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Mayor's ADCD Panel Final Report (2-18-22) adopted FINAL REPORT OF THE MAYOR’S ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT PANEL Panel Members: Jonathan Plutzik, Chair Jonathan Freidin, Vice-Chair* Nisi Berryman Nicole Bostick*** Daniel Ciraldo Ricardo Dopico** Tom Donall Kim Kovel Robin Jacobs Jane Krupp Marc Lawrence Dawn McCall* Salem Mounayyer Jennifer Roberts Curtis Slipman John Stuart Ricardo Tabet* Last meeting attended: *December 15, 2021 ** October 29, 2021 *** June 4, 2021 Page 2 of 8 FINAL REPORT OF THE MAYOR’S ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT PANEL FEBRUARY 18, 2022 Background Mayor Dan Gelber established the Mayor’s Art Deco Cultural District Panel (the “Panel”) on December 7, 2020 to assist the City’s urban design and planning consultant, Zyscovich Architects (the “Consultant” or “Zyscovich”), in the Consultant’s preparation of a comprehensive land use, mobility and economic development planning study (the “Vision Plan” or “Zyscovich Plan”) for the Mixed-Use Entertainment/Art Deco Cultural District (the “ADCD” or the “District”), as authorized pursuant to City Commission Resolution No. 2020-31388. The Mayor appointed Jonathan Plutzik as Chair and Jonathan Freidin as Vice-Chair. Panel Mission The Panel was created pursuant to the Mayor's authority to establish boards or committees under Section 2-27(b)(2) of the City Code. The mission of the Panel is to study and make recommendations as to how to improve the experience for residents and visitors of the District. Summary of Activities On January 8, 2021, the Panel convened the first of twenty-two (22) meetings. Each meeting was publicly noticed and benefited from robust public comment and participation, ensuring that the Panel helped foster active community engagement in the development of the Consultant’s final work product. At every Panel meeting, during its 15-month tenure, the Panel received presentations and updates from subject matter experts including from the Consultant team (Zyscovich, Town Square Corp., Kittelson & Associates, Lambert Advisory, Gehl and Raymond Jungles Landscaping), multiple City staff, and guest speakers including urbanist Richard Florida. Initial meetings of the Panel included presentations and discussions regarding Ocean Drive traffic configuration options and side street challenges, enhancement of public safety measures, proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations, and the Consultant’s proposal for expansion of Lummus Park. • On January 22, 2021, Zyscovich led a discussion regarding alternative pilot options for consideration regarding vehicular traffic on Ocean Drive. The alternative options proposed various iterations of a one-way southbound street, including different traffic access points, incorporation of pedestrian zones, and use of access limitation devices. While the Panel did not have complete unanimity regarding the re-introduction of vehicles, the Panel articulated a general preference for prioritizing the pedestrian experience of Ocean Drive. The Panel appreciates the continued pursuit of a pedestrian and bicycle rich emphasis for the entire ADCD reflected in the final Zyscovich Plan. • Zyscovich also introduced the concept of more than doubling the size of Lummus Park by utilizing the park area between the dune and coral rock wall and extending the reach of the park up to the Ocean Drive buildings by removing street curbs and harmonizing the grade Page 3 of 8 of the street and park. Although this preliminary concept requires much further analysis, the Panel is very enthusiastic about the idea of enlarging the public park and enhancing the public’s use of the space. The Panel encourages the City Commission to consider immediately authorizing the development of an RFQ for Lummus Park expansion design. • On February 12, 2021, Zyscovich led a discussion amongst the Panel and staff from the City’s Parking and Transportation Departments regarding east-west side streets intersecting Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive. The Panel encouraged the Consultant to examine and seek methods for alleviating utilization and access issues experienced with these side streets including: commercial loading and existing designated zones conflicting with other uses; negative impacts on traffic, access, and circulation on side streets; parking and rideshare concerns; valet parking operations; directional signage; lighting; and trash collection. The Panel believes that further examination of the Zyscovich recommendation to consider making the streets that terminate on Ocean Drive one way east or west is worthy of immediate additional study. • Planning Department staff also introduced proposed amendments to Chapter 142 of the Land Development Regulations and Zyscovich began the discussion with the Panel regarding how modification of zoning and land use regulations could help encourage and/or deter activities and uses in the District. The Panel acknowledged how the District’s aged, historic building stock presented limitations and expressed interest in examining proposed amendments that could positively