The Times

South Dade cut from transit picture? Cost-cutting might shorten rail system

By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer South Dade may be left out of the rapid transit picture if the proposed first leg of an elevated rail system is shortened to meet the requirements for federal funds. The shortening of the first stage of the system, however, is just one of several cost-cutting alternatives that will be considered by residents, county officials and a team of transit consultants during the month of September. Residents will once again have the opportunity to inject ideas into a study to refine the first 23-mile segment of rapid transit. The study, called Priority Engineering and Operational Analyses (PEOA), is part of a requirement set up by the U.S. Department of Transportation if Dade County is to receive federal funds for construction of the first stage. What happens to the first segment - initially designed to run from SW 186th Street to NW 27th Avenue and 62nd Street in Liberty City - will directly affect residents in the South Dade, Coral Gables and South Miami. The purpose of the study is to reduce the cost of the system, and the federal government has requested that three main methods of reduction be examined. Placing part of the first stage of the transit system on the ground instead of elevating it, shortening the first stage of the system, or using a different form of rail service are among the money-saving methods to be considered. Other cost reduction methods to be evaluated include cutting down the number of transit vehicles for the first stage, reducing the number or size of stations, studying alternative station sites, developing smaller parking lots, reducing busway facilities, and reassessing project and cost escalation. In total there will be 11 alternatives to be considered for shortening the first phase of system. Four of the alternatives would not only leave South Dade without rapid transit, but also the South Miami and Kendall area. The shortest route to be considered is from the Coral Gables area to the downtown Civic Center, a total of 8.8 miles. After meeting cost-cutting requirements, construction cost of the first leg of the rapid transit system is estimated at $790 million. The final PEOA report has to be ready by the beginning of October, when there will be a county commission public hearing on the alternative selected for Stage. I of the system. Beginning Sept. 11, citizens will have the opportunity to participate in the selection of the alternatives through a series of meetings with county officials and a team of transit counsultants. The time and location of those meetings will be announced sometime next week.

C. Ridge auto check site open Sunday

On Sunday, Aug. 29, the Cutler Ridge auto inspection center, 10890 SW 211th St., will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All 10 Dade County-operated auto inspection stations are open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the City of South Miami-operated station at 5907 SW 70th St., is also open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SELL IT WITH CLASSIFIED 666-7981

Times Guide

Florida's Best Suburban Newspaper Serving Coral Gables and South Dade Since 1926 Published Wednesday and Saturday Gables Publishing Co. 4627 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Fla. 33146 (305) 666-7981 Price: 10 cents per issue, home delivered; $12.50 per year by mail anywhere in the United States. Application to mail at controlled circulation rates is pending at Miami, Fla. Jim Storey General Manager Bea Moss Managing Editor

ESPECIALLY YOURS CERAMICS INC.

CERAMIC SALES FREE INSTRUCTION 5840 Sunset Drive South Miami, Fla. FULL LINE OF GREENWARE Hours: Tues. . 12-5 • AMERICAN BEAUTY • GARE POTTERY TOOLS Wed.-Fri. . . 10-5, 7-10 • REWARD CLAY Sat. . . 10-5 • DUNCAN 667-3405 Pres. Janie Mc Afoos

Elect Leo McSHANE COUNTY COURT - JUDGE

22 Years Legal Experience Leo McShane, a practicing attorney in South Dade, has been a public defender and prosecutor in the County. A qualified law specialist in the U.S. Navy Ready Reserve and broad experience in criminal and civil law provide the important expertise for impartial justice for all. MATURITY-RESPONSIBILITY-INTEGRITY Paid for by McShane Campaign Committee, Winifred McShane, Treasurer.

BILTMORE OPTICAL

20% DISCOUNT ON ALL EYEGLASSES AND SUNGLASSES Back to School Special $39.95 (Clear Glass) Choice of any frame and any prescription EYEGLASSES GUARANTEED ONE YEAR (IN WRITING). OVER 1500 FRAMES, DESIGNER FRAMES INCLUDED. LABORATORY ON PREMISES — FAST SERVICE. BILTMORE OPTICAL 490 BILTMORE WAY CORAL GABLES 448-3171

Summer Clearance 25 - 50% OFF

ON ALL SUMMER MERCHANDISE • SHORTS • BLOUSES • DRESSES • SKIRTS • TOPS Long and Short • PANT SUITS TOWN & RANCH TOGS 661-7246 MON.-SAT. 9:30 A.M.-5 P.M. 7271 RED ROAD

Jim BECK

Jim BECK is running against SACKETT, PASS IT ON! Jim BECK wants to' SAVE TAX DOLLARS and will fight to reduce the size of the Fla. House of Representatives. Also, he wants to LIMIT THE LENGTH OF OFFICE to a maximum of two terms. Jim BECK wants a complete "Overhaul" of the parole and probation program to REDUCE CRIME. Jim BECK will vote himself out of office to carry out his pledge for a smaller House. Jim Beck FLA. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 110 Jim BECK, DEMOCRAT On Voting Day Remember Lever 8A Paid for by Jim Beck Campaign Committee, J. Newmeyer, Treas.