Cutler Bay issues notice to proceed for Legacy Park construction; tree removal set amid arsenic concerns

The Town of Cutler Bay on April 16 announced that construction on the 16‑acre Legacy Park and municipal complex is officially underway after the town issued a notice to proceed to contractor Kaufman Lynn.

"The project is officially underway," Emma Jones, owner’s representative with Stantec, told the council, noting equipment would begin appearing on site and that working hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday unless otherwise authorized. Jones said weekly drone footage will be posted to the town website so residents can follow progress without accessing the active construction site.

Council and staff exchanged details about the start of work and safety measures. Jones said perimeter fencing and silt fence installation are scheduled the week of April 21; existing monitoring wells will be decommissioned on April 23; and "tree removal on the site will begin on May 2." She added the first truck hauling soils is expected around May 15.

Jones corrected an early misspoken contaminant identification, saying, "I meant to say arsenic." Town staff explained the trees cannot be relocated because the soils are contaminated and therefore removal is necessary.

Town Manager Ralph said staff will coordinate with the contractor and homeowner associations to provide notices and standard project flyers, and the town will monitor dust controls and traffic along affected streets. Jones added the construction trailer and a wash station will be placed on site and dust monitoring will be in place for the project's duration.

No formal council action on the Legacy Park contract was taken at the April 16 meeting; the update was given as part of the town manager’s report. The town also told residents it will post updated design elevations once construction documents are finalized to reflect budget constraints.