Save the date for Tuesday, February 13th when Mayor Flinn will co-host a Town Hall with Councilmember David Singer following the unanimous "no" vote on building a bridge on SW 87th Avenue.
The TPO's vote came after board members heard from elected officials from Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, as well as residents on both sides of the argument; for and against the bridge. Mayor Flinn, Councilwoman Cunningham and Councilman Singer all pleaded for a "no" vote as they addressed the board.
Village residents and officials, along with County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, explained that the bridge is only a temporary solution that will not yield the necessary long-lasting results. Officials further argued that the $2 million would be better spent on mass transit solutions that will truly make an impact on traffic reduction countywide. Locally, Palmetto Bay had already started a Village plan, contracting the services of Marlin Engineering in 2016 to come up with village-wide traffic calming initiatives that could be implemented right here in Palmetto Bay. The traffic calming presentations and recommendations made by the consulting firm can be found on the Village
website.
Until now, many of the solutions proffered by the Village have been turned down by the county. Yet, we understand that we are all in need of solutions now. The bridge was not an effective alternative, but we have other ideas in mind that may work better as mass transit solutions move through the county process.
With this in mind, Mayor Flinn and Councilman Singer are planning the previously announced Town Hall to give residents the opportunity to review the traffic calming options provided by Marlin Engineering, discuss the alternatives that work best for Palmetto Bay residents and develop solutions and strategies to bring the county on-board. More information and the official notice will soon follow. In the meantime, please SAVE THE DATE for this important Town Hall on Tuesday, February 13th at Village Hall.
