Last year, City staff became aware of a proposed Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project involving the reconstruction and expansion of the Golden Glades Interchange.  When Planning & Zoning staff examined the proposed plans carefully, it was discovered that FDOT was planning to expand I-95 approximately 15 to 20 feet eastwards along a one-mile stretch of East Drive in the Uleta neighborhood.  This would have a very negative effect on the 52 single-family homes fronting on East Drive, bringing the expressway and noise wall much closer to the homes, reducing light and air, increasing noise and pollution, and negatively affecting the residents’ quality of life.  Staff notified FDOT of these concerns and worked to have the project re-examined in order to address the impact on our single-family residential Uleta neighborhood. 

A few months ago, staff met with FDOT staff to discuss the City’s concerns with the proposed project, and the negative effects it would have on East Drive and its residents.  After a constructive discussion of the City’s concerns, the FDOT officials have indicated that if the City of North Miami Beach did not desire for this project to take a portion of the City’s East Drive right-of-way, FDOT would redesign the project to eliminate the property taking.  They simply require notification from the City of North Miami Beach indicating that decision.  A resolution of the City notifying FDOT that we oppose the widening into East Drive is attached for your review.

This is an outstanding outcome in which the quality of life has been preserved for our residents. Special thanks to the Planning & Zoning Division, who spotted this potential problem buried in the proposed I-95 widening plans, and to the Public Works Department team, who helped to meet with FDOT and impress upon them the need to modify the project.

Staff would recommend that the resolution be approved and sent immediately.  While it is important for FDOT to maintain and improve the overall transportation system of the South Florida, in this case the most important thing is protecting the quality of life of our residents.