94-21324 ResoRESOLUTION NO. 94~21324
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING RECOMMENDATIONS ON
ISSUES CONCERNING THE PROPOSED MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY/
MIAMI BEACH SEGMENT OF THE EAST-WEST TRANSIT CORRIDOR FOR
PRESENTATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AS THE OFFICIAL CITY POSITION.
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has requested that
Miami Beach officially express its position regarding the MacArthur Causeway/Miami
Beach segment of the proposed East-West Transit Corridor project; and
WHEREAS, the official Miami Beach participation will allow FDOT to include the
MacArthur Causeway/Miami Beach line in the preliminary plans for the East-West Transit
Corridor, which will be submitted for Federal funding consideration at the upcoming
funding cycle; and
WHEREAS, on September 9, 1994, certain consensus recommendations were
formulated jointly by the City of Miami Beach Transportation and Parking Committee, the
Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Parking Committee, the East-West
Corridor Citizens Advisory Committee, as well as other community leaders; and
WHEREAS, at the September 12, 1994 City Commission Workshop on
Transportation, this unified community position was reviewed by City representatives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,
That the following statements on issues concerning the MacArthur Causeway/
Miami Beach segment of the East-West Transit Corridor project be accepted and adopted
as the official position of the City of Miami Beach, Florida:
Section 1. CONNECTION OF CORRIDOR
The Miami Beach line is presently viewed by the consultants and FDOT staffs as a
separate line of the East-West Transit Corridor that would interconnect with the
main line (Airport-Seaport) at the Freedom Tower area (5th Street and Biscayne
Boulevard in Downtown Miami). The following issues were explored but it was felt
that more information was needed:
(a)
The opportunity to connect directly to the main East-West line in order for
the Miami Beach line to access the Airport, Downtown Miami, and the
Seaport without the necessity of a transfer. However, as current market
studies are insufficient to demonstrate demand, prioritization of one access
over the other is yet to be determined by the City Commission.
(b) Easy connections with the Downtown People Mover as well as Metrorail
should be provided,
(c)
To facilitate the connection with Metrorail, a continuation of the Miami
Beach line beyond Freedom Tower via Biscayne Boulevard and Flagler Street
to Government Center should be explored.
Section 2. TECHNOLOGY
(a)
The MacArthur Causeway/Miami Beach system should feature the newest
available technology. The search for new technology should be a continued
and purposeful effort.
(b) Vehicles that could run both on the higher and lower speed lines should be
explored.
(c) The vehicles should be aesthetically sensitive and pleasing, user friendly and
Iow impact.
Section 3. CONNECTION TO THE BEACH
(a)
The MacArthur Causeway should be the selected route. The crossing should
be made on the south side of the Causeway on Iow level pilings, no higher
than the existing Jersey barrier.
(b)
The MacArthur Causeway median approach is not selected because it would
eliminate the present landscaping, narrow both the travel lanes and
shoulders, and conflict with left turn movements to the islands.
(c) No stops should be provided along the Miami Beach portion of the
Causeway.
Section 4. THE BEACH CIRCULATION SYSTEM
The following issues were explored but it was felt that more information is needed
in order to make specific decisions:
(a) A two-way, bi-directional loop running on 1st Street, Washington Avenue,
17th Street and Alton Road.
(b) Loading platforms designed in a sensitive manner which fits with the Art
Deco character of Miami Beach.
(c)
The preservation of on-street parking/loading zones on the loop route,
wherever feasible. Where not feasible, the project should provide for the
construction of replacement, off-street parking structures.
(d) The provision of park-and-ride facility(ies) to serve commuter needs.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Section 5.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The development of a strong mitigation program to deal with impacts to the
business community during construction is felt to be imperative.
FDOT should support a Miami Beach application to the Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) for the development of an interim busway system that
would run special buses in a dedicated right of way, on this loop and into
downtown Miami, to test the loop's ridership potential.
Preparation of an economic impact analysis to determine the transportation
system's feasibility should be initiated.
Continued community involvement throughout the planning and development
processes is requested
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED INCLUDE
Longer hours of operation, possibly through 5:00 a.m., should be considered
to reduce traffic congestion in the Historic Art Deco District due to night life
activities.
Intensive policing of the system is a major contributor to riders' safety and
the cost should be factored in economic feasibility analysis.
