CMB LUDC meeting will discuss Short Term Rentals -- Wed, Oct 26, 4 pm

From: flamingo33139@aol.com [mailto:flamingo33139@aol.com]

Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 10:11 AM
To: Flamingo33139@aol.com


City Commission
Land Use and Development Committee,
Wednesday, October 26, 2011. 4pm
City Hall, City Manager's Conference Room


Last month, the Committee postponed consideration of this issue until this coming Wednesday.


We have reliable information that the short-term rental ordinance we all fought so hard for will be endangered by the action proposed by the administration.


If you can get to the meeting even after 4pm on Wednesday, 10.26, it would help. See below for information:


The CMB Land Use and Development Committee (4pm City Manager's Conference Room, City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive) will revisit the subject of short term rentals once again. Item one is a discussion of enforcement; item two is a discussion and possible Commission guidance statement concerning the application of at least three property owners to be included among those grandfathered in the Flamingo Park neighborhood. The guidance statement could include a request for the drafting of an amendment to accomplish that.


Since some FPNA members, including me, are away, it would help if Fighting Flamingos got to this meeting. I hope that you can urge the enforcement of the 2010 CMB ordinance in light of the FPNA resolution of 2009(attached).


1. the ordinance should be enforced;


2. no amendment should be made to the ordinance that would diminish its effectiveness, either by putting the whole ordinance at risk given the new state law prohibiting the City from making new laws limiting short term rentals or by giving additional properties openings when they clearly had not met the provisions of the FPNA resolution for grandfathering.


I think it important that the official position of FPNA as expressed in the August 2009 resolution be supported.


Jeff Donnelly

Short Term Rental to be discussed at Land Use and Development Committee meeting

Land Use and Development Committee
Wed, Oct 26, 2011, 4:00 pm
City Manager's Conference Room

Commissioner Jorge Exposito has placed on the Agenda --
Item 3 -- Enforcement of the Short Term Rental Ordinance

Jeff Donnelly and Eric Herarri advise that advocacy by the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association on behalf of effective enforcement is crucially important for this meeting.

From: "jeffdonn@aol.com"
Date: October 24, 2011 9:18:12 PM EDT
Subject: Re: 751 meridian

I hope that FPNA will be an effective presence at the 4pm LUDC meeting in the Managere's Conference Room on Wednesday, October 26.
 
It is important that FPNA insist upon fair and effective enforcement of ordinances FPNA has supported and helped to pass.
 
Jeff

Roadway Project: A1A / Collins Avenue, 5th Street to Lincoln Road

Public Information Meeting
Tues, Oct 25, 6 to 8 pm
Miami Beach Regional Library
227 22nd st., Miami Beach

 
Miami - The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six will hold a public information meeting about a roadway project on State Road (SR) A1A/Collins Avenue from 5 Street to Lincoln Road from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at the Miami Beach Regional Public Library located at 227 22 Street, Miami Beach, FL  33139. The meeting will follow an informal format that allows the public to arrive at any time from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Graphic displays of the projects will be shown and FDOT staff will be on hand to discuss the project and answer questions.
 
The proposed work for the roadway project includes: repaving and restriping the road; widening the lanes between 15 Street and 16 Street; reconstructing sidewalks; replacing signage; upgrading pedestrian ramps, countdown pedestrian signals, and crosswalks; repairing drainage; relocating utilities, if necessary; reducing parking width and travel lanes to provide an exclusive left-turn lane throughout the road; installing sidewalk curb extensions at each intersection and upgrading lighting, including electronic signs at 17 street and Lincoln Road.
 
Please contact Public Information Specialist Amparo Vargas if you have any questions about this project at (305) 470-5349 or by email Amparo.Vargas@dot.state.fl.us.
 
FDOT encourages public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability or family status. Persons who need special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or who need translation services (free of charge) should contact, at least seven days prior to the meeting, Brian Rick at (305) 470-5349, or in writing at FDOT, 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172 or by email at: brian.rick@dot.state.fl.us

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will participate in Veterans Day Parade

Honor our Veterans -- 11-11-11 at 11
Participate in Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 2011 -- culminating at 11:00 am

Once again this year, Scott Needelman will coordinate our participation in the Veterans Day Parade.  Please be in direct contact with Scott if you would like to participate in the parade this year honoring our country's veterans.  This activity is a part of the Flamingo Family Priorities section headed by Adam Shedroff.

