R9H-Proposal For Partial Traffic Closure And Master Planning Of Ocean Drive -Wog MIAMI BEACH
Cify of fifiomi Beoch, I 200 Conyention Center Driye, Miomi Beoch, Florido 331 39, www.miomibeoch{l.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
Mayor Philip Levine and Members the CitylCommission
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
June 11, 2014
SUBJECT: Proposal for the Partial T
Drive
Closure and Master Planning of Ocean
ADIIIIINISTRATION RECOMMENDAT]ON
The Administration recommends that the City Commission refer the proposal to the Land
Use and Development Committee for further discussion and policy direction.
BACKGROUND
On May 21 ,2014, the City Commission, at the request of Commissioner Jonah Wolfson,
a discussion was held regarding the permanent closing of Ocean Drive to vehicular
traffic (ltem R9M). The Commission directed the Administration to come back with a
proposal regarding a master plan for Ocean Drive.
ANALYSIS
The Administration has reviewed various options regarding the modification of vehicular
circulation on Ocean Drive. The complete closure of Ocean Drive to vehicular traffic
would create an un-matched level of pedestrian ambience and allow for unobstructed
visual and physical access to the existing hotels that define the scale, context and
character of Ocean Drive. Additionally, outdoor cafes would be able to operate in a
manner that has much less of an impact on the walkability of the street and sidewalk.
However, the complete closure of Ocean Drive does present a number of operational
challenges, particularly with regard to access and check-in for all of the hotels. Also, the
removal of the existing on-street parking spaces along the east side of Ocean Drive
would result in a significant reduction in collected revenue. ln this regard, the total
number of metered parking spaces on Ocean Drive between Sth and 1Sth Streets are
190 (160 automobile spaces and 30 scooter/motorcycle spaces). The following are the
specific revenue amounts for the metered spaces for the last 2 fiscal years are as
follows:
FY 12113: $1,087,389o Metered(automobile):$1,063,287. Metered (scooter/motorcycle): $24,102
FY 13114: $876,996. Metered(automobile):$860,933
Agenda ltem
Date
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RqH
L-tvttt
o Metered (scooter/motorcycle): $16,063
967
Commission Memorandum
Traffic Closure and Master Planning of Ocean Drive
June 11, 2014 Page 2 ol 2
ln order to balance the legitimate operational concerns of all of the affected properties
with the need to enhance the pedestrian experience at the sidewalk level, the
Administration has put together a conceptual proposal for the master planning of Ocean
Drive. ln this regard, one potential option would be to eliminate a single lane of vehicular
traffic (south bound) and expand the sidewalk on the west side of Ocean Drive eastward
by approximately eight (8') feet. The attached drawings illustrate, in concept, how such a
re-alignment could work.
The proposal would have the following benefits:o Vehicular traffic would still be permitted, including access to valet ramps and
loading spaces;o All side streets would be unaffected, as they would be able to access north
bound Ocean Drive;. All existing metered parking spaces along the east side of Ocean Drive would
remain;. The pedestrian sidewalk along the west side Of Ocean Drive, adjacent to the
hotels, would be substantially widened, thus allowing for increased pedestrian
circulation and a more comfo(able space for sidewalk seating.
The total cost of the extension of the sidewalk, inclusive of rebuilding the curb, gutter
and drainage is expected to be $622,120.00. See attached preliminary cost breakdown
prepared by the Public Works Department.
TRANSPORTATION ANALYSIS
The City's Transportation Department has evaluated the proposal. The initial
observations of the Department indicate that the concept of a one-way conversion in the
north bound direction appears to be feasible, and no major concerns from a traffic
operations and access management standpoint were raised. However, a detailed and
comprehensive traffic study will clearly be required to determine the safest and most
effective direction of one-way traffic flow, as well as impacts to the adjacent land uses
and the rest of the traffic networks. Additionally, review of the proposal by emergency
services (Police and Fire) will be required, and any proposed traffic flow modification to
Ocean Drive will need to be coordinated with both FDOT and Miami-Dade County.
The parallel roadways (Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue) experience moderate
levels of congestion during day to day operations and failing LOS during high-impact
periods. ln the case that the traffic study finds that the conversion of Ocean Drive to one-
way traffic is feasible, the data collected in the traffic study will determine the appropriate
direction of traffic. Although the northbound direction proposed appears feasible, based
on its connectivity to a major ingress roadway (5m Street), this cannot be fully confirmed
without the data. One important aspect to review during the study phase, which may
prove to be helpful in making a decision, is existing pedestrian-vehicle accident data.
Given the chaotic nature of this corridor and the propensity of driver distraction, a one-
way conversion could potentially reduce the number of conflicts between pedestrians
and vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
GONCLUSION
The Administration recommends that the City Commission refer the proposal to the Land
Use and Development Committee for further discussion and policy direction
JLM/JMJ/TRM
T:\AGENDAV0l4Uune\Proposal for the Partial Traffic Closure and Master Planning of Ocean Drive.docx
968