009-2001 LTC
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
http:\\ci.miami-beach.fl.us
L.T,C. No, '1-2001
LETTER TO COMMISSION
January 9, 2001
TO:
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
SUBJECT:
Jorge M. Gonzalez t~
City Manager . 0
NORTH BEACH S TEGIC PLAN
FROM:
Several important and concurrent initiatives affecting North Beach are currently underway and will be
presented for your consideration over the next few months. In an effort to provide a full and proper
perspective, an anticipated schedule of each initiative is provided below. Each initiative directly or indirectly
affects the area-wide strategy and revitalization effort.
Additionally, on January 23"' and 24th, Howard Kohn, the City's consultant from the Chesapeake Group, is
available to meet with each of you individually prior to conducting a community meeting to discuss the
findings of the Economic Analysis for North Beach. Preliminary draft copies are attached for your reference
and please advise as to your availability.
DATE INITIATIVE
January 10,2001 - Appropriate funding for deposit/consultant studies for Byron-Carlyle.
January 24, 2001 - Business Community meeting to discuss North Beach Strategic Plan
January 31, 2001 - Supermarket Area Siting Analysis Status Report
- Implementation Schedule for DPZ Plan
- Single Family - Altos del Mar - Historic District Design Guidelines.
February 21, 2001 - Nortb Beach Strategic Plan Presentation to Mayor and City Commission
- 72nd Street RFQ Proposer Selection
- Byron-Carlyle Sale and Purchase Agreement
- City-wide Parking Study RFQ, prioritizing Nortb Beach.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
JMG/C~IJG/rar~
F:\CMGR\$AL1.\RAR\LTC\NORTHBCH.PLN
attachments
c: Assistant City Managers and Executive Assistants to the City Manager
Saul Frances, Acting Parking Director
Jorge Gomez, Planning Director
Joyce Meyers, North Beach Planning Coordinator
Gus Lopez, Procurement Director
Kevin Crowder, Economic Development Division Director
o\l~
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
II,.
January, 2001
I
8516 GREEN LANE BALTIMORE, MARYlAND 21244 410-265-17841(FAX)410-521.Q480rrcGROUP@EROLS.COM
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
c
0
Introduction 1
Neighborhoods & Housing 2 n
ortunities 5 t
Residential Marketing 7
Elevation of Household Income 7 e
Business Develo ment 9 n
Business & Investor Recruitment 10
Additional S ecific Sites 13 t
Additional Su estions 16 S
Additional Fundin Sources 17
8516 GREEN LANE, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21244 410-265-1784/(FAX)410-521.o4801TCGROUP@EROLS.COM
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
In_rocluo_lon
The following represents the second part of a two part economic analysis and
strategy for the North Beach area of the City of Miami Beach. This and the
previous section are prepared by The Chesapeake Group (TCG), under contract
to the City of Miami Beach. The Chesapeake Group is a Baltimore-based
economic development consulting firm, formed in 1974, with significant
experience and strategic business alliances in South Florida.
This strategic implementation program is based upon the findings of the business
survey, the supply and demand analysis presented in the economic analysis,
interviews with individual 'stakeholders" in the North Beach area, numerous
meetings with community interests and City staff, and TCG's experience with
commercial and community reinvestment and economic enhancement. The
following are findings of the business survey and market assessment that
significantly affect the proposed implementation program.
" One in ten business operators approaching retirement age have not identified
anyone to operate the business in the future. This could result in the closing
of viable businesses, increased vacancies and blight, and a loss of services
to the community. There is a need for efforts to effectuate a smooth
transition of these businesses to new ownership that will continue to operate
viably.
" At least 40% of the businesses have had problems attracting qualified and
capable employees. Since such problems can stymie growth and
reinvestment, enhanced linkages to job training and educational facilities
should be fostered.
". Widely held negative perceptions are associated with parking and Jack of
security leading to crime. Since perceptions are reality to those that hold
them, elimination or mitigation of negative perceptions will contribute to
success with fostering reinvestment or is necessary in fostering reinvestment.
" Reasonable opportunities for business restructuring exists through
expansion, investment, relocations, and, in some cases, contraction.
Facilitating these opportunities could yield community reinvestment returns.
The following are findings from the market analysis that also impact the
implementation strategy.
