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Res. No. 254-99-10877RESOLUTION NO. 254 -99 -10877 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS PROGRAM FUNDING. WHEREAS, the Transportation Enhancements program is a federally- funded initiative designed to offer local communities the opportunity to develop projects that go above and beyond what is traditionally funded through the transportation program; and WHEREAS, the Miami -Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization has provided the City of South Miami with the Transportation Enhancement Program's guidelines and an application; and WHEREAS, the unused FEC corridor located in, and adjacent to, the City of South Miami has the potential to be a vital element of the transportation program as a vibrant and fully functional bicycle and pedestrian trail, providing an exceptional transportation and recreation resource; and WHEREAS, the creation of a master plan for the rails to trails effort is the first step in realizing the potential of the corridor; and WHEREAS, master planning activities are eligible for funding under the Transportation Enhancements Program; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission desire to use all available resources to improve the quality -of -life of the City's citizens and neighbors. Page 2 of Resolution No. 254 -99 -10877 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI: Section 1. The Mayor and City Commission hereby authorize and support the application for Transportation Enhancements program funding for the creation of the Dadeland /South Miami Rails to Trails Master Plan Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of December --,1999. ATTEST: CI CLERK READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM: Cl ATTO NEY APPROVED: MAYOR Commission Vote: 5 -0 Mayor Robaina: Yea Vice Mayor Russell: Yea Commissioner Bass: Yea Commissioner Bethel: Yea Commissioner Feliu: Yea ......................... CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI INTER - OFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Commission From: Charles D. Scurr City Manager �(,✓!' REQUEST Date: December 2, 1999 Subject: Agenda Item # 1 Commission Meeting 12/07/99 Application for Transportation Enhancements Program Funding A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS PROGRAM FUNDING. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS On January 5, 1999, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 10 -99- 10635, objecting to the Miami -Dade Transit Authority's "Alternative 9 ", which involved the creation of a new passenger rail system in the FEC corridor adjacent to SW 69'h Avenue, and urging the Miami -Dade Commission to acquire the corridor for a rails to trails project that would benefit the entire community. Since the adoption of the resolution, the Mayor, City Commission and City staff have continued to take the lead on making the rails to trails project a reality, facilitating meetings between property owners, the Office of Mayor Penelas, the Miami -Dade MPO, the Rails to Trails Conservancy and the Institute for Public Lands and identifying the creation of a master plan as the next step in the process. On October 29, 1999, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) informed the City of the Transportation Enhancements program, a federally- funded initiative designed to offer local communities the opportunity to develop projects that go above and beyond what is traditionally funded through the transportation program. The highly flexible funding program underwrites 80 percent of the cost of transportation facilities development projects and includes the planning activities associated with the conversion of rails to trails as an eligible project type. The attached Transportation Enhancements program application requests funding for the creation of the Dadeland /South Miami Rails to Trails Master Plan. The total estimated project cost is approximately $136,000, and the City proposes to provide the required matching funds almost entirely through in -kind services. The application signifies South Miami's continued leadership and represents the next logical step in transforming an unused rail corridor into an exceptional transportation and recreation fYRYQ 1110011 Your approval is recommended. Attachments Page 2 of 2 i n A z , t 6� `S Y Rol City of South Miami 6130 Sunset Drive South Miami, Florida 33143 (305) 663 -6340 Julio Robaina, Mayor Mary Scott Russell, Vice Mayor Ann Bass, Commissioner David D. Bethel, Commissioner Horace G. Feliu, Commissioner Charles D. Scurr, City Manager MIAMI -DADE MPO APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS FUNDING Pro C' Title Estimated Cost Datland /South Miami Rail -Trail Master Plan $136,000 Project Sponsor City of South Miami Contact Title Gregory J. Oravec asst. to City Manager Street Address Phone 6130 Sunset Drive (305)663 -6338 City Zip Code FAX South Miami 33143 (305)663- 6345_ Priority (Relative to other projects submitted by Project Sponsor) E -Mail 1 goravec @miami.gdi.net Name Applicant (if other than Project Sponsor) I. Qualified Enhancement Activities Check the enhancement activity which the proposed project will address. (NOTE: Checking all activities possible does not ensure or increase eligibility. Each activity checked must meet all criteria listed for that activity in adopted Transportation Enhancements Policy Procedure ❑ Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects y a. Bicycle Transportation projects b. Pedestrian walkways C. