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My heartfelt thanks to all the residents who supported
my campaign and voted to return me to the community council.
What a great feeling it is to see our friends and
neighbors exercising their constitutional right to vote and
acknowledging our efforts on behalf of the Doral community. Being
raised to believe that one should give freely, without expecting
anything in return, it is both humbling and gratifying to see such
widespread support.
During my campaign, I had the opportunity to meet and
talk with many of our community residents who were gracious enough to
share their concerns on the various issues that affect everyone in our
area. Topping the list was the incorporation effort, schools, parks
and controlling growth. These are the very issues on which I, and my
fellow council members, have pledged to focus our energies.
Starting with this month’s column, I would like to
give brief capsule reports and the latest developments on the issues
and the areas of concern that affect us all.
Doral Municipal Advisory Committee
Our meetings resumed on Oct. 30 and the main item of discussion was
the proposed boundaries of the incorporation area.
Miami-Dade County chief of the community planning
section Barbara Folsey was in attendance, offered comments and
supplied us with some preliminary figures on the tax base. We also had
an intriguing and informative presentation by members of the
Miami-Dade Fire Department on the fire-rescue services available and
how they might continue to serve the Doral area if incorporated.
Doral Middle School
The grand opening of the Doral Middle School was last week and what a
thrilling event it was.
As the children were led in a police-escorted parade
from John I. Smith Elementary to their new classrooms, they excitedly
pumped their arms in the air and chanted “Dor-Al, Dor-Al” along
the route.
A large group of parents, teachers and school
administrators accompanied our own commissioner Miriam Alonso, school
board member Demetrio Perez, Morgan Levy and yours truly.
The relief in traffic congestion in the neighborhood
has been almost immediately apparent. As a resident of that area
myself, I am extremely happy with the added safety that provides for
our children.
Parks
Airport West Park has been making steady progress since its
groundbreaking in July. Most noticeable has been the progress in
installing the roads and lighting facilities. Commissioner Alonso has
been a great help in keeping pressure on the parks department to get
things moving at Doral Park as quickly as possible. As far as Doral
Meadows Park is concerned, the permitting process is proceeding. We
could have some very good news in the near future, thanks to the
untiring efforts of not only Commissioner Alonso, but Jesse Jones and
parks committee member Giusepphina Mariano. They have stayed on top of
the parks department to insure that the large number of children and
young people waiting for a chance to play soccer, baseball and other
organized sports in their own neighborhood are not disappointed.
Community Council Zoning Meeting
On Oct. 18, we welcomed newly elected council member Frank Bolanos to
his first zoning meeting. Two items concerning blasting were deferred
to the next meeting and conditional approval was given for
construction of a new Chrysler dealership in the vicinity of NW 12th
Street and 98th Avenue. The conditions involved adhering to the more
stringent signage requirements the Council has put in place to
maintain the high quality standards of our Doral community.
Miscellaneous Notes
Our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery go to West Dade
Federation member Rolando Oses. Known to most of us as manager of the
Doral Park Clubhouse, Rolando recently suffered a heart attack. Our
prayers are with him.
We would like to say a big thank you to Commissioner
Alonso for her leadership role in bringing suit against the state of
Florida in an attempt to bring control on blasting back to the local
level, where it belongs.
This past Halloween brought about a very pleasant
reminder of how nice it is to live in a secure, gated community like
Doral. All the brightly costumed children, escorted house to house by
their parents on their trick-or-treat rounds, seemed to enhance our
sense of community. With children going up to strange (to them)
houses, seeking candy and counting on the kindness of their neighbors,
it is truly a holiday of trust; and that trust was proven well-placed
within our friendly community.
Of course, this month sees another type of holiday,
one wherein we have the chance to once again express our gratitude for
the many blessings we too-often take for granted. I want to take this
opportunity to wish you all the most wonderful of Thanksgivings. Here
in Doral we have several places of worship that are perfect venues to
go and voice appreciation for all that we have. And remember, they can
also use your support, as they help support many who have not been as
abundantly blessed as ourselves.
One final note, I would really appreciate hearing from
you about any issues or concerns you might have involving our
community. You may contact me by e-mail at msalvador@go2uti.com
, or by snail mail at 10590 NW 51 St.; Miami, FL 33172.
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