[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6565371,"mediaKeyId","3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e","parentId",3220781,"title","City seeks lease with Florida East Coast Railway to clean railroad right‑of‑way; staff says cleanup contingent on FEC agreement","audioSeconds",71,"startMs",3465000,"endMs",3536000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e&start=3465&end=3536","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e/thumbnail_3465000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565371/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/City-seeks-lease-with-Florida-East-Coast-Railway-to-clean-railroad-rightofway-staff-says-cleanup-contingent-on-FEC-agreement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565371-40cc55dd61e6e4f142b745b781cf1366/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145580&Signature=nt6WavCBk-~BTZ-aNktuq5zxA69IC9rtOShyeFvGsMuSIGk54swoj9uQOMOcgqTShFfr~vS7B4Ymz4VVr-84IsKGY5BjKDo-8kEyRBUvbzfjhMfpalq~~cDQfgZpT8ymuDI3UhOkwCwdsM0gIQMhfKYW5WQbw-hB3djwNpzPWlMTB3FkW3kdclgxNUoKqTYCXQ9WrPKgjnzAAHNfBR5I0TOeTE4ON0VDtTnetyoTpn4QfRj44AyxRZYM8zXs2sLB8YvRblRmBpkOS82LB-Fy8xDi776-2CeyEpRSvcsoSy-1QLzcETGEIVRMRc0bDCalykY7sMeni498voMxYnNWgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hallandale Beach","date","2025-05-07T00:00:00Z","article","City officials told the Hallandale Beach City Commission on May 7 that the stretch of property along the Florida East Coast (FEC) railway line is private railroad property and not subject to city citation procedures, and staff are pursuing a lease to allow city maintenance.

City Manager Dr. Earl (as identified in the meeting) and other staff reported they have notified the FEC about debris and are pressing for a lease agreement that would permit the city to maintain the rail right‑of‑way. The city manager said staff have asked FEC for a formal lease and that city staff are reluctant to perform maintenance before an agreement is in place because the railroad may require removal of trees or plantings the city once placed in the right‑of‑way.

Commissioners said the corridor has become a site for refuse and camping and urged staff to pursue a solution. The city manager said staff will continue to seek a lease and that, if the railroad does not cooperate, the city may seek federal assistance or congressional outreach as a later step.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff said they had sent another notice to FEC the week of the meeting and will attempt to obtain the lease agreement before taking further on‑the‑ground steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hallandale Beach - May 7, 2025 City Commission Meeting. - May 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners and staff discussed debris and encampment issues on Florida East Coast Railway right‑of‑way; city manager said staff are pursuing a lease to allow the city to maintain the corridor and sent notices to FEC.","taxTitle","Hallandale Beach, Broward County, Florida","taxId",68768,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565374,"Hallandale Beach proclaims May ‘Older Americans Month,’ highlights Hepburn Senior Mini Center services",348,937000,1285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e&start=937&end=1285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e/thumbnail_937000.jpg","/articles/6565374/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Hallandale-Beach-proclaims-May-Older-Americans-Month-highlights-Hepburn-Senior-Mini-Center-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565374-d26f869e805c5c2b89cd153fa0a7faf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145580&Signature=jfe0DI2dlQUYvQdBqLhzwt8HjdVMTQmtAVATYnIjI8zJEIB5zFC~uJaNkXlTyX-jdoqmOVIvKf9Q5MB6OI-43YZbFZTGXflKpmCVmJ2Fvk~uqvzoe1BWBcQlD0HAMBp-JaovCrZe91TX6u8LHihv2vcoP8AqVpFXkw2uOBrUGBIbTgA4WDptsIYjGOPo8SIQjRCS1FrNpsnQnRRtxoywzIw-F13tNLKlqMYddnE8jhwDszHZqVXPb2EwhJumnhLJewS-TTEzhcYX4okl2vgOJcMdMhsinFdpZ6pmHKiP~xDR6bkyu0Z7Ail8jQp5U31mc0VljbSY1Q07XUtummUiIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hallandale Beach City Commission on May 7 proclaimed May 2025 as Older Americans Month, commending the Hepburn Senior Mini Center and the human services department for programs that support older residents.

