What's Holding Brickell Back From Its Rightful Place Among the Grand Avenues of Major Metropolitan Cities? See President's Column below.
President's Column: The Magic of Brickell.
By T. Sinclair (Tory) Jacobs
Miami is often called The Magic City. Much of Miami's magic comes from Brickell, now a world-class street name in a league that includes Peachtree in Atlanta, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Fifth Avenue in New York and Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Brickell's closeness to Biscayne Bay adds to its distinction, as few of these dream streets run along such a beautiful shoreline.
Brickell does have something of a dual personality: the financial center of the Americas to the north and the elegant condominium towers to the south. The Brickell Neighborhood is indeed a great place to work, a great place to live and a great place to dine. And soon, it will also be a great place to shop.
Of course, Brickell is more than the name of a street; it is a thriving neighborhood. The name conjures up an image of the ultimate in urban living, an image that seems to be irresistible to developers who continue breaking ground for ever more elegant towers. Some wonder where the people will be coming from to fill them. Actually, they're coming from all over the world, as well as from right here in our backyard. Our newest residents include people trading up as they prosper, and people moving in from the far reaches of Miami-Dade, tired of long commutes.
There is a shadow over Brickell, however. The dark cloud comes about because Brickell is something else, as well: it is a Federal Highway, US 1. And as such, is governed by the Federal Highway Administration rules and regulations administered locally by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The Federal Highway Administration controls the flow of federal highway dollars to each state and it is a powerful bureaucracy. So, while we see Brickell as our main artery, the all-powerful regulators see it as part of the national highway system; their overriding concern, after safety, is moving as many vehicles as quickly as possible.
This is why we are unable to have traffic signals and traffic calming devices installed. North of the River on Biscayne Boulevard, there are traffic signals at every intersection and Biscayne Boulevard is also US 1. (They must be grandfathered.)
Brickell traffic will improve from a combination of mass transit and circulatory bus route additions, more pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, better traffic movement patterns including more efficient use of bridges and tunnels and better signalization. Police trained in moving traffic and control of public space utilized by contractors as they build the new towers are also needed for an improved conditions.
Even FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) has relaxed its flood control elevations for "downtown Brickell" to facilitate a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Now, we must find a way to encourage FDOT to use its power, professionalism and access to federal funds to join in the support of Brickell's conurbation. It would appear to require a change in mindset.
Let's get out the Magic Dust!
City Manager Arriola Issues Sharp Criticisms of City, Pledge to Brickell Neighbors
In a frank, no-nonsense address to BHA representatives, City Manager Joe Arriola didn't mince words when he gave his assessment of past Miami government management and operations. Mr. Arriola had only been at the post for five or six weeks when he addressed the BHA Board of Directors at their March meeting, but he had been creating a considerable stir at City Hall and in the media over his swift cuts, personnel changes, and organizational restructuring.
"We've tried to literally reorganize the city," he said. "Many have voluntarily retired or I've gotten rid of them. We've kept some good ones."
Mr. Arriola said he was focusing on building a team of people from the business community "who have gone out and made payroll month after month."
He said they had already found ways to save money $1.5 million in insurance alone – and have added efficiencies. He vowed to cut the fleet of 570 City-issued cars to staffers, which he has since begun as covered in recent weeks by the Herald. But beyond belt-tightening, other revelations were more distressing.
Mr. Arriola reported widespread, systemic neglect throughout the City administration, including literally hundreds of illegal structures in Miami; 546 approved capital improvement projects that haven't been started but for which $300 million is set aside; abuse of privileges by City staffers; millions of dollars in consulting fees without results; and special interests and politics that have ruled the administration for decades.
"Money was and continues to sit there dating back since 1992," he said. "Grants are there but no one from the City took time to do the projects."
Mr. Arriola said he would soon get languishing projects moving so that within a year, all the projects would be scoped, budgeted and a start date established.
"I will spend your money wisely, as wisely as I can," he said. "I will be penny-pinching for you guys, and you can count on that."
Mr. Arriola is donating his paycheck and is working to bring about big changes in the short term. He said he took the job, reluctantly at first, because he supports Mayor Manny Diaz's vision for what Miami can become.
"Our city is a wonderful city and could be a great, great city, but the politics and dirty tricks that go around are unbelievable," he said.
He vowed to continue to be in touch with the BHA and the needs of the Brickell neighbors.
