Progress & Accomplishments

Sustainability & the Environment

  • Serving as the Commission Liaison to the NBV Sustainability & Resilience Task Force

  • Serving on the Miami-Dade Watershed Management Advisory Board protecting Biscayne Bay

  • Partnership with University of Miami for resilience solutions such as living seawalls

  • Partnership with Miami Waterkeeper for weekly water quality testing

  • Championed the March for the Bay in August 2020 after the fish kill

  • Championed the NBV Green Code: all new development is required to be sustainable

  • Electric Vehicle charging stations coming to New Village Hall

  • Construction site management ordinance to protect Biscayne Bay from construction site run-off

  • Banned intentional balloon releases to protect Biscayne Bay

  • Fertilizer ordinance to protect Biscayne Bay from harmful chemical runoff

  • Increased cleaning (by South Florida Water Management District) of nearby canals to protect Biscayne Bay

Quality of Life

  • Fixed the crosswalk signal on the Kennedy Causeway to protect pedestrians

  • Created the “Yard of the Month” program 

  • Created the “Unsung Hero Award” program

  • Created “PoopFree NBV” campaign and lead NBV’s efforts for cleaner public spaces

  • Leading the Treasure Island parking study project to address parking needs

  • Banned sago palms in NBV - these plants were everywhere and they are toxic to pets and people

  • New zoning on Kennedy Causeway for wider sidewalks, better landscaping, and Island Walk

  • Reduced permit fees by 50% for resilient home improvements projects 

  • Supported the NBV Police Department budget requests and accreditation

  • Supported variances for Happy’s Lounge to keep their business open in a new location

  • Championed regulations and enforcement of jet skis and floating platforms on Biscayne Bay

  • Derelict (sunken) boats removal improved in Biscayne Bay

  • Member of NBV Optimist Club and supporter of their annual Turkey Giveaway and Scholarship program

  • Brought Life-Saving Skills and CPR training to NBV with Miami-Dade County Fire Dept.

  • Installed community libraries at Vogel Park and Schonberger Playground

  • Saved homeowners 10% on flood insurance policies through National Flood Insurance Program “Community Rating System” and championed NBV’s participation in the program

Infrastructure

  • Championed the NBV Stormwater Master Plan

  • Championed the NBV Vulnerability Assessment to get more state money for drainage infrastructure

  • Wrote the grant application for the NBV Vulnerability Assessment and the entire project was paid for by the state

  • Championed the NBV stormwater and roadway improvements bond for $60 million in infrastructure improvements, supported by 67% of NBV voters

  • Leading NBV’s stormwater and roadway improvement projects

  • Increased drainage requirements for new development to prevent flooding

  • New seawall height requirements to protect our islands from storm surge