Tuesday, Oct. 12 - Miami-Dade TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) MEMBER DISCUSSION – PALMETTO BAY GOLF CARTS use of Old Cutler Trail / Shared Paths

Should golf carts be added to shared paths in Palmetto Bay? This issue continues behind the scenes and will come up for a public discussion far from Palmetto Bay's borders, at a live meeting held in downtown Miami. This time, the meeting discussion will be  amongst the Miami-Dade TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). 

You can download the complete workshop agenda package at the TPO website and/or by clicking here on BPAC.  

Why this discussion? 

Mayor Cunningham and Council passed a Village of Palmetto Bay resolution to study the feasibility of allowing motorized golf carts to use the county's Old Cutler Trail, a shared use path. (Note - this resolution is NOT posted on the village website for viewing). After review, the Miami-Dade County Transportation & Public Works Department (DTPW) issued this response:

"The path is not designed or warranted for the use of golf carts. After reviewing the request DTPW does not recommend the use of golf carts along the OCR (Old Cutler Road) shared use path."

The DTPW specifically cited Florida Department of Transportation standards saying:

"...the conflicts between the golf carts and the shared use path users (pedestrian and bikers) would create significant safety and operational problems..."

No new action has been taken publicly nor have any additional resolutions been passed at any meetings, yet Palmetto Bay has sought additional hearing on this matter, hence this meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021. 

All sides of this issue may want to be present at this meeting.  

What is the position of the current Palmetto Bay and Council? Palmetto Bay officials have not openly discussed this upcoming meeting or posted any advisement of it to the public. I am unaware as to any policy set by the council setting forth the official position of Palmetto Bay officials. This appears to be yet another example of allowing things to happen instead of proactively advocating for a desired result. Weak leadership allows for others to make decisions affecting our municipality - a desired result for those who refuse to take positions.  

Just what do Mayor Cunningham and Council mean when they asked for a "study" as to "the feasibility of allowing motorized golf carts to use the county's Old Cutler Trail"? This just sounds like a feeble attempt to walk a political tightrope to hide their actual position, reserving the right to claim victory regardless how this issue plays out. This is yet another textbook example of allowing things to fester instead of actually making a decision this mayor and council may fear is unpopular, allowing them to play both sides - for the winners: taking the credit while consoling the losers by blaming the county (sound familiar? Recent examples include the 87th Ave bridge, 136th Shared Path).

Meeting info:

Miami-Dade TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

In-Person Meeting*

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Starts at 5:30pm

 

Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board Chambers

150 West Flagler Street, Suite 1924

Miami, FL 33130 

 

*Pursuant to CDC guidelines, all persons entering the building are required to wear facial masks at all times. Social distancing measures will also be enforced. 

This is listed as a "BPAC MEMBER DISCUSSION relating to PALMETTO BAY GOLF CARTS" - (NOTE: this topic is on the agenda "for Discussion Only; This is Not an Action Item")

Palmetto Bay Cart Club T Shirt Fundraiser for the Abacos - limited time to buy

This is yet another outstanding example of community spirit; as well as another opportunity to participate. 

Chad Heffernan and the Palmetto Bay Golf Cart Club have organized a hurricane relief effort to help victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Please consider buying a Palmetto Bay Cart Club T Shirt or donating to support the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. All proceeds will go to the Abacos Relief Fund which will be utilized to get necessary food and supplies to the islands!

Here is how this Tee Shirt fundraiser works: The T Shirts are only for sale until Saturday. 100% of the proceeds go to the Abacos Relief fund, Customink.com will just send them a check when it is done. It's easy. Buy a shirt (you can also donate supplies to the Golf Cart Group as indicated below) and the proceeds to the Abacos Relief fund.

But this sale ends Saturday, so don't delay. Order now.

Chad Heffernan:

I feel passionate about the recovery effort because my family and I were lucky enough to vacation in the Abacos this past summer. Dozens of friends and their kids went too. We boated over and island hopped in six boats, and everywhere we went, the people were amazing. So much fun, always smiling. Helpful, courteous, and genuine. One of the best vacations I have ever had. That’s one of the reasons I am doing this.

The Palmetto Bay Golf Cart Club is working on a mass drop off of supplies this week. As Chad says, "(He) can’t think of what those people went through or a better cause."

CLICK HERE to Buy/Donate

EDITOR'S NOTE: Information below taken from the Custom Ink site:

About this campaign

All proceeds from the sale of these shirts will go directly to the Abacos Relief Fund, which will use 100% of the funds to purchase supplies and get to the islands of the Abacos, tax, duty, and import free.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/467924477394881/