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| April 13, 2007- City News |
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Dear friends,
As part of this administration’s dedication to tackling the regional issue of attainable housing and finding working solutions, I established the Attainable Housing Task Force in July 2006.
Chaired by Wayne Rich, this group of community volunteers was tasked with reviewing land development regulations and City policies to promote attainable housing. These professionals from the housing, banking and development community spent many hours researching and discussing solutions for our community.
On Monday, the task force presented recommendations to the City Council. These included using existing resources from the state and federal government as well as the private sector to fund attainable housing projects and persuading state legislators to remove the cap on the Florida Housing Trust Fund. They also recommended reviewing incentives for developers who create attainable housing, either through tax credits, impact fee incentives or streamlined permitting and requiring developments of regional impact to include as much attainable housing as possible.
The City’s Housing Department continues to maximize state and federal resources to increase attainable housing in our area. Just last month, I welcomed Mrs. Fields, who participated in one of our housing assistance programs, to her first home in Parramore. Our programs and initiatives have been recognized and honored nationally by Housing and Urban Development and serve as a model for other communities around the country.
We can be proud of the fact that our City is a leader in the region for breaking down barriers by working aggressively to cut red tape and encourage the production of attainable housing.
However, there is more work to be done. And as we continue to answer this important call, I look forward to strengthening our regional partnerships to make homeownership a reality for our residents. The Attainable Housing Task Force Workshop can be viewed online at CityofOrlando.net.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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This section of City News provides public safety updates on new and ongoing City initiatives and opportunities for citizens to become engaged.
Safe Orlando Task Force Recommendations
The Safe Orlando Task Force, comprised of 26 local community leaders, was formed in August 2006 to identify specific ways to prevent crime, use police resources more effectively and stop repeat offenders.
The task force was divided into three separate sub-committees: prevention, enforcement and re-integration. Each sub-committee researched their topic area, discussed options and developed recommendations, which were presented to the City Council on March 26.
The law enforcement subcommittee considered strategies for the prevention of violent crime and looked at successful programs in other communities. The following are some of the recommendations of the law enforcement sub-committee, along with an update on what actions the City is taking.
Law Enforcement Subcommittee Recommendations
Create Patrol Tactical (TAC) Squads
During the State of the City Address, Mayor Dyer committed to the addition of a fourth OPD patrol division that will encompass a specialized TAC squad comprised of an additional 10 officers and 1 sergeant.
Develop “Citizens United for Safe Neighborhoods” initiative
In partnership with the Orlando Police Department and other City departments including Housing and the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs, Rev. Charles Jackson of Hurst Chapel and Rev. O'Hara Black of Mt. Pleasant AME have each held “Citizens United for Safe Neighborhoods” events. These events engage residents in crime prevention in their neighborhoods.
Implement Gun Bounty program
- Modeled after a best practice from Jacksonville, the Illegal Gun Bounty program is the result of a Safe Cities Summit called by Mayor Dyer with the mayors and police chiefs of Florida’s seven largest cities.
- On February 28, Crimeline distributed the first reward from an anonymous tip that resulted in the arrest and recovery of firearms used in multiple armed robberies in Orlando and Orange County.
- Since the launch of the program in January, more than 170 tips have been called into Crimeline.
Reallocate “first responder” bike officers to the downtown area
The fourth patrol division – a Central Division – will also bring two bike units online for Downtown and Parramore.
Expand Orlando Police Department’s community oriented policing efforts.
City Council approved a three-year, comprehensive Public Safety Initiative of more than $100 million to increase the effective strength of the police officers by 11 percent, bringing 75 additional police officers online, new officers in the violent crimes section, two OPD sub-stations and a state-of-the-art training center.
Other Public Safety Updates
Orlando 360°
 This new show, produced by the City’s Office of Communications, features in-depth conversations with City officials on important issues facing Orlando. The first episode focuses on the City’s Public Safety Initiative. Host Annetta Wilson talks with Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando Police Chief Michael McCoy on the City’s efforts to combat violent crime in Orlando and how citizens can become engaged and support this effort. Catch Orlando 360° on Orange TV, Bright House Networks Channel 9 Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. or watch it online.
Public Safety Information Series
City residents are encouraged to attend the last Public Safety Information meeting on Monday, April 16 at 7 p.m. at NorthLake Park Community School, 9055 NorthLake Parkway. This meeting will inform citizens about Orlando’s public safety efforts and will empower citizens to help reduce and prevent crime in our neighborhoods. The first meeting held at the Rosemont Community Center can be seen online at the Public Safety section of the City’s website, cityoforlando.net/publicsafety.
For more information, please call the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at 407-246-2169.
Public Safety Information Series on Demand
If you missed one of the City’s Public Safety Information Series meetings, Central Florida News 13 is offering it on their video on demand. This option is available on Central Florida On Demand Digitial Cable 300 on Bright House Networks.
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Strategic Planning Process
As part of the City’s commitment to finding effective and efficient ways to deliver the highest quality urban services to our residents, the City initiated a strategic planning process in August 2006. An update was presented to the Commission at Monday’s workshop.
During this comprehensive process, the City collected valuable information and feedback through interviews, surveys, meetings, focus groups, regional studies and workshops.
This information is a critical part of the development and organization of the City’s multi-year plan that will guide the operational management of the City, align operations and budget and streamline City services. This will ensure Orlando residents continue to receive the highest quality and most efficient services.
This process is still ongoing, and the City will continue to adjust and adapt the Strategic Plan as needed based on new challenges and opportunities that arise in our City. One of the common themes throughout the plan is the need for regional collaboration. There has been a growing awareness of the value of collaboration among regional partners to address major projects and issues, as seen over the past year with the UCF Medical School, Burnham and the community venues. Our Strategic Plan encourages building on those regional partnerships and assets.
