Miami Lakes council defers vote after packed public outcry over GMX 'Gratigny' interchange

The Town of Miami Lakes Council on a packed night agreed to defer action on the proposed GMX 'Gratigny' interchange after residents and technical witnesses raised noise, traffic and environmental concerns.

Speakers from Lake Patricia and adjacent neighborhoods packed the chamber to oppose on‑ and off‑ramps at 67th Avenue, arguing the ramps would increase traffic, noise and safety risks. Resident Sam Budlong told the council he was holding “petitions signed by hundreds of members of these same neighborhoods” asking officials to reject the project. Colonel William Perez, who described himself as familiar with environmental review processes, said the PD&E documentation provided so far was insufficient and warned: “It fails to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act.”

Council members and staff repeatedly noted that the town does not control the GMX decision. Mayor Joshua Dieguez explained the project is in the PD&E (project development and environmental) stage and described state and legal constraints on municipal authority. GMX Chief Operating Officer Claudia Ferria told the council the agency was in the study phase, had held public hearings and was “not looking for a fight” and would consider mitigation: “We are not FDOT…the whole purpose of the PD and E is to come and listen to the concerns of the citizens.”

After discussion the council voted to defer items 16g and 16h to the next regular meeting so residents could meet with GMX representatives and staff could assemble further environmental and design details. The deferral passed on roll call after the clerk read the vote.

The deferral does not stop GMX’s PD&E work; Ferria said construction could begin as early as 2027 depending on PD&E outcomes and board approvals. Council members asked GMX to return with specific mitigation concepts and for staff to coordinate further environmental information before the council’s next meeting.