Proposed expansion meets opposition

Anthony Cave/Contributing Writer

North Miami residents, University students and University President Mark Rosenberg packed Nov. 15’s North Miami City Council meeting for one agenda topic – the University’s proposal to build a second entrance along 135 Street.

The line stretched out the chamber door, as the televisions in the lobby displayed the meeting live for those in standing room only.

North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre went straight to the issue, asking the crowd if they were there for the FIU issue; most raised their hands in unison.

Rosenberg said that the University would have more than 64,000 students over the next 10 years, with more than 15,000 expected to enroll at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Currently, an estimated 7,500 students attend BBC. He also said at least 200 jobs would be added because of the proposed expansion.

“We do intend to expand the Biscayne Bay Campus,” he said. “We have a clear pathway now that our board has approved our strategic plan.”

Rosenberg cited safety concerns for 151st street, BBC’s only entry and exit point. Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High and the David Lawrence K-8 Center share the same pathway causing congestion during school zone hours.

However, the crowd responded with a flurry of boos, shouting “what about our children” and “why don’t you build it in your backyard?”

Mayor Pierre stressed other alternatives for the University’s desired second entrance – 143 Street, expanding 151 Street so three and four lanes would go in and out and 163 Street to Oleta Park.

Residents and University students stood in line to voice their concerns as Mayor Pierre opened an unofficial public forum after Rosenberg’s initial statement.

“I think the money [for expansion] needs to be used toward education, there isn’t enough classes available on campus,” sophomore sociology major Vanessa Urvina said.

A stretch of land used for walking and bike rides, 135 Street is home to Arch Creek East nature preserve.

“The walk is the nicest part of my day,” sophomore liberal studies major Gene Yllanes said.

Plans for a second entrance into BBC date back to Modesto Maidique’s presidency, Rosenberg’s predecessor, but has not gathered momentum until Rosenberg began to implement his 10 year ‘Worlds Ahead’ strategic plan which calls for a gross influx of students to the University.

The initial resolution brought forward by councilman Scott Galvin to oppose any proposed expansion passed in a unanimous vote by the North Miami council.