Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The Herald Gets It Right-- Again

OUR OPINION: COMMISSION SHOULD RESCIND VOTES TO MOVE URBAN BOUNDARY

Posted on Tue, Aug. 26, 2008

In a year when Miami-Dade County must trim crucial services because of budget shortfalls and changes in state law that cut property taxes, the County Commission should tighten the belt, too.

One of the more aggravating expenditures is defending the county against legal challenges. While some legal costs are necessary, others are not. One example of the latter is when the commission approves something that it knows will bring credible opposition. Such is the case with the votes to move the Urban Development Boundary for construction of commercial enterprises.

The commission voted to expand the UDB even though its own planning staff recommended against it, saying there is plenty of room for development inside the UDB. The state Department of Community Affairs also frowned on UDB expansion and gave the projects a thumbs-down. That may prompt opponents to file a legal challenge.

Commissioner Katy Sorenson wants the commission to rescind its votes to move the UDB at this time, averting a costly court challenge. Commissioner Natacha Seijas, as Governmental Operations and Environmental Committee chairwoman, has final say over whether this proposal procedurally moves forward. In fairness, though Ms. Seijas voted to move the UDB, she should give the entire commission a chance to decide on the plan.

Do commissioners want to commit public dollars to defend a plan that encroaches on the Everglades -- all on behalf of private businesses that want to do the encroaching? That's a poor use of public funds.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Tuesday, August 26, is Election Day



If you're headed to the polls, it pays to remember which candidates have best supported your vision of the future and have best safeguarded your quality of life. Remember which members of the County Commission have compromised smart growth and saddled us with unnecessary sprawl. Remember which School Board members have lent a sympathetic ear, while others sit idly by. Remember new voices, like that of Don Kearns, that seek to right the wrongs of the past with a more rational approach. Get to the polls today-- its might just save your tomorrow!

For more information on the election click here.

For a look at the sample ballot, click here.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Eye on September 10th...

Many thanks to all who attended our open forum on HHH1 this past week. Many good ideas were exchanged. Special thanks to Don Kearns for his attendance, advice and support. As noted during the meeting, all are encouraged to attend the upcoming school board meeting to voice their concerns regarding the proposed location of the school. Here are the details:


Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2009
Place: 1450 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33132


As always, we won't know if HHH1 is a formal agenda item or not until one week prior to the meeting. If it is, then we will need to be there at 1:00 p.m. Otherwise, we will need to be present for the public comment portion beginning at 6:30 p.m.


Anyone wishing to speak before the board MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED BOARD SPEAKER FORM NO LATER THAN MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th. We'll see you there!

Monday, August 18, 2008

An Open Forum at Dodge City...

An open forum has been announced for
King’s Grant and King’s Grove residents
to discuss proposed high school HHH-1.

Thursday, August 21, 7 pm
16330 SW 147th Ave
a.k.a. “Dodge City”


Many residents hope the location of the school will be changed and would like to discuss alternative sites. State Rep. Juan Zapata and Ana Rivas-Logan have joined us in these talks and understand our concerns, which include:

  • UDB violations set a bad precedent.
  • Emergency support and vehicle access for the school and community are inadequate.
  • Roads are inadequate for expected traffic.
We hope you will take time to join us to provide
insight on the project.