Thursday, October 4, 2007

we will prevail!


the Consortium To Save Hidden Lake Park

12590 SW 128 Street

mia, fl 33186

786 201 1415

To: Miami Dade County Board of County Commissioners:

Barbara J. JordanDistrict 1,Dorrin D. Rolle, District 2, Audrey Edmonson,

District 3, Sally A. Heyman, District 4, Bruno A. Barreiro, District 5,

Rebeca Sosa, District 6,Carlos A. Gimenez, District 7, Katy Sorenson,

District 8, Dennis C. Moss, District 9 Javier D. Souto, District 10, Joe A. Martinez, District 11, José "Pepe" Diaz, District 12 Natacha Seijas, District

13

From: The Consortium to Save Hidden Lake

Re: AB at Hidden Lake Ltd, LLLP, Modification of Condition #2 of Resolution CZAB11-9-98, lying west of S.W. 127 Avenue between S.W. 128 Street and S.W. 132 Street, Miami, Dade, Florida

Dear Fellow Citizens,

In that the CC11 vote was affirmative, we herreby submit this our preliminary draft of a request for appeal.
Hear our humble supplication and plea. THIS IS FOREVER! LET'S GET IT RIGHT!
Why can't the CC require Adrian Builders to set aside a couple of acres for foundations to purchase at the price he paid (or the appraised county valuation rate)... for a vita course, doggie park, and jogging path around the lake? This scenario would enhance his campus. Why can't the county provide liability insurance for this purpose?
* As Rep Zapata wrote so conscientiously (see blog link below), CC11 had the discretion of reversing the earlier zoning decision, based upon changes that have occured in the immediate area. Now the Miami Dade Commission MUST SEE FIT TO SHOW AND TELL THE WORLD THAT IT DOES NOT PANDER TO GREEDY DEVELOPERS AD INFINITUM!
* In view of the AWFUL and DREADFUL traffic on two lane 128 St and two lane 127 Av, the office buildings should be scaled down to two story instead of three story edifices.
The Consortium to Save Hidden Lake, a citizen’s action committee, wishes to address concerns regarding the above named property with respects to Request #2 on Parcels “A” and “C” as follows:

-- The property is located across from the Nixon Smiley High Pine (Global Releaf) Preserve (rock pine preserve)

-- The property contains a large rock lime pit that has acted as a catch basin for water run-off in the area.

-- This is a modification to a plan made several years ago and we are concerned that recent developments to the area, in combination with potentially environmentally sensitive issues, may indicate that further study.

Background:

-- Since the time that the original application for this property was approved, there are several changes in the area. In specific, there have been no less than twelve shopping centers and office buildings. We will submit a complete list of centers along with their acreage at the hearing (Publix, ABC Liquor, and the one West of Publix, plus some of the newer strip centers and drive through fast food restaurants) with the full and proper names and addresses of these.

-- A new, significant shopping center is being built this year, e.g. WMD London Square, located at S.W. 120 Street and S.W. 137 Avenue, Miami, Dade, Florida (40.68 acres)

-- To support development in the area, roads have been or will be widened-- these will be delineated at our hearing.

In light of the request for modification by the applicant, and the significant changes made to the original application, we are requesting the following:

A. That an environmental study be completed to ensure that the Nixon Smiley Preserve will not be compromised by further development and the resulting interruption of the watershed of the immediate area.

B. That any studies or approvals from D.E.R.M. be revisited based upon current conditions and in consideration of present requirements to ensure proper drainage of the subject property and affected areas.

C. and, in the event “A” or “B” have been completed to the satisfaction of the board, that a condition in the form of a covenant to restrict future filling of the lake be accepted by the applicant in order to gain approval so that the water-related characteristics of the property and surrounding areas be preserved.

