[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6375056,"mediaKeyId","2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086","parentId",2142509,"title","Miami Gardens council approves strategic plan, street renaming and several resolutions; zoning text amendment adopted","audioSeconds",260,"startMs",3198000,"endMs",3458000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086&start=3198&end=3458","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086/thumbnail_3198000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6375056/Miami-Gardens/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Miami-Gardens-council-approves-strategic-plan-street-renaming-and-several-resolutions-zoning-text-amendment-adopted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375056-069baf8d174ec842d4977b857f0b7d1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775892308&Signature=iXGRIcY3KV4-rDgI5kkCM0ufctbI9Wtq3thujPmUYQUV3LjQvpVIN98OuoaY6-bOXLRIeCUY8SBALELPGyMiO0-q7eUfxfyzd0sCGorT3s7B~RsQhigy0PLDsaFEsPnT-71yvT~Rl9DySbPMhg~xL7BqCGXqtNl-Rs-AZ3mYgpQk~3ifs-n5MJf7iVjfzaCaV5Ox1mPWqkoKUHLGFGQRGLLHnj7HQmtN3XvLaMLE1wFpm73E6oi3bBSEM3lSzuZ8YlE~IT~Ocq-Pjy9~RYP8B1wgJy-HhGlmsgtSLJwaboG9d6Y080u58LYmutglXr5zxvr4LgDXSSW-oKmyfXdW-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","The City of Miami Gardens, FL","date","2025-01-23T12:04:41Z","article","The Miami Gardens City Council approved multiple resolutions and a zoning text amendment during its Jan. 22 meeting, taking several unanimous votes on items that will guide policy and events through 2025.

Key outcomes at a glance

- Code designation for Bessie Stringfield Way (Resolution 11.1): The council approved a code designation naming Northwest 152nd Terrace as Bessie Stringfield Way (or Boulevard/Avenue as applicable). Councilwoman Michelle C. Powell moved the item; the roll call vote was unanimous (7–0).

- Strategic plan adoption (Resolution 13.1): The council adopted a city strategic plan developed by Kimberly Horn and team. Council members praised staff and the consultant; the measure passed by roll call, unanimous (7–0).

- Trayvon Martin Foundation peace walk (Resolution 13.2): The council authorized the use of Walt Frazier Park for the 13th annual Trayvon Martin peace walk and waived associated law enforcement costs for the event to be held Feb. 1, 2025. The item was moved and passed unanimously.

- Funding for District 1 Spring Break Civil Rights tour (Resolution 13.3): The council authorized three Miami Gardens Police Department officers and associated staffing costs from the community benefit account in an amount not to exceed $50,274 to support a District 1 spring break civil‑rights tour for students. Vice Mayor Robert Stevens III sponsored the item and it passed unanimously.

- Innovation overlay and zoning text amendment (Ordinance, item 14.2.1): Council adopted an amendment to the city’s land‑development regulations to create an Innovation Overlay (IO) zoning district and related text changes across multiple articles (definitions, development standards, parking, design standards and map amendments). The motion passed by roll call, 7–0. The council also directed the city manager to report back within 30–45 days on possible uses for the old city hall building located in the new zoning district.

What it means: The strategic plan provides a guiding framework the city said it will use to set long‑term objectives. The street code designation recognizes motorcycle pioneer Bessie Stringfield and will require the city manager to arrange signage after applicant fees are paid. The funding authorization for police staffing will support a student educational tour; the expense is capped at $50,274 and paid from the community benefit account. The innovation overlay creates a new zoning tool to guide development in targeted areas; council asked staff to return analysis on old city hall for potential reuse under the new zoning.

Votes and motions: All recorded roll‑call votes on these items were unanimous (7–0). Where a motion maker or seconder was not named in the transcript, the council record lists the vote as recorded by the city clerk.

