LTC 195-2010 Beachwalk and Baywalk Projectsm MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 195-2010
LETTER TO COMMIS~tO
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TO: Mayor Matti. Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission '~.`: •°~
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FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager <~~~
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DATE: July 7,2010 '' ~'
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SUBJECT: Beachwalk and Baywalk Projects "~'
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to .provide you with the status of the Beachwalk and
Baywalk projects throughout the City.
BACKGROUND
According to the 2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey, approximately 25% of Miami Beach residents
use buses, walking or cycling as their primary mode of transportation. The beachwalk and'baywalk
projects are designed to support the continued use of these alternative and sustainable modes of
transportation, enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and expand the Atlantic Greenway Network
(AGN.). The AGN Master Plan was adopted by the City Commission on October 17, 2007 and
consists primarily of a network of bicycle facilities linking major bicycle destination points and
residential neighborhoods throughout the City. The Beach Corridors component of the AGN extend
in a general north/south direction, run landward of the coastal dune system and include the
.Beachwalk projects and the promenades at Lummus Park and North Shore Open Space Park. The
Beachwalk projects are the major coastal, north/south component of the AGN and provide a major
transportation corridor for bicyclists that reside in or commute through the area.
The Beachwalk projects provide environmental, economic, social and human health benefits to the
community; while providing residents who utilize alternative transportation. with higher quality
pathways and increased mobility throughout the City. The development of the Beachwalk projects
supports the City's sustainability goals and its growing alternative .transportation system by
facilitating the reduction of traffic congestion, contributing toward enhanced air quality and improving
public access and stewardship of our natural resources, such as the beach and the .Bay. The.
majority ofi the planning, design and construction of the Beachwalk projects has been grant funded,
r including awards from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP), the Transportation
_Community and System Preservation (TCSP) Program,' and Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) Economic Development tnitiative Program.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS
Approximately four (4) miles of the Beachwalk .projects, pedestrian and bicycle corridors, have
already been constructed along the City's seven (7) miles of white sandy beaches, which accounts
_ for nearly 57°/o of the shoreline. These projects include the Beachwalk I Project that vvas completed
in January 2006, the Beachwalk North Extension (W Hotel) that was completed in June 2009, and
the North Beach Recreational Corridor (NBRC) that was completed in July 2009. Table 1 provides a
-brief overview of these existing beachwalk projects that were recently constructed. In addition, the
Lummus Park and North Shore Open Space Park serpentine promenades also form part of the
coastal component of the AGN and provide additional north/south, ADA-accessible pathways
through the City's -two major coastal parks. Table 2 provides a brief overview of the existing
pedestrian walkways.
We are committed to providing excellent public service to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
LTC -Beachwalk and Baywalk Projects
July 7, 2010 _
Page: 2 of 5
. Table 1
Recently Constructed
Beachwalk Projects Status Length (Ft) Cost
(millions) Completion .
Date
Beachwalk I Built 3,921 $3.5 2006.
Beachwalk North Extension (W Hotel) .Built 897 $1.0 2009
North Beach Recreational Corridor (64th-
79th Street) guilt 6,345 $6:2 2009-
Total 11.,163
Table 2
Existing Beachwalk Projects Status Length (Ft)
Lurrimus Park Promenade Built 4,938
North Shore Open Space Park Promenade Built 3,294
Beachwalk Continuum (South Pointe Park
to South Pointe Drive)* guilt 1,529
Total 9;761
*The Continuum-developer constructed apedestrian/bicycle shared-use pathway adjacent to the upland
property through a development agreement.
The boardwalk was completed in the mid-1980's and provides a pedestrian path along the coastline
between 23~d and 47th Streets in Middle Beach. The boardwalk does not currently provide ADA
accessibility at all entry points, nor is the surface of the walkway ADA-compliant. The boardwalk
structure also has a finite lifetime based on the construction materials, and therefore, must be
maintained on a consistent .basis. In addition, bicycles, roller blades, and .skateboards are not
.permitted on the boardwalk.'The approach to incorporating this large stretch of pathway into the
'bicycle pathways of the AGN is to replace the boardwalk with a'beachvvalk, which will be a shared- .
use pathway -that is made of either paver bricks, smooth concrete or similar surface. The
replacement of the wooden boardwalk with a beachwalk project will provide a critical north-south link
for bicyclists and support for increased :use of alternative and sustainable transportation within the
..City.
