Before Miami Lakes’ incorporation 16 years ago, resident Sean Schwinghammer said the community was mired in an uphill battle against Miami-Dade County’s plan to increase the height of a landfill west of 1-75.
Schwinghammer, a member of the now defunct Miami Lakes Community Council, said the town didn’t stand a chance until his colleague, Michael Pizzi, took on a leadership role to stymie the expansion, which could have destroyed the community’s property values.
“He pushed and pushed and we won,” said Schwinghammer, as he introduced Mayor Michael Pizzi for his annual State of the Town Address. “Is he the hardest working man in town? Yes, and that’s why we elected him mayor.”
Albeit Pizzi is a polarizing figure, his supporters and antagonists packed Miami Lakes Town Hall, where he recognized two financial institutions, educators and volunteers for their roles in the town’s affairs, and peppered his speech with celebration and promises to make 2017 a better year by setting the standards higher than previous years.
Pizzi, who is facing a reelection battle this month with the town’s founding Mayor Wayne Slaton and current Councilmember Manny Cid, said his No. 1 goal is to reduce traffic congestion by five percent on Ludlam Road and Miami Lakes Drive, and prevent the county and Hialeah from opening up N.W. 154 Street near a large scale residential development along N.W. 87 Avenue.
“We got to control overdevelopment,” Pizzi said. “There have been talks about the state and county opening up 154 Street west of I-75. I want the state and country to read my lips – over my dead body would 154 Street ever be opened up. It’s not going to happen.”
Banking on an idea proposed by Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez, Pizzi said the town needs to expedite building a bridge park on the N.W. 154 Street I-75 overpass..
“That would solve the problem,” he said. “This year, we are moving forward with this idea and shutting down opening up 154 Street.”
Pizzi said the town added two police officers in the new budget who were assigned to traffic control throughout the town during peak hours.
The mayor said creating better regulations for the lakes is also a top priority for 2017. “The lakes are a precious commodity and the town will pass comprehensive legislation to protect and clean our lakes,” he said.
Pizzi said during his two-terms as mayor, Miami Lakes built a stand alone government center, opened up N.W. 87 Avenue and reduced taxes.
But he said 2017 is the year Miami Lakes tops those accomplishments.
“If we planted 500 trees this year, I want to see 1,000 trees planted next year,” he said. “If we reduced the crime rate by five percent this year, I want to see it reduced by 10 percent next year. The key to success is moving forward on meeting the challenges everyday. I want to set the bar higher and think bigger,” he added. “And as a council and community, we will make these goals happen this year.”
Before his speech, Pizzi recognized Kislak Bank and Popular Community Bank, which is headquartered in Miami Lakes and amid a $3 million expansion project.
The mayor also recognized Miami Lakes Middle School principal Dr. Manuel Sanchez III, who won Miami-Dade Public Schools Principal of the Year for 2015-2016.
Pizzi also honored Alejandro Sanchez, chair of the town’s Veteran’s Affairs Committee, with the Volunteer Veteran of the Year award. Charles James was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award for his dedication to the Cultural Affairs Committee for more than 10 years.
Giardino’s Gourmet Salads was honored as the Business of the Year which is presented annually to a company that promotes economic growth and community involvement.
Also honored was Jose Orellana who was named Employee of the Year. Orellana joined the Town in 2012 and now serves at the Green Space Maintenance Supervisor.