1/20/2012 11:28 PM
Jeff wrote: Thank-you Tim for posting my "video". I wish my camera worked better in the dark, but I think the audio speaks well for itself. This screaming, cussing, and fighting in the street has been happening on and off all night, since I got home from work. And for your readers of this blog, this is not a one-time incident. This can happen several times a week, every week. We were afraid to leave to go out to dinner for fear of what our property would look like upon our return! This is no way to live. I've said it before but I'll say it again: We lived in Dorsey Riverbend right across the street from the Dixie Court project and in the 6 years we lived there, we had fewer issues than we've experienced in South Middle River in less than two years. It's like a war zone over here! The home we live in is great, but it's sad to say I regret we moved. I'd rather live in the 890 sq foot house we had in Dorsey Riverbend than the 1,700 square foot place we've got in South Middle River, just because of how bad the neighborhood is. It's really quite sad.
Jeff Reply to this
1/21/2012 7:38 AM
Sal Gatanio wrote: Jeff, we arrived on the scene after your calls for help. This is very sad that this continues. Tim and myself witnessed about 25 juvenilles on Andrews and nw 11 st after the police broke up the crowd, the other 25 were walking towards nw 4 ave when i snapped a few shots.. I did recognise a few of them from the original riot... The shame is that these kids were coming from Warfiled Park where there is no supervision after they fired 2 of the best supervisors...the incident as I am being told satrted off at 1107 nw 2 ave where there police, code and city officals have been advised of the ongoing problmes...1122 nw 4 ave and 1108 nw 4 ave are 2 more very dangerous homes that are causing many disturbances..Chaos is the right word to describe our community... we need help fast........ Reply to this
I recently taped myself walking through MRT for my next commercial. At 7am and I thought the sun coming up over the neighborhood was beautiful. The 5 person secuirty detail that was with me would say the same. We taped residents who sang my praises saying I was doing a great job. I really dont know what everyone is complainging about. Reply to this
1/21/2012 9:03 AM
Jeff wrote: This is exactly why we need new representation. Totally out of touch with reality. So are you saying you think I staged my video? The proof is what you hear. Of course the sun coming up over the neighborhood at 0700 is beautiful! They're all (finally) asleep then. What a silly thing to say in a posting. Reply to this
1/21/2012 5:14 PM
Jeff wrote: I agree Steven, and that thought occurred to me after I submitted my response. I certainly hope this would not be the kind of response she'd type. Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:56 PM
Don wrote: Charlotte, You can see the same beautiful sunrise and neighborhood at 7am if you go to NW 6th St and NW 9th Ave. Maybe you should take a stroll down there after hours and then make another ridiculous comment like your last one. I grew up on NW 6th and 12th in same area and was one of the first houses there. Sold the house, oops gave away the house with a double lot, for 30,000. when my mom was asked for the time and then busted over the head with a bottle and robbed. You should have to pitch a tent for a night and then make a comment afterwards. Reply to this
1/21/2012 6:17 AM
Mary Lynn wrote: Charlotte: Look at your watch. All the people in Jeff's video surely were asleep by 7am. I think you best ask Jeff to call you next time the 'party' begins. You probably won't have to wait long for that call. Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:15 AM
Ash wrote: Officials' solution to this problem is to build more Section 8 housing in FLL... Pack your bags.... it will only get worst! Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:26 PM
Anonymous wrote: we have a glut of housing and apartments now.renters will never care they have no investment at risk, leases can be broken and transients will not turn a block or a neighborhood around
subsidized only makes it worse Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:17 AM
Terry wrote: Living at the corner of 11th St. and 3rd Ave., we too have experienced what Jeffrey described in his posting. But we began emailing and calling the commissioner for our neighborhood as well as the top brass at FLPD District 2. Our corner is RELATIVELY quiet with a few sporadic disturbances. Our neighbor woke up to someone in her house a month ago and this was the 5th time she had been broken into!! We were not able to make it to the meeting last Thursday night at the Iron Workers Union but you can bet we'll be at the next one. I would welcome anyone emailing me if they need or have suggestions on improving our neighborhood. Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:26 AM
Charles King wrote: This problem with juveniles will only be fixed in one of two ways. You can either run the Crescent House as well as the Section 8 housing that is in clear violation of the 2 heart beats per bedroom law out of town. Some of these wards of the State have 8 or 10 kids living with them in small rentals. Enforcing laws would reduce the overcrowding of underclass kids entertaining themselves as well as making a living at the neighborhood's expense.
The other solution would be to fix the public schools. Last night I saw a documentary called "Freakonomics" on Showtime. There was a study by the University of Chicago that created a program for an inner city school that paid the kids $50 per month if they kept their grades above a certain achievement standard. Maintaining ones grades also gave them a chance to win a once a month raffle to win $500. There was also a Hummer Limo ride home once a month for the winner.
The new Broward School Superintendent is from Chicago and attended Harvard so hopefully he knows of some innovated programs like this that would give these kids the incentive to study to get money and things from studying instead of stealing and rioting 3 nights a week.
