HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Patrice Gillespie Smith-Letter from Meg Daly, Friends of the UnderlineSubmitted ielto the pu is
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1800 SW 1st Avenue
Suite 504
Miami, FL 33129
To: City of Miami Chairwoman King and Commissioners Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, and
Reyes
From: Meg Daly, Friends of The Underline Founder
Date: November 21, 2024
Re: City of Miami Agenda item RE.11
Thank you for your support of the City of Miami agenda item RE.11 amending
appropriations relating to operational and budgetary requirements for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2024 which includes an appropriation for The Underline
operations and maintenance in the segment within the boundaries of the city of Miami.
The City of Miami has been a valued partner of our non-profit and project since
inception in 2014. With nearly 3 of the 5 miles of the 10-mile Underline in Miami open,
and the remaining 2 miles in Miami under construction and opening next year, The
Underline demonstrates how public -private partnerships can bring multimodal projects
to the community quickly and cost-effectively.
We currently have over 2 million visitors annually. Whether commuting via trolley,
Metrorail/Mover/Bus or on foot or on bike, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our visitors
have enhanced transportation options with improved first and last mile connections.
Plus, with 250+ privately -funded programs a year, thousands of Miamians are enjoying
the outdoors while meeting neighbors and making new friends.
Currently 75% of visitors of our 2 million visitors are from the City of Miami. At
full build out, we anticipate those numbers will only continue to grow!
Now, with your leadership, we can continue to provide first-class maintenance and
operations now and in the future, protecting the city's capital contribution to The
Underline. This shared investment from Friends of The Underline, Miami Dade County
and the City of Miami will ensure a beautiful experience for everyone who visits. We
know this action will set the standard for other municipalities to step up and support an
active, welcoming and beautiful Underline long into the future.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE UNDERLINE:
Friends of The Underline is a non-profit organization committed to transforming a 120-acre
stretch of land below Miami's Metrorail into a first-class linear park and urban trail. For more
information, visit:
ABOUT THE UNDERLINE CONSERVANCY:
The Underline Conservancy is a non-profit organization with a mission to deliver and maintain a
first class 10-mile linear park and urban trail and provide engaging community -based health,
wellness, public art, culture and educational programming for all.
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