" There is opportunity to expand available food or 'supermarket" space either
through expansion or replacement of the existing operation and operator.
" expanSion or additional concentrations of food service establishments in the
area are also possible. Demand is sufficient to support between three and
six new establishments. New and existing establishments would benefit from
clustering.
.
......
p
.
Ee
......
Ee
...
t
-=-
t
-
.
C>>
....
~
t
r
-=-Ãt
~
9
Y
8516 GREEN LANE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21244 410-26S-17841(FAX)410-521-04801TCGROUP@EROLS.COM
1
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
./ Additional opportunity exists for hardware or "home improvemenr operations in the area, but
at a scale that is below that typically associated with national chains.
./ Significant fumiture, general merchandise, and other limited product demand exists but
these kinds of operations either are not typically associated with neighborhood shopping
experiences or would be difficult to attract or physically accommodate in North Beach.
./ About 250,000 square feet of multi-tenant office space could be added to North Beach. An
important growing and potentially catalytic niche is that associated with the "home/office"
market. Such office space could be technologically linked to other offices elsewhere in the
local area, another community, or other parts of the country and world.
The following also affects the strategy.
./ Commercial investment and business activity is driven by demand factors associated with
the "market." Strengthening demand is essential for strengthening commercial activity and
investment.
./ The "reopening" of The Carillon, should the proposed activity reach fruition, will be a
significant market catalyst for restaurant and certain other retail activity.
./' The Normandy Isles commercial core area, centered around the fountain, is in need of an
"anchor" that can draw regular patronage to it. The current tenant mix is relatively weak.
./ The proposed reuse of the Byron-Carlyle for artistic related endeavors could play a role in
altering the economics of the eastem-most portions of the 71st Street corridors, when
coupled with additional reinvestment.
./ The eastern few blocks of 71&. Street, closest to the beach, but west of Collins Avenue is
currently without focus and without economic vitality.
It is noted that at various times throughout the text, names of specific businesses are
mentioned. Their identification or inclusion neither represents an endorsement by The
Chesapeake Group nor any indication of interest or acceptability on their part. The strategy
presented is comprehensive and represents opinions with respect to activities, programs, and
actions that TCG believes could or should be implemented. It is also recognized that as a result
of the comprehensive nature, not all elements are likely to be implemented.
N.'."laolfhoo"a . Hoya'".
While the market analysis emphasized opportunities associated with commercial activity;
commercial opportunities are defined and driven by "markets" or components of demand as
defined above. The primary market for commercial activity as defined in the market analysis
consists of residents of North Beach. Thus, success with commercial enhancement or
revitalization will be largely affected by success with neighborhood enhancement and related
activity.
The strategic program indicated herein for the neighborhood involves a two-pronged or dual
approach. The dual emphasis is on rehabilitation of existing properties and development of
select available parcels for residential infill.
2
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
The following are fundamental issues that either describe or impact the residential market in
North Beach.
1. Perception of lack of safety in some sections of the community
2. Tumover of residents as indicated by turnover of students in area public schools
3. High proportions of rental or non-owner occupied units in North Beach
4. The existence of'undersized" units
5. The perceived proportion of lower income residents in some sections of North Beach
6. Concem for "displacement" of current residents or "gentrification" of the area
7. The high proportion of property abutting or in close proximity to water, including the ocean,
bay and canals.
8. The comparative affordability of property in the area
9. Character of individual communities and many of the existing structures
Because of regional growth pattems; the changes that have occurred in neighborhoods and
communities to the north in Surfside, to the south in Miami Beach, and to the west in the Upper
Eastside of Miami, west of Biscayne Boulevard; and some of the defined characteristics
identified in the above list, opportunities exist to elevate the general housing stock in North
Beach.
Within the region, an additional 15,000 households are expected to be added or absorbed over
the next five years. These additional households will help to maintain the viability of the existing
housing stock as well as generate increased demand for new housing.
Current conditions are such in North Beach that there are units both dispersed and clustered
that were built in the past that were never intended for full-time, year-round occupancy. Yet
today they serve such a function. Numbers of those units fail to meet federal and local scale or
size standards for such occupancy. Mitigating these conditions on a broad basis will promote
enhanced neighborhood viability and will result in fewer households living in North Beach in the
foreseeable future than exist at present. Thus, unless income levels of the residents that
remain are elevated or raised, commercial demand will decrease.
