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Board weighs community garden options as FDOT orders causeway planters removed; trolley pilot discussed
Summary
Members discussed a community garden, hydroponics, and using decorative planters on the causeway; a caller warned that FDOT has ordered the causeway planters removed because of safety and upcoming bridge work. The vice mayor also updated the board on a trolley pilot funded with CITT funds.
Board members explored options to establish community gardening in North Bay Village, but staff and agency updates signaled practical constraints.
A resident proposed a community garden to engage youth and support a farmer's market; staff cautioned the village has limited city-owned land and previous efforts failed without ongoing volunteer irrigation and maintenance. An Optimist Club representative said the club and schools have supported planter boxes at Paul Bogle Park in the past but persistent volunteer involvement and irrigation were the main barriers.
A resident suggested using 14 decorative planters on the causeway between Treasure Island and North Bay Island, but the board raised safety and access concerns. A caller who identified himself as Frank told the board, “FDOT has ordered us to get them off,” and said FDOT plans bridge reconstruction (likely in 2027) and cited safety risks if planters remain on the causeway. Frank said that public works plans to install salt-tolerant palms as a temporary measure rather than flowering plants that require daily watering.
Transportation topics came up alongside the gardening discussion. Members recalled past shared-bicycle and scooter pilots (Lime) and discussed station-based bike sharing; the vice mayor reported the village has approval for a trolley pilot to run on a limited schedule for community events, to be funded with existing CITT money and expected to be low-cost to operate.
Why it matters: The FDOT order constrains immediate use of the causeway planters for a community garden, and the village lacks readily available city-owned land for a gated, volunteer-run garden. Board members asked for further research (Miami Beach rules and hydroponic options) and encouraged the proponent to explore developer partnerships or private plots as alternatives.
Next steps: Staff and volunteers will research other models (hydroponics, gated community garden rules, developer partnerships) and return with more detailed options. The FDOT status means causeway planters are not a reliable short-term site for a community garden.