impact activities and/or encourage investment and adaptive reuse of buildings. The Panel was clear in its view that the historic façade architecture and related interior public spaces on Ocean Drive and in much of the ADCD is sacrosanct. It was historically protected by a determined group of citizens and has critically shaped our community, lifestyle and brand and it is essential that we embrace its continuing iconic role in defining our future. In February and March 2021, at the request of Chair Plutzik, the Panel assisted the City Administration in compiling “Quick Wins” suggestions, a diverse list of over 100 short-term, actionable items aimed at improving the appearance and quality of life within the ADCD. Over the remainder of the Panel’s term, members of the City Administration returned to provide progress reports on implementation of feasible Quick Wins measures throughout the ADCD, including updates and progress reports on various relevant matters impacting the District, such as the Ocean Drive right-of-way configuration, high impact events, cultural activations and programming, and marketing and branding initiatives. The Panel continues to believe there are many other opportunities for “Quick Wins” in the ADCD. It is essential that we keep after such opportunities to improve conditions, many seeming superficial or cosmetic but critically important, in the ADCD every day. We don’t have “broken windows”, but the same motivation applies. The Consultant team delivered several in-depth workshops and presentations on analysis of the planning concerns underpinning the Consultant’s scope, including focused workshops featuring the expertise of sub-consultants. Page 4 of 8 • On March 12, 2021, sub-consultant Kittelson & Associates offered a presentation on Transportation and Mobility Initial Observations, highlighting initial findings from mobility analysis on topics including transit routes, planning for modal priorities and multimodal facilities, safety issues and opportunities, and curb management. The Panel displayed interest in the pre-COVID-19 statistical data demonstrating decreasing dependence on automobiles in favor of bicycle and pedestrian movement. • On March 26, 2021, sub-consultants Gehl Architects and Town Square presented a workshop on Street Life and Programming, including an introduction to the concept of an independent management entity for Lummus Park such as a conservancy. The Panel embraced concepts presented in the workshop including the need to identify shared priorities to guide ADCD planning, consideration of effective management models for Lummus Park, and building awareness for “putting people first” in the design process. To achieve our placemaking objectives in the ADCD, the Panel encourages the City Commission to explore best practices concerning governance. The Panel attached value to the input of Zyscovich team member and placemaking expert Jerome Barth in this process. We encourage the Commission to explore Conservancy models for the management of Lummus Park, Ocean Drive, and the greater ADCD. • On April 23, 2021, Zyscovich and sub-consultant Lambert Advisory led a workshop on Retail, Tourism, and Entertainment Potential. The Panel discussed the office market as it relates to the District, how to encourage certain uses and business operations, and how an expansion of the Lummus Park footprint could benefit the economic vitality of Ocean Drive. • On May 21, 2021, Bernard Zyscovich led an intensive workshop on Urban Design, Open Space, Mobility, and Transit, held in person at the historic Collins Avenue facing Carlton Hotel which in 2017 was made part of the Ocean Drive facing Betsy Hotel complex. As Zyscovich presented the vision for the character of the District, the Panel generally expressed support for Zyscovich’s identified objectives, such as protecting the District’s history and character; rebalancing hotels, the hospitality industry, and residential activities; expanding the landscape to create a great park and public spaces; enhancing the character of the street scenes; and managing density to welcome all people. During a subsequent discussion on June 4, 2021, members of the Panel agreed that access control tactics such as congestion price or physical barriers like bollards deem further exploration. The Panel endorses the exploration of a congestion traffic pricing program for the ADCD. Whatever balance the Commission ultimately strikes concerning vehicular vs pedestrian activity, using modern technology tools to effectively manage ADCD vehicular traffic is an essential long-term priority. • On June 18, 2021, Zyscovich and sub-consultant Lambert Advisory presented a workshop on Land Use and Zoning considerations including discussion with the Panel of east-west connections in the District, activation of alleyways, and responsive management of public spaces. The Panel embraced the need to focus on east-west connections and advocated for Page 5 of 8 greater consideration for the shared dynamic among bicycles and vehicles with pedestrians in the street. On June 23, 2021, approximately halfway through the Panel’s initial term, Zyscovich prepared a draft conceptual plan based