You may contact Scott at telephone 305-710-5584 or you may contact him by e-mail at SAN1455@Att.net.  The parade culminates at 11am followed by a picnic lunch in Flamingo Park.  Hope you can be a part of this fund day in the neighborhood!

Flamingo Park Association -- Meeting Notes -- Monday, October 3, 2011

Monday, October 3, 2011, 5:30 pm

at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

Meeting Notes

Discussion with Ray Martinez,
Asst Chief, Miami Beach Police Department


Chief Martinez was joined at the meeting by Capt. M Causey and Sgt W Jones. He offered the view that it was very important to the Department to maintain communication and transparency to the community and responded to questions raised by members of the Association. Discussions included:

Need to assure appropriate, even handed enforcement with absence of discrimination;
Quality of Life issues in tight urban setting – noise, parking, code enforcement, etc.
Recent misbehavior by individuals in the Police Department and community reaction.

Preservation and Planning Programs – Mark Needle, Jeff Donnelly

Short Term Rental Ordinance. Jeff Donnelly and Eric Harari described current issues with respect to additional property owners claiming grandfather status and also lack of enforcement.


Plaza Menor – Sixth St & Lennox. Jeff also reported that Mark Needle had met with Jose Fernandez and that there was not yet consensus on the project. Likely discussion would continue and the matter would subsequently return to FPNA before going to the City.

Flamingo Park Project Implementation – Wanda Mouzon  -- No further information was presented.

Neighborhood Capital Improvement Projects – Denis Russ, Judy Robertson.

Concerns on Phase I –-- Meridian Avenue at 7th & 9th Streets: Bump-Outs & Crosswalks. There is continued concern with the implemented design and recognition for the need to advance advocacy on the issue. With respect to the absence of textured treatment on Pennsylvania Ave, the consensus called for effective marking of crosswalks on all streets at all intersections.


Discussion of Plans for Phase II – Sixth Street and Sixteenth Street. Rick Saltrick had reviewed base plans for 6th Street and 16th Street since our last meeting. While there was general agreement with the treatment for 6th Street, there was not yet agreement on the 16th Street corridor. It is presumed that Rick Saltrick will develop the base plan, present it to FPNA at our Nov meeting. The plan is to move toward a community workshop sometime after that to further discuss alternatives and develop community consensus.

We previously agreed to move forward with painted bike lanes from 9th to 16th Streets on Euclid Avenue. That program was briefly discussed and again agreed upon.

Flamingo Family Priorities – Adam Shedroff / Scott Needelman.

Plans for Veterans Day Parade. Scott Needelman will again lead efforts to participate in the parade. We will send out a notice for people to be in touch with him.

Crime Prevention and Safety – Aaron Sugarman, Tammy Young, Ben Batchelder -- No further discussion.


Communications and Outreach – Tammy Young -- No further discussion.

Outstanding Matters:

Alton Road Redevelopment Program
Drexel Avenue – Sixteenth Street to Lincoln Lane
Jose Fernandez Property – Lennox Avenue at Sixth Street

Calendar Notes

Ultimate Candidate Forum – Tues, Oct 11th, 7 to 9:30pm, Colony Theater,
RSVP ABetterMiamiBeach@gmail.com Sponsorship Info AndrewResnick21@gmail.com
Questions to Debra Leibowitz Beachbuzz@att.net or Sol Genet SBGenet@gmail.com


University of Miami / Civic & Community Engagement
Financing Affordable Housing Panel – Wed, Oct 12th 6 to 7:30pm, U of M, Sch of Architecture


Florida: Authentic & Sustainable –the appeal to visitors, investors & residents of the creative class
October 17-18, 2012 at The Island Players Theater, Anna Maria Island -- featuring coastal Manatee County, the DeLand area, Key West, Miami Beach Wakulla and mainland Franklin counties

Next Meeting --
Mon, Nov 7th, 5:30 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave.

Flamingo Neighborhood Meeting -- Mon, Oct 3rd, 5:30 pm, at The Seymour

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association

Meeting Notice
Monday, October 3, 2011, 5:30 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

AGENDA
Recurring Agenda Highlights—

Preservation and Planning Programs – Mark Needle, Jeff Donnelly


Flamingo Park Project Implementation – Wanda Mouzon


Neighborhood Capital Improvement Projects – Denis Russ, Judy Robertson


Flamingo Family Priorities – Adam Shedroff


Crime Prevention and Safety – Aaron Sugarman, Tammy Young, Ben Batchelder


Communications and Outreach – Tammy Young

Flamingo Neighborhood -- Washington to Alton, Sixth to Lincoln.   Our historic, urban residential South Beach Neighborhood. 
All residents of the Neighborhood are invited to attend and participate.

