PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez said he is among the Doral, Medley, Hialeah, and Hialeah Gardens residents who fear they could end up with a massive waste-to-energy incinerator in their backyards. He said he supports a new idea.
The former Doral mayor, elected to represent District 12 in 2022, said he is determined to follow the process closely. Arcadis, a consultant for the county, suggested three locations: A site in Doral, a site in Medley, and a site at Airport West in Opa-locka.
Bermudez said there is a “land swap” proposal on the table. The Miami Herald reported David Martin, of Terra Group, recommended a 65-acre lot near Okeechobee Road and Northwest 137 Avenue on Aug. 19.
“Ironically it’s on rock mining land,” Bermudez said Sunday during This Week In South Florida.
Related document: April consultant’s report on 3 sites
Bermudez said he hopes new technological advances will help protect the environment and residents. He also said the new incinerator will be much better for the county than the old facility destroyed by a fire last year.
“It’s not great secret there were problems with the facility before the fire happened,” Bermudez said.
The fourth option Bermudez said he supports is east of the Milton E. Thompson County Park, at 1665 NW 177 Ave., and the Everglades Wildlife Management Area Conservation.
“We should consider this fourth site,” Bermudez said. “I hope my colleagues do consider it.”
Bermudez said there needs to be more thought on how the facility will impact traffic and air quality. Miami-Dade commissioners are set to discuss the issue later this month.
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