Miami Shores Village News – May 2009
Many of you know that we recently had elections in Miami Shores and Donald Shockey made it to none other than Miami Shores Vice-Mayor. You will never see my political or religious views here just because I don’t believe in mixing those with business but what’s exiting about Donal Shockey is that he is a great communicator. Our Vice Mayor is constantly e-mailing news to anyone interested, something no other council member has ever done. You may agree or disagree with his viewpoints, but you cannot disagree that communication is essential for any successful administration.
Kudos to Donald Shockey and thank you for letting me post your useful e-mail updates for anyone to read. Here is the latest Miami Shores Village Update from Vice Mayor Donald Shockey:
Dear Friends,
May has been a busy month in Miami Shores Village and I wanted to provide you with an update on various actions and activities.
Village Green program: The Miami Shores Village Green environmental program was launched this month. Please read the story on the home page of the Village website and do everything you can as a resident to participate in and support the program.
NE 2nd Avenue: The work is nearing completion and signs will be going up soon to inform users of traffic and parking patterns. The Village Council voted to change the name of the downtown portion to Village Place but rather than putting up costly signage at each intersection with the new name, the Village will install attractive entrance signs at the north and south ends of downtown. Three bike racks will also be installed, and a grand reopening celebration is planned for later this year. In the mean time, remember that Village Cafe, Flower Bar, and many other great small merchants on the Avenue are open and need your business!
Chickee huts: At the May 19th meeting, the Council voted to allow closely regulated chickee huts in residents’ back yards. I voted against this item as I think that chickee huts are not generally in keeping with the character of the Village and I did not see a compelling reason to change the code to allow them.
Vacation of Roadway behind Tropical Chevrolet: On May 19th, the Council voted 3 to 1 to renew for a year an agreement with Tropical Chevrolet to vacate NE 5th Court which divides the service area of the dealership along the railroad tracks from the showroom area in the front. The owners now have a year to execute the agreement under which they will receive ownership of the road and right of way in return for paying the Village approximately $500,000. I supported this item because the road no longer serves a public purpose and the Village can make good use of the $500,000 compensation. The owners have plans to unify and redevelop the property as a state of the art automobile showroom and service facility, but they are not limited to this use by the agreement. Planning and zoning regulations will ensure that whatever is eventually built on the unified property will further the interests of the Village.
SaveDade Champions of Equality Event: On May 20, I served on the honorary host committee for this event along with municipal and community officials from various Miami-Dade County cities. The event honored the County Mayor and eight County Commissioners, a University of Miami student group, and a previous SaveDade Executive Director for their work in support of equal rights for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It was exciting to talk with many of these important officials and community leaders and to include Miami Shores Village in the group of progressive cities represented.
Memorial Day Ceremony: On Monday May 25th at 9:00 a.m. at Memorial Park at NE 93rd St. and NE 2nd. Ave., the Village will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony featuring former Miami Shores resident Sergeant Major Andrew Yagle, from the United States Marine Corp. and music by the Miami Shores Community Band. Refreshments will be served. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Community Center. I will be visiting my parents in Central Florida on this date and honoring my father’s service in World War II but I encourage everyone in the Village to attend this event or in some way honor during the day all those who have bravely served our country.
Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you in the Village soon.
Vice Mayor Donald Shockey