The plans to turn the Dadeland area, as it is known to most area residents, into downtown Kendall was farcical to me when I first thought about the concept. Logically, most people think of a downtown as being centrally located, providing the hub of a community. Downtown Kendall at Dadeland is not in any way central for residents of Kendall.

A more accurate presentation of what is being planned for the area can be found in the mission statement adopted by the Kendall Council of Chamber South an intense use of space that serves as a model of urban infill development.

After reviewing an eight page booklet of the Downtown master plan created by the "Charrette" my initial reaction is that this plan will not serve as a model of urban infill and that perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it a "charade". I encourage everyone to call Chamber South (305 661-1621) and request a copy. While, I understand the need, and support the deceleration of "westward ho" (urban sprawl towards the Everglades), I do not believe the answer is to intensely develop other areas in unreasonable ways. What prompts me to suggest a charade is that the entire eight page booklet illustrates a concrete jungle of low rise buildings between the Snapper Creek canal and Kendall Drive. However, the first parcel, Dadeland Junction, formerly the site of Williamson Cadillac to be integrated as part of the plan is totally out of scale with all of the photos and drawings in the booklet, not to mention the rest of the area, both existing and purposed. Dadeland Junction, in no way depicts an urban center that is reflective of its suburban surroundings.

I applaud commissioner Katy Sorenson, who is quoted in the booklet supporting the Charretts concept of planned development, but was the lone vote in opposition to Dadeland Junction. The 39 story building, which with the addition of a 160 foot antenna would make it as tall as the Washington Monument. I agree with commissioner Sorenson, it is not the development that is opposed, but the tactics.

Almost a week after learning the details of this project I have gotten over the initial outrage that immediately prompted me to create an outline for this column, with questions about intensified traffic, the inadequacies of both our roads and public transportation. Questions regarding, which already over crowded school would the children in the "tower" and new, densely rebuilt condominiums attend? (Attention all developers, the Charrette’s master plan also calls for all the apartments behind Dadeland, to be razed and rebuild as taller more dense condominiums and apartments.) And are they out of their mind to suggest that Kendall Drive be renamed Kendall Boulevard after it is reduce to two lanes? What about the long term availability of clean water for all of Miami-Dade County, and how about quality of life, and increased traffic for surrounding residents and neighborhoods? How could the commission consider reducing the amount of trees required? However, now that the anger subsided, I feel sad and discussed.

Sad for this county whose leadership is so governed by the good old boy network and the mighty dollar. If you can afford the best lobbyist you do not have to concern yourself with the ordinances, variances are a mere formality.

Disgusted, because while the Charrette’s plan, conceptually, has some interesting ideas. It is pedestrian friendly, it calls for transforming the canal behind Dadeland, into a premium waterfront environment by enhancing the existing right- of-way, transforming it into a green way that can be used by the neighbors as a park are all positive changes for the area. However, the fact is that the County Commission has a shoddy track record of sticking to plan and in my opinion has again demonstrated poor judgement by quickly approving a massive project with little attention given to important details.

I can be reached at 305-666-7969 or via fax, 305-666-8487.

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