The installation of the City of Miami sign at 25th Road and Brickell announcing the project was cause for celebration for BHA volunteers who have been pushing for the Streetscape Improvement plan for Brickell Avenue for six years. An email from the City’s Department of Capital Improvements in early summer announcing the commencement of lighting installation was another joyful indicator of progress, taking neighbors one more step closer to a grand vision for our Brickell Avenue.
A BHA Task Force began studying streetscape improvements in 2000, and hired the architectural and landscape design firm, Wallace Roberts & Todd. The firm created a design plan that residents embraced, and that our essential partner in this effort, the City of Miami, also viewed favorably.
The plan, as originally conceived, includes decorative lighting along the sidewalks, monuments with small fountains that mark the Brickell neighborhood at 15th and 25th Roads, and pedestrian crosswalks marked with special pavers. FPL is committed to restoring the medians after they remove the light poles.
Work for the installation of the decorative lighting began earlier this summer. Underground directional boring work was first, next will be installation of the pre-cast concrete foundations for the light poles and the electrical pull boxes. Construction for crosswalks, monuments and fountains will follow the lighting work.
The project, which had been given the nod and promise of funding support by the City back in fall 2003, was supposed to begin in early 2006 and be completed by the holidays. The latest word from the City, however, is that completion isn't expected until the first half of 2007, due to the late start up this year. Weather and hurricanes could bring about further delays, although Jose Gonzalez, Assistant Transportation Coordinator for the City of Miami, reports that the project is moving ahead well.
"The lighting work is moving forward at a good pace with only minor delays that do not substantially impact the projected schedule for completion," he reported to BHA in email in late July.
If it seems slow going, it's important to realize the contractor’s work hours for this project are limited by its Florida Department of Transportation-issued permit. Work is only permitted during non-peak, daytime hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a six-hour window during which the daily "maintenance of traffic" set up and take-down must also occur.
BHA is pressing the City to stay on top of its contractors and this project, so that construction disruption for residents is minimized. When the crosswalk construction and paving takes place, one lane of traffic at a time in each direction will be closed. BHA will be informed of those dates in advance, Mr. Gonzalez promises.
"The City understands the long-standing desires of the community to see this project constructed, and please be assured that we are monitoring the progress of this project very closely via our industry partner, HDR, providing the project management oversight services. In addition, GBF Engineering has been engaged by the City to provide construction management oversight and inspection services on this project," Mr. Gonzalez said.
BHA congratulates the volunteers who worked on this project over the years, and Task Force Chair Paul Lewin, still a Brickell resident but avowed retired volunteer.
President’s Column By T. Sinclair (Tory) Jacobs
Bumps in the Road
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has created a new committee, the Downtown Traffic Task Force. As its name suggests, the Task Force will be addressing downtown traffic problems, but with a couple of meaningful differences from the many preceding similarly-named and intended study groups.
First, the not inconsiderable influence of the Chamber is committed to support Task Force initiatives. Second, the Task Force will approach the well-documented subject with recognition of the nexus of traffic to worker housing availability, parking availability and pricing. Further, the Task Force will recognize the common denominator of all the possible solutions to traffic problems, affordable housing and parking: money. Who is going to pay for what? Where is the money coming from?
Many of our area's traffic-related problems can be ameliorated without committing public funds:
Construction Sprawl
The City is too generous in permitting contractors to usurp the public rights of way, sidewalks and roads, forcing pedestrians out onto the streets. We should require covered walkways alongside construction sites and construction staging within the site, typical of major cities. Current construction sites in the Central Business District, Performing Arts Center and Brickell area are major contributors to traffic delays.
Zoning
The proposed Miami 21 provisions need to be examined, mindful of how these new guidelines allow for on-street and off-street parking and truck loading and unloading.
FDOT vs. the City of Miami
Who should control Miami’s major urban thoroughfares, Brickell Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard? Should these city streets—where pedestrian activity is supposedly encouraged—be governed as if they were U.S. 1, a federal highway controlled by mandates of the Federal Highway Commission, as interpreted by FDOT?