Marketing of the Miami Beach system should be done with the South Beach
Transportation Management Association (SoBe TMA).
The Beach circulation system should be conceived in the context of a
comprehensive transportation and parking plan (to be developed by the City)
which takes into account new development patterns, roadway
improvements, and circulation/parking demands.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 22nd
ATTEST:
alj
day of
September , 1994.
I-ORM APPROVED
LEGAL DEPT.
,':T
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DR.I. VE MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA 33139
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM NO.
Mayor Seymour Gelber and DATE: September 22, 1994
Members of the City Commission
Roger M. Cad~~
City Manager
A RESOLUTION-OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING RECOMMENDATIONS
ON KEY ISSUES CONCERNING THE PROPOSED MACARTHUR
CAUSEWAY/MIAMI BEACH SEGMENT OF THE EAST-WEST TRANSIT
CORRIDOR FOR PRESENTATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AS THE OFFICIAL CITY POSITION.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that Miami Beach preserve its option of being
included as an integral part of the proposed East-West Transit Corridor by adopting
the attached Resolution which will convey to the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) the official City position. The recommendations contained
herein were formulated jointly by the City of Miami Beach Transportation and
Parking Committee, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Transportation and
Parking Committee, the East-West Corridor Citizens Advisory Committee, as well
as other community leaders. The recommendations were also the subject of a
recent City Commission Workshop on Transportation.
FDOT has held twenty (20) official meetings in Miami Beach regarding our segment
of the proposed East-West Corridor. Based on the input to date, the Administration
developed a summary of key issues and recommendations concerning the
MacArthur Causeway/Miami Beach segment. On Friday, September 9, 1994, the
Administration convened a meeting of the three citizen committees involved with
the East-West Transit Corridor project, as well as other community leaders who
jc~intly discussed these issues of importance to our City, reached a consensus, and
formulated a unified community position for presentation to the City Commission.
Attached is the meeting roster. On Monday, September 12, 1994 the City
Commission reviewed the community position and made the recommendations
contained in the attached Resolution. In attendance were Vice Mayor Liebman
and Commissioners Gottlieb, Pearlson, and Shapiro.
AGENDAITEM
DATE
Overall, there was a consensus at both meetings that Miami Beach needs to be a
part of th~ East-West Transit Corridor but that there is not yet sufficient
information available to make some specific, detailed decisions regarding the
Beach circulation system. Therefore, the recommendations the City Commission
is being asked to make are designed to give the City maximum flexibility to
consider the details, as new technology becomes available and the community
further understands the issues.
As fully stated in the Resolution, key issues were explored and consensus
recommendations were formulated regarding the following broad categories:
1. Connection of Corridor (Miami Roach line/Airport-Seaport line);
2. Technology;
3. Connection to Miami Beach via MacArthur Causeway; and
4. Miami Beach Circulation System.
The present issue for Miami Beach is not whether light rail (or other technology)
will work, but how it can fit into the fabric of the community. However, the rail
option should be preserved for now in order for Miami Beach to be included in the
Corridor's preliminary plan and funding application. If included, our goal over the
next years should be to decide whether light rail transit (or other state-of-the-art
transit technology) is compatible with the scale and character of our City.
Light rail systems, once known as trolleys, ran in virtually every city in the United
States, including Miami Beach until the 1930's. They were successful systems
then, and the revival of light rail has been successful now in virtually every city
where it has recently been incorporated.
Approval of the Resolution by the City Commission would allow FDOT and its
consultants to include the MacArthur Causeway/Miami Beach line in the preliminary
plans for the East-West Transit Corridor, which will be submitted for funding
consideration by the Federal government at the upcoming funding cycle. It is
important to note that, even if funding is approved, Miami Beach will still retain the
right to withdraw from the project altogether.
RMC/aj
MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE
~ C~ClCE ~IN L MIFIM/8~:P~H. FLC~II~133119
(~OS) 672-L)014 ~ (~05) 672-4319
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Mayor and City Commissioners
Betty Gu~err,,ez, Chairmen of re Board
September 9, 1994
EAST-WEST CORRIDOR
As the City is currently grappling with transportation issues, MDPL would lille to go on record in strong supl:~xt of
the East-West Corridor.
The following resolution outlines our desires and concerns, including the need for a Comprehensive City-Wide
Transportation Pbn.
