Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 2000
President's Column by T. Sinclair (Tory) Jacobs

Everybody Talks About Traffic, But Nobody Does Anything About It Until Now!

The piecemeal, ineffective approaches to Brickell's traffic congestion that have increasingly frustrated both residents and visitors, may soon be supplanted by a long overdue comprehensive approach that includes not only Brickell and West Brickell, but also the downtown area north of the River up to the Performing Arts Center.

Our rookie District 2 City Commissioner, Johnny Winton, has brought together an alphabet-soup of overlapping entities to get serious about this problem that prompts much palaver, but little else.

The linchpins of Commissioner Winton's approach are to locate a tunnel under the Miami River between I-95 and Brickell Avenue and to initiate a long-term, holistic planning process.

In the past, so many traffic studies have looked at individual intersections, not taking into account the "squeeze-the-balloon" impact of changes down the road. Studies have tended to be based on historical data, not factoring in new projects, which in the dynamic Brickell area, is essential.

We're anticipating a long-term view of the traffic movement needs of a growing metropolis, that will be periodically updated and that will be incrementally implemented, not waiting interminably for completion and final approval of the plans by all interested parties. We see a sense of urgency with real energy going to bat.

Here are a few thoughts that might contribute to the considerations:

1. Conceptualize from the perspective of moving people, goods and services rather than just vehicles.

2. Include the possibilities of water-based modes, taking advantage of the City's concentration along the bayfront and the River.

3. Be especially mindful of the impact of major, spasmodic entertainment and sports events; the needs of attendees and the needs of the great majority who should not be inconvenienced.

4. Consider expanding street capacity by scheduling selected trucking functions at night.

5. FDOT appears to be focused more on increasing vehicle flow than on convenience and quality of life. FDOT should recognize the need for multiple traffic signals on Brickell between the River and Rickenbacker Causeway. There are traffic signals at every intersection on US 1 north of the River. We need traffic calming to facilitate access and egress for high-rise residents. FDOT should be encouraged to give more consideration to the aesthetic aspects of their designs.

6. Include use of advanced Electronic Traffic Management Systems and Uniformed Traffic Officers (not necessarily police officers). Special attention should be provided for construction sites. Often off-duty police officers are employed who just sit in their air-conditioned cruisers.

7. Enhanced public (or quasi-public) transportation, including neighborhood jitneys and shuttles. Encourage the use of both mass transit and pedestrian locomotion.

8. Build tunnel to the Port of Miami to get the trucks off downtown streets.

9. Include landscaping and decorative lighting with irrigation and quality maintenance of medians and rights of way.

10. Eliminate all preconceived concepts for traffic configurations at Brickell, SE 7^th and SE 8^th Streets. Gridlock when the Brickell Bridge is raised is, perhaps, the prime immediate challenge.

11. Include education. Modify the public's expectations to be realistic, to recognize the realities of increasing urbanization with more 24-hour life and more pedestrian activity.

Just as in the old days when ranchers and farmers differed in their approach to land use, there may be some differences between residents and commuters. One mitigating factor should be the attraction of shops, entertainment and eateries to postpone heading for home. Perhaps we'll convert a few commuters to residents.

It seems that we do not need everybody talking about traffic (that hasn't worked)just the right person and this is surely the right time.

Thank you, Commissioner Winton. God's Speed!

Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 2000
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: County Seeks Input on Miami-Dade's Transportation Future

The Citizen's Transportation Advisory Committee has three public hearings scheduled to gather input from citizens about Miami-Dade's transportation future. All are urged to "come prepared to share ideas on funding, technology and system expansion." The March 8^th public hearing focus was on transit; April 12^th will cover highways and expressways; and May 10^th will focus on surface transportation to airports and the seaport, as well as special transportation services. Miami-Dade Television is televising each of the sessions on cable channel 26 (AT&T cable subscribers).

Residents are invited to participate in person at the hearings at Government Center, 111 NW 1^st Street, in the Commission Chambers, where each person will be allotted two to three minutes to speak. Or, residents can submit their comments by calling (305) 375-1843, faxing to (305) 375-4950 or via email to MPO@co.miami-dade.fl.us.

The Citizen's Transportation Advisory Committee is charged with gathering input to provide to the Board of County Commissioners. Check out the 2020 Transportation Plan on the web at www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/mpo.

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall 1999
I-95 Work to Continue

The ongoing lane closings and congestion at 25th and 26th Roads at the I-95 interchange isn't going to get better soon. What has seemed like months of disruption is going to stretch on for another year, Onaxa Gonzalez, public information officer for the "I-95 Pavement Rehabilitation Project," said.

Brickell neighbors and travelers through the area are experiencing the side effects of a large scale project to repair pavement slabs on I-95 from its US 1 beginning to the Golden Glades Interchange.

As part of the project, four bridges between US 1 and SW 8th Street are getting shoulder expansions so that disabled vehicles can be moved to the side without blocking traffic. One of those bridges is over 25th and 26th Roads, Gonzalez said.

What's described as "intermittent lane restrictions" from the I-95 Project will continue until August of 2000, Gonzalez said, as the "entire project is running at the same time." The lane closings in the Brickell area will be "on and off" until the entire project is complete.

