To the Editor:
Thank you for your article highlighting the South Bayshore sidewalk closure. The situation is, in fact, even more serious than portrayed in the article.
First, sidewalk closures are not intended to be used in this manner. They should be measured in hours, not in days, weeks, or years. The Florida Department of Transportation explicitly states: “Sidewalk closures should be limited in duration and should be reopened as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.” There is no provision that allows for blanket closures for the entire demolition and construction phase of a project “to ensure public safety.” I would challenge the county to identify where such a rule exists in its ordinances.
Moreover, if the site is deemed unsafe enough to justify closing the sidewalk, then the site itself should be shut down until those safety issues are resolved. These same safety concerns clearly affect traffic on Bayshore and place motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk.
There are several actions within the county’s authority that could be implemented immediately to improve safety and reduce community impact:
Require the developer to provide a 24/7 off-duty police officer to act as a crossing guard at South Bayshore Drive and Aviation Avenue. Bayshore is notoriously dangerous for pedestrians, and forcing people to cross mid-block puts lives at risk. A dedicated officer would help ensure that vehicles yield to pedestrians.
Restore sidewalk access during non-active construction hours. The county could require the developer to reopen the sidewalk when construction is not occurring — between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, as well as on Sundays and holidays. This would provide partial access and significantly reduce dangerous nighttime crossings of Bayshore.
Conduct regular safety inspections. If safety is truly the concern, there should be daily or at least weekly — inspections to ensure compliance. There are already visible violations, including dumpsters, portable toilets, and construction equipment being stored in the closed sidewalk, which is prohibited under FDOT rules.
If the county intends to block public access to a public sidewalk for years, it has an obligation to actively enforce safety standards and ensure that developers follow the rules. Sidewalks belong to the public, and protecting them means protecting all of us.
Paris Wallace
Coconut Grove
