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.
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