Gonzalez invites any residents with questions to call her at (305) 858-9965.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1999
Traffic Safety Update

With prosperity and growth, there is a price. For neighbors in the Brickell corridor, the combination of new residential buildings, downtown commuters and a bustling financial district has meant an increase in traffic congestion, safety concerns and accidents along Brickell. Even a fatality last New Year's.

Since the inception of the association nearly a decade ago, BHA directors regularly hear from residents on matters relating to traffic safety. Drivers coming north on Brickell from U.S. 1 seem to maintain that highway speed even though they're passing through a neighborhood...a residential zone complete with pedestrians, bicyclists, runners, skaters and residents pulling out of their front driveways.

At the urging of BHA, the Florida Department of Transportation added eight new speed signs on Brickell Avenue between S.E. 8th Street and 26th Road, Robert Register of FDOT reported to BHA directors. At the troublesome S.E. 15th Road and Brickell Avenue dog-leg intersection, pavement markings, reflectors and a fresh coat of paint to the curbing were recently added.

It came as no surprise to most to hear that Brickell Avenue ranks 125th on the list of 199 "high-crash rate sites" in Miami-Dade. Residents hear those crashes in the middle of the night on weekends.

BHA directors successfully solicited the deployment of the Miami Police Department speed trailer for Brickell Avenue two days in April. The trailer recorded data on the speed cars were traveling, but did not issue tickets. Of the some 12,000 cars passing through the 40 m.p.h. zone during a 30-hour period, only 64 were recorded as going 45 m.p.h. or faster, the "ticket-able" rate. BHA representatives believe the rate would be much higher if the trailer were deployed at a time when cars could speed, like on the weekends when the workweek traffic isn't slowing things down.

BHA directors will continue to work with City of Miami Police who are responsive to concerns raised by residents.

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1999
Survey Results: Traffic, Aircraft Noise & Development Control Top Residents' Concerns List

Residents responding to an informal survey about quality of life issues in the Brickell neighborhood consistently cited traffic and aircraft noise as issues that need addressing, along with control of development. The general appearance of the area and landscaping of the Brickell medians followed close behind in concerns noted by residents responding to the poll published in the last BHA News.

In response to the question about how the quality of life overall has changed in the time they've been living in the Brickell neighborhood, 43% of respondents said it has "gotten worse" in the time they've lived here; 36% said it's "remained about the same" and 21% said it has "gotten better."

Those that said they've seen improvements were generally residents living here longer (15 years and more) and cited the increased services such as grocery stores, restaurants and dry cleaners within walking distance. A number said they'd like to see more amenities within walking or a short driving distance such as bookstores and movie theaters.

Speeding was a reoccurring concern with suggestions to lower the speed limit to 30 or 40 m.p.h. instead of the current 45 m.p.h., which many felt is not observed or adequately enforced.

The words "moratorium" and "development" came up a lot, with many residents saying the area is congested enough and that any new development should be carefully considered. As one respondent wrote:

"Developers are allowed to do what they want whether more construction is needed or not. How about a waterfront park instead of another condo?"

Other selected comments:

"Less new construction; no zoning variances whatsoever."

"Moratorium on further development without a plan for quality of life."

"Street is dirty, badly maintained and needs paving.... The landscaping is terrible and the commercial signs and bus stops with advertising is unsightly."

"More traffic lights, speed deterrents, police presence and action to control traffic."

Some common courtesy issues:

"Fewer bicyclists on the sidewalks."

"Dog owners need 'pooper scooper' laws."

"Residents exiting condos [in cars] should stop for pedestrian traffic, look to left and right before pulling out."

Questions & suggestions:

"Could we incorporate away from the City of Miami?"

"Employers should provide incentives for employees to use Metrorail and Metromover."

"Downtown development...boost cultural activities close to Brickell."

Our favorite comment:

"We appreciate the work of BHA!"

Reprinted from BHA News, Spring 1999

BHA Supports Transportation Penny Sales Tax Plan

The Brickell Homeowners Association's Board of Directors endorsed the Penelas Penny Sales Tax Plan for Transportation at its June meeting after hearing details of the initiative from Miami-Dade Commissioner Jimmy Morales. (See Resolution.) With Miami now ranked the third most congested city in the nation, many feel this increase in sales tax is the only way to address Miami-Dade's transportation woes.

If passed, the tax would provide a local matching source of funds which needs to be identified before fall to receive some $7 to $8 billion in federal transportation funds. Without federal dollars, the plan of improvements would be virtually impossible to finance.

The plan will go before all Miami-Dade County registered voters on July 29, 1999. If passed, tolls on local highways would be eliminated.

BHA Resolution, Passed 6/16/99

"The Brickell Homeowners Association endorses and supports the Miami-Dade County Penelas Penny Sales Tax Plan for Transportation and Transit Improvements which provides for eliminating tolls on certain roads and generating new revenue for transportation from a one cent sales tax increase, and urges all voters to support the initiative."

Reprinted from BHA News, Winter 1997
Florida Highway Patrol Program May Help Brickell

A new community traffic safety program by the Florida Highway Patrol has paired Trooper Jose Sanchez with the BHA to examine traffic problems on Brickell. Speeding, including weekend motorcycle races, has long been identified by the BHA as a serious problem. Sanchez will be working closely with the BHA in the coming months and BHA News will keep residents informed of progress.