What the Heck is a Charrette? Let’s start here….

A Charrette is a structured, topic-oriented open forum where a group meets to discuss and resolve complex design issues. The primary goals of a Charrette are to generate design ideas from the public in a “hands-on” way and build consensus for development and design solutions. The Charrette has three goals:

 Give the public a voice in determining the future of City Hall;

 Develop consensus regarding uses and redevelopment of City Hall, and;

 Most importantly, allow the public to develop and present specific development concepts, ideas and plans for the City Center, which will be used to complete a final development plan.

My new favorite word and they are so much fun!

The first portion of the evening was Lead by Kevin T. Greiner, a Research Fellow representing FIU College of Arts and Sciences. His presentation encompassed statistics and info graphics catching us up on the current state of Dania Beach.

Then came the Main Event! The announcement of a brand new City Center in Dania Beach. Here is the map of the area to be redeveloped.

The room was broken into small groups. Mom and I found ourselves perfectly paired with our group of entrepreneurial business owners, who brought so much to the table and created something extraordinary in just under an hour.

First we addressed the needs of the city center,  voted on funding options and then it was to the drawing board!

Everyone in the room was then able to vote on the 8 different proposals and Our Team and another team tied with 12 votes each!

Our concept’s theme was coastal modern with a twist I brought up to install a kinetic Wave over the open promenade area.  This amazing installation would add artistic beauty to the City Center!  I was not able to show this video during the presentation so I has to improvise by using a larger sheet of tissue paper to create a simulated wave while describing the material in vivid detail. (I can’t wait for the pictures!) Apparently, I got my point across and the room was very receptive to it!

In our drawing the wave cascades down the tallest building in our concept (10 stories)Map:HUB, reaches across a large outdoor amphitheater, crosses over Dania beach Blvd and continues over our Greenspace/Dog Park. It will be seen from Us-1, Airplanes taking off from FLL and possibly I-95.

Here is the art installation I was referring to so you too, can fall in love.

The wave will reinforce the new city branding and become an asset to the city for any one working and playing in Dania Beach’s New City Center! It will become a destination for locals and tourists alike. A Must See!

Who doesn’t want a giant Wave simulator outside their office window?

I will leave you this evening and my Teams Tag Line…

“Sea the Dania Wave”

It’s happening folks.

Gym work outs got you feeling blue? Does the static environment of working out on treadmills watching fake news make you feel worse instead of better after a work out? You are not alone!

As Floridians, we tend to forget that we live in paradise and that exercising outside is something we can do year round. In this series, I will share with you some of my favorite “alternatives” to the gym that are right in our backyard!

Did you know that there is outdoor gym equipment located on SE 5th Ave one block north of Sheridan Street? Or a 6 story tower at Anne Kolb Nature Center where you can work your glutes and enjoy the sunrise or set surrounded by the freshest air Dania Beach has to offer?

Today I will highlight the The Airport Greenbelt Park! This park is conveniently located along the North end of Griffin Road between Us-1 and I-95. The Greenbelt offers hilly terrain (perfect for interval training), Tropical landscaping which lend to butterflies, birds and yes, the ubiquitous green iguana. I love cruising  past tranquil ponds and towering royal palms and poincianas while working up a sweat!

But wait! there’s more.

The Airport Greenbelt offers the absolute best plane watching!

Situated just steps from the South runway, the greenbelt allows you to see commercial jets, seaplanes and runway operations from every corner of the park! I love running the rolling hills and contemplating where these flights are going and where I AM GOING NEXT!  (exercise is mental too!)

Enjoy our sponsored video of the park!

 

 

I came across an interesting find today at Dania Beach City Hall!                      My attention was caught by a large solid wood plaque of all the past mayors of our city. On this plaque was an empowering reminder that a woman served as Mayor from 1963-1964.

 

Isn’t that  pretty awesome?

I instantly wanted to know more about her. What was Vera Hill’s Story? How did she accomplish becoming the first woman; one of only a handful, Mayors of Dania Beach?

As I got into my car, I remembered The Dania Women’s Club has Back Logs from meetings going back decades. I had my assumptions that she was  a member, and in fact she was! In the mean time, I foundVera Hill’s obituary in 1986 collection on the Sun Sentinel’s website.

 

In case you didn’t already know, Dania Beach is a small town. The Women’s Club is not my only connection to Mrs. Hill.

Nancy Anzalone, My Mother, listed and sold her nephew’s (who is quoted above) daughter’s home last year!                                                                                      Maybe I can reach out to her and ask her a few questions about her Great-Grandmother!

The journey to find out more continues!