CMB will convene Community Meeting to discuss DecoBike advertising proposal

Community meeting for Decobike Kiosk Advertising Proposal
Wed, Sep 7, 2011, 6pm, City Manager's Conf Room

The City of Miami Beach is sponsoring community meetings to solicit
input on the proposal by Decobike to place advertising on their
kiosks at various locations throughout the city.  The South Beach
meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 PM in
City Hall, City Manager's conference room (4th Floor).  City staff
and Decobike representatives will be in attendance and show various proposals.

Contact:
Joyce Meyers, Principal Planner
North Beach Planning Coordinator
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7550  /  Fax: 305-673-7559
jmeyers@miamibeachfl.gov

Neighborhood Walkabout -- Pennsylvania Avenue at Seventh Street -- Wed at 9am sharp

Final Time -- 9:00 am sharp!
Neighborhood Walkabout
Wed, Aug 24, 2011, 9:00 - 9:30 am
meeting at 730 Pennsylvania Ave

Our neighbor, Tim Coleman has raised a number of quality of life issues in the vicinity of Pennsylvania Ave at 7th Street. Lynn Berstein and Neighborhood Resource Officer Deborah Doty have organizaed this Neighborhood Walkabout that will include CMB Police Dept, Code Enforcement and other city personnel to assess the situation and formulate a corrective action plan.

Tim has extended an invitation to anyone else living in the vicinity with some insight into the problems to join him to help formulate solutions.

Neighborhood Walkabout -- Pennsylvania Avenue at Seventh Street

Neighborhood Walkabout
Wed, Aug 24, 2011, 9:30 am
meeting at 730 Pennsylvania Ave

Our neighbor, Tim Coleman has raised a number of quality of life issues in the vicinity of Pennsylvania Ave at 7th Street. Lynn Berstein and Neighborhood Resource Officer Deborah Doty have organizaed this Neighborhood Walkabout that will include CMB Police Dept, Code Enforcement and other city personnel to assess the situation and formulate a corrective action plan.

Tim has extended an invitation to anyone else living in the vicinity with some insight into the problems to join him to help formulate solutions.

Discussions of Memorial Day Weekend / Urban Beach Week

"URBAN BEACH WEEK TOWN HALL ON TAP

"Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin will host an Aug. 24 town hall meeting at The Loews Miami Beach to discuss ideas on how to best deal with large-scale events such as Urban Beach Week and Spring Break.

"The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at 1601 Collins Ave.

"The public can submit written questions to a panel.  Those who cannot attend but want to submit a question can send an e-mail to Jerry@jerrylibbin.com".


The City Commission Neighborhood Committee will also be discussing Memorial Day Weekend / Urban Beach Week at its meeting on September 1, 2011, 3:00 pm, in the City Manager's Large Conference Room in City Hall.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, August 1st, at 5:30pm

Meeting Notice

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Monday, August 1, 2011, 5:30pm
At The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue


AGENDA

Presentation of 2011-2012 CIP Project Plans
• Aaron Sinnes – CMB CIP Department So Beach District Manager
• Rick Saltrick -- Design Program for 6th Street & 16th Street

Other Recurring Agenda Highlights --

 

Preservation and Planning Programs -- Jeff Donnelly & Mark Needle

Flamingo Park Masterplan Project Implementation -- Wanda Mouzon
Neighborhood Capital Improvement Projects -- Denis Russ & Judy Robertson
Flamingo Family Priorities -- Adam Shedroff
Crime Prevention and Safety -- Aaron Sugarman & Ben Batchelder
Communications and Outreach -- Tammy Tibbles

Flamingo Park Neighborhood -
from 5th Street to Lincoln Road
from Washington Ave to Alton Road
 

 
All residents of the neighborhood are invtited to attend and encouraged to participate.

The Miami Beach Police Department will host Community Meeting

Thursday, July 14, 2011, 6:30pm
Normandy Park, 7030 Trouville Esplanade

The Miami Beach Police Department invites all Neighborhood Organizations, Crime Watch Groups and residents to attend this Community Police meeting.

Topic:  Hurricane Preparedness, registration and evacuation presentation;
Open Forum to answer all Police related questions.

Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting on Monday, July 11, 2011, 3 to 5pm

Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting
Monday, July 11, 2011, 3 to 5 pm
Mayor's Conference Room, Miami Beach City Hall

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will convene the Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting on Monday, July 11, 2011, 3 to 5 pm, in the Mayor's Conference Room, at Miami Beach City Hall, 1100 Convention Center Drive.  All residents of the neighborhood and other interested persons are invited to attend and to participate.

We will be discussing the Capital Improvements Projects currently underway and planned for the coming year in the Flamingo Neighborhood.  Discussion will include: 

Completion of Phase I  -- 7th to 9th Streets, Washington to Meridian;
Flamingo Park Project Implementation;
Meridian Avenue Tree Trimming Program;
Next Year Project Areas -- likely Sixth Street and Sixteenth Street
Flamingo:  Becoming Florida's Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood
Traffic Calming, Increased Trees, Landscaping and Greater Shade Tree Canopy

Please Note:
Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will NOT meet on Monday, July 4th and will meet instead on Monday, July 11th, 3 to 5pm, in the Mayor's Conference Room, in Miami Beach City Hall, 1100 Convention Center Drive.

FDOT Presentation of Alton Road Redevelopment Program raises great conceern

FDOT Alton Road Redevelopment
Public Information / Input Meetings 

Scheduled and Confirmed:
FDOT Public Information Meeting
Thursday, June 23, 2011, 7 to 9 pm
Miami Beach PAL -- 999 Eleventh Street
Flamingo Park, Miami Beach

*Tentatively Scheduled

Planning Board Presentation*
Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 1:30 pm
City Commission Chambers

Presentation to the City Commission*
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

REPORT FROM BEN BATCHELDER
on previous presentation held on Wed, June 8th

Hi FPNers,


I just wanted to give my quick read of FDOT’s presentation on Alton Road last Wednesday at the Commission chambers.
Meeting Notes

First, Denis very helpfully provided a printout of FPNA’s priorities, including a nice visual of a bike boulevard going down Alton.


