A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RUE VENDOME PLAZA IMPROVEMENTS MAINTENANCE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT), CONVEYING FULL MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE CITY FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS FROM RUE VENDOME TO JUST WEST OF BAY DRIVE, WITHIN THE FDOT RIGHT OF WAY ALONG 71ST STREET (EASTBOUND) AND NORMANDY DRIVE (WESTBOUND) KNOWN AS STATE ROAD 934 (FORMERLY KNOWN AS STATE ROAD 828).

In 2017, the City commissioned a professional engineering consultant for the design of the permanent closure of Rue Vendome, in accordance with the recommendations of the North Beach Master Plan, for the creation of a pedestrian oriented plaza. The design included the removal of the existing asphalt paving, concrete curb and gutters, adjacent sidewalks and walkways, up to and surrounding the fountain, and raising the area using new white concrete pavement and permeable pavers. Oolite stone benches, steps, and ramps have been designed to harmonize the elevated plaza with adjacent commercial properties to the west. The existing landscaping will be supplemented with new shade trees, shrubs and ground cover throughout the space. New lighting at the plaza is mounted on structural poles to facilitate decorative lights and future artistic displays. Landscape furniture (benches, trash and recycle receptacles) is also included.

The improvements proposed include the use of materials that are not typical within the right of way under the jurisdiction of FDOT, which include, but not limited to landscape and associated features, permeable and specialty surfaces, decorative sidewalks, drainage features and systems, electrical and video features and systems, oolite sitting blocks, regular benches, garbage containers and bicycle racks. FDOT will approve the permits for the proposed improvements, as long as the City agrees to execute a Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement, with FDOT, accepting full maintenance responsibility for the area. The City of Miami Beach has executed several similar agreements in the past where landscape and nonstandard materials have been being installed.