Greyhound Bus Station Plan Sneaks Into Brickell, Draws Protests
On March 21, City Commissioner Johnny Winton notified BHA that Miami-Dade County officials were going to sign a lease for a Greyhound Bus terminal at the Brickell Metrorail station at Eighth Street and SW First Avenue. County Commissioner Jimmy Morales intervened and reported to the BHA that the plan isn't moving forward.
However, at the time of publication, Greyhound representatives and officials#columnhe County's Transit Department say otherwise, much to the dismay of many who have a vision for an upgraded, high-end Brickell Village. (See Column by Richard Langhorne below.) Many don't see a bus terminal as part of that vision, citing a dismal-looking station currently in Park West. The BHA, as well as a number of other community groups and interested parties, are trying to get open, honest dialog from the County agencies involved and have their concerns heard.
Ongoing Dialog: FDOT Still Considering BHA Requests
The Florida Department of Transportation, rulers of US 1, a.k.a. Brickell Avenue, Biscayne Boulevard and other identities depending on where you're at, have agreed to continue looking at three major matters at the BHA's request.
U-Turns Prohibited
The first, covered extensively in the last issue of BHA News, has to do with the "U-Turn Prohibited" sign that cropped up on the 1700 block of Brickell Avenue in response to the BHA's request for a traffic light. Instead of the signal, the FDOT figured that restricting vehicular movement would be good alternative for enhancing the safety of the intersection in front of the UTD Towers. However, the prohibition forces southbound drivers to drive a block further down the road to make u-turns, traversing the pedestrians' crosswalk twice. The u-turn is allowed in a block with a shorter cutin in the median, limiting the stacking room for cars waiting for traffic to clear.
The FDOT has "reopened" that case, according to Robert Register, of FDOT Traffic Operations. (In the meantime, the striping for the crosswalk needs to be redone and Comcast needs to remove the cable they just put in the middle of the walkway.)
Brickell Avenue Resurfacing
Discussion with FDOT reps continues on the plan for Brickell Avenue resurfacing, slated for 2006. Brickell residents want the whole roadway redone in asphalt (like all but 3% of highways) instead of the noisy, mismatched concrete. The pricetag for an entire asphalt redo is around $7 or $8 million, while the repair work the FDOT had in mind originally is a $2 million line item. There's time however, FDOT has assured the BHA, to be heard on the plan.
"It will greatly increase the cost, but we have agreed to look at that as an alternative," David Korros of FDOT said, reiterating what Gary Donn had previously promised. "There is a project development and environmental process that proceeds all design work. In the environmental assessment they'll look at asphalt as a possible alternative. The recommended alternative then goes to design. We hearcracked2.gift and will keep you informed."
Sidewalks: Safety & Aesthetics
At the time the street repaving work is undertaken, it would make sense, BHA reps and FDOT officials agreed, to look at redoing the sidewalks. Currently, they're cracked in places, caved in, uneven and mismatched.
They are not only a hazacavedin.gifand joggers traversing Brickell Avenue, but an eyesore in spots, not at all befitting the grand avenue Brickell could be.
Brickell Harbour residents breathed a collective sigh of relief when they got the news in May that their condominium building could be repaired and homeowners allowed to return in about 90 days. Residents of the 161-unit building at the east end of 15th Road were forced out in a speedy, unexpected evacuation in early March when considerable deterioration wbrickharbourwide.giftension wiring that reinforces the slabs," Celestino Pena, Brickell Harbour resident and BHA officer, said.
Corrosion, presumably from the salty Biscayne Bay right next to Brickell Harbour, got to the horizontal bands of wiring within the porous concrete. Mr. Pena warns that what happened in their building, one of the first condominiums build on Brickell in the 1970s, could happen to others that were built in the same way, which was "state of the art" in construction at the time.
According to the engineers and construction company estimates homecoming for residents will take place sometime in August.
Brickell's Cornerstones of Faith: The First Presbyterian Church of Miami Second in a series presenting houses of worship in the Brickell Avenue area by Donna DeCarlo.
As the State of Florida was celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 1896, Miami was an infant city, becoming incorporated that same year with some 400 residents. Railways, hotels, stores and a restaurant were budding in the untamed landscape, and the city's first organized religious group that would continue without interruption until today was meeting in a tent: the First Presbyterian Church of Miami.