1) Among FPNers, Denis spoke first, gently pressing the FDOT presenter on the bike lane issue, as he had apparently never heard of a bike boulevard before. Denis also supported reducing the speed limit from 35 to 30 and raised the possibility (seconded later by our City Manager) of upgrading the area to a Livable Community, which apparently could facilitate achieving a number of these goals. Over a half dozen public comments subsequently demonstrated how crazy bike lanes on Alton would be: no sane biker would use them, all European experience and research shows bike lanes between parked cars and moving traffic to be the most dangerous (contradicting the speaker’s assertion bike lanes are the safest solution), having bikes compete with buses every other bus-stop block is ludicrous, and so on. When the concept of bike boulevard was made clear to the presenter, he asserted that it would take too many curves (perhaps he thinks it has to follow the curb line) and due to bicyclists crossing in/near pedestrian crosswalks, particularly against traffic, be a hazard to turning cars.


2) Another subject which elicited public outrage was the fact that FDOT plans to cut 113 trees and presently has no idea how many will be planted according to spec. A landscape architect, who worked on Wash. Ave’s upgrade, pointed out that due to required ‘cone of vision’ studies very few shade trees are likely (he mentioned perhaps only one per block).


3) The next FPNer to speak was Adam, who probed FDOT on their assertion new laws ‘require’ bike lanes, rather than ‘mandate consideration.’ The incomplete reply was, besides reiterating that a bike frequency study supported bike lanes, that the more space available there is available for bike lanes, the more required they are. Adam also lamented the loss of 90+ parking spaces. He then expressed the room’s growing feeling: if the proposed design is so contrary to residents’ wishes, why bother wasting $20+ million on it? FDOT asserted that due to the storm drain work (Alton at 5th, 10th and 14th) slated for 4/2013, the surface design must be completed prior – which the landscape architect contradicted.


4) My questions centered on pedestrian safety, after I introduced myself as a member of a local neighborhood association that is working on a pedestrian safety initiative and commented that Alton Rd. is generally considered South Beach’s most dangerous road for pedestrians. As the presentation lacked any detail on each intersection’s treatment, I asked a) would all intersections receive pedestrian crosswalk stripes, and b) would all have on-demand pedestrian signals? Contradicting in their own Project Notification fact sheet which promises "installing bush button countdown signals at all intersections along project limits", FDOT replied that the first was impossible (fast cars vs. pedestrians’ right of way) and that a 2008 warrant study did not justify any other pedestrian crossings. At this point the French Urban Design professor (whom Denis had introduced me to) went ballistic, suggesting that FDOT should stop the presentation it was so pathetic. When a break allowed me to return to my questioning, I respectfully requested that FDOT perform a new pedestrian study, having already highlighted the 75% increase in auto on pedestrian accidents in South Beach. When the presenter couldn’t commit, I implied that without reconsidering such a pedestrian-unfriendly design, pedestrian accidents will only increase. (Although I had it with me, I resisted showing a chart which ranks Florida as the worst state in the nation in pedestrian fatalities, or faulting FDOT’s irrational warrant process for some of the responsibility.)

Tentative Conclusions

A) It appears as if the Livable Communities designation is the only way to meaningfully impact FDOT’s design. It was suggested that it would facilitate narrower lanes (from 11' to 10' at least), the speed limit reduction, and reduce the ‘cone of vision’ problems. My feeling is that FDOT performs studies when it believes they will support their preferred design.


B) FDOT’s design appears based on such outdated standards and is so car-centric that any project delay should be encouraged. The landscape architect’s suggestion to allow storm drain work to be done independently of surface design agreement appears compelling.

C) Lastly, Adam’s suggestion that the $20+ million project be cancelled (just repave, repaint, and leave street layout as is) would be a less bad solution than the current 60% design and, if need be, I’d gladly support that outcome with organized civil disobedience.

It will be very important to attend subsequent FDOT presentations.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet on Mon, Juen 6th, at 5:30pm

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association

Monday, June 6, 2011, 5:30 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave

AGENDA


1. Flamingo Park Project Implementation – Matti Reyes


2. Project Introduction – 600 block of Washington Ave – Wayne Pathman


3. Discussion of Memorial Day Urban Beach Party Weekend


4. Other Matters


     4.1. Status Report: Enforcement of Short Term Rental


     4.2. Status Report: Becoming Florida’s Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood


     4.3. Discussion of Recurring Odor at 11th and Meridian Ave



All residents of the neighborhood are invited to attend and participate.



Recurring Agenda Highlights --

Preservation and Planning Programs
Flamingo Park Masterplan and Project Implementation
Flamingo Park Neighborhood Capital Improvement Projects
Flamingo Family Priorities
Crime Prevention and Safety
Communications and Outreach

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet this Mon, June 6th, 5:30pm

FLAMINGO Meeting Notice

Monday, June 6th, 5:30pm

at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

 

Recurring Agenda Highlights --

• Preservation and Planning Programs
• Flamingo Park Masterplan and Project Implementation
• Flamingo Park Neighborhood Capital Improvement Projects
• Flamingo Family Priorities
• Crime Prevention and Safety
• Communications and Outreach

All restidents of the Neighborhood are invited to attend and participate

NOTICE OF TREE TRIMMING, AND TEMPORARY DETOURS AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON MERIDIAN AVENUE

June 1, 2011 -- Tree Trimming
Dear Miami Beach Resident:

As the result of cold damage in January 2010, the large trees lining Meridian Avenue between 2nd St. and 15th St. have numerous dead branches that need to be removed for public safety and tree health.


The trimming of these trees is scheduled to start on Monday, June 13, 2011 and will continue for approximately three weeks, although bad weather could extend the required time. During this period, it will be necessary to implement vehicle detours and designate “No Parking” areas for the block(s) where tree trimming is taking place. It is expected that:

- Only one or two blocks of Meridian Avenue will be affected by detours and parking closures on any specific day.


- Individual blocks will be affected for only one to three days, depending on how long it takes to trim the block’s trees.