on the Panel’s input from the preceding workshops and presented the draft concept as a progress report to the City Commission. The presentation summarized the discussions and topics of the committee to date and presented an outline of the Consultant’s proposed study concepts and recommendations. The City Commission was generally receptive to the Consultant’s bold direction and ideas surrounding urban planning and Lummus Park and offered support for the transformative nature of his vision. During ongoing discussions regarding the Consultant’s conceptual plan and concerning presentations made by members of the City Administration at subsequent meetings, the Panel voted to adopt the following motions: • July 2, 2021: Recommended that the City supports the Panel’s efforts by obtaining empirical data, such as conducting a statistical survey, of the community’s perceptions about existing conditions on Ocean Drive and the various transportation and mobility options proposed, including specifically whether to include vehicular traffic. • July 16, 2021: To express support for the City Commission’s initiatives and the allocation of funding for cultural activations in Lummus Park and elsewhere in the District. Recognizing the important role of placemaking, cultural activations should be community- building and based on an educational or not-for-profit ideology. • October 29, 2021: In response to the October 27, 2021, direction by the City Commission regarding the Restaurant Recovery Outdoor Seating Pilot Program, the Sidewalk Café Permit Program, and the Ocean Drive Interim Reconfiguration, the Panel recognizes the complexity involved in removing existing cafés from the right-of-way and installing new parklets when Art Basel and the holidays are soon approaching. The Committee encourages the City Manager to carefully consider potential adverse impacts, to avoid construction during high impact periods, and perhaps refrain from implementation until after the New Year’s holiday. On December 17, 2021, Bernard Zyscovich delivered to the Panel a presentation on the draft Vision Plan findings and provided the committee an opportunity to offer final input and commentary. Accordingly, the Consultant revised its report to incorporate suggestions made by the Panel, including: improving the description of the “Responsive Management of Public Spaces” section; modifications to the proposed landscape scheme options and updating renderings to better depict retention of the existing coconut palm canopy; illustrating potential options for installing public art and an urban plaza at the street end at 10th Street; as well as enhancing the persuasiveness of the visioning through the addition of new renderings and aerial images depicting the “before and after” transition from existing to proposed conditions. Page 6 of 8 Summary Recommendations and Observations The Panel has spent 15 months listening, discussing, evaluating, and participating in the development of the issues and underpinnings of the Vision Plan. The Panel recognizes that the Vision Plan is not intended to address any one underlying issue or element of planning, nor does it purport to deliver distilled design specifications. Therefore, its composite elements will require substantial further honing and analysis for the conceptual vision to be implementation ready. The Panel commends the efforts of the Zyscovich-led team to produce a holistic and long-term conceptual vision for use going forward as a tool in the City’s efforts to reimagine the District and improve the status quo. The Panel salutes the Zyscovich vision of a substantially expanded Lummus Park, east to the dunes, west to the historic Ocean Drive facades and integrated in the side streets extending to the east side of Washington Avenue. The vision of the flexible meandering pathway to allow for an enhanced and enlarged promenade area is also of interest to the Panel. The final Zyscovich report is, of course, simply a vision, not a final plan. Much careful thought must be given to the definition of a comprehensive landscaping plan and Lummus Park programming consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Enhancement of ocean views from Ocean Drive properties and the park is a priority. We note that strong views were expressed by certain Panel members concerning the importance of preserving substantially all of the existing historic palm tree canopy in the park. Given the comprehensive structure and conceptual nature of the Vision Plan, the Panel endorses the Vision Plan as a collection of recommendations that are worthy of serious consideration. While the Panel respectfully refrains from an explicit endorsement of all aspects of the Vision Plan, the Panel does encourage the City Commission to move expeditiously to identify areas that merit immediate further planning focus. While there remain many issues to be considered, including critical budgetary ones, the Panel finds immediate and expedited consideration of (i) Ocean Drive reconfiguration, (ii) Lummus park expansion (iii) side street reimagination and (iv) further study of governance options, to be particularly compelling. • The Panel was clear in