How should Miami-Dade be protected from future storms? The county wants your input
Miami-Dade is in line for a potential multi-billion dollar federal project that could shape the city for decades to come, protecting it from future hurricanes and rising seas.
But before any decisions are made, the county and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers want to hear from residents. They’re hosting a week-long series of public meetings — both in person and virtual — to listen to people about what kinds of protections they want.
The last time the Corps held these meetings, in 2020, they were virtual. Critics said it cut down on vital feedback from residents and led to the Corps’ suggested plan to install tall walls along the coast, in Biscayne Bay and through suburban neighborhoods to keep storm surge at bay, among other defenses.
That plan was ultimately scrapped, and now the Corps is starting the process over again.
“Our goal is to maximize public participation and community engagement in the alternative formulation process,” Michelle Hamor, chief of planning and policy branch at USACE Norfolk District, said in a statement. “The public is invited to learn more about the study during the public meeting as well as ask questions and engage with staff during the open house visuals.”
The first public meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson Campus, Building 3, 2nd floor, 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132.
On Tuesday, there’s another public meeting from 1 to 5 PM at the Jose Marti Gymnasium Building, 434 SW 3rd St., 2nd Floor, Miami 33130.
Wednesday’s meeting is from 1 to 5 PM at Barry University, 10050 NE 2nd Ave., D. Inez Andreas Building #112, Miami Shores, FL 33168.
The Thursday meeting will take place from 9:15 AM to 1:15 PM, at the Town of Cutler Bay Council Chambers, 10720 Caribbean Blvd, Suite 115, Cutler Bay, FL 33189.
The final wrap-up meeting, on Friday, is from 9 AM to 12PM, at the Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse, 155 NW 3rd St., Conference Rooms 5A and 5B, Miami, Florida 33128.
Residents can also share their thoughts through a public comment website (https://arcg.is/0ub0Cf) or by emailing MDBB-CSRMStudy@usace.army.mil.
More information about the study is available at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/MiamiDadeBackBayCSRMFeasibilityStudy/
This story was originally published November 14, 2022 at 1:16 PM.