- The detours and parking closures will be in effect from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

During the tree trimming, heavy branches will be dropping to the ground. The parking closures are necessary to prevent damage to parked vehicles and to provide the trimming crew with access to the trees.


Tree trimming will start on June 13 at 15th Street, and will move southwards along Meridian Avenue to 2nd Street. Notices will be posted on the day before parking closures are implemented. When your block is scheduled for tree trimming and parking closures, please relocate your vehicle from the “No Parking” area before 8:00 AM.


We thank you for your patience and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chris Latt at 305-673-7000 extension 6391.


Best regards,   Chris Latt
CMB Parks & Recreation Department

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet Monday, May 2nd, 5:30 pm, at The Seymour

Regular Meeting --
Mon, May 2nd, 5:30pm, at The Seymour
All residents are invited to attend and participate

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, May 2nd, 5:30pm, at The Seymour. All residents of the neighborhood are invited to attend and participate.

Major agenda items will include:

Alton Road Zoning Overlay District -- zoning proposal

Preliminary Discussion on FDOT Alton Road Reconstruction Plan

Other Matters

Details on FDOT Proposal for Alton Road -- Public Hearing Meeting Schedule

Policy Action Alert

FDOT plans for reconstruction of Alton Road from 5th Street to Michigan Ave / north of Dade Blvd., now include bike lanes and keeping the sidewalk width essentially the same as existing width.

While there will be bumpouts and landscaping added, FDOT has not agreed to requests for additional pedestrian crossings at 7 St, 9 St and 13 ST, nor have they agreed to lowering the speed limit.

FDOT Alton Road - Public Meeting Schedule

·         Tuesday, May 17th at 6 p.m. – Meeting with Project Advisory Group and Associations (Homeowner/Condo/Neighborhood, etc.)
Location:  City Hall Commission Chambers, 1700 Convention Center Dr.
·         Wednesday, May 18th at 7 p.m. – Meeting with adjacent business
Location:  Miami Beach Police Athletic League, 999 11 Street
·         Wednesday, May 25th at 7 p.m. – General Public Information Meeting
Location:  Miami Beach Police Athletic League, 999 11 Street

 
 

Florida Department of Transportation proposes narrowing sidewalks, widening Alton Road

Jeff Donnelly reports --

Today, FDOT appeared before the Planning Board and said that they have decided to change the 2008 width of Alton Road, narrowing the sidewalks and lengthening the pedestrian east west crossing distance. The Planning Board will hear this again next month.

 
Stay tuned. Jeff Donnelly -- Apr 26, 2011

Flamingo Park Handball Court and Friendship Corner -- Review of Schematic Plans

Wednesday, April 27th, 3:00 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave

Matilde Reyes, the Project Manager for Flamingo Park CIP Project Improvements, has asked to meet with us on Wednesday, April 27th, 3:00 pm, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue.

To review schematic plans for the Handball Court and Friendship Corner.

The Project Architect / Engineer will be present at the meeting to discuss the schematic plans and to answer questions about the project.  Representatives of Parks and Recreation have also been invited but they have a conflict and may be available only at the end of the meeting. 

Matti Reyes has asked that we focus on the handball court project at the meeting, keeping other matters to a minimum.  While she can respond to questions regarding other matters, discussion about the Tennis Center bathrooms will take place at the next City Commission meeting.  What guides the project scope at this time is the adopted Basis of Design Report and the Master Plan. 

All residents of the Flamingo Neighborhood are invited to attend and participate.

Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan

May 11th, 5:30-7:30pm
Broward County Historical Commission
West Side School, Ft Lauderdale

The Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources will sponsor a series of meetings around the state in April and May, to solicit public comments and input for the development of Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. 
 
In order for Florida to be eligible to participate in the federal historic preservation program, every five years the Division of Historical Resources revises and updates the plan.
 
The primary purpose of Florida's historic preservation planning program is to provide guidance for the implementation of sound planning procedures for the location, identification, and protection of the state's archaeological and historical resources. It will provide guidance for everyone involved in historic preservation throughout the state.
 
The South Florida Meeting will be held at --
  
May 11, 2011, 5:30 -7:30 pm -- Broward County Historical Commission (West Side School) Fort Lauderdale. Contact:  Michele Williams (FPAN Southeast, Regional Office), mwill167@fau.edu, 954.357.5553
 
Individuals who would like to participate in the planning process but are unable to attend the public meetings are encouraged to provide their comments and opinions by completing a related online questionnaire on historic preservation issues in Florida at:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/HistoricPreservationCompPlan2011-2015
 
Meetings will be facilitated by Jeannette Peters of Nonprofit Management Consulting LLC (www.getfunded.org)

Home Energy Savings Workshop

Thurs, Apr 28th, 6:30pm
Mia Bch Regional Library

The City of Miami Beach in partnership with Miami-Dade County and Dream in Green will be hosting a Home Energy Savings Workshop. The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2011, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (registration begins at 6:00 PM) at the Miami Beach Regional Library, 227 22nd Street, Miami Beach, Florida. The purpose of the workshop is to educate residents on energy efficiency and conservation and provide homeowners with information, resources and incentives to reduce their utility costs. Participants will receive a free energy savings toolkit valued at over $100 and learn to track household energy consumption/reduction. More importantly, residents will save money by learning how to reduce energy use in their homes by 20-30 percent.

To register for this workshop and for additional information please call 3-1-1 or visit http://green.miamidade.gov. The workshop has limited space, and is open to the first 50 registered residents. Each participant will receive the free energy savings toolkit, limit one per household.

Please pass on this informationto your friends and family in Miami Beach - this is a great opportunity for residents to save money and reduce their environmental footprint!

Report on Pedestrian Initiative; Taking the Next Step

Report from Ben Batchelder and Tammy Tibbles
on Next Steps for Pedestrian Initiative

As the next step in our neighborhood's Pedestrian Initiative to make Flamingo the most pedestrian friendly neighborhood in Florida, a document has been drafted to present the initiative to the City Commission.

The draft document Flamingo: Becoming Florida's Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood will be discussed at our Monday meeting.  We recommend you take a few moments to review the document and provide comments in advance of the meeting.  This will facilitate our action on this item Monday.

