Mondrian DRB application -- Tues, Dec 7th -- Public Bay Walk

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, the Miami Beach Design Review Board (DRB) will consider the following application. The DRB meeting starts at 8:30 am and will take place in the City Commission Chambers at Miami Beach City Hall (1700 Convention Center Drive).


The applicant, 1100 West Properties, L.L.C., is requesting modifications to conditions of the Final Order for a previously issued Design Review Approval, which approved a new landscape plan for the entire site, as well as for alterations to the existing exterior elevations, including modifications to the windows, doors, and porte-cochere, and the construction of new 2-story cabanas at the rear of the site. Specifically, the applicant is proposing to modify the conditions of the Final Order relating to the release of funds held in escrow and completion of the public bay walk.

Flamingo Neighborhood Stakeholders Meeting, Mon, Dec 6, 3 to 6 pm, Mayor's Conference Room

FLAMINGO PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CIP / PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS

 FLAMINGO NEIGHBORHOOD
STAKEHOLDERS MEETING

Monday, December 6, 2010, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
in the Mayor’s Conference Room


Proposed Agenda

Key Resource:  Richard Saltrick

1. Presentation on Meridian Avenue -- Tree Canopy Parks
   Recreation Department -- Oldenburg, Latt, Gracie
2. Flamingo Neighborhood – Southeast Section Thais Vieira
   Washington to Meridian, 7th to 9th Streets Ric-Man
   Overview of the Revised Plans
   Travel Lane, Euclid Bike Lane, Parking Lane,
   Swale, Trees & Landscaping, Sidewalk, Lighting,
   Treatment at Intersections – Crosswalk, Bulbouts
   
   Extension of CDBG Project Grant
   De-classification of Pennsylvania as Collector
3. Treatment at Intersections Fire Department
   Bulbouts and Turning Radius
4. Stormwater Masterplan Fred Beckman / Fernando Vazquez
   Status of Work, Flamingo / West Ave Model
5. Capital Budget -- Funding Program Kathy Brooks / Jorge Gomez
6. Consideration of Another Bike Facility Christine Bettin
   (Bike Lane, Route, Sharrow, Boulevard)
7. Selection of Subsequent Work Areas Rick Saltrick
   Size of Area / Proposed Target for Next Area
8. Further Consideration of Traffic Calming / Pedestrian Amenities
   Residential Neighborhood Safety Zone
   Jeff Cohen / David Henderson / Tammie Tibbles and Ben Batchelder
   
   
   
   

Flamingo Streetscape Improvements: Fire Department Challenges Bulbouts at the Intersections; Field Test and Stakeholder Meeting

Special Notice
 

City of Miami Beach -- Fire Department
will Field Test Proposed Intersection Bulb-outs
Monday, November 22nd, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
at the Intersection of Euclid Ave and Eighth Street
 
Findings and Recommendations will be Presented and Discussed
at Flamingo Park Neighborhood Stakeholders' Meeting
Monday, December 6th, 3:00 - 6:00 pm in Mayor's Conference Room
Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive, 4th Floor

 
As I hope you already are aware, the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association has been largely successful in advancing a program for the improvement of the neighborhood infrastructure.  The program includes basic upgrades to infrasturcure such as water, sewer, and storm water drainage.  It also includes an ambitious program to develop a more attractive, more pedestrian friendly stretscape.  
 
The program calls for narrower traffic lanes, wider sidewalks and swales, increased shade trees,  and bulb-outs at the intersection to reduce the walking distance across traffic lanes.  The proposed bulbouts has drawn the attention of the Fire Department and concern about the turning radius.  This represents a significant challenge by the Fire Department to the use and design of bulbouts at the intersection.  The Administration has called for a Field Test to examine the concerns raised.  We will more fully discuss the matter at the Stakeholders Meeting on December 6th.
 
Your presence is cordially invited.  Your advice and counsel is earnestly sought.
 
