this development. “Right now, we rely heavily on residential property taxes, but adding these commercial developments can shift some of the tax burden onto businesses,” Muñiz explains. “It’s all about smart development in the right places, with minimal impact on residents.” The proximity to US Highway 27 and its critical role in connecting Miami to Central Florida makes this area especially attractive for businesses involved in freight and shipping, potentially bringing an economic stimulus to the town. In line with this strategy, the town is also working on selling an extensive 24-acre property for light industrial development near the corridor. “If the sale goes through, we’ll be able to pay off all our debt, and we’ll be the only debt-free municipality in A part of the town’s strategy for financial stability involves developing light industrial zoning along its western edge, near US Highway 27. This corridor is particularly significant because it is a key artery between the Port of Miami and Central Florida.“That area is unsuitable for residential development,” Mayor Breitkreuz says. “Nobody wants to build a home right next to a highway with 18-wheelers going by all day.” Instead, the town has zoned the area for light industrial use, mainly warehouses, which will provide a buffer between the highway and residential areas and serve as an economic boost due to the area’s strategic importance for freight and shipping. The town is aiming to diversify its tax base through 306 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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