Officials, Activists Urge Miami-Dade Commissioners To Reverse Course On UDB Decision

A strong display of political resolve, environmental advocacy, and community unity just unfolded outside the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called on county commissioners to sustain her veto of their recent vote approving Kelly Tractor’s request to construct a new headquarters beyond the county’s Urban Development Boundary (UDB).

“We’ve seen at least six opinion pieces from individuals supporting the veto,” Levine Cava said. “Public input matters. When commissioners recognize the depth of community concern, I hope it encourages them to reconsider.”

The UDB, created in 1983, was designed to safeguard environmentally sensitive wetlands, farmland, and the Everglades from urban expansion. Despite those protections, commissioners voted to allow the heavy equipment company to develop 246 acres west of Sweetwater, near the western end of the Dolphin Expressway at Northwest 137th Avenue. The property includes wetlands intended to remain protected.

“Our infrastructure depends on adequate green and open space to absorb and store water,” said Miami Waterkeeper Executive Director Rachel Silverstein. “Each time wetlands are paved over, we lose more of our resilience.”

Several environmental organizations, including the Everglades Foundation and Miami Waterkeeper, joined the rally to urge commissioners to reverse their decision. They cautioned that approving the project could set a troubling precedent for future development.

Kelly Tractor CEO Chris Kelly defended the proposal, arguing the expansion is necessary to meet increasing demand for heavy machinery used in major infrastructure projects.

The contentious issue is scheduled to return before county commissioners for reconsideration.

Source: Local 10 News