In a recent government meeting, local officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring safety and transparency in the ongoing 87th Avenue Bridge project, which is being managed by Miami-Dade County. The council underscored the importance of rigorous oversight and independent evaluations throughout the project's lifecycle, advocating for a procurement process that is open and competitive.
The village's leadership expressed a strong stance on prioritizing safety over cost and speed, insisting on regular public updates regarding safety measures and structural integrity. They highlighted the necessity for independent expert oversight during construction and called for continuous communication with residents about the project's progress.
The meeting also addressed the upcoming oral arguments scheduled for October 1 in the Third District Court of Appeal, where the village is appealing a lower court's ruling favoring the county. The village attorney reminded attendees that discussions regarding the ongoing litigation would be limited, urging the council to refrain from commenting on the matter during the meeting.
Village Manager provided context for the bridge project, which has a total budget of $6.484 million, including $5.639 million allocated for construction and $845,000 for planning and design. The council's focus remains on ensuring that the project meets the highest standards of safety and accountability, reflecting their responsibility to the community.
As the meeting progressed, officials encouraged residents to engage in the discussion, ensuring that their questions could be informed by the presentations from both the village manager and county representatives. The council reiterated that the meeting was not about whether the bridge would be built, but rather about addressing community concerns and fostering transparency in the process.