OLD BUSINESS  2.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

HISTORY:

Vacant Storefronts

During the October 26, 2018 FCWPC  meeting, the Committee was presented with Design and Architecture High School (DASH) student designs. The recommendation was to ask the students to revise the designs to better reflect the Miami Beach essence, to ask the Communications team to assist with Miami Beach color plate as well as advise the students along with the Planning Department team. The direction was to return with the updated designs to FCWPC and to potentially use these designs citywide.

State of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID)

The official ballot election to create the Washington Avenue BID concluded on April 20, 2018. The measure received 67 "Yes" votes, "12" No votes, and "5" rejected ballots, therefore the measure passed. The district boundaries run from the north by 17th Street and on the south by 5th Street, and consists of properties abutting Washington Avenue and/or the cross-streets intersecting Washington Avenue.

Following this ballot measure, a public hearing to approve the final assessment roll for the special assessment district, Washington Avenue BID, was held on June 6, 2018. There were no contentions made for this ballot measure. 

ANALYSIS:

Addressing Storefront Vacancies

In February 2019, the DASH student storefront cover (and parklet) designs were received by the City. Economic Development, Communications and Planning teams reviewed the 20+ designs with respect to capturing the Miami Beach essence, color plate, ability to place the Miami Beach logo, information about how to contact the landlord, opaque enough for security, and aesthetically pleasing. The final four (4) designs at attached in Exhibit A for your review. 

The 41st Street Committee, during their February 2019 meeting, expressed their approval all four designs as suitable for use on 41st Street but plan to discuss, during their April 2019 meeting as to whether they would like to recommend the utilization of one specific design or more than one to vacant storeowners.

Status of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID)

City Administration have been actively working with the Washington Avenue BID to discuss next steps for revitalizing the corridor. Members of the BID and Staff put together a RFP to retain a design firm to create an updated Washington Avenue design and vision plan and Zyscovich, Inc. was selected. The scope of work will examine the current street conditions, and provide conceptual structural and curatorial recommendations that address traffic, walkability, lighting, and vibrancy. 

The BID has been active and has hired an executive director (Troy Wright), and have starting hosting  Washington Avenue corridor walks with Commissioners and various City departments.

The Mayor and City Commission will host a Washington Ave Workshop on April 16, 2019 to discuss priorities, potential funding and timelines.

CONCLUSION:

Vacant Storefront Covers

The Administration is recommends approval of the four (4) DASH designs for utilization citywide. In addition, the Administration recommends some form of recognition for Eric Hankins, 41st Street Committee member, DASH instructor and catalyst of the student storefront designs and the final four (4) students for their great work, interest and contribution to the beautification  of Miami Beach vacant storefronts.

Status of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District

The Administration welcomes any agenda recommendations the FCWPC would like to explore during the Washington Avenue Workshop scheduled for April 16, 2019.