This April Mayor Myra L. Taylor will be honored by the Business and Professional Women’s South Florida Club in the area of Leadership. Following her 5th Sate of the City Address and having received numerous other awards, it seemed fitting to talk to the Mayor about her hopes and challenges as the Mayor of the City of Opa-locka.
Q: What challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in 2015?
A: As a Mayor I always expect challenges and as a Black woman I expect even more, but challenges are not new for me. I am thankful I have a strong and talented City Manager and the Commission who work as a united team. I also have the support of a great husband and my children that are here for everything I do. Managing the City’s growth is my primary challenge and opportunity. The City is currently in talks with Jackson Health Trust pushing to establish a Health and Wellness Urgent Care and Community Resource facility. A center like this would stimulate our economy through the creation of healthcare jobs and elevate the quality of life amongst our residents. The City has received numerous endorsements including Dade League of Cities and written support from State Legislators, numerous Mayors throughout the County and other County and City elected officials. By offering immediate access to the community, the facility will alleviate some of the burden being placed on other medical provider for residents and employees, during essential times of need. I will continue to look to work to expand the City’s borders.
Q: How will 2015 differ from 2014?
A: It’s hard to predict the future, but last year we lowered the property tax rate to $8.50 per $1,000 in taxable home values so I think that we will see increases in residential developments in 2015.
Q: What resolutions have you made for 2015?
A: To be responsive to citizen’s input and to look for new and creative ways to improve our community. I will continue this Q&A project with hopes to reach out and directly answer the ongoing concerns of our City.
Q: What are some of the ways residents can contribute to their community in 2015?
A: There are so many ways residents can contribute, including: Welcoming new residents and making them feel at home in Opa-locka. Being involved in their children’s schools. This has a significant impact on building a sense of community. Currently Opa-locka Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteers. Residents that are interested can inquire about how to volunteer at City Hall or any of our City’s Parks.
Q: What are some of the city developments and projects residents can look forward to this year?
A: Last year the City designed and implemented a city-wide Wi-Fi system. This year we are boosting our communication with residents by creating more impactful information for the Comcast Channel 77 Opa TV Station as well as presenting the Oasis Radio – City of Opa-locka Internet Radio Station. Also the city has come under criticism from the general public for our customer service and resolution of complaints so this exercise gave us a good opportunity to address this stigma.
Q: What are some highlights for Opa-locka this year?
A: Last year we secured $40 million dollars from the Environmental Protection Appropriations (EPA) for our much-needed water/sewer infrastructure projects, and we began working on Capital Improvement Plans. This will provide better infrastructure for our city in 2015. We spent $10 million dollars on capital improvement projects – that included our infrastructure master plan and the ribbon-cutting of our new “gateway” located on N.W. 27th Ave & 135th Street). We began the dredging our City’s canals, erected two fountains on 27th Avenue. We have also cleaned up over 125 illegal dumpsites and refilled them with palm trees and shrubs during our Beautification Project that began last December. The restoration of Historic City Hall is almost complete, and we expect to move into a New City Hall at Town Center by Summer. Family Dollar and Jackson’s Soul Food are opening stores this year. This will provide improved shopping convenience for our citizens as well as generate new business and jobs.
Q: What are your hopes for Opa-locka in the new year?
A: I want Opa-locka to retain its pride and sense of community during our growth. Our City has a deep and rich history. Q: Is there anything else you would like to share? A: I look forward to meeting new neighbors in 2015, and I am grateful for the continuing opportunities to serve this Grand community.
