HOMESTEAD IS HOME ARCHIVES

MOVING TO HOMESTEADISHOME.ORG

2007-09-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

In order to take advantage of the lastest blog upgrade enhancements, we've moved to homesteadishome.org or homesteadishome.blogspot.com

Straw Poll has moved to new blog site.

Issue you feel is MOST IMPORTANT - Poll System- online trouble may cause delays

2007-09-20T11:33:00.000-04:00

KEYS GATE - Candidate Forum - Comments

2007-09-19T07:16:00.000-04:00

Last night the citizens of North Gate did the community a great service in letting us meet the City Council candidates in a "forum" setting. Thanks to all who arranged and conducted this meeting.

Three candidates did not attend: Ms. Sierra of Waterstone, Seat # 5, and the two candidates from the Southwest, Seat # 4, Mr. Brown and Mr. Mc Cormick.

One editorial comment: Mr. Tim Craig read a prepared statement by the absent Ms. Sierra which was not appropriate. Shall we assume her council attendance will also be from a distance?

Let the best persons win, whether they be male or female.

Miami Herald: Candidates Respond to Question # 2

2007-09-16T12:13:00.000-04:00

This week's question: What is your take on the state of development in the city, both residential and commercial, and what changes would you implement to achieve your development vision in the coming years?

* * *
MAYORAL RACE

• STEVEN C. BATEMAN
I would not mandate a moratorium on the residential units. I believe that the 1,600 vacant units have sent that message loud and clear. Although, I would consider once again reducing the density, which would put the residential area under control. The last thing we want to do is to send a message that we are not open for business. As for the commercial side, my vision is to create growth immediately by bringing in national retail companies so that residents never have to leave our community. At the same time, we would be creating hundreds of jobs.

• LYNDA BELL
Two months ago I proposed a one year building moratorium. Not one person on council would back me. I requested a moratorium on multi-family units, exempting single family and commercial. Simply stated, development, or ''overdevelopment,'' has become a hot topic in Homestead. While the new surge of commercial growth is wonderful, the glut of homes and overbuilding of high density residential has become a sore spot. Let's open our arms to commercial and close them to high density homes. Enough is enough. I welcome the commercial as it allows our residents to live, work and shop in one city.

• STEVE LOSNER
Several months ago, I suggested it was time to say no to requests for residential development. I have always and will continue to oppose high density projects as detrimental to our quality of life. As previously proposed, I will ask for a ban on new apartments, condominiums, town houses and cluster homes for two years. We must increase the minimum size of single family lots and maintain lower density. Commercial projects are now under construction that would not be possible without the population to support them. It is my hope to attract upscale shops, restaurants and professional offices.

• JEFF PORTER:
No response
* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 2

• JON BURGESS

Development is vital. Unfortunately ours has been too much too fast and lacking infrastructure. As your councilman, I would like to see the city push for commercial business projects thus supplying quality jobs and economic growth for Homestead residents. I would also like to slow down the number of housing permits allowed. I want to make Homestead a better hometown with larger single family homes and more green space to create beautiful environments. I want to keep high-density developments to a minimum and encourage projects that will have a positive impact on Homestead. For more information on my vision: http://www.burgessforhomestead.com/

• AMANDA GARNER (incumbent)
With 1.5 million square feet of retail space in progress, 507,000 square feet of warehouse space, 585,000 square feet of new office space and a contract in the works for the sale of the Park of Commerce, the city is heading in the right direction. What is important to note is that none of the commercial/retail businesses would have ventured to Homestead without the residential growth we have experienced. Through the Marketing Committee, I will continue to work to improve and modernize the image of our city with the end goal of attracting additional businesses.

• RAMIRO ORTA
No response.

• JIM TRANTHEM
Sadly, Homestead has been badly overdeveloped with little or no regard for the quality of life of the residents who live here.
Five members of this current Council have allowed developers to overbuild with bad zoning and substandard variances, especially on the east side of town.
Infrastructure, including roads, schools, libraries, parks and green space, must be allowed to catch up to these bad decisions. I would work to put a moratorium on apartment-style condos and town houses and would restore six homes to the acre on the east side of town.

* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 3

• MARK BEN-ASHER
Residential development has taken place primarily on the east side of the city, thus necessitating more open space for parks, playgrounds and cultural activities. Infill lots on the west side need to be used to provide affordable housing. To stabilize property values until the economy corrects itself, I would propose a short-term (90-day) moratorium on new residential building, renewable up to one year. Commercial building should be allowed to continue, with emphasis on clean industries which create new jobs and educational opportunities. Expanded roadway infrastructure is already budgeted for, but we need additional assistance from the state.

