By Bari Auerbach

In Sunny Isles Beach, 2009 marked yet another year of productive progress – so what’s in store for 2010? Here are some predictions to what the New Year will bring for residents and visitors enjoying life in the city becoming renowned as “Florida’s Riviera”…

‘Low Taxes – High Quality of Life’
If tradition continues, Sunny Isles Beach residents will keep enjoying the highest quality of life along with one of the lowest tax rates in Miami-Dade County (2.65 per $1,000 of assessed property value).

The Sunny Isles Beach City Commission approved the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget with no cuts in services – good news many other municipalities around the country have not been able to report. Thanks in part to revenue from new construction projects; the city was able to avoid the elimination of programs.

All predictions point to “making the best even better” as the city’s ‘09/2010 budget includes funding for new infrastructure projects, developing new parks as well as upgrading and maintaining existing parks; plus landscaping enhancements and infrastructure improvements designed to facilitate and perpetuate continued revitalization

‘City Becomes Park Place’
Sunny Isles Beach already has more parks than many much larger cities – and in 2010, the abundance of green space will continue to be in “full bloom.” Progress towards the goal to see more green can be measured by Heritage Park coming to 19250 Collins Avenue. More good news was also recently announced about new acres of green open space coming to the south end of the city.
In addition to parcels already acquired on the west side of Collins Avenue, more land at 16050 Collins Avenue was recently purchased by the city for public park purposes. Schematics for the “South Collins Park System” as well as archways enhancing the entrance to Sunny Isles |Beach by Haulover are being presented to the City Commission and will be open for public discussion.  

‘New School is First Class’
After winter break, kids will actually be looking forward to starting the New Year back at the Sunny Isles Beach Community School – considered one of the city’s greatest new assets.  
If positive predictions come to fruition, the school will continue to earn an “A grade” as the cooperative venture between Sunny Isles Beach and Miami-Dade County Public Schools continues taking education to higher levels.

‘The Perfect Mix’
In ’09, the term “mixed use” was often heard at Commission meetings, highlighting developers’ progressive approach when it comes to satisfying diverse seasonal and year-round needs.
In 2010, the “mixed-use” metamorphosis will be most evident on Sunny Isles Boulevard and the west side of Collins Avenue, where properties on the rise are combining residential, retail, office space and garage elements.

‘Safer Than Ever’
Police Chief Fred Maas, a “best in blue” command staff and dedicated  officers are committed to ensuring Sunny Isles Beach is one of the safest cities in South Florida. Now, thanks to ongoing efforts to remain on the cutting edge of technology and acquire state-of-the-art equipment, it’s “safe to say” that in 2010, public safety will be on the rise as crime continues to decline.

‘Caught on Camera’
Following the City Commission’s approval of installing cameras to deter red light runners, 2010 could mark the start of a new trend…Motorists might think about slowing down when lights turn yellow – and who knows? When the light turns red, they might actually come to a complete stop!

‘Even More Fun’
Who knows what tomorrow brings? Even more fun year-round courtesy of the city’s Cultural and Human Services Department. The 2010 calendar of events features entertaining and enriching activities for residents of all ages – from excursions to the ballet, opera and musical productions – to Sunny Serenade concerts and sports programs. Be sure to check the website www.sibfl.net or issues of the Sunny Isles Beach Sun so you can be part of all the action!

‘Success Again in 2010’
The New Year promises to mark even more proactive initiatives as Mayor Norman Edelcup, Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler and Commissioners Gerry Goodman, Roslyn Brezin and George “Bud” Scholl continue to vote in favor of “positive progress” ensuring the city will achieve new heights of success again in 2010 and beyond!