South Miami commission clears Sunset Drive geometry to move into design documents

The South Miami City Commission on April 29 authorized consultants to proceed with construction‑document development for the Sunset Drive corridor geometry while deferring final decisions about materials.

At a workshop presentation, the placemaking team and designers displayed a corridor concept that keeps two travel lanes on both sides of Sunset, widens sidewalks in many blocks, and includes a raised paver intersection and flexible valet/drop‑off stalls. Mayor (speaker 1) asked the group for a clear path forward; consultants sought direction to progress into the next phase. "So our presentation is going to look at Sunset Drive design and its process," Juan (placemaking team lead) said as the team reviewed the corridor scope and schedule.

Commissioners voiced agreement with the proposed geometry but pressed the team for two alternate aesthetic packages — one leaning more modern and one leaning more mid‑century — before the final selection of materials. "I would like to see what the package would look like that would speak to one aesthetic versus the other," the mayor said. Designers said they would deliver alternate palettes in the next round of deliverables and proceed with survey and traffic study work.

The commission recorded no formal vote; staff and consultants noted the decision as direction to proceed with geometry and to return with material alternatives, studies, and answers on federal grant conditions.

Looking ahead, consultants said they aim to complete surveys and traffic counts within about four months and to begin construction documents thereafter, subject to review requirements from county and state agencies.