• GRANT COOL
Homestead has reached the housing market saturation point. This is due to the pronounced need for additional classrooms, infrastructure improvements, and a sustainable commerce base. Positives have been drawn from our current growing pains, including the recent attraction of desirable nationally franchised chains. We now have an indicator of our city's capacity, strengths and weaknesses in regards to future development and growth. To guide future growth, I would work in support of a high density residential building moratorium. Additionally, I would embrace a plan to strategically place Homestead in a position to vie for upscale commercial businesses and responsible industry.

• WENDY LOBOS
The supply of homes outpaced the demand in Homestead. Developers continuing to build while the market is saturated with homes for sale is not smart growth. Smart growth is managed growth which focuses on infrastructure such as schools, roads and parks that can sustain this type of development. Homestead has become a place where businesses want to invest their money. I would work with city government as well as the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that we invite good quality businesses that will make this city a place where we can live, work and play.

* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 4

• DARWIN BROWN
The current state of development has been implemented, as outlined in the city's comprehensive master plan. Based on the current state of the real estate market, it appears that the city is experiencing tremendous commercial and industrial developments as a result of a decline in residential development. It is my vision to work toward increasing the commercial and industrial development activities in the city of Homestead. My emphasis will be on commercial and industrial development to provide job growth and a steady increase in the city's tax base.

• MELVIN MCCORMICK
No response.

* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 5

• ANGEL GARROTE
Residential development, or I should say overdevelopment, in the city is one of our biggest challenges. Currently there is a five-year supply of homes on the market, which is an alarming figure. I have spoken about overdevelopment in Homestead for over two years. The fact is the homes are here and we must resolve this issue. Commercial development on the other hand is underdeveloped. It will take a collaborative effort between developers, the city and local organizations to come to the table and work on solutions. I will lead that effort. http://www.angelforhomestead.com/

• ELVIS MALDONADO
We're experiencing growing difficulties right now, but the situation can be looked upon in a positive manner. I would do the following: I would first begin implementing smart growth programs by bringing industry experts which help municipalities deal with proper growth management. Second, I would form a committee which would produce ideas and resources that would shape the future of Homestead while preserving its historical past. Finally, I would use my resources to ensure that all projects are completed. Homestead is on the path of becoming a great city and is why I choose to be a part of it.

• NAZY SIERRA
Homestead is a blossoming and fast-growing city. Continuing development remains astounding yet progress produces growing pains including traffic, crime and overcrowded schools. I will work with peers, zoning and city staff to conduct immediate city master plan reviews, place moratoriums on high-density development, and enhance Homestead's industry-friendly reputation.
The goal is creating economic and recreational opportunities versus increasing number of homes.
Improving infrastructure (roads, recreation, schools) must coincide with economic planning. We should refocus attention to enrich family income by exploring incentives for larger industries to set up shop here. More local quality jobs and recreation translates to quality of life.

Reference: Miami Herald and Other Sources

CANDIDATE DEBATE - KEYS GATE - TUES., 9/18

2007-09-14T08:49:00.000-04:00

The Keys Gate Royal Palm District is Hosting the Homestead Mayor and City Council Political Forum This Tuesday 9/18/07 @ 7:00 P.M.

Public is invited, please join us.

When: Tuesday September 18, 2007
Where: Keys Gate Golf Course Clubhouse
Time: 7:00 P.M.

The primary is set for October 2, 2007. This is your opportunity to hear candidates speak about issues that will affect the citizens of Homestead for the next two years.

Candidates for Mayor, Steve Bateman, Lynda Bell, Steve Losner and Jeff Porter will make an opening statement and then proceed to answer questions concerning our city and their qualifications via selected questions.

Candidates for Council Seat #2 Jon Burgess, Amanda Garner, Ramiro Orta and Dr. James Tranthem are scheduled to attend.

Candidates for Seat #3 Mark Ben-Asher, Grant Cool and Wendy Lobos are also scheduled to attend.

Seat # 5 candidates Angel Garrote, Elvis Maldonado and Nazy Sierra will attend.

All residents of Keys Gate are invited and encouraged to bring a guest; there will be light refreshments available and the candidates will be allowed to display their campaign literature in the rear of the room. The program is scheduled to conclude at 9:00 P.M. and the candidates will be available for further questions in an informal setting.

We hope to see our friends and neighbors attend to listen to direct answers to questions and concerns of our community from these candidates campaigning for your vote. Good luck to all of the candidates and we look forward to learning more about you and your views.

Miami Herald: Candidates respond to question

2007-09-09T08:10:00.000-04:00

All Homestead mayoral and council candidates in the Nov. 6 election were asked the same question and invited to send a reply of up to 100 words. Here are answers from the 11 hopefuls who responded.
Readers are invited to e-mail questions for the candidates to gepstein@MiamiHerald.com. Questions should be broad enough to apply across the city, not specific to one neighborhood.
This week's question: If you are elected, what would be the first issue you would tackle and why?
* * *
MAYORAL RACE

• STEVEN C. BATEMAN
As the next mayor of Homestead, the first issue at hand that I would address would be to bring all council members together to discuss working as a team in a positive direction for the citizens of Homestead. To understand that at times we will disagree, but the end result has to be in the best interest of its community and its people.

