Frequently Asked Questions


 


Q:

What has the WNA done for me as a neighbor?


A:

One of the biggest accomplishments was the “PROPER” removal of the incinerator. The city of Coral Gables made an agreement to knock down the incinerator, but the WNA made sure that no one’s health was affected by it. After a few residents received a letter advising them to close their windows while the incinerator was knocked down the next few days, the WNA contacted DERM requesting that the demolition be put on hold and a site inspection be done. There were major concerns of how this toxic waste would affect the health, both present and future, of the people in this area.  DERM postponed the demolition because of health concerns to the community. Commissioner Sosa meet with the neighbors at a Town Hall Meeting and promised the WNA that the incinerator would not be removed until the safety and health of the residents was guaranteed not to be affected, and she he kept her promise. DERM decided that the safest way to remove the incinerator was brick by brick from top to bottom.  The goal of the WNA is to preserve and improve the quality of our neighborhood, which affects our lives here.


Q:

If I get the neighbors on my street to contribute for a specific project, can our contributions be set aside for that specific project?

A:

 Absolutely, if you make the committee chairs of the WNA aware of your goals, we can agree to work together and set that money aside specifically for your project.


Q:

When does the WNA have meetings?


A:

Every 3rd wednesday of every month (except Dec.) at 7:00PM - 8:00PM at AD Barnes Recreation room next to the pool. The members of the board meet, as needed, an average of 10-15 times a year. Sometimes zoning notices may prompt a meeting to address items of concern to the area. Recently a medical building applied for permits and actually contacted the WNA and was very pro-active in finding out what our concerns were for approval of their proposal. We were able to agree on an architectural change to enter the building from the side of the building on 74th Avenue instead of from Coral Way.  The WNA felt the originally planned entrance would cause traffic congestion on Coral Way and force u-turns west bound at 75th Avenue, by Westchester Hospital, and the West Miami Middle School intersection at the already congested entrance to the Palmetto Expressway. Their plans were approve at the first zoning hearing, unlike that of City of Coral Gables agreement, which was dragged on from 1999 to 2007.

The WNA Committee Board members will also have meetings if expenditures exceed more than a couple of hundred dollars to discuss the pros and cons of an expense and come to an agreement on whether or not to payout the cost of the project at hand. The board wants to make sure that the monies spent are in the best interest and benefit of the neighbors.

Elections are held in January. Nominations and elections will take place then. We encourage nominations of other neighbors in our area and their participation in our Association.



Q:

Now that I have determined the amount I am able to contribute to the WNA, where can I send my check?


A:

 All checks should be made payable to the Waterway Neighborhood Association, and mailed to: 6800 SW 40 St. #327, Miami, Fl. 33155. Or payments can now be made online at waterwayneighborhood.org on our membership page.

 

 


Q:

How much money do we have in our Association? 


A:

 The Association was started in 1999. There wasn’t any money to begin with, so most of our work was done by going door to door, speaking to the neighbors, rallying them to come to hearings for the City of Coral Gables Hearings, dividing up areas in the neighborhood and getting petitions signed, making phone calls, etc. Now that we are getting more recognition and established, through donations and support, we felt we had enough money in our WNA bank account to do a mailing to all 1,400 residents in the area to make them aware of the Neighborhood Association’s efforts and accomplishments. Between the postage and printing alone, the cost was approximately $1,600. We all felt it would be monies well spent to inform the people living here that we are an organized group representing the WNA. It has proven to be very instrumental in this new web site: www.waterwayneighborhood.org. Raul was surprised and happy to learn that he lived in an area with a Neighborhood Association and he was energetic enough to create this web site, which will be very instrumental in future communications with all neighbors in the area. Our association doesn’t do a great deal of money transaction, we are mostly doers, but if a check issued, it requires two signatures as a check and balance precautionary measure. The newsletter mailings are one of the largest expenditures so far, but we feel it is already paying off. Just think you are finding out more about the WNA right now.



Q:

Who is on the Board?


A:

Joe accepted his nomination for Vice President and Treasurer of the WNA in 2014, Ellie has moved into the position of President. Maria is our secretary. We all communicate by phone and e-mail and meet when it is appropriate. We encourage other neighbors to become more involved if they are interested in joining the board of the WNA, we would welcome the help. Elections are held every two years in January.