Direct money to these students to stimulate learning has the best chance to make a difference in my opinion.
The Hotel owners and the seniors living in condos on the beach don't seem to care about failing public schools and the resulting juvenile problem, but the Mayor and City Commission should care. It's our job to make them care. Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:57 PM
Hoodgal wrote: Terry- I really feel bad for you folks that have to tolerate such madness... I drove by the corner of 11th and 2nd last night, and I noticed a very apparent lack of lighting-perhaps the HOA could subsidize the owners of the properties on the street corners in question if they agreed to put flood lights up, and keep them on every night.
On the lighting issue as well, the HOA should arrange with FPL to put high-intensity lights on all avaialable poles in the area- it costs less than $10 a month, money well spent for some piece of mind...
Most importantly, my feeling is that you will not get much relief until the surrounding neighbors unite, stand out in the street in mass numbers to send the message to those hoodlums that you are NOT GOING TO LET THEM INTIMIDATE YOU ANY LONGER!!! Criminals rely on you all to hide in your houses- I suggest next time they congregate,you all blind them with flood lights , and turn your garden hoses on full pressure nozzle and drench them!!!
Really, my main point is that when you guys personally stand up to them, there is a good possibility that they will move on to another area where they know people won"t challenge them.... Reply to this
1/21/2012 5:19 PM
Jeff wrote: We did have a little ceremonial "countdown" 5-4-3-2-1 as we flipped the switch to turn on our sprinklers last night. We returned from going out to dinner with friends to find the street and our driveway (and yard) blocked with kids. Blowing the horn, they just looked at me like I was in their way. I had to yell out the window of my car "get out of the way" just so I could get into my driveway. Once we got in the house and closed the garage door (thank God we have a garage!), that's when we turned on the sprinklers. That chased them out of our yard and driveway but only far enough out of reach of the wind blowing the mist. Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:46 PM
Anonymous wrote: I suggest not instigating anything though your right to turn on sprinklers is yours. they could retaliate when your alone or others coming home alone. it ain't worth it and harm to juveniles could put you in jail. even when innocent you have to defend your self costing money. it just isn't worth it. call cops. Reply to this
1/22/2012 6:59 AM
Jeff wrote: Very good advise and believe me, the police were called twice. First time, we never saw anyone respond to the scene at all. That's not to say they didn't respond, but they certainly didn't get there within 15 minutes of us calling, so I had to do something to get them to move. The switch for our sprinklers is behind our locked fence gate. Reply to this
1/22/2012 10:37 AM
Anonymous wrote: hope all glass in your windows is impact and you have good insurance or don't mind paying out of pocket. throwing a rock is one thing and shooting a gun and maybe hitting someone in the house is another. they have no respect for life or property and your safety and health is more important. sorry that you have this in Fort Lauderdale Reply to this
1/21/2012 10:29 PM
Terry wrote: They have moved from our street....mostly. Compared to when we moved in a little over a year ago, there is marked improvement. As for the street lights. When we moved in several of the street lights were out either just burned out or shot out with the cover totally broken out. My partner and I went up and down the street at night with our flashlight and wrote down EVERY pole number with street lights out and I contacted FPL. We now have light. Our house is totally lit up with flood lights, porch light and, thankfully, a street light right out front. Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:37 AM
Sal wrote: This all started at 1107 nw 2 ave. As 3 patrol officers secure nw 1 ave and
andrews, Tim Smith and myself caught the other 25 at nw 4 ave and nw 11 st.
Cursing at us and the police. We called and it was wild in the streets. We
used to have control at warfield community center and now that sandra sullivan
is gone and archie is gone there is zero control in that park and all these 50
kids originated there tonight. We understand the situation the police have
tonight but our community has been taken over. It is stil continuing.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:39 AM
Don't you love Charlotte wrote: I was surprised not to hear on the tape the voice of our "Crime Fighter" Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom. Wasn't she there? Since she is in office, crime has skyrocketed in her district - what an insincere phony she is. Reply to this
I'm very non-partisan where commissioners are concerned, but she's been nothing but helpful with my situation - and I live in her district.
If you've had a grievance, maybe you could let us know what you've tried doing to resolve that issue.
Your comment is greatly appreciated. =) Reply to this
1/21/2012 5:21 PM
Jeff wrote: I carbon copy Charlotte Rodstrom and her assistant, Chief Frank Adderley, and our neighborhood president Sal G., on every piece of communication I send out. Reply to this
I live in the downtown area and we have homeless to the east of us at the old city hall annex. To the west of us in recent weeks, homeless were trying to set up camp right next to the railroad tracks on the grassy area. Between 10-20 people a night were converging there, and had I not started making calls to the police, and sending emails to Charlotte Rodstrom, this would have been an ongoing problem.
The litter and debris everywhere as well as them urinating all over the place, as well as one time a man playing chicken with an oncoming train was something where immediate action needed to take place by the police.
I let it go for about a week to see if anyone, my neighbors or the city would do anything about it, but that wasn't the case.