Ending: Council members thanked staff and consultants for work on the strategic plan and the zoning text amendment; several council members and the mayor noted forthcoming follow‑up steps and public availability of documents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Miami Gardens Regular Council Meeting January 22nd, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Miami Gardens City Council adopted a city strategic plan, approved a street naming for Bessie Stringfield and passed several resolutions and a zoning text amendment in unanimous votes on Jan. 22.","taxTitle","Miami Gardens, Miami-Dade County, Florida","taxId",2892,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6375061,"Citizens Independent Transportation Trust outlines transit funding, project priorities for Miami‑Dade and cities",667,1143000,1810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086&start=1143&end=1810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086/thumbnail_1143000.jpg","/articles/6375061/Miami-Gardens/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Citizens-Independent-Transportation-Trust-outlines-transit-funding-project-priorities-for-MiamiDade-and-cities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375061-9c64fa7d9232971a3a9fc7daae81c921/orig.mp4?Expires=1775892308&Signature=n2~E0Svd8bETKh~v~rQQ-GDXFPUn-YcIrWAfOrq0s1CN6z1HkZwimzLN9dAbexZO1nrHHX~iW84E3d~p6sY9zuLa8c6LNk1ooOwwXNaGC3sLljtM5DrAMQMQ06HubQunbVMptsum4Dpla7CKkK59uxe1AQbYTXN20WAVfIy5asOA2c2Cio5KCTmGMbvSbvpxofFMccKTCv-8SZ4nSVqkb0tXdV3906uKAUZp4X4SeqMEZ~0uF9PYSWb1mgOHoWcC6abgeFUZZ4xgv5hwn480y9T0230RvDGRIWxp88fxezWSb3XXMPxOOw3saS1WrxdauV-TQI0j6XN-~BiGocbuGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Javier Bettencourt, executive director of the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust, briefed the Miami Gardens City Council on Jan. 22 about the county’s two‑decade‑old half‑penny sales surtax and the status of regional and municipal transit projects.

Bettencourt said the surtax — approved by voters as the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP) — has raised nearly $5 billion over more than 20 years, with roughly two‑thirds going to Miami‑Dade Transit, about 20% distributed to cities on a pro rata basis, and under 10% to roadway projects. He said less than 1% funds the CITT office for oversight.

Why it matters: Bettencourt said the PTP funds remain central to the county’s long‑range transportation strategy and that cities such as Miami Gardens use their share for local circulators, traffic calming and other transit improvements that support regional mobility.

Bettencourt walked council members through the county’s “smart plan” corridors — South, Beach, East‑West, Kendall, Northeast and North — and summarized progress and funding status. He described the South Corridor as under construction as a high‑quality bus rapid transit line, noted the Beach and East‑West corridors remain under evaluation, and said the Northeast corridor has funds aligned, including a federal commitment of about $400 million reported late last year. He said the North Corridor remains planned as elevated Metrorail and is the most expensive project, with studies under the Florida Department of Transportation and no federal commitment yet.

On municipal programs, Bettencourt praised Miami Gardens’ use of its annual PTP allocation of about $7 million, saying local ridership on the city trolley improved 11.6% year‑over‑year. He said many cities run fixed‑route circulators and on‑demand services and that municipalities are increasingly connecting those services to the county network.

Bettencourt said the CITT’s mission is oversight: to monitor, audit and review how county and municipal PTP funds are spent and that the trust has audited Miami Gardens “several times” and found the city in full compliance.

On funding outlook, he said the county has produced a 40‑year pro forma and an $8 billion transit pro forma, but that more money will be needed to complete all promised projects. He urged continued pursuit of federal, state and local funding and described first‑/last‑mile connections, smart traffic signals and customer experience improvements as ongoing priorities.

“We need to look under every rock to make all of this happen,” Bettencourt said, adding the trust has launched outreach such as an ambassador program and a podcast to inform riders and gather feedback.

Council response: Mayor Rodney Harris said the council would follow up with questions, and Bettencourt offered to provide additional data on request.

