Although, this month’s council meeting was comparatively short, ending at 9:00 P.M., it was informative.

Kendall Toyota
I was surprised to learn that Republic Industries, had negotiated a deal on Kendall Toyota that returned ownership of the dealership back to its original owners. Mayor Greer told the council that the "new-prior" owners have met with Village officials to discuss future expansion plans. As you may know, Kendall Toyota/Lexus, under both owners, has been trying to expand for several years. In light of overzealous past expansion efforts, it was refreshing to learn that initial discussions have left the Village with the impression that the next expansion effort will be more realistic and in better proportion to the surrounding area.

Tree Planting
Many of you may have noticed that the street landscaping project is progressing nicely 82nd avenue; the most recently completed street, looks great. For those who wondered why the trees were planted, only to be removed and replaced a few days later, you’ll be delighted to know someone is making sure the Village gets what it pays for. Public works foreman Gary Krackenberger, found that nearly 75% of the planted trees did not meet the speculations of the bid. Therefore, he required they be removed and replaced with the proper size trees. Four additional streets, 104th, 120th, 128th and 60th avenue have been approved and bid out. The 120th street landscaping project will include (the much needed) planting of trees on the school property Palmetto High School. The area surrounding the school is also slated for some long over due sidewalks.

Park Update
Miami-Dade County Mayor, Penelas has signed the deeds to transfer ownership of Coral Pine, Wayside and Suniland to the Village of Pinecrest, however the final transfer has not yet taken place. Nevertheless, plans for the imminent transfer are well underway. The Village has hired several park personnel and discussions on park improvements are under way. Suniland park, is the first park slated for improvements, mainly because money has been set aside by the safe neighborhood bond issue for renovations of this park. Unrelated to taking over the park, the Village has been investigating a solution to the long existing parking problem at Suniland. The most viable solution is to purchase the property behind Commercial Bank between 130th and 132nd street. After initially rejecting the Village’s offer on the property, the Commercial Bank has accepted, and the property is now set to close this summer. The Village’s intention is to close 130th street where it meets the property on 84th Avenue. This will serve to alleviate the neighborhood traffic and parking concerns, while also creating continuity between the parking lot and the park, (no street to cross) making it user friendly.

My husband is always trying to coax me into writing something lighthearted, so this one’s for him: Soon finding Pinecrest will be easier for those unfamiliar with the area. On June 11th Governor Jeb Bush (former Pinecrest resident) at the request of representative John Cosgrove, signed a decree creating—— PINECREST PARKWAY—— South Dixie highway from Kendall Drive to Howard Drive (136th Street) will be renamed Pinecrest Parkway. So I will let you figure out this one——- if for short we refer to South Dixie Highway as US1, what do you think our children will call the Pinecrest Parkway? Dedication ceremony will be held July 13th , and new signs will be put up shortly thereafter.

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