As for my neighbors not doing anything about it, I can't say. But what I can say is, after making calls after witnessing all of this, each time two police units arrived on the scene and chased them away. The first time, after the police left, they cam right back - I wasn't having it!
I kept at it and continued to call the police - they came out a total of four times, and they now cruise by the area nightly. The public works was also sent out to clean up all the debris.
Contacting the police and commissioner Rodstrom and putting this problem on her radar screen, was the only way to get this under control.
I've since started a Neighborhood Watch, and have invited our civic association to talk with officials and come up with a solution to this specific problem - and we have.
I tell you this, because this is what every single person who witnesses ANY sort of disturbance in their neighborhood should seriously consider doing, if they haven't already.
To curtail potential crime, you must let not only the police know about the situation, you MUST contact your city commissioner - they are instrumental in helping find solutions to problems such as this.
I also would suggest, if some many have not gone already, is to attend the Monthly Crime Meeting in your district that your commissioner, the fire and rescue and police attend, to come up with solutions to the situation.
Problem is that officials need to be notified about what's going on - they can't be everywhere all the time.
Every resident needs to call the instance that they see or hear something of this nature happening in their neighborhood, and, should take necessary steps to establish a safe neighborhood for the sake of sanity and of the peace and quiet that every person deserves where they live - you can't let 'them' get the upper hand.
This is a great resource to gather information on how residents can help with potential crime and safety concerns in their neighborhood: http://www.usaonwatch.org/
Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom's email is crodstrom@fortlauderdale.gov Her assistant is Scott Wyman and his email is swyman@fortlauderdale.gov Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:23 PM
Anonymous wrote: they want to be re-elected. will they really solve it long term? bet this doesn't happen where they live. Reply to this
1/21/2012 10:46 AM
Mary wrote: From reading Tim's topics, it appears this neighborhood has the most ongoing problems in the city, but please do not think this is isolated or the only neighborhood west of US 1 with unruliness, gangs and crime. Its worse in SMRT because, and just my opinion, its gone on for awhile and deteriorated beyond a 'quick fix'. At the Twin Lakes meeting Thursday night, Captain Wheeler of the FLPD updated the homeowners in attendance and answered their questions on break-ins and LIVES and OWNS in the Twin Lakes neighborhood. They are aware of the issues that need attention and are working diligently to 'nip them in the bud' so to speak. If ignored, they know it will increase exponentially and destroy the neighborhood. I commend the neighbors and Captain Wheeler.
Also,Thursday night the current district commissioner, city manager and assistants attended, and even the mayor popped in at the start to say hello.
It sure looks like when law enforcement personnel live in the neighborhood it deters crime, whether petty or grand.
Tim, Sal, Jeff, and all the other SMRT trying to safely and quietly enjoy their homes, please know we are behind you, support a permanent solution to this unlawfulness, and may it be soon.
Sounds like there are no streetlights, or few streetlights in the neighborhood. Is that correct? Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:51 PM
Mary wrote: ALSO meant to mention that Sal V., the code enforcement person assigned to Twin Lakes was also at the Twin Lakes meeting Thursday night. Don't know if all these city people show up at EVERY meeting or because elections are here. Code enforcement appears to be very pro-active in Twin Lakes. (Twin Lakes is south of Commercial, north of Prospect and west of Powerline). Reply to this
1/21/2012 11:17 AM
Raymond Dettmann wrote: I think its time to demand Police Officers start walking the Neighborhood we need to find out who is the problem and work with the Good people I recall years ago we had a gang type group in my Neighborhood and Then Police Chief Roberts placed the Command Center Mobile unit 24 hrs for about two or three weeks and the Police interviewed all Parties in the area and they found out where the problems were and after time the Problem moved away again Community Policing is the only long term answer for the City Reply to this
1/21/2012 11:39 AM
Char wrote: When will some of you SMR residents understand that over 60% rentals are the problem. This situation did not happen overnight, and you can't blame code or the police. Go after the slum lords. Send the property letter from SMRCA that was used many years ago which got quick attention from these slum lords. Publish their names and current address on line with pictures. No slander is necessary. I drove by the road closures recently and saw that SMRCA isn't maintaining as usual. Yes I use to be a very active volunteer, however saw SMRCA priorities that didn't make any sense to deal with the
really serious problems. Charlotte Rodstrom has been a great supporter of our area. It is no surprise that drug dealing is occurring at the new park for children. If I were a parent, I would never allow my children to play there just due to the pedophiles residing in the SMR area, let alone the drug dealers, ex-cons etc.. Most long time residents did not want this park. Please drive by and take a look at the abandon homes across the street. Those houses were always run down rentals. It's also time to quit contacting the churches in the area as almost all their members don't even live in SMR. Where is the visability of the current board? Unfortunately being a board member in a community such as this really becomes a full time job. A volunteer must be fully committed more than once a month to pick up trash, weed, work with Code and the Police. Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:32 PM
