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Last month's column started out with a "thank you" for
your vote. Who could have predicted the importance that a single vote
would hold only a few days later? Hopefully, we will have an official
(and unquestioned) President-elect by the time this is published. Even
if we don't, the one good thing that has come out of all this hoopla
is proof positive that every vote does count. That is precisely why
your local community leaders, especially the West Dade Federation and
the Doral Community Council, made such a concerted effort to make sure
everyone would get out and exercise their civic duty.]
PARKS
While work on Doral Meadows is plodding along, Doral Park is now on
the fast track to becoming a reality. Lennar Homes has given a written
commitment to pay for the water retention berms required to properly
manage storm water. Mr. Jesse Jones was instrumental in getting us
over that obstacle. This action clears the largest hurdle, other than
the primary funding itself, to finally reaching the actual
groundbreaking stage.
NON-ZONING ISSUES
The November Non-Zoning meeting brought us closer to resolving the
problem with the unsightly litterbins our community has so much wanted
to get off our sidewalks. Team Metro has promised to take timely and
appropriate action. This is a testament to the persistence and
determination of our community leaders.
The lack of a traffic light at the intersection of NW 107th Avenue
and 58th Street was brought to the attention of the committee after I
received phone calls from several concerned community members about
this hazardous situation. The four-way stop signs that are currently
at that location don't do enough to ward off a potentially disastrous
accident. Mr. Henry Tober, with Miami-Dade Public Works, was apprised
of the community's concern over this matter and was asked to report
back to the Non-Zoning meeting in January on the status and time frame
to get the badly needed signal installed. There are already provisions
for this traffic signal in the County budget. Mr. Tober was urged to
do what he could to accelerate the installation process.
The proposed resolution supporting a second means of egress for
Costa del Sol was tabled in order to give the homeowners and their
Association the opportunity to meet with Public Works and discuss what
is the best solution for the community.
A much-needed extension of NW 41st Street, from 107th to 114th
Avenues, is now open to traffic. There is still some finish work and
cleanup to accomplish, but the project's traffic-flow benefits are
already apparent.
It is interesting and heartening to see such a good turnout at our
meetings by the community at large. As we work towards incorporation,
citizen participation takes on ever increasing importance. It is vital
that attendance and involvement by Doral's residents and businesses
continue to grow.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Council Chair Jerry Howe handed over the reins to newly elected Chair
Carolyn Cacerta following the Doral Community Council's election of
new officers for the year. Mr. Howe, who was nominated but declined to
run, due to new business ventures. Jerry will continue offering his
invaluable service as a council member. Carolyn, who was elected by
unanimous vote, is a very capable leader. Another outstanding council
member, Odel Torres, was elected as vice chair. We wish them both the
best of luck and our gratitude for their willingness to take on their
new responsibilities.
DORAL MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Our Nov. 27 meeting took place without county representation.
Besides the on-going discussion on proposed boundaries, a committee
headed by Joseph Morahan and yours truly entered into discussions on
interviewing prospective budgeting personnel. This is a truly exciting
prospect, as we look into the nuts and bolts of the potential
revenues, revenue sources and expenses inherent in becoming a
chartered municipality. It is just one more indication that our dream
will soon become a reality.
ZONING MEETING
At the applicant's request, three blasting/rock-mining issues were
deferred at our Dec. 5 meeting.
Staybridge Suites, a Cardel Hotel development, received approval on
proposed signage for their site at 3255 NW 87 Avenue. Also, a Lennar
townhome development was granted a setback variance.
Conditional approval was given to Miami International Parkway for a
zoning resolution amendment that would change the zoning of a 44-foot
wide strip of land at NW 87th Avenue and 25th Street to increase the
amount of parking available.
Another parking issue, this time a reduction in parking for
Tumblebees of Doral Inc's new gymnasium, also was given conditional
approval. This facility will be located at 3705 NW 115 Avenue.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
I hope all of you enjoyed a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. It is
always such a wonderful time to get together with family and friends
over good food, good times and football!
My favorite time of the year, however, is coming up fast
Christmas. This Christmas will be extra special for me, as my
granddaughter (who turns three in February) will be bringing my
daughter and son-in-law with her from San Diego to visit for the
holidays. The more family who surround us at special times like this,
the more special those times become. Here's hoping all of you have a
wonderful, magical and safe holiday season, and all that you can wish
for in the coming New Year.
Please remember that I am anxious to hear from you about anything
that concerns our Doral community. You may write me at 10590 NW 51
Street, Miami, FL 33178. Or email me at MSalvador@uniontrans.com
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