The goal is to aprove this document Monday and send it on to the Commission via the Neighborhoods Committee and later a Resolution vote by the full Commission.

Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting

Monday, April 4, 2011, 3:00pm,
in City Manager's Conference Room

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will convene CIP Program - Flamingo Stakeholders’ Meeting on Monday, April 4th, at 3:00pm, in the City Manager’s Conf Room. 

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting
Monday, April 4, 2011, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
City Manager’s Large Conference Room

Meeting Highlights:

Flamingo Park Projects

Streetscape Phase I – 7th to 9th Streets -- Landscaping and Tree Selection; Traffic Calming / Pedestrian & Bike Amenities

Storm Water Master Plan

Next Steps – Second Phase, Funding Information -- 6th Street, 16th Street, or Flamingo West ??

The proposed next steps in Flamingo: Becoming Florida's Most Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood -- a proposal to the City Commission -- will be presented.
All members of the community – interested in the Park and the Neighborhood -- are invited to attend and participate.

Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting on Monday, April 4th, 3 - 5 pm, City Manager's Conference Room

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association

Flamingo CIP Stakeholders Meeting
Monday, April 4, 2011, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
City Manager’s Large Conference Room

Proposed Agenda

3:00 Flamingo Park Project Overview

Projects Currently Underway -- Matilde Reyes
Overview of Additional Projects -- Wolfberg Alvarez

3:30 Current Project – 7th to 9th Streets, Washington to Alton

Status of Construction / Completion Target Thais Vieria
Slowing Traffic, Pedestrian Priority -- Christine Bettin,  Ayman Elbernawy
     Declassifying Pennsylvania as Collector
     4-way Stops, Reducing the Speed Limit

Swale – Ground Cover; Tree Selection Oldenburg, Latt, Gracie

4:00 Stormwater Master Plan -- Fernando Vazquez

4:30 Next Steps  -- Target Area(s) Rick Saltrick / Fred Beckman

Funding Prospects Kathie Brooks / Jorge Cano

Flamingo Neighborhood Meeting, Monday, Mar 7, 2011, 5:30 pm, at The Seymour

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Monday, March 7, 2011, 5:30 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave

Flamingo -- our historic urban residential neighborhood in South Beach -- from Washington to Alton, from Fifth Street to Lincoln Road.
All members of the Flamingo Neighborhood are invited to attend and participate. 

AGENDA

Preservation & Planning (Jeff Donnelly / Mark Needle)


Flamingo Park (Wanda Mouzon)


Flamingo CIP Streetscape s (Judy Robertson / Denis Russ)


Crime Prevention and Safety (Aaron Sugarman / Daniel Davidson)


Family Related Activities (Adam Shedroff)


Communications and Outreach (Tammie Young)

CMB Commission Land Use + Development Committee will meet Tomorrow, Wed, Feb 23rd, 4pm

Enforcement of Short Term Rental Ordinance

On February 23rd, at 4pm, at City Hall, City Manager’s Conference Room, the City Commission Land Use and Development Committee will discuss the enforcement of the short-term rentals laws passed unanimously by the Commission.
 
Short-term rentals in residential areas are a matter of great concern to us, and we imagine to you as well. Members of the Commission have received a significant number of contacts urging better enforcement of the laws passed in 2009 and 2010, banning rentals of less than six months in single family areas and in the residential sections of the low-density residential Flamingo Park neighborhood.
 
We have taken the position that the ordinance should be enforced pro-actively in our neighborhood. We would very much appreciate your representation at this meeting, both for our benefit and for yours. Jeff and Eric are leading our efforts on this matter and merit our support.

The Committee is will also consider the Alton Road Historic Buffer Overlay District and the related Parking District Ordinance.

This matter has been carefully studied by FPNA with leadership on the issue from Marc Needle. It remains very, very important to maintain support for our position on these matters.

 

Romeo and Juliet in Flamingo Park; In Preparation for Valentine's Day!!

Arts in the Parks: Romeo & Juliet
February 12-13, 3:00 p.m.
Flamingo Park, Meridian Avenue and 12 Street
Ground Up & Rising presents Shakepeare's Romeo & Juliet

Flamingo Neighborhood Meeting, Monday, Feb 7th, 5pm, at The Seymour

Meeting Notice

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Meeting
Monday, February 7, 2010, 5:00 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue


AGENDA


We have added to the agenda a brief presentation by Parks and Recreation Director, Kevin Smith, of the current plan to use the grant funds for improvements to the tot-lot playground, add a specialty boulder climbing installation, resurface the basketball courts and replace the chain link perimeter fencing around the tot-lot with 4’ picket fencing to match recently installed much improved fencing elsewhere in the park.

1. Prohibition of Short Term Rental Ordinance – Enforcement Program
Special Guest -- Robert Santos-Alborna, Code Enforcement Director


2. Alton Road Historic District Buffer Zone
Arc d’ Compromise or Best Practices Alternative


3. Flamingo Park – Tot-lot / Playground Improvements -- Kevin Smith, Director

As an alternative to the skate park program we are planning to make improvements to the tot-lot/playground and resurface the 2 basketball courts. The playground improvements include the installation of playground climbing boulders (please see the attached photo entitled ;adventruescape), safety surface (fiber mulch as is currently being used in the park and is shown in the photo), replace the existing chain link fence surrounding the playground with a 4’ aluminum picket fence to match the park’s exterior aluminum fence and resurface the 2 basketball courts. Per the requirement of the FRDAP grant, these improvements will be completed on or before April 30, 2011.

4. Other Matters

Meeting Notice

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Meeting
Monday, February 7, 2010, 5:00 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue



AGENDA

please note early beginning at 5pm



1. Prohibition of Long Term Rental Ordinance – Enforcement Program
Special Guest -- Robert Santos-Alborna, Code Enforcement Director


2. Alton Road Historic District Buffer Zone
Arc d’ Compromise or Best Practice Alternatives


3. Other Matters

HGTV is in town, Looking for a Home Sale & Purchase in the Flamingo Park Neighborhood

SELLING YOUR FIRST PLACE?
Then HGTV is looking for you!

