LTC 327-2023 Dune Vegetation Trimming and Maintenance at 53 and 54 - 56 Streets Update #4MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 327-2023 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Alina T. Hudak, City Manag�
July 21, 2023 Vf\. ,
SUBJECT: Dune Vegetation Trimming and Maintenance at 53 and 54 -56 Streets Update #4
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. These projects are funded as an enhancement in the FY 23 Operating Budget
and are led by the Environment and Sustainability Department with support from Public Works, Police,
and Housing and Community Development.
Coastal dunes are an invaluable asset to barrier islands and coastal communities like Miami Beach. A
healthy dune system keeps our beaches minimizes beach erosion rates, and helps protect coastal
infrastructure and upland properties from storm damage. The dune system also provides habitat for
wildlife and a diversity of native flora and fauna.
Locations: 54-56 Street and 53 Street
Date: July 21 -August 4, 2023
The project will be led by City
contracted personnel, Crodon, Inc. and
Superior Landscaping & Lawn Service,
Inc. 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 in the following
locations:
•54-56 Street dunes crossover
adjacent to The Castle Hotel (5445 Collins
Ave) to the dune crossover adjacent to
Pavilion Apartments (5601 Collins
Ave). One dead palm will be removed
around 54 street for public safety and the
health of the dune system (Attachment A).
•53 Street dunes crossover to the
dune crossover adjacen t to Carriage
House.
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 Streets, in the vicinity of 17 -18 Streets, and in the vicinity of 54
Street. The department plans to continue dune trimming activities in locations that are hot spots for crime
and vagrant & homeless encampments as identified by the Police and Housing and Community Services
Departments, as well as restoration projects to fortify the dune system for the local flora and fauna and
enhance protection from storm surge. Restoration projects expected for the remainder of Fiscal Year 23
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6723188C-A2DD-4 625-9762-9A618F2879E
Attachment A: Photo of Dead Palm to be Removed
include planting of small, native shrub and vine species to fill in areas impacted by the removal of invasive
exotic vegetation. Fiscal Year 24-25 will include a reforestation concentrating on providing shade for the
beachwalk utilizing General Obligation Bond funding dedicated for tree plantings.
Dune Management Background:
The Environment and Sustainability Department works in collaboration with Public Works' Greenspace
Management Division, Police, and Housing and Community Services Departments, to conduct joint
inspections and planning. 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 of undergrowth in shade-producing trees discourages encampments
by increasing visibility and eliminates potential spots considered as ideal for such activity.
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 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 z
Attachment A: Photo
2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 67231B8C-A2DD-4 625-9762-9BA 618F2879E
Attachment A: Photo of Dead Palm to be Removed
Feb 7, 2023 at 11 :28:36 AM
5445 Collins Ave
Miami Beach FL 33140
United States
3