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    ‘I am retiring as police chief in early April’

    John Hohensee

    As many of you know, for the last six months or so there has been widespread speculation regarding the possibility of my retirement. Well, here’s the highly sought after information — during my annual report presentation to Council, I announced that I intend on retiring in early April.

    I have been a fulltime law enforcement officer since 1970. I’ve had a wonderful career, the pinnacle of which has been the last 12 years at the Pinecrest Police Department. I am very proud of the many accomplishments we have achieved together here in the Village. We have jointly created an agency comprised of devoted professionals dedicated to public safety service and in achieving our goal of “Committed to Excellence” every day. I cannot think of a better way to wrap up my career than to exit from an agency that is at the top of its game.

    With the wholehearted support of Village Manager Galiano-Gomez, I have or am in the process of putting in place a comprehensive succession plan with the promotion of two new lieutenants and the future advancement of a deputy chief and another sergeant. I have every confidence that these new command staff members and supervisors will not only sustain the delivery of unparalleled law enforcement services, but will tweak and fine tune from time to time to make them even better. Please extend to them the same genuine support and effort you each have provided me.

    While there are still several more months and a great deal of work to finish before I leave, I must tell that you that my wife Joan and I are excited about our next step in life’s journey. We intend on traveling extensively and have purchased a fifth wheel trailer with the goal of visiting each of our national parks. Needless to say, having a distinct goal to achieve and being active in retirement will suit my Type A personality just fine!

    Though we will be moving out of Pinecrest and relocating to the Central Florida area, you’ll all often be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you one and all.

    Port of Miami introduces new look with 2035 Master Plan

    The Port of Miami recently introduced its new look with the presentation of the 2035 Master Plan, an ambitious initiative that will guide the port’s growth during the next two decades.

    “Our port is moving in many new and exciting directions,” said port director Bill Johnson. “The new logo capitalizes on the powerful Miami brand which ranks among the most recognized in the world.”

    Johnson said the new marketing look aligns the port more closely with its partners at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Development Authority.

    The port will retain its legal name as the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami.

    The 2035 Master Plan also was endorsed by the Miami-Dade County Commission as a vision for future port development that allows for growth in both the cruise and cargo businesses, but does so without expanding the port’s footprint adjacent to downtown Miami. The master plan supports the port’s sustainability goals and commitment to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

    “The master plan dedicates much thought to the surrounding areas and outlines projects that will help preserve it,” Johnson said. “At the same time, it is an ambitious plan that positions the port to play an even more important role as a powerful economic engine — not only for South Florida, but for the entire state and nation.” The Port of Miami contributes more than $18 billion to the local economy and supports more than 180,000 jobs.

    At the foundation of the master plan are several large infrastructure projects now underway including the port tunnel, deepening the port’s channel to 50 feet and the restoration of freight rail in partnership with Florida East Coast Railway. Future plans call for a new cruise terminal, an intermodal transportation center and development of the now under-utilized southwest corner of the port.

    Johnson emphasized that all future development was still in the discussion stage.

    “The master plan should be viewed as an evolving document,” Johnson said. “No one has a crystal ball to know what the world will be like in 2035, but if the past is any indication, market dynamics will continue to change — everything from trade patterns to new technologies. We need to anticipate change, stay ahead of the curve and be flexible.”

    To view the 2035 Master Plan video on YouTube visit online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKgLx54PABk. For more details on the 2035 Master Plan, visit www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami.

    5 Real Estate Deal Killers – and What Sellers Can Do To Prevent It

       OK, so you’ve decided to sell. Your property is not in distress, and you still have equity you want to        protect. It’s a major decision, probably one of the biggest ones you’ll ever make and you want to do it right.  The difference between a sale or no sale often rests on a only few key factors. Become familiar with these deal  killers and you jumpstart your efforts as you towards your goal of closing the sale.