In order to foster neighborhood stability and mitigate negative impacts on current residents,
rehabilitation of existing units by increasing the average size of the unit must be coupled with
programs to avoid displacement and enhance income levels of the current residents.
(1) Improved neighborhood conditions are likely to benefit, to the greatest extent
possible by the conversion of numerous "undersized" units to fewer but larger units. In
order to facilitate this process, (2) additional regulations will be necessary to require
such actions by property owners, Units should be converted irrespective of age and current
occupancy.
(3) Code enforcement will be essential both with the above process as well as with the
physical enhancement of regulation sized units. Code enforcement should be both
consistent and comprehensive. Due to cost factors and the need to allocate resources, the
process could be Initiated in speCific areas at different times. Furthermore, (4) consistent
and comprehensive code enforcement should not be limited to residential activity, but
should Include commercial and other uses as well.
3
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
The ability to enforce current codes in the City is, to a certain extent, dictated by occupancy.
Requirements for non-occupied units differ from those for occupied units and buildings.
Because of this distinction, those who select to board buildings up for extended periods of time
instead of investing can benefit from the "system: Not requiring "bringing the building up to
code," whether occupied or not, helps to increase blighting influence in the community and
encourages current owners to hold on to properties that otherwise might be sold to more
aggressive investors or to homeowners. Thus, (5) the City should examine changing the
policy so as to enforce all codes on all units and buildings, Irrespective of occupancy.
Expansion, targeting, and creation of several mechanisms and programs should be pursued in
an order to minimize financial pressures on current properly owners and tenants brought on by
enhanced code enforcement and changes in unit size,. (6) A revolving loan fund should be
developed or focused upon North Beach targeted toward housing rehabilitation, Such a
fund could employ both public and private resources, or could result from a new
financing proposal set forth further in this strategic program. Many traditional revolving
loan funds employ financial institution resources, foundation resources and state, local and
federal government resources, including but not limited to those associated with the Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
In addition to the revolving loan fund targeted for rehabilitation of structures, particularly those
that are below minimum standards, (7) resources should be targeted for North Beach to
facilitate and foster homeownership among current tenants, Homeownership will not only
mitigate some of the displacement caused by the conversion of units, but will help to provide a
more stable community, enhanced educational experiences through reduction of classroom
tumover, and a sense of ownership in the neighborhood.
(8) Many tenants or renters do not own the units In which they live as a result of two
primary factors. These are the inability to provide funds for down payments and
questions of credit worthiness that result In increased risk for those that provide
conventional financing. Homeownershlp programs that address both issues should be
targeted toward North Beach.
In addition to the targeting of available programs, (9) consideration should be given to
the establishment of a Community Development Bank that would further enhance the
available resource base and serve a potentially vital function In the community. Success
with stimulating available financing for homeownershlp opportunity could also ~e
achieved through the (10) targeting or establishment of a bank mortgage pool, whlth
would facilitate the sharing of risk among conventional financing sources, and the (11)
creation of a targeted "first time" home buyer program,
Many of the suggestions for stimulating reinvestment in the neighborhoods and mitigation of
blighting conditions traditionally results from the prodding, facilitation, and tenacity of the
community. A partnership between the residents, business community Interests, and the
local government Is needed to facilitate the Institution of the targeting efforts, new
financing tools, and enhanced code enforcement, (12) Carefully orchestrated
"educating" by the community Interests Is essential to cause change and guide the
reinvestment process. This Is not only an appropriate role for a community based
development corporation, but It Is unlikely to happen without such community
organizational capacity.
..
4
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group. Inc.
BuildIng A Foundation For The Future
As defined, much of the needed effort centers on rehabilitation of the existing building structures
and housing stock. While much effort should be directed toward the rental housing stock,
efforts should not be exclusive to rental units. Investment is also essential in the owner occupied
stock.
Owner occupied units often deteriorate or suffer from disinvestment as well. Such
deterioration results In North Beach as In other communities because the current owner
cannot afford the cost of maintenance, This Is particularly true In senior households, To
mitigate disinvestment or to stimulate reinvestment of owner occupied units, two additional
forms of financing could be of assistance as they have been elsewhere. These are: (13)
reverse mortgages, where money Is borrowed based on equity, but not repaid until the
time of sale; and (14) Investment in both future appreciation and equity premised upon a
position taken In the unit by a financial Institution lender. Recouping of funds, including
interest, also occurs at the time of sale of the unit in the latter as well.
