The FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION announces an opportunity for public comment. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) dated May 22, 2022 and executed by the Federal Highway administration and FDOT. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) proposes milling and resurfacing, as well as improvements to sidewalks, signalization, signage, and lighting along State Road 953 / LeJeune Road / SW 42nd Avenue at Altara Avenue to SW 8th Street in Miami Dade County, Florida. The FDOT and City of Coral Gables have coordinated these improvements. PURPOSE: Merrick Park, 400 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, is located west of SR 953 / LeJeune Road / SW 42 Avenue between Biltmore Way and Andalusia Avenue. This park includes amenities such as benches, picnic tables, shade trees, and a paved trail for pedestrian use. This park also serves as the venue for community events throughout the year. Additionally, this park includes a City of Coral Gables historical marker dedicated to City founder George Edgar Merrick. The project improvements involve the use of properties protected under 23 U.S.C. § 138 and 49 U.S.C. § 303, commonly referred to as Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act. The improvements proposed within the boundaries of Merrick Park include a 182 square foot permanent easement to make improvements to existing signalization infrastructure including replacement of a box and conduit work. The easement will also allow for future maintenance of the signalization infrastructure by FDOT. Additionally, a 52 square foot permanent easement is required for the removal and replacement of existing sidewalk to match the existing back of sidewalk. The proposed work within Merrick Park totals 234 square feet. Based on the limited impacts of the proposed action on the activities, features and attributes that qualify Merrick Park for protection under Section 4(f), together with the measures to minimize and mitigate harm, the FDOT intends to pursue a Section 4(f) de minimis (23 CFR Section 774.17) for the proposed use of land within the park. As an important part of making this decision, FDOT is seeking public comment concerning the impacts of the proposed action to the activities, features, and attributes of Merrick Park. We look forward to receiving community input on this proposed project and the anticipated effects to the above-mentioned resource. Public input will be taken into consideration prior to a final determination for these 4(f) protected properties in accordance with 23 CFR Section 774.5 and detailed in the FDOT PD&E Manual Part 2 Chapter 7.3.5.1. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate is asked to advise the agency by contacting: Dat Huynh P.E. at 305-470-5201 or in writing: FDOT, 1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172, email: Dat. Huynh@dot.state.fl.us. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955- 8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). CONTACT: Title VI – Dat Huynh P.E. 1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172, Dat.Huynh@dot.state.fl.us Comments – Cynthia Turcios 1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172, Cynthia.Turcios@dot.state.fl.us *FDOT is accepting public comments on this proposed work for a 14-day period from Sunday June 28, 2026, to Sunday, July 12, 2026. 0 15 30 60 Feet ± Easement required for sidewalk replacement LTM ORE W AY BI Easement required for improvements to signalization structure MERRICK PARK BILTMORE WAY Legend Granada Section 4(f) Golf Park Location Course Merrick Park Merrick Park Boundary (Approximate) Coral Way Valencia Ave Proposed Easements Cortez St SW 42 AVE / SR 953 Granada Blvd