At the July 17, 2019 Commission meeting, an item regarding an update on the City’s Blueways Masterplan was referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC), formerly known as the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee. The item was deferred to the February 2020 committee meeting.

At their February 12, 2020 meeting, the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee indicated each Commissioner would champion a neighborhood project in the Blueways Masterplan and bring it back to Committee for discussion.

The Blueways Master Plan (the “Plan”), adopted by the City Commission on June 10, 2015, is a conceptual plan that explores our system of waterways, and identifies areas of interest where the City may potentially expand aquatic recreational opportunities. With a grant in the amount of $40,000 from the Florida lnland Navigation District (FIND), and matching general fund dollars, the City contracted with EDSA, a landscape architectural firm, to conduct a study and develop a conceptual master plan.

The overall objective of the plan was to use the natural resources within the City in order to connect people to the water at convenient locations, thus allowing for the enhancement of aquatic recreational, programming, and water-based transportation opportunities within our community, as well as providing additional opportunities for economic development.

The Plan identifies over 60 areas of interest, which are opportunities to revitalize existing waterfront public spaces and create inviting and interactive experiences along the water. This document also emphasizes the need to expand pedestrian connectivity throughout, allowing everyone to travel from land to water.

It is important to note however, that components of the Plan do not represent a definite improvement, and each area of interest must still be individually vetted as the opportunity presents itself. This master plan document serves as a living document to be revisited and built upon as needed.

Below are the areas of interest listed in the Plan:

North Beach District – 29 areas of interest

1. Crespi Bridge Pocket Parks and Launch                               (1 area of interest)

2. North Beach Street End Pocket Park and Launch                (19 areas of interest)

3. Parkview Island Waterfront Park, Launch, and Dock            (1 area of interest)

4. Normandy Shores Park and Dock                                         (1 area of interest)

5. North Beach Police Sub-Station Park and Launch                (1 area of interest)

6. Brittany Bay Park, Launch and Dock                                     (1 area of interest)

7. Mangrove Habitats                                                                 (5 areas of interest)

Middle/North – 10 areas of interest

1. La Gorce Pocket Park and Launch                                        (1 area of interest)

2. La Gorce Street End Pocket Park and Launch                      (1 area of interest)

3. North Bay Street End Pocket Park and Launch                    (1 area of interest)

4. Indian Beach Park and Docks                                                (1 area of interest)

5. Pine Tree Park                                                                        (1 area of interest)

6. Muss Park, Launch and Docks                                              (1 area of interest)

7. Mangrove Habitats                                                                 (4 areas of interest)

Middle/South – 17 areas of interest

1. Chase Avenue Parking Lot                                                    (1 area of interest)

2. Indian Creek Street Side Park                                                (1 area of interest)

3. Mount Sinai South Open Space                                             (1 area of interest)

4. Lake Pancoast                                                                        (1 area of interest)

5. Residential Pocket Park                                                         (2 areas of interest)

6. Collins Canal Living Shorelines and Dock                             (1 area of interest)

7. Maurice Gibbs Dock and Launch Enhancements                 (1 area of interest)

8. South Beach Street End Park                                                (1 area of interest)

9. Pedestrian Promenades                                                         (4 areas of interest)

10. Mangrove Habitats                                                                 (4 areas of interest)

South – 11 areas of interest

1. Lincoln Road Street End Pocket Park and Dock                   (1 area of interest)

2. Monument Island Dock and Enhancements                          (1 area of interest)

3. 14^th Street End Pocket Park and Dock                                  (1 area of interest)

4. 10^th Street End Pocket Park and Dock                                  (1 area of interest)

5. Pedestrian Promenade                                                           (4 areas of interest)

6. South Pointe Park and Dock                                                  (1 area of interest)

7. Mangrove Habitats                                                                 (2 areas of interest)

Over the years, residential neighborhoods have expressed concern over the activation of residential street ends, citing lack of public parking as a major concern.  While there are numerous areas of interest identified at residential street ends, these areas have been placed at the lowest priority for activation.

Committee to discuss the Blueways Masterplan and consider which projects they will champion.