The referral item to increase tree canopy in North Beach introduces a broader vision for transformational change. The area has a low percentage of tree canopy cover due to the historical design of the streets, parking, and sidewalks next to dense private property. The City has plans, infrastructure projects, and the Resiliency Code that all require future development to be more resilient and sustainable that includes requirements for green infrastructure and tree canopy. This memorandum outlines current plans and options for the Committee to consider.
Tree canopy provides countless benefits which promote environmental health and stormwater absorption, improve quality of life, and beautify spaces. Lack of shade can lead to many negative impacts, namely the urban heat island effect impacting public health, which can greatly increase ambient temperatures, especially at night. A lack of urban canopy can also contribute to stormwater and flooding issues, lower property values, lower quality of life, lower learning capacity, and increased air pollution.
The Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) sets forth guidelines and goals regarding reforestation and establishes best management practices to adapt the tree canopy to be resilient to urban threats such as disease, tree abuse, and lack of space as well as climatic threats, including sea level rise, saltwater intrusion and rising temperatures. The main goal of the master plan is to grow from 17% to 22% canopy cover by the year 2040.
Given the scarcity of plantable public property and the density of private property in North Beach, street redesign may be required to achieve this broader goal. The street redesign would need to be acceptable to the community and may include reducing lane widths, one-way conversions, or exchanging parking spots for plantable space. Considering this would be transformational change, it is important to define the goals of a long-term vision and if the community would accept, for example, less parking.
Staff from Environment and Sustainability, Parking, Planning, Public Works, and Transportation met to discuss existing plans and future options for the Committee to consider. They include:
1) Expand the North Beach tree planting pilot program;
2) Explore Buoyant City raised planter recommendations;
3) Select a location with defined boundaries, such as Park View Island;
4) Procure a multi-disciplinary firm;
5) Implement the North Beach Town Center/ North Shore D Neighborhood Improvement Project;
6) Implement the North Beach Town Center Core Zoning District community benefits for tree canopy; and
7) Explore additional private property landscape requirements for smaller multi-family new developments the North Beach Conservation Overlay District and other areas of North Beach.
Additional details are provided below:
1) Expand the North Beach Tree Planting Pilot Program
Potential areas to add tree pits to the base of angled parking spots have been identified. The estimated costs would need to be determined as the procurement process has not yielded any bids. The details are included in the PSNQLC agenda item entitled: DISCUSSION/UPDATE REGARDING THE TREE PLANTING PILOT PROGRAM IN NORTH BEACH.
2) Explore Buoyant City raised planter recommendations
Additionally, the Buoyant City Historic District Study Resiliency and Adaptation Guidelines introduced ways to plant and preserve trees for sea level rise adaptation (Attachment A). The Report was endorsed by the City Commission by acclamation on November 18, 2020. While the Report is the culmination of nearly twelve months of study and analysis of two (2) distinct areas of the Flamingo Park and Collins Waterfront local historic districts, it was anticipated that these adaptation guidelines will be able to be applied, with some modifications, to other historic districts in the City. The consultant team, consisting of multidisciplinary professionals, studied the areas utilizing a typological approach to existing buildings, landscapes and streetscapes. In addition to developing and illustrating practical strategies that property owners can take immediately to reduce flooding risks, this comprehensive study also provides a framework for future adaptation including potential zoning incentives for long term resilience.
Of note is the concept of raised tree planters for new trees located in this planting buffer/parking zone to allow for roadways or sidewalks to be repeatedly raised in the future without disturbing mature canopy trees along the avenues and streets.
3) Select a location with defined boundaries, such as Park View Island
By selecting a targeted area, a focused multi-disciplinary effort can be taken within defined boundaries. Park View Island is very walkable, has little tree canopy, and has limited vehicle circulation and pass through traffic in comparison to other areas of North Beach. Alternative transportation patterns can be evaluated that could allow for more space for tree plantings and canopy. The area has experienced water quality concerns surrounding the island and can benefit from additional green space to retain and filter stormwater runoff.
4) Procure a multi-disciplinary firm
A broader vision for trees in North Beach would encompass landscape architecture, roadways changes, parking, multi-mobility needs such as sidewalks, bike safety, above and below ground infrastructure, and ADA accessibility. Procuring a multi-disciplinary firm is needed to inform the selection of geographic location(s), establish the vision of streets design acceptable to the community, plan and estimate the costs, and synthesize in the form of a recommendations report.
5) North Beach Town Center/ North Shore D Neighborhood Improvement Project
The North Beach Town Center North Shore D Neighborhood Improvement Project is one of three (3) holistic neighborhood climate resilience projects underway in Miami Beach. The project was awarded $10 million from the Resilient Florida grant program and is in the preliminary design phase with procurement expected this year for full design. It includes replacements/rehab of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, roadways with addition of new pump station with water quality treatment, creating greenspace, adding trees, mobility improvements for pedestrians and cars, and public outreach. The street trees will be planned and designed utilizing species that will grow best in Miami Beach now and in the future as salt tolerant needs increase.
6) North Beach Town Center Central Core Zoning District
On Nov 14, 2018, the City adopted the North Beach Town Center- Central Core (TC-C) zoning district, a recommendation of the North Beach Master Plan. In areas of the TC-C, the street trees are required to be larger to have more immediate shade impact and utilize structured soil systems for them to thrive in the longer term. The responsibility is with the private property developer to fund and implement these community benefits. Many projects have been approved by the Design Review Board, and in addition the buildings are required to have shade structure on the perimeter, further contributing to a more shaded environment for pedestrians. As these projects are built over time, the benefits will be realized. The street tree requirements are included in Chapter 5 of the Resilience Code.
7) Explore additional private property landscape requirements for smaller multi-family new developments the North Beach Conservation Overlay District and other areas of North Beach
As new development occurs over time, improved street tree requirements can have a positive impact on shade for the public right of way. There is an opportunity, given smaller multi-family developments anticipated, to incorporate a higher level of standards to meet the need for more canopy.