It is so clear that regarding the meaningfulness of Hidden Lake to the residents as a beloved diamond in the rough, the


CC11 should have turned this application down and allowed it to be polished for the enjoyment of future generations. We the people had hoped and prayed that we
would prevail for the "little park that could."
So, technically,we have not lost yet.
To that end, here are some thoughts --
1. Environmental study . The Dade County Comprehensive Master Plan has a published list of protected plants and animals. The inspector will be looking for those to ensure that
a. None of the listed plants or animals are on the property
b. None are present in the surrounding areas where they might be affecting by the building (or filling of the lake)
Woodlawn Cemetery was prevented from building or developing a parcel of land about 10 years back. If the findings support our cause, copies of the actual report are to be presented to the BCC and we will assert that development of the property is in violation of the DCMP. In light of the fact that the public wants a park and Mr. Adrian deserves to receive financial benefit for the land he has purchased but can't develop, we are suggesting that the land be purchased by the county as an extension to the preserve.
Read this one more time!
In light of the fact that the public wants a park and Mr. Adrian deserves to receive financial benefit for the land he has purchased but can't develop, we are suggesting that the land be purchased by the county as an extension to the preserve.
2. DERM - the requirements for site preparation and drainage have changed recently. What is happening is that we are over developing, and the storm drains cannot accommodate all the water. It became evident that we needed to beef up the excavation practices for new development to prevent this. Thus, it is important that projects are built so that water can percolate into the ground and not run off to roads and neighboring properties. This benefits the environment (recharge) and also prevents flooding. Because Adrian Builders is greatly changing from the original plans,it MUST be required to meet current standards with respect to site preparation and drainage. CSHLP would assert that there is a lake and a preserve near by and that has been and will be lots of non-permeable surfaces in the area (i.e., three large shopping centers in the area and the new Costco plaza coming). These constitute a substantial environmental impact to the area. This truly could be a flooding issue. I am far from being a zoning expert - but we should check this out. At the least, let us get added acreage of public park access with landscaping enhancements in the form of berms (which are beautiful). We unequivocally demand a covenant slapped on there to prevent future fill of the lake to protect the surrounding areas from flooding and to promote recharge of water in the vacinity.
Sincerely yours,

Richard & David Freer, CoChairs

CSHLP

PS

WE WISH TO REBUT SOME STATEMENTS PRINTED IN YP'S ARTICLE.

PEEL THE LAYERS OF THE ONION SO TO SPEAK TO LEARN THE REAL STORY UNDERLYING THIS!

WEST KENDALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Hidden Lake development approved

Posted on Wed, Oct. 03, 2007

By YUDY PINEIRO

ypineiro@MiamiHerald.com

After months of controversy, a developer's zoning request to allow warehouses, offices and shops on land at Hidden Lake in West Kendall was approved Tuesday after some of the parcel's neighbors turned out to support the development.

It was a surprise twist to a monthslong saga, because many of those neighbors had previously opposed the request. New faces at the West Kendall Community Council meeting Tuesday also gave the thumbs up to the project at Southwest 128th Street and 127th Avenue.

Hearing the newfound support, the council approved developer Adrian Builders' request by a 6-1 margin. Lone dissenter Beatriz Suarez sided with staff's recommendation, which recommended denial of the 270,000 square-foot project's 31,000 square-foot retail component. The land had been zoned for industrial and office use.

In an attempt to appease neighbors, the developer agreed to enhancements, including planting native trees, constructing a lighted pathway for public use around the lake and adding gazebos for picnickers. ("throwing crumbs" which are absurdly inconsequential!)

Adrian Builders also agreed not to fill the lake for at least five years -- about the time the project will take to build -- or until such plans are discussed with neighbors. (it is outrageous for the owner to even utter the words fill the lake --

Those concessions appeased all but one (this is blatantly incorrect!) staunch opponent of the proposed development, who for months fought alongside a few others to preserve the land as a park but was faced with several hurdles, the biggest of which was the lack of money to buy it from the developer.

Richard Freer (speaking on behalf of thousands of local residents)

felt the land, which is surrounded by a water-filled rock pit (is this wording reversed?),

was better fit for a park because for decades it been used as one -- albeit illegally.

West Kendall families and teenage friends picnicked, boated and hung out at the site,

which in later years attracted illegal dumpers, criminals and drug-users.

(Showing how unresponsive MD Parks has been then and now to unmet needs!!!)

