Page 12 - Boca Club News - January '22

Page 12, Boca Club News
Council Corner: Happy New Year! Welcome to 2022!

By Monica Mayotte, who was re- the fall/winter. We all know that unforeseen circumstances of the month around town. The first one is on February 4th
elected to another term on the Boca can change this, but the fact that construction is beginning in Sanborn Square. Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market in Mizner
Raton City Council, and who is is encouraging. Park is every Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
CRA Chair. Ms. Mayotte has been a Unfortunately, we are still dealing with the effects of the Check out the following websites for all the details on
resident of Boca Raton for more than COVID-19 pandemic. The new Omicron variant is our most the activities going on around town. There is so much to
20 years, active in the community recent concern. Please take the time to get your vaccines and do. I hope you take advantage of all the festivities.
both in our local schools and as a boosters, if you haven’t done so already. If you have, your - DowntownBoca.org
city advisory board member. community thanks you. It is truly the only path to take to - MyBoca.us
I hope everyone enjoyed the put the pandemic in our rear-view mirror. Please continue As always, please continue to be kind and considerate to
holiday season. I was able to take some time off to rest and to wear a mask when you are indoors. I am just as tired of one another. Feel free to contact me with any city concerns
reflect on 2021. I hope you were able to do the same. I can wearing my mask as you are, but it’s the right thing to do you may have. I can be reached at my email address,
say with confidence that I am looking forward to what 2022 to protect our community. mmayotte@myboca.us or my city cell phone: (561) 212-
has in store for the City of Boca Raton. Fortunately, winter in Boca Raton means there are many 5543.
I am most excited to have our own Brightline station fun and safe things to do outside. Take care…Be well.
opening in 2022. It is currently scheduled to open later in Food Truck Fridays are taking place on the first Friday
From the Desk of Palm Beach County Mayor

