City of Sunny Isles Beach Official Website
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager
(Friday, November 5, 2021) – The Golden Shores Streetlighting project was recently completed in October. If you live or have been to the Golden Shores neighborhood in the past few weeks, you should have seen the new lights illuminating the streets at night. The installation of 130 streetlights marks a milestone in the Golden Shores Utility Undergrounding project.
The next phase of the project involves undergrounding the utilities, installing more durable equipment, removing the wires and utility poles in the rear yards, repaving roads, and improving entranceway sidewalks. The purpose of this project is to reduce the number of power and utility outages, increase safety by eliminating downed live electrical wires during a storm, all while enhancing beautification and landscape. The entire project is estimated to reach completion by the end of 2023.
You asked, and we answered. The much-anticipated additional streetlights at 174 Street and North Bay Road are currently in progress. We listened when residents advocated for additional lighting at this intersection as a result of an influx of pedestrian traffic due to the pedestrian bridge. The delivery of the actual lights is delayed due to national shipping challenges, but is still anticipated to be completed in early 2022.
The progression of the Collins Avenue Utility Undergrounding project has paved the way for new holiday décor opportunities, including additional holiday lights. Very soon, you will start to see our holiday décor going up citywide. This year’s decorations are unlike any other season’s and will be displayed on the new streetlight poles along Collins Avenue.
Looking ahead, we will be engaged in a study on streetlighting for the interior streets to measure whether we need additional lighting. Having even greater visibility on the streets will enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike. Whether it is the middle of the day or the middle of the night, we want everyone to feel comfortable on our roads and sidewalks.
We heard your concerns and continue with several projects to brighten Sunny Isles Beach for all residents. If you see an area of the city that could benefit from additional streetlights, please reach out to me with your concerns.