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.
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Monday, October 1, 2007

10-2-2007

CC11 and fellow citizens,


West Kendall is among the fastest growing areas in the State of Florida. As a result of this rapid growth, there has been a ground swell of citizens who are concerned about decisions being made in our community that impact the quality of life, property values, environmental concerns, traffic, and local commerce.


The CSHLP is a citizen’s action committee formed to address the specific concerns of a particular development Hidden Lake Executive Offices proposed by Adrian Builder.

We submit to you our formal position on issues being raised regarding the above application:

1. There are plenty of "available" signs in the area. The real estate market is in trouble. We need this HLP preserved!

2. There is a nature preserve (the Nixon Smiley global re-leaf preserve) opposite this property located at 128 Street from 127 to 132 Avenues. We are requesting that consideration for wildlife to made and request that the builder employ the services of an environmentalist such as Diana Marmorstein, and submit that report for review to the Community Council prior to approval of this project. We will furnish a list of qualified individuals if so desired.

If they find an endangered species of plant or animal, the project must be shelved.

3. Miami Dade County is experiencing a two year drought. It is important to preserve green space to facilitate drainage and water recharge of the Biscayne aquifer. Concurrently, residents are asking for a park element to be incorporated into this project to include (a list of requests is available). We assert that these requests will improve the aesthetic of the property, which can benefit the developer as well as the community. We also assert that these requests parallel certain DCMP objectives.

4. We feel that it will draw the wrong types of businesses into our community. The use of covenants does not completely protect the community from future use (i.e., change of plans, change of ownership and/or demolition and rebuild.)


5. There needs to be a REAL TRAFFIC ANALYSIS STUDY presented to the CC11.

The Consortium to Save Hidden Lake, therefore, respectfully requests that you consider the following requests when reviewing this application. We would be happy to work directly with Mr. Adrian on improving this project by setting aside 2 acres for sale at the price originally paid for a public use parkand will wish to embrace him as a partner in improving our neighborhood.


If you have any questions, please contact us.

Sincerely yours, RHF





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exhortation

the Consortium To Save Hidden Lake Park

12590 SW 128 Street

mia, fl 33186

786 201 1415

Dear Fellow Citizens,

Hear our humble supplication and plea. THIS IS FOREVER! LET'S GET IT RIGHT! If the CC vote is affirmative, let's appeal. Then let's retain an attorney and litigate.
Why can't the CC require Adrian Builders to set aside a couple of acres for foundations to purchase at the price he paid (or the appraised county valuation rate)... for a vita course, doggie park, and jogging path around the lake? This scenario would enhance his campus. Why can't the county provide liability insurance for this purpose?
* As Rep Zapata wrote so conscientiously, the CC has the discretion of reversing the earlier zoning decision, based upon changes that have occured in the immediate area.
* In view of the AWFUL and DREADFUL traffic on two lane 128 St and two lane 127 Av, the office buildings should be scaled down to two story instead of three story edifices.
Cordially,
Richard Freer
CoChair
CSHLP

WEST KENDALL

Decision time on lakefront plan

The West Kendall Community Council is scheduled to again take up Tuesday the contentious application to develop the property surrounding Hidden Lake.

BY YUDY PINEIRO

ypineiro@MiamiHerald.com

After months of community activists lobbying elected officials and organizations for help in preserving Hidden Lake as a park, the battle over what to do with the lakefront property will come to a head Tuesday at a West Kendall Community Council meeting.

Developer Adrian Builders wants to build office condos, warehouses and stores along the vacant property at Southwest 128th Street and Southwest 127th Avenue that is surrounded by a water-filled rock pit, where families and teenagers have gathered for years.

Nearby commercial property and homeowners who say the history-rich land is fit for a park embarked on a campaign this summer to save at least a slice of it.

The Consortium to Save Hidden Lake Park, as the activists have dubbed their group, has received support from State Rep. Juan C. Zapata, who represents the area, and organizations like the Sierra Club.

But the group has struggled to raise money to buy the property off the developer.

''There's about a 20 percent chance that these foundations and all these people will win, but my troops are out there slugging with all these agencies,'' said Richard Freer, co-chairman of the consortium.