MY FIRST SALE, the popular primetime HGTV show, is looking for first-time home sellers (and their real estate agents!) in and around Miami and Ft. LaUDERDALE, FL.

We are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the process of selling their first place!  Our cameras will be there to capture all the trials and tribulations, stress and success of prepping for sale, pricing, negotiating, and ultimately selling a home for the first time.

Taping will continue through Spring 2011.  Ideal candidates will be motivated, financially candid people who want to share the experience and the SALE details with HGTV and their audience.  Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply!

If this sounds like fun, first-time sellers should apply now for immediate consideration!


For more information or an application contact:
Kari Woodard
kwoodard@highnoontv.com
303-872-8697

Flamingo Meetings Information

Meeting Notice
Mon, Feb 7, 5:30pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

The next meeting of the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association is scheduled for Monday, February 7, 2011, 5:30pm, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue. We plan to invite Code Enforcement to join us to further discuss enforcement of the Short Term Rental Ordinance. Please make a special effort to be with us on Monday, next week.


Two City Commission Committee meetings are scheduled in the coming week –

Land Use and Development Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 31, 2011, 4:00 pm. Matters scheduled to be discussed include (Our Preservation / Planning sparkplugs are leading our substantial advocacy efforts on Alton Road issues) 4) Alton Road Historic Overlay District and 8) Location and Funding of a Skate Park.






Neighborhoods and Community Affairs will meet on Thursday, February 3, 2011, 3:00pm. The Agends is not yet available.

Business Academy -- Spring 2011 Sessions

Miami Beach Business Academy
Contact Lynn W. Bernstein
 
The Miami Beach Business Academy is a free program open to all current or prospective businesses to guide them through some of the basic interactions with the City of Miami Beach as they establish their business in our community.
 
Spring 2011 Sessions
 
Session 1 - Friday, February 11, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
Historic Tax Credits
Joyce Meyers, Miami Beach Planning Department
Kathleen Slesnick Kauffman, Historic Preservation Chief, Miami-Dade County
Gary A. Appel, Esq.
 
Session 2 - Friday, April 1, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
Licensing (Business Tax Receipts)
Manny Marquez, Miami Beach Finance Department
 
Session 3 - Friday, June 10, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
Building Department and Code Compliance 
Kristin Tigner, Miami Beach Building Department
Robert Santos-Alborna, Miami B each Code Compliance Division
 
Session 4 - Friday, August 12, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
Special Events 
Max Sklar, Miami Beach Tourism and Cultural Development Department
 
All Sessions are 1.5 hours and will take place at:
Miami Beach City Hall
1700 Convention Center Drive
First Floor Conference Room
 
For further information, please contact Lynn Bernstein at 305.673.7010 or via email at lynnbernstein@miamibeachfl.gov.

Update on Short Term Rental from Commissioner Ed Tobin

A few moments ago the Commission discussed Short Term Rental vis the City’s enforcement efforts.  I know that for many of you this has been an issue of concern.  I wanted to give you an update.
 
The Commission has decided to send the item to the Land Use and Development Committee scheduled for February 28th at 4:00 p.m.   This will provide City staff an opportunity to address the residents and Commission’s concerns and suggestions for enforcement .  It will also allow for further input from residents. On February 28th 2011 we will be discussing how proactive the City should be in the enforcement. Should we be searching the internet for advertisements ? Should enforcement be complaint driven?
 
 Best regards,
 
  Ed
 
MIAMIBEACH
Edward L. Tobin, Commissioner
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSION
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7107  /  Fax: 305-673-7096  /  www.miamibeachfl.gov
 

Arturo Bosch's family is holding a Memorial this upcoming Friday January 14th at 8:00pm.

Arturo Bosch
Fiday, January 14, 2011, 8:00pm
Memorial Services

The address is as follows:

St Thomas The Apostle
7377 S. W. 64th St. 
Miami, FL 33143
Phone: (305) 665-5600

I was wondering if you knew Arturo Bosch and his dog Aloha. He was the king of Flamingo park basically and was always on top of things, making sure the park was functioning properly and complaining to the City of Miami Beach about crosswalks, the lights, etc. He was a true activist and a great great man.


With deep sadness I must let you know that Arturo passed away last Thursday January 6th. We, all those who knew him and cared about him, are deeply affected. His family will he holding a memorial for him sometimes next week. I will let you know.

Sad news about our friend and neighborhod, Arturo Bosch

I was wondering if you knew Arturo Bosch and his dog Aloha. He was the king of Flamingo park basically and was always on top of things, making sure the park was functioning properly and complaining to the City of Miami Beach about crosswalks, the lights, etc. He was a true activist and a great great man.


With deep sadness I must let you know that Arturo passed away last Thursday January 6th. We, all those who knew him and cared about him, are deeply affected. His family will he holding a memorial for him sometimes next week. I will let you know.

Please let those who knew him know.

Thanks,  Soraya (Flamingo Park neighbour)

Miami Beach CDC Community Development Committee extends this invitation to members of the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association to meet with us on Tuesday, January 11th, 5:00 pm, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Special Meeting with Russell Galbut
Presentation of Plans for Commercial Project –
Alton Road 6th to 7th Street

Following this special presentation time permitting, the Committee will return to its regular agenda.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will begin the year with an Important Meeting

Monday, January 3, 2011,
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood is the historic urban residential neighborhood in South Beach, from Washington Avenue to Alton Road, from Fifth Street to Lincoln Road.  All residents of the neihborhood are invited to attend and participate.

The first meeting of the year will be held on Monday, January 3, 2011, 5:30pm, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue.  We meet regularly on the first Monday of each month at 5:30pm.

At this meeting we will be discussing important Planning and Preservation issues, including the lack of enforcement of the prohibition on Short Term Rental enacted by the City Commission and the Alton Road Historic District Overlay ordinance that is pending before the City Commission.

The Department of Culture and Tourism has requested to present ideas on South Beach hosting a major Air Show.  Substantial issues have been raised on the impact and management of such a program.