    #1 OVERPRICING is the single biggest problem a seller must overcome. You might think your condo is worth  the big money it used to be, back before the real estate market sank.  Unfortunately, times have changed.  With  all the information available on the Internet, buyers are profoundly aware of today’s market prices. You need  to get serious. TIPS:  Visit the competition by going to Open Houses in similar buildings; check out listings for similar properties online and in the newspapers; and contact multiple real estate agents and get their opinion on your price.

    #2 CLUTTER, DIRT, AND ODOR can take thousands off the price, and at worst case make buyers run away. This is a big purchase in a bad market so it’s up to you to make sure your condo shows favorably:  clean, sweet smelling and clutter free.
    TIPS:  Clear out all the unwanted stuff, donate or pack away your old collections, make sure table and counter tops are bare. Banish old pet beds, air out stale odors and use neutral air freshener (nothing too flowery).

    #3 HIGHLY PERSONALIZED TASTE can kill a sale. Sellers can run into problems when the decor is too unique to allow  the buyer to imagine himself or herself living in the home.  Unusual wall colors, floor and window treatments can be a turn-off. (it always makes me laugh when watch HGTV and I see Buyers walking through a home for sale and their biggest complaint is the color, but that is what people see…so don’t fight it, fix it).  To get top dollar in your neighborhood it’s important to “neutralize” your condo to conform with popular tastes.  TIP: Check with local real estate agents and prepare a checklist of work that needs to be done inside and outside the property. The real estate agent can help you prioritize the list before you make a big investment in pre-sale remodeling. Also consider hiring a professional home stager. Do whatever will bring you the best     return for  the changes you make.

    #4 MISLEADING DEAL INFORMATION  is a sure-fire deal killer. Photos that are highly edited or property described as an “approved” short sale when a bank approved a previous offer and will require new offers to go through an approval process again, are common examples of misrepresentations.
    TIP: It is important for Sellers and Agents to be upfront and honest. Enough said!

    #5 OVERBEARING SELLERS can easily and often inadvertently queer a deal.
    TIP: Back away and let the real estate agent do his job.

    These 5 Deal Killers above are in the seller’s control. There is however  another issue that kills many deals that is not in the seller’s control – many appraisals are coming in less than contract price due to the large number of distressed property sales. This is a big problem with financed purchases. So pricing the property correctly is even more important.

    Ray Princiotta is a licensed Florida real estate broker with Accelerated Realty, Inc. If you have any questions, contact me at 305.494.4101 or ray@rayonrealestate.com.

    Doral’s Florez New SAMA President

    Jaime Florez

    ESPN automotive radio host and analyst Jaime Florez of Doral has been elected president of the Miami-based Southern Automotive Media Association, succeeding Paul Borden who is term-limited after serving two one-year terms as president of SAMA.

    At the same time, television auto race analyst Bill Adam was re-elected as vice president of the organization and Marcello Serrato, president of Prestige Auto Specialists, was re-elected as treasurer. Auto Focus Magazine publisher Tony Lesesne was elected secretary.

    The new SAMA officers began their posts on Jan. 1, 2012.  For information, contact Community Newspapers columnist Ron Beasley at xjron@aol.com or tel. 305-229-4980.

    NEW PHARMACY IN WEST PARK; Pharmago/Rx to open next to City Hall

    In this time of economic uncertainty the City of West Park welcomes a new and personal pharmacy. PharmaGo/Rx will be opening in late January, 2012 inside the new Deal$ store located at 1959 S. State Road 7, West Park (next to the West Park City Hall).

    PharmaGo/Rx has been designed to be our community pharmacy and intends to team up with our community to bring a first class pharmacy experience to our residents.

    The PharmaGo/Rx team, led by Director of Pharmacy Jeff Kahn, RpH, has been trained to deal with your prescription needs as though you are a member of their family and will work closely with those who may not have prescription drug coverage.

    When the store opens later this month, the first 500 customers who transfer their prescriptions to PharmaGo/Rx at Deal$ will receive a special gift for each prescription transferred.

