RE: NO Deer Trace
Dear Editor:
The Deer Trace Project has been denied/rejected by the Planning and Zoning Board. Why are we entertaining this again? Please read the minutes from the May 1, 2014 Planning and Zoning Board Meeting. [Over 300] apartments on Dixie Hwy between 14th and 15th Street? This is so incompatible. Wrong location. Do we not trust the judgment of the Planning and Zoning Board? (Search Application 13-R-169 on City’s website). [Editor’s Note: The P&Z Board makes suggestions to the commission. They did recommend denying it. But, the city government, on 1st reading, voted to move ahead. They have to do a second reading, which is also to be a Public hearing, on Aug. 23.]
I live in the neighborhood and do not want a rental community of this size near me … too many apartments, too many people and too little space; drama and trouble. Of course, all the usual trappings of traffic, crime and environment, etc., also apply. I think this density ratio will exceed any other in the city. Would you want this in your neighborhood?
Do you really think professionals will want to live in this location with 300+ other tenants around them – and pay $1100 – $1500 per month? What happens when they can’t rent them all? Lower rent and allow “another element” to move in? We may be left with a rainbow monstrosity greeting the new trains – All Aboard Florida and Tri-Rail Coastal Link.
And about those flex units, what will be left for other projects?
I do want to see Dixie Highway developed and that can be done with fewer apartments and more businesses as the DBR [Dixie Business Residential ] currently allows. Many in the neighborhood appreciate the new Dollar General and not having to cross a major intersection to get there. It would be nice to have a bank, pharmacy or restaurant near as well.
— Cheyenne Stubbs
Deerfield Beach
RE: YES Deer Trace
Dear Editor:
A proposed 60 to 100 million dollar development project called Deer Trace Residences on Dixie Hwy, by H&S Development Group, Inc. was unanimously approved by our city government and now some of the commissioners are trying to stop this development project. This project will not only beautify and bring security to the area, it will trigger growth, and will bring needed housing. It will also create jobs that will be first offered to qualified residents of Deerfield Beach, and bring in much needed tax revenue into our city.
This type of beautiful, clean, modern housing development revitalizes neighborhoods, decreases crime and improves communities. Our city is in desperate need of projects like this. Our neighborhoods are deteriorating because of lack of city revenue. This project alone would give the city approx. $450,000 per year in tax revenue, and close to $400,000 in one time impact fees. This, in turn, would lower our taxes.
Reputable investors who are willing to invest multi-millions of dollars to improve our neighborhood should be welcomed and not harassed by some of our commissioners. Again, our city has one of the highest tax rates of any of the major cities in Broward County, with one of the lowest property values, highest millage rates and deteriorating infrastructure.
Neighboring cities have clean streets, well-maintained infrastructure, low crime rates, better schools and lower taxes than Deerfield Beach. We have to better our city. Do not allow our city to become like many other once great U.S cities that are now deteriorated.
This is the greatest opportunity for the City of Deerfield Beach and District 2. Do not let this opportunity pass by. Contact the elected officials to support the Dixie Hwy. Deer Trace Residences Development and to Vote “Yes” on Aug. 23 for Deer Trace.
— H&S Development Group
[Editor’s Note: For those with questions or concerns about this project, attend the Talk to the Mayor event, which will be held Aug. 16. See Pg. 15 for details. Look for more on this topic soon in The Observer].
RE: Trash on beach
Dear Editor:
Why do people dispose of trash/garbage/litter on the beach? Who is doing this? Is it the young who are ignorant to laws against littering, or is it young adults who are just interested in partying without cleaning up afterward? Or is it tourists? Or is it just careless individuals?
I remember back in the day of elementary school where we learned about littering and how bad it is for the environment. Teachers drilled this into our heads. Don’t people care anymore?
Examples of items found recently on our beloved beach: numerous beer glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans, bottle caps, straws, lids, plastic silverware, cups, balloons, food wrappers, toys, clothing, pizza boxes, Dunkin’ Donuts box (complete with donuts for the taking), cigarette and cigar butts, condoms, diapers. These items are not only harmful to fish, birds and turtles, but also dangerous to humans (i.e., broken glass, rusty bottle caps).
This social problem, unlike many others, is very easy to solve. Just stop doing it!
But in the meantime, you can help. Whenever you go to the beach, take along a plastic grocery bag and pick up whatever you see in your immediate area. If everyone does this on a daily basis, it would surely help. And if you do not have a bag, get a little bit of exercise and use the numerous trash containers already there.
And to those who say, “The litter is everywhere.” Well, that’s just it; we want Deerfield Beach to be exceptional and pristine. Deerfield Beach is truly a special place. Keep Deerfield Beach as our paradise!
We appreciate your assistance.
— Phyllis Mavrikis and Ellyce Plotkin
Deerfield Beach, FL