Anonymous wrote: if homes are abandoned or derelict, where is Code Enforcement and unsafe Structures? Cite them, warn them then tear them down. Pompano did this in the northwest back in late 1980s early 1990s. The yards only had to be mowed. No crack houses forced them to move on. Eventually new homes were built. Why doesn't ft lauderdale tear them down? Reply to this
1/21/2012 3:00 PM
Char wrote: You make it sound simple. Please educate yourself about the legal procedures required by the code enforcement department. Reply to this
1/21/2012 6:34 PM
Anonymous wrote: I worked for Pompano during the 7 years. city attorney and commission took no flack. Reply to this
1/21/2012 8:43 PM
Jeff wrote: It's interesting that you suggest going after the owner of the apartments. Earlier today I went to the Broward County Property Appraiser's web page, entered the street address of the problem property and got the name of the persons. Their address is listed as a post office box number in Fort Lauderdale. But I also intend to do a search by their names to see if I can find a physical mailing address. I'd love to write them a letter, telling them about their wonderful tenants and how we, their neighbors, want to see them go ASAP. I wasn't sure if that was appropriate for me to do or not. Reply to this
1/22/2012 2:14 PM
Anonymous wrote: together they own about eight properties have RE licenses, one lives in boca the other in coral ridge thats what you get with absentee landlords and homes not lived in by owners Reply to this
1/21/2012 12:04 PM
Mary Pat Rhodes wrote: This video is only a 22 second peek into a night in South Middle River! Community leader; Sal, contributed PART of this mob scene to the lack of supervision at Warfield Community Center. I believe he is on the mark.
Today I am listening to kids laughing, baseballs being hit and ref's whistles from Holiday Park. There are constructive activities.
Someway the two exceptional employees need to be brought back to Warfield Community Center. Sports, arts and instruction should be available. Educating our young is vital. It benefits the kid and the community. This is not a total solution but it a piece. Reply to this
1/21/2012 5:26 PM
Jeff wrote: That is correct Mary. It's only a peek. I recorded close to 25 minutes' worth of "video" (I put that in quotes because it was too dark to see, but plenty to hear). I sent each of the pieces of the video files to Chief Adderley, Commissioner Rodstrom, our neighborhood President Sal, and to Tim Smith. Reply to this
1/21/2012 2:20 PM
Fake Call wrote: Char: Scott I just heard that awful Tim Smith put some audio from MRT on silly blog. This silliness has ruined my mimosa. Fix this
Scott: How do you suggest I do this.
Char: First, let do what we always do blame the police and the oversized budget. Make sure to note how I voted against the police contract and the budget. Then instruct everyone to watch my commerical where I make it clear I am tough on crime.
Scott: Are you going to tour the area?
Char: God no! here is your warning, my last 8 aides were fired for suggesting I go into the blighted neighborhoods of this District, do you want to be 9?
Scott: No mam
Char: I am feeling generous today, call Crossiant Time and have them deliver breakfast to the community leaders in MRT. See if they have the day old ones they are cheaper. That is a nice gesture.
Scott: Umm, I think you may need to do a little more than that.
Char: Second warning, question me again and you will end up like Falcone. John has made it clear this is how we need to do this. I am so stresed now I have to switch to a bloody mary. Your a jounalist, now spin it. Dont forget to make my reservation for Cafe de Pariz tonight and pick out a nice cab for when we get there. I have to go, the stress of this poistion it too much
Scott: Yes mam.
Please note this is a work of satire involving fictional characters if you think otherwise, it is just your imagination. Any resemblence to real people is a coincidence. Reply to this
1/23/2012 1:57 PM
Doug wrote: My heart goes out to my friends and neighbors in SMR. As a past board member and SMRCA president, I have the utmost empathy for situation in SMR. I have read your recent blogs and the many incidents that are recurring daily. In 1999-2002, we incurred almost the exact situations as you are now, however, I believe it may be even worse now.
The gentrification that started a while back is still evident with many nicely remodeled homes and dedicated owner occupants, but the real problem is SLUMLORDS. As one of your earlier bloggers mentioned, it is important to identify these ignorant, absentee landlords and find a way to legally expose them, cite them and file code violation and nuisance cases on them for every infraction. Most importantly, is to make sure that members of SMR attend the hearings and commission meeting to insist that fines are NOT WAIVED and if necessary FORECLOSURE is filed on these properties. Next, look into government programs to help purchase the "slumlord properties" or have them demolished, as one blogger mentioned.
Their may even be a legal process for immanent domain, in parts of the area for the overall well being of the community. But it DOES TAKE A LOT OF TIME. I recall most days 4-8 hours of SMR time and an average of two meetings a week with the city or the board.