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use or pedestrian or bicycle trails) d. Safety and educational activities for bicyclists and pedestrians ❑ Scenic, Beautification, Landscaping and Drainage Projects a. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic sites. b. Scenic highway programs. C. Landscaping and other scenic beautification. d. Control and Removal of outdoor advertising. e. Mitigation of water pollution due to runoff including projects that reduce wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity. f. Tourist and Welcome Centers ❑ Historic Preservation and Archeology a. Historic highway programs b. Historic preservation Created on 10 /26/99 10 TE.4PP.DOCe C. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities, including historic railroad facilities and canal. d. Archaeological planning and research e. Establishment of transportation museums Project Phase (Please check all that apply) oPlanning Activities OProject Development and Environmental Studies UEngineering and Final Plans Preparation Work ❑ Right of Way Acquisition ❑ Construction ❑ Construction Engineering and Inspection Activities Application Components and Project Description Use additional sheets as necessary to provide the following: f . aThe table of contents, a Official TE application, L] A clear and definitive demonstration of the transportation link, ❑ A description of the work to be done with the requested funds, ® A detailed and realistic budget that reflects the quality of the design and studies that will be required, aIdentification and verification (contract or letter of commitment) of the sources of matching funds; ® A list of benefits to�the community and the transportation system as a whole; Created on 10.2699 11 TEAPP.DOCe ElA statement describing what makes the project unique and important; ❑ Demonstration of community support, including minutes of public meetings, newspaper clippings, petitions, letters of support from local business owners, property owners, nonprofit organizations, political leaders and other groups; ❑ Photographs, sketches and/or maps ❑ An agreement and strategy for maintenance once the project is completed, identifying the responsible party ❑ Supplemental information that may answer anticipated questions (Optional) IV. Project Cost What is the total estimated cost of the work requested to be funded as an enhancement project through this application? Planning Activities Project Development and Environmental Studies Engineering and Final Plans Preparation Work Right of Way Acquisition Construction Construction Engineering and Inspection Actvities Other TOTAL: $ See below $" $ t $136,000 (combination of above) How will the project be funded? FDOT Enhancement Funds $9_L, 845 .44 Local$ 39 , 606 = Total $7.35 , 451.44 FDOT Enhancement Funds F n _ a qo + Local 2 9 _2 % = 100% Created on 10.!26/99 12 TEAPP.DOCe V. Certification of Project Sponsor I hereby certify that the proposed project herein described is supported by CJ AY of south M; a,Fmunicipahty, county, state or federal agency or tribal council). and that said will: (1) provide any required funding match; (2) enter into a maintenance agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT); (3) comply with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Acquisition policies act foe any of right -of -way actions required for the project, and (4) support other actions necessary to fully implement the proposed project I further certify that the estimated costs included herein are reasonable and true to the best knowledge of the project sponsor and /or applicant. 1 understand that significant increases in these costs must be absorbed by the project sponsor or applicant otherwise the project may be removed from the Transportation Enhancements Program. �2�z6z� Signature Charles, n. scurr Name (Please print or type) City Manager Title November 18, 1999 Date Creatzd on 10.'26:99 13 TEAPPMOCe TABLE OF CONTENTS The "Transportation" Link 1 Proposed Work Description 2 Proposed Budget 7 Letter of Commitment of Matching Funds 10 Benefits to the Community and the Transportation System 11 A Unique and Important Project 12 Appendix 13 • Community Support • Photographs, Sketches and Maps N THE "TRANSPORTATION" LINK The creation of the master plan would provide for data collection and acquisition consultation; review of existing planning documents involving the corridor, such as the proposal to convert the rail corridor to passenger rail; program development; conceptual design; creation of a limited number of construction drawings; cost projections for completion; and, most importantly, public involvement. These activities constitute the first step in transforming an unused rail corridor into a vibrant and fully functional pedestrian and bicycle trail. The trail would be an invaluable component of the surface transportation system, enabling the creation of a pedestrian and bicycle trail which accomplishes many specific transportation enhancement objectives, as defined by federal legislation, including: (1) the provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles and the provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists; (2) acquisition of scenic easements; (3) landscaping and other scenic beautification; and (4) preservation of unused railway corridors. The potential for the trail to positively impact the transportation system is especially noteworthy because it would provide real multi -modal opportunities and