Pembroke Pines Economic Development Board Meeting Feb 17, 2011

City of Pembroke Pines officials met February 17th, 2011 at Southwest Focal Point Senior Center in an Economic Development Board meeting to discuss the status of projects and vote on proposals.  This meeting is normally held every third Thursday of the month.  Mention was made of Streetscape which is a $1.5 million project approved in 2005 to beautify city streets with landscaping on the side and median of main streets (where possible).  Several new companies are planning to open locations in the city - World Harvest, Just for Feet, BJ's Brewers, TD Bank and Menchies.  Mention was made of the February Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce Sip and Taste event.  Juvenile crime was also brought up as a point of concern with an update of city crime stats to be provided at the next meeting.  Apparently the city of Pembroke Pines in the past has held a Business Expo at Pembroke Lakes Mall the day before Mother's Day.  However, attendance in recent years has declined with only about twenty of more than three thousand city businesses participating.  Discussion revolved around not wanting to deny those participating from having the opportunity to promote their businesses - particularly given the current economic climate.  On the other hand, with fewer than 1% of city businesses participating it was decided with some dissent to not host the event this year but rather mention to those who have participated in the past of the April Pines Day Fair event.