MIAMI HERALD
Posted on Sun, Apr. 03, 2005

Residents' concerns over traffic tie up meeting
BY SUSAN ANASAGASTI
Sanasagasti@herald.com

Residents frustrated with rapid urban growth in West Miami-Dade gathered at a town hall meeting Wednesday to discuss their concerns with county officials.

During the question-and-answer session at G. Holmes Braddock High, more than 100 residents grilled Miami-Dade County Commission Chair Joe Martinez, whose district covers the area.

Most of the two-hour meeting was consumed by residents griping about increased traffic tie-ups in their neighborhood. Some complained about unbuilt roads, others voiced concerns about speeding.

''I know that the roads are going to be developed. The question is when?'' said Luis Baluja, a Venetian Isles resident. ``I'd like to see the county make this happen sooner than later.''

Representatives from several county agencies, including Miami-Dade police and Water and Sewer, also answered questions.

Among them was Aristides Rivera, a public works director, who said it is more cost effective to require developers to build the roads. That is the main reason why roads take longer to build, he said.
''The roads are built as the developers come in,'' Rivera said. 'When the county doesn't have to pay for the roads, that saves taxpayers' money.''

Joe Hernández blamed traffic problems in the area on community councils for approving massive development projects without first planning for roads to handle additional commuters.

''Every month, a developer comes out here wanting to build on more land, and if we're not there to fight [the application], then it gets passed,'' Hernández said. ``If they continue building on this tract, it will be devastating for this community. We need to stop them at the root level.''

Roy Bustillo, a member of the West Kendall Community Council, defended the council's work, saying the council has long pushed developers to build roads along with filing their housing applications.
But Bustillo also agreed with neighbors.

''I can understand their frustrations,'' he said. ``Public Works has been dragging its feet.''
Residents told Commissioner Martinez that they also wanted more traffic lights and stop signs in the neighborhoods. They also spoke about road expansion projects.

Some residents specifically asked about the expansion of Southwest 147th Avenue between Southwest Eighth Street and Coral Way, which they said would provide some much-needed relief. Public Works officials said the expansion of that road is being done in three sections and it should be completed by 2006 or 2007.

Karen Brana lives in the new Shoma Homes development project on Southwest Eighth Street near Tree Island Park. She said speeding has become a big problem in her neighborhood.

''On Monday night when I was walking my dog, there were three cars racing on a two-lane road,'' she said.

Police officers from the Hammocks police station attending the meeting took notes. They said they would be out in the neighborhood enforcing the speed limits.

Commissioner Martinez thanked residents for attending, saying that it is through their help that problems are solved.

''Just like the police, you are the district's eyes and ears,'' Martinez said. ``It is up to you to tell us when something is wrong.''