It is noted that the latter program can be employed to cover rehabilitation costs for "first time" or
newly purchased units as well.
One of the primary concems that is expressed with respect to the "marketability" of the North
Beach neighborhoods is insufficient parking. As defined, rehabilitation of the existing housing
stock by increasing the average size of units will result in a diminished number of housing units.
The proportional dedine should more than offset any rise in needed parking that results from
the potential rise in income levels that might result in a higher ratio of personal vehicles per unit.
However, even if the offset does not mitigate the problem in total, it is not unusually for very
successful established urban neighborhoods to thrive with perceived "tighf parking, including
neighborhoods in the Miami-Dade area and throughout the country in cities in the Midwest; the
West, such as San Francisco; and the East such as Baltimore, New York, Boston, Philadelphia,
and Charleston. Other options to expand parking, as were identified in the early to mid-1990's
plan done for North Beach, include angled parking where possible and the creation of
neighborhood lots.
New Housin Opportunities
While maintenance of the architecture, scale of structures and neighborhoods, and other
components of the character of North Beach are of prime Importance to its continued
viability and enhancement, (15) also advantageous are Infili and redevelopment deemed
appropriate for the neighborhoods.
There are several opportunities to expand the housing base in the area. It is noted that such
expansion will have essentially no measurable impact on the viability of commercial activity in
the area because the total number of potential units at reasonable density levels (those not
dissimilar to existing densities) is small. In total, revenue or sales that accrue to businesses are
likely to be statistically insignificant. However, such infill units can have a significant beneficial
impact on the psychology and reinvestment pattern in the housing market.
5
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
(16) The key site or sites for Inflll that can have the most significant Impact Is associated
with the city owned parcels situated west of Collins Avenue, but abutting Collins
between 79th Street and 87th Street. (17) The advantageous market position for such
housing would be combining home office/business activity, where the owners of the
units would both live and work there. The following are some criteria that should be
applied to the development of those parcels that would enhance the prospect for market
success.
./ "Wiring of units to contain
technology Infrastructure
and electrical power for
communications and wired
infrastructure provided to the
site by the City.
./ Townhouse densities at a
level of about 10 to 12 units
per acre.
./ Consistent exterior design
standards even if there are
multiple developers of the
units.
./ Office operations situated on
either first or upper floors.
The goal is to (18) achieve
prominence within
structure by design,
potentially taking advantage
of the view of water from the
third or upper story.
Strategic Parcels 1
-
./ Departure from previous
plans in that, (19) no "hotel"
Is suggested to be Included
In this area. Current Miami
Beach regulatory definition
for hotels states that such
structures are "intended to be
occupied by transient
residents." The definition
could apply to less than
quality facilities as well.
./ (20) ''Tweaking'' current regulations, allowing certain types of
advertising/marketing, business telephones registered at the addresses, and lifting
of "no employee limitations" to a small number (two to three maximum).
6
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
Residential Marketin
(21) Marketing will be a key to generating both Investment In the established housing
stock and In creation of new housing. The marketing activity should focus on or emphasize:
v' The establishment of distinctive Individual neighborhood Identities and promotion of
them;
v' Families and related activities;
v' Range of waterfront options, from the ocean and bay to canals with boat storage and
access;
v' Affordablllty and price range (Current home values for waterfront in particular, are
below other areas of the barrier islands in Miami-Dade.); and
v' Architectural character of existing units.
(22) The existing communities should be marketed using specifically generated
materials. Marketing materials for residentiaVneighborhood based efforts should include:
1. A neighborhood based brochure. This would be a multi-page piece, with emphasis and
orientation in the manner noted above.
2. Publication ads.
3. Web site for and with linkages to Realtors,
The first piece could or should be printed using two different quality materials. One would be of
the quality for distribution with and through newspaper and magazine insert or supplement
(newspaper type paper stock). The second would be In glossy format for other means of
distribution. It is also suggested that:
v' Ads could be placed In visitor-orlented publications. .
./ Pomotlonal materials could be distributed to human resource departments of large
regional employers.
Assistance with printing costs and actual printing could come from area public utilities, financial
institutions, newspapers and other major business interests.
