LTC 084-2010 Pedra Portuguesa Paving - 1100 Block of Lincoln Road
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER I ~ I ~ ~ " '
NO.LTC# os4-~oio LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez `.
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DATE: March 22, 2010
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SUBJECT: Pedra Portuguesa Paving - 1100 Blostslif Lincoln Road
Questions have been raised regarding the recent installation of "Pedra Portuguesa"
stone paving on the 1100 Block of Lincoln Road. City staff has received emails from
people who dislike the paving, and are raising questions of its appropriateness for the
disabled, and those wearing high heels. These concerns center upon the natural
irregularities in the paving stones that may present a hazard.
The paving stones were installed to tolerances meeting Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) requirements, and the subsequent inspection of the paving after installation
determined that the pavement met the ADA requirements and was approved. The
paving contractor has also continued to work on improving the smoothness of the stone
walking surface in the weeks since the 1100 Block re-opened.
In an effort to investigate the concerns expressed by some members of the public, on
March 11`h staff from the City's Planning Department, Building Department, Public Works
Department, and the City Manager's Office conducted an `in-the-field' evaluation of the
conditions of the Pedra Portuguesa stone paving together with the contractor's
representatives. During the two hour field evaluation the entire 1100 Block was walked
by the team and the condition of the stonework noted. Staff observed that in certain
areas some stones still present a high "edge" or "center" that could be uncomfortable for
pedestrians and users of wheelchairs or power-assisted vehicles. Staff also observed
locations where the grout between the stones was lower than the top surfaces of the
stones, possibly creating uncomfortable depressions for high heel shoes.
Overall, however, the Pedra Portuguesa paved plaza has been constructed to a very
high standard, considering the unique nature of the natural stone surface. In the course
of the two hour evaluation period, during heavy mid-day pedestrian traffic, the evaluation
team observed no-one walking with any difficulty, or with any apparent discomfort
through the plaza. Members of the team spoke with individuals using wheelchairs and
power-assisted personal vehicles. While most felt the stone paver surface presented no
meaningful challenge, one woman riding a three wheel power-assisted vehicle
commented that the stone paver surface is clearly more challenging in comparison to a
smooth concrete sidewalk. The same person noted, however, that the 1100 Block
represents only a brief segment of unique paving which is not unreasonable to traverse.
Pedra Portuguesa Paving - 1100 Block of Lincoln Road
March 16, 2010
Page 2
She also commented that Miami Beach, in her view, is unique among American cities in
terms of excellent accessibility for physically challenged persons, and for that reason
she and her husband are considering moving here permanently.
In order to address the concerns that have been raised, and improve the smoothness of
the paving surface as much as possible, staff has scheduled an additional four day work
session on the 1100 block plaza, together with the paving contractor and work crew, to
systematically identify and improve immediately any areas that may still appear to
present uncomfortably uneven or irregular surfaces, to the point that they could be a
tripping hazard. This additional four day work session is began the week of March 15tH
and upon completion should satisfy any reasonable remaining concerns with regard to
the Pedra Portuguesa stone paving of this unique section of Lincoln Road.
Staff of the City's Planning Department and Property Management Division also
attended the Disability Access Committee meeting on March 16, 2010, and explained to
the committee the situation described above. Staff will attend next month's meeting in
order to give the committee an update.
JMG /RGL
F:\PLAN\$ALL\CM_RESP\Pedra Portuguesa LTC.docx