I enjoy receiving and reading the weekly SICA Newsletter, however I have noticed several emails that you publish providing suggestions and concerns of our members, but I do not recall any answers. It would add a lot to the content if these were answered. I myself sent in a suggestion several weeks ago, (and have not had a response) that SICA get involved to obtain benches and trash receptacles for the 6/10 mile south of 1 Singer Island condo ( even though there are three in the 3/10 mile north of 1 Singer Island). These will be greatly appreciated by the people who walk, jog, and exercise their dogs along A 1 A during the season. Ms Pardo indicated that they are working on obtaining landowners' approval. But how and why were they there before the beautification of A 1 A and not after?
Thank you for your help.
Vince
[ Editor's Note: Thank you Vince! We sent your message on to Dawn Pardo for comment. We strive to respond to as many messages as we can. This newsletter is new and along with pushing it out weekly, the (all volunteer) SICA team has been working several issues this summer. We encourage everyone to make use of the email contacts that we include below. Letters and emails to appropriate officials ARE effective ...and though we live on a small little island, there is a lot going on. With a beautiful new ocean blvd and an improving economy, change IS upon us here in paradise! SICA is listening and our city is listening; there are some wonderful people working very hard to help our Island and community. We'd love to have more neighbors, businesses, and area leaders: JOIN SICA and volunteer their time and/or donate funds to help us in this important mission! ]
From: Lori E. @ Via Delfino
Subject: beach clean-up
I'm writing in response to the newsletter piece on Beach Clean-Up in the News. I think it's great that various groups hold "beach clean-up days" but what is most effective is if people clean up on an ongoing basis. I take bags out with me whenever I walk the beach and pick up a lot of trash. Sometimes people will say "thank you for doing that" when they see me. My response is usually "You can do this too." It doesn't have to be an EVENT. Make it an everyday occurrence.
[ Editor's Note: Thank you Lori! How about all of the above. Personal responsibility and neighbors + businesses, getting out, getting some exercise ...and picking up some garbage along the way! Please read below for the next Beach Cleanup hosted by the Marriott Singer Island Resort Team on July 26th, and we hope to see you out there! ]
From: Fred G @ Chair Tiara Safety and Security Committee
Subject: Police sub station
What has happened to the promised Sub Station? Perhaps we would have more movement at the Mall if it ever came to fruition!
[ Editor's Note: Thank you for your service Fred! We will run this by the Chief (and his team) and share any info/updates here as soon as we get it! ]
Below are some public letters that were sent to the City Council on the 6 Month Building Moratorium that was passed this past week. As development picks back up it's important that we get it right. Let's stay informed and work together to help ensure that happens!
Councilwoman Pardo,
SICA supports economic development that preserves the character of our island as well as our priceless natural assets. In keeping with this principle, we would support a 6-month moratorium allowing the city to put in place building codes that preserve the fragile ecosystem and unique character of our surrounding beaches and waters. Such codes should take into account development on both the ocean and intracoastal sides of Singer Island. City codes should also be appropriately aligned with current state and federal requirements as well as the approved comprehensive land use plan. SICA would encourage the city council and staff to move swiftly in approving the moratorium and updating codes so that responsible development is not unduly delayed.
Respectfully yours,
Singer Island Civic Association
Dear Mayor and Councilpersons ,
On behalf of myself and as president of the Citizens for Responsible Growth of Riviera Beach I urge each of you to vote for the moratorium on beach development for up to six months. This ordinance will allow the City has time to develop and implement a reasonable and thoughtful plan for further growth on our sensitive beach lands.
We only need in to look to the recent past to see how development of larger and larger buildings closer to the beach has cost all of us dearly in tax expenditures to save these properties.
We have an obligation to ourselves and our children to insure that future beach development will be an asset to our community and not as tax liability because of a lack of planning.
Thank you for your support of this ordinance.
Sincerely ,
William L. Contole
President
Citizens for Responsible Growth of Riviera Beach