Community Meeting on January 6th.

The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will have a presentation on January 6th regarding the wetland property. After the presentation there will be a round table discussion about the ongoing project and the attempt to rezone the remaining 9 acres. The meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church, located at the corner of  Old Cutler Road and Marlin Road in Cutler Bay.

Development of 9 acres of uplands on Old Cutler Road adjacent to Cutler Bay Coastal Wetlands could move forward

• FACT - the owner of the land has filed an application with the town of Cutler Bay to change zoning from the current low density residential to commercial use...anything from apartments to a strip mall
• FACT - commercial zoning is not in keeping with the Cutler Bay Master Plan which identifies this land as conservation land and a potential future ecological park
• FACT - a commercial development is not consistent with land use and zoning of all the surrounding properties
• FACT - storm surge in Hurricane Andrew was 17 ft near this property, and the property is only from 5 to 10 ft. in elevation.
• FACT - a change in zoning to commercial use will increase the value of the land and put it out of reach for future purchase for park land

• QUESTION - How much more traffic and noise will this bring to already congested Old Cutler Rd.?
• QUESTION - Will joggers and cyclists that use the bike path adjacent to Old Cutler be in peril? 
• QUESTION - Is a commercial development up to four stories tall what Cutler Bay residents want at the NE entrance to their city near their peaceful neighborhoods?
• QUESTION - Is it wise to build a commercial development on low land east of Old Cutler likely to be impacted by hurricane storm surge?
• QUESTION - How will this high density development impact the adjacent coastal wetlands? 

• FACT - It will be up to the Cutler Bay Council to vote and decide the zoning issue

Please make your voices heard. Send emails and contact Cutler Bay staff and Council Members to let them know you are against rampant and unwise development in this corner of Cutler Bay.

Peggy Bell, Mayor of Cutler Bay - pbell@cutlerbay-fl.gov
Ernie Sochin, Vice Mayor of Cutler Bay - esochin@cutlerbay-fl.gov
Roger Coriat, Council Member - rcoriat@cutlerbay-fl.gov
Sue Ellen Loyzelle, Council Member - sloyzelle@cutlerbay-fl.gov
Mary Ann Mixon, Council Member - mamixon@cutlerbay-fl.gov

and copy the Town Clerk - townclerk@cutlerbay-fl.gov

If you are a resident of Palmetto Bay this commercial development will impact you also, please contact the Cutler Bay officials above and copy those in your town below:

Eugene Flinn, Mayor of Palmetto Bay - eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov
John Dubois, Vice Mayor of Palmetto Bay - jdubois@palmettobay-fl.gov
Karyn Cunningham, Council Member - kcunningham@palmettobay-fl.gov
Tim Schaffer, Council Member - tschaffer@palmettobay-fl.gov
Larissa Siegel Lara, Council Member - lsiegellara@palmettobay-fl.gov


Please contact livablecutler@gmail.com to be placed on a mailing list for updates on this matter.

Wetlands Restoration Workday 11/22/2014

A great day was had by all. Weather was perfect for planting Muhly grass, cloudy and cool. Excellent participation with more than 50 volunteers from Wells Fargo Bank, Biotech Academy High School, and Daniella Levine-Cava, our new District 8 Commissioner!

Daniella Levine-Cava and Grassroots Activists Visit the Wetlands

On Columbus Day 2014 newly elected District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine-Cava joined local residents and grassroots activists on a site visit to see the restoration efforts. 

Coastal Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay Habitat Restoration Funded!

IRC and NPS Secure $75,000 Grant to Restore Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay Wetlands

Coastal wetland restoration will at last begin in our area due to the vision, initiative and dedication of the organizations and individuals below:

Sarah Martin - The Institute for Regional Conservation
martin@regionalconservation.org, 305-505-9192
Tony Pernas - National Park Service

tony_pernas@nps.gov, 786-249-0073

The plants, animals and citizens of Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay truly appreciate your efforts towards restoring not only function to to the ecosystem but also towards preserving and protecting our area's unique natural heritage.

click to enlarge images 

                           




















Restoration Goals: 

• Restore important and threatened coastal and Pine Rockland habitat. 
• Restore habitat for many endangered and threatened plant species. 
• Eradicate non-native invasive species and promote native plant growth through prescribed burning. 
•  Provide control for several species of invasive exotic pest plant species. 
• Create a more resilient coastal system in the face of sea level rise and climate change. 
• Provide opportunities for community involvement and education. 

Source: http://regionalconservation.org/ircs/cutlerbay.asp Please follow this link for project updates and to see a presentation about the project.

Schools, Organizations and Community Members
Interested in contributing to restoration efforts through volunteer work days, neighborhood workshops and educational events? Email martin@regionalconservation.org.