Council Update - April 2021
On Tuesday night, we had an important Council meeting. I want to share two major developments in our Community. First, we moved toward a solution for 703 Pinecrest homes to gain water access. Second, Pinecrest is acquiring a new Park.
First, Water. In my run for Village Council, I knocked on thousands of Pinecrest doors. One question came up repeatedly: What will be the long-term solution to our water problems? I recall residents sharing that when Hurricane Irma hit, not only did their families lose power, but water access, too. These families live on well-water, driven by electric pumps. No access to county water. In all too many cases, no fire hydrant on the street. I heard many accounts of poor water quality, salt water intrusion, financial costs associated with filters and pump maintenance, spending money on testing, foul smell, and, of course, the inability to even flush the toilet during any power outage. This should not be happening in our Community in the 21st Century. It is imperative to find a solution.
For 25 years, the Village has grappled with this issue. A viable solution arrived in March of this year: the United States Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. Under this Act, Pinecrest will receive approximately $8 million, with strict guidelines specifying how the funds can be spent. Water infrastructure is a permitted use. The money must be spent by 2024, or the Village is required to return anything unspent. Accordingly, it is best that any project be “shovel ready” to meet the 2024 deadline.
Further, and critically important, the Federal Government will conduct an audit after 2024 to make sure every penny was used appropriately and according to guidelines. Our Council is fiscally responsible, and will make sure that the money is used appropriately, according to federal guidelines, and that every penny is accounted for.
And so, at Tuesday’s Council meeting, Pinecrest took a major step toward resolving this longtime Community problem. The Council Vote was unanimous. I am proud that our Village - our resident water advocates, our phenomenal Village government and our Council – supported the effort and that the Resolution passed first reading to bring fire hydrants and water to these 703 Pinecrest homes. The plan is to use $7 million from the Rescue Plan and a $500,000 County contribution toward the project. The balance of the $11.4 Million contract bid (submitted last year and still viable) will be assessed against the 703 homes over a 20 or 25-year period. The projected contribution is to be about a dollar a day, and hopefully even a little less. The Village is working on a forgiveness program for those who prove need.
Along with all other Council Members, I voted to put the money to good, productive use. It is good for all of Pinecrest, not just for those who will gain water access. Clean, safe water is good policy. Sound water infrastructure benefits our Village and economy. It improves the health, safety, and convenience for all Residents. All Residents should have water access. All should have fire hydrants within the necessary safety range. None of our neighbors should have to depend on a well, worry about well-water quality, worry about losing access during a power outage, or worry about fire hydrant access in case of fire. Pinecrest takes one more step in modernizing its Village as a whole. We are on the cusp of a 21st Century Win for Pinecrest.
The Resolution’s first reading will be at the next Council Meeting, May 11. This and all Council meetings are in the “sunshine,” open to comments via zoom, via written comment, and can be viewed on-line. If this is important to you, plan to attend. Let your voice be heard. https://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/government/village-clerk/streaming-video
As we turn the corner on the pandemic, our goal is to emerge from this moment stronger than before. Our Founders’ vision was a safe community to raise families and live our lives. This major step meets the moment and that goal: safer Community, needs met, problems solved. Residents first. Our Council decision on Tuesday moves us closer to that vision and closer to solving a problem that had seemed insurmountable.
PARK
Second, Pinecrest is getting a new park! Council has approved the purchase of the lot at 6610 SW 88th St., at the intersection of Kendall Drive and 67th Avenue -- almost 4 acres. You may know it as the Palermo property, where Judge Palermo always displayed holiday greetings during the season. We are looking forward to turning it into a community space. You can read more about it in the Miami Herald here.
Rarely we will have the opportunity in Pinecrest to acquire nearly four contiguous acres on a corner lot. Your Council acted decisively and unanimously, giving our Village Manager the authority to negotiate the acquisition, subject to Council’s ultimate approval.
Pinecrest is a wonderful place to live, and this Park will be yet another Community treasure. As we turn the corner and defeat COVID, now more than ever we should celebrate public spaces for our families. I look forward to spending time in this Park, and to keep building on our Founders’ vision of a safe, friendly community where Residents can thrive.
IN CONCLUSION
I am proud of our commitment to solving problems. I am committed to maintaining and strengthening this special Village we call home.
Committed to our Community,
Councilwoman Shannon Del Prado
PS: Come on out to the Star Wars Event this weekend at Pinecrest Gardens!
Force in the Gardens Art Exhibition
Costume Contest
Movie
Friday and Saturday Night @ 6 pm.
https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/entertainment/festivals-plant-shows/star-wars
