The Village of Pinecrest today officially has a main street.

Acting on a resolution by State Representative John Cosgrove, the Florida Legislature has co-designated a stretch of South Dixie Highway from Snapper Creek to SW 136th Street as the Pinecrest Parkway.

"The people of the Village of Pinecrest asked that we honor the community with this action," said Rep. Cosgrove. "It is a nice gesture for a nice community and I am very glad to be involved with this legislation. I am also very proud to serve the people of Pinecrest."

Dedication ceremonies were held Wednesday, July14, and a plaque commemorating the new designation was erected at SW 136th Street and US 1. Additional markers soon will go up along the highway at 104th Street and at North Kendall Drive.

"It’s good for Pinecrest to have this designation," said Village Councilman Robert Hingston. "People are always asking where the Village of Pinecrest begins. Now, they’ll know."

Councilman Leslie Bowe said the new name will draw people’s attention to the Pinecrest commercial district.

"It is a very positive step for Pinecrest," said Councilman Bowe. "This will create a sense of community identity."

Sidewalks and curbing under construction

There are numerous sidewalks and curbing projects under way in the Village of Pinecrest.

Most prominent is the new sidewalk that has been poured on the south side of 117th Street, stretching from the Pinecrest Parkway to 72nd Avenue.

"This sidewalk is being installed primarily for the safety of Palmetto High School students who walk from the highway to school along 117th Street," said Public Works Director Michael Estok.

The Public Works Department is also installing curbing and reconfiguring the swale for better drainage at 120th Street, between 72nd and 74th Avenues across from Palmetto Senior High School.

Village Hall

The development of the Pinecrest Municipal Center at the Dadeland Professional Building, 9655 Pinecrest Parkway (S. Dixie Highway), is moving ahead. If all goes according to plan, an architect will be selected later this month and notice will be given in September for tenants in the building to vacate the property.

The village is slated to close on the property in October, while completion of plans and specifications is set for November. Bids for the project also will be let in November.

Renovation and construction for the new center is slated to begin in January and, if all goes according to schedule, the village will move city hall to the new location in December, 2000.

Parks Update

Land clearing for the new Pinecrest Park is about 90 percent complete, although Florida Power & Light still has not removed its power poles.

FP&L says it will have the poles down and cut up within two weeks.

A final review of plans for the park is scheduled for late August or early September.

Suniland Park adds parking