LTC 143-2017 Flamingo South Beach Center Tower-Neighborhood ImpactsMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 143-2017
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Membersofthe Cit Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: March 15, 2017
SUBJECT: FLAMINGO SOUTH BEACH CENTER TOWER—NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS
This Letter to Commission (LTC) serves as a status report of initiatives the
Administration is pursuing to address confirmed reports by WAvNA (West
Avenue Neighborhood Association) of pedestrian and vehicular safety issues and
related nuisances at the intersection of 15th Street and Bay Road, and its
immediate vicinity. These safety issues include obstruction of traffic lanes,
driveways. crosswalks, and diminished parking availability on the west side of
Bay Road due to scooters and motorcycles belonging to residents of the
"Flamingo" South Beach Center Tower, located at 1504 Bay Road.
The Administration has held numerous meetings with representatives of AIMCO,
the Flamingo property manager. AIMCO has been cordial and committed verbally
to addressing these issues and has allowed food delivery vehicles on property.
However, the lion share of the safety concerns mentioned are related to
passenger loading/unloading activities by TNEs (Transportation Network Entities)
such as Uber/Lyft, private vehicles and taxicabs. AIMCO prohibits passenger
loading/unloading on property requiring 1,000+ Flamingo residents to use the
limited 15th Street intersection to conduct a variety of loading/unloading activities
including passengers, luggage, packages, and groceries, all by TNEs, private
vehicles and taxi service. Of utmost concern is the blocking of crosswalks and
traffic lanes, which force other drivers to pass stopped vehicles by driving on
opposite direction traffic lanes.
AIMCO recently communicated it is contemplating the allowance of TNE's on
property during limited hours. While this is a step in the right direction and an
indication of cooperation, much more is needed to address safety and traffic issues at
15th Street and Bay Road. It is reasonable to expect the Flamingo to conduct all pick-up
and drop-off activity within their property.
Bay Road is a local road with two-way traffic and limited curbside parking which
supports the parking needs of residents participating in Residential Parking
Permit (RPP) Zone 12/Upper West Avenue. A survey of scooters and motorcycle
license plates parking in front of the Flamingo identified 54% of registered
owners reside at the Flamingo. Despite this property having substantial parking
availability, residents opt for on -street parking to avoid Flamingo parking fees.
Upon further review, the following excerpt was retrieved online depicting monthly
parking rates at the Flamingo. Note that not included is the monthly rate of
$35.00 for scooter parking.
Flamingo South Beach Center Tower/Neighborhood Impacts
Letter to Commission
March 15, 2017
Page 2
Parking & Storage Info
Parking or 1st
Storage Type
Underground
Garage
2nd 3rd 4th Comments
One space can be rented per resident. Additional
$160.50 - parking is available for scooters and
motorcycles. Monthly rent includes 7% tax.
VIP spaces are assigned, covered garage
Reserved Space $250 - spaces conveniently located near the entrance to
building. Monthly rent includes 7% tax.
Valet parking is available per hour. 0-1 hour: $3,
1-5 hours: $6, 5-8 hours: $8, 8+ hours: $18.
Registered guests with a resort pass may
Other $80.25 purchase a 7 -day parking pass. Price includes
7% Tax.
Storage Room $200 15x15 storage rooms are available.
Valet $3 $3 $3 $3
Clearly, parking rates at the Flamingo are directly impacting parking availability on the
west side of Bay Road between 14t Street and 16th Street, where parking is currently
unregulated.
The Police and Parking Departments have expended substantial resources in the
enforcement of traffic and parking regulations at this intersection; however, these
enforcement levels are not sustainable. Two such initiatives include daily parking
enforcement patrols from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. except for Fridays and Saturdays,
when coverage is extended until midnight and Police patrols to issue more costly moving
violations.
The following is a multi -pronged approach to address the aforementioned safety
concerns and may be deployed contingent upon the Flamingo permitting on property
passenger loading:
• Expansion of RPP/Zone 12 to the west side of Bay Road between le and 16th
Street (excluding Flamingo residents) and requiring the registration of all
scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds in RPP/Zone 12, in order to discern
Flamingo violators versus bona fide residential permit holders.
• Deployment and enforcement of Passenger Loading Zone (PLZ) regulations
and enforcement. More specifically, signs shall be posted indicating the
prohibition of passenger loading, except at dedicated spaces.. Violations of
this regulation may include a notice of violation issued to the property
owner, in this case the Flamingo, for allowing passenger loading where
prohibited.
• Installation of traffic delineators as a physical obstruction to prevent passenger
loading in prohibited parking areas.
• Installation of delineators at crosswalks to create awareness and improve safety.
• Communications to the taxicab industry and TNEs, including Uber/Lyft regarding
enhanced enforcement efforts and zero tolerance policy of traffic and parking
regulations.
• Include in the upcoming construction project for Bay Road enhanced crosswalks
to improve safety.
Flamingo South Beach Center Tower/Neighborhood Impacts
Letter to Commission
March 15, 2017
Page 3
The Administration will continue enforcement action and will monitor the progress of the
City initiatives identified above. We will also continue to work with Flamingo
management seeking for them to change current practices and implement operational
changes to handle the burdens they are currently placing on the West Avenue
neighborhood.
c: Kathie Brooks, Assistant City Manager
Mark Taxis, Assistant City Manager
Susanne Torriente, Assistant City Manager
Marcia Monserrat, Chief of Staff/Office of the City Manager
Daniel Oates, Chief of Police
David De La Espriella, Captain/Police
Hernan Cardeno, Director of Code Enforcement
Jose Gonzalez, Transportation Director
Josiel Ferrer, Transportation Manager
Saul Frances, Parking Director
Monica Beltran, Assistant Parking Director
JLM/KGB/SF