for alleys?" said Smith, who owns two lots on Becker Road.
The council last gave direction on the thoroughfare in April, approving a plan showing how side streets will intersect Becker Road and sites for future drainage ponds. That plan included a four-lane road with five traffic signals and no roundabouts, but officials said they could be added later.
Councilman Christopher Cooper said if city staff recommended a four-lane road with roundabouts for Floresta Boulevard, which the council approved in June, staff should be able to do the same for Becker.
"I can't see any valid reason for not supporting roundabouts," he said.
He added that the eventual road will not look 100 percent like the planning council plan.
"It won't look like that unless one person bought the entire thing and developed it," he said.
To solve a drainage problem on the expanded Becker Road, the council also voted to remove the four-foot wide bike lanes but widen sidewalks to eight feet on each side of the road.
The council also leaned toward having future developers build their own drainage instead of having a unified drainage system.
Creating such a system could require buying more than 270 lots, Assistant City Manager Jerry Bentrott said.
St. Lucie taxes falling 65 cents per $1,000
By REBECCA PANOFF
FORT PIERCE — St. Lucie County Commissioners ended a week-long budget review Monday with a decision to slightly reduce the county property tax rate — by 65 cents per $1,000 of taxable value.
Rather than rolling back the tax rate more, commissioners also decided to spend about $27.5 million in surplus tax money on various projects.
Commissioners called the budget a balance between meeting the fiscal needs of the county and maintaining residents' quality of life.
"I think this budget does both of those things," Commissioner Joe Smith said.
Commissioners had said repeatedly they wanted to decrease the tax rate and had more tax money than originally budgeted because county property values jumped more than 37 percent this year.
Even with the cut in the tax rate, many residents and business owners will see an increase in their tax bill because their property value went up.
For city residents, commissioners reduced the tax rate from $7.24 to $6.59 per $1,000 of taxable value.
Residents in the unincorporated county will see a slightly lower cut because of a slight increase in the stormwater tax for stormwater and drainage projects. The unincorporated tax rate will go from $7.24 to $6.63.
Commissioners will vote at 9 a.m. today on the proposed tax rate and the final 2006-07 budget. Public hearings will be conducted Sept. 7 and 14.
Commissioner Paula Lewis said she felt comfortable with the amount the county is cutting, but said it's up to other governmental bodies to decrease their tax rates so residents actually feel the cut.
"I can't make up for the fact everyone has not taken a cut," she said.
While cutting the tax rate, commissioners also decided to use the surplus money to provide the remaining funding to build a new Emergency Operations Center, for a building at the Oxbow Center and for an increase in New Horizons' budget. About $1.2 million of the surplus will be used to fund criminal justice programs.
County officials last Monday did not have a final total budget figure.
At a glance
For a house valued at $250,000 with a $25,000 Homestead Exemption, the cut in county tax rates means:
• City residents will save $145.59.
• Residents in the unincorporated county will save $137.52.
• Despite the rate cut, residents actually may pay more in taxes because property values have increased
Key projects funded with surplus cash
• $900,000 for Emergency Operations Center.
• $1.6 million for entrance at Courthouse complex (called the monumental staircase).
• $1.5 million for first phase of Old Courthouse renovations.
FORT PIERCE — St. Lucie County Commissioners ended a week-long budget review Monday with a decision to slightly reduce the county property tax rate — by 65 cents per $1,000 of taxable value.
Rather than rolling back the tax rate more, commissioners also decided to spend about $27.5 million in surplus tax money on various projects.
Commissioners called the budget a balance between meeting the fiscal needs of the county and maintaining residents' quality of life.
"I think this budget does both of those things," Commissioner Joe Smith said.
Commissioners had said repeatedly they wanted to decrease the tax rate and had more tax money than originally budgeted because county property values jumped more than 37 percent this year.
Even with the cut in the tax rate, many residents and business owners will see an increase in their tax bill because their property value went up.
For city residents, commissioners reduced the tax rate from $7.24 to $6.59 per $1,000 of taxable value.
Residents in the unincorporated county will see a slightly lower cut because of a slight increase in the stormwater tax for stormwater and drainage projects. The unincorporated tax rate will go from $7.24 to $6.63.
Commissioners will vote at 9 a.m. today on the proposed tax rate and the final 2006-07 budget. Public hearings will be conducted Sept. 7 and 14.
Commissioner Paula Lewis said she felt comfortable with the amount the county is cutting, but said it's up to other governmental bodies to decrease their tax rates so residents actually feel the cut.
