RESOLUTION 88-19229 RESOLUTION NO. 88-19229
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE ALTON ROAD
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN AS THE CITY'S
DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR ALTON ROAD.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA
THAT:
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach is dedicated to the continued improvement of its
commercial districts to better provide for the needs of the citizens of Miami Beach;
WHEREAS, the Development Plan provides a framework by which the appearance and
business climate of this important commercial district can improve;
WHEREAS, the Planning Board held a public hearing on January 19, 1988 at which time
it recommended (7-0) that the Development Plan be approved as the City's development
policy for Alton Road;
WHEREAS, the Development Plan is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the Alton Road Commercial District Development
Plan shall represent the City's policy for the future development of Alton Road.
PASSED and ADPTED THIS 20th day of April, 1988.
VICE MAYOR
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER CITY HALL
ROB W.PARKINS 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE
CITY MANAGER TELEPHONE: 673-7010
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COMMISSION MEMORANDUM NO.e .Q.Cgg
APRIL 20, 1988
DATE:
TO: Mayor Alex Da• - % and Q
Members of e City Comm'•sion
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FROM: Rob W. Parki -4
City Manager
SUBJECT: ALTON ROAD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
THE REQUEST
The Planning Board requests the City Commission approve the attached "Alton Road
Commercial District Development Plan". The purpose of the plan is to establish a
development policy for Alton Road and a program of private sector and public sector
improvements. Like previous plans for Lincoln Road and Espanola Way, the plan for the
Alton Road Commercial District is in the form of a double-sided poster. The poster
presents the information in a concise manner and, when displayed, indicates participation in
the revitalization effort.
BACKGROUND
The Department included the Alton Road Commercial District in its 1986-87 work program
in response to the generally deteriorating visual appearance of the street rather than high
vacancy rates or other acute economic problems. Therefore, the plan is intended to enhance
Alton Road's ability to function as a general service district while making it more attractive
as a major transporation corridor.
Initial research and site study findings were presented to a group of property owners and
merchants on December 15, 1986. The Department also submitted subsequent drafts to the
interested, major property owners in the district, including John Forte, Mervin Thal, and
Ronald Gustafson (Savings of America). Their comments have been incorporated into the
Plan.
At its January 19, 1988 meeting, the Planning Board unanimously (7-0) recommended the City
Commission adopt the Alton Road Plan.
PLAN SUMMARY
The plan addresses properties abutting Alton Road from Michigan Avenue on the north to
14th Street on the south.
On one side of the poster, the plan addresses development opportunities on Alton Road, such
as accessibility, high visibility and proximity to densely populated residential neighborhoods
and the expanded Convention Center. The plan also discusses the street's weaknesses. The
plan recommends new and expanded business types needed in the street and the adaptive re-
use of existing buildings. These include furniture stores, applicance stores, auto/home
supplies and other basic services and merchandise. The plan establishes the policy that
while there are significant existing buildings which should be rehabilitated, new construction
on Alton Road is encouraged. The plan proposes a facade improvements loan/grant program
and recommends the institution of impact fees for the development of parking facilities and
other improvements. The final recommendation is to form a Business Association which
would draft operational standards, direct promotions, and be an effective lobby for local
business interests. The map shown on this side of the poster indicates the primary
development sites and illustrate the recommended landscape improvements. 6
AGENDA
ITEM •
DATE
ZOli
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
APRIL 20, 1988
ALTON ROAD
PAGE 2
The other side of the poster contains design recommendations for improvements to both
public and private property. Guidelines for the rehabilitation of existing buildings address
such items as signage, window displays, awnings, lighting and color. Recommendations for
public improvements include new street signage, street furniture, new landscape medians
and street trees, and alley improvements. Other recommendations include the dredging of
Collins Canal and landscaping its banks and the restoration of the fountain on Alton Road
and 20th Street. The graphics on this side of the poster show a typical block on Alton Road
with the implementation of the design guidelines. The plan view illustrates a re-design of
the adjacent parking lots. Of special note is a prototype arcade building shown on the plan
and elevation. This type of construction takes advantage of pedestrian access from the
adjacent parking lots, flexible store design, and interior landscaping.
An important recommendation illustrated on the poster is the purchase of 1677 West Avenue
and its incorporation into the public parking facility. This purchase will encourage
rehabilitation and redevelopment on Alton Road.
PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS
It is the opinion of the Department that current land use in the study area is the appropriate
one. A general merchandise and service district must exist to serve the resident population
on West Avenue and the Architectural District to the east. Businesses such as appliance
stores, hardware stores, auto repair shops, service stations, etc. are necessary to the
community but inappropriate in the retail/tourist oriented commercial districts. Alton
Road, with direct vehicular access is the type of street where these uses traditionally occur.
It is the Department's concern that with its exceptionally high visibility, the appearance of
Alton Road must be improved. The proposed plan includes recommendations for the
continued growth of service/merchandise businesses while improving the appearance of this
major thoroughfare.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends the City Commission adopt the attached resolution
approving the Planning Board's recommendation pertaining to the "Alton Road Commercial
District Development Plan".
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Misc 14
ORIGINAL
RESOLUTION NO. 88-19229
(Adopting the Alton Road Ccmmercial Dist.
Development Plan as the City's Develop-
ment Policy for Alton Road)