The Town of Miami Lakes will receive $8 million in federal appropriations for use towards its planned senior center, thanks to U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Doral.
“He has put in $8 million for the senior center,” Town Manager Edward Pidermann said.
Once the federal money is approved, it will be presented to the Town of Miami Lakes to use for its projects.
Pidermann said money for the senior center will also be coming from impact fees collected by the town.
“We estimate that we have in impact fees dollars, plus money we already had there for the senior center, $4 to $5 million,” Pidermann said.
Additional money for the project will also come once The Graham Companies applies for permits for its Lakeside Apartments in Business Park West.
The Graham Companies has pledged $1,560,000 to be held by the town attorney for the center.
The exterior of the center was originally to be built by The Graham Companies as part of a senior village project located on the shores of Graham Dairy Lake.
Once the center was built it would be up to the town to do the interior buildout. An assisted living and care center was to anchor the project. However when a medical provider could not be secured by the company, the plans for the senior center were put on hold, along with the senior village.
Final plans for the senior center have not been decided, and a possible location has not been finalized.
Pidermann said that one possible location that will be recommended by him and staff is the newly acquired undeveloped space across from the Miami Lakes Golf Club.
Pidermann said the plan would be to use the northern corner of the space, locally known as the Par 3. which is close to Miami Lakes Drive. But those plans can change and will depend on approvals from the council.
At some point in the near future, Pidermann will present plans to the council. he said.
Pidermann also said the town has met with an environmentalist to find out their options for site remediation.
Currently, the seniors use the Mary Collins Community Center for their community classes held from fall to spring while their bingo lunches are held at the Roberto Alonso Community Center.
There is no set date for the start of the project or meetings with council regarding the senior center.
Diaz-Balart also made requests on behalf of the town for federal money to improve drainage on the west side of Miami Lakes along with completing its septic to sewer connection for a neighborhood near the Lakes Radiology building.