2014-28598 Reso 2014-28598
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO REMOVE THE
BOARDWALK AND REPLACE IT WITH A PAVER PATHWAY, WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF THE BOARDWALK BETWEEN 24 STREET THROUGH 29
STREET, TO MAINTAIN DESIGN CONSISTENCY AND UNIFORMITY OF
THE BEACHWALK SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, on April 13, 2011, the 2025 Miami Beach Comprehensive Plan was adopted
by the City Commission and became effective July 1, 2011; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the policy adopted by the City Commission as part of the 2025
Miami Beach Comprehensive Plan, the Administration has continued to implement the
beachwalk and baywalk projects in order to further the City's vision of a continuous on-grade
recreational paths running north/south along the coast linking the City's South, Middle, and
North Beach Neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, on October 17, 2007, the Miami Beach City Commission adopted the
Atlantic Greenway Network (AGN) Master Plan also known as the Bike Master Plan; and
h 2007 AGN Master Plan focused on creating an interconnected network
WHEREAS, the g
of bicycle and pedestrian facilities by way of on-street bicycle facilities, shared-paths,
Beachwalks, Baywalks, and establishing connections between the City network and the
County's and State's regional bicycle network; and
WHEREAS, the City's Beachfront Management Plan with the State of Florida also lists
the development of the AGN as a management activity that enhances the natural resource
value and/or public recreation value for which the lands were acquired; and
WHEREAS, the beachwalk is an on-grade, ADA accessible pathway that supports
bicycle use and other recreational and non-motorized transportation activities that are in line
with the goals of the AGN; and
WHEREAS, the existing boardwalk is not part of the AGN because its current width does
not allow for safe bicycle and pedestrian shared use; and
WHEREAS, as part of the development review process, the City has accepted voluntary
proffers from a number of upland properties that are adjacent to the boardwalk to assist in the
development of segments of a public beachwalk; and
WHEREAS, on May 20, 2013, the City Commission directed the Administration to keep
the boardwalk from 24 Street to 29 Street; and
WHEREAS, Miami Beach Drive promenade runs just east of Collins Avenue and west
of the boardwalk between 24 Street and 29 Street, which allows for a smooth transition of
bicyclists to the promenade while still retaining a segment of boardwalk; and
WHEREAS, at its April 9, 2014 meeting, the Land Use and Development Committee
recommended to remove the boardwalk and replace it with a paver pathway to maintain the
design consistency and uniformity of the beachwalk system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Land Use and Development Committee
to remove the boardwalk and replace it with a paver pathway, with the exception of the
boardwalk between 24 Street through 29 Street, to maintain design consistency and uniformity
of the beachwalk system.
PASSED and ADOPTED this day of �Q , 2014.
ATTEST:
1 8
PHILI L , MAYOR
RALPH RANADO, CITY CLE
:INCORP ORATED= APPROVED AS TO
FORM AND LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
City Atto ey Date
TAAGENDA\2014\May\Beachwa1k Uniformity- RESO.doc
2
COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
Condensed Title:
A Resolution Of The Mayor And City Commission Of The City Of Miami Beach, Florida Accepting The
Recommendation Of The Land Use and Development Committee To Remove The Boardwalk And Replace
With A Paver Pathway, With The Exception Of The Boardwalk Between 24 Street Through 29 Street, To
Maintain Design Consistency And Uniformity Of The Beachwalk System.
Key Intended Outcome Supported:
Elevate Walkability To First Criteria Of All Development Decisions,Including Reconstruction And Planning;
and, Enhance Pedestrian Safety Universally.
Supporting Data(Surveys,Environmental Scan,etc.): In the 2012 Community Satisfaction Survey, 48% of the
respondents would be willing to use bicycles as an alternative form of transportation and 63.7% of
respondents stated that here were"too few" bike paths/lanes.
