Panel INput - Suggestions for Action (2-25-21)Suggestions for Action Items 02/25/2021
Ric Dopico
I worked with our hotel tenant (Benchmark) on a list of action items for Ocean Drive. Most of
these are same/similar to suggestions already floated, but thought I would pass them along
in any case to show our support for certain items. Please advise other committee members
of my absence and let them know I look forward to being present at the next meeting.
• Ocean Drive area looks dirty and/or tired. First area of focus should be a good
cleaning. In addition, encourage building owners on Ocean Drive whose buildings need
repainting to repaint – are there any incentives the City can provide?
• Activate events in Lummus Park (live music and/or other performances, craft fairs,
farmers’ markets, etc.) – sensitive to COVID safety, of course.
• Improved signage of what the area is about, etc. and ensure the signage is in more than
one location.
• Locations for banners to advertise the events, etc.
• Focus on making Ocean Dr. look and feel like it is a pedestrian area vs. Just putting
furniture on the street.
• With Ocean Drive closed to traffic, the alleys are getting a lot more use and therefore need
regular upkeep and cleaning
• Valet is a big concern for many hotels and restaurants. One valet drop (11th Street)
sounds insufficient – how has it worked out so far? Subject to traffic planning, consider
adding drops at two additional locations.
• Code Enforcement – need additional presence to ensure clean-up is being followed by all
businesses.
Salem Mounayyer
Here is my edited “45 in 45”:
#17, instead “Road Closed” to add “Pedestrian Only “
• New items:
o uniform all extensions café closers fence
o Uniform all extensions café planters and heights
o Open west side walk to pedestrian
o Wider all café extension in connection of hotel entry to 7’
21 in 2021 edits:
o New design and uniform all street signage at ADCD area
o At Lummus park to Implements yearly family events program such food culture’s
festivals \ culture’s music festival and kids activities
2
o At Lummus park to implements yearly MB schools competition events
\arts\sports\music etc…
Tom Donall
The 45-day action plan
1) I like the idea which Is similar to years ago when we had a sanitation worker with a broom &
dustpan and would pick up garbage.
2) I agree with number 2
3) I agree with number 3
4) I agree with number 4
5) I like the idea of Banners on the light post, utilizing them for event advertisements or
community events, paragraph 18
6) all vacant store fronts put decorative wrap possibly upcoming events and also use for art and
culture pop-ups similar to Lincoln road
7)yes, I agree on number 7
8) no on Christmas lighting
9)yes, I agree with 9
10) I agree with the need to issue permits for mural painting, so we have control of murals on
property
11) I think we should come up with different means of lighting instead of Christmas lighting,
Perhaps LED Par Cans from atop posts or treetops.
12) 11 and 12 are the same.
13) I agree with 13
14) I like the idea of murals on large blank walls. Mural ideas and concepts must be approved
by committee
15) I agree with 15
16) same as 6 decorative window coverings
17) I agree with 17
18) Same as paragraph 5
19) I agree with 19
20) I agree with 20
21) I agree with 21
22) I agree with 22
3
23) also, Washington Ave clean up from 5th to 15th and lighting plus regular street sweeping
>Also, the 18-wheeler storage truck (food, liquor, beer) need to designate a parking area where
small trucks can load from the 18 wheelers and distribute to the beach. Restaurants who spend
millions of dollars a year should not have an increase cost to the operators. The city should
make sure prices don't increase from distributers
> we really need code to be notified on changes and a class to they are all on the same page
because the system they have now is not working for example what just happened on Tuesday
>I agree with Daniel on #4
>A pilot program “art in the park” & music program in Lummus Park And marketing.
I have already provided my idea on this in an earlier email regarding pilot programs.
>We need better marketing on art & culture and events, south beach has been historically
known for its diverse Artists and creative people
>There are many driving forces they bring a bad element to ocean drive. From extremely low
drink prices, bladder buster specials and certain styles of music. We need to coach and train
certain establishments on behavioral operations.
Sandra Scidmore – Member of the Public / Resident of 100 Lincoln Road
1. I support Jen Roberts' comments on an empty storefronts exhibition. ("Perhaps we can
enlist some of the local arts organizations to do a cohesive empty store fronts exhibition?
There could be an opportunity for the artists to win a signage design as well. It could be
great marketing for the district."). I recommend Gaylord Cull, a Miami Beach Botanical
Garden employee who used to design displays for Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and
other high-end stores. His window display for Miami Beach Botanical Garden in an empty
Lincoln Road storefront stopped me in my tracks because it was so attractive. Gaylord
was a good friend of Leonard Horowitz, co-founder of MDPL and designer who created
our "Pastel Paradise" with his pastel color palette.
2. I support Jane Krupp's comments on lighting. ("Lighting should be discreet and properly
illuminate the architecture and streets around each property. It's for the safety of their own
customers. Upgraded historical lighting should be researched, restored and required.")
Some of the colored lighting which highlights buildings at the north end of Ocean Drive is
not discreet lighting and is much more aggressive than the more historically accurate and
attractive neon lighting further south.
3. I agree with the New York Times article about people desiring to connect with nature. I
love natural beauty and therefore am opposed to the current Christmas tree lights in
Lummus Park. The lights destroy the sense of natural beauty and they look cheap and
tinsel-townish. I believe the sophisticated, culturally aware clientele that Miami Beach
wants to attract would not patronize an Ocean Drive looking like this. I prefer the yellow,
warm-toned Christmas tree lights on places like Espanola Way, as it recalls Old World
festive streets, but I believe the cold, too-bright Christmas tree lights in Lummus Park and
on Washington Avenue are an eyesore.