PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Plans to build and expand the Pembroke Pines Police Department are on hold for now after voters decided on Tuesday to vote down the bond that would have funded the project.
Approval would have also modernized the fire department at the very same public safety complex.
“I don’t think the bond should go,” said voter Nancy Duran. “Because there’s too much money to only one spot instead of the whole entire community.”
More than half of the $230 million from the general obligation bond would have been designated for police and fire improvements and services, according to the mayor.
“We have a police station that was built in 1991, the police department now is twice the size it was then and the space is too small,” said Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo. “It’s not a hurricane rated building.”
The rest of the money would have modernized turf, bleachers and lights at city parks, upgrade traffic related improvements and even help with the affordable housing crisis.
The city says the average homeowner would be asked to pay $94 annually over 30 years to fulfill the bond obligation.
“I don’t mind paying a little more in property taxes as long as I know it’s going towards a good cause to improve and beautify the city more,” said voter E.B.
“These are little things people take for granted but they add to the quality of life,” added voter Ed Ketochoyian.
Said voter Elizabeth Granucci-Espinoza: “It’s really just a little bit out of our pocket that will go a long way.”
But now it’s back to the drawing board as voters filing in and out of precincts Tuesday killed the idea.
“Why not raise the mileage rate as opposed to a bond?” asked Local 10 News’ Terrell Forney.
“Well, we want the people in the city of Pembroke Pines to make this decision,” said Castillo.