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Minutes - Meeting No. 2 (01-22-2021) Mayor’s Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting City of Miami Beach MEETING MINUTES No. 2 Friday, January 22, 2021 Members in Attendance 1. Jonathan Plutzik, Chair 2. Jonathan Freidin, Vice-Chair 3. Nisi Berryman 4. Daniel Ciraldo 5. Ric Dopico 6. Thomas Donall 7. Kim Kovel 8. Jane Krupp 9. Marc Lawrence 10. Salem Mounayyer 11. Jen Roberts 12. Curt Slipman 13. John Stuart Members Absent 1. Nicole Bostick 2. Robin Jacobs 3. Dawn McCall 4. Ricardo Tabet These meeting minutes are condensed and seek to capture the overall intent of discussions as interpreted by City staff. Each paragraph indicates the elapsed time into the recording when the discussion commenced. For greater detail regarding the discussion, please refer to the recording in its entirety. Meeting Start Time: 11:01 AM I. Welcome Greeting 00:00 Chair Jonathan Plutzik called the meeting to order and introduced Art Deco artwork by Barbara Hulanicki, a Miami Beach resident and artist who has designed the interiors of Art Deco properties within the City of Miami Beach. New Panelist Introductions 00:20 Chair Plutzik welcomed Dr. Curtis Lipman to the Panel, who replaces Ken Koppel. Dr. Lipman and Mr. Koppel are neighbors and represent a similar resident voice. Dr. Slipman introduced himself. 04:30 Chair Plutzik introduced another new member, Rick Dopico, who replaces the late Frank Amadeo and is also a representative of Estefan Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Dopico introduced himself. II. Committee Business 05:50 Chair Plutzik noted the Panel has received substantial background materials related to the Art Deco Cultural District (“ADCD”) and previous Ocean Drive committees. He acknowledged that significant planning has occurred in the past and it’s not the Panel’s role to reinvent the wheel or disregard past study recommendations. He envisions helping develop a timeline for actionable plans over 90,180, 270 and 360 days, with a focus on the initial 90 days, Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting Minutes No. 2 January 22, 2021 Page 2 of 7 identifying a list of small “quick win” items that can be accomplished at low cost (e.g. lighting, signage, and painting) that will demonstrate to the public a visible sense of progress. Noting that time ran out at the previous meeting, Chair Plutzik reserved time at meeting’s end for public comment and he thanked everyone in advance for keeping comments brief. To help guide discourse, Chair Plutzik explained that meetings will observe a “deep dive” into a series of important topics led by Bernard Zyscovich and his team. He explained that planning around the ADCD is evolving as we speak and moving at a fast pace. Today, for example, Planning Director Tom Mooney will address proposed zoning amendments. Effort will be made to permit the Panel to digest issues and provide meaningful input rather than hastily making decisions. 11:39 Chair Plutzik addressed development of an Ocean Drive traffic and mobility pilot plan. He noted that “piloting” enables us to test ideas on a temporary basis, even though the City Commission contemplates more permanent plans for the future. Zyscovich’s team will carefully make thoughtful recommendations, with input from the Panel. But since it can be hard to predict the consequences of policy decisions, it’s useful to test out ideas in order to understand their consequences. When vehicular access was shut off and Ocean Drive was made pedestrian-only early in the pandemic in Spring 2020, there wasn’t proper time to consider valets, parking, access to hotels mid-block, inclimate weather, or impacts to retail establishments. An exploratory pilot on Ocean Drive will help us comprehend the complex and unintended consequences, in order to arrive at a better permanent solution. III. Lummus Park Expansion 16:00 Chair Plutzik asked the City’s consultant, Bernard Zyscovich of Zyscovich Architects to discuss his vision for Lummus Park. Mr. Zyscovich and colleague Grace Perdomo narrated a PowerPoint presentation depicting an expansion in size of Lummus Park. Zyscovich explained that there currently exists a large amount of underutilized park space in Lummus Park which could be activated--specifically the sandy area between the coral rock and the dune. Mr. Zyscovich envisions the grassy park area of Lummus Park being enlarged and expanded east up to the dune, while keeping the coral rock wall and the dune intact. 