II.v.tl.. .f 11....".1411.....
As defined, one of the ways of mitigating displacement and enhancing community vitality is by
elevating or raising the income levels of existing residents. Training and education are
traditional means of expanding economic opportunity. Such training should also be of
assistance with eliminating labor pool issues identified by the business community and with
addressing issues associated with "lineage" and business succession.
Employment training, Intended to raise existing residents' Income levels, could be
handled through linking residents with existing area Institutions. Those existing
institutions that would assist with skill enhancement include those that follow.
7
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
Miami Dade Community College
Florida International University
Johnson & Wales
Nova University
Florida Atlantic University
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Effective attempts at reaching area residents will require a great deal of coordination.
Such coordination could come from the City or the North Beach Development Corporation.
However, neither would have experience with such activity or intimate familiarity with the
educational institutions. Thus, (23) It is suggested that one existing higher education
Institution function as the coordinating entity for this activity, Because of their
expressed Interest and role played by similar Institutions In other communities, Miami-
Dade Community College could act as the program coordinator.
(24) The effort could be handled by creating a "higher education center" In North Beach,
with multiple Institutions. Shared facilities by Institutions offering advantageous course
work leading to GED, Associate and Bachelor Degrees, potentially advanced degrees and
"certifications," and continuing education credits could be offered. With a proper facility,
universities from outside the region could be enticed to offer programs leading to Bachelor and
Advanced degrees, certifications, continuing education credits, or other technical training.
(25) Outreach to residents would be handled through developed marketing materials
distributed through religious institutions, non-higher education schools, existing adult
education programs, Immigration services, and others. While the intent would be to bring a
range of educational opportunities to Miami Beach and North Beach in particular, the higher
education center could serve the larger regional population as well.
As defined, there is also a need to stimulate entrepreneurial activity if for no other reason than
to prevent the loss of existing business activity caused by the retirement of current owners and
the associated vacant buildings and blight that would ensue. (26) The establishment of an
"apprenticeship" program would be beneficial to both the business and residential
communities. Recruitment of "new ownership" can be effected through the community's colleges
and vocational and technical schools by identifying students with potentially successful
entrepreneurship profiles.
Establishing contact with each of the schools, an evolutionary program including internship,
apprenticeship and ultimate business purChase can be structured to connect the right
business partners. Such a program might involve the following.
./ Internship - introduction and part-time work while attending school
./ Apprenticeship - 1 - 3 years working and learning in the business
./ Purchase - with previous ownership staying on for 1-2 years
Participating institutions in such a program could include the following. It Is noted that the
Institutions are the same as those previously Identified for training activity. Thus, the
two activities could be linked and coordinated by Miami-Dade Community College, with and
through the "higher education center" facility.
8
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
1. Miami Dade Community College - Entrepreneurial Education Center
2. Florida Intemational University - School of Business
3. Johnson & Wales - Culinary Institute
4. Florida International University - Hospitality Management
5. Nova University - Business & Entrepreneurship Center
6. Florida Atlantic University - Small Business Development Center
7. Miami-Dade County Public Schools - Vocational and Adult Education Centers
Components of this effort that would focus the attention on North Beach could include the
following.
./ Community recruitment speakers from each identified school outlining the program, it's
benefits and requirements.
./ Business scholarships for North Beach residents to attend and graduate with business
management, specific industry skills and entrepreneurship skills.
.,.. Cooperative partnerships with banks and other financial entities to sponsor the student
apprenticeships and assist with financial planning and procuring resources for the
purchase and financing of businesses.
.,.. Public Relations in the business media, to create awareness of the entrepreneurship
activities and opportunities in North Beach (and Miami Beach). These activities can
include media relations as well as attendance at trade shows, career days and business
expos to create awareness of the program and recruit both business sponsors and
student/apprentices.
It Is also noted that North Beach would maximize the benefits of such a program if there
were a commitment on the part of those who participate In the program to also live In the
community. (27) Special financing arrangements for those making such a commitment
should be pursued.
.......... D.".'op.."t
Increasing revenues to existing operations and other enhancement to the existing business
community are fundamental to enhancement of North Beach. Through the housing efforts and
"income elevation" activities as well as the proposed apprenticeship effort, the strategic program
will alter future market conditions. In the meantime however, such neighborhood based
economic enhancement activity will take time to evolve. Activity to enhance existing business
must be expanded as well.