Mayor Joy F. Cooper read the proclamation on behalf of the commission, citing the national theme “Flip the Script on Aging,” which encourages challenging stereotypes about aging and promoting inclusion. The proclamation recognizes the Hepburn Senior Mini Center’s efforts to provide programming, meals, field trips and social supports to help older adults age in place.

Vanessa Leroy (identified in the meeting as DSC director but speaking in human‑services context) and senior‑program staff described the center as a “family” that supports older residents, including those with limited English proficiency and those at risk for institutional placement. Program staff reported registration growth after a funding shortfall earlier in the year and said activities — including an upcoming Mother’s Day tea and regular socialization events — have helped members return to in‑person participation following COVID‑era declines.

Speakers thanked the commission and staff for continuing financial and administrative support. Commissioners and staff praised volunteers and social‑work staff whose outreach keeps seniors engaged and connected.

The proclamation does not change city funding line items; it is a ceremonial recognition intended to raise awareness of senior programming and encourage community support for aging services.","The commission proclaimed May 2025 as Older Americans Month and recognized the Hepburn Senior Mini Center’s programs to help seniors age in place; staff and program leaders described increased participation and services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565380,"Widow asks Hallandale Beach to reduce code‑enforcement lien; city staff points to mitigation policy and settlement expiration",249,252000,501000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e&start=252&end=501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e/thumbnail_252000.jpg","/articles/6565380/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Widow-asks-Hallandale-Beach-to-reduce-codeenforcement-lien-city-staff-points-to-mitigation-policy-and-settlement-expiration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565380-89da2093ac37fc3ded0e7bc2943a8207/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145581&Signature=Ir~Ol-~mSgygv2G~nNnJ9nfXCjlhlVqVI9zu~-89NMbGkrKI1kbCrAdLT~QhFBEQUmstyV7Qsttr~0JGLQ1TLfRx8~px5g9w16qr6Bhu4qwO0BURxOorc9Luto8eClGm2iQRuJwFSy3Cc2vk4pxYGcOMlFwJnsO2DWW5AFsx1qWOOQXxN7Npz-zuDu7hqcVqCYGw9EuOpo904GYH2H6SkvccH6Sqo-6ec5LppHKdWyw40Tmhe5VSQBNhAK7MWULl6AhHoOJZeb1hP3zS5s6s4QW8xENb3GrrEWwe3r3Ke9oSkBJCOhFFG~7a8oZHBF8L2j0lXQyy0kGTOeeTTLE7wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An attorney appearing on behalf of a Hallandale Beach property owner asked the city commission on May 7 to grant mercy after the client lost her husband and faces a four‑figure code‑enforcement lien.

Hans Autzenott of Autzenott Law said his client, identified in the meeting as Malene Matias at 729 Northwest Fourth Street, had already taken corrective steps and could not pay the final lien figure, which he said “came down to $21,249.50.” Autzenott said his client offered $10,000 on an installment plan and was seeking a lower mitigation amount because of financial hardship after her husband’s recent death.

Vanessa Leroy, director of Development Services and Code (DSC), told the commission staff had negotiated mitigation petitions and that a settlement offer had been made. Leroy said there were two mitigation petitions and one appeal; the city manager signed an agreement following a meeting with the property owner and attorney. Leroy said the settlement offer had expired and noted the mitigation policy is “very black and white.” She said typical mitigation for rental or multi‑unit properties is 20 percent, but staff had previously reduced the lien to a lower percentage as a particular settlement offer. She explained that, once a settlement offer expires, the lien reverts to the original amount and the property owner must wait a prescribed time before filing another petition.

Mayor Joy F. Cooper and several commissioners expressed sympathy for the property owner but said the commission does not intervene in mitigation decisions that are handled administratively under ordinance and special‑magistrate procedures. Commissioner Topol criticized the attorney’s approach to bring the matter before the commission rather than continuing to work with the city manager and staff. The commission did not take formal action on the request; staff advised the attorney and homeowner to work directly with DSC about the mitigation petition and the possibility of re‑filing after the required waiting period.

Key clarifications from staff included that: staff had reduced the mitigation amount below the standard guideline in prior negotiations; a settlement letter existed but had expired on Monday, May 5; and the mitigation policy prescribes which properties qualify for reduced amounts (examples cited included homesteaded properties with proven hardship). DSC offered to meet again with the attorney and property owner to explain next steps.