    For more information and news about PharmaGo/Rx, become their friend on Facebook at PharmaGo, follow them on Twitter @ PharmaGoRx and view the PharmaGo/Rx website at www.pharmagorx.com.

    The City of West Park looks forward to growing with our new neighbors, PharmaGo/Rx at Deal$!

    MDC Wolfson Campus showcases interactive sculpture, Original Sin

    The sculpture, Original Sin, is made up of various elements that rotate to interweave images and shapes from Italian artworks.

    Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Wolfson Campus, known for its impressive sculpture collection, currently is exhibiting a public work by acclaimed Italian artist Camilla Ancilotto titled Original Sin.

    On loan from the Galleria Ca’ d’Oro, it is a vibrant and whimsical work that touches upon the foundations of art history and allows viewers to interact with the piece.

    “The Wolfson Campus at Miami Dade College is honored to exhibit a monumental work by Italian artist Camilla Ancilotto, on long term loan,” said Wolfson Campus president Madeline Pumariega.

    “Original Sin is a colorful addition to our outdoor public art collection and allows our students a playful interaction with art. Ancilotto’s work enhances the aesthetics and beauty of our downtown campus and transports viewers to the heart of the Italian Renaissance.”

    The sculpture is made up of various elements that rotate to interweave images and shapes from Italian artworks. From a reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment to details from works by Bronzino and Titian, and pieces featuring United States President Barack Obama and a reference to James Cameron’s Avatar, the sculpture references the timeless struggle between Man and Nature.

    By allowing viewers to rotate the individual pieces into different compositions and combinations, Ancilotto has them actively collaborate in the creation of the image. Like the many faces of her cubes and prisms, there are many interpretations of her works as well.

    “We are pleased to loan Original Sin, the jewel of Camilla Ancilotto’s beautiful artwork, to Miami Dade College,” said Gloria Porcella, director of the Galleria Ca’ d’Oro. “This kinetic sculpture was made especially for the first Sculpture Biennale of Rome that took place last summer.

    “MDC is a vital organization, full of passion, and a perfect partner for us. They have respect for the traditional and yet like to have fun and give new art an important venue,” Porcella added. “Camilla has devoted her life to bringing the classics of art to young people by inviting the viewer to touch her art and participate in her composition.”

    Original Sin will remain on display through May 2012 (MDC will be closed for the holiday break, from Dec. 17 through Jan. 2, 2012). The sculpture is located on the plaza outside Building 1, by the fountain.

    For more information, contact MDC’s Art Gallery System at 305-237-7700.

    ‘Holiday in the Park’ hosted by Vice Mayor Johnson: ‘Winter Wonderland’ at Opa-Locka Historic City Hall

    Vice Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Gail Miller presented three siblings Xavier Acosta 6; Franklin Tijene 8, Yaniella Sierra 3 (all siblings) and Nigel Lee 7 with bicycles which they won during the “Holiday in the Park” raffle.

    Bicycles, dolls and games were only a few of the surprises in store for the City of Opa-locka children, ages 3-13, on the grounds of Historic City Hall, 777 Sharazad Boulevard, Opa-locka, Florida 33054, Saturday, December 17, 2011 from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m., at the 10th Annual “Holiday in the Park” Toy Give-Away hosted by Vice Mayor Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson, The Mayor, City Commission and City Employees.

    In co-operation with local schools and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, residents of Opa-locka pre-registered their children for the toy give-away, which was accompanied by an afternoon of FREE food, rides, arts & craft, the Game Xcite Mobile Unit, rock climbing, souvenir photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, music by Dr. Richard Strachan and The Psi-Phi Band, along with TEN TONS of SNOW, which presented the gift of authenticity to this year’s “Winter Wonderland,” theme.   Piled into a mount at the start of the event by Florida Ice Manufacturing Corporation, surprisingly, the snow continued to sustain on the West lawn of Historic City Hall, even through 80 degree temperatures on Monday.   When considering the snow for this event, Vice Mayor Johnson thought the wintery import would be a unique ‘seasonal contrast’ for many of the local children who have never experienced a “White Christmas” outside of South Florida.  Many parents, targeted by their offspring during snowball battles, could either be seen running, laughing and dodging the cold white shaved ice as they converted back to their childhood, or simply sitting back enjoying the entertainment as they observed their young, frolicking in the snow.  Either way, the snowballs were a “hit” among everyone!