Denis Russ --  Direct Line 305-672-4782
Community Development Director
Miami Beach Community Development Corporation

 

 

CMB Commission Land Use Committee, Mon, Nov 22nd, 4pm, in City Manager's Conference Room, About the Skate Park in Flamingo Park

Land Use Committee
Mon, Nov 22, 4pm, in the City Manager's Conference Room

At its meeting on Wednesday the City Commission referred the Flamingo Park Skate Facility to its Land Use Committee for Discussion. The matter has been placed on the Agenda for Monday, November 22nd at 4:00 pm in the City Manager's Conference Room.

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association has been clear in opposition to the location of a Skate Park in Flamingo Park.

When the City Commission included a Skate Park in the Masterplan and the Administration initiated the design process we began to develop guidelines to proceed with a Skate Plaza rather than a Skate Park. The Plaza would be more low key, suitable for young and new skaters, and incorporate trees and grassy areas instead of being a solid mass of concrete with features that would create a regional attraction.

I totally agree with Jack's good advice in making a strong effort to present ourselves in solidarity and making remarks as individuals rather than as spokesman for Flamingo. 

Be Sure to Catch Donnelly, Robinson and Shulman this Sunday at the Book Fair as They Join Desilets in Featured Florida Architectural Session

Special Session on Miami / Miami Beach Architecture
This Sunday, November 21st, 10am
Building 7, 1st Floor, Room7128
Between 5th and 6th Streets, on NE Second Avenue

Congratulations to our very own:  James F. Donnelly, Randall Robinson and Allan Shulman, who will be featured at an author's presentation this Sunday, November 21st, 10:00 am, at the Miami Book Fair International, on the campus of Miami Dade College, in Building 7, 1st Floor, Room 7128, on N.E. Second Avenue, between N.E. 5th Street and N.E. 6th Street, at the northern edge of the downtown campus.

Their book, Miami Architecture:  An AIA Guide Featuring Downtown, the Beaches, and Coconut Grove (University Press of Florida, $29.95) provides an authoritative but accessible overview of Miami's notable buildings and is ideal for residents, professionals, vacationers, and day-trippers.

Our authors will share this special presentation session with another featured Miami Beach author and personality, the beautiful and brilliant Deborah Desilets, the author of Lapidus, Architecture of Joy (Rizzoli International Publishers).  Desilets, also an architect, collaborated with Lapidus, and has lectured extensively on his work.

CMB Land Use Committee will meet Monday to consider Skate Facility in Flamingo Park

Land Use Committee
Mon, Nov 22, 4pm, in the City Manager's Conference Room

At its meeting on Wednesday the City Commission referred the Flamingo Park Skate Facility to its Land Use Committee for Discussion. The matter has been placed on the Agenda for Monday, November 22nd at 4:00 pm in the City Manager's Conference Room.


It is timely for the Land Use Committee to give guidance on the program and vision for the Skate Facility.

As we move into the design process I agree with Wanda that while its apprpriate for us to guard that vision we also want to participate in a collegial and flexible way -- along with the design professionals, CIP and Parks & Recreation Staff. and other stakeholders.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association                                     Nov 18, 2010 Draft


The Skate Plaza in Flamingo Park

Description – should be designed to provide a safe and enjoyable family oriented recreational opportunity for wheeled sports for Miami Beach youth of all ages.

The Flamingo Park Skate Plaza might well be one of a series of such skate spots or skate plazas that would give young and new skaters a place to learn, practice, and cut their teeth, so to speak.

While Miami Beach could pursue development of a Skate Park elsewhere, that was not the vision of the City Commission for Flamingo Park. An advanced recreational facility with unique elements not found elsewhere in South Florida would become a regional attraction and should not be located within our residential area.

Design Guidelines –

• appropriate for Neighborhood Park, not a world class facility that becomes a regional attraction and neighborhood nuisance;

• examine opportunities to include skatable art;

• discourage high speed / high elevation;

• aim at a skate circuit / path rather than more randomly placed unorganized group of elements on a large slab of concrete.