• LYNDA BELL
When I am mayor, I will immediately rehire an internal auditor as was directed by the voters in the city charter. The auditor will have unfettered access to all departments to help us clean up our city from the inside out. The auditor will help maintain a fiscally responsive and responsible city. He will make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, as well as curb waste and catch outright fraud. This will allow me to continue the tax reductions I implemented this fiscal year. I will continue to fight against crime, for quality education, road improvements and smart growth.

• STEVE LOSNER
The taxpayers of Homestead must have confidence that their hard-earned dollars the city takes as taxes are properly and wisely used. The budget process is about deciding what is important and all spending cuts should start at the top. If elected, I will voluntarily cut my pay and benefits by the 9 percent that Homestead was required to cut from revenue. It is my hope that the entire council will join me and affirm their commitment to the needs of this community and against unwarranted spending. An internal auditor must be in place immediately to guard against any improprieties.

• JEFF PORTER
The first issue I would tackle is widening the Turnpike to six lanes from Florida City to Cutler Ridge with additional access ramps. As public safety chairman, I have been working diligently with state Legislators for four years to accomplish this. The safety of the citizens of Homestead is paramount, as is that of citizens and visitors to South Miami-Dade and Monroe County, should evacuations be needed. The current road system cannot safely accomplish this task. Secondarily, it will alleviate the congestion facing citizens of our growing community as they proceed to and from work and their daily activities.
* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 2 (Keys Gate)

• JON BURGESS
Acquiring quality, Grade A schools is at the top of everybody's list, including mine. However, council members' hands are somewhat tied until either the School Board or a developer steps forward. For those reasons, I would expedite the hiring of an auditor as my first action as a council member. An auditor would fill a voter-mandated position and complete the city's charter requirements. Secondly, with taxes being tightened by the state, an auditor could help the city operate more efficiently and stay within our budget constraints while passing on the financial benefits to Homestead's citizens.

• AMANDA GARNER (incumbent)
Over the past four years, I have worked with the council on many important issues. We have experienced remarkable growth, but with this progress came problems, such as traffic, school overcrowding and keeping up with city services. We need council members that will stay the course with our Transportation Master Plan, continue working with the Miami-Dade County school system, guarantee our residents have adequate police protection, suitable parks and will continue to bring in good commercial and retail development. If I am reelected, I will work to ensure that progress is made in each of these areas.

• RAMIRO ORTA
As a council member, my first order of business would be to help struggling Homestead homeowners. Too many of our residents are having a difficult time making payments on their homes and many are close to losing their American Dream. I would tap into federal funding like [the] Emergency Grant Program that funds credit-restoration workshops, mandatory workshops for first-time homebuyers and current home owners, and payment assistance programs that help residents prevent foreclosures. I would work with the newly revised FHA program to assist homeowners with expiring adjustable rates acquire stable, fixed, low-rate loans.

• JIM TRANTHEM
With exorbitant taxes, run-away electric bills, inadequate infrastructure with little regard for quality of life issues, and a fiscally irresponsible City Council, the most pressing issue in Homestead is still the building of new and improved schools. As we approach 60,000 residents, we will be in dire need of new schools for our neighborhood children. A pro-education council must facilitate this mandate. As your Keys Gate council person and vice mayor, with a Ph.D. in education, I will bring new schools to Homestead. We must build a new K-8 school on our designated property in Keys Gate now.
* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 3 (Villages of Homestead)

• MARK BEN-ASHER
No response.

• GRANT COOL
As a member of the Homestead City Council, the first issue I would tackle involves the need for a current, goal-oriented business plan, outlining realistic short-term and long-term goals in support of a vision for a streamlined city budget coupled with affordable property taxes. Additionally, our plan needs to emphasize the necessity for controlled future growth, which will allow infrastructure, classroom sizes and the condition of education to catch up to acceptable levels. Our ultimate focus should be in creating a noticeable improvement in the overall quality of life for all Homestead residents.

• WENDY LOBOS
At a Homestead Chamber of Commerce retreat in 2003, Mayor Roscoe Warren addressed the audience's fears of uncontrolled growth. Warren reassured us that Homestead would not become an overcrowded, infrastructure nightmare. Fast forward a short four years and what Homestead is today is exactly what the residents forecasted happening. This is the result of mismanagement by the majority of the leadership at City Hall. As council member, I would work to immediately implement solutions to ensure that the quality of life in Homestead does not continue to deteriorate. Let's put up a new banner at City Hall: ``Under New Management.''
* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 4 (Southwest)

• DARWIN BROWN

No response.