connectivity, linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, arterial roads, the Miami -Dade Bikeway and MetroRail (please see the Appendix). r 1 PROPOSED WORK DESCRIPTION 1.0 PRELIMINARY MASTER PLANNING SERVICES 1.1 Data Collection The Planning Team shall collect necessary supplemental information and materials relative to environmental, recreational, social and economic needs and concerns within the study area. The information collected will include data necessary to perform an adequate evaluation of, and make final design recommendations for, the location, designs and construction of the Dadeland /South Miami Rail - Trail. This task will involve the collection of land use data including present land usage as well as future land use plans, proposed developments and observed growth trends. Such land use data will be used in the master planning of the Dadeland /South Miami Rail- Trail. Also included in this task will be the Identification, evaluation and documentation of significant cultural features and community services adjacent to the trail corridor, including educational facilities, bus routes, student walkways, school crossings, public buildings, civic facilities, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, historical sites, archeological sites and other significant local sites. A written summary of information collected on cultural features and community services will be provided to the City and County. Agencies and organizations to be coordinated with for the collection of data will t include the City of South Miami, Dade County Board of Commissioners, the City of West Miami, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Historic Preservation Office, the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Regional Planning Council, and other appropriate agencies and organizations. 1.2 Review of Existing Planning Documents This task will involve a review of the South Dade Greenway Plan for information relevant to the design of the Dadeland /South Miami Rail -Trail master plan, including information on vegetation, surrounding land uses, future land uses, community facilities and existing and proposed greenways and trails. Other pertinent transportation and recreation plans and documents will be reviewed as well. All comments and recommendations resulting from the review of planning documents will be summarized and incorporated into the Dadeland /South Miami Rail -Trail master plan and submitted to the City and County for review. R 1.3 Interpretive Program Development The Planning Team shall research natural, cultural and historical points of interest and prepare a plan for the locations of these elements within the trail corridor. Points of interest will be identified on the basis of natural, cultural and historic subjects, including flora, fauna, geology, hydrology, railroad history, early settlements and contemporary land use issues /challenges. Final layout and design of interpretive material (including graphics, signage and brochures) is not included in this task. The Planning Team personnel and other appropriate staff will attend meetings with City and County representatives to discuss the Interpretive Program Development. 1.4 Concept Design Analysis The Planning Team shall assist in the development and evaluation of neighborhood and park connections as well as alternative trail head locations and cross - sections, with the objective of determining the most cost effective and environmentally acceptable alternatives. This task will include field investigations and preliminary design development for potential cross - sections, including the main trail corridor and potential trail spurs to nearby neighborhoods, schools, parks, and other points of interest. Also included in this task will be the evaluation of design alternatives and the development of preliminary construction cost projections for project components designed or specified by the Planning Team as detailed in the task descriptions under section 2.0 below. t The Planning Team will provide preliminary concept sketches, written recommendations and preliminary construction cost projections for use in development of the master plan. The Planning Team will attend meetings with City and County representatives to discuss the master plan report. 1.5 Public Involvement Program Support The success of any trail project is dependent on the support of the local community. The primary vehicle for garnering citizen support is an organized and consistent plan to involve the public in the planning process. The public involvement phase of the planning project must serve to encourage public participation in the planning process, expand grassroots support for the project, facilitate input on project design and development, and create visibility and recognition for the project. Establishing a system of diverse public involvement including partnerships with local organizations, citizens and businesses assures the development of a compelling vision that will be shared by all communities touched by the trail. 