Miami Lakes council defers Graham Companies rezoning after residents cite notice and traffic concerns
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Summary
After a wave of public comment opposing a proposed land‑use change by the Graham Companies, Miami Lakes Town Council voted to defer first readings of two rezoning items to a special meeting on April 1, 2026. Residents urged independent traffic studies and clearer public notice.
Miami Lakes — The Town Council on Feb. 27 deferred first readings on two zoning items proposed by the Graham Companies after repeated public objections and questions about whether proper notice had been provided.
Residents packed the public comment period to oppose a plan they said would add four apartment buildings near congested intersections on the town’s west side. Bonnie Cintron, a resident who identified her address during remarks, told the council a prior seven‑story project near Palmetto Expressway illustrated the traffic and character risks she fears: “This cannot be allowed to happen,” she said, urging the council to protect the town’s small‑town character.
Other commenters pressed the council to require developer‑funded traffic and truck‑routing studies before any land‑use changes. William Perez, who lives near the proposed site, asked the council to make developers pay for independent truck‑traffic studies and to require approval by town staff and the public‑works director.
Council members cited procedural concerns about notice during the meeting. Town staff and the manager said a re‑notice was advisable; the council voted to move both items’ first reading to a special call meeting on April 1, 2026, to ensure adequate public notice and Planning & Zoning review.
Why it matters: The rezoning would change how a high‑profile property can be developed in an area residents say already suffers from bottlenecks on Miami Lakes Drive and nearby corridors. Deferring gives the town time to ensure compliance with statutory notice requirements and gives residents and P&Z an opportunity to review the proposals.
What’s next: The council set the first reading of the ordinances for April 1, with a planning‑and‑zoning meeting scheduled in between for staff and public review. The council asked the manager to review the town’s notice process and report back if any regularities or failures are identified.