Table 3 provides a brief overview of the beachwalk and baywalk projects. Immediately following the
table is an in depth summary of each projecfithat provides details on each project's description, ,
funding source, and schedule. In addition, Attachment A is a map which illustrates the respective
location,. length, and status of all the the beachwalks, baywalks, .boardwalk, and other relevant .
,pathways that comprise the coastal component of the AGN.
LTC- Beachwalk and Baywalk Projects
July7, 2010
Page: 3 of 5
Table 3
Cost Anticipated
CurrentAGN Projects .Status Length{Ft)
(millions) Construction.
Date
Beachwalk II (South Pointe Drive to 5 -
` .Design 2,100 $3.9 ~ Fall 2012
Street .....
MBRC I (Eden Roc, 45tH-47tH Street) Design 950 $1.1 " Spring 2011
m m '
MBRC LI (47 -64 Street)
Planning
9,305
$13.2 Construction
'
.Unfunded
MBRC III (23~d-45tH Street) Planning 7,851 $12.1 ~ Construction.-
~
- . Unfunded
6,101
m
Baywalk (from 5 Street to Lincoln Rd) Master (2,900
$8.6 - Construction
~
Planning
Planned and ,
Unfunded
` 3,201 Built
Totaf ~ 26,307
BEACHWALK II (SouthPointe Drive - Stn Street) -
-'The conceptual design for the Beachwalk II project was completed in 2009 and the development of
the engineering drawings is currently underway. The extensive environmental permitting and public
.notice. process with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) takes several
months and it is anticipated that construction will begin by Fa112012.'The duration of construction is
estimated ateighteen (18) months. The project has $1 million in TEP grant funds and is fully funded
through South.. Pointe RDA, Resort Tax and South Pointe Capital, The design of this project has
been. awarded fo Coastal` Systems International Inc. for Architectural and Engineering services..
The :Beachwalk II project will .consist of an on-grade pedestrian pathway covering approximately
2,400 feetof;coastal area betvveen,Lummus Park at 5th Street and the planned.Sunrise Pedestrian.
Connection at South Pointe Drive. The ADA-accessible. pathway will be constructed west of the
dune system and east of upland structures in accordance with FDEP coastal .construction
regulations. A major component of this project, as with all Beachwalk projects, is an extensive dune .
enhancement, which .shall. include the ;removal of invasive plant species; the planting of native
vegetation; and the addition of protective rope and post and sand fencing. Specialized path lighting;
will meet Florida. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWCC) marine turtle protection
requirements, and support public safety.. In addition, the Project will connect South Pointe
neighborhood and.businesses with Lummus Park,. South Pointe Park, and the beach via a pathway
that supports walking, bicycling and other non-motorized modes of transportation.;
MIDDLE BEACH RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR PHASE I (Eden Roc 45tH-47tH Street
The Middle Beach Recreational Corridor (MBRC) Phase I project is being designed, permitted and-
constructed with contributions from the Eden Roc through an agreement with the City, which was
executed in 2007. Under this agreement, the Eden- Roc is to design, permit and construct the
Beachwalk-behind the hotel with contributions in the amount up to $400,000. In addition, $704;000
.has been awarded .to this project in TEP grant funding for the construction component: The design
for this project is at 85%~ completion. The Eden Roc has committed to begin construction in Spring
2011 and it is estimated that construction will last approximately six (6) months.
The MBRC Phase I consists of the construction of an on-grade pedestrian walkway encompassing
an estimated 950 feet of the Middle Beach coastline. The pathway will run from the southern
boundary of the Eden Roc property to the northern boundary of Indian Beach Park (46th Street
parking lot). This portion of the Beachwalk will include the removal of the existing wooden boardwalk
.LTC -Beachwalk and Baywalk' Projects ,
July 7, 2010
Page: 4 of 5 ;
and its replacement with an on-grade pathway that-will be ADA-accessible and suitable for bicycling,
,. , ..
walking, and skating, among other. non-motorized modes. of .transportation. The pathway:will be ~ ,
constructed west of the dune system and east of the oceanfront properties, in compliance with the
FDEP's coastal, construction regulations. The mitigation fo_r this, construction activity will also include . ~ . _ :. -
extensivedune enhancements; including the removal of non-native vegetation and the planting of.
