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Resolution No. 2025-07 Support Request to Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization and Florida Department of Transportation for Traffic Congestion Study at 163 St and Biscayne Blvd. - January 14, 2025CITY OF AVENTURA RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A COLLABORATIVE REQUEST TO THE MIAMI-DADE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO PRIORITIZE A STUDY ADDRESSING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE INTERSECTION OF 163RD STREET AND BISCAYNE BOULEVARD; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A JOINT LETTER WITH NEIGHBORING CITIES; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard is a critical corridor providing access from the 1-95 to the municipalities of North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, Aventura, Bal Harbour and unincorporated areas of Miami -Dade County (the "Affected Municipalities"); and WHEREAS, the intersection of 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard (the "Intersection") is experiencing increasing traffic congestion due to regional development and increased railway activity associated with the Northeast Corridor project, including the forthcoming train station at NE 151st Street; and WHEREAS, this congestion negatively impacts commerce, safety, environmental quality and emergency response times within the City of North Miami Beach and the neighboring communities; and WHEREAS, the Miami -Dade Transportation Planning Organization ("TPO") and the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOT") are key agencies responsible for transportation planning and infrastructure improvements within the region; and WHEREAS, the Affected Municipalities desire to request that TPO and FDOT prioritize a study to identify viable options for alleviating congestion at this critical Intersection; and WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is in the best interest of the City of Aventura and its residents to engage in this collaborative effort with neighboring municipalities. City of Aventura Resolution No. 2025-07 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA: Section 1. Recitals. That each of the above -stated recitals are hereby adopted, confirmed, and incorporated herein. Section 2. Support. That the City Commission supports a collaborative request to the Miami -Dade Transportation Planning Organization and the Florida Department of Transportation to prioritize a study addressing traffic congestion at the intersection of 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard. Section 3. Execution of Joint Letter. That the City Commission authorizes the Mayor and the City Manager to execute the joint letter attached hereto as Exhibit "A" along with the municipalities of the other affected municipalities. Section 4. Distribution. That the City Clerk distribute a copy of this Resolution and the executed joint letter to the Miami -Dade Transportation Planning Organization and the Florida Department of Transportation District Six and the affected municipalities. Section 5. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner Bloom, who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kruss, and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Commissioner Clifford B. Ain Yes Commissioner Gustavo Blachman Yes Commissioner Amit Bloom Yes Commissioner Paul A. Kruss Yes Commissioner Cindy Orlinsky Yes Vice Mayor Rachel S. Friedland Yes Mayor Howard S. Weinberg Yes Page 2 of 3 City of Aventura Resolution No. 2025-07 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of January, 2025. H WARD S. WEINBERG, ES MAYOR ATTEST: ELLISA L. HORVAT , MMC CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: ROBERT MEYERS CITY ATTORNEY WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN, P.L. Page 3 of 3 �FLO�Z� January 15, 2025 City M Aventura Government Center 19200 West Country Club Drive Aventura, Florida 33180 Executive Director Aileen Boucle, AICP Miami -Dade Transportation Planning Organization 150 West Flagler Street, Suite 1900 Miami, FL 3313 District Six Secretary Stacy L. Miller, P.E. Florida Department of Transportation, District Six 1000 NW 111th Avenue Miami, FL 33172 HOWARD S. WEINBERG, ESQ. MAYOR COMMISSIONERS CLIFFORD B. AIN GUSTAVO BLACHMAN AMIT BLOOM RACHEL S. FRIEDLAND PAUL A. KRUSS CINDY ORLINSKY BRYAN PEGUES CITY MANAGER Subject: Collective Request for Prioritization of Traffic Congestion Studies on 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard Dear Executive Director Boucle and Secretary Miller, On behalf of the cities of North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, Aventura, and Bal Harbour, we are writing to express our collective concern regarding the increasing traffic congestion along 163rd Street, particularly at its intersection with Biscayne Boulevard. This corridor is a vital artery providing access from I-95 to our communities and unincorporated areas of Miami -Dade County. We are aware of and support the ongoing development of the Northeast Corridor project, including the forthcoming train station at NE 151st Street, as part of the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan. While we welcome these enhancements to regional transit, we have observed that the increased railway activity has intensified traffic congestion at the intersection of 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard. The strain on our road infrastructure has become increasingly pronounced, and we believe that addressing this issue in conjunction with the Northeast Corridor project is essential. We respectfully request that the scope of the Northeast Corridor project be amended to include a study of viable roadway improvements at the intersection of 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard that facilitate the free flow of east -west traffic while accommodating increased railway usage. PHONE: 305-466-8910 • FAX: 305-466-8919 www.cityofaventura.com By integrating roadway improvements into the existing Northeast Corridor project, we can develop comprehensive solutions that address both rail and road transportation needs. This holistic approach will enhance mobility, reduce travel times, improve safety, and ultimately improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. To underscore the urgency of this matter, we would like to highlight: Economic Impact: The congestion negatively affects commerce by delaying the transport of goods and services, impacting local businesses and the regional economy. Safety Concerns: Increased traffic congestion heightens the risk of accidents, posing safety hazards to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Additionally, congestion can delay response times for first responders, compromising public safety during emergencies. Environmental Considerations: Prolonged idling in traffic contributes to higher emissions, adversely affecting air quality and conflicting with our collective environmental sustainability goals. Population Growth: Our cities are experiencing steady population growth, which will only exacerbate current traffic issues if not addressed promptly. We are eager to collaborate with the Miami -Dade TPO, FDOT, and the railway agencies on this important initiative. Our cities are committed to supporting efforts that will lead to sustainable and efficient transportation systems in our region. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. We look forward to your favorable consideration and are available to discuss this further at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact North Miami Beach City Manager Mario Diaz at 305-948-2900 or Mario.diaz(a)citynmb.com. Sincerely, Howard S. Weinberg, Es . Mayor Bryah Pegues City Manager PHONE: 305-466-8910 • FAX: 305-466-8919 www.cityofaventura.com