Ending: Bettencourt closed by offering to answer further questions and encouraging council members to refer constituents to the CITT website for detailed financial tables and to consider ambassador recruitment for rider feedback.","Javier Bettencourt, executive director of the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust, told the Miami Gardens City Council that the half‑penny surtax has generated nearly $5 billion to date and summarized how funds are allocated and which corridors are advancing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6375051,"Residents raise parking‑lot safety, Myrtle Grove park and school fund questions during public comment",181,2512000,2693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086&start=2512&end=2693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2142509-800f02fe3d2a47029eabea63ea72a086/thumbnail_2512000.jpg","/articles/6375051/Miami-Gardens/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Residents-raise-parkinglot-safety-Myrtle-Grove-park-and-school-fund-questions-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375051-15bfa497e3b1e6daef9dc3fb5e38ecee/orig.mp4?Expires=1775892308&Signature=h4DdAWsGW2XXiTTS0nRjdAWusvUb6Wq6-KSFItL9witSFvoA3wu3OmQPRaE0rstGbrHuY0T2GNgT3fRY3eHL6brkYVjldXK4AqCScREelhMUTkF~otE5CGzDv-O3VO6h8LwaNQBydocSUlg56li6auTXPPPVtK~yQiGKVdKoLFEiVVvl2f~Ugfpg36eFIoxwKkS~QEI-~ZiBeqVU6BmQF3envYy0y7NvMsIXCLIfF4fbZb9wqFgu~HfnbhgaNzPgpGpNP0TyEGkFIg0xxFxm7h1Z0oMHAaacYTw~uz3xBDY2dXAqtPxCx1cb1MwaeRGAFEICNNRBkn5InKBozaMhBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment at the Miami Gardens City Council meeting on Jan. 22, residents raised multiple local concerns, including pedestrian and vehicle safety at a commercial parking lot, the Myrtle Grove park renovation, and questions about youth program funding.

Parking‑lot safety near Stadium Diner: Maria Buzius, owner of Stadium Diner at 19904 Northwest Second Avenue, told the council that drivers routinely cut through the diner’s large parking lot at high speed between about 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., posing a risk to customers and children walking to school. She said people have been struck and asked the city to take steps to prevent collisions.

Myrtle Grove park and traffic signal: A resident identified as Miss Hughes provided a project update for the traffic signal at 180th Terrace and 27th Avenue, citing information from contractors and the Florida Department of Transportation. Hughes said concrete sidewalk restoration finished the previous day, aprons would be completed and that pedestrian signal pedestals and detector buttons were expected to be installed by Friday, Jan. 24; a technician would be on site Jan. 27 to complete installation and turn signals.

Clock for public commenters and park gym request: Gail Cunningham asked whether a council member who had been asked to research ballot language and the voting process had produced a public answer; she also requested that the dais display a visible clock so speakers know how much time remains. Cunningham additionally urged a council member to move forward on a Myrtle Grove multipurpose gymnasium the community has agreed upon; no immediate council action was taken on that request during the meeting.

Questions about youth account transfers and accessibility changes: Christine Malcolm asked about a request on the agenda to move funds from a science fair account to a youth music festival account, asking why the transfer was needed and whether the science fair funds would be replenished. Malcolm also thanked staff for adding a bell to the city trolley to assist riders with hearing impairments. Linda Pearl Fisame, returning resident and community volunteer, described her interest in starting a modeling and leadership program for girls and asked how to engage council support.

Support for Bessie Stringfield street designation: Representatives from the local motorcycle community and a member of Sunshine Divas in Motion Excelling urged council support for renaming Northwest 152nd Terrace in honor of motorcyclist Bessie Stringfield; that item later passed by unanimous vote.

Ending: The council did not take immediate action on the community funding questions or the Myrtle Grove gym request during the public‑comment period; council members and staff indicated follow up would occur through standard staff channels or at a later agenda.","Several Miami Gardens residents used the Jan. 22 public comment period to urge action on a dangerous cut‑through in front of a diner, request a clock for public commenters, provide a Myrtle Grove traffic‑signal update and ask about a proposed transfer of science fair funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Miami Gardens council approves strategic plan, street renaming and several resolutions; zoning text amendment adopted

Citizens Independent Transportation Trust outlines transit funding, project priorities for Miami‑Dade and cities

Residents raise parking‑lot safety, Myrtle Grove park and school fund questions during public comment