3 Elements of the public involvement phase for the Dadeland/South Miami Rail - Trail Master Plan include: • "� Conducting public workshops designed to incorporate citizen input at each stage of the planning process. • Comprehensive database of all local businesses and organizations within the project scope, mailing lists from local organizations, statewide groups, County contacts, agency lists and related advisory boards shall be gathered. • Development and distribution of newsletters, explaining the master plan process, providing historical reference, highlighting local perspectives on the project, providing information of the benefits of trails, and advertising public workshops and related local events. • Development of Press releases at each stage of the planning process. • Develop and conduct a Standardized interest survey within proximity to the trail corridor. • Develop an Executive summery of the master plan to portray the project and offer recommended action steps for the subsequent phases of trail development. The Planning Team in cooperation with all appropriate municipalities and organizations will help organize and facilitate a citizens advisory group (CAG) to provide local presence for the project and assist in project planning recommendations. The Planning Team shall engage in efforts to involve the general public in the project design process by providing understandable information on the location, type and appearance of proposed improvements. This task will include the creation of graphic material to illustrate the intended location, type and appearance of proposed design alternatives for the project. Such graphic material will be suitable for use as wall displays or hand -held documents. Graphic material produced may include photographs, perspective sketches, and typical plans /sections. Color images will be provided as appropriate to better display the intent of proposed design solutions. The Planning Team will provide up to Ten (10) foam -core mounted displays at 30 "x42" size (including Five (5) individual boards with one revision of each) and up to Twenty (20) pages of hand -held documents at 8.5 "x11" size for use in the public involvement program. 7 2.0 FINAL MASTER PLANNING SERVICES 2.1 Road and Bridge Crossings Design Development The Planning Team shall assist in the development of design solutions for all major roads, minor roads and canal crossing from Kendall Drive at Dadeland to Coral Way within the trail corridor. 2.2 Dadeland Trailhead Design The Planning Team shall provide complete master planning services for the development of a Trailhead facility at the Dadeland location. This facility is envisioned as containing a pavilion structure, possibly a restroom, an interpretive kiosk, parking as well as site features such as seating areas, drinking fountains, etc. This task will include program development and conceptual design for site features for all the elements noted above. 2.3 A.D. Doug Barnes Park Connection Design The Planing Team shall provide complete planning services and construction documents for development of a connection into A.D. Douglas Barnes Park. This task will include program development and conceptual design for site features (walkways, seating areas, etc.) and the aforementioned park connection. A conceptual plan for the connection will be prepared as part of this assignment. r 2.4 South Miami Sr. High School/South Miami Middle & Elementary School Connector Design The Planning Team shall provide complete planning services for development of a connection into the above noted schools. A connection is envisioned that would allow for children living in neighborhoods nearby to the trail to commute safely and conveniently to school and associated activities. Special attention will be given to working with school officials to accommodate any specials needs or concerns they may have. This task will include program development and conceptual design for an appropriate connector design. A conceptual plan for the connector area will be prepared as part of this assignment. 2.5 Trail Side Amenity Design The Planning Team shall determine the location for pre- designed trail side amenities (such as benches, trash receptacles, drinking fountains, telephones, picnic tables, picnic shelters, bike racks, air pumps, etc.) to be provided throughout the trail corridor, exclusive of such amenities to be located at specific 5 areas. Many of the trail side amenities included under this task will be installed at rest stops located at regular intervals along the trail corridor. This task will include a plan noting locations for trail side amenities discussed above, including the development of a typical site plan for trail rest stops. The Planning Team will coordinate with the City and County to discuss potential amenities selections and designs. Also included will be research to determine availability, costs, specifications and characteristics of potential amenity selections. 2.6 Signage Design Development The Planning Team shall create conceptual designs for all informational, directional, festive and educational signs to be installed in association with trail improvements. This task will include the development of drawings noting the character and hierarchy of signs. Drawings will be submitted to the City and County at the completion of this task. 2.7 Final Master Planning Cost Projections The Planning Team shall provide all applicable municipalities and organizations with construction cost projections for trail amenities and special use areas (trail heads, connectors, road crossings, bridges, etc.) at the end of the master planning process. 2.8 Final Master Planning Meetings The Planning Team shall attend meetings with City, County and School representatives and make presentations to the City and County Commissions. 4 D Y V O N st O m LO to Lri a Cl) M I N O Z U O F- P U Q W m 0 a Z G O F O U z O F- D m d' N Z O U F- U LL O 0 r 0 v o o v v 0 o 0 v, ui(000 (D M O H N 4) O o 0 0 0 V H O O O O O 9 U 0 omoo M I- O O (o O L U (M 04 0 O f0 N 00 U ) N N M a C1 U O V O O V IT O O V (n N O O N ` E- 3 O U W O N co lC d 'CD 7 V N m C •(� w O Z a Q) J m Z O 'C U d ce<0 O W O. 