Today the Hidden Lake property sits vacant but for a few patches of grass, surrounded by a residential development, other vacant properties and office condos. It sits in an area flooded with traffic, and what residents say is an unnecessary amount of offices.

But just a few years ago, hundreds of families picnicked and boated there. At night, teenagers parked and lit bonfires there. The lake also had a shadier past -- as an illegal dump site, the scene of sometimes-deadly crimes and a popular drug-peddling spot.

Activists claimed victory in September after council members cast a tied vote on the contentious application, forcing the council to delay the decision until Tuesday. They felt it bought them some time to negotiate with the developer. That has proved fruitless.

Javier Vazquez, an attorney for developer Adrian Builders, remains firm in his stance that his client's plans are better than those approved in 1998, which include a hotel.

He also said they've already compromised by providing a walkway around the lake, granting public access and agreeing to plant native trees and restrict warehouse uses.

The deciding vote could be cast by Vice Chairman Miguel Cervera, who was absent for the 3-3 vote on Sept. 5. The council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Arvida Middle School, 10900 SW 127th Ave.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

Re story of Mon, Aug. 27, 2007

W. Kendall residents launch campaign to save Hidden Lake Park ...those who recall the good times at Hidden Lake in West Kendall are trying to stop the memories from getting washed away by concrete.

HEALTH FOUNDATION Of So Fla
Attn.: Shari Gantman
In that we want to negotiate a last ditch compromise re HLP, we are attempting to obtain funding for a VITA COURSE AND JOGGING PATH around HLP, and we feel that a nomination for a $25,000 - 500,000. grant is appropriate for this unmet need. We are asking the MD Parks Dept. to fund the premium cost for liability insurance coverage, additionally.
Hereafter is some background info.
Thank you for your cooperation!
RF

.

If Mr. Adrian will dedicate a chunk of the property (2 acres) surrounding Hidden Lake to a park, and be repaid what he paid for it, it would definitely complement the Preserve across the street. In addition, a walk bike jog path around the perimeter would be in order.

What about the fact that landowners who make gifts of conservation easements or who sell conservation easements are eligible for state-level tax benefit? It is excessive to ask $20.+ psf!

With the Nixon-Smiley Preserve fenced in, it is not accessible to the public. Is it considered one of the 255 “Parks” in the repertoire of Parks in Miami-Dade? It is a preserve for Nature, and, Green Space, which is important.

More traffic, more Industrial, more Office, etc, though, is not in the best interest for preserving anything more than the trees and vegetation behind the fence of this “park”. When was the last time anyone saw what would be considered “wildlife” native to this area in this area?

It is FANTASTIC that they are supporting the effort to turn this area into a Park…hopefully, a public enjoyed park. Hopefully, if we at least manage to get the Council to “defer” approving Adrians plans for the area, that will be Huge for the effort. This could then buy us some time to, hopefully, appropriate all the necessary funds to make a Real offer to Adrian to “purchase” the property???

This beloved spot has been a favorite of South Dade residents for many decades!

The Council was notified that the local residents are in contact with various foundations regarding the purchase of the Hidden Lake and county and state agencies regarding the making of a public park to augment the high pine preserve on the north side of SW 128 St. from 127 Av to 132 Av.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

FINAL POW WOW FRAUGHT WITH CONTENTIOUS JAW BONING!

THE CONSORTIUM TO SAVE HIDDEN LAKE PARK
* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FINAL POW WOW FRAUGHT WITH CONTENTIOUS JAW BONING!
On the evening of 9-18-07 Richard Freer and Trish Marsiano, Co Chairs, CSHLP, along with a resident of Tuscany Village, met with the developer Al Adrian and his attorney J Vazquez at the office of Tim Hyman, just west of HLP.
Later Prof. Freer said that "although AA is courteous and professional, he is willing to compromise only insofar as selling off a cheunk at TOP DOLLAR ($22. PSF) as to a provision for a public access park area, large or small. He will consider filling in more of the lake aftrer five years. He intends to max out the amount of (3 story!) office retail and warehouse space, despite 'for lease' signs on vacant properties along 128 St and 137 Av!"
"However there is a huge impetus from the thousands of families who treasure the history of picnic pleasures and boating blasts for several decades to get the Dade Parks Dept to come up with liability insurance etc. and foundations to pay for some of the land 1-2 acres for public access!!!"