CC:
Roger Cadton, City Manager
Ham/Mavrogcnes, Assistant City Manager
Amelia Johnson, Transportation Coordinator
AGENDA
ITEH~.
DATE
MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE
POST c~qCE ~IN L ~ 8EP~O'I. FLC~IDfl $3119
(305) 672-2014 FRX (305) 672-4319
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
September 9, 1994
T~e Miami Design Presen,'ation League supports the development oF the Fast-West Corridor public transport project
linking the Miami Beach Architectural Historic Dislrict with Downtown Miami, existing rail lines, the Airport, Seaport
and West Dada.
Because attractive, dependable public ~'ansport is essential in the continuing effort to improve the quality of Fife in
the Historic Art Deco District and because South Miami Beach was originally developed at a time when streetcars
were a primary mode of transportation, MDPL believes that the East-West Corridor must have a high priority.
While the need for such transit improvements are largely due to the success and popularity of the Historic Art Deco
District, MDPL believes that such improvements must nOl compromise the integrity Of the Historic District.
MDPL believes that critical to the acceptance and success of the Miami Beach portion cd: the Fast-West Corridor
are:
The tailoring of the system to the needs of Miami Beach residents first, Dada County residents second, and
tourists third.
A community-based construction mitigation program for all areas that may be affected, particularly the
Washington Avenue Business District. -'
Not more than one change of mode between Miami Beach and the Airport, Seaport, Metromover and
existing Metrorail.
The use '~f an aesthetically appropriate, unobtrusive system and the Flexibility oF the system to allow the use
of historic Miami Beach s~eetcar replicas.
The development of a comprehensive Transportation an-d Parking' Plan linking public transit to parking facilities
at the periphery of the Historic DistricL Such a plan must include an effective signage and roadway
improvement program directing automobile tra~c into such parking facilities before reaching the Historic
District.
A system that retains on-street parallel parking and loading zones on affected streets, particularly Washington
Avenue.
A City of Miami Beach-driven effort to extend the system to other areas, including the Alton Road/West
Avenue Corridor, 41st Street, Mid Beach Hotels, and the North Beach/71st Street area.
8. A continuing public involvement pr~ram.
CO#NECTIN PEOPLE
Robert V. Robe~'tson
Nick Seriannl
Ed Colby
5775 Blue Lagoon Drive
IEASTWEST CORRIDOR STUDY-MIAMIBEACHMEETINGS
Aug 18
Aug 3
Aug 2
Jul 28
Jul 25
Jul 7
May 16
Apr 18
Apr 11
Mar 31
Mar 25
Mar 17
Mar 10
Mar 3
Feb 17
Feb 10
Jan 25
Jan 25
Jan 18
Jan 11, 1994
Dec 7, 1993
Nov 17
Oct 26
Joint Meeting So Pointe Advisory Committee &
So Pointe Citizens' Coalition
Public Meeting (advertised)
SoBe TMA briefing
Presentation before Miami Beach City
Commission
Citizens Advisory Board - Miami Beach
Segment
City Manager's executive staff
Citizens Advisory Board - Miami Beach
Segment
City of Miami Beach & MBCC Joint Committee
on Transportation
North Beach Development Corp briefing
City of Miami Beach & MBCC Joint Committee
on Transportation
Meeting w/Roger Carlton
South Pointe Advisory Board to Miami Beach
Redevelopment Agency
City of Miami Beach & MBCC Joint Committee
on Transportation
2Consensus Building Workshop (advertised)
2Community Briefings (advertised, redundant
sessions) 8 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m.
City of Miami Beach & MBCC Joint Committee
on Transportation
Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee
Historic Collins Avenue Association
City of Miami Beach & MBCC Joint Committee
on Transportation
MBCC Board of Governors and MBCC
Transportation Committee
Community (Scoping) meeting (advertised)
Presentation before Miami Beach City
Commission
Initial E-W team meeting with City Manager
Roger Carlton
] Myriad of telephone conversations, one-on-one meetings and regular meetings
of Chamber and City transportation committees are not listed.
2 Jointly sponsored by: Miami Beach Development Corporation, City of Miami
Beach. City of Miami Beach Parking and Transportation Committee. Miami
Design Preservation League. Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Drive
Association, Lincoln Road Task Force. Historic Collins Avenue Association.
Washington Avenue Association. South Pointe Advisory Board, and SoBe TMA
ew\meeting, lst ~
Suite 390 - Miami. FL. 33126