    The City provided approximately five hundred Christmas gifts to the children during the give-away and bicycle raffle. Christina Paz was thrilled to have her Christmas off to a Merry start after three of her four children, Franklin, 8; Xavier, 6; and Yaniella, 3, won bicycles during the drawing.  But, the children of Opa-locka weren’t the only gift recipients; parents could also be found indulging in the wealth of information distributed on City services, such as hardship for billing, public safety, recreation schedules, recycling timetables and other handouts on assistance that is available to residents, at one of twelve City of Opa-locka Department booths.

    In addition to the gifts provided by the City, walk-in toy donations were dropped-off at the Parks Department by generous humanitarians who just wanted to contribute to the event and to the children of Opa-locka.  Among other contributors were The Udonis Haslem Foundation, Lawrence Wright & Partners, Citrin Financial & Insurance, Waste Management, Greenspoon Marder, P.A., Auto Depot International and Michelle Village.  Members of the Black Global Bikers Association, Inc.‘s (BGBA) and the Miami Select Basketball Club  were more than eager to volunteer their time to distribute toys to the kids.

    In the spirit of Christmas, for the youth who were not pre-registered, but continued to assemble in record numbers, the Vice Mayor held an on-sight registration and joined forces with the City of Opa-locka Police Department to distribute stuffed teddy bears and hand-out the additional toys to those who did not complete the registration process to receive a toy during the give-away.  Overall, officials, management and staff were pleased to see everyone leaving the 10th Annual “Holiday in the Park” with a little something special for Christmas, from “The Great” City of Opa-locka.

    Opa-locka Police Department to distribute stuffed teddy bears and hand-out the additional toys to those who did not complete the registration process to receive a toy during the give-away.  Overall, officials, management and staff were pleased to see everyone leaving the 10th Annual “Holiday in the Park” with a little something special for Christmas, from “The Great” City of Opa-locka.

    City of Opa-locka’s Commissioner Rose Tydus Host ‘Wonderful’ Gospel Explosion with Beau Williams

    Artist "Sensere" performed at the City of Opa-Locka Gospel Explosion

    “WONDERFUUUL,” resonated the heavenly voice of recording artist Beau Williams while belting-out the first word of the lyrics in his signature tune, as he appeared through the theatrical effects of the fog, during the First Annual GOSPEL EXPLOSION, hosted by Commissioner Rose Tydus, sponsored by the City of Opa-locka Mayor and Commission, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM in Sherbondy Park, 380 Bahman Avenue, Opa-locka, FL 33054.

    With a resounding vocal power, from his first note, there was no doubt that it was the legendary Beau Williams, LIVE in concert, in the great City of Opa-locka.  Williams struck a note that commanded attention from Sherbondy Park, through neighboring communities and into realms above the City and beyond.  The elderly, the young, the church congregation members, families and passer-bys were captivated as the sweet noise of praise articulated through song which transcended the airwaves, penetrating the battlegrounds of spiritual warfare, while this inspirational man of God with such a  polished, magnanimous stage presence (evidence from the years of performing), EXPLODED in sincerity, as he humbly presented his gift to the people of Opa-locka.

