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South Miami Commission backs moving forward with Sunset Drive median landscaping redesign
Summary
After reviewing a previously designed Sunset Drive project (62nd Ave to ~69th Ave), the commission directed city staff to pursue a targeted redesign that retains mature canopy where feasible and returns a refined design and cost proposal for budgeting and bidding.
The City of South Miami Commission on July 2 directed staff to take steps toward implementing a redeveloped landscaping plan for the Sunset Drive median between 62nd Avenue and the city border around 69th Avenue.
City staff and consultants said the final built project will likely be a redesign of a plan originally developed in 2020, not a full reworking. Landscape architect Keel Semler of GSLA Design said the earlier plan included tree removals and new plantings but recommended keeping many mature trees—especially the large black olive specimens—and swapping shrub species that have struggled since the original planting.
The presentation identified an estimated 2020 construction cost of about $276,000 and noted June 2024 maintenance estimates provided by the city’s maintenance contractor (roughly $24,000 a year under the 2020 design). Staff said a redesign and solicitation timeline would likely take two to three months to prepare, followed by the usual bidding process.
Commissioners raised jurisdiction and funding questions. Staff said the city has an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and currently maintains the medians under that arrangement; funding could come from existing landscape line items and the city’s tree fund. Several commissioners emphasized preserving canopy cover and prioritizing larger shade trees over additional palms.
After discussion, the commission—by unanimous acclamation—gave direction to the city manager to refine the design and include the project as a possible capital project for upcoming budget consideration, asking staff to circulate the current plan and provide updated cost figures and maintenance clarifications.
Next steps: staff will return with a redesign cost proposal, an updated plant list that favors species that have performed well locally, and a construction solicitation recommendation for the commission’s future approval.