Item Summary/Recommendation:
The wooden boardwalk was built in the mid-1980's and extended from the south end of Collins Park at 21
Street to the north end of Indian Beach Park at 47 Street. The Planning Department, as part of the
development review process, has accepted voluntary proffers from a number of upland properties that are
adjacent to the boardwalk to assist in the development of segments of a public beachwalk. The W-Hotel,Perry
/ One Hotel, The Edition, and Eden Roc Hotel have already converted the beachwalk to boardwalk or are
currently in the process of this conversion. The Fontainebleau, Ocean Grand Hotel, Versailles Project, and
Saxony Project have all committed or are in negotiations with the City to construct or fund the construction of a
beachwalk for the public benefit.
The existing boardwalk is not part of the AGN because its current width does not allow for safe bicycle and
pedestrian shared use. However,the beachwalk is an on-grade,ADA accessible pathway that supports bicycle
use and other recreational and non-motorized transportation activities that are in line with the goals of the AGN.
Attachment C provides a map of the coastal pathway system and the construction material used for each
segment.
On February 6, 2012, Commission directed Administration that future segments of the beachwalk should be
elevated in order to have an ocean view. Staff identified four potential alternatives for the boardwalk: 1.
Continue to maintain existing boardwalk; 2. Widen existing boardwalk; 3. Remove boardwalk and raise the
grade before constructing a beachwalk; and, 4. Remove boardwalk and replace with on-grade beachwalk.
At their April 9, 2014 meeting, the Land Use and Development Committee discussed four alternatives and
recommended that the boardwalk be removed and replaced with a paver pathway to maintain the design
consistency and uniformity of the beachwalk system.
The Administration recommends adopting the resolution to remove the boardwalk, with the exception of the
boardwalk between 24 Street through 29 Street, and replace it with a paver pathway to maintain the design
consistency and uniformity of the beachwalk system.
Advisory Board Recommendation:
On April 9,2014,the Land Use and Development Committee recommended that the boardwalk be removed and
replaced with a paver pathway to maintain the design consistency and uniformity of the beachwalk system.
Financial Information:
Source of Amount Account
Funds:
OBPI Total
City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking:
Elizabeth Wheaton ext. 6121
Sign-Offs:
Department irector Assistant C' ager City a ger
MF J
TAAGENDA\2014\May\Beachwalk Uniformity-Summary.doc
MIAMI AGENDA ITEM RID
BEACH DATE ^�-
NAIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beath, 1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach, Florida 33139,www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members the City C mission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: May 21, 2014
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAY R AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEAC FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT TO REMOVE THE BOARDWALK, WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF THE BOARDWALK BETWEEN 24 STREET
THROUGH 29 STREET, AND REPLACE WITH A PAVER
PATHWAY TO MAINTAIN DESIGN CONSISTENCY AND
UNIFORMITY OF THE BEACHWALK SYSTEM.
BACKGROUND
The 2025 Miami Beach Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Commission on
April 13, 2011 and became effective July 1, 2011. Pursuant to the policy adopted by the
City Commission as part of the 2025 Miami Beach Comprehensive Plan, the
Administration has continued to implement the beachwalk and baywalk projects in order
to further the City's vision of a continuous on-grade recreational path running north/south
along the coast linking the City's South, Middle, and North Beach Neighborhoods.
Currently, the beachwalk pathways are constructed from either concrete pavers or
concrete sidewalk. Attachment A provides photographs of the existing beachwalks in
North Beach and South Beach.
The vision that is being currently implemented was also documented in the City's
Atlantic Greenway Network (AGN) Master Plan adopted by City Commission on October
17, 2007. Therefore, it has been the City's policy that, as oceanfront properties
redevelop, the Planning Department negotiates with private property owners during the
development approval process to remove the elevated structure where one exists and to
construct an on-grade beachwalk that can safely accommodate bicyclists and
pedestrians.
The City's Beachfront Management Plan with the State of Florida also lists the
development of the AGN as a management activity that enhances the natural resource
value and/or public recreation value for which the lands were acquired. The Beachfront
Management Plan states that the AGN serves to help conserve the dune ecosystem and
to provide significant economic and social benefit by creating a continuous coastal
network for alternative transportation and community enhancement.
