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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 074-2026 - TRANSMITTAL OF SOBESAFE CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING OCEAN DRIVE PEDESTRIANIZATIONMIAMI BEACH OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK LTC# LETTER TO COMMISSION TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission Eric Carpenter,City Manager Ricardo J.Dopico,City Attorney Joseph M.Centorino, Inspector General Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk 7?1 February 26,2026 TRANSMITTAL OF SOBESAFE CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING OCEAN DRIVE PEDESTRIANIZATION Attached please find a memorandum submitted by SOBESAFE regarding the Commission's recent approval of the Resolution establishing a process to develop and present to Miami-Dade County a plan for the pedestrianization of Ocean Drive. F:\CLER\$ALL\LTC FROM ASSOCIATIONS\SOBESAFE 02262026.docx 074-2026 Memo for The Mayor and Commissioners cc:City Manager,ACMs,Police Chief,Fire Chief Subject:Commission Approval of OD Pedestrianization Date:2/26/2026 Yesterday the Miami Beach Commission passed a resolution to create a process that would present a plan to Miami Dade County which,if approved,would convert most of Ocean Drive into a pedestrian promenade. We have long believed that a fully pedestrianized Ocean Drive north of 5"Street is in the best interests both of residents and of businesses,and we congratulate the Commission on this action. Our confidence in this outcome is based upon the study of comparable situations,both in this country and worldwide.The list of cities where great hotels are situated on pedestrian promenades and thrive would take a page to list:Cannes,Nice,and St.Tropez on the Riviera;Vienna,Florence,Zurich,Kyoto,Singapore,Times Square in New York (which was originally opposed by business,and is now recognized as an economic winner while also safe and welcoming.) As we reviewed these "comparables",another fact stood out.Many of the most successful outcomes occurred where the pedestrian promenades faced historic architecture.What does that say about the prospects of our Art Deco Ocean Drive? We know that some question this conversion,especially businesses who have concerns about issues such as access for hotel guests and deliveries of supplies and services.These concerns must and will be considered in the planning process. Part of the concern arises from a misunderstanding of what is proposed.Miami Beach's experience has been with a temporary closure,which precludes the investments (e.g.in restaurant seating,shuttles for hotel guests,and artwork)which will make the improved, permanently pedestrianized Ocean Drive better for businesses as well as for residents and visitors. Another set of concerns arise from the recent poor performance of some businesses and the belief that auto traffic is the solution.But in fact,this poor performance is mostly due to outdated dependence on once-successful business models,models which are failing not only in Miami Beach but worldwide.For instance,consumption of alcohol is falling everywhere,especially among the young,as trade journals amply confirm.And autos driving by don't purchase much beyond gas. Solutions to remaining concerns are available,and the end result will be greater prosperity and a safer and more civilized historic district for all.A thoughtful plan to both pedestrianize and upgrade Ocean Drive,to utilize its thankfully preserved worldclass architecture to attract visitors,is in everyone's best interests.Crafting such a plan,and having it approved,isn't child's play.Objections and special interests will intercede at every point.And delay is the ultimate virus.But we believe this Commission has demonstrated its intelligence, independence,and resolve to get to the finish line. And again,we commend them.