We shall continue to work on the CMB Capital Improvement Projects in the Flamingo Neighborhood, including implementation of the Flamingo Park Masterplan and Neighborhood Infrastructure program -- water and waste distribution, stormwater drainage, and community pedestrian amenities.

Flamingo Neighborhood Meeting -- Monday, January 3rd, 5:30 pm, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington to Alton, Fifth Street to Lincoln Road;
All residents are invited to attend and participate!!

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association

Monday, January 3, 2011, 5:30pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

Agenda

Preservation and Planning Matters Jeff Donnelly, Mark Needle


                    Short Term Rental


                    Alton Road Historic Overlay District


Presentation of Proposed Special Event – Air Show Dept of Culture and Tourism


Capital Improvement Projects


                      CIP N’hood Project – Encroachments -- J Robertson / T Vieria and R Saltrick


                       Flamingo Park – Project Priorities -- Wanda Mouzon


Other Matters


                       Invitation from Russell Galbut – Project Presentation


                      Crime Prevention and Pedestrian Safety -- Aaron Sugarman


                       Communication and Outreach -- Tammy Tibbles

The Miami Beach City Commission -- Land use and Development Committee will discuss the proposed Alton Road ordinances on Monday, December 13th at their meeting which begins at 4 PM.

As you know this will be a very important meeting determining the likely outcome of crucial elements of the zoning overlay district and parking requirements.

Your attendance and participation will be important.

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.

Flamingos will march in the Veterans Day Parade

Veterans Day Parade and Picnic
Thursday, November 11, 2010

Perhaps you would like to join the Flamingos marching in the Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, Novembeer 11, 2010, from 9 to 11 am, culminating with a picnic celebration in Flamingo Park! Please contact Scott Needelman, who serves as our Flamingo Parade Marshall, SAN1455@ATT.net or Telephone 305-710-5584.


The Veterans Day Parade will begin at 9:00 am. Participants will line up along Convention Center Drive from 17th Street, marching east on Seventeenth Street to Washington Avenue and then south along Washington to Eleventh Street. They will then head west along 11th Street to Flamingo Park. There will be a brief ceremony in the park followed by a free picnic for all participants.

Commissioner Jerry Libbin has rallied support for the parade and picnic, noting "The men and women who serve our country with distinction deserve our appreciation every day. This event gives us an opportunity to come together as a community to thank them."

The wreath laying ceremony and 21-gun salute at Flamingo Park will begin at approximately 10:30 am following the parade. A moment of silence will be observed at 11:00 am in honor of the First World War Armistice Day tradition. Immediately following Commissioner Libbin will be hosting a picnic for parade participants.

Flamingo Parade Marshall -- Scott  Needelman
SAN1455@ATT.net or Telephone 305-710-5584

Join us in Planning for the Veterans Day Parade, Meeting on Mon, Oct 11, 5:30pm, at The Seymour -- with the Parade Just A Month Away

Monday, October 11, 2010, at 5:30pm
Meeting at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue
Veterans Day Parade and Picnic -- November 11, 2010


Scott Needleman invites all those interested in participating in the Veterans Day Parade to meet on this Monday, October 11th, at The Seymour to make plans for the Parade and help design a banner for the Flamingo Neighborhood Association that can be used for the parade and for other similar events and activities.

All residents of the Flamingo Neighborhood are encouraged to attend and participate in a day of commemoration and celebration that will culminate in the Commissioner Jerry Libbin Picnic to be held in Flamingo Park.

The Flamingo Neighborhood Association has agreed to participate in the day's activities.  Since the route will go right through our neighborhood and be highlighted by the picnic in Flamingo Park, it's a great opportunity to increase our outreach in the community.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association -- Monday, Oct 4, 2010, 5:30 pm

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Monday, October 4, 2010, 5:30 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

Agenda

1.  Flamingo Park – Project Planning Update  -- Wanda Mouzon


2.  Planning & Preservation Issues -- Mark Needle / Jeff Donelly
     Alton Road Overlay District / Proposed Parking Adjustments


3.  Family Oriented Programs --  Adam Shedroff
     Veterans Day Parade & Picnic -- Scott Needleman

4.  Crime and Safety Program -- Aaron Sugarman
      Pedestrian Safety Ben


5.  Communications and Outreach -- Tammy Tibbles


6.  Flamingo Neighborhood CIP Streetscape --  Judy Robertson / Denis Russ
      Proposed Stakeholders Meeting /  Mon, Nov 1, 4pm,           City Hall


7.  Other Matters

Meridian Avenue Tree Canopy - An Update

Chris Latt, City of Miami Beach Urban Forester, sent the following email to update the Neighborhood Association regarding their plans for the Calophyllum trees on Meridian Avenue damaged by last winter's cold weather.

"The Parks and Recreation Department sent a Letter to the Commission (LTC) on [the] subject [of the Meridian Avenue tree canopy] to the City Commission in July, and remains very aware of and concerned about these trees. I will update and expand on the information in the LTC. The duration of the cold weather last winter was unprecedented, at least within the memory of most people, and this had results that could not be anticipated or prevented. The Parks and Recreation Department has five International Society of Arboriculture certified arborists on staff. We are members of the Tropical Arborists Guild, a South Florida professional organization that includes the region's top tree experts, including arborists and horticulturists from Fairchild Tropical Garden, Montgomery Botanic Garden, Vizcaya, Pinecrest Garden, and Jungle Gardens, as well as municipal arborists, University of Florida Extension personnel, tree company owners, and working arborists. This group has centuries of combined experience with the trees of S. Florida, but everyone was surprised by the extent of this year's damage to the region's calophyllum trees (the species on Meridian Ave.). A number of members remembered the record low temperatures of the 1970s, but did not see damage of this extent on calophyllum trees. The duration of the cold weather made the difference.

