The West Avenue Phase II Improvements (The “Project”) is a comprehensive neighborhood improvement project, focused on resolving challenges associated with climate impacts and antiquated infrastructure. The extent of the Project is West Avenue between 8th Street and Lincoln Road, including side streets, and Bay Road between 14th Street and Collins Canal. The proposed improvements within the neighborhood include underground infrastructure upgrades such as new water mains, sanitary sewer improvements, installation of a storm water treatment system, and raising the elevation of the road to minimize street flooding. This crucial project will help the West Avenue neighborhood remain a walkable and active community for many years to come by minimizing the risk of flooding, improving infrastructure, and enhancing aesthetics.

On October 28, 2020 the City Commission approved the private property harmonization and the residential/commercial property runoff and public drainage infrastructure policies, recommended by the Administration. During the October meeting, the Commission requested that staff distribute, to all the properties within the project limits, a package (Harmonization Package) informing each property of the planned drainage infrastructure improvements to their individual properties and the expected harmonization impact. Staff was also directed to provide an update on these efforts at the November 18, 2020 City Commission meeting.

Since October 28, 2020, staff has continued the efforts of outreach/distribution of the Harmonization Packages. The packages include an introduction letter, the harmonization and drainage plans showing the area that will be impacted, both in the public right-of-way and on private property, and renderings of the final product (Attachment 1).

The ongoing outreach efforts include:

-On November 5, 2020, a project update was issued (Attachment 2), to announce the process would begin. An email was sent to over 4,000 recipients and posted on Nextdoor.

-Harmonization Packages are being sent via email to property owners’ representatives. As of November 10, 2020, packages were emailed to 98 properties of the 178 properties within the project limits, and for which the city had current email addresses. City staff continues to update the email database for the pending properties.

-Harmonization Packages are also being sent via regular mail to all residents living in the project area (approximately 5,000 addresses). The City has engaged a vendor to prepare and mail the packages. The vendor anticipates that they will commence mailing the packages by November 13, 2020.

-Additional outreach in the form of follow-up phone calls and door to door visits are being conducted by staff to confirm receipt of packages and to setup meetings with each property representative. This effort is being prioritized based on the proposed construction phasing and sequencing, ensuring outreach is completed and a consensus is reached prior to commencement of construction in any given area. As of November 9, staff has met with representatives of 27 properties.

-Project informational signs, providing general project information and advising residents of where to obtain additional information regarding harmonization and drainage plans, will be created and installed in front of each property.

-Project webpage (www.Miamibeachfl.gov/westavenueproject) has been updated with videos, presentations and newly adopted policies. The website is updated on a regular basis.

The project team will continue to meet with property owners, their representatives, property managers and/or other stakeholders to explain the harmonization plans and renderings. As a precaution, due to the possibility of Covid exposure/transmission, staff is hosting virtual meetings to discuss realistic construction expectations in the vicinity of their residence or business. In-person meetings are being scheduled on an as-needed basis. The goal is to meet with all the owners or representatives for each property in the coming months, in advance of construction.