In 1898, Henry M. Flagler, pioneer developer and builder in Florida, donated land for the construction of a church at Flagler Street and Southeast Third Avenue. Mr. Flagler, a Presbyterian himself, also paid for thefirstpresbflagler.gif1900, he handed over the keys of the newly constructed church to the first Pastor, Rev. William Wallace Farris.
The congregation grew, as did the popularity of the Sunday School Class taught by William Jennings Bryan, well-known orator, three-time presidential candidate and Coral Gables promoter. Mr. Bryan's clwilliamjenningbryan.jpgwas moved to Royal Palm Park where thousands attended each Sunday to hear this great speaker teach the Bible.
In 1947, with the growth and expanding needs of the congregation, a plan was formed for relocation to the current 609 Brickell Avenue site, an ideal spot for citywide interdenominational activities. In 1949, the new church was built. A miniature chapel named after Henry Flagler was incorporated into the new structure containing the original paneling, pulpit, pews and Tiffany stained glass windows from the previous location. Currently, the City of Miami Environmental Preservation Board is proposing The First Presbyterian Church to be designated as an historic site.
The First Presbyterian Church started five other churches in the area: Coral Gables First Presbyterian Church, Central Presbyterian Church, Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, The First Spanish Presbyterian Church and El Cordero Presbyterian Church.
The Presbyterian women have always played an active role in the growth and fund raising for the church as well as providing service for the community. The Ladies Aid Society began in 1897 and in 1923 became the Women's' Association. Mrs. Frederick Sharp was the first President. The Women's Association created the "Harvest of Gifts" fund raiser each fall with half of the proceeds going to missions and the other half to the church.
The Presbyterian women currently meet on the third Friday of each month hosting a Bible study and luncheon. Visitors are welcome. Their primary work continues with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Homefirstprestoday.jpgber of other groups.
A young group of volunteers, The Doors, will u
se the church facilities as their home base as they perform mission duties throughout the area over the next few months. The group consists of members from all denominations around the country. This is the second summer The Doors will help with meals at the Rescue Mission, read to the elderly in nursing homes, help with Habitat for Humanity and perform other acts of kindness.
Recently, after going through some difficult times, an administrative Commission of Presbytery was appointed to run the church and was then replaced by a transition committee. Earlier this year, the committee trained and installed the Elders to the Session. With the Board of Deacons and the Session in place, the members are looking forward to rebuilding the congregation.
Guest ministers and missionaries fill the pulpit on Sundays while the search continues for an interim pastor. The nursery is open every Sunday morning and children are welcome to attend the weekly Sunday School class. Services are at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings with a coffee fellowship following the Worship Service, to which all are welcome.
On Wednesday evenings, the church hosts a Bible Study in the church library at 7:30 p.m. The First Presbyterian Church of Miami is located at 609 Brickell Avenue. The church and chapel are open during the day for meditation and prayer. For more information, please contact the church office at (305) 371-3439.
Thumbs Up for Historic Preservation
The Brickell Homeowners Association endorsed local preservationists' efforts to win State of Florida support for the restoration of the original Miami High School bungalow at its new site in Southside Park. The bungalow building, dating back to 1904-05, had been threatmiamihighrendering.jpgway for a condominium when the owner agreed to donate the structure to the City of Miami.
After months of planning, fund raising and negotiating led by Dade Heritage Trust, alumni and local historians, the Old Miami High bungalow was relocated three blocks away to its new Park site at 140 SW 11th Street where it awaits restoration. The new facility will serve as a educational community center for the fast-growing surrounding neighborhood.
Miami High History Book
For those looking for the complete history of Miami High, Historian Howard Kleinberg's newest book on that very topic is due out early this fall. The Stingaree Century: A 100-Year History of Miami High School is a 200+ page hardcover coffee table book featuring several hundred photographs and ads from school publications throughout the decades. Published by Miami's Centennial Press, it's available through P.O. Box 56-0983, Miami, FL 33256-0983 for $48.75 per book including tax and shipping.
BHA Marks Anniversary
The Brickell Homeowners Association, called "a powerhouse group" among homeowner associations by Miami Today in their 20th anniversary Best of Miami edition, is beginning its 14th year this June. With the massive expansion in Brickell and the surrounding areas, BHA's role is more important than ever to help ensure that the opportunities presented by the current dynamics are captured and maximized to achieve the highest quality ocommanderllanes.gif
New NET Commander on Top of Brickell.
