Page 17 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - March '23

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 17
Commissioner’s Update

2023 Legislative Session that will assist local governments in repurposing them to be successful. This includes, but is not limited to:
underperforming or vacant commercial developments
Beach and inlet management projects to address
Priorities along our urban transit corridors into affordable housing critically eroded beaches subject to constant wind, waves,
for our workforce. Palm Beach County has transmitted an tides and seasonal Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes.
By Commissioner amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to recognize the The purchase and preservation of additional lands in
Maria Marino county’s authority to approve affordable housing projects the Pal Mar Water Control District.
The Board of County pursuant to Florida Statutes. Once finalized, the county Ongoing projects to restore the Wild & Scenic
Commissioners has would establish procedures for considering approval of Loxahatchee River and the Lake Worth Lagoon, two
identified six strategic affordable housing proposals in commercial, industrial delicate ecosystems that are essential to economic
priorities that have guided and residential zoned areas, in accordance with any legal development, tourism and recreation in Palm Beach
the formulation of the provisions passed by the legislature. County. They include seagrass restoration – this is what
FY2023 budget and set Homelessness legislation to support programs that manatees feed on; creation of new plant and animal
the course for advocating include services to veterans, college and university habitat islands; and, hydrologic restoration projects to
Palm Beach County’s students, youth aging out of foster care, and patients prevent saltwater intrusion.
needs this 2023 legislative exiting sober homes, and review policies to move people Substance Abuse And Behavioral Disorders/Mental
session in Tallahassee. out of poverty. Health
Those priorities are economic development; housing Empower local governments to take action against Communities have recognized that the human and
and homelessness; infrastructure; public safety; landlords who fail to maintain minimum housing economic costs of untreated substance use and mental
environmental protection; and, substance abuse and standards; foreclose housing properties that pose a illness continue to rise. Palm Beach County supports
behavior disorders. safety hazard to its occupants; and, impose fines against increased funding for the collaborative agencies working
Influenced by those priorities, here are just some of the landlords to recoup the costs of relocating residents from together to reduce addiction and suicides, with an
legislative measures and appropriations we are advocating condemned properties. emphasis on expectant mothers and youth, respectively.
through our delegation: Infrastructure Overdose deaths increased statewide and nationally,
Economic Development Increase funding for Florida Department of fueled by the increased use of fentanyl and the pandemic.
Biomedical research funding for educational programs Transportation programs to improve public transit Palm Beach County supports the recommendations
produced by local universities and state colleges in efficiencies, relieve traffic congestion through high- of the State Attorney Addiction Recovery Task Force
partnership with institutions such as Max Planck, Scripps occupancy corridors, construct park and ride lots, and for statutory changes to prohibit alcohol and illegal
of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State support airport development. substances on the premises of a recovery residence, a
College and University of Florida. Supporting STEM Provide a dedicated funding source to support the mechanism for the imposition of fines for violations,
programs will grow our workforce in the biotech industry. operations and capital costs of Tri-Rail. and the ability to assert trespass charges against any
Funding to support the restoration of historical Public Safety discharged residents who refuse to leave a recovery
facilities on Peanut Island, including the U.S. Coast Protect local governments’ ability to grant Emergency residence.
Guard Lake Worth Inlet Station, dating back to World Medical Services Certificates of Public Convenience and This is a mere sampling of the numerous issues we
War II, and the Kennedy Bunker, built in secrecy by Necessity for basic and advanced life support services are following in this year’s Legislative session. We also
the Navy Seabees during the time of the Cuban Missile countywide. place an emphasis on thwarting bills and any unfunded
Crisis in 1961 and 1962. It is essential that we preserve Provide comprehensive and uniform requirements mandates that can negatively affect our residents, and
the historical features in our parks and public spaces that for building safety and support additional inspection protect home rule. Home rule gives our 67 counties and
enhance our tourist attractions. requirements statewide for multifamily condominium more than 400 municipalities the ability to self-govern
Housing And Homelessness facilities, along with required financial responsibilities and create local laws through a public hearing ordinance
Restoration of the Sadowski Local Government of condominium and community associations. process that are not in conflict with state law.
Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing projects. This Environmental Protection As always, if there is any way I can assist you, please
session, I am very encouraged by Florida Senate President Many critical environmental projects are located in contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@
Kathleen Passidomo’s commitment to pass legislation Northern Palm Beach County and state support is needed for pbcgov.org.

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