    Beau Williams, smaller in stature than one would anticipate from the publicity photos, was more gigantic in his vocal deliverance than any compact disc or television appearance has ever conveyed.  At the completion of his title song, a 22-year-old recent college graduate attending the concert with her mother and grandmother, commented, “That was ALL him… no ‘Milli-Vanilli’ recording here.” To which her grandmother quickly infused, “It’s not like that stuff y’all listen to… THIS is the real thing,” she said of one of Gospel music’s all time greatest.  Proof that part of Commissioner Rose Tydus’ goal for this First Annual Gospel Explosion, had been accomplished!  In luring families to the event, Tydus had hope to bridge musical gaps and create multi-generational dialogues, as well as an appreciation for new and old-school gospel music.  She said, “Each performer will share some of the unique qualities and messages found in gospel, with those who are listening tonight.”

    Williams, who grew-up in Houston, Texas as the son of a Baptist preacher and choir director, defined his participation as, “Doing (through his music, movies, and concert tours), what I have been called to do.”  In addition to enjoying his music, Williams encouraged the audience to tune-in to one of the many Christian stations broadcasting his movie “Pain,” which is the story of two drug dealers, and the pain they encompass ‘seeking that Ghetto fame.’”   He said, “Our Young people are so influenced by that lifestyle, and this (the movie) is a tool that God is using mightily to ‘win young people to Christ, because they won’t come to your church!”  He noted that the movie is also currently showing on church and public school tours on Friday nights. It is also airing… “…on every Christian network in the country, including over 170 nations,” he revealed, adding that “Gang Bangers around the world are getting saved.”

    In addition to being celebrated for his award winning Gospel Hits (in the top 10 for 58 consecutive weeks), as well as different genres of music, Beau Williams was known for defeating the 13 week champion Sam Harris in 1984, on the hit television show “Star Search” and Williams is also credited for being among the top 10 National Anthem singers in the U.S.
    The attraction to the Gospel Explosion, for both the Seniors and the Youth, was further enhanced by the Gospel Explosion committee’s choice to comprise a diverse assembly of multi- generational artists which included the talents of a band of young, talented musicians and vocalist called “Sensere,” a Spiritual Praise Dance group, Holly Hip-Hop Rappers, Poetry, Worship, and an appearance by the Youth Choir of Stanton Memorial Baptist Church. There was a rare style of humor by local stand-up Christian comedian “Grandma” Althea “The Bag Lady” Tate, who lifted spectators off-guard and out-of-their-seats with her jokes on subjects from “older men”  night-clubbing,  laced-weaves/edges, self-bondage and stories about almost every item in her shopping cart, from the “Jesus Christ Stop & Save” store.  In jest, Tate also sang about the “New Wave” churches, where young choir members wear khakis and “wife beater” shirts, while reaching-out to their peers through a “different” type of “message in the music.” “Jesus is my homey, “ she sang, “… kicking it with me all the time. Thank you ‘Lawdy,’ for never asking me for a sip of my forty”  … at which the crowd EXPLODED in laughter.

    During the concert, lightning and thunder made known its presence in surrounding municipalities. However, with the exception a few temporary light sprinkles that mostly just threatened the event for a short time, the night was clear. Commissioner Tydus acknowledged that after several days of rainy weather, she resorted to prayers. She praised, “I asked HIM (pointing one finger towards the sky) to hold back the rain for the night, so the concert would be a success, and he did!”

    Many residents and visitors brought lawn chairs to the FREE event. Tydus stated that she is looking forward to the increase of participation over years to come.”
    10 National Anthem singers in the U.S.

    UM Entrepreneurship Center attends White House meeting

    Pictured (l-r) are Scott Case, Startup America; Dr. Susan Amat, The Launch Pad; David Lekach, Dreamwater; Steve Case, The Case Foundation; Albert Santalo, CareCloud; Devon Rifkin, The Great American Hanger Company, and John Duffy, 3C Interactive.

    In an early December gathering at the White House, the Startup America Partnership convened its all-entrepreneur board and announced $475 million in new committed resources to help startups scale, pushing the total value of its partner offerings to over $1.2 billion.

    The latest round of partner commitments are a direct response to specific requests made by the nearly 2,000 Startup America firms that already have registered with the Partnership since the release of its platform in September.