No formal vote or commission directive to alter the mitigation decision was recorded.","An attorney representing a recently widowed property owner asked the commission to help reduce a code‑enforcement lien. Staff said a mitigation offer was negotiated but expired; commissioners said the mitigation process is handled by staff and special magistrate, not the commission.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565384,"Votes at a glance: Hallandale Beach approves business‑tax increase, advances special‑assessments code; backyard‑chicken ordinance deferred",54,2254000,2308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e&start=2254&end=2308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e/thumbnail_2254000.jpg","/articles/6565384/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Hallandale-Beach-approves-businesstax-increase-advances-specialassessments-code-backyardchicken-ordinance-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565384-9211460bb67e5414810870567aaf75b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145580&Signature=Z6C6QxB11oKUCzyjmOGnwktUwoMUQzOvXNkiqOy4hLDyxtZvSaa26C-iCZEaZo1y8O0fGvgr1X4IfLkrXZDTLFFzIdvLS~lB8WjrAsr53tm5JsJQBt0F8Ssg5Z8UvS9Y6ILO9cFAYuvc4UpqSvwhlDdIUerfgYAgtP1ygSzTUetSY7nQRRj4DhilBGhN1WGGAIJV3mXShI5Z-xn0MUtQ1TiyTlGQ87ZcYTT0NRHkKp-e0LwkCbjeHYDJPXYnwW8IEdLUEyrXbzT-rFXv~4h5hnkEQRTkzNBTsgVYBtgHlGY4vGP1rB62-k2tRubssUxSHkJK39cqwkqRqxqJJTUZnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hallandale Beach City Commission on May 7 recorded several formal actions: it approved a 5% increase to local business tax receipt fees on second reading, advanced a new special‑assessments ordinance on first reading, and deferred a proposed backyard‑chickens ordinance to a later meeting.

Business tax increase: The commission adopted item 25‑109, a second‑reading ordinance that increases local business tax receipt fees by 5 percent. No members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing. The measure passed on a 5‑0 roll call vote (Butler — yes; Vice Mayor Lazaro — yes; Mayor Joy F. Cooper — yes; Commissioner Lee Matab — yes; Commissioner Adams — yes).

Special assessments: On first reading the commission approved item 9A (recorded in the meeting as 25‑120), an ordinance that repeals and replaces Chapter 10, Article 4 (special assessments) to authorize creation of assessment areas, set procedures for imposition and collection of assessments to fund capital improvements and essential services, and allow issuance of obligations secured by those assessments. The item was a public hearing with no speakers; commissioners voted to advance the ordinance on a 5‑0 roll call vote. The ordinance will return for second reading and final adoption at a later meeting.

Backyard chickens deferred: The commission deferred item 25‑127, an ordinance that would create regulations and exceptions for keeping backyard chickens, to the May 21 meeting at 5:30 p.m. The item was sponsored by Commissioner Annabelle Lima Topol and the motion to defer passed 5‑0.

How the commission voted (selected items)
- Ordinance 25‑109 (business tax receipt fee increase) — adopted on second reading, 5‑0.
- Ordinance 9A / 25‑120 (special assessments code rewrite) — approved on first reading, 5‑0; public hearing opened and closed with no speakers.
- Ordinance 25‑127 (backyard chickens) — deferred to May 21, 2025, 5:30 p.m., 5‑0.