"Already traffic on two lane 128 Street and 127 Av is a blank blank NIGHTMARE!!!"
"THE MOST INTERESTING THING IS THAT A STATE REP, WHO HAS CHANGED HIS MIND SINCE HE ACTED AS THE CC CHAIR TO APPROVE THE ZONING OF HLP TO INDUSTRIAL SOME TEN YEARS AGO, NOW SAYS THAT A COMMUNITY COUNCIL CAN REVISIT THE ISSUE AND MAKE IT A PARK."

* TO REPEAT, A STATE REP. STATES THAT COMMUNITY COUNCIL CAN REVISIT AND CHANGE THE ZONING!
REP. ZAPATA'S ORAL STATEMENT (A MESSAGE ON OUR VOICEMAIL) WILL BE POSTED, IF THERE IS INTEREST.

* WE BELIEVE WITH ALL OF OUR HEART THAT THIS SHOULD BE A PARK. SEE THE PETITION! RSVP!

On Oct 2, if the Council grant Adrian Homes' request, an appeal will be filed and litigation will ensue, if necessary, so as to preclude that AH will jam the maximum amount of concrete onto HLP.

>
Here is a letter from the Rep. JZ
> Subject: Re: THE CONSORTIUM TO SAVE HIDDEN LAKE PARK
>
>
>> Hi Richard,
>>
>> I had a lengthy conversation with the developer and do believe the best
>> route to pursue is a win/win. From experience I know that there is a
>> point where things get so personalized that nothing good comes out of it.
>>
>> I expressed our interest of promoting access and green space in the area.
>> He told me of legal and liability issues as well as the economic
>> circumstances and development expectations that went into the purchase of
>> the property.
>>
>> I have known Mr Adrian for many years and he is one of the better
>> developers both in product and character.
>>
>> As to the meeting, I would recommend you sit down with him first. We will
>> be having a special session and that will throw my travel schedule into
>> disarray and I don't want that to hold up any discussions. You can keep
>> me apprised as to any progress and my aide can sit in on any meeting. I
>> will stay on top of things and continue to work with you and the
>> developer to find a positive outcome we can all support.
>>
>> Let me know if this ok with you.
>>
>> Thank you...jcz
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: <rhfreer@bellsouth.net>
>>
>> Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:25:40
>> To:"JCZ CSHLP" <JCZapata@aol.com>
>> Cc:"CSHLP TRISH" <TRISHMARSIANO@BELLSOUTH.NET>, <dfreer@dadeschools.net>,
>> "HLP ERICK" <ERICK@ZOCREATIVEINC.COM>, <ypineiro@miamiherald.com>,
>> "Javier Vazquez" <javivaz@bellsouth.net>, "mondo"
>> <mondoc@bellsouth.net>, <Moni0622@aol.com>
>> Subject: THE CONSORTIUM TO SAVE HIDDEN LAKE PARK
>>
>>
>>
>> http://savehiddenlakepark.blogspot.com/
>> <http://savehiddenlakepark.blogspot.com/>
>>
>> JCZ
>>
>> Your letter has been warmly received by the members of CSHLP!
>>
>> Can you spare an hour to meet with Mr. Adrian and a few of our folks
>> within a week or so in an attempt to arrive at a mutually acceptable
>> compromise? We would meet in the clubhouse of Tuscany Village on the
>> south shore of HL.
>>
>> Perhaps an amicable resolution can be reached, instead of interminable
>> squabbling and appeals. There are many members who want the whole
>> shebang, and are prepared to wave picket signs on two afternoons each
>> week, however
>> most of us are willing to entertain a healthy compromise.
>> Rsvp.
>>
>> Thanks again!
>>
>> Richard Freer
>> Trish Marsiano
>> Co Chairs
>> CSHLP
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, September 17, 2007

A STATE REP WHO USED TO BE ON THE COMM COUNCIL 11 SUPPORTS US AND SAYS HLP CAN BE REZONED









He too used to cavort and gambol on the shores!