• MELVIN MCCORMICK
No response.
* * *
COUNCIL SEAT 5 (Waterstone, Malibu Bay, Oasis)

• ANGEL GARROTE

Establishing and maintaining a strong trust and confidence in our city government will be a top priority. In 2002, 84 percent of Homestead voters approved a charter amendment to establish the office of the internal auditor. It took the city about four years to find and hire an auditor for the position. After three months on the job and identifying areas for over $200,000 in savings, he was abruptly fired. The position has not been filled since. I will put the finding and hiring of the charter-required internal auditor at the top of my priority list.

• ELVIS MALDONADO
If I am elected council member, the first thing I would want to tackle is education. Homestead is growing. We have major retail stores, restaurants and numerous homes. Families want to be partakers of this beautiful city, and at a rapid pace are moving in and calling Homestead their community. Many families consist of multiple children and the need for more schools is at hand. I understand the importance of our kid attending a good quality school in the Homestead area. As an elected official I could address and make education a priority in our city.

• NAZY SIERRA
No response.

Reference Link

Homestead Primary Early Voting Schedule

2007-09-08T19:19:00.000-04:00

Location:

Homestead City Hall

790 North Homestead Blvd.

Council Chambers

Thursday 9/27 - 11am-7pm
Friday 9/28 - 11am-7pm
Saturday 9/29 - 8am-4pm

Reference Link

STUFFING THE BALLOT BOX - REDUX

2007-09-07T11:49:00.001-04:00

These straw polls have been put up on our blog to help the VOTERS of Homestead who read the blog to express their preferences. Some of the rapid inflation of votes and the source of the computers used to vote leads us to believe that not all of these are truly voters opinions. The sources of votes should be kept to Homestead residents. Let's have a clean election...for once.

THE POLL WAS CLOSED BECAUSE OF THE HACK JOB THAT WAS BEING DONE ON IT. Someone was voting for Ms. Sierra once every few minutes all day. That lead to a hacking war and our closing the site.

Does this sound ethical? I hope all the new candidates have or will take the ethics training given by the County.

Remember Philcol Williams...

Waterstone Seat #5 of Homestead City Council - THANKS FOR VOTING Whoever you were...

2007-09-06T20:29:00.000-04:00

Vote for Seat #2 - Thanks for Voting

2007-09-03T20:01:00.001-04:00

We Pledge Allegiance To The...... Developers

2007-09-03T16:50:00.000-04:00

Campaign Contributions Homestead 2007, As Of 8/31/07

Preliminary campaign treasurer reports are now on file with the City Clerk and it seems the contributions for Amanda Garner who is the twice elected incumbent from the Keys Gate seat has $7,750 of which $4,750 is from Miami developers, $500 from Hialeah, $500 from Miami Lakes and $1,500 from her Homestead employer the Community Bank.

Villages of Homestead Councilman and candidate for Mayor, Jeff Porter's reports indicate out of his $15,500 raised, $5,500 is from loans to his campaign from his mother and himself. The remaining $10,000 is broken down as follows Homestead, $4,000 with $1,500 from the Community Bank of that amount. $4,500 from Miami developers, $1,000 from Hallandale Beach developers and $500 from Florida City assigned to Sue Shiver who is Steve Shiver's mother.

There is a potential situation regarding the occupation of Jennifer Torres who on Ms. Garner's report is a student and Mr. Porter has indicated Jennifer Torres is a homemaker, interestingly enough this student/homemaker had $1,000 she needed to contribute to the campaigns of both Garner and Porter.

Vice-Mayor, Steve Losner has $25,125 with a $1,000 loan to his campaign from himself. $1,000 from Key Largo, $1,000 from Goulds, $1,250 from Coral Gables, $250 from Plantation, $100 from Boynton Beach, $250 from D.C., $4,250 from Miami, of which $2,500 appears to be from developers, $1,500 from Florida City and a whopping $14,525 from Homestead.

Councilwoman Lynda Bell has $15,434 in contributions including only $1,500 from developers, $150 from Florida City, $2,150 from Miami, $500 from Pinecrest, $500 from Palmetto Bay, $250 from D.C., $250 from Plantation, $500 from Hialeah Gardens, $1,000 from Delray Beach, $250 from Coral Gables and a generous $9,884 from Homestead.

Nazzy Sierra has contributions of $5,975 including $500 from developers lobbyist, Steve Shiver, $2,250 from Miami, $500 from Puerto Rico, $400 from Miami Beach, $250 from Weston, $250 from SW Ranches, $250 from Unincorporated Dade, $1,250 from Coral Gables and a mere $325 from Homestead.

Angel Garrote has records of only $100 from a loan to his campaign from himself.

Jon Burgess has records of only $300 from a loan to his campaign from himself.