Robert S. Weinroth: 2021 Wrap-Up

Robert Weinroth, a former member shortages is $10 million (federal ARP funds) in conjunction trouble regularly putting nutritious food on the table. Sadly,
of the Boca Raton City Council, was with a comprehensive Hunger Relief Plan for seniors and Palm Beach County has more than 200,000 residents who
elected as a Palm Beach County individuals experiencing homelessness. struggle with hunger.
Commissioner to replace Steven Substance Abuse/Mental Health. Substance abuse The county is committed to taking steps to raise
Abrams, who retired due to term and mental health remain a priority with over $15 million awareness and provide resources, including the following.
limits requirements. allocated for programs in 2022. Some initiatives include • Food Assistance Pre-Paid Debit Card: Palm Beach
I am honored to have been selected a diversion program that provides treatment and support County issues pre-paid debit cards to approved residents
by my fellow commissioners as the services to participants and helps them to swiftly return to to purchase food. To apply, call (561) 355-4792.
county mayor this past November. the community. • Drop and Go Meals: Volunteers deliver meals directly
As the mayor, I will preside over commission meetings and Other programs include supportive housing services to to your door. Contact the Elder Helpline at (866) 684-5885
serve as the ceremonial head of county government. adults with severe mental health disorders and outpatient or 2-1-1 for assistance.
Economic Development. Palm Beach County (PBC) is services to children and families. Another example is the • Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (MOWPB):
experiencing a historic economic recovery! The county’s ParksRx program which offers over 540 in-person and MOWPB serves hot meals three days a week and fresh
unemployment rate was reported at 4.1%, below the national virtual activities/programs addressing substance use and frozen meals on the remaining days. To set up service,
and state averages, and there are more jobs than applicants. mental wellness. please call (561) 802-6979, extension 6.
PBC was recently identified as the #1 county in the state Transportation. As a transportation advocate and chair There are many ways to help this holiday season,
for growth. This past year, more than 30 companies have of the Transportation Planning Agency (TPA), one of our including donating items such as boxed stuffing, canned
relocated or expanded in PBC, creating over 3,000 high primary concerns is keeping our roads safe for all users. vegetables with pop tops, instant mashed potatoes, gravy
salary jobs and $150 million in capital investment. In response to an uptick in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths, and other holiday favorites.
South County remains a top growth area with incentives the TPA has implemented a number of programs, including Nonprofit Highlight: The Kind Kitchen Palm Beach.
provided for business expansions including ESports Play unified planning, performance and safety measures for Since 1987, The Kind Kitchen of Palm Beach (Kind
LLC and MPLT Healthcare LLC, with a projected economic pathways and bicycle lanes such as improved signage. Kitchen) has served our community by providing homemade
impact of $98 million. Another new project includes Additionally, I am working to install more electric glatt kosher meals to any resident in need, including
NewDay USA, one of the nation’s leading mortgage lenders, vehicle chargers in more county facilities, including the homebound seniors and single moms. Volunteers deliver
which is set to create 600 new jobs. courthouses, Governmental Center and the Palm Beach over 2,100 meals monthly and will continue to deliver meals
Infrastructure. Keeping our roads and bridges in good County Convention Center. throughout December.
repair and filling potholes remains a priority. To date, Agriculture. Agriculture remains one of the county’s Kind Kitchen is always in need of volunteers and
approximately $40 million has been invested with the leading industries generating over $1.4 billion a year in donations for its food pantry. For more information, please
penny sales tax on infrastructure, including the resurfacing agricultural sales. PBC leads the nation in the production call (561) 624-7004.
of 1,000 lane miles and replacement or rehabilitation of 27 of sugar cane and sweet corn. It also leads the state in the I would like to extend my best wishes for the holidays
bridges. production of sweet peppers, lettuce, specialty leaf, rice, and a happy and healthy New Year!
During the next few years, over $17.9 million will radishes, cucumbers, eggplants and sod. If you require assistance, please contact our office at
be spent on major road projects in District 4, including Food Resources. More than 49 million Americans have (561) 355-2204 or email me at RWeinroth@pbcgov.org.
resurfacing, intersection and road safety improvements.
Expect to see road crews on South County roads including
Federal Highway, Yamato Road, Palmetto Park Road,
Military Trail and Linton Boulevard.
Housing and Homelessness. Meeting the housing needs
of our workforce is a top priority, especially in response to ARCHIVE GALLERIES
the increased costs of housing. To date, 2,574 workforce
housing units have been acquired. Of the 2,574 units, 60%
are rentals, 13% are for-sale units and 14% will be met
through in-lieu fees. PAYS HIGHER PRICES FOR FINE ART AND ANTIQUES
As of September 2021, there are 273 for-sale units
and 1,000 rental units completed or under construction
throughout the county. • Oil Paintings • Sterling Silver • Collectibles
In addition, the county continues to collaborate with • Oriental Rugs • Objects of Art • Fine Crystal
local agencies to address homelessness, providing services • Tapestries • Sculptures • Orientalia
such as interim housing, rapid re-housing and job training.
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has also • Fine Furniture • Bronzes • Tiffany Items
approved $8 million in funding for a second mid-county • Service Plates • Porcelain • Clocks
Homeless Resource Center.
Budget. For the past 11 years, the BCC has not
increased the property tax rate and saving taxpayers’ money We Also Purchase Men’s And Ladies’ Items Including:
remains a priority for me. With the approved $5.9 billion
budget for 2022, priorities will include housing, economic • Old Watches • Cufflinks • Smoking Items • Coins • Antique Jewelry
development, hunger relief and public safety. • Designer Handbags • Fine Modern Jewelry • Vintage Costume Jewelry
Additionally, the BCC recently set the funding
allocations for the $290 million in federal American
Rescue Plan (ARP) funds with a focus on water and sewer, One Piece Or Entire Contents Purchased
broadband and cybersecurity, infrastructure and affordable/
workforce housing. CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, NO OBLIGATION
Hunger Relief. In 2021, the BCC invested over $39
million from the CARES Act funds to support our local food
system by supporting farmers, pantries and food banks.
The budget allocation for 2022 addressing food CASH 561-498-7536 COURTEOUS
PAYMENTS IN HOME
UPON REQUEST SERVICE