"I can't make up for the fact everyone has not taken a cut," she said.
While cutting the tax rate, commissioners also decided to use the surplus money to provide the remaining funding to build a new Emergency Operations Center, for a building at the Oxbow Center and for an increase in New Horizons' budget. About $1.2 million of the surplus will be used to fund criminal justice programs.
County officials last Monday did not have a final total budget figure.
At a glance
For a house valued at $250,000 with a $25,000 Homestead Exemption, the cut in county tax rates means:
• City residents will save $145.59.
• Residents in the unincorporated county will save $137.52.
• Despite the rate cut, residents actually may pay more in taxes because property values have increased
Key projects funded with surplus cash
• $900,000 for Emergency Operations Center.
• $1.6 million for entrance at Courthouse complex (called the monumental staircase).
• $1.5 million for first phase of Old Courthouse renovations.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
New PSL school prepares to open doors
By MARGOT SUSCA
PORT ST. LUCIE — The administration building's metal roof is bright red, but don't confuse West Gate K-8 with any old school house.
From groundbreaking to grand opening in just 10 months, St. Lucie County school leaders are celebrating the near completion of the high-technology school slated to open for 1,450 students in August.
Costs were more than originally planned, including a $100,000 increase for interior lighting to "improve student learning," school district Chief Financial Officer Tim Bargeron said.
With adjustments made and finishing touches in the works, Proctor Construction plans to turn the keys over to Principal Robert Cranmer in less than three weeks.
"People ask me 'What are you waiting for?'" Cranmer said. "It's the first day of school when I can walk through the classrooms and see the kids learning."
To facilitate that learning, Cranmer tapped 100 educators, some from as far away as Michigan and New Jersey, who are well versed in using digital tools to boost student success.
Cranmer, an educator for 36 years, says change towards computer-heavy, technology-based learning is essential to motivating and reaching children.
Last week, as 200 workers buzzed, hammered and painted, Cranmer toured the site pointing out wires in the ceiling that will eventually be outfitted with digital cameras, a kind of 21st Century take on the overhead projector.
The entire site offers wireless Internet access.
Classrooms are centered around a joint work space that can be walled off or shared by multiple teachers for speakers or a movie viewing.
The school's teacher- planning areas also are considered an innovation. Gone are the single-space rooms where teachers go to grade homework or prepare exams.
At West Gate, rooms with six-person conference tables will serve as planning stations, an effort Cranmer says is geared toward getting staff working together.
"We want to build collegial communities like corporations do," Cranmer said. "You keep working as a staff and as a staff you get better and better."
Teachers can map out one child's needs there or create a seamless transition for first and second graders on entire subjects like reading or writing.
The school, decked out inside in hues of blue, coral and yellow, also has plenty of windows to let in natural light.
It's the second K-8 to open in as many years — Oak Hammock opened last summer — and one of two sites opening in August under the revised student assignment system.
Treasure Coast High School also is scheduled to open at Darwin and Tulip boulevards in August.
West Gate K-8
Projected cost: $38.4 million, about $800,000 above original estimate.
Size: 225,000 square feet on 19 acres between Cashmere Boulevard and Florida's Turnpike.
Enrollment: First year 1,450 students; eventually 1,600.
Staff: 100 teachers, one principal, two assistant principals.
Extra use: Joint auditorium/cafeteria withstands 170 mph winds to serve as a public hurricane shelter for up to 500.
What parents need to know
• Beginning July 19, parents of children in grades 6, 7 and 8 assigned to West Gate K-8 should go there to choose electives.
• Parents of kindergarten through fifth-grade children should go to the school to register.
• On July 19, the main school phone number should be active and parents can call for more information: (772) 807-7600.
PORT ST. LUCIE — The administration building's metal roof is bright red, but don't confuse West Gate K-8 with any old school house.
From groundbreaking to grand opening in just 10 months, St. Lucie County school leaders are celebrating the near completion of the high-technology school slated to open for 1,450 students in August.
Costs were more than originally planned, including a $100,000 increase for interior lighting to "improve student learning," school district Chief Financial Officer Tim Bargeron said.
With adjustments made and finishing touches in the works, Proctor Construction plans to turn the keys over to Principal Robert Cranmer in less than three weeks.
"People ask me 'What are you waiting for?'" Cranmer said. "It's the first day of school when I can walk through the classrooms and see the kids learning."
To facilitate that learning, Cranmer tapped 100 educators, some from as far away as Michigan and New Jersey, who are well versed in using digital tools to boost student success.