its view that the historic façade architecture and related interior public spaces on Ocean Drive and in much of the ADCD is sacrosanct. It was historically protected by a determined group of citizens and has critically shaped our community, lifestyle and brand and it is essential that we embrace its continuing iconic role in defining our future. • The Panel noted the unique and profoundly important environmental issues that the City confronts. Sensitivity to environmental resiliency must be kept in mind in all we choose to do. • While the Panel did not have complete unanimity regarding the re-introduction of vehicles, the Panel articulated a general preference for prioritizing the pedestrian experience of Ocean Drive. The Panel appreciates the continued pursuit of a pedestrian and bicycle rich emphasis for the entire ADCD reflected in the final Zyscovich Plan. • Although this preliminary concept requires much further analysis and consideration for budgetary funding, the Panel is very enthusiastic about the idea of enlarging the public park and enhancing the public’s use of the space. The Panel encourages the City Commission Page 7 of 8 to consider immediately authorizing the development of an RFQ for Lummus Park expansion design. • Much careful thought must be given to the definition of a comprehensive landscaping plan and Lummus Park programming consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Enhancement of ocean views from Ocean Drive properties and the park is a priority. The preservation of key sightlines, looking both east and west in the ADCD were important. • We note that strong views were expressed by certain Panel members concerning the importance of preserving substantially all the existing historic palm tree canopy in the park. Similarly, certain panel members expressed the need for creating more significant shade opportunities in the park than currently exist. • The Panel highlights the critically important role of placemaking and cultural activations in Lummus Park and throughout the ADCD. Consequently, anticipating such cultural activations in the next phase detailed planning process is essential. • The Panel believes that further examination of the Zyscovich recommendation to consider making the streets that terminate on Ocean Drive one-way east or west is worthy of immediate additional study. Optimization of drop-off, deliveries, and parking remains a critically high priority. The Panel advocated for greater consideration for the shared dynamic among bicycles and vehicles with pedestrians in the side streets. • To achieve our placemaking objectives in the ADCD, the Panel encourages the City Commission to explore best practices concerning governance. The Panel attached value to the input of Zyscovich team member and placemaking expert Jerome Barth in this process. We encourage the City Commission to explore Conservancy models for the management of Lummus Park, Ocean Drive, and the greater ADCD. • The Panel discussed the office market as it relates to the District, how to encourage certain uses and business operations, and how an expansion of the Lummus Park footprint could benefit the economic vitality of Ocean Drive. Similarly, economic and business sustainability must be central to all we undertake in the ADCD. • The Panel endorses the exploration of a congestion traffic pricing program for the ADCD. Whatever balance the City Commission ultimately strikes concerning vehicular vs pedestrian activity, using modern technology tools to effectively manage ADCD vehicular traffic is an essential long-term priority. • The Panel continues to believe there are many other opportunities for “Quick Wins” in the ADCD. It is essential that we keep after such opportunities to beautify and improve conditions, many seeming superficial or cosmetic but critically important, in the ADCD every day. We don’t have “broken windows”, but the same motivation applies. Clean and safe remain a continuing priority, short and long term. Similar attention to every design detail is critical as the City Commission considers pursuing elements of the Zyscovich Vision Plan. Page 8 of 8 Acknowledgments The Panel commends the City Commission’s engagement of a multidisciplinary professional consultant group led by Bernard Zyscovich and Zyscovich Architects to provide comprehensive planning recommendations for the Art Deco Cultural District. The ADCD District is the center of the city’s tourism and culture urban district, blending residential, commercial, and recreational uses and activities. Zyscovich assembled a consummate team of technical experts to analyze the District’s challenges and opportunities and propose innovative solutions for improving mobility, aesthetics, economic vitality, and the public realm. The Panel gratefully acknowledges the support of the City Manager’s team during this process, with a particular salute to the professionalism of the Economic Development Department. The Panel transmits this report to the Mayor and City Commission with the recommendation that key elements of the Zyscovich Plan advance to the next step of planning, design, and implementation. Approved and submitted February 18, 2022