Warren and Hodge Bow Out, New Candidates and Familiar Faces Enter

2007-09-01T14:35:00.001-04:00

Homestead has seventeen candidates running for five seats, they are listed below.

Mayor
Steve Bateman
Lynda Bell
Steve Losner
Jeffrey Porter

Council Seat 2
Jon Burgess
Amanda Garner (Incumbent)
Ramiro Orta
James Tranthem

Council Seat 3
Mark Ben-Asher
Grant Cool
Wendy Lobos

Council Seat 4
Darwin Brown
Melvin McCormick

Council Seat 5
Angel Garrote
Elvis Maldonado
Nazy Sierra

Waterstone/Malibu Bay/Oasis Seat #5 Candidate

2007-08-26T09:52:00.000-04:00

My name is Angel Garrote. I have been active in my community (Waterstone) and in City issues since I moved to Homestead over 3 years ago. I will be taking the opportunity to run for the newly created City Council Seat #5. I hope to see and hear from you and your community within the upcoming weeks. Please visit www.AngelForHomestead.com for more information about my candidacy.

Angel Garrote for City Council

305-403-3007

paid political ad approved by Angel Garrote for city council

BEST OF LUCK MAYOR BELL!!

2007-08-10T07:17:00.000-04:00

Help Wanted, City Of Homestead

2007-08-07T13:37:00.000-04:00

The City of Homestead Benefits Summary for Elected Officials.
Effective on date of hire after election results are ratified.

Pay Period-monthly-Mayor $500.00 / Council $400.00

Auto Allowance-Mayor $833.33/ Council $750.00

Monthly Expense Account-Mayor $933.33/ Council $850.00

Holidays-Eleven paid holidays per calendar year(New Year's Day)(MLK Birthday)(President's Day)(Memorial Day)(Independence Day)(Labor Day)(Veteran's Day)(Thanksgiving plus Friday)(Christmas Day) and (One Floating Holiday)

Retirement Plan-Elected Officials do not contribute to the plan.

Health Insurance including prescription drugs-PPO and HMO Plans-Single and family coverage at no charge.

125 Flexible Benefit Plan- at open enrollment.

Life Insurance-$10,000 coverage at no charge.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance-$10,000 at no charge.

Deferred Compensation Plans- PEBSCO, IOMA, VALIC.

Tuition Reimbursement (after one year of employment).

Eastern Financial Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program-Direct referral to EAP provider.

Discount Program.

The City Clerk's Office has all election materials and campaign rules.

Dade superintendent gets bonus in new vote

2007-08-01T19:56:00.000-04:00

Posted on Wed, Aug. 01, 2007
Dade superintendent gets bonus in new vote
BY TANIA deLUZURIAGA

Miami-Dade Superintendent Rudy Crew will get his bonus after all.
The Miami-Dade School Board voted 5-4 to give the schools chief a $41,000 bonus Wednesday. The vote came three weeks after the board deadlocked on the same item. School board member Robert Ingram, who was absent from the July meeting, brought the item back amid protests from other board members who said the bonus should not be voted on again.
''I believe this item is out of order,'' Board Member Perla Tabares Hantman said.
In proposing a bonus for Crew, Ingram noted that basketball great Michael Jordan could be considered a failure if people simply focused on the shots he didn't make and games he didn't win.
''Those so-called missed measures are exactly why he succeeded,'' Ingram said. ``I see Dr. Crew in the same light.''
Crew was eligible for a bonus of up to $65,000, but the board decided on a lower amount because the superintendent did not meet some of his performance objectives. Board members Evelyn Greer, Martin Karp, Solomon Stinson and Board Chair Agustin Barrera voted along with Ingram to approve the bonus.
In his self-evaluation report sent to the board in June, Crew acknowledged he did not meet or only partially met 12 key goals. All of the shortcomings come in the area of student performance, where testing data is used to evaluate learning gains.
Among the challenges: The performance gap between black and white students widened this year, and the number of F schools increased from five to 26, due in large part to a new science test that the state included this year in its evaluation of public schools.

POLL CLOSED - THANKS FOR VOTING!

2007-07-25T07:52:00.000-04:00

School district is Homestead's biggest employer

2007-07-25T07:51:00.000-04:00

Miami Dade Public Schools is the largest employer in the far southern end of Miami-Dade County, with more than 3,200 employees, a report from the economic development agency for Homestead shows.
The Vision Council said the Homestead Air Reserve Base comes in next, with slightly more than 2,400 employees.