A skate plaza is designed for street skateboarding by incorporating urban terrain elements such as benches, rails, stairs and ledges of varying difficulty. Unlike most modern day skate parks that consist of stark vertical ramps, and bowls, the skate plaza resembles a public square in a town or city by incorporating landscaping and art to create a multi-use park that is aesthetically pleasing.

Elements -- no bowl, no quarter pipes, no half pipes; steps or stairs, rails, ramps and benches should be of appropriate height, perhaps no higher than 2 feet;

Landscaping -- landscaped surroundings and integrated shaded landscaping incorporated within the skateboard facility. Aim for an appropriate hardscape to landscape ratio, perhaps of 3:1 or 2:1 as determined desirable.

Operation / Maintenance -- not fenced, not supervised; not lit; free of charge.

Friends of Flamingo Park                               
Nov 18, 2010 Draft


Skate Facility --  Design Guidelines

The new skate plaza will be designed to provide a safe and enjoyable family oriented recreational opportunity for Miami Beach youth of all ages. The design philosophy will be in keeping with the overall vision of the park as an open, accessible, area. Furthermore, the skate plaza will be dotted with patches of green space.

Our skate plaza will incorporate the favorite features of an urban skater like stairs, rails, curbs, and ledges while still retaining a landscaped park-feel which is aesthetically pleasing. Unlike most modern day skate parks that consist of one large block of concrete and bowls, the skate plaza resembles a public square in a town or city by incorporating landscaping.

Our skate plaza will be a skater and park user oasis, serving a dual purpose for skate boarders enjoyment and exercise, and when not in use a desirable place to stroll through or sit and rest under a tree. Our skate plaza will be further enhanced with skate-able art, an appealing feature and an opportunity to showoff our unique South Beach personality.

Design Guidelines of Flamingo Skate Plaza:

* include steps, stairs, ramps, rails, benches no more than 2 feet high.

* no bowl, no half pipe, no quarter pipe

* a path with continuous flow to allow skater to complete a full circuit

* mostly ground level, with minimal elevated features not to exceed 2 feet

* no fence

* free of charge

On Our Agenda -- To Become Florida's Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood

Ben Batchelder will present the final product of our Workshop Meetings aimed at becoming Florida's Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood.

FPNA Pedestrian Initiative

•FPNA met for Feb. 1st 2010 brainstorming
 –Mission: To become FL’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood
 
–Primary strategies:
•To modify behavior of drivers & pedestrians
•To influence policy and opinion-makers
 
–Primary tactics:
•Engineering
•Enforcement
•Education (engagement/encouragement)
•Evaluation
 
–FPNA initiative the result of FPN’s inclusion in US DOT pedestrian-safety project
 
FPNA Pedestrian Initiative
 
•Analysis of current conditions
 
–Rampant aggressive driving puts all pedestrians at risk
 
–Street signage is deficient
•No signage warning visiting drivers of pedestrian-oriented culture unique to South Beach
•The dozen or so “Yield to Pedestrians, $83 fine”* signs are small, and usually warn re turning off major roads (e.g. Alton)
–Many drivers when questioned are unaware of signs or the Florida state law
•No signage warns noisy drivers of residential neighborhood
–Spill-over streets, such at 6th, and corridor streets, such as 16th, suffer
 
–Pedestrian-friendly crosswalks are rare
•Many residential intersections are without crosswalk stripes at all
•Most street crossing lights are pedestrian-unfriendly, which incentivizes people to ignore them
–Many pedestrian-intensive intersections, e.g. 11th & Meridian, give priority to turning cars (i.e. instead of automatically giving white-walk light, they stay red-stop), forcing pedestrians to ignore or activate crosswalk.
–Pedestrian activation, with the exception of a few actual on-demand crosswalks, is very slow or car-friendly (e.g. crossing button pressed less than 7-8 seconds before turn of lights does not activate, and pedestrian must wait another full cycle of light changing to safely cross).
 