I have long stated that the NW 8th Ave, corridor, should be reclaimed by the county or city and a non-profit RFP-(request for proposal- to develop) should be proposed to rehab those duplexes for a senior independent living area. It won't fix everything in SMR, but it would help take care of what we called back then as the "festering boil" of SMR. Face it, with the education system in Florida falling to an all-time low of being able to truly educate our children, it is no wonder that they roam the streets, fight, sell drugs, prostitute themselves and destroy communities. What's worse is the majority of parents don't care and even support the delinquent behavior. So reducing the numbers of delinquent youth in SMR would help to curb the problem. In addition, a freshly rehabbed NW 8th ave could be a welcome home to many of our aging 55 and up seniors who need subsidized living, even more than the subsidized delinquents that NOW call it their "battleground"
I am happy to help my SMR friends and family. If I can offer any assistance, from an historical perspective and past experience, please let me know.
1/23/2012 9:54 PM
Charles King wrote: This guy sounds like he knows what he is talking about. Sounds like a pretty good game plan for the city and the the neighborhood to persue. Reply to this
Thank-you Tim for posting my "video". I wish my camera worked better in the dark, but I think the audio speaks well for itself. This screaming, cussing, and fighting in the street has been happening on and off all night, since I got home from work. And for your readers of this blog, this is not a one-time incident. This can happen several times a week, every week. We were afraid to leave to go out to dinner for fear of what our property would look like upon our return! This is no way to live. I've said it before but I'll say it again: We lived in Dorsey Riverbend right across the street from the Dixie Court project and in the 6 years we lived there, we had fewer issues than we've experienced in South Middle River in less than two years. It's like a war zone over here! The home we live in is great, but it's sad to say I regret we moved. I'd rather live in the 890 sq foot house we had in Dorsey Riverbend than the 1,700 square foot place we've got in South Middle River, just because of how bad the neighborhood is. It's really quite sad.
Jeff
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Jeff, we arrived on the scene after your calls for help. This is very sad that this continues. Tim and myself witnessed about 25 juvenilles on Andrews and nw 11 st after the police broke up the crowd, the other 25 were walking towards nw 4 ave when i snapped a few shots.. I did recognise a few of them from the original riot... The shame is that these kids were coming from Warfiled Park where there is no supervision after they fired 2 of the best supervisors...the incident as I am being told satrted off at 1107 nw 2 ave where there police, code and city officals have been advised of the ongoing problmes...1122 nw 4 ave and 1108 nw 4 ave are 2 more very dangerous homes that are causing many disturbances..Chaos is the right word to describe our community... we need help fast........
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Jeff go eat cake.
I recently taped myself walking through MRT for my next commercial. At 7am and I thought the sun coming up over the neighborhood was beautiful. The 5 person secuirty detail that was with me would say the same. We taped residents who sang my praises saying I was doing a great job. I really dont know what everyone is complainging about.
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This is exactly why we need new representation. Totally out of touch with reality. So are you saying you think I staged my video? The proof is what you hear. Of course the sun coming up over the neighborhood at 0700 is beautiful! They're all (finally) asleep then. What a silly thing to say in a posting.
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I can't imagine this is CHAROLETTE Rodstrom stating such a thing.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks.
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I agree Steven, and that thought occurred to me after I submitted my response. I certainly hope this would not be the kind of response she'd type.
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Charlotte, You can see the same beautiful sunrise and neighborhood at 7am if you go to NW 6th St and NW 9th Ave. Maybe you should take a stroll down there after hours and then make another ridiculous comment like your last one. I grew up on NW 6th and 12th in same area and was one of the first houses there. Sold the house, oops gave away the house with a double lot, for 30,000. when my mom was asked for the time and then busted over the head with a bottle and robbed. You should have to pitch a tent for a night and then make a comment afterwards.
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Charlotte: Look at your watch. All the people in Jeff's video surely were asleep by 7am. I think you best ask Jeff to call you next time the 'party' begins. You probably won't have to wait long for that call.
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Officials' solution to this problem is to build more Section 8 housing in FLL... Pack your bags.... it will only get worst!
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we have a glut of housing and apartments now.renters will never care they have no investment at risk, leases can be broken and transients will not turn a block or a neighborhood around
subsidized only makes it worse
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Living at the corner of 11th St. and 3rd Ave., we too have experienced what Jeffrey described in his posting. But we began emailing and calling the commissioner for our neighborhood as well as the top brass at FLPD District 2. Our corner is RELATIVELY quiet with a few sporadic disturbances. Our neighbor woke up to someone in her house a month ago and this was the 5th time she had been broken into!! We were not able to make it to the meeting last Thursday night at the Iron Workers Union but you can bet we'll be at the next one. I would welcome anyone emailing me if they need or have suggestions on improving our neighborhood.
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This problem with juveniles will only be fixed in one of two ways. You can either run the Crescent House as well as the Section 8 housing that is in clear violation of the 2 heart beats per bedroom law out of town. Some of these wards of the State have 8 or 10 kids living with them in small rentals. Enforcing laws would reduce the overcrowding of underclass kids entertaining themselves as well as making a living at the neighborhood's expense.
