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Trust approves $1.18 million in security upgrades at Verde Gardens supportive-housing site
Summary
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust approved capital improvements at Verde Gardens including license-plate readers and cameras (~$552,000) and fencing (~$630,000). The board voted to proceed with the multi-year capital plan and may accelerate work.
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust voted to approve a capital-improvement plan for Verde Gardens, a permanent supportive-housing community serving families with minor children.
Staff told the board the site — described in the board packet as a spread-out property with multiple buildings — needs traffic control and security upgrades. The trust outlined a traffic engineering study, recommended access modifications such as hammerheads and turnarounds, and said it had begun underground work and camera installation.
Cost details presented to the board included approximately $552,000 for security cameras and license-plate readers at designated entry points, and roughly $630,000 to install about 4,500 square feet of seven-foot aluminum picket fencing and three gates. Staff said fencing and camera work are contemplated across multiple years but may be expedited so fencing, license-plate readers and cameras are installed concurrently.
Board members framed the work as overdue: one trustee said the property should have been fenced before it opened and that the board was correcting that prior decision.
Why it matters: trustees said the upgrades aim to improve resident safety, control traffic through the site, and reduce incidents affecting residents. Staff said they are coordinating with the Department of Transit and Public Works to ensure any new turnarounds meet zoning and traffic requirements.
Vote: The board approved the motion by voice vote; the chair announced, “Opposed. Motion is adopted.” Staff said a capital pro forma contemplates the expenses and that the trust will move forward with procurement and scheduling decisions.
Limitations and inconsistencies in the transcript: the facility was described at different points as a 45-unit and as a 40-unit supportive-housing site; staff presented the site as multi-building and spread across a large area. Staff also noted the capital program spans multiple years but may be accelerated.
