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OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2010
Political Action Committee endorses Amendment 4 BY RICHARD YAGER
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he Kendall Federation Political Action Committee has endorsed the Hometown Democracyinspired Amendment 4 requiring voter referenda on county or city approvals of land use plans. As a constitutional change, Amendment 4 appears on the Nov. 2 ballot under the wording: “Referenda Required For Adoption And Amendment of Local Government Comprehensive Land Use Plans.” It was initiated to require a taxpayer-funded referendum for all changes to local government comprehensive land use plans, a hot issue in Kendall whenever changes in the Urban Development Boundary are proposed. Opponents of Amendment 4 believe the measure would tie up both municipal and county governments in special election voting that would be unwieldy and expensive. While the actual vote of the PAC committee members was not revealed, members asked for reaction indicated a majority of those participating favored a “yes” vote on the Nov. 2 ballot. “The measure is largely a slap in the face to community councils and county commissioners who ignore public sentiment against large-scale developments that would move the UDB,” said Miles E. Moss, president of the Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations (KFHA). Moss referred specifically to Lennar’s massive Parkland community of 14,000-plus homes, proposed on 961 acres immediately west of Krome (SW 177th) Avenue between 136th and SW 152nd streets in West Kendall, as well as two commercial CDMP changes approved by the commission in 2008. More than 200 residents objected to the Lennar project at a November 2007 hearing that had to be moved to a school auditorium to accommodate an anticipated outcry against UDB movement. The commission later voted to transmit the Parkland development to the state in the face
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PAC, page 4
Gala activities celebrate Sunset Feed’s 50 years BY YELANY RODRIGUEZ
County Foreclosure Registry applications available online BY LEE STEPHENS
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rom live music to free dog washes, Sunset Feed and Supply had it all at its 50th Anniversary Celebration and Customer Appreciation Day on Sept. 18. Guests enjoyed pony rides, a petting zoo, mechanical bulls, and numerous giveaways with the first 500 customers who spent $50 or more receiving a free barbecue lunch. Those bringing canines to the event gave back to the community at a free dog wash at Sunset Feed with all proceeds benefiting the Paws4You Rescue. Celebrants also received storewide discounts during the “Buy one, get one 50 percent off” sales special. “Never in our wildest dreams did we expect such a huge turnout,” said Heather Pictured are Tucker Townsend (center), former owner; Riera and Tara Townsend, Tara Townsend (left) and Heather Riera, current owners. co-owners. “The day turned –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– out to be a huge success, thanks to our loyal customers, dedicated doors in 1960 in a rural area of Kendall that is today on the edge of what is known as employees, and volunteers. “Without the support of our community “Horse Country.” With so many changes during the past we know we would have never survived 40 years, including newly built condos for 50 years. Thank you does not begin to express our gratitude to everyone and shopping malls consuming land involved.” Riera said. Sunset Feed and Supply, a third genera––––––––––––– See page 4 tion family-owned business, opened its
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iami-Dade County recently improved its Building and Neighborhood C o m p l i a n c e Department website, which includes an online Foreclosure Registry application available at <http://bldgappl.miamidade.gov/foreclosureregistry/MainPage.aspx>. To date, 15,000 registry applications have been received. Payment of the registry fee also may be made electronically. This added feature will facilitate a more efficient and expedient process for lending institutions as well as the department. The Foreclosure Registry tracks single family dwellings that are subject to foreclosure actions. Through this registry residences that have become or are at risk of becoming vacant, overgrown or dilapidated are tracked and remediated to prevent blight or unsightly conditions thus preserving property values along with neighboring residents’ quality and life safety. In order to minimize the negative impact on neighborhoods, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners approved, on Dec. 2, 2008, Ordinance 08-134, and effective Dec. 12, 2008, which requires that upon the filing of a Lis Pendens or an action to foreclose upon a mortgaged property, registration of the property must be made with the MiamiDade County Building and Neighborhood Compliance Department within 30 days. This ordinance is applicable to properties within unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County. “Improving the quality of life in our neigh-
SUNSET FEED,
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FORECLOSURE, page 4