In May 2020, and in response to shifts in the needs of communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) released a guideline for the implementation of Open/Slow Streets.  NACTO defines Open/Slow Streets as streets with low vehicle volume and low to moderate speeds, where vehicle volumes have dropped, or serve a redundant through-traffic role during COVID disruptions where through traffic can be discouraged and the road is opened for bicycles and pedestrians to become the priority.

The City has been at the forefront of deploying temporary mobility measures to meet the changing needs of the community during the pandemic.  To date, the City has implemented a road diet and parking protected bicycle lanes on Washington Avenue as well as a closure of Ocean Drive to vehicles to respond to the increased pedestrian and bicycle demands and new operating rules for restaurants.  In addition, the City secured permits from Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation to enable restaurants to expand their seating onto parking lanes and streets throughout various commercial corridors in the City.

At the July 29, 2020 City Commission meeting, Commissioner Mark Samuelian sponsored a discussion item and referral to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee for an update on the implementation of the Open/Slow Streets pilot in the Flamingo Park neighborhood.

Transportation and Mobility Department staff conducted an in-depth review of the Flamingo Park neighborhood in South Beach and the Biscayne Beach neighborhood in North Beach to determine the feasibility of implementing Open/Slow Streets in these neighborhoods.  Following an analysis and review of the roadway network in both neighborhoods, staff developed an Open/Slow Streets plan for each neighborhood (Attachment), including temporary traffic control/maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans, and secured concept approval from Miami-Dade County.  It is worth highlighting that existing on-street parking will not be affected by this initiative.  Furthermore, to the extent possible, context-sensitive signage will be fabricated and installed to inform and educate the community on the new “rules of the road”. 

Staff presented a draft Open/Slow Streets plan to the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association (FPNA) at its virtual meeting on August 3, 2020, and the concept was well-received.  The presentation was subsequently shared with the Flamingo Park and Biscayne Beach communities for additional input.  Staff is currently tabulating the feedback received and addressing questions and concerns from members of both communities.

In parallel, City staff is working with Miami-Dade County to secure a MOT permit for the proposed street modifications and reaching out to MOT companies to obtain a quote for implementation.  Based on staff’s estimates, the Open/Slow Streets pilot initiative will cost approximately $9,000 per month for the Flamingo Park neighborhood and $5,000 per month for the Biscayne Beach neighborhood.  Implementation is anticipated to occur in late September/early October 2020.