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Miami Herald, The (FL)

April 24, 1994 Section: NEIGHBORS KE Edition: FINAL Page: 3

VILLAGE OF PINECREST? HOMEOWNERS TALK IT OVER

ANA ACLE CHASKO Herald Staff Writer Frustrated with the county's bureaucracy and limited services, a group of lawyers living in the Pinecrest area have begun a grassroots campaign to incorporate. Spurred by the incorporation of Key Biscayne, supporters said they want to control their own police, fire and zoning matters. At a meeting Wednesday evening at Pinecrest Elementary School, an estimated 400 residents from Pinecrest, Palmetto and Snapper Creek listened to the proposal and its benefits. Guest speakers also included Key Biscayne Police Chief Michael Flaherty and Councilwoman Betty Sime. The question most asked: Will taxes increase after incorporation? Supporters said no, and cited Key Biscayne's lowered millage rate after it became a municipality. According to incorporation supporters, Pinecrest has a property tax base of between $1 billion and $1.6 billion with values increasing as homeowners rebuild after Hurricane Andrew. Key Biscayne's tax base is $1.25 billion. Other cities in Dade also operate with smaller tax bases. Pinecrest residents pay more taxes to Metro than what they receive in county services, supporters said. The boundaries for the proposed Village of Pinecrest include Pinecrest Elementary, Palmetto Middle and Palmetto High. An estimated 14,000 people live in the area. One resident wanted to know if the area would be better served by asking to be annexed by Coral Gables. No, said Gary Matzner, a lawyer who supports incorporation: "That community and the way they operate is different from ours. We would need approval for painting and we would be the minority there. "We have acre zones, satellite dishes and garages. We have a different lifestyle that we enjoy here," Matzner said. Lack of police protection as residents of unincorporated Dade was a big issue. Many Pinecrest homeowners pay for off-duty state troopers to guard their blocks. Luis Echenique and Ben Gilbert attended the meeting and said they liked what they heard. "I like the fact we can control our neighborhood, not only in services but also with building codes, street repair and garbage pickup," said Echenique, an 18-year resident. He said his car was broken into three times in the past three years. Gilbert said his brother's boat was stolen from the neighborhood. "Incorporation is not going to solve the crime problem, but maybe a few more police will curb it," said Gilbert, a 24-year resident. The next step in the incorporation process would be for the group to gather 10,000 signatures on a petition and send it to the county. The county then can order a study to find out if the area can stand alone, said Evelyn Greer, another lawyer supporter. Finally, voters in the area would have to approve. The entire process can take up to two years. Illustration:map: Proposed town of Pinecrest.

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