Tree activists in Coconut Grove know the scenario all too well. The unexpected sound of
a chainsaw breaking into their first sip of morning coffee... another full-grown tree, gone.
On Tuesday, 2/06/07, that sound came with horrific results on Biscayne Boulevard. As
the next section of reconstruction gets underway (67th to 78th Streets), blocks of
boulevard palms were torn down. FDOT's accelerated "right-of-way" is similar to that not
seen since the laying of the railroads in the West or the building of our Interstate
Highways in the 1950s and '60s.
For months, businesses, activists and neighborhood groups, city-wide, have been
demanding that Biscayne Boulevard's historic palm-flanked landscape be spared during
renovation of the roadway. FDOT sped up the removal this week.
a chainsaw breaking into their first sip of morning coffee... another full-grown tree, gone.
On Tuesday, 2/06/07, that sound came with horrific results on Biscayne Boulevard. As
the next section of reconstruction gets underway (67th to 78th Streets), blocks of
boulevard palms were torn down. FDOT's accelerated "right-of-way" is similar to that not
seen since the laying of the railroads in the West or the building of our Interstate
Highways in the 1950s and '60s.
For months, businesses, activists and neighborhood groups, city-wide, have been
demanding that Biscayne Boulevard's historic palm-flanked landscape be spared during
renovation of the roadway. FDOT sped up the removal this week.
SEEING RED? IT IS NOT GRAFFITI One of the most
beautiful specimens of a royal palm on Biscayne Boulevard
is at 73rd Street. It is marked for removal. Removed 5/07
beautiful specimens of a royal palm on Biscayne Boulevard
is at 73rd Street. It is marked for removal. Removed 5/07
CHAINSAWS STRUCK HERE FDOT lead us to believe that the
boulevard palms would be carefully transplanted. A new twist this
week: out came the chainsaws.
boulevard palms would be carefully transplanted. A new twist this
week: out came the chainsaws.
Impending Doom: Many More Marked For Removal
One of the most beautiful specimens of a royal palm (right) still stands on Biscayne
Boulevard at N.E. 73rd Street. This tree has the tell tale sign of impending removal
(red paint on its trunk). Not only is this tree healthy, it is a beautiful specimen,
complimenting the beauty of its concrete neighbor.
If you are in the vicinity of the construction zone - keep your cameras with you. We
need to document FDOT’s actions. Send your photos to: admin@savepalms.com
One of the most beautiful specimens of a royal palm (right) still stands on Biscayne
Boulevard at N.E. 73rd Street. This tree has the tell tale sign of impending removal
(red paint on its trunk). Not only is this tree healthy, it is a beautiful specimen,
complimenting the beauty of its concrete neighbor.
If you are in the vicinity of the construction zone - keep your cameras with you. We
need to document FDOT’s actions. Send your photos to: admin@savepalms.com
The chainsaws might have been just too much to explain.
According to FDOT, only sick trees or those in the "right-of-way" were sawed down on
2/06/07. FDOT Public Information Specialist Herbert Ammons confirmed to
Commissioner Sarnoff's office that the removal of any more royal palms, from Biscayne
Boulevard, is on hold until further notice (between 67th and 78th Streets, anyway).
See something to the contrary? Call Commissioner Sarnoff's office: (305) 250-5333
According to FDOT, only sick trees or those in the "right-of-way" were sawed down on
2/06/07. FDOT Public Information Specialist Herbert Ammons confirmed to
Commissioner Sarnoff's office that the removal of any more royal palms, from Biscayne
Boulevard, is on hold until further notice (between 67th and 78th Streets, anyway).
See something to the contrary? Call Commissioner Sarnoff's office: (305) 250-5333
Lack of Study Dictates Boulevard Is A "Brand New Road"
Lack of a study (by the Florida Department of Transportation) on the historic significance
of Biscayne Boulevard, and its landscape, has resulted in this project to be designed as
a brand new roadway; hence, requiring use of FDOT Highway Design Standards.
By declaring Biscayne Boulevard as a Scenic Transporation Corridor, the FDOT design
standards can be waived, as was done to preserve the landscapes of Coral Way, South
Miami Avenue, South Bayshore Drive and Old Cutler Road. These streets could not be
built or landscaped the way they, are today.
Lack of a study (by the Florida Department of Transportation) on the historic significance
of Biscayne Boulevard, and its landscape, has resulted in this project to be designed as
a brand new roadway; hence, requiring use of FDOT Highway Design Standards.
By declaring Biscayne Boulevard as a Scenic Transporation Corridor, the FDOT design
standards can be waived, as was done to preserve the landscapes of Coral Way, South
Miami Avenue, South Bayshore Drive and Old Cutler Road. These streets could not be
built or landscaped the way they, are today.
What is your vision of Biscayne Boulevard?
Let Mayor Regalado and Commissioner Sarnoff know you support the palms' return to
Biscayne Boulevard.
Let Mayor Regalado and Commissioner Sarnoff know you support the palms' return to
Biscayne Boulevard.
| 1/07/07 (Before) |
| 2/10/07 (After) |
| King Motel |
| Dogma |
| Jimmy's Diner |
| Kingdom |
February 6, 2007: Chainsaws Topple Royals
May 2007 Update
All of the royal palms referenced on this page as having survived have since been removed.
All of the royal palms referenced on this page as having survived have since been removed.
SEEING RED? IT IS NOT GRAFFITI These royals, all
marked for removal, are safe for now. Removed 5/07
marked for removal, are safe for now. Removed 5/07
| Chainsaws visit: |
SavePalms
Protecting Miami's living history
DESIGNATION OF BISCAYNE BOULEVARD as a
Scenic Transportation Corridor (from the Miami River to NE 36th Street)
Scenic Transportation Corridor (from the Miami River to NE 36th Street)
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