–Many sidewalks are unsafe and/or unpleasant
•Many residential sidewalks are unsafe for seniors & strollers due to buckling & bike riding
•Most sidewalks are too narrow for walking 2-abreast or accommodating multiple use (e.g. bike + ped.)
•Many sidewalks are without shade trees
* Fine raised to $112

FPNA Pedestrian Initiative
•Recommendations
 
–Combat/reduce aggressive driving
•Reduce neighborhood speed limit from 30mph to 25mph
•Reduce speeding by providing constrained & visual-rich environment
–Narrow auto lanes on residential streets to 10’
–Add sidewalk bump-outs
–Thicken green space (i.e. plant more trees)
•Enforce laws
 
–Improve street signage
•Large welcome signs to South Beach, such as “Welcome to South Beach, Florida’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.  Please yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, it’s the law!”
•Various, smaller 25mph neighborhood speed limit signs
•More “Yield to Pedestrians, $112 fine” signs, placed more strategically
•Stand-alone “Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks” cones at hi-volume zebra crossings, e.g. Collins
•Noise-abatement “Quiet zone, punishable by fine” signs on spillover & corridor streets
•Combine above signage where feasible to limit visual pollution
 
 
–Make crosswalks pedestrian-friendly
•Recalibrate all South Beach intersection lights to pedestrian-friendly
–Automatic white-walk for pedestrians at light change
–Incentivize activation button use by making more on-demand/rapid response (reduce wait time)
•Paint (and maintain fresh) as many neighborhood crosswalks as feasible
–Prioritize dangerous crosswalk-less intersections (e.g. Dade & N. Michigan nr High School, Bay Rd. & Dade)
–Paint all-4 crosswalks at every residential intersection
–Move towards crosswalk standardization
•Add bump-outs and more Stop sign intersections, ideally every other neighborhood block
FPNA Pedestrian Initiative
 
•Recommendations (continued)
 
–Implement further traffic calming/reducing measures
•Install speed cushions (currently used mid-beach) along hi-risk roads (e.g. bordering parks)
•Encourage tourist and residential walking programs
–MDPL tourist walking maps including Flamingo Park
–Parks Dept. walking program
–City Walk to Work days
•Encourage all city, police & other official cars to obey speed limits (e.g. pace cars)
•Improve Local Shuttle Bus signage & simplify complicated routing to encourage use
•Study accessible public parking for mainlanders to park & ride
 
–Improve sidewalks
•Widen sidewalks to 6’ and remove obstacles
–Better enforce encroachments
•Level bumps, improve night lighting & plant more shade trees
•Improve dog-owner behavior, including better enforcement
–More “Clean up after your dog, it’s the law!” signs at eye level attached to parking sign posts
–More dog bag dispensers & public trash bins
 

On Our Agenda -- Proposed Re-zoning of The Temple House Would Preclude Entertainment Use

From: Cineo
Date: November 13, 2010 5:10:27 PM EST
To: Denis Russ
Subject: FPNA Meeting

Dear Mr. Russ:

My many thanks for your time earlier.  As a follow-up to our conversation, please find below the language that resulted from a meeting with Mr. Lorber (Zoning and Planning) and Mr. Gomez (Assistant City Manager).  Our collective objective was to find a way to recognize the "highest and best" use of the property (which for over 70 years served as an assembly area) as well as be mindful of the needs and desires of the residents.  

The language, while quite restrictive, is something that I can live with.  In short it would allow, subject to approval by both Commission and the Planning Board, NON-ENTERTAINMENT assembly use of the space for such things as the showing of art, education lectures, seminars and presentations.  Again, what is important to note here is that even with Commission approval, I will still need to sit before the Planning Board for their support as well.

The language reads....

(9)        Notwithstanding (7) and (8) above, bed and breakfast inns that have had historic prior assembly use may be permitted to have limited non-entertainment (entertainment as defined in section 142-1361) assembly uses (such as art showing, corporate seminars, educational lectures and presentations) if approved by the Planning Board as a conditional use subject to the following limitations:

a)         Consisting of private events by invitation only, and

b)         Not open to members of the general public, and


c)         Ending no later than 11:30 PM, and

d)         Invite must indicate no street parking.  Guests must be directed to city parking lots or licensed private parking lots.

e)         No delivery shall occur before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM during weekdays, and

f)          No delivery shall occur before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM during weekends.