Neighborhood Employment Opportunity -- Fresh Market

The Fresh Market will be holding their Career Open House next week on Wednesday, October 5, 2011  -- at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa, 4833 Collins Blvd, Miami Beach, Fl (north of the Julia Tuttle Causeway) from 8 am to 7 pm.


The Fresh Market is a specialty grocery store. They offer an atmosphere that’s unlike any other—and with a plan to grow by 15% in 2011. If candidates have been searching for a special place full of people passionate about food, you’ve found it! The Fresh Market is a company that's dedicated to making positive, lasting impressions…on customers and employees. They are a company that cares just as much about the little things as the big ones. They offer competitive salary, generous benefits, and exciting career growth opportunities.

Now selecting: Seafood Specialist - Assistant Produce Manager- Assistant Front End- Assistant Deli Manager - Grocery Specialist - Gift/Floral Specialist - Cheese Specialist - Candy/Coffee Specialist –Meat Cutter—Baker—Bulk Specialist—Assistant Grocery Specialist.

Flaming CIP Plan Review -- Sixth & Sixteenth Street Base Plans

Meeting Notice Reminder

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Monday, September 19, 2011, at 5:15pm
Public Works Department, Conference Room
4th Floor of City Hall – 1700 Convention Center Drive


Please RSVP – mailto:Denis@MiamiBeachCDC.org


At the last meeting of the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association, it was agreed that we would meet on Monday, September 19th, in order to review existing plans for Phase II of the Flamingo CIP Project implementation – Sixth Street (EDAW Plans) and Sixteenth Street (PWD Plans).

It is our understanding that next steps will require
1. Engagement of appropriate design / engineering resources to develop the Design Criteria;
2. Use of the Design Criteria in the Invitation for Design / Build RFP;
3. Engagement of Design / Build Team;
4. Development and Approval of Final Design Construction Documents; and
5. Build Out of both Underground and Streetscape Improvements.

Existing Plans are a constituent part of the Basis of Design Report that has been adopted by the Commission and approved by the Historic Preservation Board and will serve as the foundation for the further development of plans. Our review is intended to ground our further review and guidance of the further development of plans.

Flamingo Meeting -- Agenda and access to Background Materials

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Monday, September 12, 5:30 p.m.
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

AGENDA

1. FPNA Agenda Matters Pending
Additions, Deletions, Modifications to the List?
How do we Handle Discussion and Neighborhood Policy-Making?

• Resolution of CIP Phase I concerns – Meridian crosswalks, Pennsylvania Ave amenities

• Overview of Plans for 6th Street and 16th Street to serve as design criteria
• Related CIP Matters -- Private Encroachment on the Public Right of Way; Neighborhood CIP Planning Protocol
• Drexel Ave – north of 16th Street
• Alton Road – DOT Redevelopment
• Pedestrian Amenities – becoming Fla most ped-friendly N’hood
• Flamingo Park Project implementation
• Short Term Rental – Enforcement activities
• Monitoring Developments -- Galbut Alton Road at 7th Street; Self Storage Facility; Jose Fernandez Residential Proposal
• ARE THERE ANY MORE??


2. CIP Phase I – Concerns Raised
Meridian Avenue Bump-outs and Crosswalks
Absence of Textured Crosswalks on Pennsylvania Ave.

Phase I Concerns -- Staff Response 

3. CIP Phase II – Plan Presentation – 6th & 16th Streets
The City will develop Design Criteria to be incorporated in the Design Build Implementation.  The designs will be based upon existing approved design documents already approved by the City.  In preparation for later review of the Design Criteria and final designs, we will overview those existing approved design plans --

Sixth Street EDAW Plans

Sixteenth Street PWD Plans

4. Other Matters

 

Flamingo Meeting, Monday, September 12th, 5:30pm -- Highlights: Phase I critique; Phase II introduction

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Meeting
Monday, September 12, 2011, 5:30 pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Avenue

While our agenda of matters to discuss is substantial, likely highlights will include:

1.  Critique of the Phase I CIP Project

City staff provided the following response with respect to the issue raised about the absence of textured crosswalks on Pennsylvania Avenue, compared with Euclid Avenue:

A.  Concrete Paver Crosswalks:  During the different community design charrettes and workshops held in the planning phase of the Flamingo/Lummus Project, requests were made for the implementation of common traffic calming measures, such as special crossing treatments.   The BODR recommends a variety of different traffic calming alternatives such as bulb-outs at intersections, reduction of travel lanes, the reduction of cross walk lengths, and the creation of a tighter section through the introduction of street trees. Special crossing treatments were not identified as funded improvements.

