Projects

Survey Closes at Midnight on September 30th, 2021 and one submission per household is permitted.

  CLICK TO TAKE SURVEY

Victoria Park Civic Association was recently made aware that some neighborhoods are having utilities moved underground. We have started the due diligence to understand if this is something the Victoria Park neighborhood is interested in doing. It’s a long process and we will be conducting a brief survey (sample size) to see if we should continue pursuing the project.  The survey needs to have results of a minimum of 75% to move forward. Although if a few blocks are interested (75%) then they can have the work done, although it will most likely be more costly.

There is a cost which each resident would be responsible for, and the payment (approx. $800/annually) would go towards a city bond.  One of the top reasons for neighborhoods choosing to have the utilities placed underground is the fact that power outages will be at a minimum.  Also, the industrial looking poles will be replaced with decorative streetlights.  If you drive through Weston’s neighborhoods you will see how the streets look when utilities are underground.

The city tasked Civic Associations with doing the work so my hope is that we can have constructive discussions as we give and receive feedback.

As President, I can assure you that each step will be measured, and methodical and all I ask is that our neighbors stay engaged in the process.  Below is more information that may answer some of your pressing questions. Nothing will be done without the neighborhoods consent,

• Link to the Undergrounding Overhead Utilities Website. This website also provides access to the GIS component which will provide residents with up-to-date information on the status of their area application.  We will have to revise the steps on the GIS page to reflect the changes you require below (Item 2).  ****we have not applied****

• Currently the Steps to Undergrounding Overhead Utilities are:
  1. Community Association Submits Application
  2. City and FPL Application Review & Planning
  3. Initial Design & City Commission Approval
  4. Balloting
  5. Commission Approval of Property Assessment
  6.  Bidding & Final Design
  7. Final City Commission Approval
  8. Construction
  9. Project Completion

It will take up to 3 years if the process goes smoothly. So by year 3 the shovels go in the ground and it take a year to complete give or take.

• Cost which might be less because Victoria Park has more residents.  $800/year per household for 30 years
• Costs will be given after a feasibility study is complete. Victoria Park residents (per household) will be responsible for paying for the study (approx.. $200 over a two year period)***need to confirm cost of study
• The city takes out a bond for $$$ millions and the application for the bond needs to be approved.
• We need 75% of the residents to want it and they don’t need to be members of VPCA.
• If certain blocks reach 75% then we could have it done as projects, but it will be more costly than getting all of Victoria Park done.
• There might be grants that offset costs. Would need to investigate and at this time we do not know anyone who can volunteer to assist in the process.
• Process:
  • VPCA
    • President announces at Sept. 2021 monthly meeting
    • Survey monkey to get a gauge on responses (needs to include all residents if possible) Sample size
    • If a good response: then take a vote from residents (flyers, door knocking, emails, other)
    • If 75% want it
      • VPCA completes the application and submits to the city
    • Feasibility Study is conducted (City does the survey/and map out
      • Study results will include the cost to install the underground utilities
      • Notify the city if residents approve to move forward.  Application to the city.
    • City applies for a bond

Finding the financing for community projects can often be the most intimidating part of the process. We have a vested interest in the success of our projects and local connection to the community.

Hammock Memorial Greenway

The extent of this ecosystem has been greatly reduced in Florida over the past 50 years. Hammocks are ideal for urban areas because they can be created almost anywhere in the built environment, from residential yards, to small spaces between townhome buildings, to roadside swales. The Victoria Park Civic Association partnered with City of Fort Lauderdale urban forestry services to develop the conceptual design and procurement of appropriate plant species. There are lights on the pathway in the evening. The aesthetics team continues to oversee the project as part of our green spaces.

Entryway Pillars and Urns

Victoria Park Civic Association come together with NCIP funding and local sponsors to bring existing green space and creating green corridors, linking parks and other green spaces around the neighborhood. We currently have entryway monuments on most collector streets coming into the neighborhood and with your donations we continue to care for the entrances.

These improvements were made possible by our agreement to keep them looking good, a commitment we proudly honor.

The VPCA is currently seeking ideas that will engage local community members through a variety of targeted events and activities around themes to become more aware of the importance of our urban environment, more familiarized with the natural environment within our community, and to feel more connected and responsible for the green spaces around them. Additionally, we are launching a fundraising effort to supplement our ongoing green space upkeep. This coming year, two big projects are planned in addition to ongoing maintenance: 1) Planting beds that were installed about 25 years ago need rejuvenation.  2) Irrigation systems in some areas are overdue for a maintenance.

Established in 1980 to “unify the residents and further their common welfare in the best interests of Victoria Park,” the VPCA, Inc. depends entirely on voluntary donations. We rely on graciously donated volunteer time and VPCA dollars to sustain these installations, spending about $20,000 annually.

Please support our Green Space Fund Drive by donating today

We all benefit from the generous donations of neighbors who choose to call Victoria Park their home; together we make it a neighborhood that continues to thrive!

All donations are meaningful; if every household sent a check for $20, we could fully fund our to-do list. You can donate online using the PayPal buttons below. Checks of any amount made out to VPCA, Inc. can be mailed to: VPCA, Inc., PO Box 4472, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338. Please include a note that the funds are intended for Green Space.

If a cash donation is not possible, your volunteer time is always welcomed! Please contact the Aesthetics committee about becoming a Green Space Guardian.

* The Victoria Park Civic Association, Inc. is a 501(c)4 “social welfare organization”.  Your donation is NOT tax-exempt for personal income tax purposes, but may be deductible as a business expense.