LTC 074-2023 Dune Vegetation Trimming and Maintenance between 15- 16 StreetsDocuSign Envelope ID: CC8842E6-15A2-47C6-8E48-22CB8390C8C4
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelb~e ers of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manag r
DATE: February 14, 2023
SUBJECT: Dune Vegetation Trimming and Maintenance between 15- 16 Streets
Coastal dunes are an invaluable asset to coastal communities like Miami Beach. A healthy dune system
keeps our beaches healthy, minimizes beach erosion rates, and protects coastal infrastructure and
upland properties from storm damage. I am pleased to share an update on the trimming of dune
vegetation to create a more environmentally healthy dune system that is safer through CPTED - Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design. The location is in the vicinity of 15 - 16 Streets, led by City-
contracted personnel, Superior Landscaping & Lawn Service, Inc. (Superior). The work is estimated to
take place from February 16 through February 24, 2023. The work includes trimming the existing dune
vegetation and removing invasive exotic species in accordance with the City's Dune Management Plan
on the east side of the beachwalk from the 16 Street dune crossover to the 15 Street dune crossover.
The Environment and Sustainability
Department is working in collaboration
with Public Works' Greenspace
Management Division, Police, and
Housing and Community Services
Departments, conducting joint inspections
and planning. The dune vegetation
between 15 Street and 16 Streets is in
need of targeted maintenance and the
area has been identified as a hotspot for
crime and vagrancy. Overgrown dune
vegetation, including seagrapes, create
desirable locations for vagrants and
·- homeless encampments. In many cases,
» » the trimming of dune vegetation to a
·• shrub-like formation or structural pruning
i' of undergrowth in shade-producing trees
discourages encampments by increasing visibility and eliminates potential spots considered as ideal for
such activity. The project is funded through the Environment and Sustainability budget.
t , »
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In 2016, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2016-29296, approving the City's
Beachfront Management Plan, which includes the Dune Management Plan. The purpose of the Dune
Management Plan is to provide the framework and specifications that the City uses to maintain a
resilient, healthy, stable, and natural dune system as coastal wave defense that is appropriate for its
location and reduces public safety and maintenance concerns.
For an additional information, please feel free to contact Lindsey Precht, Environment and
Sust~i ab I ef f rtment Assistant Director, at LindseyPrecht@miamibeachfL_gov.
ATH, JL
074-2023