MDX Expressway Extension

Miami-Dade County MDX Expressway Authority sought to create a 13 mi9le extension to State Road 836.

The proposed highway would extend beyond the urban development boundary (UDB) set by the county to protect wetlands and farms. Wetlands, a wetland mitigation bank and land targeted for an Evergglades restoration [project would be affected.

After hearing in 2019 failed to dissuade the MDX Expressway authority, 

In April 2020, and administrative law judge ruled that the proposal violated the county’s comprehensive development master plan, and would lead to only and average six minute shorter commute time for West Kendal residents.

In April 2021, Florida dissolved the MDX toll board.

In September 2021, Governor Ron Desantis and the Floridqa Cabinet voted to overturn the judge’s order blocking the road.  Opponents say this action violated the law. An appeal is planned within 30 days

Urban Sprawl and Our Urban Development Boundary

NOTE: For the history and definitions of Urban Development Boundary, go to the Miami-Dade County website. 

Sierra Club Miami works with another local group called Hold the Line, to keep the Miami-Dade County Commission from allowing destructive and unnecessary development outside the Urban Development Boundary. When we fail to do so, everyone is effected. Development without the infrastructure to support it (roads, water, sewage, schools, police, fire, etc) means that while one developer makes his money, other citizens and businesses have to pay for it in higher taxes. 

There are many reasons to fight sprawl in Miami-Dade: protecting the Everglades, keeping your taxes lower, not letting developers run amok, fighting for less traffic not more, protecting your water supply. Whatever your reason, join us. We need to keep pressure on the County Commission and shine a light on them when they try to sell out. We need a team of people to follow the issues, keep tabs on the commissioners, be the watchdogs for this issue. If you are interested, please contact the Miami Group Chair.