WE WON ROUND 2! WAB PASSES RESOLUTION FOR A HIGHER BRIDGE

Thank you to all of our supporters now 607 strong and growing. Not only are Coral Gables homeowners, voters, and waterway users north of US1 saying NO TO LOW BRIDGES ON THE CORAL GABLES WATERWAY, but now other waterway neighbors south of US 1, Cocoplum, Gables Estates, Old Cutler Bay, Snapper Creek and Gables by the Sea have joined us as well. 

This week, I presented our concerns at the Coral Gables Waterway Advisory Board (WAB) meeting held on March 3rd. Other concerned neighbors joined me as well. During the meeting both Underline and Miami Dade County (who lead the bridge design effort) were also present. After hearing both sides, the WAB passed a resolution recommending that the City of Coral Gables strongly advocate for a higher bridge! See below for the full resolution passed by the WAB on 3-5-25.

Next up is a City of Coral Gables Commission Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 11 at 2pm where the WAB will present the resolution below. I urge all of or supporters to attend this meeting and directly share your concern with our city leaders. It will be the last time our city leaders hear from us before they vote on the issue. Let's make sure they hear us loud and clear, especially considering city elections in April: NO TO LOW BRIDGES ON THE CORAL GABLES WATERWAY! Also, please share the petition with your neighbors and reach out directly to our Mayor and City Commissioners. We need our individual and collective voice to amplify right now. 

City of Coral Gables Commission Meeting

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

2pm: WAB Resolution and Public Comment Period

Address: Police & Fire HQ, Community Meeting Room

285 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables

CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA

A RESOLUTION OF THE WATERWAY ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDING THE CITY COMMISSION to strongly advocate for a higher clearance from miami-dade’s underline project’s updated bridge clearance of 11.1 feet to maintain safe and accessible waterway navigation; and to direct staff to conduct an independent survey to verify clearances, both under the proposed bridge and under US-1, before any final approvals are GRANTED.

              WHEREAS, at March 5, 2025 Waterway Advisory Board (WAB) meeting, Miami-Dade County staff discussed and answered questions regarding the updated bridge clearance being proposed related to the Underline Project; and 

              WHEREAS, the WAB has had several discussions with County and Underline officials in an effort to increase the clearance on the proposed pedestrian bridge, as the WAB believes greater clearance is essential for maintaining safe and accessible waterway navigation; and

              WHEREAS, the latest proposed bridge clearance is set at 11.1 feet above mean high tide, however the WAB emphasizes that this clearance must not be based on an assumption that the clearance under US-1 at mean high tide is 7.5 feet without verified data. Observations from tide markers at US-1 indicate that the actual clearance is approximately 5.5 feet at high tide and even less during King Tide events; and

              WHEREAS, the WAB feels, the County is relying on data using median numbers dating back 19 years, may no longer be accurate; and

              WHEREAS, the WAB urges the City Commission to evaluate all alternative bridge designs that may allow for increased height clearance while maintaining safety and structural integrity, including the use of elevators and the existing 7-foot sidewalk on Ponce de Leon; and

              WHEREAS, if a design solution exists that can achieve greater clearance without compromising feasibility, the WAB believes it should be fully explored before proceeding.

              NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES:

SECTION  1.      The foregoing “Whereas” clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution upon adoption hereof.

SECTION  2.  The Waterway Advisory Board recommends for the City Commission to strongly advocate for a higher clearance from miami-dade’s underline project’s updated bridge clearance of 11.1 feet to maintain safe and accessible waterway navigation; and to direct staff to conduct an independent survey to verify clearances, both under the proposed bridge and under US-1, before any final approvals are granted.

SECTION  3. That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its passage and adoption herein.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS FIFTH DAY OF MARCH A.D., 2025.