Staff noted that the special‑assessments ordinance includes provisions for mandatory prepayment and that assessments become liens against assessed property upon adoption of assessment rolls. Commissioners did not debate the policy substance at length during first reading; staff will return with any necessary implementation details.","At its May 7 meeting the Hallandale Beach City Commission approved a 5% increase to local business tax receipts and advanced a special‑assessments ordinance on first reading. Commissioners deferred a proposed backyard‑chicken ordinance to May 21.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565388,"Hallandale Beach adopts controlled‑access rule for Golden Isles guard gate; residents call it a crime deterrent",251,1519000,1770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e&start=1519&end=1770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220781-6a7ba3f5715b2e94470d31d0149a512e/thumbnail_1519000.jpg","/articles/6565388/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Hallandale-Beach-adopts-controlledaccess-rule-for-Golden-Isles-guard-gate-residents-call-it-a-crime-deterrent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565388-312567a8f636e3ad59a95d8de9bbf792/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145580&Signature=TLkzHq4~8ZTvKWvE4oBBNHIBOGt0UX0QdVYY0cy12KHtu8DuijNIpxarNpo91bIy1ErsW2xXVhWh9cf97Fgaj3SOOaThEWo6-YPSjq0KR0Dmoj0uqi5K-dMyDICAZgGaLDtJOdEz~dbB7S5Fgyfybva7IkDeIYmhIFBjMoKQteKVHwSDDow2HIEoU~8~N6BA8VP7GJoEAgP1RbUu6D~MlO~D7AyDjHVOWsHBxvdG~qJl2nWAOV~aTgy8yR4tWfVS7Tih-y4XU3jOwI-FZlgtEbbWJ3C2FRpAhzp8DFBUSinh9bGOrEZ6IOK0iQqNdeTjKEsEf5qSnCKGg1w3hOl2aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hallandale Beach City Commission on May 7 adopted a second‑reading ordinance requiring presentation of a valid driver’s license to pass the Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood District guard gate.

Supporters, including the Golden Isles homeowners association, told the commission the measure will help deter vehicle thefts and other crimes in the gated neighborhood. The ordinance passed on a 5‑0 roll call vote.

The ordinance, identified in the meeting as A2509A, was introduced by Mayor Joy F. Cooper and was listed at second reading. Marius Silverson, president of the Golden Isles Homeowners Association, told the commission he and other residents have seen an increase in attempted car thefts and other suspicious activity and said the new requirement “is a good step in the right direction as an additional deterrent.” Richard Levinson, a 30‑year resident and member of the Safe Neighborhood Advisory Board, said the neighborhood’s changing circumstances and construction traffic make tighter gate procedures advisable.

City staff and commissioners clarified operational details during the meeting. Mayor Cooper said the current plan is for motorists to show a license without scanning or storing private data. “We’re not scanning it,” she said, and added staff will research privacy and data‑collection issues. Commissioners and staff noted the district’s enforcement mechanism remains the physical control of access points (for example, denial of entry by gate operators) rather than reliance on recorded personal data.

Vice Mayor Lazaro indicated he would vote yes but expected some resident complaints and asked staff to forward them for follow‑up. Commissioner Butler and Commissioner Adams also voiced support while expressing concerns about legal or operational risks; Butler said the license check may not stop determined wrongdoers. Mayor Cooper said removal of entry bars to deny access is the primary enforcement mechanism that the Safe Neighborhood District master plan should use.

The ordinance text as read in the meeting states the measure “requires the presentation of a valid driver’s license to proceed past the Golden Isle Safe Neighborhood District Guard Gate” and provides standard sections on severability, conflicts and codification. The commission recorded the final vote as: Butler — yes; Vice Mayor Lazaro — yes; Mayor Cooper — yes; Commissioner Lee Matab — yes; Commissioner Adams — yes (motion carries 5‑0).

Commissioners asked staff to research whether scanning or recording IDs could create privacy or legal issues and to report back if operational changes are needed. Several residents who spoke urged continued attention to complementary security steps, such as improved gate staffing and physical barriers.

The ordinance takes effect as provided in the codified text.","The Hallandale Beach City Commission adopted a second‑reading ordinance requiring residents and visitors to present a valid driver's license to pass the Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood District guard gate. Supporters said the measure will deter vehicle theft and other crimes; commissioners said they will monitor complaints and privacy concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City seeks lease with Florida East Coast Railway to clean railroad right‑of‑way; staff says cleanup contingent on FEC agreement

Hallandale Beach proclaims May ‘Older Americans Month,’ highlights Hepburn Senior Mini Center services

Widow asks Hallandale Beach to reduce code‑enforcement lien; city staff points to mitigation policy and settlement expiration

Votes at a glance: Hallandale Beach approves business‑tax increase, advances special‑assessments code; backyard‑chicken ordinance deferred

Hallandale Beach adopts controlled‑access rule for Golden Isles guard gate; residents call it a crime deterrent