Miami-Dade Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee Meeting - March 11, 2026
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Miami-Dade Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee Meeting - March 11, 2026
The Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee met on March 11, 2026, at 12:30 PM (starting slightly late) in the Commission Chambers. The committee considered a resolution for neighborhood planning in District 8 and approved several consent items, all forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
Consent Calendar
The committee approved the following items unanimously (4-0) and forwarded them to the BCC:
- 260291: Resolution directing neighborhood planning exercises for an area in District 8 (this item was pulled for discussion, but was later approved as part of the consent? Actually it was discussed separately, so it is not in consent. Let me correct: The consent items are all items except 2A. They include:
- 260208: Resolution authorizing a distribution facilities installation agreement with Florida Power & Light at Chuck Pezoldt Park.
- 260292: Resolution authorizing a grant agreement with The Recycling Partnership for up to $825,000.
- 260302: Resolution approving award of non-competitive legacy contract for Metromover and Metrorail control center upgrade to B&C Transit, Inc. for $6,254,385.
- 260127: Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with Coral Gables for decorative pavers and irrigation conduits at $38,300.
- 260246: Resolution approving agreements for coordination of transportation disadvantaged services.
- 260304: Resolution approving award for Traction Power Switchgear Replacement Phase IV to Statewide Electrical Services, Inc. for up to $5,821,000.
- 260305: Resolution approving a first amendment to an off-system construction and maintenance agreement with FDOT.
- 260307: Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 for contract CIP227A, extending duration by 126 calendar days plus 13 days contingency.
- 260325: Approval of the Clerk's summary of minutes for February 4, 2026 meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
Three residents spoke in support of item 2A, the resolution for neighborhood planning. Jeffrey Fink (8345 SW 119th St) described the neighborhood's unique character, including old growth trees and historic features, and expressed concern about developers buying properties to build high-rises and incompatible structures. Ola Luca (11325 SW 82nd Ave) urged support, stating the community welcomes growth but wants it guided by a thematic zoning district to protect the established scale and tree canopy. Katia Landido (11275 SW 82nd Ave) said she has had to fight for six years to protect her home from incompatible proposals and sees the resolution as an important first step. All speakers emphasized they are not anti-development but want responsible progress that respects the neighborhood's character.
Discussion Items
Item 2A – Resolution for Neighborhood Planning in District 8 (Prime Sponsor: Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins) Commissioner Keon Hardemon delivered extensive remarks on the broader context of development in Miami-Dade County, discussing the tension between preserving neighborhood character and accommodating growth. He noted that unincorporated areas lack the same protections as incorporated cities, and that industry often outcompetes residents. He highlighted the need for careful planning and consideration of the urban development boundary, intensification, and equity. Commissioner Cohen Higgins thanked the residents for being proactive and stressed that the resolution is not anti-development but a tool to guide development. She expressed commitment to continuing the conversation about preserving neighborhoods while addressing affordability and growth. Commissioners Roberto Gonzalez and Vicki Lopez also praised the residents and the proactive approach, with Gonzalez emphasizing the importance of planning for the county's future as a world-class community.
Key Outcomes
- Item 2A was approved unanimously (4-0) and forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation.
- All consent items (as listed above) were approved unanimously (4-0) and forwarded to the BCC as applicable.
- Chair requested that item 3H be placed on the next BCC agenda.
The meeting concluded with adjournment.
Meeting Transcript
So much. All right. Started a little late. We got delayed from the prior committee, but we are here now. Welcome to the infrastructure innovation and technology committee. March 11th, 2026. I want to for I guess we'll first do a moment of silence, and then will our colleague, my colleague Danielle Cohen Higgins, will lead us in the pledge. Thank you. All right. I guess I will uh look to the attorneys just to make sure. Are there any changes to the agenda before we set the agenda? There's not. Now it would be a good time for a reasonable opportunity for the heard, but there is no changes to the official printed agenda whatsoever. Yes, thank you. And I'm going to open reasonable opportunity to be heard. We do have quite a few speakers signed up for item 2A. And so I will call your name and please come up. And you have. Since we have looks like we have quite a few speakers, I don't want to limit your time, but we'll start with two minutes per person, and then we're going to have to limit it to one because we do have quorum issues potentially with some of my colleagues having to leave. And so our first speaker, Hugh Pringle, followed by Adrian Medenos. All right. And so who is that person? Oh, please come up, state your name. You can have you can have. So you're speaking you're the only speaker on this item for all the residents who are here. I I think uh there might be uh me and one or two more, but that would be it, I think. Um if we could have everybody who is here from the neighborhood who is in favor of the resolution, please stand up. Thank you. Thank you, please proceed, state your name and address for the record. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Jeffrey Fink. I live at 8345 Southwest 119th Street, Miami Dade County, Florida. I'm here as the rest of these lovely people from the neighborhood are in support of the resolution which regards our neighborhood. Before I start, we want to thank and express our deep appreciation to Commissioner Cohen Higgins for her and her staff's efforts on behalf of our neighborhood. Miami-Dade County has numerous unique neighborhoods, many with historical significance, including in the South. Kibiscaine, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, and Pinecrest. They are a significant reason for what makes our county a wonderful place to live. But these neighborhoods are incorporated, which has enabled them to protect themselves from incompatible development. There are many other equally unique neighborhoods like ours that remain within the county over sight and need your protection, not from development, but from development without regard for the characteristics that have made them lovely places to live. Almost every morning and afternoon, folks were out walking, often with their dogs or jogging. Kids were allowed to ride their bikes in the street by themselves. The area is full of old growth trees, including fruit and avocado trees. One property has a small pond that was dug to provide rock for flaglers railroad. You know what, Mr. Fink, your time is up, but I'm going to extend it since you are speaking on behalf of a collective group. So you can finish your um your comments. Thank you. One property has a small pond that was dug to provide rock for Flagglers Railroad and contains a Coral Rock fence with historical designation. Unfortunately, developers are now looking to stuff hundreds more housing units and commercial facilities into our neighborhood.
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