Turn Signals at Hillsboro Blvd and MLK Now a Reality, Thanks!!!

A couple of weeks ago, I saw an article in the Deerfield Observer giving thanks to Broward County for listening to the Observer when they requested a turn signal be placed at Federal Highway and NE 2nd.  This prompted me to fire-off a torrid of emails to City Officials, asking them how could this be done so simply in less than a year when District 2 residents had been requesting this for the last 30 years and I, had most recently been petitioning the City since September/October of 2011 to look into adding turn signals and street lights along with bringing the truncated domes up to code at Hillsboro and MLK.  

Then after the tragic death of a friend in early 2012, I stepped up those efforts to ensure it that the pedestrian,bicyclist, and motorist safety concerns in that area were taken seriously so that this senseless tragedy did not happen again.  To no avail.  There was a lot of back and forth, a lot of run around, and then finally an answer.  We were told that the City didn't have the money, then we were told that traffic doesn't warrant a turn signal.  

So I took it upon myself to videotape the conditions at that intersection at night, so I could present it to the Commission.  I was denied my many request by then Mayor Peggy Noland, D2 Commissioner Ben Preston, and City Manager Burgess Hanson.

I kept fighting, petitioning, and presenting my legitimate concerns and request but was thwarted by the then City Commission and staff at every turn. FDOT came out and installed the yellow truncated domes that are now present at the intersection of MLK and Hillsboro bringing that section up to ADA compliance. 

Fast forward 2 years and this brings us to that Observer article.  After reading it, I fired off emails and asked current Mayor Jean Robb if I could now show my video.  I reached out to her first b/c she is the only one at City Hall who seems to care about D2 issues and she was the only one continuously asking when this area would be fixed.  Even when the D2 Commissioner showed only concern for debates, health fairs, and the beautification of 15th Street. The Honorable Mayor Jean Robb gave me permission to show my video and gave me time to speak on the issue.  Then when FDOT responded to the City advising they would indeed now install the signal and would look into the street lights during the 2016 resurfacing. She was the only one to reach out to me and inform me of this. 

Since I wrote a blog post indicating that I would write a congratulatory letter if the City/FDOT or whoever would take care of this issue for D2, so here goes... 

Thank you FDOT and The Honorable City of Deerfield Mayor Jean Robb for answering the many prayers and request of the District 2 residents for the last 30 years.  Also, for answering my personal request since 2011. 

So on behalf of all the residents of District 2, I once again want to say, "Thank You for finally listening to us".