As stated in the LTC, the trees on Meridian Ave. were fertilized to ensure they had the necessary nutrients to support new growth. Our strategy was to wait a full growing season before we removed any possibly dead branches, so the trees would have as much time as necessary to produce new growth. When the LTC was written, most of the Meridian Ave. trees were producing new buds and shoots on the bare branches. It now seems that production of new shoots has stopped or slowed, so we may not get much more new growth. The new shoots should continue to grow and fill-in the crowns, but it appears that many branches are dead or unable to produce new shoots. These will need to be trimmed. We will delay trimming until at least the end of this year or perhaps until next spring. Growing conditions are still favorable so it is possible that we will still get some new growth this year. The argument in favor of waiting until spring is that when branches are cut back, this can trigger shoot production from the cut branch ends. The new shoots are tender and can be killed by cold weather, so it would be safer to wait until spring when the risk of cold weather is past. Ms. Tibbles mentioned the risk of breaking branches. The large branches, even if they are dead, will retain strength for several years so are a low risk of failure. Small branches, when they dry out can break in heavy winds, but even these will take time before they lose strength. Since these branches lack leaves to catch the wind, they will not be moved or bent as much as live branches by the wind, reducing the risk of breakage. I don't think these branches will present a big risk between now and spring. We will notify the neighborhood association before tree trimming starts."

Planning Board meeting of Tuesday Sept 28 -- Alton Road Parking Ordinance

From: Mark Needle [mailto:mark.needle@protransit.org]

Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 10:50 PM
To: JoyceMeyers@miamibeachfl.gov
Cc: marcus_a@bellsouth.net

Subject: Alton Road Parking Ordinance (Planning Board meeting of Tuesday Sept 28)

Joyce, Thank you for meeting with myself and Arthur Marcus on Friday to explain some of the ramifications of the proposed Alton Road parking ordinance. Please relay this message to the Planning Board members?

Though Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association was not able to consider the ordinance at its September meeting, the matter is of great interest and this discussion will better enable the group to take a position at its next meeting. (I assume it will likewise help Arthur to develop a position with Miami Design Preservation League).


Speaking only for myself as a resident, I think that the ordinance is well-conceived and should be endorsed by the Planning Board on Tuesday, even if Flamingo Park wishes to modify some details when it goes before the Commission. The issues that we discussed include:

--The ordinance provides meaningful benefits for development that is compatible with a public transit corridor adjacent and with the historic district, such as smaller neighborhood-oriented commercial spaces, biking space, car-sharing, etc.

-- I believe that the ordinance should be amended to include an upper cap to take advantage of the 2,500 square foot parking exemption. Better targeting of this benefit will maximize the development of neighborhood-oriented uses and avoid parking reductions for large-scale, big box development that may not be in the public interest. I strongly urge such a cap for developments over 10,000, which tend to draw primarily auto traffic and could generate parking impacts (if on-site parking is inadequate) that extend into the neighborhood.

--Concerning the adequacy of proposed biking regulations, I think this neighborhood justifies standards that are higher than the national standards, but I am persuaded by the staff logic that LEED standards are a sound basis for establishing minimum standards (especially when there are incentives for going beyond the minimums).


--There has been serious discussion among the Flamingo group about whether the incentives of reduced parking should apply outside of the Alton Road Overlay district. My own belief is that the impact of parking reductions on the west of Alton depends largely on whether the incentives are adequately capped for larger-scale developments.

Thank you and the rest of the Planning Department for your careful research and hard work on this ordinance.

Mark Needle
914 Lenox Avenue #5
Miami Beach FL 33139


I will be out of town Tuesday, but I think it is only logical that the Commission should consider the Alton Road parking ordinance in tandem with the Alton Road Overlay district. The provision of parking relief for compatible development will make it clear that the form-based regulations are not anti-development but are part of a sound planning vision for Alton Road that is compatible with the unique character of this district.

Fix A Feline - Sunday at Flamingo Park

Fix-a-Feline (Spay) Day Sunday, September 26 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Flamingo Park Parking Lot | 11 Street and Jefferson Avenue In an effort to help control cat overpopulation, The Cat Network, the Clydey Foundation and the City of Miami Beach are bringing mobile vets units to Flamingo Park in order to provide low cost spay and neuter services for cats. Rates are $35 per cat for pets. Limited sponsorships are available for stray cats, although donations are greatly appreciated. Stray cats will be eartipped to identify them as sterilized.  Volunteers are needed to assist with trapping. The Cat Network: 305.233.9958 Office of Mayor and Commission: 305.673.7030 http://www.thecatnetwork.org

Our Neighbor and Colleague, Wanda Mouzon, has creaded a website for Freinds of Flamingo Park; Check out our Site and Join in Membership!

Access the site at
http://www.FriendsofFlamingo.org/FOF/Welcome.html

This site is dedicated to Flamingo Park, a beautiful 34.5 acre, grassy, tree-lined park located at 999 11th Street in the heart of South Beach. The facilities provide for many sports as well as passive activities. There is an Aquatic Center with a large swimming pool, lap lanes , a water playground for kids, concession stand and large umbrellas for those who prefer the shade. Next to the pool is the tot lot and playground. There are two Bark Parks, two full Basketball courts, Handball and Racquetball courts, a Tennis Center with pro shop, Football stadium with a track, Soccer and Softball fields, and the Miami Beach Police Athletic League building. Newly planned additions to the park are the Community Garden and a Skateboard Park. Finally there is also free parking for the park located just off of 11th Street.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association -- will meet on Monday, September 13, 2010, at 5pm -- Pedestrian Safety Project; 6pm -- Regular Agenda

Meeting Notice --
Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association

5pm -- Pedestrian Safety Project Conclusion and Next Steps -- Flamingo Park CIP Pedestrian Enhancements;  Lincoln Park / Mitigation of Drexel Avenue Street Closure (Traffic Plan for Closure of Drexel Ave from 17th Street to Lincoln Lane North);  Alton Road Overlay District.

6pm -- Regular Meeting Agenda -- Flamingo Park Project Initiatives;  Veterans Day Parade and Commissioner Jerry Libbin Picnic;  1600 Lennox Ave Project Proposal.

Flamingo -- the historic, urban South Beach residential neighborhood -- from Washington to Alton, from 5th Street to Lincoln Road.  All residents of the neighborhood are invited to attend and participate.

