Decision day in Tallahassee. Herald reports: In face of local opposition, FPL seeks Cabinet OK for transmission lines

TALLAHASSEE: In face of local opposition, FPL seeks Cabinet OK for transmission lines - Political Currents - MiamiHerald.com
The leadership of Pinecrest and South Miami have taken the lead on this issue of neighborhood protection. The Miami Herald reports that these power lines are projected to run from Cutler Bay through Pinecrest, South Miami and Coral Gables to a substation in Coconut Grove. The towers would be built alongside Metrorail and down U.S. 1, past Cadillac show rooms, Porsche dealers, retail malls and through miles of concentrated development.

The issue is now before Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet for what may be the final decision after years of local effort.  [see prior post: FPL Transmission Line Administrative Hearing begin today (After 4 years of preparation) - and without Palmetto Bay] 

The Florida Cabinet is made up of Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Cabinet Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.

The Herald reports that the cities argue that if FPL needs the high-voltage wires, they should be built underground to protect property values and avoid the negative effects on economic development. They are asking the governor and Cabinet to reject the request, or defer a decision until more information can be obtained.

“This item is of extreme importance to our city and Miami Dade as a whole,” said Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez at a meeting of Cabinet aides last week.

So how will South Dade's "main street" look in the future? 

There are those who have actively engaged in the effort to protect the US1 neighborhoods and those who have chosen to duck this controversial issue.  Even my prodding back in July of 2013, did not not draw any public discussion of the impact of this issue by the current Mayor at a council meeting.  Just more silence on this issue.  CLICK HERE. It truly is a shame that there has been no official input from Palmetto Bay since 2010 on this issue that will profoundly impact the future of US1.