When the rumors started flying regarding alleged recall efforts to remove a certain city commissioner from office, I surmised the public servant in question would obviously be our very own court jester, I mean comedian, I mean commissioner, Bob Welsh. The Florida Ethics Commission recently picked up the complaint regarding potential misconduct filed by city manager Hector Mirabile (see communitynewspaper. com/southmiami) suggesting Bobblehead Bob is interfering with the city manager’s job by having unsanctioned conversations with potential pool operators while Mirabile is negotiating on the Murray Pool project. Welsh has also been accused of breaking the Florida in the Sunshine Law and breaching the “cone of silence” for discussing confidential contractor negotiations in public forums. But, alas, it seems Bicycle Bob is peddling in circles like a gerbil in a cage to try and deflect the attention from his latest misadventures. According to long time resident ventures. According to long time resident David Walker, Bobnoxious approached him to speak about the possibility of removing Commissioner Valerie Newman from office. Welsh had no comment when asked by South Miami News about his alleged recall efforts. But Commissioner Valerie Newman did. Calling his actions laughable, Newman said she took no stock whatsoever in what Welsh may or may not be attempting to do and that the true recall efforts should be aimed at retiring Bob and his bike.
NO HOLE IN THE WALL
Another possible new South Miami business gets 86’ed. Co-owner of the popular Hole in the Wall in Palmetto Bay (and former University of Miami and NFL quarterback) Craig Erickson, legally met all of the requirements for his possible new location in the PetCo Shopping Center on SW 62 Ave and US1. The Planning Board recommended the special use request be granted for a general restaurant. However the extremely well organized NIMBY’s (not in my backyard) team scored the big win at the recent public hearing. Citing motorcycles, buses, drunkards, and just about every sociopathic behavior known to man might ensue if the restaurant moved forward (which averages approximately 75% food consumption according to Erickson) the city commission appeared to have no alternative but to heed the very vocal residents who did not want their “quality of life” disrupted. Vice Mayor Josh Liebman was the sole dissenting vote. Hole in the Wall co-owner Sam Diedrick told South Miami News they are weighing their appellate options since legally they met all the requirements. Our loss appears to be Cutler Bay’s win because Hole in the Wall was warmly welcomed as a new business in the community down south just one week after getting the classic CAVEman (citizens against virtually everything) SoMi rejection.
MADISON SQUARE MIRRORS MURRAY POOL
After sitting in on a recent Madison Square Project presentation I am pleased to report the development seems to be moving forward nicely. But the residents obviously and understandably want more and they should get more. Though the project has been discussed, re-discussed, digested, regurgitated, and again deliberated nearly as much as the 50 plus year journey to make the Murray Pool finally happen, it is not surfacing as the big area life raft that it can be. Come on folks, let’s make Madison Square a signature piece development the city can be proud of, an exciting endeavor that can raise the spirits of not only the African American residents in the immediate community but all of South Miami. This project is the perfect chance for the city to keep that elusive spark of hope alive and well for the possibilities of a brighter future and improved quality of life (and tax base too).
GO SOUTH MIAMI HEAT
While Lebron James was resting his starter self before the Eastern Conference playoffs began, word around town is that he has been busy with plans to open a restaurant right here in our very own City of Pleasant Living. Hoping to slam dunk a location right on SW 73 Street, we wish James a better score at city hall than Erickson from Hole in the Wall received.
CONGRATULATIONS STATE ATTORNEY
Katherine Fernandez Rundle was recently honored for her support of public school education by the Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School Parent Teacher Student Association at the Newport Beachside Resort in Sunny Isles. State Attorney Fernandez Rundle said she has “always recognized the importance of investing in education and providing educational support to the children and youth of Miami-Dade County.” Apparently lots of other notable community leaders have noticed her dedication as well. Congratulations State Attorney!
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Langston Hughes
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669- 7355, ext. 249, or send emails to Michael@communitynewspapers.com.