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V O m m p V 022 O O W C EL LL a N Z. > CL U) N oastia t00 r j J F Z W LLN O boa. lm A U U) C iL C it J F o Cliv0 p R t o .-N Lq �onm O O Q N N N aV N N N N N H F- O O O O M M M Z w W U m y inaw O O w U Z } W N Kg Q h y f/7 F- W F > a Oar? 01 c: CHARLES D. SCURR CITY MANAGER November 18, 1999 MPO Secretariat Stephen P. Clark Center 1 I1 NW First Street, Suite 910 Miami, Florida 33128 y OUfp! a AMC! {IOW{4 1!3) X10 Hi9 �• 6'��of�Io�✓l 6130 SUNSET DRIVE SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA 33143 305 / 663 -6338 FAX 663 -6345 Re: City of South Miami Application for Transportation Enhancement Funding Letter of Commitment of Matching Funds Dear MPO Members: The City of South Miami is pleased to commit its resources to a project of regional significance. The creation of a master plan for the Dadeland /South Miami Rail -Trail is the first step in transforming an unused rail corridor into a vibrant and fully functional pedestrian and bicycle path. As demonstrated in the Proposed Budget, the City of South Miami would provide in -kitid staff services, supplies and advertising. The City's total contribution would be 29.2% of the Total Project Cost. The rail corridor provides us with the opportunity to forge invaluable multimodal linkages, create a safe pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare and preserve one of the most significant linear green spaces in urbanized Miami -Dade County. I hope that we can move forward in cooperation to create an unparalleled transportation and recreation resource. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Gregory J. Oravec. Sincerely, Charles D. Scurr City Manager Mayor and City Commission 70 BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The master plan will enable and facilitate the acquisition and development of an unused railroad corridor for bicycle and pedestrian use and will include data collection; review of existing planning documents involving the corridor, such as the proposal to convert the rail corridor to passenger rail; program development conceptual design; creation of a limited number of construction drawings; cost projections for completion; and, most importantly, public involvement. The creation of the master plan is the first step in transforming an unused rail corridor into a vibrant and fully functional component of the surface transportation system. The transformation will result in a myriad of benefits to the community and transportation system, including: A New Component of the Surface Transportation System • New bicycle and pedestrian facilities would be available to users. Facilitation of Multimodal Transportation • The trail would connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, arterial roads, the Miami - Dade Bikeway and MetroRail Safety • The rail -trail would be dedicated to non - motorized traffic and would have minimum; interaction with automobiles. Recreation Opportunities • A master plan would facilitate the creation of a linear park, resulting in: • The preservation of open space. • The enhancement of open space with landscaping. 71 A UNIQUE AND IMPORTANT PROJECT The conversion of an unused FEC corridor to the Dadeland /South Miami Rail -Trail represents a singular opportunity —of the utmost importance —to provide the citizens of Miami -Dade County with an unparalleled transportation and recreation resource. Another undeveloped, relatively unadulterated, property of this size simply does not exist anywhere else in urbanized Miami - Dade County. The creation of the Rail -Trail would have the obvious benefits inherent to the creation of any such facility or linear park; however, as demonstrated in Appendix, the location of, and number of important linkages formed by, this Rail -Trail clearly make it unique. 4 12 APPENDIX L, 73 AERIAL MAP This aerial displays the rail corridor from A.D. Barnes Park on Bird Road, South to Dadeland. On the following pages, the aerial is divided into 13 panes, from North to South, in order to provide a more detailed scale. WIT IA. fit Kxy i, Sry � M1 5 F !t ' •. la F °j t s t 4 i. t• Y 1Co ' . yY x+ 3 s .. r Y 11 r } .ter ' r % Ya dy n fit, _ 7o r�, C ✓.„. .. j, ie«'., 2 x r r yY x+ 3 11 r } ' r % Ya v.� I d 5. dd t� ii f i1 _ KIWI o- r $ay''� I'r y °cis .,$.t.Ri` •s. gg wi W. .. v.� gg wi .. lcl tF .. 4, a rM r � . � it Jd • 4— .x titfS). ::::1111 is -'iii ac7+'} N'� 3.,, '- � ,. �. i;' M.�. V, „,} � 3 •. !F. 4f �'S. South NEand Middle School 6 y x • fi:Yx. SAR :. a�1 fAAA : .. • y.,•pr, � ::::1111 is r �'S. t,_ y Vr^ p w I £i yeas �, z a ai Arag WSO .,w ♦ i �h w � F+ ty �.. oil Wo RESOLUTION NO. 10 -99 -10635 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, RELATING TO MIAMI -DADE TRANSIT AGENCY (MDTA) KENDALL SR 826 CORRIDOR MAJOR INVESTMENT STUDY (MIS), OBJECTING TO THE ALIGNMENT SHOWN IN ALTERNATE 9 DUE TO ITS INCOMPATIBILITY WITH AND IMPACT ON THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE SURROUNDING RESIDENTIAL AREAS, AND STRONGLY URGING THE MIAMI -DADE COUNTY COMMISSION TO ACQUIRE THE ABANDONED FEC RIGHT -OF -WAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING A RAILS - TO- TRAILS PROJECT FOR THE ENJOYMENT AND BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the MDTA has undertaken an MIS to analyze existing and future mobility needs in the context of land use