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Residents press Pembroke Pines leaders for action as Pines Village sewer work drags on
Summary
Residents at the meeting urged the City Commission to press Broward County and utility contractors for better coordination and advance notice after months of disruptive sewer and utility work in Pines Village, citing blocked driveways, property damage and concerns about contaminated soils.
Residents from Pines Village used the Pembroke Pines City Commission meeting on May 20 to press elected officials for relief from a long-running Broward County water and sewer project that they say has left streets rutted, driveways blocked and property damaged.
"This is not the first time I've experienced this type of construction, but it is the first time I've had to tolerate the lack of consideration," said Kit Jordan, who gave his address and described repeated blocking of driveways and a prior $1,000 repair to his car after driving over construction-related ruts. George Koren, who identified himself and gave his address, said the contractor has moved piecemeal across neighborhoods rather than sequencing work to limit repeat digs and urged the county and contractor to improve advance notifications and restoration practices.
The mayor and commissioners said they would escalate the matter with Broward County. "I will get you a more definitive statement from the county," the mayor said after residents asked for a county environmental testing update and stronger communications. Commissioner Goode and others said residents view the problem as a city issue because the disruptions occur at people's homes and daily routines.
City engineer Carl Kennedy told the commission that telecommunications and utility companies may work in their easements without the city's permission, but that any work in the public right-of-way is reviewed and issued a no-fee permit by the city. Commissioners pressed the city manager and staff to seek a higher-level meeting with county leadership and to provide clearer public notice about work schedules and contacts.
Commissioners also discussed communication tools for neighborhood-level alerts — from sandwich-board signs to text messaging and digital boards — and asked the city manager to report back on notification systems and whether the administration had a contract in place for such services. "We need to be able to do this," one commissioner said, urging staff to publish and distribute information through digital signage and targeted emails.
The commission did not take a formal vote on policy changes at the meeting but directed city staff to pursue county coordination, share contact details with commissioners, and return with updates. The mayor said he would seek a meeting between city and county managers to press for accountability and better resident outreach.