Posted by Richard Freer at 4:06 PM 0 comments

Posted by at No comments:

WE MUST STOP THE PARKLAND PROJECT JUGGERNAUT! THE EVERGLADES ARE AT RISK!

via Eye On Miami by Genius of Despair on 9/13/07

(There is a very important CSX story in the Tampa Tribune Tribune Investigation-Last Stop In Rail Plan: Tampa and guess who they picture in the story: Our own Miamian, Armando Codina! - Genius)

As a long-time resident of Kendall, defender of the rights of citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable, I wish to question the bizarre, perhaps bordering on the perverse, push behind the CSX railroad/commuter rail proposals, which have been ram-rodded through by the MPO, its consultants, and its staff.

A very narrow vote excised the CSX proposal, but additional votes are coming before the Metro Commission, and until the puppeteer pulling the strings is exposed, anything can - and in Miami-Dade - usually does, happen.

For almost a year there has been suspicion about the political motivation behind the CSX proposal. Is Miami Dade County Commissioner Martinez the man behind the scenes pulling all the strings?

As it turns out, Lennar has bought/or has an option on Ed Easton's mega acreage: Parkland (not sure how they are connected but they are). Parkland is currently in the pipeline as a development of regional impact (meaning it is really BIG). It is west of the present Urban Development Boundary (UDB) line - the line beyond which no county services are provided (I believe it is one house per 5 acres) but Parkland developers are trying to get very dense zoning on this buffer land and they need to show State regulators that they have transportation out there.

While the advocates of the CSX line claim the line will run from the Zoo on Coral Reef to - at first Miami International Airport - but recently cut back to Kendall Drive - in reality their plans indicate the line will run west of Tamiami Airport, cross the UDB, and - coincidence of all coincidences, the CSX line just happens to border this Parkland DRI!

In other words:

We taxpayers are being asked - indeed pushed - to pay for refurbishing of CSX tracks (so the railroad can more efficiently run its freight trains - and at night, too - all night, in fact), install a so-called commuter line which would pick up a very few number of passengers - and open land for already rich developers that have a transportation concurrency problem to fix. CSX is the fix.

The point being that once an infrastructure is in place, developers will call for the right to build.

The outside consultant, Mr. Stiles, the inside pusher Mr. Fernandez, continue to doggedly, and as was written above, perversely call for this CSX nonsense. It must be stopped.

Everything is wrong with the proposal such as:

First, it runs at right angles to the problem. The problem is 65,000 cars running east-west on Kendall Drive. The CSX answer runs north-south.

Second, the original heavy train proposal was scrapped hurriedly in the face of TOTAL resident opposition, and replaced with a lighter diesel component, going only so far north as Kendall Drive. The train would then turn east at 97th Avenue, going somewhere near Dadeland. This train would have rails embedded in the ground, providing a slick surface, on which Miami drivers would skid during and after every rainstorm.

Third, passengers would have to exit the trolley/train in the center of Kendall Drive, and would surely be killed before getting to the safety of the sidewalk.

Fourth, the turn eastward would completely duplicate another foolish approach by the consultants - that of a dedicated busway on Kendall. This busway would not allow normal automobile traffic in its lane, would also pick up and discharge passengers from the center of the street, and would take up at least three (3) lanes of traffic, one each way, plus the bus stop itself. Miami has already had the distinction of having the rudest drivers in the entire country - don't even think for a moment that those same drivers will understand or care about a bus or trolley passenger getting off in the middle of Kendall Drive.

The ONLY viable answer to the east-west congestion on Kendall Drive, one which would allow left turns in both directions, one which would accommodate the handicapped, one which would not remove necessary driving lanes, one which would accommodate 15,000 riders daily, is an extension of MetroRail west on Kendall.

Please think about this, and suggest it at the September 19th meeting.
Posted by at No comments:

A nice article in the Miami Herald re HLP...