planning and economic development, and to maximize efficiencies and opportunities among various transportation modes; and, WHEREAS, a long list of alternatives review draft dated December 15, 1998, prepared for Miami -Dade Transit Agency and prepared by consultant DMJM- Miami, outlines a series of nine alternatives; and, Y WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes that a study needs to be conducted to develop and evaluate various options for a safe, efficient and, aesthetically pleasing pedestrian connection; and, ' WHEREAS, the north -south segment of Alternate 9 located along the existing FEC right -of -way located along SW 69 Avenue directly abuts the City of South Miami and South Miami Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools; and, WHEREAS, Alternate 9 will impact the welfare and safety of the students and the residents; and, WHEREAS, a transportation corridor 9 will greatly diminish the quality of values of the abutting well - established areas; and, 4 as proposed in Alternate life and the property and older residential Corridor /Major Investment Study Resolution 1 WHEREAS, contrary to the study objectives of encouraging and supporting a transit - friendly framework for future development, the alignment runs through the low density single - family residential area and has no activity generator along the corridor; and, WHEREAS, FEC right -of -way is too far to the east for the purpose of connecting the west Kendall and the Miami International Airport and the various population centers in between; and, WHEREAS, the use of FEC right -of -way and any at grade transportation system will greatly jeopardize east -west movement along the major arterials; and, WHEREAS, the residents of South Miami, in 1992, were assured of the County's effort to convert the abandoned FEC right -of -way to a recreational amenity for the benefit of the whole community; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, THAT THE MIAMI -DADE COMMISSION IS HEREBY REQUESTED: Section 1. To direct the MDTA to eliminate Alternate 9 frbm further consideration. Section 2. To direct the MDTA to emphasize the improvement of the existing transportation infrastructure, such as with a bus service, by making it faster, dependable, safe, and comfortable. Section 3. To direct the administration to explore avenues to acquire the abandoned FEC right -of -way for the enjoyment and the benefit of the whole community. Corridor /Major Investment Study Resolution 2 Resolution No. 10 -99 -10635 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of January 1999. ATTEST: qQr READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM: CITY ATTORNEY F.,w-J-T-1z*VJ5M COMMISSION VOTE: Mayor Robaina: Vice Mayor Oliveros: Commissioner Feliu: Commissioner Russell Commissioner Bethel: 5 -0 Yea Yea Yea Yea Yea Corridor /Major Investment Study Resolution 3 CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI © INTER - OFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and City Commission Date: December 30, 1998 Agenda Item #_ From: Charles D. Scurr Re: Kendall -SR 826 Corridor / Major City Manager la-fa;1 Investment Study BACKGROUND & ANALYSIS: The Miami -Dade County Transit Agency (MDTA) has undertaken a "Kendall -SR 826 Corridor Major Investment Study (MIS) ". One of the alternatives under consideration, Alternative 9, would use the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right -of -way along SW 69 "' Avenue as a corridor for mass transit. As a result of public input and overwhelming objection voiced at the November 16, 1998, Town Hall meeting, to the use of the FEC right -of -way, the attached resolution from the City of South Miami Commission to the Miami -Dade County Commission has been developed. RECOMMENDATION Your approval is recommended. attachment: I) resolution for adoption 1 Rail Ian By Sebast' del Marmol When South Miami Mayor Julio Robaina made his way to Miami -Dade County HaII Jast Thursday he'd hoped io witness the end of a r oposed plan to build a r ilway or busway path along the old Florida East Coast (FEC) railway tracks that run along the western border of the city. What he got, instead, was a extended tirade from County Commissioner Javier Souto — whose dis- trict is adjacent to South Miami — and the deferral of an action to dismiss the plan. Souto threw one of his characteristic' tantrums over what he sees as a sug- gestion to scrap a poten- tially invaluable plan over the complaints of a few self- ish homeowners. Souto and Robaina discussed the mer- a its and faults of the plan during a Metropolitan Plan- ning Organizeriion (MPO) meeting where ,the Kendall I Corridor traff({c study was discussed "It doesn't make any sense... We are a global city with 3 million people. Are we going to collapse be- c cause five people in South Miami start complaining. i No way Jose!" Souto said. The county commissioner went on to say the idea of creating a connection from the airport to the Dadeland /Kendall area by t using the tracks should get s more consideration since t traffic co estion is a o county -wide roblem. "We are on6 of the few c major cities in he county that doesn't have a con- nection to its airport," Souto said. "(The FEC tracks) go directly from the r airport to Kendall. I think it's logical to make that con- nection." t Robaina \\ untered Souto's arguments y say- f ing that consultants hired by the county itself and c still alive to dismay of city <_= South Miami Mayor Julio Robaina talks with city residents outside Miami -] Commission Chambers during a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Miami -Dade Transit Agency Director Danny Alvarez had Iready dismissed the plan to use the FEC tracks, also known as Option 9. "The consultants should be istened too and members of your own staff are (advising you) against the plan," Robaina said. Robaina also told the MPO members that a multitude of itizens had already spoken up against the plan at a meet - ng held in South Miami in December. Eventually, the MPO members decided to defer an action sponsored by County Commissioner Pedro Reboredo to remove the FEC racks proposal from a list of olutions to the traffic situa- ion until more information n the plan was available. Reboredo, whose district in- ludes all of South Miami, was noticeably absent from the meeting and could thus could not defend his action. At one point during Souto's ematks, Robaina, who had previously spoken against the plan, returned to the podium o tell the commi- +ogee that he was showing nb respect or the city and.its r`cNdents. "He ridiculed us. We won't ontinue to let us push him around," the mayor said. Elizabeth Gonzalez, a mem- ber of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) which study's the transportation plans, agreed. Gonzalez was also upset with the way Souto behaved at the meeting. "This guy went all out against us. It wasn't normal," she said. Gonzalez criticized Souto for what she consid- ered flagrant insensitivity to the concerns of residents. "He said he didn't care what 2,500 residents thought about the plan," she said. Although Souto spoke at length about the merits of using the FEC tracks for mass transit purposes, he did say that he would reserve final judgment until he heard the concerns of all residents in the area, not just South Mi- ami homeowners whose prop- erty abuts the tracks. "I have respect (for the city) but I have to think about all the residents in the county," Souto said, "I dor t care if the mayor is here. I don't care if there were five mayors here. It just doesn't make sense to eliminate the plan at this point." Robaina had hoped that Sebastian dal W mol last. week. more residents would show up for the MPO meeting to voice their concerns but un- derstood the turnout be- cause the MPO r�t'eeting had been resched�rjjed several times. f' After the meeting, the mayor huddled with nu- merous residents who had attended the meeting to dis- cuss the city's situation. "The move to defer (Reboredo's) item was pa- thetic and terriblp. If the railroad tracks ere in Souto's backyard I wonder how he'd feel about she situ- ation," Robaina said. The mayor went on to say that it was time for resi- dents to get tough and show Souto where he needs to stand on the issues He urged the residents o recruit more indivi ;,pals to show up the next time the issue would be discussed. Gonzalez said that she had personally greated and distributed ,hupfdreds of fly- ers inforrrifiig residents about the MPO meeting only to find out that the meeting had been resched- uled. "That's why nobody showed up," she said. It 0 L�7 O b O m` +O 'U O ' n y O ' D N C. 4 no O C Od s n .42 O 49 v (<D my N 1p• C �' m p OV b rti N m }�• M •J .mwp ° `<'0.0+ C O C aN7°m P7 m m n° •�ae`+�' m m•o ::. " MO o• cSmOa<m y d N y ("d y CZ pa (a O !Y� �y 7 m m m Cp mo � � w'a � a$ `C C`<`< odEm op Q S(7 CL oAO•�oH°F'oi'nF'boy05m� mob= y N ° .O 0.0 m 00 O 3 3 dOr 0, 7 � m <R� m d 'm dob �nm o x7Nmv�ybM °drd o y w p em'* o is M a !f • •! ts m^J. y 2_0 V.. Gw °C"•n �"'� Sy °° <�mm °aoa9m 7yn�� b O nn 5•Mm �! limit, m M mtl0 b o 5'7R o m m ti w o y�. %D �p wmm °m?p1'U "ON °U1r`<�p S('i�r� ►''• 00 H ow Faso a mo C7. M 0 CD (`?� .w,.� m ."". ° c. a °�, y C a n m o .roam o m N• m a C ❑' y �, a,., o m .� .y dciM Q y N p m n� R' O crN m ►+. A V co y!f. C N b _ d o r P c`. N a N d m N r'! m Ty y H.. • _' p' ,b aq < y S O �y'p �a0 �w °NS's wdNO ° (�+• �� m mm n.0 �9� m.$ E5 0 q14 cr �v" s° o C m m w �'5 " Boa o'�, 9 w o n or m co MOM mmp)aqo _ o 0, r o ° S .+ r. n < c. ny R7 V1 "y o' .wC �m `< " m om "" Q N S �n•NO m1SO .7 Nam p .y(<p p,y n yy w9 N Y N "W. S.S. Q.w M .m.( ° O w n N "p da lo m °.w m•m -m5 w sw x 0 1�• A W on 'y ry N w S m �a0 d �. u W S00 S W F N Q' F y F�mn0 wmxo ' °mw r - ro x d m x=m rM yy N O O N M (o m W, ° CD n51- �•m m -nC�m m° m w m i my. °•^ o Cam] vii ffeeileias gets c►oae u view of FEC s S f r� W a LJ rn rn ti m *racks controversy By Sebastian del Mdrmo! Earlier this week, in a com- reversal of position, Souto plete About loo people joined Mi- withdrewhissupportfortheFEC ami -Dade Mayor Alex Penelas, track proposal because of com- County Commissioner Pedro Reboredo and South Miami munity pressure. "I had requested thatthe study Mayor Julio Robaina last week FEC of this corridor not be eliminated because I honestly ; or a walking tour of the d tracks where a contro- prematurely felt that this was the only mass railro versial plan would create a rail- transit rail project that was real - istically achievable and afford - way or busway from Dadeland to Miami International Airport able to link (the metrorail)... to (MIA) one of the busiest airports in the Robaina bad invited the county for the tour to try and world," Souto said. After polling residents area mayor garner support against the plan. residents, however, Souto real- ized that the FEC tracks plan rhe city mayor was satisfied that the tour persuaded'Penelas and another plan to extend rail - against the use of the tracks for way down Kendall Drive was not mass transit. "Penelas said that