Cranmer, an educator for 36 years, says change towards computer-heavy, technology-based learning is essential to motivating and reaching children.
Last week, as 200 workers buzzed, hammered and painted, Cranmer toured the site pointing out wires in the ceiling that will eventually be outfitted with digital cameras, a kind of 21st Century take on the overhead projector.
The entire site offers wireless Internet access.
Classrooms are centered around a joint work space that can be walled off or shared by multiple teachers for speakers or a movie viewing.
The school's teacher- planning areas also are considered an innovation. Gone are the single-space rooms where teachers go to grade homework or prepare exams.
At West Gate, rooms with six-person conference tables will serve as planning stations, an effort Cranmer says is geared toward getting staff working together.
"We want to build collegial communities like corporations do," Cranmer said. "You keep working as a staff and as a staff you get better and better."
Teachers can map out one child's needs there or create a seamless transition for first and second graders on entire subjects like reading or writing.
The school, decked out inside in hues of blue, coral and yellow, also has plenty of windows to let in natural light.
It's the second K-8 to open in as many years — Oak Hammock opened last summer — and one of two sites opening in August under the revised student assignment system.
Treasure Coast High School also is scheduled to open at Darwin and Tulip boulevards in August.
West Gate K-8
Projected cost: $38.4 million, about $800,000 above original estimate.
Size: 225,000 square feet on 19 acres between Cashmere Boulevard and Florida's Turnpike.
Enrollment: First year 1,450 students; eventually 1,600.
Staff: 100 teachers, one principal, two assistant principals.
Extra use: Joint auditorium/cafeteria withstands 170 mph winds to serve as a public hurricane shelter for up to 500.
What parents need to know
• Beginning July 19, parents of children in grades 6, 7 and 8 assigned to West Gate K-8 should go there to choose electives.
• Parents of kindergarten through fifth-grade children should go to the school to register.
• On July 19, the main school phone number should be active and parents can call for more information: (772) 807-7600.
PSL, St. Lucie at odds over handling of complaints
The most recent snag in the development of the Island Club came in February, when St. Lucie County determined the developer, Kolter Property Co., had not provided 490 acres of upland preserve habitat as required by the development order for PGA Village.
Some homeowners have demanded this land, which would be a place for native plant and animal species to be protected.
After listening to resident complaints and to Kolter representatives, commissioners blocked further building at PGA Village until the developer provided the habitat and resolved other development issues. The company was given 30 days to come up with a compliance plan, but no plan has yet been submitted.
Port St. Lucie, which has jurisdiction over portions of the land Kolter is developing, was notified of the county's findings, but decided Kolter had not violated the development orders it has within city limits. Work within the city has been allowed to continue.
What has irked some PGA Village residents is that Kolter is marketing its Verano project — which includes a luxury clubhouse — when work has not even begun on the Island Club. Verano and a new hotel in PGA Village were approved before the county was aware of the upland preserve problems, county officials say.
Kolter and the county still are negotiating that dispute, according to Bob Nix, county director of growth management.
Before any work can begin on the Island Club, the county commission must give final approval at a public meeting. Kolter officials previously said they would work with the county to resolve all problems and they would give residents the Island Club, as promised.
Some homeowners have demanded this land, which would be a place for native plant and animal species to be protected.
After listening to resident complaints and to Kolter representatives, commissioners blocked further building at PGA Village until the developer provided the habitat and resolved other development issues. The company was given 30 days to come up with a compliance plan, but no plan has yet been submitted.
Port St. Lucie, which has jurisdiction over portions of the land Kolter is developing, was notified of the county's findings, but decided Kolter had not violated the development orders it has within city limits. Work within the city has been allowed to continue.
What has irked some PGA Village residents is that Kolter is marketing its Verano project — which includes a luxury clubhouse — when work has not even begun on the Island Club. Verano and a new hotel in PGA Village were approved before the county was aware of the upland preserve problems, county officials say.
Kolter and the county still are negotiating that dispute, according to Bob Nix, county director of growth management.
Before any work can begin on the Island Club, the county commission must give final approval at a public meeting. Kolter officials previously said they would work with the county to resolve all problems and they would give residents the Island Club, as promised.
PSL police headquarters could move west
By CHRIS YOUNG
PORT ST. LUCIE — Police officials are proposing a new headquarters on the southeast tip of St. Lucie West to replace their existing building, which they say is too small for the needs of the fast-growing city.
The proposed building, which would be on about 35 acres of city land just north of the Crosstown Parkway and west of Florida's Turnpike, would be about 90,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current headquarters, Chief John Skinner said.