Double Parking by Trucks, Loading and Unloading, Blocking Traffic Lanes
Eliminate metered parking in designated areas so that trucks can get to curbs. Eliminate daytime deliveries, especially by large rigs. Require nighttime deliveries. Prohibit big rigs downtown during daylight hours, forcing truckers to use much smaller vehicles for daytime, downtown deliveries. Be sure that that all new projects that may require servicing by large trucks be designed and constructed with off-street loading docks.
Signage & Signalization
Everyone who drives the streets of Miami-Dade, not just in our area, has been anxiously awaiting the County's much needed traffic signal system upgrade that is said to be able to intelligently improve signalization and traffic flow. We're ready for that improvement, and ripe for many more. Significant opportunities are available with high returns on investment in these areas.
Traffic Officers on the Street, on Their Feet
Not cheap, but worth thorough evaluation, are the benefits of having traffic officers on duty (on foot, not in cars) at construction sites, major intersections and covering entertainment and sporting events.
Worker Parking & Public Transit
The considerable daily inflow of workers to downtown offices, hotels, restaurants, stores, etc. needs a reliable, complete public transit system, supported by circulatory busses/jitneys and accessible and affordable parking.
Monitoring the Progress of Public Construction Projects
Recognizing that construction disruption is a necessary price of improvement, it is, unfortunately, necessary to monitor the City, County and State (FDOT) tracking of each project's progress. Too often, projects are let, then sit or progress intermittently, thereby disrupting traffic flow for longer than necessary or originally intended.
Most of the above line items do not call for major commitment of public funds, yet offer opportunities to effect traffic flow improvements. Let's wish the Chamber's new Task Force well. Let's hope that it doesn’t turn out to follow in the shallow footsteps of so many earlier committees that have meant well, but not been able to overcome the bumps in the road.
Hurricane Preparedness for Brickell
After last year's experiences with Katrina and Wilma, hurricanes have been at the top of the agenda for everyone in South Florida for many months. Brickell is included in the top-of-mind crowd, having seen blown-out glass panels on buildings we all assumed could withstand high winds, among other destruction in our neighborhood.
Property managers for BHA condo associations and NET Administrators Eddie Padilla and Liza Walton met in spring to discuss how to best inform and help residents in their preparation efforts, and ways that the Brickell condominium associations might collaborate in preparations, communications and supplies. The key message of government is that residents should have 72 hours' worth of supplies and preparation on their own, without needing governmental assistance. The slogan is, "For 72, help us, help you."
The Brickell Area Association has also been addressing the topic and has pulled together information and resources of particular interest for Brickell businesses and residents. (www.brickellarea.com)
Construction sites are a big concern during storm season, blamed by many for a lot of the glass pane destruction last year in the Brickell area. If hurricane warning conditions have been issued, construction debris at construction sites is supposed to be secured. If residents see a situation where that is not the case, two entities should be notified, the BAA advises. Both the City of Miami and OSHA should be contacted:
- City of Miami,
Dept. of Bldg./Unsafe Structures
Attn. Cedric Mar
444 SW 2nd Avenue, 4th Floor
Miami, FL 33130
Tel: 305-416-1191
Fax: 305-416-2168
- OSHA's toll-free number for reporting imminent, life-threatening situations is 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
Brickell Evacuation Shelter
Residents countywide are advised that the shelters operated by the County and Red Cross, also called "evacuation centers," are the option of last resort if officials order or advise evacuation. Try to stay at the home of family or friends, we have so often heard, as the shelters are not designed for comfort, and they don't allow pets.
But, if in need, there is a shelter nearby for Brickell area residents. It's at Booker T. Washington Senior High School at 1200 NW 6th Avenue, and is accessible for people with disabilities. Residents are advised to monitor TV and radio, or to call 311, for information on shelters open and related hurricane news in the event of a storm.
