The new Metro Grande Apartment complex at the Okeechobee MetroRail Station in Hialeah is quickly taking shape. The apartments are clearly visible from South Royal Poinciana Boulevard in Miami Springs near the train crossing.
As you may recall, there was a $2 million pedestrian bridge that had been planned to add connectivity from the Ludlam bike path to the Metro Rail station. The benefits included safer access for pedestrians, many of which cross the FEC railway unlawfully each day, and ADA pedestrian access.
However, many residents did not like the idea of adding the pedestrian access in the residential neighborhood. Issues cited included increased crime, increased pedestrian traffic from Hialeah, elimination of parking access at Sunset Park and the Miami River Canal Bank, and additional stress on our police department.
Ultimately, the pedestrian bridge project was scrapped. That eased the concerns among many Miami Springs residents, especially those living near near Crane Avenue.
As the new Metro Grande apartment complex comes online, it becomes clearer to see how these residents would want to cross the pedestrian bridge to use our bike paths and walkways to walk the dog, go for a bike ride, or a jog. It’s even more desirable when you consider these apartments are being built in a concrete jungle in what is mostly a warehouse district in Hialeah. They really don’t have much green space around them.
What do you think? Are you satisfied the pedestrian bridge was scrapped? Do you think Miami Springs would have a net benefit by adding the bridge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or via social media.