    Dr. Susan Amat, executive director of The Launch Pad at the University of Miami, represented Startup Florida as a regional co-leader.

    “Presenting to the administration and the Startup America Board and corporate partners about the activities and opportunities to support entrepreneurs in Florida was an incredible experience,” Amat said. “In taking a leadership role in the state, the reach and resources of The Launch Pad Network will expand to better meet the needs of our students and alumni, and by extension the Florida business community as a whole.”

    The Launch Pad, a novel entrepreneurship initiative developed at the University of Miami, helps both students and alumni create new enterprises, with a particular focus on the university’s home in South Florida. These aims are achieved by treating entrepreneurship as a mainstream career, a legitimate way to make a living, and by linking young entrepreneurs to regional commercial and community networks.

    Board members, sponsors, regional leaders and entrepreneurs met to discuss how to best utilize these resources and the Partnership’s platform to help startups grow in order to create jobs throughout the country. Joining the board at the White House were representatives from regional initiatives, including Startup Florida, Startup Connecticut, Startup Illinois, Startup Massachusetts and Startup Tennessee.

    “The Startup America Partnership is focused on helping young companies grow because with their success come job creation and a stronger American economy,” said Steve Case, chair of the Startup America Partnership. “Our board members are perfect examples of founders who have succeeded in turning their visions into successful, high-growth ventures that employ hundreds of thousands of people.”

    According to the Kauffman Foundation, companies less than 5 years old accounted for all of the net job growth in our country between 1980 and 2005. Young firms’ success is often dependent on access to a variety of resources that help them grow. New corporate commitments to the Startup America Partnership support the growth of startups in five key areas: expertise, services, talent, customers and capital.

    “With our latest round of partners, we’ve continued to build out the offerings that startups have identified as being crucial to their growth,” said Scott Case, CEO of the Startup America Partnership. “Every startup in the country should register now to utilize these resources and jumpstart their growth.”

    Each Startup America Firm has access to a personalized dashboard — their “Growth Kit” — with which they can connect to resources and find the most relevant offerings based on their specific needs, stage of growth, and location. They also have access to an exclusive online community of other founders and startup team members where they can interact with Partnership representatives, share best practices and support their fellow entrepreneurs.

    For more information on the Partnership, visit online at www.startupamericapartnership.org.

    “BLESSING IN A BACK-PACK” Annual Back-to-School Book Bag Give-Away

    City Clerk Deborah Sheffield-Irby gives 10-year-old Clifton Nixon of Bethesda Christian Elementary his new Back to School Back-Pack.

    “Say Thank You,” exclaimed Earl McKnight as he sternly addressed his three grandchildren, who in the core of their excitement, forgot to express appreciation after receiving what McKnight considered a true “Blessing in a Back-Pack,” which was the theme of this year’s City of Opa-locka’s 13th Annual Back-to-School Celebration and Health Fair, hosted by Vice Mayor Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson, Commissioner Gail Miller, The Mayor and City Commission, in partnership with the Office of the City Clerk and Auto Depot International, on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 3:00 to 6:30 PM at Segal/Miller Park, 2331 NW 143rd Street, Opa-locka, Florida.

    Two-days prior to the on-set the new school year, in faultless weather, over 1000 City of Opa-locka youths arrived with either one or both parents or a guardian in unprecedented numbers for an enjoyable afternoon of live entertainment featuring Pipeline Records performers “Lil’ Bass,” “Dem Twins” and “T.J. The Hit Maker,” accompanied by FREE food, gift cards, uniforms and back-packs filled with school supplies, which provided assistance to community parents who were overflowing with gratitude for the support during the new school term.