20:00 Mr. Zyscovich showed a slide which depicted the geographic boundary of Lummus Park, between 5th and 15th Streets, as measuring 29.7 acres. The grassy area between Ocean Drive and the serpentine walkway/rock wall measures 15 acres and accounts for 50% of Lummus Park. The sandy area between the dune and the rock wall measures 14.5 acres or about 48.8% of Lummus Park (and an additional 5.6 acres is attributed to uses within the dune area). Therefore, future activation of that underutilized area (accounting for 48.8%) could potentially mean a doubling of the size of the publicly accessible area of Lummus Park. Mr. Zyscovich’s vision for Ocean Drive is a pedestrian promenade. This planning concept for the street would be best achieved by enlarging the right-of-way into the existing grass area. Any concerns about the right-of-way expanding into the existing grass area can be mitigated by the fact that the right-of-way expansion would coincide with a Park expansion, meaning that the Lummus Park greenspace would be doubled by expanding east, past the rock wall. Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting Minutes No. 2 January 22, 2021 Page 3 of 7 IV. Ocean Drive Traffic Configuration Pilot Project 25:26 Mr. Zyscovich detailed several iterations of the Ocean Drive traffic configuration that have evolved since the pandemic began. Following closure of the historical two-way traffic pattern with parking on either side, Version 1 included a northbound single traffic lane and a pedestrian area together in the right-of-way. Zyscovich explained that Version 1 was characterized by increased pedestrian interest in the street and a “parking lot full of cruisers” as vehicles were often at a standstill. 26:30 In Version 2, Mr. Zyscovich noted that the single vehicular traffic lane was eliminated, and the street became entirely pedestrian, which allowed restaurants to extend out into the street to the centerline. He believes this configuration has generally been received well by residents and visitors alike. Unfortunately, some retailers and operators have found that the pedestrian-only configuration with expanded restaurant seating areas impedes visibility and access to storefronts. Mr. Zyscovich displayed a picture which he said illustrates how restaurants and hotels have taken overuse of the westside sidewalk. He stated that this prevents the free flow of movement by pedestrians and passersby, thereby harming the retailers who do not benefit from expanded site plans in the street. Further, Mr. Zyscovich believes the awnings and attachments along the western sidewalk of Ocean Drive serve to clutter the renown “postcard sightline” of Art Deco building facades, a result which harms the overall Ocean Drive brand. 28:45 In order to experiment with re-introducing vehicles onto Ocean Drive, Mr. Zyscovich proposed four options for an Ocean Drive pilot project, which would represent Version 3 of a traffic configuration: • Option 1- “Through” option: one-way southbound with two-way access at 9th and 11th Streets. • Option 2- “Zone” option: one-way southbound, however that portion of Ocean Drive from 9th to 11th Streets is pedestrian-only (either permanently or during events). • Option 3- “Every Other” option: one-way southbound with two-way access on every other block. • Option 4- “Limited Access” option: one-way southbound with a valet-only gate arm on 15th and 11th Streets. 32:35 Mr. Zyscovich explained a “Special Events and Weekends” option which combined Options 2 and 3, and enables the City to pedestrianize portions of Ocean Drive at will and with flexibility. He further discussed configuration of the sidewalks, buffers, limited accessways, and drop-off areas. The limited space available to address all means of movement (vehicles, valet, bicycles, pedestrian) and the various requirements of each underscores the need to expand the right-of-way as part of the Lummus Park expansion. Lane delineators could help demarcate drive areas and a pilot project could provide an opportunity to incorporate an artist palette using local artists to paint segments of the street. 44:35 Chair Plutzik solicited Panel feedback. Mr. Donall asked if pedestrian-only use remains a consideration, because that option seems to be favored among the people he has conferred. Diners don’t enjoy having meals with vehicles emitting odors immediately adjacent. Salem Mounayyer expressed concerns about hotel visibility and access. It is not an ideal practice if guests, when entering their hotels via a main entrances on Ocean Drive, must walk through Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting Minutes No. 2 January 22, 2021 Page 4 of 7 restaurant dining areas. The Panel should consider having hotel entryways free of tables and chairs. John Stuart suggested the consultants consider incorporating two large sidewalks bordering the restaurant dining areas near the hotels. Daniel Ciraldo asked the consultants to consider rider loading and drop off areas, perhaps incorporating the 5th Street cul-de-sac at the street end. 50:15 Mr. Zyscovich responded to comments and noted how a pedestrian Ocean Drive would be ideal, but the purpose of discussing a pilot is to propose alternatives to explore if vehicular access could be accommodated. There are additional considerations other than the flow of traffic—such as access points and allowing for deliveries—that will require creativity if addressed. The Commission will ultimately decide which traffic pattern to implement, but the purpose behind the pilot project is how best to effectively re-introduce vehicles, if the City Commission elects to allow vehicles again. 