he was com- what the public wanted. "The voters, taxpayers and mitted to stop any further action on the tracks, "{Robaina said. residents... have expressed their sentiments loud and clear and as Juan Mendieta, a spokesper- Son for Penelas, confirmed the their electedrepresentative, I am withdrawingmy proposal regard- county mayor's support of the ing, the premature termination of on light rail along the city's position and assured resi- dents that no plan to use the a study existing rail road tracks on the track He also said that Penelas as- FEC," he said. "Ibis feels like a victory for the sured him that he would work with city, county and federal offs- city;' Robaina said, of Souto's re- versal. "He's withdrawing be- cials to try and get funds for a program that would convert the cause of community opposition:' In other news, the South Mi- tracks into an open green space. Although cityofficials and resi- ami City Commission decided to further delay approval of the vehemently protested any BacardVrheater development at their Tuesday night. IIdents consideration to use tracks as a path for a mass transit system, meeting Last week, the commission and despite recommendations decided to defer approval of the after residents questioned against the plan by hired consult- ants, the county's Metropolitan project whether the city's Planning De- 'lanning Organization has not partment had followed the ap- it nixed the plan from consider- propriate procedures concerning citizen approval for _.,ion in large part because of ef- forts by County Commissioner air rights and the project. Attorney George Javier Souto. David, who lives down the street from the subject property, told Responding to the public out- cry against the plan, Reboredo, commissioners that the applica- whose district includes South tion process neglected to consider Miami, had sponsored an action to eliminate the FEC Tracks plan, ' air-rights issues involving a pro - posedbridgeconnectingparking also known as Option 9, from fur- lots on the development. ther study and consideration. Robaina said that the citizens' Reboredo's action was initially concerns could not be properly deferred from an MPO meeting addressed in time for Tuesday's two months ago after Souto ada- meetingin large partbecause City mantly argued for further study Attorney Earl Gallop was still the plan. out of town. s S f r� W a LJ rn rn ti m About loo area residents joined `. South. Miami Mayor Julio Robaina and Miami -Dade Mayor Alex Penelas in a Saturday afternoon walk along anaban -.- doned stretch of Florida East Coast Railroad tracks, which appears headed towards becoming a recreation area. The one -mile walk from Sunset Drive to Miller Road initially was billed as a fact - fording stroll by Robaina when he invited Penelas to view the area that had been proposed for a light -rail com- muter line. liowever, Miami -Dade Commissioner Javier Some unexpectedly withdrew the controversial proposal in the face of heave opposition from home - owners with property abutting the rail - read tracks. Many homeowners living along the railroad path greeted ur? group - which iIncluded a sympathetic Miami -Dade Commissioner Pedro Rcboredo, the Public Land Trust's Brenda Marshall and several other county and city officials - with protest signs urging that the trans - portation project be scrapped. Robaina said the plan to turn tine rail- www.communitynewspapers.com recreational area was, niscubscu v u Mayor Penclas during the walk and received a positive response:. "I've heard a lot of great ideas today about exercise paths, walkways, horse -. back riding that apparently takes place here, things of that nature; said Mayor Penelas when it was his turn to address the crowd. "As you took at the broader pic- ture of trying to enhance the transporta- tion system, it is an appropriate use of money to enhance neighborhoods. That's why part of the plan that I've presented - and will be presenting to the public later this month - includes money for "green - ways" development. So, . there could be funds that we could use as a local match to begin the process of planning how we could turn this into something that the entire community would agree,with." As the crowd cheered, Penclas told his audience tAat while he believes it ns imperative that MelruRail and rail trans- portation be developed to sen ice all of Miami -Dade, his preference was that in this pan of the county the system should be built either on the Palmetto Expressway or Florida Turnpike corridors. Palmetto and the'llrmpike;'satl Penelas, '. "where Ibelieve it makes: more sense,.: where you can build a system that does - not affect neighborhoods." 1:. Penelas called the county's trans- portation system "horrible' and said it needs fixing. But, he said, we must grow and progress on a countywide basis and his responsibility is to look out for the progress of the entire county. "we can progress, we can grow, we can bring the very necessary transporta- tion improvements to a community like ours - which has become the third most congested in America - but we can do it without destroying neighborhoods;' Penclas said "I want each of you to know that irre- spective of what does or doesn't happen with the transportation Planning, I'm going to support neighborhoods - Ibe always had a strong track record of sup- porting neighborhoods - while at the same time supporting the overall macro - vision of this county, which also has to be spoken for. And, I think we can do both things at the sonic lime."