    The end-of-the-summer event was also enhanced through vendor participation by Florida International University School of Medicine, Teacher’s Choice Tutors, Civil Air Patrol, Rocket Learning Center, Celebrate Life Financial Services, Clover Leaf Chiropractor Service, TD Bank,  Primerica Financial, Wing Stop/Devine Network, Grace Academy and VanKara School, all of  whom shared valuable information on health, education, finances and/or other programs while distributing souvenirs, keepsakes, free learning books, brochures, other handouts and goodies to parents who geared-up for the year with informative material, while many of the youth amused themselves at the “Game Excite” Interactive Mobil Entertainment unit, and at the face painting, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones or Popcorn booths, provided by “Jackie’s Party Rental.”  Barrett Catering prepared, on the spot, an endless flow of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, French fries, Chicken Wings and a variety of cold drinks.  If that wasn’t enough to cap the end-of-summer break, Mickey and Minnie transformed Segal/Miller into a Magical Kingdom, as children, in breathless anticipation, waited to be photographed with their favorite Mice.

    While admiring the success of the day, City Clerk Deborah Sheffield-Irby glanced the area at the countless number of families benefiting from the event, before noting, “This was one of the largest turn-outs we’ve had,” then smiled as she proceeded alongside event hosts Vice Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Miller, who were joined by Commissioner Timothy Holmes, in personally greeting each child as they presented them with their “Blessing.”

    Like Mr. McKnight, another parent quickly reminded her child as he received his bag and immediately began probing through it, “What do you say to the Commissioner?”  He eagerly replied, “Oh, Thank You!”  In a loving voice Commissioner Miller responded, “We KNOW the babies are thankful, when we look at the expression on their faces… sometime they just get too excited to let the words out,” she laughed!

    As always, Vice Mayor Johnson was thrilled to know that the Commission could be of assistance to the residents of Opa-locka, especially during these rough economic times.  Irby emphasized, “We want to alleviate the stress for parents, and lessen the anxiety for students by providing them with some of the necessary tools and resources for the start of the school term, enabling them to focus academically… and THAT is the ‘Blessing,’ WE are ‘thankful’ to share from the City of Opa-locka!”

    CITY NATIONAL BANK CLOSES $30 MILLION LOAN FOR DORAL CLASS A OFFICE BUILDING

    City National Bank of Florida (CNB) recently closed a $30 million loan on One Park Square, a 281,623-square-foot Class A office building Doral.

    CNB provided the loan to New Boston Fund, a private real estate investment, development and management firm that purchased One Park Square in October 2010. The loan, which is a three-year mortgage with an option to extend two additional years, will be used for tenant improvements and leasing commissions.

    One Park Square is approximately 60 percent occupied. Its tenants include Amadeus, Harley-Davidson’s Central and South America division and the Latin Recording Academy. Doral eatery Harvest Delights will soon relocate to One Park Square from its current location nearby.

    “This is a tremendous asset that is well located,” said Scott McCleneghen, CNB’s Managing Senior Vice President and Palm Beach Market Executive who managed the loan for the bank. “New Boston Fund has a great track record for acquiring quality properties such as this.”

    Mr. McCleneghen also credited Pryse Elam, New Boston’s Regional Director for the Southeast, for partnering with CNB to secure the loan.

    About City National Bank of Florida
    Headquartered in Miami, City National Bank of Florida (CNB) is the financial institution to which Floridians have turned for more than 65 years. The sixth-largest financial institution in the state, City National Bank of Florida was named the South Florida Business Journal’s Local/Community Bank of the Year in 2011. CNB is backed by Caja Madrid, founded more than 300 years ago and one of Spain’s largest financial institutions. CNB offers a diversified portfolio of financial products and services at 26 convenient banking centers from Miami-Dade County to the greater Orlando area.

    About New Boston Fund
    New Boston is an independent, privately owned real estate investment manager and an industry leader in providing real estate investment, development and management services with a history of strong sponsorship and oversight of its investment funds. New Boston has developed or acquired commercial and residential properties with a cumulative market value of about $4.4 billion, including 23 million square feet of commercial real estate and 7,500 residential units. Our investment vehicles cater to institutional and high-net worth investors by offering value-add and urban real estate investment funds with a focus on diversification and capital preservation. The New Boston Fund: People, Values, Returns.

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