Commute Times Reduced on US 1

Enacting most of the major transportation improvements envisioned in the County’s “SMART plan” will take several years.  That’s time that South Dade residents don’t have to sit in ever worsening traffic.  So, I have been advocating short-term and mid-term solutions while we work on the longer term fix.

A major element of that short-term fix came on line last month with the overhaul of the Traffic Management Center.  Now major intersections in the County can be monitored in real-time and traffic signals can be adjusted based on observed conditions.  New signal controllers will be installed in the nearly 3,000 traffic lights in the County. I have assurances from the Mayor that US1 and the Transitway will be a priority. In the immediate term, I have been pressing county staff to adjust the signal timing on US1. The changes enacted along US1 between Coral Reef Drive and Marlin Road have chipped away at the rush hour back-up a little – 5 minutes in each direction and reduced the worst of rush-hour by about an hour according to Florida Department of Transportation data.

Delivering Policy Solutions

Here are some of the highlights from the last few weeks at the Board of County Commissioners (BCC):

• This month the Board of County Commissioners will finalize the County budget. I am pushing for a fair share for South Dade, including more police, litter removal and restoration of services like a permitting and tax collection office in South Dade. I am also asking that we do more to restore resources for parks programs, boost mosquito control efforts and increase cultural grants.
• Show me the money: As chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Fiscal Priorities Committee I facilitated a recent meeting to discuss funding for transit. The committee is considering some potential sources of revenue. For example, we are exploring seeking flexibility from the Florida Department of Transportation following a model being used in Orlando.
• The Commission recently approved funding for upgrades of both SW 137 Ave and SW 328 St. These upgrades will include bike lanes, sidewalks and street lighting.

First budget hearing on September 8

Tell us your suggestions by emailing [email protected] or calling 305-378-6677/305-375-5218.

Upcoming Policy Solutions

• Final budget hearing: Please make your voice heard on the budget by attending the final public hearing on September 22 at 5 pm at the Stephen P. Clark Center (111 NW 1 St) in the commission chambers on the 2nd floor. If you cannot attend in person, you may always contact your commissioner.
• #WaterWarrior in action: My legislation banning fracking in Miami-Dade passed in committee and is moving forward for a final vote in October.  This ordinance will protect our community from aggressive gas and oil extraction techniques that could pollute our groundwater.
• Shine the light: My legislation creating an easy system for the public to sign up for zoning applications and agenda information by email, which will make government more transparent and accessible, will go to committee in October. 
• I continue to push for reforms that will make opening or expanding a small business easier.  I am advancing legislation that would get the Water & Sewer Department and the Beacon Council to partner in promoting a program to small businesses that spreads the Water & Sewer connection costs over time instead of having to pay it all up-front.

Enroll in the Green Schools Challenge

To make a greener South Miami-Dade, I partnered with Dream in Green to recruit District 8's K-12 schools for the flagship environmental education program, Green Schools Challenge. This dynamic program encourages students to complete hands-on, monthly challenge activities that save energy and water for the school while also teaching the school community about the links between energy, water, waste, the environment, climate change and community sustainability.

I encourage all schools in District 8 to enroll in the program. Teachers are invited to participate in the professional development training on September 17 at TERRA Environmental Research Institute to receive materials and guidance on how to implement the program. I will be one of the guest speakers at the event, talking about climate change and policy.

Great in 8 Profile: Thomas Comerford

Thomas Comerford is one of the engaged residents keeping it great in District 8. Although he was born south of Grinnell, Iowa on a corn and livestock farm, Tomhas been living in Miami for the past 44 years where he has made his mark. The former altar boy is a co-founder of the Sacred Heart Outreach Center, which helps poor families in South Dade. He puts his Catholic faith into political action, for example lobbying in Tallahassee during Catholic Days. He also serves on the Board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. The husband, father and grandfather says, "God has blessed me abundantly."