Commission Memorandum
Boardwalk/Beachwalk Uniformity
May 21, 2014 Page 2 of 4
The City has already made a substantial investment in the development of the AGN.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funds are available for alternative
transportation facilities that improve mobility. These funds are contingent upon the
establishment of an alternative transportation corridor that is accessible by non-
motorized vehicles (bikes, skate boards, roller blades, etc) as well as pedestrians. To
date, the City has obtained more than $6,000,000 in funding from FDOT to design and
construct the coastal portion of the AGN.
On May 20, 2013, a special City Commission meeting convened to discuss the
boardwalk. The Commission directed Administration to take down the block behind The
Perry / One Hotel from 23 Street to 24 Street and keep the boardwalk from 24 Street to
29 Street. Miami Beach Drive promenade runs just east of Collins and west of the
boardwalk between 24 Street and 29 Street, which allows for a smooth transition of
bicyclists to the promenade while still retaining a segment of boardwalk.
Boardwalk History
The wooden boardwalk was built in the mid-1980's and extended from the south end of
Collins Park at 21 Street to the north end of Indian Beach Park at 47 Street. The
Planning Department, as part of the development review process, has accepted
voluntary proffers from a number of upland properties that are adjacent to the boardwalk
to assist in the development of segments of a public beachwalk. The W-Hotel, Perry /
One Hotel, The Edition, and Eden Roc Hotel have already converted the beachwalk to
boardwalk or are currently in the process of this conversion. The Fontainebleau, Ocean
Grand Hotel, Versailles Project, and Saxony Project have all committed or are in
negotiations with the City to construct or fund the construction of a beachwalk for the
public benefit. Attachment B provides a breakdown of the segments remaining of the
existing boardwalk and the segments that have already been converted from boardwalk
to beachwalk.
The existing boardwalk is not part of the AGN because its current width does not allow
for safe bicycle and pedestrian shared use. However, the beachwalk is an on-grade,
ADA accessible pathway that supports bicycle use and other recreational and non-
motorized transportation activities that are in line with the goals of the AGN. Attachment
C provides a map of the coastal pathway system and the construction material used for
each segment.
ANALYSIS
Past & Current Projects
In 2009, during the development of the W-Hotel, the boardwalk fronting this property was
removed and replaced with pavers from 21 Street to 23 Street. The developer designed,
constructed, and partially funded 885 feet of beachwalk east of the W-Hotel and Collins
Park from 22 Street to 23 Street. The total project cost was $1,107,225. The developer's
construction cost was $582,225 plus another$275,000 in Right-of-Way fees that the City
applied to the project. The City contributed the remaining $250,000 toward the project.
In October 2012, the City began the removal of the existing elevated boardwalk and its
replacement with approximately 950 feet of an on-grade paver pathway from the south
property line of the Eden Roc Hotel (approximately 45 Street) to the north terminus of
the wooden boardwalk at approximately 47 Street. Eden Roc funded the permitting and
design of the beachwalk. The total construction cost for this project was $1,063,550,
which was funded through $704,000 from a Florida Department of Transportation grant
and $359,550 from the City.
Commission Memorandum
Boardwalk/Beachwalk Uniformity
May 21, 2014 Page 3 of 4
On May 20, 2013, a special City Commission Meeting was held to discuss the
boardwalk. The Mayor and Commission approved taking down the boardwalk behind
the Perry / One Hotel from 23 Street to 24 Street and keeping the boardwalk from 24
Street to 29 Street. In February 2014, the Perry / One Hotel closed the boardwalk to
construct a new beachwalk that is anticipated to be complete and open to the public by
Fall 2014.
On June 6, 2013, the City entered into a Settlement Agreement with the Seville
Acquisition, LLC. Pursuant to the Agreement, the City was required to issue the Seville /
Edition a permit authorizing the demolition of the existing boardwalk and the construction
of the new paved beachwalk. At the March 5, 2014 Commission Meeting, the City
Commission approved a motion to move the project forward with the elevated design
and concrete pavers.