"The combined Public Schools and Base employment makes up almost 20 percent of the area's total employment - which in our latest report stood at 28,584. Four of our top ten employers are tax funded organizations," Vision Council President Mike Richardson said.
Rounding out the top-10 list are Costa Nursery Farms, Wal-Mart, Dade Correctional Institute, Homestead Hospital, First Foliage, Everglades National Park, Stock Building Supplies (which does business as K&A Lumber) and Contender Boats.
The agency said Stock Building Supplies and Homestead Hospital are the largest businesses in the area based on reported sales revenue.
The Vision Council took the rankings from a Dun & Bradstreet Marketplace database provided by the Beacon Council, the economic development agency for Miami-Dade County.

Reference Article

Homestead Education -- The Miami Herald Should Report The Facts

2007-07-23T12:15:00.000-04:00

The usual fair and unbiased reporting of the Miami Herald regarding Homestead is questionnable after the article on the City Council meeting on the proposed school in Keys Gate. The Mayor's position was quoted at length, but there was no mention of the facts as provided by several resident speakers. The schools in Homestead are primarily "F" schools and the school board as represented by Ms. Evelyn Greer had no response to that fact. If the Herald bothered to do some investigative reporting, it would also be known that contrary to the opinion of the Mayor, the Homestead schools are overcrowded and all are operating at 125% capacity. The Planning and Zoning Department is aware of this as is the School Board.

The fact is that no new schools have been built by the School Board to address the burgeoning population of Homestead as recently reported by the Herald. Only two charter schools have been built, and they are not run by the School Board, and they are graded "B." These shools are so crowded that a lottery system is necessary to choose students to attend. The rest get to go to the "F" school or pay for private education.

The political aspirations of the City Council members who voted against the proposed school in Keys Gate have prevented the Keys Gate developer from building another charter school on land already set aside for a school. This shows blatant, continued disregard for the education of our children by these public servants. The children deserve better than continued "F" grade education at the current School Board administered schools. They are the future; let us hope that in the future they will expect more citizen concern by their public officials than the current council members are providing. It is an election year. This vote will not be forgotten.

21.12% Property Tax Increase

2007-07-23T08:22:00.000-04:00

Although the State Law requires a 9% reduction to the "Rolled Back Rate" for Homestead property taxes this year. The City of Homestead is proposing to OVERRIDE that Law by 21.12%. They need a unanimous vote to do so. Let's hope (we might want to show up to as well) one of our council members draws the line/steps up to the plate for Homestead Taxpayers.
Special Call Meeting @ City Hall Tuesday July 24th 5:30 PM

Deviant Politics 2007

2007-07-22T12:59:00.001-04:00

Can you imagine a City Council so desperate to hold on to power they could concoct a scheme so devious, so underhanded, so un-democratic and downright despicable they would force one of their own with a four year term to resign?

So desperate are they, this is the plan, the at-large CLOWNcil seat held by Judy Waldman will be resigned by her, the seat then is filled by anyone who the mayor deems is qualified upon approval from a CLOWNcil majority vote.

The plan is for the mayor to recommend Attorney Steve Shelley to the open seat and he will inherit the at-large seat and fill out the rest of Waldman's term. Then the pretend change of heart occurs and Waldman runs for the Villages of Homestead seat being vacated by Jeff Porter in his bid to run for mayor.

This plan seems underhanded and is clearly not the thought pattern of the above, an outside scheming, devious weasel of a mind had to come up with this plot, I wonder who that could be, who has gained the most from these CLOWNcil members known as the FAB FIVE?

A little about Shelley, boyfriend fiancee of Jenn Helms the unregistered lobbyist employed by Steve Shiver, Mr. Shelley is the recipient of an opinion by the Miami-Dade Ethics Commission advising him not to hear applications as a P&Z member by Jenn Helms or her employer. People like Jon Burgess, Angel Lazo, Brian Judge and Dr. Jim Tranthem who narrowly lost to the 2005 incumbents have zero chance in this rigged caper of deception.

Yes indeed, they work on schemes to enrich their pals and keep you from a municipal government with honesty and integrity. This is why the FAB FIVE CLOWNcil have to go. To even strategize this scenario is beyond the visualization of many of us, these are your FAB FIVE, what they can't do honestly they will do deviously.

City Council Rejects Charter School Proposal

2007-07-19T07:59:00.000-04:00

City Council rejects proposed school
A proposed charter school won't be built on a 39-acre site between Keys Gate and the Villages of Homestead.

