R7J-Adopt The Blueways Master PlanCOMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
Gondensed Titte:
A Resolution Of The Mayor And Commission Of The City Of Miami Beach, Florida Adopting The
Blueways Master Plan.
Item Summary/Recommendation:
Revitalize Kev Neiqhborhoods. startino with North Beach and Ocean Drive
Supporting Data (Surveys, Environmental Scan, etc
Blueways are a system of canals, rivers, watenruays and lakes connected with a similar
environmental theme. With a grant in the amount of $40,000 from the Florida lnland Navigation
District, and matching general fund dollars, the City contracted with EDSA, a landscape
architectural firm, to conduct a study and develop a conceptual master plan. The objective was to
create a five-year planning document to be used to increase the interaction of residents and
tourists with the watenruays in and around the City of Miami Beach. This master plan document
would serye as a living document and would be revisited and built upon as needed.
The study included a public input process which began with a kick-off meeting held on April 17,
2014. Following this meeting, two additional input workshops were held on June 3, 2014 and
August 5,2014. During the workshops key issues and opportunities were discussed.
Through the use of the proposed master plan document, the City has identified opportunities to
revitalize existing waterfront public spaces and create inviting and interactive experiences along
the water. This document also emphasizes the need to expand pedestrian connectivity throughout,
allowinq everyone to travel from land to water.
Financial lnformation:
Source of
Funds:
Amount Account
,l $0.00
2
OBPI Total
Financial lmpact Summary: None
slative Tr
John Rebar XT. 6644
AGENDA ,re" RJ 59 MIAMIBEACH DATE570
b:MIAMI BEACH
City of Miomi Beqch, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miomi Beoch, Florido 33139, www.miomibeochfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor Philip Levine and Members
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
the City
BEAGH, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE BLUEWAYS
DATE: March 11, 2015
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION
CITY OF MIAMI
MASTER PLAN
BACKGROUND
Blueways are a system of canals, rivers, waterways and lakes connected with a similar
environmental theme. They connect people to the water at convenient locations allowing for
aquatic recreational opportunities and transportation by water within a community. With a
grant in the amount of $40,000 from the Florida lnland Navigation District, and matching
general fund dollars, the City contracted with EDSA, a landscape architectural firm, to conduct
a study and develop a Blueways Master Plan. The objective was to create a five-year planning
document to be used to increase the interaction of residents and tourists with the waterurrays in
and around the City of Miami Beach. This master plan document would serve as a living
document and would be revisited and built upon as needed. The goals were as follows:
. Create a sustainable and thriving environment;
. Revitalize waterfront public spaces;
. Connect people from land to water;
. lncrease interaction with the water; and
. Encourage healthy lifestyles
A kick-off meeting was held on April 17, 2014 with staff and the consultant, followed by two
public input workshops which were held on June 3,2014 and August 5,2014. Residents and,
business owners were encouraged to attend the meetings to share their ideas, desires, and
needs related to the City's watenrvays. During the workshops key issues and opportunities
were discussed. Attendees offered suggestions, posed what challenges they saw and what
desires they had related to connectivity with the watenruays.
The most resonated suggestions and concepts were as follows:
. Access to the water/accessibility. lnclusion of the entire community in accessing the water. Wildlife - Natural habitats to be increased. Positive environmental impacts to be considered. Launch points needed
This valuable feedback was compiled by the consultant and used to shape the final product.
571
City Commission Memorandum -Altos Del Mar Master Plan
March 1 1,2015
Page 2 of 2
Through the use of the proposed master plan document, the City has a guide of identified
opportunities to revitalize existing waterfront public spaces and create interactive experiences
along the water. This document also emphasizes the need to expand pedestrian connectivity
throughout, allowing everyone to travel from the land to water. This will allow both residents
and visitors to take advantage of the water, a surrounding amenity, and will lead to healthier
lifestyles throughout. The proposed plan reflects the combined efforts of the design consultant,
City staff and public stakeholders, creating a foundation which will serve as a guide moving
forurard.
The plans suggested improvements starts by addressing underutilized spaces and suggesting
"low-hanging fruit" and less expensive renovations such as landscape and site furnishings that
address the appearance and usefulness of the City's open spaces. This includes installation
of bike racks and trash/recycling receptacles. Additionally, the master plan suggests
enhancements for each identified locations throughout the City, standardizing designs within
comparable locations to help reduce costs by not needing completely new designs. Some of
these recommendations include kayak launches, boat docking facilities, mangrove habitats,
living shorelines, improved maintenance efforts and pedestrian and bicycle networks.
CONCLUSION
The overall objective of the plan is to use the natural resources within the City in order to
connect people to the water at convenient locations, allowing for the enhancement of aquatic
recreational and water-based transportation opportunities within our community, as well as
providing additional opportunities for economic development. The Administration recommends
the City Commission adopt the proposed Blueways Master Plan, which is provided as an
attachment. The proposed master plan provides recommendations to be refined later into
detailed site specific design documents.
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Attachment
572
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE BLUEWAYS
MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS, the City received matching grant funds, in the amount of $40,000, from the
Florida lnland Navigation District; and
WHEREAS, the City retained EDSA, a landscape architectural firm,to perform a study
and develop a Blueways master plan; and
WHEREAS, the master plan would serve as a five year planning document to increase
interaction of residents and tourists with the watenuays in and around the City of Miami Beach;
and
WHEREAS, two public meetings were held on June 3, 2014 and August 5, 2014,
respectively, to solicit input from stakeholders and feedback was compiled and used to shape
the final plan; and
WHEREAS, the master plan serves to identify opportunities to revitalize existing
waterfront public spaces to enhance recreational aquatic activities and water based
transportation opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends adoption of the Blueways Master Plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby adopt the Blueways Master Plan.
PASSED and ADOPTED this _ day of
ATTEST:
2015.
Philip Levine, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
a-y- t5
Dote
573