The Palmetto Bay designed shared path. This project will define the differences between Pinecrest (Green) and Palmetto Bay (from Blue to concrete). Let’s take a look (Part 1 of 3 planned)

The SW 136th Street shared path is essentially an inharmonious collection of varying sidewalk sections cobbled together claiming to be a park amenity. It’s not a cycling amenity as even a few of the current’s mayor’s informal project advisers has been honest that the cycling groups will continue to ‘take the lane’ (use the street, not the path – as is their legal right).

SW 136 Street – a Street that bears stark contrasts between the sides – dividing North from South. 

First impressions are important. 136th Street is the gate way to their Palmetto Bay homes for many. Our community has invested in gateway signage (LED/solar powered, BTW) as well as our signature Palmetto Bay blue street signs. Times change with a new direction now taking shape that will define the differences between Palmetto Bay from Pinecrest when driving down SW 136 Street. Previously the only differences appeared to be green signature signage defining Pinecrest while Palmetto Bay has its ‘Palmetto Bay blue’ signature street signs. 

Palmetto Bay residents obviously bear the brunt of the shared path as it is located entirely on the Palmetto Bay side of the road. Some residents of Palmetto Bay have a 10 foot section adjacent to their property while others have 8 feet or less. Surprisingly, there is a section where the 10 foot section abruptly chokes down to the standard 5 foot sidewalk length.  Many hold the opinion that this shared path is shoehorned into an area that is much too small. It is important to note that there was standard 5 foot sidewalk on this side of the road that predated this path project where many differing users had been long able to walk, jog, and, yes, even ride their bicycles for those who choose to ride on the sidewalk. It was removed in order to create this shared path, along with many mature specimen trees.

Pinecrest residents must be breathing a heavy sigh of relief as their council members invested $1.2 million into this path and some feel as it was money well spent – as the money was well spent to ensure this concrete monster would not tear through Pinecrest’s green space by placing it entirely on the Palmetto Bay side. The Pinecrest side of SW 136 Street remains lushly landscaped, not having lost a single mature specimen tree. There is a standard size sidewalk on the Pinecrest side, where many differing users have been long able, as well as remain able, to walk, jog, and, yes, even ride their bicycles for those who choose to ride on the sidewalk. This is the green side of the road as opposed to the concrete found on the opposing side of the municipal border.

Below: the official project rendering that the Village of Palmetto Bay has posted on its official website - something that most rely upon as a true representation of how this project will appear upon completion.

Two important items to take note of: 

1. The rendering makes it appear as if Palmetto Bay may actually end up with larger, more lush trees over what is portrayed for the Pinecrest side (which is FALSE). 

2. Also note that neither tree appears to be close to the end of the road - there are standards as to where trees should/can be planted near roadways.

Based upon the photos immediately above, I fear whether all residents who live alongside SW 136th Street are being treated equal. Some have 8 foot sections while others have the full 10 feet! At least one homeowner had the shared path reduced to the standard size sidewalk in front of the home (many people are interested to hear how that came about).

FAIR QUESTIONS:

• What difference does the additional 2 feet serve when so many other sections are set at 8 feet or less, including at least one section where the standard 5 foot wide was reinstalled?
• Where are the trees going to be planted for the sections pictured above? Will they be planted within the 2 - 4 feet between the mega sidewalk and the street?
• If so, will the tree tear up either the street or mega sidewalk?
• If so, will the tree obscure safety sightlines?

Photo immediately above - the standard size sidewalk is being replaced on the Pinecrest side. The trees, grass and scrubs will remain, in stark contrast to the Palmetto Bay side. This is a walkway truly worthy of a green, tree friendly community, offering a shady walk or bike ride (for those who choose to ride on the sidewalk).