Paver crosswalks were added to Euclid Ave intersections to address pedestrian safety concerns raised by Historic Preservation Board (HPB), as a result of the implementation of the bike lanes on Euclid Ave. Bike lanes were not added at Pennsylvania Ave. or Meridian Ave.

B.  East / West Crossings at Meridian Ave and 7th & 9th Streets:  The Project Engineer of Record has replied to our question regarding why there are no East / West crosswalks defined at Meridian and 7th and 9th Streets:

“…prior to these improvements there were only STOP signs along 7th and 9th St.(east-west direction). Cars traveling north-south have never been required to stop at these two intersections. In order to change our design, a Pedestrian/Vehicle Traffic Study will have to be conducted and approved by Miami-Dade County Public Works Department as well the CMB PWD.”

2. Preliminary Plans for Sixth and Sixteenth Streets



The plan is to move forward on Phase II of the Flamingo CIP project in the coming year. We believe that it will be undertaken by developing Design Criteria from the currently existing plans and then bidding and selection of Design / Build team to complete the plans and build the project. The areas selected for work are corridors along Sixth Street and Sixteenth Street. We hope to have an overview of the existing plans that will serve as the base documents for the Design Criteria of later bid documents and ultimately the final plans.

You may access existing plans through the following links:

Sixth Street EDAW PlansSixteenth Street PWD Plans

FPL Franchise Agreement -- Public Meeting and Discussion -- Wed, Sep 21, 6 pm

City of Miami Beach

Public Meeting and Discussion

Proposed Terms and Conditions
for the New FPL Franchise Agreement

Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 6:00pm
1755 Meridian Avenue, 3rd Floor, Miami Beach
(Entrance at 18 Street and Meridian Avenue)


Contact: Lynn Bernstein, Community Outreach Coordinator, 305-673-7010

Dade Boulevard Bike Path Project -- Community Meeting Notice -- Tues, Sep 20th, 6pm

Community Meeting Notice
Dade Boulevard Bike Path Project
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011, 6:00 pm
1755 Meridian Ave, 2nd Floor

The City of Miami Beach Public Works Engineering Division will host a community meeting to learn about the Dade Boulevard Bike Path Project, on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 6:00 pm.  The meeting will be held at 1755 Meridian Avenue, 2nd Floor, Miami Beach, Florida.

This project will extend a shared pedestrian / bike path along Dade Blvd and adjacent to the Collins Cana from the 17th Street bridget to Convention Center Drive.  Improvements will include the raising of the existing seawall to address sea level rise, a permeable concrete path, new landscaping, and improved lighting using environmentallly friendly LED fisctures.

Contact:  Lynn Bernstein
Community Outreach Coordinator
Tel 305-673-7010

West Avenue Bridge -- Public Meeting -- Tuesday, September 13th, 6pm

Public Kick Off Meeting -- West Avenue Bridge
Tues, Sep 13, 2011, 6pm -- at the Miami Beach Golf Club
2301 Alton Road,  Miami Beach,  Florida

The City of Miami Beach will conduct a public kick-off meeting to discuss the initiation of the West Avenue Bridge Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Miami Beach Golf Club, 2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33140.

The study will consider the construction of a new low-level bridge over the Collins Canal at West Avenue, from 17 Street on the south to Dade Boulevard on the north.


This public kick-off meeting is being held to introduce the study to the public, and to allow the interested public an opportunity to share their views

For comments or questions please call the Public Information Officer Yvette Holt at (786) 552-0000 or visit www.westavenuebridgeproject.com.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will meet -- Mon, Sep 12th, 5:30pm

Meeting Notice
Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association
Monday, September 12, 2011, 5:30pm
at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave.

The Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association regularly meets on the first Monday of each month at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave. All residents of the neighborhood are invited to attend and participate.

Because of the Labor Day Weekend, the meeting has been postponed and we will meet on Monday, September 12, 2011, 5:30pm, at The Seymour, 945 Pennsylvania Ave.

Flamingo -- our historic urban residential neighborhood, from Washington to Alton, from Fifth Street to Lincoln Road.

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.