 

As an aside, the definition of "entertainment"  (section 142-1361 of the Miami Beach City Code) is as follows:  "Entertainment means any live show or live performance or music amplified or nonamplified. Exceptions: Indoor movie theater; big screen television and/or background music, amplified or nonamplified, played at a volume that does not interfere with normal conversation."

Because the language specifically precludes entertainment, it would mean no live shows, performances, etc.   I've highlighted the additional reason for including the language, which is to insure that nothing would interfere with normal conversation.

Again, I believe that this language is fair for all, and provides a use of the building that will prevent its deterioration by allowing it to be self-sufficient and offset the extraordinary costs associated with mortgage, taxes, insurance and maintenance.

I hereby respectfully seek the support of the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association. 

My many thanks,

Daniel


Daniel Davidson
1415 Euclid Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
P - 786-280-6565
F - 305-673-5175

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet on this Monday, November 15, 2010, 5 - 7 pm, at The Seymour

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Meeting Notice Reminder and Agenda Highligts
Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet
on Monday, November 15th, 5:00 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

Agenda Highlights –

1) Our Pedestrian-Safety Vision -- Becoming Florida’s Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood

2) Temple House – Zoning Re-classification


3) Alton Road Overlay District


4) Enforcement of Short Term Renal Ordinance


5) Other Matters

a) Update on Flamingo Park Project Implementation


b) Skateboard Facility


c) Flamingo CIP Project Update -- Stakeholders Meeting – Mon, Dec 6th, 3 – 6pm

 

Neighborhood News, Meetings and Events

Tuesday, November 9th, 9am
Historic Preservation Board
On Tuesday, November 9th, starting at 9am the Historic Preservation Board will meet in the City Commission Chambers.  The Board will consider approval of the Flamingo Park revised masterplan and approval of the proposed skatepark within Flamingo Park.  It is expected that these matters are likely to be heard at approximately 11 am.


Tuesday, November 9th, 5pm
MBCDC Community Development Committee
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue
The Miami Beach CDC Community Development Committee will meet to further develop its program agenda.  An important item will be a presentation by our neighbor and Flamingo resident Daniel Davidson who will demonstrate how social media can be used to heighten situational awareness to improve safety and combat crime.  Members of Flamingo are invited to attend.


Thursday, November 11, 9am
Veterans Day Parade and Picnic
Join Flamingo Neighborhood in participating in the Veterans Day Parade and Picnic.  The parade will begin at 9AM, Nov. 11, at the intersection of Washington Ave. and 17th street.  Ceremonies will be held at 10:30 am, highlighted by the 11am Traditions, and followed by a picnic in Flamingo Park.


Monday, November 15th, 5pm
Flamingo Park Neighborhood Meeting
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue
All residents of the Neighborhood are invited to attend our General Membership Meeting.  Highlights will include:  
Becoming Florida's Most Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhood;
Consideration of Temple House as Bed and Breakfast;
Enforcement of Short Term Rental Ordinance;  and
Flamingo CIP Streetscape Improvement Stakeholder Meeting to be convened on Monday, December 6th.

Make plans to Join Us for the Veterans Day Parade and Picnic, Thursday, November 11th

Veterans Day Parade and Picnic
Thursday, November 11, starting at 9am
Commemorative Ceremonies at 11:00 am
Picnic to follow in Flamingo Park

The parade will begin at 9AM, Nov. 11, at the intersection of Washington Ave. and 17th street. The first group will line up at the intersection and subsequent groups will line up behind the first extending north on Washington Ave. Our tentative position is 22. All participants should arrive by 8:30AM.

Perhaps there’s still time to be in the parade!  Contact Scott Needelman -- san1455@att.net -- 305-710-5584

Because we got distracted by other business and bright shiny objects, we will not have the T-Shirts for the Parade but we will definitely return to the project at our next meeting.