HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpen Letter from Commissioner David Suarez to LDS leadership regarding the preservation of the Miami Beach Chapel at 6950 Indian Creek Drive �toa5-3�0/7
Granado, Rafael
From: Granado, Rafael
Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 6:30 PM
To: CausseGJ@churchofjesuschrist.org; Christensencc@churchofjesuschrist.org;
OfficialCommunication@Idschurch.org; newsmedia@churchofjesuschrist.org;
welfaremissions@ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Cc: Mayor and Commissioners Office; Mayor's Office Aides; Mayor's Office Staff; Granado,
Rafael; Suarez, David; Lloyd, Brandon
Subject: Open Letter to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Commissioner David
Suarez— Preservation of Miami Beach Chapel at 6950 Indian Creek Dr
Attachments: Open Letter to LDS Leadership 1.6.26.pdf
Dear Leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
Please find attached an open letter from Miami Beach City Commissioner David Suarez regarding the
preservation of the Miami Beach Chapel at 6950 Indian Creek Drive.
The letter conveys community concerns and respectfully urges reconsideration of any demolition plans,
highlighting the chapel's historic, cultural, and neighborhood significance.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued engagement with the Miami Beach
community.
Respectfully,
Rafael E. Granado, Esq., City Clerk
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach,FL 33139
Te1:305.673.7411 rafaelqranado(a�miamibeachfl.qov
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live,work,and playin our vibrant,tropical,historic community.
1
DAVID SUAREZ
COMMISSIONER
January 6, 2026
Open Letter to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Re: Preservation of the Miami Beach Chapel at 6950 Indian Creek Drive
Dear LDS Church Leadership.
I write in my capacity as a City Commissioner of Miami Beach and as a representative of the residents 1
serve. While I am not a member of the Church, l care deeply about preserving institutions and structures
that hold lasting civic,cultural,and community value.
The Miami Beach chapel at 6950 Indian Creek Drive has long been more than a functional place of
worship. For over two decades, it has served as a spiritual, architectural, and neighborhood
landmark—valued not only by congregants, but also by many residents who appreciate its presence,
beauty,and role as a stabilizing communiry institution in North Beach.
Recent discussions have referenced a small number of remaining members worshipping in Miami Beach
as justification for moving away from continued use of this site. Respectfully,that conclusion does not
reflect the full context.
Prior to the reassignment of the English-speaking ward,this chapel supported a full and active
congregation, including families, children,and youth programs. Current attendance figures reflect an
administrative redistribution of inembers, not a lack of engagement or the chapel's viability as a place of
worship.
Additionally,while another meetinghouse exists approximately 4.5 miles away, it serves a Haitian
Creole—speaking branch. While essential to its members, it does not function as a practical substitute for
the English-speaking families who historically worshiped in Miami Beach. Language, cultural context,
and programming matter, particularly for families.
Beyond attendance considerations,the potential demolition of this chapel raises broader community
concerns.North Beach is already facing significant infrastructure, flooding, and environmental
challenges, and residents are increasingly alarmed by the continued loss of ineaningful civic and religious
structures in favor of overdevelopment.
The removal of this chapel would represent not only a physical loss, but a profound symbolic one at a
time when communities are seeking stability, faith, and connection.
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE,MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA 33139
305.673.7107 � david@miamibeachfl.gov
�AVIU SUAREZ
COMMISSIONER
As the Church evaluates the future of this property, I respectfully urge that any decision fully consider:
• The reassignment of the English-speaking ward prior to attendance measurements
• The distinction between language-specific branches and broader congregational needs
• The chapel's long history of active use and community presence
• The historic, architectural,and neighborhood value of the structure itself
My advocacy in this matter is rooted in my responsibility to represent Miami Beach residents, preserve
neighborhood character, and protect meaningful community assets. I respectfully urge the Church to
reconsider demolition and to eYplore restoration and continued use of this chapel as a place of worship
and community benefit.
i remain hopeful that,through continued dialogue and collaboration,a path forward can be found that
honors both the Church's needs and the deep importance of this chapel to the Miami Beach community.
Thank you for your time and for your continued willingness to engage thoughtfully on this matter.
Respectfully,
�i�G�-�/
David Suarez
Miami Beach City Commissioner
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
�700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE,MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA 33139
305.673.7107 � david@miamibeachfl.gov