Community Newspapers JUNE 2010
Miami Gardens
INSIDE The City of Miami Gardens THIS
ISSUE A NEW WAY OF GOING GREEN
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TREE CITY AWARDS
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HAPPENING THIS MONTH
Celebrates 7th Birthday On May 13, 2010, Mayor Shirley Gibson delivered the 7th Annual State of the City address to the City’s residents, business owners, supporters and staff. Although last season, many cities across South Florida were cutting jobs and services, she made a special note to her listening audience that the City of Miami Gardens managed a balanced budget. In the 7 years that the City has been in existence, there have been many notable achievments that have brought positive attention, and change to the community. The City has hosted to two Super Bowls, the Pro Bowl, and continues to produce the nationally recognized, annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival. “People are calling,” and “They’re asking, ‘how does Miami Gardens do what it does?’” Gibson noted in her address. Although the City has received positive acclaim, there are still issues that affect the City such as the high foreclosure rate and the limited resources for rescuing and beautifying distressed properties within the City. The federal Neighborhood Stabilization program’s strict guidelines makes it difficult for government entities to sell homes; however Miami Gardens has one of the most successful programs in the County Gibson noted in her address. The Mayor also touted the success of the Citywide grassroots marketing campaign for the 2010 Census. (As the City was not incorporated during the last census, there has not been an accurate count of the city’s population.) The City spent countless hours canvassing the City, attending local events, or-
ganizing programs, and staffing community meetings to spread the word about the importance of census to Miami Gardens. Its efforts resulting in a 72% participation rate-- higher than Miami Dade County
and most comparable cities. In addition to providing more services for its residents, the city plans to extend the 183rd street beautification project to Northwest 47
Avenue. The City has spent the year increasing and improving landscaping, infrastructure, crime prevention, building a state-of-the-art community center, performing housing rehabilitation for low income residents, and showcasing Miami Gardens as a destination location. Whew! The Mayor boasted about the opening of the Betty T. Ferguson Miami Gardens Recreation Complex, in recognition of the former Miami-Dade Commissioner who helped spearhead the project for the city. The 54,000 s.f. youth center complex located on 199 Street and between 29th and 32nd Avenues will be completed soon. The facility will house an indoor pool and sauna, basketball court, fitness room, computer room and dance studio; it will be considered the crown jewel of the cityOther future plans includethe expansion its small business program, drain cleaning and road work projects along Northwest Seventh Avenue. Mayor Gibson’s speech simply reminded attendees that goals are not accomplished over night; they are a vision that drives progress and can be used to measure development. The City, which was a long time vision for many residents of the City is moving at a rapid pace to clean, build, and flourish. The fruits of our labor are beginning to blossom. The grass really is greener in Miami Gardens! Miami Herald Writer Nadege Charles contributed to this article.