Other Considerations
Individuals often loiter beneath the elevated boardwalk. Homeless encampments can
often go undetected for long periods of time. This, coupled with the large number of
feral cats living under the boardwalk, can lead to unsanitary conditions that cause a
public health concern.
Permitting Requirements
All construction that occurs east of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL)
requires a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The
CCCL Permitting Program goal is to protect the coastal system from improperly sited
and designed structures which can destabilize or destroy the beach and dune system.
These standards may be more stringent than those already applied in the rest of the
coastal building zone because of the greater forces expected to occur in the seaward
zone of the beach during a storm event.
During the CCCL permit application process, FDEP reviews a project's construction
plans to determine if the proposed design is a major or minor structure. No major
structures can be constructed east of the Erosion Control Line (ECL). In addition, during
the permitting process FDEP will request that the footprint of any structure (beachwalk or
boardwalk) be within a given set back from the ECL. Until plans are presented to FDEP,
they will not make a formal determination if a structure is considered major or minor. The
City has not presented FDEP with a plan to permit any new boardwalk structures, thus at
this time we do not have precedent on if a new or larger boardwalk structure could be
permitted.
Potential Options
On February 6, 2012, Commission directed Administration that future segments of the
beachwalk should be designed to include ocean vistas. Staff identified four potential
alternatives for the boardwalk:
1. Continue to maintain existing boardwalk.
2. Widen existing boardwalk.
3. Remove boardwalk and raise the grade before constructing a beachwalk.
4. Remove boardwalk and replace with on-grade beachwalk.
Commission Memorandum
Boardwalk/Beachwalk Uniformity
May 21, 2014 Page 4 of 4
Alternative 1 - maintain the existing boardwalk and replace structure as it reaches the
end of its lifespan. The existing raised boardwalk has gradually declined throughout the
years making it more costly for the City to maintain. In the last three years, the City has
spent over $377,345 to repair and maintain the boardwalk in working condition. The
boardwalk pavilions located at selected entrances require additional maintenance of the
roof and bench structures. If the boardwalk is destroyed by storm surge or its structural
integrity becomes compromised, the City will need to apply for a CCCL permit to build a
new structure, which FDEP will evaluate permit feasibility at that time.
Alternative 2 - widen the existing boardwalk. The boardwalk is currently 12 feet wide
and does not safely permit joint use by pedestrians and alternative transportation
options. The Federal Highway Administration recommends that the width of a shared
path measure at least 15 feet to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists safely. The
City may be able to extend the footprint landward of the existing boardwalk structure.
The entire boardwalk system currently ranges from 0 to 15 feet east of the ECL. Thus,
the City may need to obtain easements from the adjacent properties in the areas were
the ECL is the western edge of the existing footprint. FDEP would need to review this
concept to provide feedback if widening of the existing boardwalk would be considered
major or minor structure.
Alternative 3 - remove the boardwalk and replace with an elevated paver pathway to
allow for greater ocean views. This alternative would require additional fill and,
depending on the elevations of the adjacent dune and upland property, may require the
construction of retention walls to ensure the structural integrity of the raised pathway.
The FDEP has permitted an elevated pathway design for the Seville/Edition Beachwalk.
The additional scope required under this alternative would result in a cost increase for
design, permitting and construction.
Alternative 4 - continue with the current policy of removing the boardwalk, except 24
Street through 29 Street, as sections become funded and replace with an on-grade
concrete paver beachwalk. Based on previous consultations with FDEP, the agency
prefers the low profile, frangible pavers to the wooden boardwalk structure because the
P avers are anticipated to cause less impact to upland property during a storm surge
event.
At their April 9, 2014 meeting, the Land Use and Development Committee discussed
these alternatives and recommended removing the boardwalk and replacing with an on-
grade paver pathway to maintain the design consistency and uniformity of the beachwalk
system.
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends: 1) accepting the recommendation of the Land Use and
Development Committee via separate motion; and 2) adopting the resolution to remove
the boardwalk with the exception of 24 Street through 29 Street and replace it with a
paver pathway to maintain the design consistency and uniformity of the beachwalk
system.
