An Update on the Miracle Mile Project

Mary Hayes, Moorings resident and MPOA member, has been working with the Miracle Mile Project since its inception. She shared an update on the project at the January 9th MPOA Board meeting with a call to action to learn more and get involved.

Mary Hayes: “As many of you already know, the Miracle Mile Project was started 10 months ago by residents like myself from the Moorings and the Coquina Sands neighborhoods after the severe damage caused by Hurricane Ian.  Many residents are still not back in their first-floor units. The Miracle Mile consists of the 1.3 mile stretch of GSBN that runs from the Naples Beach Club to Doctor’s Pass. As you see by all the empty lots there is a tremendous amount of redevelopment planned for the next several years.

The Miracle Mile committee wants to know what is the City of Naples’ plan for the street along the public right of way that we cross with our grandchildren to the beach, that we walk, bike, and/or jog down every day? What is the City’s plan for OUR neighborhood?

We want to know the infrastructure plans for stormwater, is underground utilities an option, what types of trees and plantings, lighting, and sidewalks are being discussed.  Are environmental issues going to be addressed? What safety measures along the boulevard are going to be in place during these several years of redevelopment?

Our resident-led committee includes Board Members from the Coquina Sands Association and the MPOA. John Kneafsey, for instance, from the MPOA Board, is on our committee.  Local developers, the Naples Beach Club, landscape architects, the GM at The Edgewater Hotel, and development Board members up and down our boulevard have been involved in our process. Even the Botanical Gardens has volunteered their input on trees and plantings for our streetscape. City of Naples staff and officials have also provided valuable input into the Miracle Mile project. Councilman Blankenship has been extremely supportive. Councilwoman Petrunoff is our City of Naples liaison. Her help has been very important to our progress. 

Last September 18th, at the City Council Regular Meeting, the Miracle Mile Project proposal was passed unanimously by the Mayor and City Council to move forward. The City Manager, Jay Boodheswar, put this project out to bid and is currently interviewing Urban Planners. The City Manager will be presenting his preliminary conceptual plan for the Miracle Mile Project on Wednesday, February 7th, at the Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall.

So how can you help? We need to fill the room with residents at the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 7th. We need you to come down to City Hall to show the City of Naples officials how important your boulevard is to our community.  Strength in numbers casts a powerful statement!” 

For further information contact:

Mary Hayes 

Miracle Mile Project

516-375-7011

MaryScalaHayes@gmail.com