`-.. ~ native dune species, temporary irrigation systems to: establish the plantings,..rope and post . -
- installation, and sand fencing. Path lighting will meet FWCC marine turtle protection .requirements;.
.,
while providing for public safety. -
• ~ MIDDLE BEACH RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR PHASE II (47th- 64th Street) - '
' In February 2010, the MBRC Phase II project.was awarded $570,000 in TEP grant funding for the.
design component. The design component of this projecf will be bid out this year,in accordance with .
the City's procurement process and the federal guidelines mandated for the use of grant funding.'
The construction cost estimate,is $13.2 millioh~and is currently unfunded.
.....
The MBRC Phase 11 consists of the construction of an on-grade pedestrian walkway encompassing - ,. .-
seventeen (17) blocks, .or approximately 9,305 feet. The path will run from approximately 47th Street -
- to Allison Park at 64th Street, or the southern terminus of the existing NBRG Project. The path will- -. , -. .
°~- provide .a critical link in the AGN by connecting existing pathways in North and South Beach. .
together.'The project will comply with FDEP's,coastal construction regulations, which require the
construction of the path west of the dune system and east of the oceanfront properties: In addition;
. " mitigation for this project will include extensive dune restoration including .the removal. of all non-'
native vegetation, the planting of native dune species, the addition of beach compatible fill, and the
` +installation of temporary irrigations systems to establish the plantings. The use of low-level lighting '
. fixtures that. will direct lighf toward the path ,and away from the nesting beach will meet FWCC
requirements for-marine turtle protection.
MIDDLE BEACH RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR PHASE III (23~d-45th Streetl
-~ In -April 2010, the MBRC Phase III project was awarded $533,000 in TCSP grant funding for the
design component. Subsequent to the completion. of grant agreement documents, the design .. -
.component of this project will. be bid out this year in accordance with the City's procurement process .
. and the federal guidelines mandated for the use of grant funding. The construction cost estimate is ~ .
approximately:$12:1 million and is currently. unfunded:
The MBRG Phase. Ilf consists of the demolition. of the existing wooden .boardwalk and its
replacement with approximately 7;851 linear feet of on-grade pedestrian walkway. The. project site
encompasses approximately-twenty-two.(22) blocks of coastline.in the Middle Beach area. The
project will provide a connection between the Beachwalk North .Extension at 23~a Street and the
southern boundary of the Eden Roc property. This project will also provide a major link for the
coastal component of the_AGN and support bicycle usage. The path will be constructed along the '
.west side of the, coastal dunes behind oceanfront properties. in accordance with FDEP.permitting .
" , ' and coastal .construction regulations. The project. will also enhance the adjacent dune system.
through the ..removal of exotic vegetation, the planting of native species, the addition ~of beach-
compatible, dune fill and the installation of temporary irrigation systems required for. vegetation
- establishment. Specialized path lighting will meet FWCC requirements for marine-turtle protection -
and supportpublic safety:
BAYWALK MASTER'PLAN (5th Street to Lincoln Road) ~ .
The Baywalk Master Plan (Baywalk) project has $320,000 of Convention Development Tax funding
. • ~ and $50,000 of ResortTax Funding. Construction of the Baywalk project is estimated at $8.6 million. `
LTC -.Beachwalk and Baywalk Projects
July 7, 2010
Page: 5 of 5
. The Baywalkwill provide a contiguous pedestrian: walkwaythat will run adjacent to Biscayne Bay;
` west of upland properties; between=the recently renovated Lincoln Road Streetend and. Fifth Street:. ~ ._
:Several upland portions of. he.Baywalk (approximately 3,200 linear feet) between 5th Street and ~ . • -
-- Lincoln Road have also,beeri constructed through development agreements .between the G•ity and ~.
' ~ upland owners. However due to physicalsite limitations certain sections of the Baywalk will require::: ~,
' `` = over-water walkway design solutions irr order.to achieve" pathway continuity. A feasibility: study for- .;.: ~:. .
the Baywalk Master Plan'.was completed in 2009, which identified several legal .and regulatory ,~.
