Miami Lakes committee advances Palmetto underpass beautification plans and eyes pocket park pending DOT review

Members of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee discussed two local public-space projects: an underpass beautification at the Palmetto Expressway (NW 154th Street) and a proposed pocket park near NW 87th Avenue.

A committee member (speaker 2) said the council approved submitting an application for a "community aesthetic feature" at the Palmetto underpass, describing it as LED lighting and conceptual design work. The member said they are serving as the liaison with Public Works (contact named as Omar) and that Public Works will provide conceptual drawings as the next step.

Members discussed existing conditions under the underpass and agreed cleaning and pressure-washing would be part of the project once new barriers are finished. One resident noted the area appears dull and suggested pressure cleaning.

On the NW 87th Avenue site, the committee heard that FDOT is conducting a study to determine whether a roundabout will be installed; that determination affects whether a small grassy triangle could be turned into a pocket park with trees and a walkway. Members said the timeline is lengthy: one speaker estimated DOT work could take until the end of the year for a study and possibly years before a project appears on the ground, and emphasized the need to keep pressing staff and council to sustain momentum.

Committee members agreed to keep both items on future agendas and to coordinate with Parks and Public Works to secure letters of support and clarify property and maintenance responsibilities.