Skinner brought up the idea at the last City Council retreat, but said last week he will present updated plans for the location, which would include an emergency operations center and 911 center, at the next retreat in two weeks.
Council members said they wanted to hear more details and the cost. The proposal would shift resources toward the new areas of the city and away from the eastern side.
It could be built in about two years, Skinner said.
Currently the city contracts with St. Lucie County for 911 calls, and the EOC Center is a room in the Community Center.
Council members said they generally supported the new headquarters, which was previously considered as a new location for the public works department, which has requested a $7.8 million new compound in its capital improvements budget.
"Logistically, I think it's a good spot for the police," Councilman Jack Kelly said. "With the annexations, the center of the city has moved west."
Councilwoman Michelle Berger said the new headquarters was ideally situated next to the Crosstown Parkway.
But Councilman Christopher Cooper said he needed to hear Skinner's justification for relocating.
"Why do the police need to move out of a three-story headquarters with a two-story building (substation with 40 to 50 officers) on Rosser and another two-story station in the CRA (community redevelopment area)?" he said. "If we move this one, it will be two out west, one out east, with none in the middle."
The CRA station is scheduled to be built in the City Center at Walton Road and U.S. 1 at a cost of $4.1 million with 20,000 square feet of space and parking for about 80 vehicles, according to a Police department request form.
Council members agreed the city should have its own 911 center.
In addition to the headquarters relocation, police requested $2.1 million in renovations for the existing headquarters next to City Hall for the next fiscal year, including $1.4 million in structure fixes on all three floors, $200,000 for an upgraded security system, and $550,000 for a backup generator for the entire building.
Police asked for $100,000 yearly for the next five years to contribute to the public safety training complex at Indian River Community College. The city, as well as the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and Fort Pierce, would pay for the facility with matching state funds.
City Manager Don Cooper said he thought the joint IRCC facility was a good idea but was awaiting details, especially because the police also wanted a firing range at the new headquarters costing another $500,000.
"Those are big numbers," he said.
City police would get six dedicated firing lanes at IRCC's building, but currently only have limited access at a sheriff's office range for training.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Police officials are proposing a new headquarters on the southeast tip of St. Lucie West to replace their existing building, which they say is too small for the needs of the fast-growing city.
The proposed building, which would be on about 35 acres of city land just north of the Crosstown Parkway and west of Florida's Turnpike, would be about 90,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current headquarters, Chief John Skinner said.
Skinner brought up the idea at the last City Council retreat, but said last week he will present updated plans for the location, which would include an emergency operations center and 911 center, at the next retreat in two weeks.
Council members said they wanted to hear more details and the cost. The proposal would shift resources toward the new areas of the city and away from the eastern side.
It could be built in about two years, Skinner said.
Currently the city contracts with St. Lucie County for 911 calls, and the EOC Center is a room in the Community Center.
Council members said they generally supported the new headquarters, which was previously considered as a new location for the public works department, which has requested a $7.8 million new compound in its capital improvements budget.
"Logistically, I think it's a good spot for the police," Councilman Jack Kelly said. "With the annexations, the center of the city has moved west."
Councilwoman Michelle Berger said the new headquarters was ideally situated next to the Crosstown Parkway.
But Councilman Christopher Cooper said he needed to hear Skinner's justification for relocating.
"Why do the police need to move out of a three-story headquarters with a two-story building (substation with 40 to 50 officers) on Rosser and another two-story station in the CRA (community redevelopment area)?" he said. "If we move this one, it will be two out west, one out east, with none in the middle."
The CRA station is scheduled to be built in the City Center at Walton Road and U.S. 1 at a cost of $4.1 million with 20,000 square feet of space and parking for about 80 vehicles, according to a Police department request form.
Council members agreed the city should have its own 911 center.
In addition to the headquarters relocation, police requested $2.1 million in renovations for the existing headquarters next to City Hall for the next fiscal year, including $1.4 million in structure fixes on all three floors, $200,000 for an upgraded security system, and $550,000 for a backup generator for the entire building.
Police asked for $100,000 yearly for the next five years to contribute to the public safety training complex at Indian River Community College. The city, as well as the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and Fort Pierce, would pay for the facility with matching state funds.
City Manager Don Cooper said he thought the joint IRCC facility was a good idea but was awaiting details, especially because the police also wanted a firing range at the new headquarters costing another $500,000.
"Those are big numbers," he said.
City police would get six dedicated firing lanes at IRCC's building, but currently only have limited access at a sheriff's office range for training.
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