Profile of Miguel Cervera
Community Council 11

Miguel Cervera of West Kendall’s Community Council 11 believes Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport’s runway extension will provide a positive impact for future business and commercial growth in the SW 137th Avenue corridor.

“One of the most important issues that we have in Kendall is expansion of runway length to accommodate the corporate jets that fly into Miami-Dade County,” he stated to the  Gazette.

Miguel Cervera of West Kendall’s Community Council 11 believes Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport’s runway extension will provide a positive impact for future business and commercial growth in the SW 137th Avenue corridor.

“One of the most important issues that we have in Kendall is expansion of runway length to accommodate the corporate jets that fly into Miami-Dade County,” he stated to the  Gazette.

“PRIVATE jet craft with modern design have larger fuel capacities, allowing them to fly greater distances without refueling,” he explained.  “From the testimony  we’ve heard from both airport business operators and our Aviation Dept. officials, such a factor is vital to maintain a competitive position in airport services today.

“That’s why the Council (and the Kendall Federation of Homeowners Association) has backed the proposal to lengthen the airport’s runway.  It will bring additional business executives into our community, particularly those who do not prefer to fly into Miami International,” he said.  Increased Kendall-Tamiami Airport business will pay dividends for businesses in the surrounding area of SW 137th Ave. and SW 120th to SW 152nd St., he pointed out.
“Businesses already established in the area will lease and service more vehicles while those arriving from other cities will shop at Kendall stores, dine at neighborhood restaurants and reserve lodging at hotels and motels in our immediate area,” he said.

ON ZONING matters, Cervera believes the current Council is well-served by its experienced members: “We are all very involved in our community areas, understanding that our decisions will impact the quality of Kendall life for many years to come.

“I believe we have to maintain a balance; smart, balanced growth is very important,” continued, adding, “We respect the input and desires of our community residents who come before us to address zoning issues, whether supporting or opposing an application. I, for one, believe we’ve done a good job to maintain a balanced mix of residential and commercial growth over the immediate past years.”

Cervera said he believes citizens should be able to walk or ride only short distances to receive essential services, a basic philosophy he maintains when deciding on the values of commercial vs. residential growth, noting that “avoiding the use of cars is always paramount in deciding Kendall issues,” including solving traffic congestion.

“We are seeing improved bus service each year, and roadway widening continues, and signal lights put in synchronization, we can look forward to better traffic flows.

“ Improvements and extensions of Metrorail and a possible commuter train on the CSX freight line right-of-way could substantially improve the gridlocks we face today.

“And that is why we need to support those officials who are working to bring these projects to life,” he concluded.

Background

Mr. Cervera served as Community Council 11 Chairman during two of his first four years in office, presiding over the advisory board since November, 2003.  He was appointed to the Council by Chairman Joe A. Martinez of the Miami-Dade County Commission in March, 2002, filling a seat vacated by the late Dr. Firpo Garcia.  Soon after, in September, 2002, primary voting, he was elected to a full four-year term, without opposition.  
Again elected to serve voters in Sub-Area 113 without opposition in 2006, Cervera has lived in Kendall for more than a quarter-century, taking up residence in 1975 when (he remarked) “Kendall was basically a ghost town.”

Now, Kendall is the largest unincorporated area in Miami-Dade County with an estimated population of 300,000 between US 1 and Krome Avenue, south of Bird Road (SW 40th St.) to SW 152nd St.
But Councilman Cervera has no plans to relocate.

“You need to be in touch with every area when you are as spread out as our county has become, as well as our own Kendall community,” he observed.
Owner of three restaurants, Mr. Cervera received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Thomas University, and is a graduate of the Miami-Dade Community College School of Justice and Safety Adminstration (known as the “Police Academy”).

Mr. Cervera is a licensed airplane and helicopter pilot. Married with three children, he daily supervises his three restaurants.

Community Service

Mr. Cervera served as a member of the Miami-Dade Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Community Relations Board.  He is a reserve police officer with the City of Miami.  Just before beginning his second four-year term on the Council, he said:

“I will continue to represent my community with pride and integrity, and look forward to working with our new board members.”