(Miami, Florida)—City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, joined by Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton, District 2, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Giménez, civic leaders and Village West residents will celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project, on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 12 Noon, at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road (SW 37th Avenue) in Coconut Grove. The ceremony will start with the sound of the Coral Gables Senior High School Band and Junkanoo will lead guests and neighbors in a fun filled closing parade.

The Grand Avenue Improvements Project includes narrowing of the street to two traffic lanes, with turning lanes and a median landscaped with grass and palm trees. The sidewalks have been widened to 9.5ft to create pedestrian friendly environment. This new ambiance will encourage the much anticipated economic development and establishment of new retail outlets.

The project boundaries are along Grand Avenue between Douglas Road and Matilda Street. The total cost of construction and design has been estimated at $4,213,143. This has been a collaborative effort of the public sector and private sector entities with the City of Miami overseeing the construction administration, Horizon contractors, Inc. performing the construction work, Miami-Dade County and Civil Works, Inc, the providing the design.

Funding for the project was provided by City of Miami Homeland Defense Neighborhood Improvement bond, Miami-Dade County Secondary Gas Tax, Miami-Dade County Road Impact Fees and the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust.

For more information, call the Department of Capital Improvements, Danette Perez (305) 416-1286 or Zimri Prendes (305) 416-1284.

WHO: Mayor Manny Diaz, Commissioner Johnny Winton, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Giménez, Civic leaders, and area neighbors

WHAT: Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project

WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 12 Noon

WHERE: Intersection of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road (SW 37th Avenue), Coconut Grove