LTC 202-2023 Dune Vegetation Trimming and Maintenance at 54th StreetMIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelbe; ~mbers of the City Commission
FROM: Ana T. Hudak, ciy Manas~r[]
DATE: May 3, 2023
SUBJECT: Dune Vegetation Trimming and Maintenance at 54th Street
Coastal dunes are an invaluable asset to coastal communities like Miami Beach. A healthy dune system
minimizes beach erosion rates, creates habitat for flora and fauna, and protects coastal infrastructure
and upland properties from storm damage. I am pleased to share another 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.
Location: 54th Street
Date: May 2- May 16, 2023
The project will be led by City-contracted personnel,
Superior Landscaping & Lawn Service, Inc.
(Superior). 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 54 street dune crossover to the dune
crossover adjacent to the Soleil Apartments at
Castle Beach Club. Under this scope of work, two
dead palms and one diseased palm (root rot that
can spread) will be removed for public safety and
the health of the dune system (see Attachment A).
To date, dune trimming activity has been conducted
on the north and south sides of the Lincoln Road
intersection, in the vicinity of 15- 16 Street, and in
the vicinity of 17 - 18 Street. The Environment and Sustainability Department plans to continue dune
trimming activities in locations that are hot spots for crime and vagrant and homeless encampments as
identified by the City's Police and Housing and Community Services Department.
Background:
The Environment and Sustainability Department conducted joint inspections and planning of the trimming
and maintenance for this fiscal year in collaboration with Public Works (Greenspace Management),
Police, and Housing and Community Services. Overgrown dune vegetation creates desirable locations
for vagrants and homeless encampments. To address this, the trimming of dune vegetation to a shrub-
like formation or structural pruning 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.
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
202-2023
Attachment A: Hazardous Palm Photographs
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 any additional information, please feel free to contact Lindsey Precht, Environment and Sustainability
Department Assistant Director, at LindseyPrecht@miamibeachfl.gov.
ATH/EC/AK/LP/ST/JL Ye
Attachment A: Hazardous Palm Photographs
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Attachment A: Hazardous Palm Photographs
' Jan 12, 2023 at 11 :28:49 AM
5415 Collins Ave
Miami Beach FL 33140
United States
Jan 12. 2023 at 11:34:.03 AM
5415 Collins Ave
Miami Beach FL 140
United
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