Lincoln Park, Drexel Avenue Street Closure -- Traffic Mitigation Study and Recommendations

Community Meeting Notice
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 6:30 pm
Miami Beach City Commission Chambers

There will be a public discussion on a proposed traffic plan that offers methods to address transportation mobility during special events as a result of the permanent closure of Drexel Avenue from 17th Street to Lincoln Lane North. The proposed traffic plan addresses the area from Meridian Avenue to Washington Avenue and from 15th Street to 17th Street.

The Study Report and Recommendations will also be presented at the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association Meeting on Monday, September 13, 2010, at 5:00 pm.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association -- will meet on Monday, September 13, 2010, at 5pm -- Pedestrian Safety Project; 6pm -- Regular Agenda

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, September 13, 2010, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue, Miami Beach.



At 5pm -- Pedestrian Safety Project Discussion. During this portion of the meeting the Association will review next steps for the implementation of capital improvement projects in Flamingo aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, increasing the shade canopy, traffic calming and enhancing our sense of place.

• Flamingo Park Neighborhood -- CIP Pedestrian Enhancements
• Lincoln Park / Mitigation of Drexel Ave Closure
• Conclusion of Pedestrian Safety Initiative and Next Steps

 

at 6pm -- The Regular Agenda consists of matters contribuiting to the quality of life of the Neithborhood and will include discussion of the following matters

• • Review of Flamingo Park Project Initiatives

  
  

  • Alton Road Overlay District

  • 1600 Lennox Avenue Project
    The Veterans Day Parade and Commissioner

Flamingo -- the historic, urban neighborhoood in South Beach -- from Washington to Lincoln, from 5th Street to Lincoln Road.
All residents of the the neighborhood are invited to attend and participate

The composition of Tennis Courts in Flamingo Park will once again be discussed by the Ctiy Commission on September 15, 2010

From: Tobin, Ed [mailto:Ed@miamibeachfl.gov]

Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 4:25 PM
Subject: Tennis in Miami Beach - Flamingo Park



Dear Community Leaders,



Q. What do Mary Joe Fernandez, Chris Evert, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Bjorn Borg and our local favorite, Eddie Dibbs, all have in common?



A. They all played as teenagers at the Orange Bowl Junior Tennis Tournament on Miami Beach!



Many of us have fond memories of the Orange Bowl Junior Tennis Tournament. The tournament was held at Flamingo Park for over 50 years before it was moved to Crandon Park in 1998.Now, we have an opportunity to bring back the Tournament to Miami Beach.



The Orange Bowl Junior tournament was founded in 1947 by a Miami Beach resident, Eddie Herr, and has become a “rite of passage” in junior tennis. The tournament is one of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments in the world. Many tennis greats had their careers launched by winning at the Orange Bowl Tournament.



On September 15th the Commission will vote on the configuration of the tennis center at Flamingo Park.   At the core of the debate is whether to keep 17 clay courts in Flamingo Park or change to 12 clay and 5 hard courts. The decision will have a direct effect on our youth, residents and businesses. I am compelled to support positive changes to our community and make you aware of issues that may seem small (compared to the immediate challenges that we face), but are significant to our community. I strongly believe that bringing back the Junior Tournament would bring a positive international spotlight to our community and be a benefit to all.



Maintaining 17 clay courts at Flamingo Park is important to our community for 3 significant reasons:



1. Less Injuries - Clay courts have a health and training benefit for ALL tennis players. The benefits of playing on clay courts has been documented by the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) top coaches and trainers. Patrick McEnroe, USTA’s Director of Player Development, has stated that clay courts help build better competitors while providing a safer playing surface for all players. In a study conducted in 2009 on injuries to players, one of the main causes for injuries was the hard surfaces the junior players practiced and played on. Hard courts can be debilitating on a body. The health and safety of our children and residents are compelling reasons to maintain the clay courts at Flamingo Park.



2. Training Benefits -The benefits to improving a player’s game is also supported by the USTA, recognizing that training on clay helps all court players. Some in our community have argued for changing the composition of the courts at Flamingo Park to allow for our High School players to continue training on hard courts. It is true that most high schools train on hard courts, but this is due to lower costs associated with hard courts – and no other considerations. Going with the “status quo” should not be our reasoning. We should aim to give our kids an advantage by having them train on a safer surface, which the USTA considers the ideal training surface for the next tennis champion. Our high school players would have an advantage if they were allowed to train on clay courts and would become better overall players. Our High School team presently plays at the four hard courts in Normandy Shores.



3. Economic Development-The Tournament is held during the first week of December, typically a slow period for our hotel businesses and our economy would get a boost - with over 2000 hotel occupants and 6000 spectators. Participants of these types of tournaments spend on average three times the amount of the average tourist.



Many of us remember the electricity in the air as the best junior tennis players in the world came to our great City to compete for one of the most coveted titles in junior tennis. The Tournament was an inspiration to our community.



In March, I invited key organizers of the event to Miami Beach. They were impressed. I have been encouraged by conversations with USTA decision makers who have expressed an openness to work with our City. Maintaining 17 clay courts is a key component. The tournament venue must provide enough of the same surface courts for the number of players who participate in the tournament, including pre-qualification matches. The 17 clay courts at Flamingo Park along with the 10 clay at North Shore Park would meet their requirements.



I urge you to support maintaining seventeen (17) clay courts at Flamingo Park. Please provide a Letter of Support and encourage your members to attend the meeting on September 15th.. If you cannot attend the meeting, please contact the Mayor and Commissioners and let your opinion be known and counted.



Your feedback is important to me. Please contact my office at 305-673-7107 or e-mail me at Ed@miamibeachfl.gov - with your opinion.



Thank you for your support.



Respectfully,





Ed Tobin
MIAMIBEACH Edward L. Tobin, Commissioner
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSION
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7107 / Fax: 305-673-7096 / www.miamibeachfl.gov

The position of the Flamingo Park Neighborhood has remained consistent throughout the past two years:  Seventeen is Enough!  Do not take additional green park space to increase the number of Tennis Courts.  Just choose.