BY REBECCA DELLAGLORIA
rdellagloria@MiamiHerald.com

Mounting pressure from residents who did not want another high school on the east side of Homestead seemed to sway most city leaders into voting Monday against allowing a charter school on a 39-acre site at Farm Life School Road and South Canal Drive.
The City Council voted 4-2 against a proposed change at the Villages of Homestead that would have allowed a charter school company to take title to the land, which is inside the Keys Gate community.
Vice Mayor Steve Losner and Council member Lynda Bell voted for the change, but Council members Jeff Porter, Judy Waldman and Norman Hodge, along with Mayor Roscoe Warren, voted no. Council woman Amanda Garner did not vote because of a potential conflict, City Attorney James White said.
Ownership of the land in question has been debated. According to city attorneys, the land should be deeded to the school system.
A charter school can still apply to build on the site but would have to do so through the Miami-Dade School district, not the City Council, according to city attorneys.
Opposition to the measure came not only from residents, but from School Board member Evelyn Greer, who said she would like to see a Miami-Dade public K-8 school on the site instead.
The land has been the subject of much dispute. The school system was to have built two K-8 schools on the property, but concerns about site contamination stalled the effort and some school system staff said the land was not acceptable in its current condition.
''We worked with the school system for 3 ½ years and that's not going to happen. They rejected the site,'' Bell said. ``And now they want the site back; I'm very surprised about that.''
Academica, a charter school operator, had intended to build a K-12 school on the site. But after hearing opposition to a high school, the developer's attorney, Juan Mayol, said the school could be a K-10 or a K-8 instead.
Losner argued that approving the agreement would give the City Council options, which it does not have now.
''We as a city do not jump into bed with Academica; we do not commit to a site plan,'' he said. ``It gives us the ability to have that conversation in the future.''
Porter at first seemed inclined to go along with that argument but ultimately voted against the change.
''The current site has been designated for a public school site for a very long time,'' said Porter, who added that Keys Gate developer Michael Latterner considered another 13-acre site in the residential community for a charter school. ``I just think the door is open on both sides. I think that we have options.''
Warren, the strongest opponent of the charter school plan, said it would be wrong to change the rules in the middle of the game, when the school system was supposed to get the land since 1976.
''I don't think it's appropriate for a developer to say what kind of a school we should have in Homestead,'' Warren said. ``It's unfair to every resident of the Villages of Homestead.''

Reference Article

Academica's Science and Engineering Charter School vs Rudy's Agricultural and Animal Husbandry School

2007-07-15T11:44:00.000-04:00

School operator argues for site
Charter school operator Academica presented plans to the City Council for a charter school in Keys Gate, but the school system will have the final say.

BY REBECCA DELLAGLORIA
rdellagloria@MiamiHerald.com

A marathon session about the future of schools in Homestead had city leaders rehashing old ground and hearing new proposals, and gave residents a chance to weigh in on their visions for education.
Fireworks kicked off the tense, four-hour meeting, when Mayor Roscoe Warren and council member Lynda Bell wrangled over who should be in control.
The meeting was slated to be an education workshop. Bell, the education committee chairwoman, thought she would be running the show. She had scheduled a presentation by charter school company Academica.
But the mayor had a different idea, and tried to stop Academica from proceeding.
The council ultimately voted 5-1 to allow the presentation to go forward, with Warren casting the only dissenting vote. Council member Amanda Garner did not attend.
Some residents seemed receptive to the idea of a charter school, which Academica said could serve up to 2,000 students and would be run by Somerset Academy.
The school would be built on a roughly 40-acre site at South Canal Drive and Farm Life School Rd that was once slated for two K-8 schools. Plans for the schools fell apart recently when the Miami-Dade school system rejected the site because it was contaminated with arsenic. Now, the school system has taken a different view, as Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew is proposing to put an agricultural center on the site.
But the discussion about a charter school could be premature: City Attorney Susan Trevarthen said that under the original development order for Keys Gate -- where the site is located -- the land should already have been turned over to the school system.
Keys Gate developer Michael Latterner is seeking a change to the agreement that would allow a charter school to operate on the land. The council will vote on that Monday.
Latterner appealed to the council to consider the change.
''We are pretty far along with them in selling the property,'' he said of Academica, which stepped in after the K-8 plans derailed. ``This will be the pinnacle of my career if we can get this thing passed.''
While the council can amend the agreement to allow for charter schools on the site, it is the school system that has final approval over granting charters to operators, such as Academica.
Latterner's attorney, Juan Mayol, said that if the council turns down Latterner's request to amend the development order, then ``we will be dedicating that to the School Board in due course.''
That view represents a change in position. After the last education meeting, Latterner's development partner Wayne Rosen said that the school system would not be allowed near the property.
Nevertheless, a discussion about charter schools versus traditional public schools ensued.
Keys Gate resident Richard Kahn said he would rather see a charter operator that runs 'A' schools -- as Academica said it does, in its presentation -- than more county-run ``F schools.''
''You know why people aren't buying here?'' Kahn asked, pointing to Homestead High and West Homestead Elementary as examples of failing schools. ``Because there's no [good] high school. You don't want to take your kids to an F school.''
Nazy Sierra, a Waterstone resident, said she has taught at charter schools -- not Academica's -- and touted their academic benefits.
''Not only are their students excellent, but their teachers are excellent,'' she said. ``There is also more parental involvement.''
Mike Peña, who lives in Keys Landing, said he is a fan of traditional public schools.
'I teach kids in a `C' high school in Dade County, and we've sent three students to M.I.T.,'' he said. ``My advice to you is think very hard on the decision that you make.''
James Sutton, a Villages of Homestead resident, had a decidedly different take.
''I'm probably one of the few in the room who doesn't want a school on that site -- public or charter,'' said Sutton, who said he was not against schools, but just didn't think the site was the right fit.

