Posted on 07/02/2018 7:51:56 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Miami-Dade commissioners on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to extending the 836 expressway 14 miles into West Kendall, rejecting warnings about environmental damage and urban sprawl in favor of bringing relief to commuters in the congested suburbs.
"We've got to start somewhere," said Commissioner Javier Souto, whose district includes western areas in the county. "Do something. Do something."
A final vote awaits later this year, but the 9-2 vote captured what appeared to be broad support for the signature transportation package from Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who cited the toll road's extension as a top priority as he prepares to leave office in 2020.
The expressway route crosses the county's Urban Development Boundary, which separates protected lands from the more permissive zoning that allows residential subdivisions and shopping centers.
The vote marked a milestone moment for a controversial $650 million highway proposal that has lingered in planning stages for years and suffered several legislative defeats in commission committees since last year. Construction, funded by tolls, would create another north-south option for about 600,000 residents of Kendall and surrounding neighborhoods who currently have to choose between Krome Avenue to the west and Florida's Turnpike to the east.
Environmental groups pointed to a string of severe consequences from building the six-lane highway through wetlands, sensitive areas and land over wellfields that are vital to the county's water supply. Wearing "Hold the Line" stickers, one opponent after another warned that the undeveloped land is needed to absorb western flooding that will threaten the area as seas continue to rise.
(Excerpt) Read more at miamiherald.com ...
Chicken Little looses 9 to 2
"Do something. Do Something." He's standing at the bottom of a hole, and he wants to keep digging. But he'll show frustrated commuters that he's "doing something."
So Miami wants to punch through a planning boundary to push sprawl out another 14 miles. The developers will have the new area completely built out before the first shovel full of dirt is turned for the new road. And congestion will be even worse.
Thanks Tol! Obviously if it’s better for ‘mobility’ to NOT build this highway, then it’s EVEN BETTER to start tearing down a few too.
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