Thank you for your support on the UDB

Margaret Morales the South Florida Organizer of Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund and Hold the Line member, said it best for all of us, thanking the residents who came out yesterday:

It was amazing to me to see how strong the Hold the Line campaign really is, with so many bright green stickers staring straight back at the Commissioners.

Although the Commissioners did go ahead and approve both Amendments 5 and 6, yesterday really was a big victory for HTL. Of course the developers pulling 4 on Tuesday was a BIG win. But even on 5 and 6, a number of additional measures and restraints were placed on both of these projects that made them items we can continue to monitor and work to reduce their impact, rather than complete losses that we have no ability to mitigate any longer.

The Hold the Line Vote is Today. By Fran Bohnsack

The Urban Environment League is a member of Hold the Line. We agree with the Miami Herald Editorial that said: "The Commission sacrifices public good for private gain."

I will be representing the UEL at the County Commission meeting today, echoing the concerns raised in the Miami Herald:

"How many public officials and independent authorities have told the Miami-Dade County Commission that moving the Urban Development Boundary would open the floodgates to westward expansion for no good reason?

Five. The Florida Cabinet. The state Department of Community Affairs. The South Florida Water Management District. Florida Administrative Hearing Judge Bram D.E. Canter. County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

Add to that list the county's own planning and zoning department experts and many, many Miami-Dade residents. They are tired of sprawl and the traffic gridlock and crowded classrooms that reckless, unplanned development generates without paying for the services it needs."

County Commission Meeting Wednesday: Ask the Commissioners to HOLD THE LINE!

The UEL was a founding member of the Hold the Line group formed years ago to combat the onslaught of development applications to the County trying to move the Urban Development Boundary. Once again developers are trying to cross the line.

We are asking that you come to the County Commission chambers on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and voice your concerns. The address is 111 NW 1st Street. Can't get off work? Call Commissioner Rebeca Sosa: Phone: (305) 375-5696 and call Audrey Edmonson (305)-375-5393. Tell them both to HOLD THE LINE!

Florida Cabinet denies Lowe's move of Urban Development Boundary

According to the Miami Herald, the State Cabinet voted 3 to 1, siding with an administrative law judge, to reject the County Commission's move of the Urban Development Boundary for a Lowe's store.  The County Attorney signaled that it was over for the County. Lowe's might appeal. 

The Urban Environment League was a founding member and driving force in the  Hold the Line movement which was a broad coalition of people, government entities and groups in favor of holding the line on development in areas not served by infrastructure. The UEL agrees with the ruling, we don't think it is the time to move the UDB line.

The Miami Herald says:

Environmentalists and urban planners hailed the decision, saying it sets a precedent for dealing with counties that attempt to bend state growth management laws and allow sprawl. They hope the ruling will halt attempts by politically powerful developers who are seeking to move development boundaries in other counties, including the creation of a new suburb on the Everglades' doorstep in Miami-Dade called Parkland.

Come to the "Hold the Line" Picnic on Sunday. By Fran Bohnsack

There will be plenty of paella and friendly faces. be sure to RSVP.
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The UEL is a Co-Sponsor of this Fiesta de la HTL Event.

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The "Hold the Line Video."