At the moment, it’s just a resolution on paper.
But let’s give credit where credit is due to Commissioner Javier Souto for reviving a project to expand Indian Hammocks Park which serves thousands of Kendall families. On Sept.6, his resolution to annex part of the unincorporated land adjacent to the existing park was approved by County Commissioners on first reading, directing the Planning Advisory Board to consider new property annexations.
Early in 2011, the Gazette published a twopart series reviewing extensive planning that the Parks Department foresaw through acquisition of up to 70 acres of additional land to help accommodate expanded park facilities.
One key land site is a 21-acre tract directly north of The Palace senior living center off SW 84 St. and SW 114 Ave., former location of a group of buildings once known as “The Haven Center” providing seniors with social services. Another is a 15-acre solid waste transfer station in the northeast area off SW 72 Terrace and SW 107 Ave… Smaller plots are also held by county departments that could put the current uses elsewhere.
While Commissioner Souto’s effort only begins the process to seek added territory, we applaud his determination to keep future development of the park alive when recent years have created so much belt-tightening that has so severely curtailed worthy projects such as those planned at Indian Hammocks.
At one time, an aquatic center and recreation building were proposed by the Parks Department with $6 million earmarked in the BBC (Building Better Communities) bond issue for development.
The new swimming pool was temporarily shelved due to lack of space in a southeastern area of the park. The senior center has been gathering dust, ever since the county had to put the skids on new capital spending for projects needing yearly operating expenses at a time the county was cutting back those very items.
Thus we’ll keep our eye on how the annexation study proceeds while commending Commissioner Souto for making sure worthwhile projects like Indian Hammocks expansion do not get deep-sixed in tough economic times.
KFHA Prexy Michael Rosenberg at conclusion of Schools Supt. Albert Carvalho’s appearance in Kendall Sept. 10 asked over 150 in audience to close their eyes, then raise hands if they would “vote today” for the school bond issue referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot.
“It seemed to me that every hand went up,” according to his view from the speaker’s rostrum. “I don’t think I saw anyone opposed. It should pass because we care about our children. His own popularity will help push it but $10-$20 a year? I can’t imagine thinking about it for more than one second.
“So ironic that in the theatre behind our meeting place, popcorn cost as much as this would cost,” he adds.
More burgers on the way as the new “Shula Burger” posts help wanted signs in its window at the Kendall Market Center off SW 117 Ave. at SW. 104 St., all on the heels of recent gourmet- burger emporiums around the neighborhood, now opening as fast as new pizza joints.
Soccer fans should turn out in big numbers Sept. 29-30 when Miami’s only “Soccer Festival” returns to Kendall Soccer Park at 8011 SW 127 Ave. Presented by Soccer 5 USA and Miami-Dade Parks, the event will feature a full range of youth and adult soccer tournaments in a festive ambience featuring music, Soccer 5 Live tricks, juggling, soccer walk, get-in-the-game fitness and fun, as well as a full variety of food from around the world, all contained within a “soccer village.”
Father Alan and son, Scott Georgeson, expecting the 2012 crowd to greatly exceed last year’s turnout of 3,500 due to continuing expansion of soccer interest throughout the Kendall area.
Clarification. Please correct my quote to say that the Kmart “lease on the store was out of options to renew” not that the lease was denied – we did not have any more options to renew the lease with the landlord, per the terms of our lease,” Emails Kimberly Freely, Director, Corporation Communications, Sears Holding Company on Sept. 10, regarding our Sept. 2 story reporting Kmart closing its store at SW 104 St. and US 1 on Sept. 23. “We were not denied; it is a very distinct difference in the real estate community and with our associates,”she adds.
Thought for the Day: Don’t argue with a fool. The spectators can’t tell the difference
— Charles Nalin
Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669- 7355, ext. 249, or send emails to Michael@communitynewspapers.com
