South Miami officials will begin a weeklong series of meetings with county officials -- sessions dubbed the Northside Charrette -- on June 2 to discuss planning and zoning for the city's northern and western borders.

Often described as "a patchwork quilt of city and county property," the one-square-mile area under scrutiny is bounded on the north and south by Bird and Miller Roads, and on the west by Ludlam Road.

"Everyone will work together to come up with a consensus as to how the space should develop over the coming years," said Dan McCrea, Northside Charrette coordinator. "We need to build a sound plan for a solid community."

The Northside Charrette will begin with a ceremonial and historical session at Hope Lutheran Church, 6330 SW 40 Street. Officials will meet again the following day at David Fairchild Elementary, 5757 SW 45 St., then return to Hope Church on June 9 for a public presentation of their findings.

A charrette is a method of planning through a series of meetings designed to look at complex issues. It provides a forum for ideas and allows for immediate feedback to planners, while giving people interested in the project a voice in the planning.

"We have found the charrette process to be a very efficient way of bringing different views together," said McCrea

The Northside Charrette has been called for participation by both residents and businesses located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of South Miami.