The other solution would be to fix the public schools. Last night I saw a documentary called "Freakonomics" on Showtime. There was a study by the University of Chicago that created a program for an inner city school that paid the kids $50 per month if they kept their grades above a certain achievement standard. Maintaining ones grades also gave them a chance to win a once a month raffle to win $500. There was also a Hummer Limo ride home once a month for the winner.
The new Broward School Superintendent is from Chicago and attended Harvard so hopefully he knows of some innovated programs like this that would give these kids the incentive to study to get money and things from studying instead of stealing and rioting 3 nights a week.
Direct money to these students to stimulate learning has the best chance to make a difference in my opinion.
The Hotel owners and the seniors living in condos on the beach don't seem to care about failing public schools and the resulting juvenile problem, but the Mayor and City Commission should care. It's our job to make them care.
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Terry- I really feel bad for you folks that have to tolerate such madness... I drove by the corner of 11th and 2nd last night, and I noticed a very apparent lack of lighting-perhaps the HOA could subsidize the owners of the properties on the street corners in question if they agreed to put flood lights up, and keep them on every night.
On the lighting issue as well, the HOA should arrange with FPL to put high-intensity lights on all avaialable poles in the area- it costs less than $10 a month, money well spent for some piece of mind...
Most importantly, my feeling is that you will not get much relief until the surrounding neighbors unite, stand out in the street in mass numbers to send the message to those hoodlums that you are NOT GOING TO LET THEM INTIMIDATE YOU ANY LONGER!!! Criminals rely on you all to hide in your houses- I suggest next time they congregate,you all blind them with flood lights , and turn your garden hoses on full pressure nozzle and drench them!!!
Really, my main point is that when you guys personally stand up to them, there is a good possibility that they will move on to another area where they know people won"t challenge them....
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We did have a little ceremonial "countdown" 5-4-3-2-1 as we flipped the switch to turn on our sprinklers last night. We returned from going out to dinner with friends to find the street and our driveway (and yard) blocked with kids. Blowing the horn, they just looked at me like I was in their way. I had to yell out the window of my car "get out of the way" just so I could get into my driveway. Once we got in the house and closed the garage door (thank God we have a garage!), that's when we turned on the sprinklers. That chased them out of our yard and driveway but only far enough out of reach of the wind blowing the mist.
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I suggest not instigating anything though your right to turn on sprinklers is yours. they could retaliate when your alone or others coming home alone. it ain't worth it and harm to juveniles could put you in jail. even when innocent you have to defend your self costing money. it just isn't worth it. call cops.
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Very good advise and believe me, the police were called twice. First time, we never saw anyone respond to the scene at all. That's not to say they didn't respond, but they certainly didn't get there within 15 minutes of us calling, so I had to do something to get them to move. The switch for our sprinklers is behind our locked fence gate.
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hope all glass in your windows is impact and you have good insurance or don't mind paying out of pocket. throwing a rock is one thing and shooting a gun and maybe hitting someone in the house is another. they have no respect for life or property and your safety and health is more important. sorry that you have this in Fort Lauderdale
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They have moved from our street....mostly. Compared to when we moved in a little over a year ago, there is marked improvement. As for the street lights. When we moved in several of the street lights were out either just burned out or shot out with the cover totally broken out. My partner and I went up and down the street at night with our flashlight and wrote down EVERY pole number with street lights out and I contacted FPL. We now have light. Our house is totally lit up with flood lights, porch light and, thankfully, a street light right out front.
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This all started at 1107 nw 2 ave. As 3 patrol officers secure nw 1 ave and
andrews, Tim Smith and myself caught the other 25 at nw 4 ave and nw 11 st.
Cursing at us and the police. We called and it was wild in the streets. We
used to have control at warfield community center and now that sandra sullivan
is gone and archie is gone there is zero control in that park and all these 50
kids originated there tonight. We understand the situation the police have
tonight but our community has been taken over. It is stil continuing.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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I was surprised not to hear on the tape the voice of our "Crime Fighter" Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom. Wasn't she there? Since she is in office, crime has skyrocketed in her district - what an insincere phony she is.
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Have you once contacted Commissioner Rodstrom?
She's hardly a phony, if you have.
I'm very non-partisan where commissioners are concerned, but she's been nothing but helpful with my situation - and I live in her district.
If you've had a grievance, maybe you could let us know what you've tried doing to resolve that issue.
Your comment is greatly appreciated. =)
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I carbon copy Charlotte Rodstrom and her assistant, Chief Frank Adderley, and our neighborhood president Sal G., on every piece of communication I send out.
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Yes, it is a very unfortunate situation that is happening in that area of town.
I live in the downtown area and we have homeless to the east of us at the old city hall annex. To the west of us in recent weeks, homeless were trying to set up camp right next to the railroad tracks on the grassy area. Between 10-20 people a night were converging there, and had I not started making calls to the police, and sending emails to Charlotte Rodstrom, this would have been an ongoing problem.
The litter and debris everywhere as well as them urinating all over the place, as well as one time a man playing chicken with an oncoming train was something where immediate action needed to take place by the police.
I let it go for about a week to see if anyone, my neighbors or the city would do anything about it, but that wasn't the case.
