MIRAMAR, Fla. – Nearly a year after a devastating fire rendered Miami-Dade County’s Doral waste-to-energy plant irreparable, county commissioners are actively seeking locations for a new incinerator facility, causing widespread concern among local residents.
Judy Jawer, a resident of Miramar’s Sunset Lakes neighborhood, voiced her apprehension, stating, “It’s insane. It’s right next door.”
Jawer’s sentiments reflect the growing unease within the community, where many are only just becoming aware of the potential proximity of the proposed incinerator site, less than a mile away.
“This affects our quality of life,” Jawer emphasized. “It could potentially tank our property values.”
Miami-Dade County officials have identified three potential locations for the new facility: the existing site in Doral, Medley, and the former Opa-locka West Airport site, situated in the far northwest corner of Miami-Dade County, near the Broward County line.
Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam raised environmental concerns regarding the Opa-locka West Airport site, describing it as a 400-acre wetland area with endangered species residing on the edge of the Everglades.
Within Sunset Lakes alone, there are currently 1,865 homes and an elementary school nearby, further fueling community opposition.
“We’re outraged that this site is even being considered,” Messam declared. “Southwest Ranches is just as impacted. The city of Weston is just as impacted. Residents of northwest Miami-Dade County are just as impacted.”
While acknowledging the need to address the waste management issue, Messam urged county officials to explore alternative locations, suggesting the county site the incinerator in Medley, an industrial community where fewer people would be affected.
“We have been here for years without this threat and to it this right in our backyard is unconscionable,” said Messam. “It’s not right and I hope that the right decision is made.”
“Think of the people and get the politics out of the way,” said Jawer.
Miramar officials have also created a petition to keep the incinerator off their streets. Click here for more information.