>
>> Residents rally to save the Lake
>> Neighbors of Hidden Lake continued the fight during the holiday weekend
>> to
>> save at least a slice of the West Kendall area property.
>> Posted on Thu, Sep. 06, 2007
>> BY YUDY PINEIRO
>> ypineiro@MiamiHerald.com
>> A county park planner gave a small group of West Kendall community
>> activists
>> some hope Sunday when he told them there's a chance they can save some of
>> the Hidden Lake property.
>>
>> The land, amid warehouses at Southwest 128th Street and 127th Avenue, is
>> zoned for industrial and office use and slated for office condos,
>> warehouses
>> and shops.
>>
>> But residents say the lakefront property should be turned into a public
>> park
>> to preserve its history as a spot where hundreds of area families and
>> teens
>> gathered over the years to picnic, swim or hang out around bonfires.
>>
>> Park planner Eric J. Hansen told about 10 activists rallying at the lake
>> Sunday afternoon that the department can try to negotiate with the
>> developer
>> so at least a portion of the property is dedicated for park land.
>>
>> ''Doing something with the developer is not out of the question,'' Hansen
>> said. ``We've worked with developers before.''
>>
>> The possibility that some piece would be saved sounded good to the group.
>>
>> Though according to developer Adrian Homes, it has already compromised by
>> promising West Kendall Community Council members that it would build a
>> walkway around the lake and leave it open to the public. It has also said
>> it
>> is doing the community a favor by not building the massive development
>> already approved for the land, which includes a hotel.
>>
>> But the activists, who are calling themselves the Consortium to Save
>> Hidden
>> Lake, want a little more than a sidewalk. They spent several weeks trying
>> to
>> muster support for their cause, asking philanthropists and some
>> organizations to donate money for a park.
>>
>> But with the developer scheduled to appear before the local zoning board
>> only a few days later on Wednesday night, the group had realized that
>> time
>> was not on their side.
>>
>> ''We wish it was, but it's not,'' said Trish Marciano, a resident of the
>> nearby Tuscany Village residential development.
>>
>> ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................
>>
>> Comments
>> I wish to congratulate Richard, Trish and Tuscany homeowners for
>> their
>> hard work and determination.
>> The council voted 3 to 3 Wednesday evening so you now have more time
>> for better planning.
>> Shame on those in favor of over developing without sufficient green
>> space -
>> How much did the owner of the HL give to KFHA to support something the HOA has fought
>> in past years.
>> Thanks are in order for those in the audience coming up to speak
>> against this waste of an office park. SAVE THE PARK

>>
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Sunday, September 16, 2007

Letter in the September 9th 2007 edition of neighbors

Soapbox / Letters From Readers

I am deeply concerned about the evisceration of a large parcel of land surrounding a beautiful lake.

We must find a way to stop the destruction of an area that should be accessible to the public. Let's be creative. Isn't there some way to add public bike trails or walking paths? Public accessibility to the lake?

Instead of fragmenting the ecosystem that is required for new development, isn't there a way that can be beneficial to both the area's preservation and for the community?

Development is one thing. Overdevelopment is another.

We realize that the developers' foresight is for economic growth and their need to make a profit -- which is part of our American way of life -- but, the developer also needs to realize that with that foresight he inherits responsibilities to the community.

Few developers seem to be in the business of giving more than they take. Community values and development growth must be a true win-win. Too often the community is the loser. Too often the ''benefits'' the community receives are trifling and temporary while the damage is enormous and lasting. Pollution and congestion increase as quality of life decreases.

Too often we're fighting the same fight, discussing the same issues against developers who have endless resources and negligible concern for the communities they are targeting.

Is traffic, pollution, and, density worth another new office park project?

Have our council members actually toured and scrutinized the area in question?

There seems to be a disturbing pattern of squeezing multiple units and commercial buildings on these new sites between Southwest 128th and 132nd streets. It seems our zoning allows the buildings to extend right up to the building line and right up to the building next to it.

What is the vision of our council for this neighborhood's future?

It's past time that we, the community, stand up and speak in a united and powerful voice within our community for positive change.

This barrage of ''industrial'' development in our community is making us extremely concerned that what is already unacceptable congestion will turn into gridlock, choking our streets even further.