Attachments: A: Existing Beachwalk Photographs
B: Boardwalk Segments Map
C: Coastal Pathway Segments Map
JJ/MF/TRM/ETC/ESW
Attachment—A
Existing Beachwalks
tW
w .
,x
North Beach Recreational Corridor at 64 Street
Walkway Material: Concrete
ww,
North Beach Recreational Corridor
Walkway Material: Concrete
A,
rte.
Beachwalk at 22 Street
Walkway Material: Concrete Pavers
d
f�
v -
G i
Beachwalk at Lincoln Road
Walkway Material: Concrete Pavers
Attachment— B
City of Miami Beach: Boardwalk Segments
47TH ST N
z W E
N'.67 S Description:EDEN ROC BEACHWALK
T Status: Funded by Private,Completed S
Distance: 0.25 miles(1320 feet)
i
45TH ST
Description:FONTAINEBLEAU BEACHWALK
Status: To Be Funded by Fontainebleau,
Not Built
Distance: 0.20 miles(1060 feet)
TH i
3 44TH ST
.3RD Si
Description:BOARDWALK
42N S Status: Unfunded
+ST T Distance: 0.44 miles(2320 feet)
N'.OTH T
W 407H
1'
TH S7
Description:OCEAN GRAND HOTEL
BEACHWALK
T"S' Status: Funded by Private,Not Built
Distance: 0.05 miles(260 feet)
3rT ST
37TH ST
T
3 T 36TH ST
Description:VERSAILLES/SAXONY BEACHWALK
Status: Funded by Private,Not Built
Distance: 0.20 miles(1060 feet)
3 r
�N
ST
S Description:BOARDWALK 32ND ST
Status: Unfunded
Distance: 0.10 miles(520 feet)
0
30TH ST
arMS
r
r
e
r
29TH ST
Description:SEVILLE BEACHWALK
r Status: Funded by Private,In Construction
Distance: 0.07 miles(370 feet)
"r
Description:BOARDWALK
Status: Unfunded
Distance: 0.35 miles(1860 feet)
24TH ST
Description:PERRY BEACHWALK
Status: Funded by Private,In Construction
Distance: 0.12 miles(630 feet)
�3R
23RD ST
z?ND
Description:W HOTEL BEACHWALK
Status: Funded by Private,Completed Legend
Distance: 0.12 miles(630 feet)
z,,r
Water
21ST ST
Streets
Beach
18TH T
Attachment C
City of Miami Beach: Atlantic Greenway NetworK
87TH ST
N Legend
WE Description:NORTH SHORE OPEN Beachfront Parcels
r SPACE PARK PROMENADE
Status:Completed Water
S Materials:Concrete
Streets
Parks
Beach
Parcels
Description:NORTH BEACH
RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR
Status:Completed
Materials:Concrete
64TH ST
i
y»
.r
Description:MIDDLE BEACH
RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR
Stahl:Planned for early 2015
Materials:Pavers
s.. Description:EDEN ROC BEACHWALK
Status:Completed
Materials:Pavers
47TH ST
` 45TH ST
i
1
y1
3 /
j Description.BOARDWALK
11 Status:Completed
Materials.Wood
1
Description:SEVILLE BEACHWALK
Status:In Construction
Mat 'all:Pavers
en
30TH ST
29TH ST
• Description:BOARDWALK
i� Status:Completed
Materials:Woad
24TH ST
23RD ST
Description:PERRY BEACHWALK
Status:In Constriction
Materials.Pavers
Description:BEACHWALK I
Status,Completed
Materials.Pavers
14TH ST
Description:LUMMUS PARK PROMENADE
Status:Completed
Materials:Concrete
f >r;
Description.BEACHWALK 11,PHASE II
Status.Planned for early 2015
Materials:Pavers
5TH ST
3RD ST
Description:BEACHWALK II,PHASE I
Status:In Construction
Materials:Pavers
S POINTE DR .I is
Description:CONTINUUM BEACHWALK
' Status:Completed
` Materials:Pavers
Date:3/4/2014