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Mark Twain once said, “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.”
It’s a perspective that highlights the preciousness of land, particularly in Miami-Dade County, which spans nearly 1,900 square miles. Despite the seemingly endless expanse of undeveloped land, some local politicians are treating it as an inexhaustible resource, often prioritizing private interests over public needs.
A historical example underscores this issue. Decades ago, when South Florida was largely undeveloped, the local power company was granted land to run high-tension power lines, essential for providing electricity to burgeoning communities. As time passed, the utility grew weary of maintaining these lands, especially since they couldn’t build on them due to the risk of fallen wires during hurricanes.
The company’s solution was to donate the land to the county, securing a tax deduction and easing maintenance costs, all while retaining an “easement” – the right to access the land for maintenance without further permissions.
For years, the county struggled to find a use for this land. In some areas, it was transformed into “linear parks” with minimal amenities. In others, like the community of Palmetto Bay, homeowners adjacent to these easements were permitted to extend their yards, installing fences under the power lines. This arrangement has led to envy among neighbors and a push from some homeowners to acquire the remaining easement land.
Recently, the Village of Palmetto Bay has expressed interest in purchasing these easements to create a continuous park. However, the local district county commissioner, swayed by homeowners desiring to expand their properties, proposed selling the land to these private owners for a nominal fee. This proposal faced opposition from many other county commissioners, who rightly argued that public land should benefit the public.
A compromise emerged, suggesting a division of the land: part would go to the homeowners, and the rest would become parkland. However, this solution was deemed too generous, with some arguing that all the land should serve public purposes, especially in a region where green spaces are invaluable.
At a recent county commission meeting, the proposal faced further challenges.
Homeowners demanded all or nothing, while several commissioners voiced concerns about transferring public land into private hands. The meeting ended in a stalemate, leaving the land’s fate undecided.
Ultimately, while the homeowners may be eager to expand their properties, the Village of Palmetto Bay and Miami-Dade County must prioritize the broader community’s interests.
Public land should remain public, ensuring that it serves the needs of all residents, not just a privileged few.
The village, with its enduring presence, can afford to wait for a solution that benefits everyone, demonstrating a commitment to preserving public resources for future generations.
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