Item Coversheet

New Business and Commission Requests - R9  I




COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission 
FROM:Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager 
DATE:May  17, 2017
 



SUBJECT:UPDATE ON PILOT PARKLET PROGRAM ON WASHINGTON AVENUE BETWEEN 5TH STREET AND LINCOLN ROAD.

RECOMMENDATION

This item is being presented as an update to the Mayor and City Commission.

 

BACKGROUND

 

At the April 29, 2015 City Commission meeting, there was a discussion following the Washington Avenue Blue Ribbon Panel presentation and recommendations. The discussion included the expansion of the sidewalks into the existing parking lane to create an opportunity for outdoor cafes. Additionally, the Commission requested that the Administration establish a process and guidelines for design and approval of parklets.

 

Resolution No. 2015-29085 was adopted by the City Commission on July 8, 2015 accepting the recommendation of the Land Use and Development Committee (LUDC) regarding the creation of a process and criteria for parklet applications on a temporary basis, and further directing the Administration to develop criteria and a procedure for approval of parklets to be installed on a temporary basis on Washington Avenue between 5th Street and Lincoln Road.

 

At the December 9, 2015 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2015-29244 approving a Washington Avenue Pilot Parklet Program, inclusive of design guidelines and a permitting process, in order to allow businesses along Washington Avenue to install temporary parklets in the right-of-way for a duration of one (1) year.

 

On March 9, 2016, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2016-4003 which abated sidewalk café permit fees for businesses participating in the Washington Avenue Pilot Parklet Program and extended the Program to March 31, 2019. At the meeting, the Commission directed the Administration to come back to City Commission in March 2017 with a progress report on the Washington Avenue Pilot Parklet Program.

 

ANALYSIS

 
The Washington Avenue Parklet Program is being administered by the Public Works Department. To date, interest in the Program has been expressed by one (1) party only. In February 2017, the Department of Public Works was approached bya firm that represents two (2) restaurants on Washington Avenue, expressing interest in the Program. The purpose for the representative firm’s visit was to formally notify the City of their intentions and reserve space in the corresponding blocks for the parklets. The two proposed locations are:

 

  1. Poseidon Greek Restaurant, 1131 Washington Avenue; and
  2. Commonwealth Miami, 1216 Washington Avenue.

 

In February 2017, at the time of initial contact from the representative, it was anticipated that both restaurants would begin their application processes and that signed and sealed drawings would have been received in four (4) to six (6) weeks. To date, no formal applications have been received nor have any plans been developed for either a sidewalk café or the proposed parklet details.
 

CONCLUSION

This item is being presented as an update to the Mayor and City Commission.


KEY INTENDED OUTCOMES SUPPORTED
Enhance Cultural and Recreational Activities

Legislative Tracking
Transportation