E. Kendall exploring city-hood

Members of the East Kendall Alliance, the group that wants to create a city of East Kendall, held a private meeting Thursday night to brainstorm ways to push the idea.

Unlike Pinecrest’s incorporation movement, East Kendall has had infighting among residents. Two anti-incorporation residents, Bill Rowe and Mary Williams, were told to leave the meeting at Bet Breira Congregation, 9400 SW 87th Ave.

They did.

Then the meeting began.

In the audience: Metro Commissioner Maurice Ferre; Gerry Shpiner, assistant to Metro Commissioner Katy Sorenson; Metro Planning Assistant Director Allan Bly; attorney Gene Stearns, an incorporation activist; South Miami Police Chief Rafael Hernandez; Diana Morris, assistant to the city manager in South Miami; and Pinecrest incorporation activist Gary Matzner.

Twenty-six people attended. It was organized by Gonzalo Sanabria, chairman of the East Kendall steering committee.

The theme centered on the lack of services provided by the county. Ferre discussed the creation of a two-tiered government, where the county takes care of regional services such as transportation and homicide investigation.

“Metro police should not be in control of your streets,” Ferre said. “That should be your own police department. You should know the police chief’s name and he should know yours. But there is a function for a regional Metro police department that includes homicide and SWAT.”

The support from area residents has been apathetic at best. East Kendall residents have been divided at public meetings.

At Thursday’s meeting, Matzner told the group they must have the core support of 50 to 100 people who will work hard. He also suggested that the neighborhoods be divided, with block captains in each area.

“You also need a new name,” Matzner said. “One that is positive.”