NEW BUSINESS  14.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

HISTORY:

This item was referred to the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (NCAC) at the April 11, 2018 City Commission meeting. 

Washington Avenue Business Improvement District

Since this date, 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.  Attached to this memo is a copy of the public hearing notice. 

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 have put together a draft scope of work to retain a design firm to create an updated Washington Avenue Master Plan. This scope of work is currently being reviewed by the Procurement Department and will be placed on the July 25, 2018 Commission agenda. This scope of work will examine the current street conditions, and provide structural and curatorial recommendations that address traffic, walkability, lighting, and vibrancy. 

Addressing Storefront Vacancies

A related item was referred to the Finance and Citywide Projected Cmmittee on April 11, 2018: Discussion Regarding Levying A Vacancy Tax On Empty Storefronts Throughout The City Of Miami Beach As A Way To Encourage Landlords To Keep Their Retail Or Commercial Space Rented And Active.  The FCWPC directed staff to conduct an inventory of vacant storefront and return back to the Committee after further analysis. This item will be further discussed at the Committee on July 27, 2018. 

ANALYSIS:

Addressing Storefront Vacancies

City Staff is working on a city-wide ground floor storefront vacancy count to better understand the current economic climate in our commercial corridors. Washington Avenue is a part of this research study. As of April 2018, Code enforcement counted 55 storefront vacancies between 5th-15th Street. Attached to this memo is list of the storefront vacancies on Washington Avenue along with a corresponding photo. We are currently cross referencing these addresses with the Building Department to determine if any of these properties have an active permit for renovations.

Staff has also been reaching out to property owners to discuss any challenges they have been facing for securing tenants for their vacancies. We are still completing this outreach, but have heard the following comments regarding the vacancies on Washington Avenue: 

• There is greater regional competition for businesses and entertainment. Miami Beach, and Washington Avenue, have seen a loss of tenants to the mainland. 
• The mainland offers larger spaces at the same cost and/or less of a cost
• The increase of traffic makes it burdensome for businesses, it is easier to get to and from places on the mainland
• Creative marketing and branding is needed to help lift up Washington Avenue and showcase its uniqueness. 

Previously, the City had allocated some funding to produce CMB designed window coverings for vacant storefronts, and provided these at no cost to vendors, landlords and tenants. The last completed order was in April 2017, for 30 window wraps it cost the city $18,908.00. However, that funding is no longer in place, so the City currently provides the template for this printout, and costs of printing must be borne by the storefronts. 

Attached to this memo is a comprehsenive workbook that shows the tracking that is occuring for 

The continuation of outreach and analysis is being completed by Staff and will be completed for a discussion at the July 27, 2018 Finance and Citywide Projects Committee meeting. 

CONCLUSION:
Administration is seeking further feedback on the plans to move forward with a master plan for Washington Avenue, and overall plans to address vacant storefronts on major commercial corridors.