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On Saturday, April 7, Mayor Buddy Dyer attended the 100 Black Men of Orlando monthly meeting to give an update on the City’s programs, initiatives and opportunities. The 100 Black Men organization works to improve the quality of life within our community and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.
 On Tuesday, April 10, Mayor Dyer attended the Shiobhan Charles Salon Ribbon Cutting at the Shoppes of City View. As part of the Pathways for Parramore initiative, Shiobhan is the first recipient of the City’s Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance program.
 On Friday, April 13, Mayor Dyer assisted with the installation of bicycle racks in various downtown locations to promote bicycle transportation in the community as part of his monthly work alongs.
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Camp Orlando Summer Registration April 14
 The City of Orlando’s Families, Parks and Recreation Department is …”where the fun starts!” and offers a variety of summer camp activities at various locations throughout the City.
Camp Orlando is a 5-day a week program scheduled 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children ages five -14 at City Community Centers.
Natural Expressions, which combines art and nature experiences, is held at the Mayor Carl T. Langford Park on Tuesdays in five-week sessions.
The Kids Clay Camp is located at the Pottery Studio on at the Downtown Recreation Center on Livingston Street on Thursdays and Fridays in four-week sessions.
The Summer Puppet Series is held at the Ferncreek Elementary School. Parents may register for the puppet series onsite.
The Orlando After-School All-Stars’ Camp STRIVE provides innovative and fun programs for youth ages 11-14 at five City middle schools, Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center and at Southport Community Park. All programs are closed on recognized holidays. Activity costs vary by program. Field trips and t-shirt costs are extra. There are also lower rates for students who are City residents and enrolled in Orange County Public Schools free and reduced lunch programs. Registration methods vary by program. Parents may register for Camp STRIVE at the location nearest to them.
Swimming lessons are also offered for infants through adults at the City’s 11 pools. Parents may go to the nearest pool to register for swim lessons. Swim lesson registration begins on June 2.
Parents have three ways of registering for these programs: online, by phone or onsite at the individual community center. Online and phone registration for City residents begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. Non-City registrants can register online or call starting Saturday, April 14 at noon. Log on to: drfun.cityoforlando.net or call 407-246-4081. To register using either of these methods, parents must first have an account in our system. An account can be created via our website or by visiting the nearest City Community Center to create an online account.
Onsite registration for Orlando residents begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. Non-City residents may register onsite between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 14.
For more information about the individual programs or the summer camp locations, contact the staff at the facility of your choice by calling 407-246-4300 or visit the Families, Parks and Recreation summer camp page.
Early Registration Discount for Neighborhood and Community Summit
Register for Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Neighborhood and Community Summit by Monday, April 16, 2007 and pay half price, $5, for registration. The registration fee includes the summit’s workshops, a continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Seating is limited to 300 people so register early. Registration forms are available in the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs or online at www.cityoforlando.net.
Mayor’s City Academy
The Mayor’s City Academy is an ideal way for residents to become informed about City government. This nine-week program will feature road trips, field demonstrations, department tours and many other experiences.
The Mayor’s City Academy is held twice a year in the spring and in the fall. Participants meet every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. during the nine-week program. The spring application deadline is April 20, 2007. Apply by submitting the application form to:
City of Orlando - NCA
P.O. Box 4990
Orlando, FL 32802-4990
or via fax to:
407-248-3508
You must be at least 18 years old. For information on the next session, please call 407-246-2169.
Early Registration Discount for Neighborhood and Community Summit
Register for Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Neighborhood and Community Summit by Monday, April 16, 2007 and pay half price, $5, for registration. The registration fee includes the summit’s workshops, a continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Seating is limited to 300 people so register early. Registration forms are available in the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs or online at www.cityoforlando.net.
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On Sunday April 15, 2007 the 20th Annual Medina Festival, a “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” performance, Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola and an Orlando Magic game will all be taking place in the areas of the Centroplex and Downtown Orlando, with an estimated 60,000 people expected in attendance. The Centroplex, Orlando Police Department and venue partners have taken proactive steps to ensure accessibility to and from the events for visitors to the City’s vibrant Downtown core.
The City has provided additional parking at the Bank of America Parking Garage with a free shuttle service to the Amway Arena and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, additional law enforcement presence and the new, 1650 AM Traffic and Parking Broadcast. Traffic and parking updates can be heard on 1650 AM the day of the event.
The following streets will be closed to traffic from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the Medina Festival event:
- Orange Avenue from Colonial Drive to Robinson Street
- Amelia between Magnolia and Garland
- Livingston Street between Magnolia and State Lane
Lymmo
Lymmo will be running a different route on Sunday due to Livingston Street being closed. Rather than traveling on Livingston Street to the Amway Arena, the Lymmo route will be traveling down Robinson Street. All normal stops on its route will be available except for those on Livingston Street. It is highly recommended to park at the garages downtown and take the Lymmo to the events.
Orange County Courthouse Garage (East Amelia Street)
The County Courthouse will have limited parking due to the Medina Festival. Lymmo will not be running from the County Courthouse on Sunday, it will be running the alternative route listed above. Due to the road closure on Amelia Street, pedestrians will not be able to walk west on Amelia towards the Amway Arena.
Centroplex Parking Lots
Parking in Centroplex lots and garages will be limited to those who have a ticket to the Centroplex events being held at the Amway Arena and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.
Free Shuttle Service
Free shuttle service will run from the Bank of America Building Garage (State Lane and Livingston Street at the railroad track.) Drop off and Pick up will be in front of the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.
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Mayor's Message