Again, where is the vision to bring back the quality of life to families. Over and over I hear of people leaving this area for this very reason.

The issue, then, seems to be how to channel the very strong momentum of economic development that exists in West Kendall, while protecting and enhancing the residential nature of the area. This area's development should be evaluated in terms of compatibility and potential adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.

Many residents believe this office project is not in the interests of our children because scarce public green playing space is available.

Doesn't the power to decide land use belong to the voters?

Shouldn't we as citizens of the community have the final voice for these changes?

We are tired of bad development that increases our taxes, ruins our communities, and, wrecks our quality of life.

We should be preserving more land, not less. As we alter our environment, we alter our future. We have reached a tipping point, and, if we do not change our ways, will we look back and ask: When did we forget to say enough is enough?

This land, despite the mauling of this acreage, should remain as preservation lands to protect the water, and, to protect the animals that rely upon this habitat! This lake can only augment the already existing preservation site across the street.

We need to protect our land for the people who will inherit it. We all want the same things: safe streets, good jobs, great schools, clean neighborhoods and strong communities. We don't want to settle for status quo, for mediocrity. We deserve better than just ''good.'' We deserve ''greatness,'' and, we should not settle or sell out. We can do better.

We, the supporters of Hidden Lake Park, are asking the committee consider downsizing the zoning of this 15-acre tract, or, at least a portion therein, to preserve the quality of life that draws and keeps residents and families.

Once the land is built up surrounding this large beautiful lake, it will be done. It will be gone. There will be no getting it back for the future.

Please, Mr. Developer, though you don't live in our community, please work with us to help us preserve ours.

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Saturday, September 15, 2007

IMMODERATE GREEDY DEVELOPERS HAVE BEEN SHOVING MALLS DOWN OUR THROATS ...and we're NOT gonna take it anymore!

It is very important for citizens to show at the Community Council 11 non zoning meeting on the 19th of this month at Felix Varella .

In this meeting they will be talking about proposed amendments to the master plan which include large applications outside the Urban Development Boundary. This is the stuff that sneaks through and causes us trouble down the road (literally).
Concerns:
Overcrowded schools (see Eveylyn Greer's comments about this...we'll break the bank)
Noise (larger roads...faster traffic...faster traffic....more noise).
Traffic (no comment needed--waiting for snarls to break up))
Water conservation (Biscayne Aquifer will be done in 20 years or less)
Water safety (these are located on the buffer area that protects the well fields)
Air quality (we are one of the worst cities in the country)
Waste management (I could have fun with this one)
Budget (it's expensive to fund urban sprawl)
property values (its turning into an ugly concrete jungle out here)
It is possible that one application might sneak through....we need to be vigilant.
Three things you can do:
1. Assemble your forces
2. Sign in at the meeting and encourage people to make their 2 minute comments
3. Direct people to that www.eyeonmiami.blogspot.com/ You will learn incredible things there and can also develop a forum for our Hidden Lake Park concerns.
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PETITION

TO THE WEST KENDALL COMMUNITY ZONING APPEALS BOARD 11

This Petition signed by West Kendall/Miami residents states that the area between

SW 120th STREET and SW 136th STREET AND SW 127th AVENUE and SW 137th AVENUE (to be referred to in this petition as "The Hidden Lake Area") is rapidly becoming overdeveloped with an abundance of Office/Retail/Warehouse in an area that is now zoned both Industrial Conditional (IUC) and Residential. We would like the Council to be aware that we are in favor of more open space and additional parks for public use in the Hidden Lake Area.

Primarily, we wish to Petition the Council to consider providing a buffer around Hidden Lake, located at the corner of SW 128th STREET and 127th AVENUE AND preserving Hidden Lake as an open space for the community. We would like to propose the following:

A walking-biking trail around the lake

Picnic Tables

Doggie Park?

Pavilions or Gazebos

Pier for fishing

Dade County Parks should provide liability insurance, etc.

Second, We would like to Petition that a moratorium be placed on Hidden Lake to prevent it from being filled.

Printed Name

Address

Signature

Date





























































































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