Item Coversheet

OLD BUSINESS  3.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

TO: Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee Members


FROM:
Alina T. Hudak, City Manager


DATE: September 22, 2023


SUBJECT:

DISCUSS OWNERSHIP, REPAIR BROKEN SIDEWALKS, AND ADDRESS FLOODING ISSUES ON MIAMI BEACH DRIVE BETWEEN 24TH AND 29TH STREET, AND OPTIONS FOR THE CITY TO ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THESE SERVICES FOR THE ENTIRETY OF MIAMI BEACH DRIVE


HISTORY:

At its March 27, 2023 meeting, the City Commission approved a  referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) to discuss ownership, repairing broken sidewalks, and address flooding issues on Miami Beach Drive (MBD) between 24th and 29th Streets, and options for the City to assume the responsibilities for these services for the entirety of MBD. 

 

The discussion originates from a Mid-Beach Neighborhood Association meeting, where residents expressed a desire to work with the City to improve the area.  Improvements requested included litter collection, pressure cleaning, additional landscape installation, repairs and replacement of brick pavers and concrete walkways, and bollard replacement. 

 

Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee meetings regarding improvements along Miami Beach Drive have taken place since February 2023, sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, where potential short and long-term initiatives have been discussed and have taken place.

 

Efforts thus far include: Trimming of lower tree limbs and plant in-fills at the Beachwalk entrances from 24th Street to 27th Streets, installation of 2 Victor Stanley trash cans, 2 doggie bag dispensers on Miami Beach Drive (serviced 7 days a week), pressure washing of all beach entrances from 24th through 29th Streets, lighting, ordering of bollards, and repairing/replacing of brick pavers and concrete walkways that have cracked through daily use.

 

At the May 23, 2023 meeting of the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee, Public Works provided several updates related to Miami Beach Drive.  There will be a follow up meeting in September, wherein Public Works will provide an update on the bollards, which are now in-hand and pending Committee approval as far as installation location, additional pressure washing that has been added to the maintenance schedule, and land ownership by Club Atlantis.

 

At the June 23, 2023 meeting of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, Public Works discussed different options to be considered for Miami Beach Drive from 24th to 29th Streets once the right of way ownership by Club Atlantis has been determined, including the development of a holistic master plan (a vision), for Miami Beach Drive that would also address some infrastructure needs, such as storm drainage and others along the way.  A motion was made to come back in September for an update.

ANALYSIS:

Current status:

Results from a professional property survey ordered by City Administration came back.  At this point, City staff can conclude that Miami Beach Drive behind Club Atlantis is owned by the City and will proceed with corrective actions including addressing damaged brick pavers. Going forward the City Administration will address short term drainage improvements.  Additionally, a long-term approach for all of Miami Beach Drive will be identified through future budget cycles that will include developing a master plan to identify capital improvements for all of Miami Beach Drive from 24th Street to 29th Streets.

CONCLUSION:

The following update is presented to the members of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee members for discussion and further direction.

Applicable Area

Middle Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds?
Yes No 
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionType
Commission Referral to FinanceOther