53:20 Vice Chair Jonathan Friedin noted how the portion of Lummus Park closest to the dune is much darker at nighttime but options for addressing lighting are constrained by rules concerning sea turtle protection. Mr. Freidin also highlighted the importance of physical barriers between pedestrians and cars, such as bollards. Chair Plutzik clarified the distinction between a long-term comprehensive plan for Lummus Park and Mr. Zysocovich’s options for a temporary Ocean Drive traffic configuration, as the pilot traffic project is immediate in nature and will be implemented in the coming weeks. Jane Krupp described the current state of Ocean Drive as a logistical problem with complete chaos among delivery trucks, people searching for parking, and drop offs. Access to Ocean Drive should be limited to smaller vehicles. Chair Plutzik requested that any remaining comments by the group be submitted via email for circulation to the Panel. V. Overview of Panel’s Deep Dive Topics 1:00:30 Mr. Zyscovich presented six subjects that would be incorporated in the consultant team’s districtwide planning of the three commercial corridors. The Panel will be able to address each subject at focused workshops led by Zyscovich and his multidisciplinary team: • Session 1- Economics – Retail, Tourism & Entertainment Potential • Session 2- Street Life & Programming • Session 3- Mobility & Transit • Session 4- Urban Design & Open Space • Session 5- Zoning & Land Use • Session 6- Branding for Arts, Cultural & Entertainment District 1:05:30 Chair Plutzik confirmed to Tom Donall that the PowerPoint presentation would be made available, and he reminded Panel members to submit comments or feedback to Justin Karr. 1:08:00 Daniel Ciraldo asked about funding for the consultant ADCD study and noted that a master plan was already performed for Washington Avenue. He reiterated that considerations for 5th Street should not be left out of the planning process. In response, Assistant City Manager Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting Minutes No. 2 January 22, 2021 Page 5 of 7 Eric Carpenter explained that the Zyscovich contract in its entirety is roughly $500,000 and, given pandemic budgetary constraints, the contract services have been segmented in order to ensure proper funding is available. VI. Proposed amendments to Chapter 142 of the Land Development Regulations 1:10:30 Planning Director Tom Mooney provided an overview of a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 142 of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). Mr. Mooney noted that the ordinance was referred to the Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC), which requested that the city’s consultant Mr. Zyscovich provide comments on the ordinance. Mr. Mooney explained that the proposed ordinance has four substantive components and Panel feedback is sought regarding two critical changes: first, a requirement for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) review for all indoor entertainment establishments in the MXE and, second, a prohibition on new standalone bars and drinking establishments with the MXE area. Mr. Mooney stated that a blanket CUP requirement for all indoor entertainment uses, regardless of their occupational load size, is recommended as part of the City’s strategy to regulate Ocean Drive. The reason being that noise issues exist throughout the historic district and regardless of a building’s capacity limits, because the older, historic buildings have older design which make it harder to control noise retention. Further, CUPs are adjudicated by the Planning Board, which is a more effective, streamlined body for regulating entertainment compared with the Special Master process. Finally, regarding the second substantive Code change, Mr. Mooney explained that a prohibition on additional standalone bars/drinking establishments, and a requirement that businesses serve food if they are serving alcohol, is also consistent with the City’s comprehensive strategy for reforming the entertainment district. Mr. Mooney recommended Panel members review the proposed ordinance and his staff would be present to answer questions and discuss feedback at the next Panel meeting on February 12th, in order that a verbal report may be provided to the LUSC when it next meets on February 17th. 1:18:00 Salem Mounayyer inquired about the Code’s definition for what constitutes “entertainment” because the CUP requirement is an onerous permit process. Mr. Mooney explained how the Code doesn’t differentiate among entertainment based on volume, but any performance—whether with one performer or several—is considered entertainment throughout all zoning districts in the city. Mr. Mooney explained the three exceptions to entertainment are (1) recorded music played at background levels that does not interfere with normal conversation, (2) television sets played at volume levels not interfering with normal conversation, and (3) indoor movie theaters. 