• challenges to the completion of the over-water components of the project..Extensive community
outreach, legal consultation and negotiations with FDEP and other regulatory agencies will , be
required to~further develop the Baywalk. Further. research into the legal and regulatory aspects of -
thisproject is currently being .pursued.
..
,, Other segments"of the Baywalk that run from the MiamrBeacl Marina to the Gutwalk alorig South. • ~ - "
' Pointe .Park have~.already' been eornpleted through;. other capital projects :and development
agreements and represent 5;664 lihear feet of existing baywalk. ..
SUMMARY :. ~ ~ .
The Total amount of funding necessary to complete the design and construction of the MBRC Phase
II and MBRC ;Phase, Ilf~ projects is approximately. $25.3..million. Subsequent to successful '~
negotiations with relevant regulatory agencies and permst applications, an additional $8:6 million will
be required for The completion of the Baywalk Master ~°'lan. Thus,, a total of approximately $33.9
million will be required to complete the currently proposed capital projects for the coastal segments
of the AGN.
JMG FHB FV/LEB
Attachment A-Atlantic Greenway Network: Coastal Pathways
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Attachment A
Atlantic Greenway Network: Coastal Pathways
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Legend
Coastal Pathway Type
= Baywaik
~-~ Beachwalk
Boardwalk
--- Promenade
Status
Built
Design
I .: Planned
Parks
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~ Description: NORTH SHORE OPEN SPACE PROMENADE
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}" \ ~~ Desrnption: NORTH BEACH RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR
Location: From 64th ST To 79th ST
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~ DescnpQOr~ MIDDLE BEACH RECREATIONAL CQRRIDOR PHASE II
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.\, A~, .. ~ ~~ . ~ ,~ ( 1 u` ~ 'y~ Status: PWnned
Distance: 9.218 Feet
"' }~ ~`' Description: MIDDLE BEACH RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR PHASE I
fib" .,} (EDEN ROC)
+ Location: From 46th ST To 47th ST
., ,•• f Status: Design
",'t ,. Disfarrce: 950 Fact
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\ \ \ - , .,: . _` - t „, Descripfiom WOODEN BOARDWALK I Description: MIDDLE BEACH RECREATIONAL.`
~ ~ ~ I v. A! ~ ~ ~ Location: From 23M ST To 46tlt ST CORRIDOR PHASE Ill s
f ~~ t \ a location: From 23rd ST To 461h ST „
\ \ SIaWS: Built
! + A + _ f ! ~ Distance: 6,514 Feet Status: Pknnetl ~
' \ v } t ( \ ' ^~„^ bistanoe: 8,574 Feet
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', f Description: BEACHWALK NORTH EXTENSION ~~
+ \, ~ Location: From 2Rh ST To 23m ST
_ StaWS: Built
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i~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ '. ~ - Distance: 897 Feet
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"+ l V~ ~ € \ ' x ~~ \ r 1~ ~ ~~ a 4 ~ •'"" Desaiptbn: BFACHWALK I
+ ~. 8 ~ a ~ ~. "\ t }`} ~ „,„,. T Location: Fran 14th ST To 21m ST
~\ ~ 6 '. ~ -` ..,.~. Distance: 3,921 Feet
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'-1 Des:npaon: BAYWALK .,. ,`"° _
''s? Y\ ~"+> location: From 5th ST To Lincoln Rtl ,,,,,
' -°' Status: Plannra ~ ,
~'+. ` Distance, 6101 Feet . •• • Descrip8on: LUMMUS PARK PROMENADE
y, Location: From 5th ST To 14th ST
R 'M'~ Status: Built
~1~i;Y ti.T - ••-•• ~ Distance: 4,938 Feet
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5w ~ ' \T } nY.~_ ,c .,, „ DescriPBOn: BEACHWALK II
moo., Location: From 5 Panle DR to 5m ST
^~" Status: Desgn
Distance: 2.456 Feet
1 > S OOiNTE DR
Descnption:BAYWALK ,, ' ;
Lacaion: From South Point Park To 5th ST Description: BEACHWALK (CONTINUUM) ~ ~ = ~ I
\ Stehrs: Built 'a~ Location: From South Point to S Pointe Dr
DsFartce: 5,664 Feet Status: Built
Distance: 1,529 Feet J
uase: unun~uiu