Since the BHA welcomed Commander Rudolfo "Rudy" Llanes, the new NET Commander replacing Commander Frank Fernandez, he's become a regular presence at BHA meetings. Commander Llanes is an 18-year veteran of the police force and has been a commander for three years, previously in Little Havana area.
next "Of Importance to Brickell" Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The speaker is Marco Rubio, House Majority Leader. The venue has not yet been announced, however, anyone interested in attending are invited to call the Brickell Area Association at (305) 375-0800.
Welcome New Restaurants in Brickell Village
Brickell now has its own Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, at 1010 South Miami Ave. Specializing in fresh ingredients, expert preparation, clean cheerful surroundings and prompt, courteous service, Baja Fresh is open for lunch and dinner and offering phone ahead servhttp://www.therivermiami.com/
A few blocks north at 650 South Miami Ave., another popular trend has caught on in Miami at The River Oyster Bar, an upscale oyster bar and urban chic restaurant perfect for relaxed lunches, happy hours and evening dining. The River features bold American cuisine and oysters from around the globe.
COLUMN: Bus Station in Brickell Village?
By Richard Langhorne
Earlier this month, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce held its annual Goals Conference weekend. Sadly, one of the projects that did not meet their sponsorship for the upcoming year is the opportunity for a Greyhound Bus Terminal in the Brickell Avenue area. Just think of all the great commerce that would arise out of such an enterprise, not to mention the avant garde art.
I really do not have an educated or informed opinion as to the current proposition, but my first-hand experience as the owner's representative of the properties that were immediately adjacent to and across the street from the last downtown Miami Greyhound Bus Station, leads me, at the minimum, to think of the following.
First, there will be a small store that sells those miniature bottles of liquor and cigarettes. I envision three different red neon signs behind the glass storefront. There will be folks outside catching a smoke. Some will be smoking Camel's, and others, Ganja. This helps us build downtown as a 24-hour city. A stated Chamber Goal.
There will be a really neat public address system that will announce the arrival and departures of the busses that you can hear for at least two blocks. Nighttime entertainment, great.
I expect there will be a very heavy competition for the ATM location for many cash withdrawals. Surely, several banks will want a night deposit drop there. More commerce.
There will also be really neat big sleek silver busses with powerful diesel engines that can really roar. Most of those engines are left running when the busses are standing still to keep the air conditioning on inside the busses. This helps the ground vibrate for better sleeping on the benches, sort of an amenity – vibrator benches. It conditions the air around the bus terminal. If you breathe that air long enough it makes you look kind of terminal. It also reduces landscaping costs, at least for the things you wanted to grow.
Then, there are the great folks who come to visit, hang out, live at, or transit the bus station. This will be a great boon to those motels that rent rooms by the hour, or fractions thereof. There will also be opportunities for revenues for short-term parking for the overflow from the lot at the bus terminal. Many of these cars will be parked with their doors open to accommodate those who want to stretch out and catch a couple of winks while waiting for whatever. The feet hanging out of the cars look kind of cool.
It will be sort of a hub for the folks out cruising that will circle the block with their stereos cranked up loud, observing the street-scape, and selling small plastic bags of rare spices and powders. More 24- hour commerce. Business for the ATMs on the buy side, and deposits for the Night Depository on the sell side.
Fortunately, this type of development is also friendly to the arts. There will be an abundance of space for artwork, not only sprayed on the walls, but also art in the restrooms and other places. The micro-art will be more specific – names and numbers – just folks seeking a good time.
The vending machine opportunity should be substantial enough to warrant sealed bidding, at least for the restrooms. Assuming they won't be selling that stuff at the motels. The coin-operated lockers should do well here. A neighbor tells me that Fredrico Filini will be casting for films at the bus terminal. The lockers surely will be needed for various wardrobe changes. Isn't that why all those people in the restrooms have those costumes? The City and the County will fight over the opportunity to handle the bidding on the coin-operated stuff because that's where the money is, the bidding.
There will be lots of publications sold there, most with one syllable names, and you can transfer to the People Mover, the Brickell Shuttle and the Metrorail. Kind of like our own little neighborhood Inter-Modal center. Neat huh? ·
Richard M. Langhorne is founder of The Langhorne Company, located at 848 Brickell Avenue. The http://www.langhorne.com traditional commercial real estate transactional and advisory services, with experience exceeding a half billion dollars. www.langhorne.com
