Regarding the traffic light at The Cloisters

Village Council Chair, Michelle Niemeyer responded to Rob Daughty's letter, which we published yesterday, regarding the traffic light proposal in front of The Cloisters. It's down below.

Let me say this -- I have received numerous emails from people wishing to remain anonymous and all are against the project. One person used the term "money talks," and most are sickened by this idea of money being behind it, agreeing that there are more deserving locations for traffic lights than The Cloisters location. I know that they tried to get a light at the emergency entrance to Mercy Hospital and even at the new Villas at Vizcaya condo and that was turned down and these are more high traffic areas.

Another reader suggested, "How about a crossing guard Cloisters employee or volunteer during high traffic times, like at the elementary school? Or better yet a colorfully dressed person in Bahamian uniform directing traffic? Would be functional and very picturesque!"

Michelle Niemeyer was told by a county official that plans are drawn and money is allocated, whether this was told to her in error or not, we don't know.

I also know that Michelle had to scramble last month to change the Village Council agenda since the board of The Cloisters canceled their appearance. It was not the other way around as has been claimed. Michelle actually called me at the time to tell me she had lined up the County District Commission seat at the last minute to take the place of the canceling Cloisters board.

Here is Michelle's response to Mr. Doughty:

"The proposed traffic light will be on the next Village Council agenda, for those who want to learn more. County traffic engineers involved in the project will be there to show us plans and answer questions. I was told the light is funded and they need a public meeting before the project can move forward. I'm completely confused by Mr. Doughty's letter published in the Grapevine today. I have never met or spoken with the man. I did accommodate his association's request to put the issue on our last agenda, then canceled it for them when they told me they couldn't come."

Michelle Niemeyer
Coconut Grove