As for my neighbors not doing anything about it, I can't say. But what I can say is, after making calls after witnessing all of this, each time two police units arrived on the scene and chased them away. The first time, after the police left, they cam right back - I wasn't having it!
I kept at it and continued to call the police - they came out a total of four times, and they now cruise by the area nightly. The public works was also sent out to clean up all the debris.
Contacting the police and commissioner Rodstrom and putting this problem on her radar screen, was the only way to get this under control.
I've since started a Neighborhood Watch, and have invited our civic association to talk with officials and come up with a solution to this specific problem - and we have.
I tell you this, because this is what every single person who witnesses ANY sort of disturbance in their neighborhood should seriously consider doing, if they haven't already.
To curtail potential crime, you must let not only the police know about the situation, you MUST contact your city commissioner - they are instrumental in helping find solutions to problems such as this.
I also would suggest, if some many have not gone already, is to attend the Monthly Crime Meeting in your district that your commissioner, the fire and rescue and police attend, to come up with solutions to the situation.
Problem is that officials need to be notified about what's going on - they can't be everywhere all the time.
Every resident needs to call the instance that they see or hear something of this nature happening in their neighborhood, and, should take necessary steps to establish a safe neighborhood for the sake of sanity and of the peace and quiet that every person deserves where they live - you can't let 'them' get the upper hand.
This is a great resource to gather information on how residents can help with potential crime and safety concerns in their neighborhood: http://www.usaonwatch.org/
Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom's email is crodstrom@fortlauderdale.gov Her assistant is Scott Wyman and his email is swyman@fortlauderdale.gov
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they want to be re-elected. will they really solve it long term? bet this doesn't happen where they live.
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From reading Tim's topics, it appears this neighborhood has the most ongoing problems in the city, but please do not think this is isolated or the only neighborhood west of US 1 with unruliness, gangs and crime. Its worse in SMRT because, and just my opinion, its gone on for awhile and deteriorated beyond a 'quick fix'. At the Twin Lakes meeting Thursday night, Captain Wheeler of the FLPD updated the homeowners in attendance and answered their questions on break-ins and LIVES and OWNS in the Twin Lakes neighborhood. They are aware of the issues that need attention and are working diligently to 'nip them in the bud' so to speak. If ignored, they know it will increase exponentially and destroy the neighborhood. I commend the neighbors and Captain Wheeler.
Also,Thursday night the current district commissioner, city manager and assistants attended, and even the mayor popped in at the start to say hello.
It sure looks like when law enforcement personnel live in the neighborhood it deters crime, whether petty or grand.
Tim, Sal, Jeff, and all the other SMRT trying to safely and quietly enjoy their homes, please know we are behind you, support a permanent solution to this unlawfulness, and may it be soon.
Sounds like there are no streetlights, or few streetlights in the neighborhood. Is that correct?
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ALSO meant to mention that Sal V., the code enforcement person assigned to Twin Lakes was also at the Twin Lakes meeting Thursday night. Don't know if all these city people show up at EVERY meeting or because elections are here. Code enforcement appears to be very pro-active in Twin Lakes. (Twin Lakes is south of Commercial, north of Prospect and west of Powerline).
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I think its time to demand Police Officers start walking the Neighborhood we need to find out who is the problem and work with the Good people I recall years ago we had a gang type group in my Neighborhood and Then Police Chief Roberts placed the Command Center Mobile unit 24 hrs for about two or three weeks and the Police interviewed all Parties in the area and they found out where the problems were and after time the Problem moved away again Community Policing is the only long term answer for the City
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When will some of you SMR residents understand that over 60% rentals are the problem. This situation did not happen overnight, and you can't blame code or the police. Go after the slum lords. Send the property letter from SMRCA that was used many years ago which got quick attention from these slum lords. Publish their names and current address on line with pictures. No slander is necessary. I drove by the road closures recently and saw that SMRCA isn't maintaining as usual. Yes I use to be a very active volunteer, however saw SMRCA priorities that didn't make any sense to deal with the
really serious problems. Charlotte Rodstrom has been a great supporter of our area. It is no surprise that drug dealing is occurring at the new park for children. If I were a parent, I would never allow my children to play there just due to the pedophiles residing in the SMR area, let alone the drug dealers, ex-cons etc.. Most long time residents did not want this park. Please drive by and take a look at the abandon homes across the street. Those houses were always run down rentals. It's also time to quit contacting the churches in the area as almost all their members don't even live in SMR. Where is the visability of the current board? Unfortunately being a board member in a community such as this really becomes a full time job. A volunteer must be fully committed more than once a month to pick up trash, weed, work with Code and the Police.
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if homes are abandoned or derelict, where is Code Enforcement and unsafe Structures? Cite them, warn them then tear them down. Pompano did this in the northwest back in late 1980s early 1990s. The yards only had to be mowed. No crack houses forced them to move on. Eventually new homes were built. Why doesn't ft lauderdale tear them down?