Transportation for evacuation for Brickell residents going to the shelter would occur in front of the UTD Towers, 1809 Brickell Avenue. Our area is in Evacuation Zone B.
Safe Harbor for Your Car
If you park in a garage that's apt to flood in a storm, there's a program that opens commercial garages to residents to safely store their vehicle(s) during a storm. Operated by the Miami Parking Authority, you must pre-enroll in the program enrollment, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is free for residents. You can register online at www.miamiparking.com/mvp or at a NET Office. For more information, call (305) 373-6789 x225.
More on hurricane preparedness:
Brickell Business Spotlight
The Sports Club/LA Miami, located in the heart of BHA territory in the Four Seasons Hotel at 1441 Brickell Avenue, is fitness central for its members and corporate partner for many community organizations. Not only does the club offer high-tech equipment and state-of-the-art fitness programs for those looking for buff bodies, it also participates with community groups who help those in need in Miami.
"We like to work with community groups who hold their fundraisers here," General Manager Susan Devine explained. "And our members love it and participate...it's something special added for them, and they've come to expect a variety of parties."
One Friday evening in August, the club opened its lovely expanded lobby area for Kristi House, a nonprofit that helps children who are sexually abused. The fundraiser attracted 300 people from the club and the Brickell neighborhood and was a success for both Kristi House and the club in raising awareness for both.
Special Offer for BHA
To encourage more Brickell residents to learn about the 45,000-square-foot fitness center, a special offer was created for Brickell residents, as described on the colorful insert to this newsletter. The offer has been extended through September 2006, to be sure everyone has time to take advantage as the summer winds down and the season begins. Thanks, Sports Club/LA!
Action Sought on Unsightly News Racks, Doggie Do
BHA passed a Resolution in May asking the City of Miami to examine their news rack program that has produced more consolidated clutter than convenient news outlets. The Resolution relays the objections BHA heard from many residents, and requests action by the City to remedy the situation.
The multi-slot, modular newsracks--when the concept was first presented over a year ag--were supposed to reduce the clutter, but many have questioned the nature of the material offered. It's mostly free advertising flyers, not real, for-purchase news media that would interest Brickell residents. Plus, the boxes, which anyone can open, collect trash. The residents especially object to the advertising "billboards" on the backsides of these large boxes, which obstruct the sidewalk and spoil the aesthetic values of the neighborhood.
Staffers from the City of Miami Public Works Department were planning to meet with the advertising vendor to review the program. BHA is awaiting word from the City.
Leading Complaint Gets Action
After traffic, dog poop — and the owners who don't bother to pick it up — are at the top of the list of residents' complaints heard via email, at meetings and one-on-one in not-so-polite conversation. Walkers, joggers and other users of sidewalks and public right of ways have been increasingly irritated by the foul packages left behind by residents and their dogs. The topic has become a major bone of contention as the area’s residential population booms, matched only by their accompanying favorite pet species.
There is a City of Miami ordinance, albeit seldom enforced, requiring dog owners to pick up after their canines. Many believe education is key to changing people's attitudes and understanding about their obligation concerning their dogs' deposits.
NET Administrator Liza Walton has had signs installed on Brickell Avenue advising residents of the ordinance and possible fine for violators. BHA will continue to monitor the progress in this area and looks forward to hearing whether residents think the signs are helping.
Reporting Construction Noise, Code Violations
Residents are asked to use the following contact information for noise and other suspected violations relating to construction.
- Mondays through Friday, Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call Code Enforcement at (305) 329-4770.
- Holidays & Mondays through Friday Before 8 a.m./ After 6 p.m. Call Police (305) 579-6111 to request a marked unit to come to the scene.
- Saturdays before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. and Sundays All Day. Call Police (305) 579-6111
If you feel you are not getting adequate response, please call NET Resource Officer Jeffrey Giordano at (305) 710-5222.
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