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Hialeah delays $3.7M West 38th–40th street reconstruction after business owners raise outreach, parking concerns
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Summary
After business owners and residents said they were not consulted about a roadway and drainage project that could affect on-street parking and property elevations, Hialeah officials agreed to delay a $3.7 million contract award for two weeks so owners can meet with Streets Department staff and review plans.
Hialeah’s City Council agreed on April 28 to delay action for two weeks on a planned $3,737,716.66 contract (IFB 2025-26-007) for roadway and drainage improvements to West 38th Place, West 39th Place and West 40th Street between West 16th and West 18th avenues.
The delay followed extended public comment from nearby business owners and residents who said they had not been consulted about the final design and worried the project would eliminate on-street parking and change street elevations in ways that could flood adjacent properties. Resident Frank de la Paz told the council, “We deserve to know what’s gonna be done before it’s done,” and asked that items 10c and 10f be pulled from the consent agenda so owners could meet with staff.
Jose Sanchez, the city’s Director of Streets, described the scope as a full reconstruction including drainage, curb and gutter, shoulder parking, sidewalks and some tree removals tied to drain installation. Sanchez said plans are available at the Streets Department during regular business hours and that the department attempted to preserve shoulder parking where it fits. “We’re providing parking everywhere we can,” he said, while noting there will be short periods when a driveway or local access may be restricted during 15‑foot‑deep drainage excavation and that the department will work to provide temporary access alternatives.
Council members and staff also noted the project is partially funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money and that federal timelines limit how long funds can remain unused. Still, administration and council leaders agreed to table the item for two weeks to give property owners a chance to review plans and request modifications before the city begins laying curb. The clerk announced the item will be considered again at the council meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
City staff estimated the entire three‑block project will take roughly six to seven months to complete, with about two to two and a half months of work per block, weather permitting. Staff repeatedly said some minor design modifications are feasible if made before curb installation and if accompanied by permits and documentation from property owners.
The council did not vote on the construction contract at the April 28 meeting; the administration recorded the item as tabled pending the two‑week outreach period and the May 12 agenda.
