The Bird Avenue Improvement Project was discussed at the Village Council meeting last week. As of now, the project will only cover half of Bird Avenue, from US1 to Virginia, There are new medians, restricted turns and a traffic circle at Virginia Street. Above is one section of the plans.
Most on the Village Council felt that the east end of Bird needs the work more than the west end, but it appears that for now, it's easier dealing with easements and legalities on the west end and there is no need to hold up the whole project. The east end will happen in time.
Lots of medians with vegetation and trees is planned along with wide sidewalks and bike lanes. Traffic signals will be in sync on US1 and 32nd Avenue and Virginia Street. The budget is $2 million, but projections are that it will cost much less due to the lower bidding and prices in this bad economy.
To put the FPL lines underground would cost $5 million and that would be put on the backs of the taxpayers, so that will not happen. The projected start is October and it should take eight months.
Some changes were requested by the Village Council, like removing the traffic circle, opening up more of the median to allow for easier access and turns and make it less Coral Gables and Brickell-like and more Key West and rustic Coconut Grove-like.
Village Council member Michelle Niemeyer asked if the $2 million could go to something more pressing in town but the money has been allotted to this particular project, the voters decided this in 2001 and it legally binding.
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