I have sponsored this referral item to request an update from the City Administration regarding the properties located at 745, 755 and 761 Jefferson Avenue (collectively, “Meridian Court”), and the City’s efforts to ameliorate the criminal conduct and nuisance behavior transpiring in and around Meridian Court.

The Meridian Court properties have been increasingly problematic over the last several years. The City has received numerous complaints concerning criminal activity including, but not limited to, narcotics sales, human trafficking, and firearms violations (in addition to City Code violations) occurring on the premises.  In order to address the situation, I understand that the Police Department and the City Attorney’s Office have worked proactively with the Code Compliance and Building Departments in an attempt to remediate the ongoing issues at Meridian Court.

As a result of the City’s efforts, the property owner has implemented certain corrective actions to decrease the illicit behavior and nuisance activity occurring at the properties, including instituting an eviction proceeding, providing notice to all tenants that illegal conduct and nuisance behavior will no longer be tolerated, enhancing lighting, minimizing the surrounding landscaping/vegetation, and granting Miami Beach police officers the authority (as authorized representatives of the properties) to communicate an order to depart the property, as more fully set forth in the attached documents.

The intent of this referral item is to provide an opportunity for constructive conversation and recommendations as to what remedial measures remain to be taken as to Meridian Court, and assist the City in developing a template or model as to how the City approaches similar issues in the future.

Please feel free to contact Amadeus Huff for additional information.