Reference Article

Original Article correction: Actual Location is South Canal Dr and Farm Life School Rd vice South Canal Dr and Redland Rd.

Krome Ave: Money + Widening = Circa 2015

2007-07-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

A new Krome Ave. is years away
It may be a while longer, possibly up to 10 years, before Krome Avenue is fully expanded. What's holding it back? The hundreds of millions it's expected to cost.

BY YUDY PINEIRO
ypineiro@MiamiHerald.com

West Miami-Dade residents have waited a long time for the widening of Krome Avenue -- the dangerous north-south road that runs all along the western fringes of Miami-Dade County.
For those in the north, there's good news. The Florida Department of Transportation presented plans this week to start four-laning approximately 14 miles of the road from Southwest Eighth Street to Okeechobee Road by October 2008.
Southerners, get ready to wait some more. It may be eight years before construction starts between Southwest 296th and 136th streets.
While the FDOT has made progress in studying and designing a wider Krome Avenue, one major hurdle remains: money.
''One of the problems we're having now is cost of materials because it keeps changing every day,'' said Bayo Coker, a project development engineer for FDOT's District 6 office, which oversees state roads in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
Widening the entire 33-mile stretch will cost hundreds of millions and the state can only do it as the money becomes available. So it has split the roadway, which runs from Northwest Miami-Dade to south of Homestead, into separate projects.
At a public meeting Tuesday, Coker discussed details on the north portion, which is is expected to cost $120 million. He said it will be constructed in three phases, starting in 14 months, though it could take up to seven years before FDOT has the money available to start construction on the segment's middle portion.
Construction on the slice between Kendall Drive and Southwest 136th Street isn't expected to start before 2016, Coker said. Other south-end portions could start sooner, he said, depending on the money available and the outcome of the ongoing study.

Reference Article

City Hall Event: Workshop on Education Issues

2007-07-11T13:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Fellow Residents of Keys Gate and Oasis, and Villages of Homestead;

On Thursday, July 12, 2007, at 6:30 PM, there will be a Council Workshop on Education Issues directly affecting Keys Gate. The Workshop will be held at City Hall located at 790 North Homestead Blvd.

It is my understanding that the workshop is an effort by the Homestead City Councilwoman Lynda Bell, the City Education Committee Chairperson, to inform the citizens of our city the status of the Keys Gate Schools that were to be built on South Canal Dr and Farm Life School Rd.

Property Location Link:

http://gisims2.co.miami-dade.fl.us/MyHome/propmap.asp?app=propmap&cmd=FINDFOLIO&folio=1079170142760

As you know, there has been much discussion about the possibility of constructing (2) K-8 Schools. On June 1, 2007, Dr. Crew sent a letter to our Mayor, Roscoe Warren proposing, among other things, that an “Environmental Center”, more commonly known as an Agricultural School (AG) be constructed on that site, instead of a high school or even a Charter K-8 facility. According to Dr, Crew’s letter to Mayor Warren, such school would allow children to be trained for the study of agro-science, running a successful farmer’s market, or the practical aspects of animal husbandry. It is my firm belief, based on discussions with my fellow residents in Keys Landing, with my fellow Delegates of the Keys Gate Community Association, that the majority of parents in Keys Gate are most interested in ensuring that their children receive a TRADITIONAL education from grades K-12, based on acquiring a solid foundation in reading, writing, mathematical, and computer skills. These are the abilities that are so necessary in today’s society, and it is a proficiency in those areas that will be vital in tomorrow’s competitive job market.

In addition, I would like to inform you that the Keys Gate Developer would like to sell the land to Academica, a Charter School Company. Academica would like to build a K-12 school on the 39 acres to serve Keys Gate and the adjoining area. While most schools in Homestead received below average grades on the FCAT, both K-8 Charter Schools, Keys Gate and Waterstone in our city received a grade of B. It is my belief that we need an alternative to Homestead High School for the children of Keys Gate and a K-12 Charter School ran by Academica would be a good fit.

Therefore, I urge you to attend next Thursday’s workshop, as this is an issue that affects us all, parents and non-parents alike. For the sake of our children, I hope you will be able to attend the workshop. Let's show the Council that we want a different approach to the current public school system, which continues to fail our children time and time again.

Regards,
Angel Lazo
Keys Landing Delegate
Keys Gate Community Association (KGCA)