LTC 036-2009 North Beach Recreational Corridor Project Substantial Completion Update~~~ ft'1i: 1: Y '~ ~ LJ 1....J FR1~
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 036-2009 LETTER TO COMMISSION
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To: Mayor Matti H. Bower and Members of the City Commission ,•. - m ~
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FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager ' =~ --
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DATE: February 3, 2009 r
SUS1ECr NORTH BEACH RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR PROJECT SUBSTANTIALr cn
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COMPLETION UPDATE
The purpose of this LTC is to provide an update on the North Beach Recreational Corridor
(NBRC). The NBRC Project consists of an on-grade pedestrian pathway chat runs behind the
oceanfront dunes between 64th Street and 79th Street. The Project is part of the larger
Atlantic Greenway Network (AGNj, which is a system of bikeways being designed to promote
alternative transportation and community enhancement in the South, Middle and North Beach
neighborhoods of Miami Beach.
The NBRC traverses fifteen (15) blocks or approximately 5600 feel of coastal development
that includes three ~3J open-space parks, the Ocean Terrace Business District and adjacent
North Shore neighborhoods. The NBRC is a linear, concrete recreational pathway that
includes many new amenities, including new showers and water fountains. Way-finding
markers that identify cross streets for patrons have also been integrated into the pathway.
Coastal dune enhancement such as the removal of exotic species, planting of native dune
vegetation, and the installation of protective rope and post around the dunes have been
installed. The lighting throughout the NBRC wos specially designed for Miami Beach to orient
light away from the ocean and thereby minimize the impact on nesting sea turtles and their
hatchlings that can become disoriented by artificial lighting. Acorner-stone of this project is
the Eco-walk Exhibit at Allison Park, which boasts life-size replicas of three (3) endangered sea
turtle species. Educational signage has been placed throughout the exhibit to inform visitors
and residents about the vegetation and dynamics of the beach and dune ecosystem, as well
as the endangered sea turtles chat nest on Miami Beach.
Construction of the NBRC began December 10, 2007 and lasted approximately thirteen (13)
months. Construction started at 68'" Street and continued north to Bandshell Park, and then
resumed south from 68"' Street to Allison Park. The final phase of construction extended the
path from Ocean Terrace to 79"' Street.
The project has not yet reached substantial completion and the contractor is currently
responsible for delivering all aspects of the contract per the approved plans, including lights,
landscaping, and sand fencing. The substantial completion date was delayed due to an
electrical engineering issue that hindered the process of energizing the lights, which has since
been resolved. In addition, the currently installed light bollards exhibited defects in the paint
qualiy, which is a condition covered by the manufacturer's warrant'. As a result, all of the
currently installed light bollards will be replaced by the manufacturer in increments of fify jSOj
starting on Monday, February 9"~ at no additional cost to the Cit'. The projectwill be assessed
by the Ciy for deficiencies at the substantial completion inspection, and at such time the
contractor will repair any problems, including replacement of any dead or dying vegetation as
necessary.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held this spring to commemorate the opening of the
pathway.
JM ~ V1LE6