JOIN US at the Historic Preservation Board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010, at 9:00 am

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Flamingo Position Statement

From: Denis Russ
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 9:01 AM
To: Mr. William Cary; Thomas Mooney; michaelbelush; RicardoGuzman;  Ms. Joyce Meyers
Cc: Richard Saltrick; Xavier Falconi; Fred Beckmann; Jorge Gomez
Subject: To The Historic Preservation Board -- Aug 10, 2010 -- File No. 7192
 
 
The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association supports the creation of a bike lane on Euclid Avenue -- upon agreement with the City to narrow all the other north/south Avenues, including Pennsylvania, Drexel, Jefferson, Michigan and Lennox, in order to achieve enhanced pedestrian environment, calm auto traffic, increase mobility and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, add more shade trees, and further build and sustain sense of place and quality of life of our neighborhood.
 
We understand that the Administration has agreed to a model street configuration of 8'-10'-10'-8' on the north /south avenues.  We understand that because of the mis-classification of Pennsylvania Avenue as a collector, the current proposal for 7th to 9th Street on Pennsylvania is 11' travel lane.  We understand that the City will work to de-classify Pennsylvania or seek a design exception so that the desired 10' travel lane width can be achieved.  We understand that If the City is successful in obtaining an extension of its grant and also the de-classification of Penn, the City will then implement the desired 10' lanes along Penn Ave from 7th to 9th Streets, as well.
 
We understand that this program will also include 
--bump-outs at all intersections to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians;
--pedestrian friendly crosswalks at all intersections;
--flexible swale design to accommodate trees, ground cover, bike parking, street furniture, etc.;
--increased planting swale area and shade trees;
--removal of all obstructions from the sidewalks;
--increased unobstructed sidewalks of at least 6' width.  
 
We further submit 
--that the posted speed limit be reduced to 25 mph;
--that four way stop signs be installed at all intersections;
--that dog walking amenities be provided, i.e., waste disposal facilities, signage, etc.;
--that enforcement be stepped up on sidewalk encroachment;
--that a neighborhood street furniture and signage program be designed and implemented.
 
The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association engaged The Street Plans Collaborative to provide counsel and guidance at our Workshop Meeting and to prepare the following report which we submit for consideration by the Historic Preservation Board and the City of Miami Beach.  
 
We wish to express appreciation to staff of the City and Miami-Dade County, to urban planners living in our neighborhood, and to our residents and membership for assistance and support in our consideration of these matters.      

 
Denis Russ --  Direct Line 305-672-4782
Community Development Director
Miami Beach Community Development Corporation