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You make it sound simple. Please educate yourself about the legal procedures required by the code enforcement department.
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I worked for Pompano during the 7 years. city attorney and commission took no flack.
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It's interesting that you suggest going after the owner of the apartments. Earlier today I went to the Broward County Property Appraiser's web page, entered the street address of the problem property and got the name of the persons. Their address is listed as a post office box number in Fort Lauderdale. But I also intend to do a search by their names to see if I can find a physical mailing address. I'd love to write them a letter, telling them about their wonderful tenants and how we, their neighbors, want to see them go ASAP. I wasn't sure if that was appropriate for me to do or not.
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is this the address?
1107 nw 2 ave
confirm please
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That's the one!!
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together they own about eight properties have RE licenses, one lives in boca the other in coral ridge thats what you get with absentee landlords and homes not lived in by owners
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This video is only a 22 second peek into a night in South Middle River! Community leader; Sal, contributed PART of this mob scene to the lack of supervision at Warfield Community Center. I believe he is on the mark.
Today I am listening to kids laughing, baseballs being hit and ref's whistles from Holiday Park. There are constructive activities.
Someway the two exceptional employees need to be brought back to Warfield Community Center. Sports, arts and instruction should be available. Educating our young is vital. It benefits the kid and the community. This is not a total solution but it a piece.
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That is correct Mary. It's only a peek. I recorded close to 25 minutes' worth of "video" (I put that in quotes because it was too dark to see, but plenty to hear). I sent each of the pieces of the video files to Chief Adderley, Commissioner Rodstrom, our neighborhood President Sal, and to Tim Smith.
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Char: Scott I just heard that awful Tim Smith put some audio from MRT on silly blog. This silliness has ruined my mimosa. Fix this
Scott: How do you suggest I do this.
Char: First, let do what we always do blame the police and the oversized budget. Make sure to note how I voted against the police contract and the budget. Then instruct everyone to watch my commerical where I make it clear I am tough on crime.
Scott: Are you going to tour the area?
Char: God no! here is your warning, my last 8 aides were fired for suggesting I go into the blighted neighborhoods of this District, do you want to be 9?
Scott: No mam
Char: I am feeling generous today, call Crossiant Time and have them deliver breakfast to the community leaders in MRT. See if they have the day old ones they are cheaper. That is a nice gesture.
Scott: Umm, I think you may need to do a little more than that.
Char: Second warning, question me again and you will end up like Falcone. John has made it clear this is how we need to do this. I am so stresed now I have to switch to a bloody mary. Your a jounalist, now spin it. Dont forget to make my reservation for Cafe de Pariz tonight and pick out a nice cab for when we get there. I have to go, the stress of this poistion it too much
Scott: Yes mam.
Please note this is a work of satire involving fictional characters if you think otherwise, it is just your imagination. Any resemblence to real people is a coincidence.
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LOL! Thank-you for the chuckle!
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the sad reality is that this is probably accurate on some level
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My heart goes out to my friends and neighbors in SMR. As a past board member and SMRCA president, I have the utmost empathy for situation in SMR. I have read your recent blogs and the many incidents that are recurring daily. In 1999-2002, we incurred almost the exact situations as you are now, however, I believe it may be even worse now.
The gentrification that started a while back is still evident with many nicely remodeled homes and dedicated owner occupants, but the real problem is SLUMLORDS. As one of your earlier bloggers mentioned, it is important to identify these ignorant, absentee landlords and find a way to legally expose them, cite them and file code violation and nuisance cases on them for every infraction. Most importantly, is to make sure that members of SMR attend the hearings and commission meeting to insist that fines are NOT WAIVED and if necessary FORECLOSURE is filed on these properties. Next, look into government programs to help purchase the "slumlord properties" or have them demolished, as one blogger mentioned.
Their may even be a legal process for immanent domain, in parts of the area for the overall well being of the community. But it DOES TAKE A LOT OF TIME. I recall most days 4-8 hours of SMR time and an average of two meetings a week with the city or the board.
I have long stated that the NW 8th Ave, corridor, should be reclaimed by the county or city and a non-profit RFP-(request for proposal- to develop) should be proposed to rehab those duplexes for a senior independent living area. It won't fix everything in SMR, but it would help take care of what we called back then as the "festering boil" of SMR. Face it, with the education system in Florida falling to an all-time low of being able to truly educate our children, it is no wonder that they roam the streets, fight, sell drugs, prostitute themselves and destroy communities. What's worse is the majority of parents don't care and even support the delinquent behavior. So reducing the numbers of delinquent youth in SMR would help to curb the problem. In addition, a freshly rehabbed NW 8th ave could be a welcome home to many of our aging 55 and up seniors who need subsidized living, even more than the subsidized delinquents that NOW call it their "battleground"
I am happy to help my SMR friends and family. If I can offer any assistance, from an historical perspective and past experience, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Doug Blevins
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This guy sounds like he knows what he is talking about. Sounds like a pretty good game plan for the city and the the neighborhood to persue.
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