LTC 132-2024 Ocean Drive Association Letter to Commission - Promenade CafesMIAM I BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
LTC# 132-2024
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
Rafael A. Paz, City Attorney
Joseph M. Centorino, Insp e ctor Gene9\
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk /:cJ
April 9, 2024
Ocean Drive Association Letter to Commission - Promenade Cafes
On behalf of the Ocean Drive Association Board of Directors, attached please find a Letter to
Commission (L TC) regarding Promenade Cafes.
F:\CLER\$ALL\L TC FROM ASSOCIATIONS\OCEAN DRIVE 04092024.docx
April 5, 2023 Via Email
Honorable Rickelle Williams
Interim City Manager
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Subject: Promenade Cafes
Dear Madame Manager:
We are writing to respectfully request your consideration regarding the extension of cafes into the west
parking lane area of the Pedestrian Promenade (the "PP") of Ocean Drive.
We understand that the permanent status of the PP is under active discussion with representatives of
Miami-Dade County. At present, we are operating pursuant to the terms of a "Block Party Permit" issued
by the County. It is our understanding that the permit provides for such an on-street activation and that
the current permit has several months yet to run.
It is our belief that the activation of the PP is long overdue. The street sits strangely vacant without the
type of programming that would enhance the experience for both residents and visitors. We are all
celebrating the successful efforts of the city's elected and appointed leadership to manage Spring Break
effectively. While that work will continue, it is now time to embark on additional positive steps to elevate
our Ocean Drive. We firmly believe that by embracing initiatives like this, we can bring Ocean Drive to its
fullest potential.
We would welcome the opportunity to immediately meet with the appropriate members of your team
to determine how best to bring this idea to life. We think it has the potential to contribute positively to
the community's view about the Ocean Drive's potential.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Ceci Velasco
Executive Director
For the Board of Directors
CC: Mayor Steven Meiner
Commissioner Tanya Bhatt
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Commissioner Joe Magazine
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Commissioner David Suarez
Eric Carpenter, Deputy City Manager
Mark Taxis, Assistant City Manager
Joe Gomez, Director Public Works
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Chairman
Jonathan Plutzik
The Betsy
Vice Chairman
Jamil Dib
V&E Restaurants
Secretary
Tom Glassie
Avalon Hotel
Treasurer
Alfie Feola
Altanini Realty
Steven Boucher
Boucher Brothers
Management, Inc.
Rory Greenberg
The Collins
Mark Muhlrad
Starlite Hotel
Salem Munayyer
Nakash Holdings
Scott Srebnick
Goldman Properties
Janet Suarez
YUCA Hospitality
Orlando Valdes
Cavalier & Henrosa
Hotels
Ceci Velasco
Executive Director