1:20:35 Jane Krupp requested that before exploring tangential land use issues, the Panel needs to establish a definitive position regarding whether or not Ocean Drive will remain pedestrian. Bernard Zyscovich agreed that it is incumbent upon the Panel to discuss its position on a pilot project, if any, for an Ocean Drive traffic configuration. 1:24:03 Daniel Ciraldo proposed rephrasing Ms. Krupp’s comments as focusing on low hanging fruit, such as, for example, fixing up alleys. Chair Plutzik agreed that the Panel should set a goal for items which can be accomplished over the next 90 days. 1:25:33 Asst. City Manager Eric Carpenter reminded the Panel that the City Commission Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting Minutes No. 2 January 22, 2021 Page 6 of 7 has already provided direction to plan for a more pedestrian-oriented Ocean Drive. In light of this long term policy direction, what is being asked of the Panel is to weigh in on how to treat Ocean Drive in the short term and whether the Panel members agree that there is an alternative short term alternative that the City Commission should consider in light of commercial property owner concerns with the cessation of vehicular traffic. Tom Donall proposed that consideration be given to his idea of employing Freebee electric vehicles or golf carts to shuttle people around Ocean Drive. Panel member Nisi Berryman expressed her support for Tom Donall’s suggestion for golf cart transportation and for Daniel Ciraldo’s suggestion regarding utilizing the 5th Street cul-de-sac for traffic regulation. VII. Public Comment 1:33:00 Julie Issacson echoed Daniel’s idea of using the cul-de-sac at the entrance to 5th Street and believes that improvement of alleyways should play an important part of this project in order to address crime. Jack Johnson noted that use of small trolleys would not require great change to existing infrastructure and would enable north/south passage for visitors and travelers with luggage. He suggested that trolleys be attempted before making permanent changes to the infrastructure of Ocean Drive. David Wallack commented that the area between 5th to 15th Streets has long been predominantly a hotel tourist zone. He believes Miami Beach has an average of 127 rain days annually, which means that 30% of the year, business is impacted by rainfall. In addition, most hotels and restaurants require deliveries 5-6 days per week. Any closure or restrictions of Ocean Drive and its side streets has a corresponding effect upon Collins Avenue, when large trucks must back into Collins. Finally, he noted that beachfront concessionaire Boucher Brothers has reported a stark decline in business between 7th – 10th Street since Ocean Drive has closed to vehicles. 1:38:20 Mitch Novick expressed displeasure with the pedestrianization of Ocean Drive, which has negatively impacted his business. He advocates for reconsideration of the CUP process, as the removal of noise pollution results in less reliance on Code and Police enforcement. 1:40:00 Peggy Benua, Dream Hotel on Washington Avenue, advocated against any proposal to direct traffic flow off of Ocean Drive onto 11th Street, as 11th Street is already plagued by bottlenecking, which would only be worsened. She requests that another side street be considered as an exit point for Ocean Drive traffic. David Wallack added that hotel guest traffic in and out of hotel properties is very frequent and doesn’t only consist of when they check in and out. 1:42:00 Resident Matthew Gultanoff felt that re-introducing vehicles on Ocean Drive would be a failure, like when it was attempted last summer. He advocates for the prohibition of vehicles. 1:43:10 Resident David Berg, owner of 720 Ocean Drive, stated that Bernard Zyscovich’s presentation convinced him that the focus should be more pedestrian and neighborhood-oriented traffic such as bicycles. Art Deco Cultural District Panel Meeting Minutes No. 2 January 22, 2021 Page 7 of 7 1:44:00 Chair Plutzik noted that the Parking Department and valet companies are experimenting different concepts, such at 7th Street valet options, with the end goal of getting customers closer to their destination. VIII. Adjournment 1:45:30 Chair Plutzik encouraged the submission by email of any additional comments. He thanked everyone for their cooperation and patience and adjourned the meeting.