Many readers know that I’m a dedicated commuter cyclist, have been for 28 years!  Over the past year and one-half my commute has been challenging with finding new routes around the construction of The Underline here in South Miami.   At long last, the one-mile portion of The Underline within the city’s boundaries is completed.  All intersections are open and people have been walking, running and cycling along our “SOMI Mile.”  The children’s Play Forest amenity will be having its grand opening later this summer.  Stay tuned to SOMI for further information.

Our lead story in this summer edition is Dorn Avenue: Past, Present, Future.  Dorn Avenue is a special place in the evolution of our city.  It has gone from a barren grey wide street for cars to a green canopy with wider sidewalks, outdoor dining and more people than cars, what some refer to as a “quaint European street.”  Read about the storied past of SW 59 Avenue and what’s in the future for that area, which combines adaptive re-use of existing and historic structures with new buildings and improved public spaces.

This leads to what I refer to as South Miami’s “Decade of Development.”  The AvalonBay Communities residential building on 73 Street ushered in the transformation of 73 Street.  With the firm’s acquisition of the Dorn Avenue properties, a whole new look will greet residents and visitors to our community. The city is also engaged in a complete streetscape improvement in the hometown district, on both sides of US1.  In our Community section you’ll read about two new projects going up on the west side of the highway.  These projects, together with the prospective redevelopment of the city hall campus will be transforming and “urbanizing” the city across the highway.  The Sunset Place development is moving forward in its intense detailed planning process for its massive project as detailed in SOMI.  On 73 Street we can expect to have development on the parking lots owned by Wirtz Realty (Chicago).  Overall, it will prove to be a challenging time in this next decade, however South Miami will finally be coming into its own, as a signature destination in South Florida.

Enjoy reading about our new businesses, happening in and round town, our wellness feature and much more in this summer online edition.

As we are now in hurricane season, I pray we will all do well.  Be prepared and be ready to help your neighbors should we experience a storm this year.  We’ve been very blessed over the past several years and I hope we keep up that record.

Enjoy your SOMI experience.