In order to assist existing businesses, the following activity is suggested. It is noted that
(28) the primary coordinating entity for such activity should be a community based
development corporation.
9
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
./ (29) A cooperative advertising and marketing program should be initiated. Initially
the focus could be on collective restaurant ads aimed at the region's visitor base. The
initial activities would be on a volunteer basis, but could evolve into a permanent "special
benefit district structure" as in local areas such as the Miracle Mile in Coral Gables or
those found in virtually all shopping centers.
./ (30) The establishment of a "cooperative buying group" for small Independent food
establishments, affording greater buying power and potentially lower prices for area
residents.
./ (31) The development of targeted events and activities that promote a certain
cluster of businesses, One such event would be a "Taste of North Beach: on site at
current restaurants. Such an event, unlike others, would be oriented toward lunch time,
when current patronage is at its low point.
./ (32) The development of a "Frequent User" club oriented toward lunch at area
restaurants and other food service establishments, Discounts could also be offered
for lunch and diner for those showing proof of stays at area hotel facilities.
./ (33) The establishment of a special benefit district to enhance area security (and
potentially marketing), employing off-duty police officers, funded by commercial area
property owners.
./ (34) Changing the "cap" to $50,000 and (35) refocusing the existing building
renovation grant program to Include at least 50% of the expenditures to exterior
renovations. Consideration should also be given to targeting the program to
specific geographic areas or types of business,
I..'.... & I.v..'or It..r."...'
In addition to the other strategic component activity, success with economic development efforts
will require actual recruitment of new activity. Typically, recruitment is given a great deal of "lip
service: Many economic development entities, community-based development corporations,
and others involved in the industry state that they intend to do recruitment, but more often than
not, essentially provide various forms of technical assistance after an entity comes "knocking on
their door. Others solicit indirectly, through publications, but do not participate in typical "door
knocking" activity associated with other forms of "sales."
(36) There are several types of entitles from which North Beach would benefit, if their
numbers increased within the community through recruitment efforts. First are hotels and
motel operations. The second is (37) businesses defined as meeting needs based on the
estimates of market demand. The third, but directly related to the other two, is (36)
investment Interests associated with redevelopment, rehabilitation, and in-fill development
activity .
10
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
DRAFT
There are (38) four Important steps or elements In a quality recruitment process or
program to aggressively pursue new, additional, or expanded activity. These general
steps or elements are:
A. Site Identification;
B, Identification of those to be solicited;
C. Defining appropriate methods for solicitation based on the particulars; and
D. Consistent execution of a process.
The following are statements or suggestions with respect to each of these components.
Site identification - Critical sites for which rehabilitation, redevelopment, or development
is sought or desirable should be Identified. A "site" can consist of multiple properties with
multiple owners or a single property. land assemblage can be a component of the
development process.
It Is very important to note that the entity seeking the development, rehabilitation, or
redevelopment does not necessarily have to own any or all of the site for which
investment/development interests are solicited. For example, it is not uncommon for an
individual property owner to seek outside interests to develop a parcel that becomes only one
piece of a larger development. An example of such a project, not in Miami Beach but in Miami-
Dade County can be found in Coral Gables, where the Rouse Company was recruited by one
property interest, but decided that multiple properties were necessary in order to create the
desired, viable critical mass. That process has led to the development of a major commercial
venture that is now under construction.
A multiple parcel solicitation process could be very advantageous for North Beach. For
example, significant investment is required to "turn around" the area southwest of the "72rwl
Streer site. Seeking an interest that has the capacity to develop and redevelop more than just
the "7200 Street" site proper or can develop such a property to benefit reinvestment in the
immediate area, would be advantageous.
The need for such multi-parcel development in North Beach is not limited to that opportunity, but
to others as well that could result in the attraction of a much needed convenience anchor for
commercial activity in Normandy Isles.
Community-based development organizations throughout the country have seized the
opportunity to attract investment/developer interests without ownership of parcels as well.
Essential land assemblage can be handled by the development interest as required.
Sometimes such assemblage requires public participation, but often it does not.
Identification of those to be solicited. The second step is to identify those to be solicited.
(39) Standard CD software, based on SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) Codes and
"Vellow Page" listings, can be employed as could other materials to identify potential
investment/development interests. Other sources Include:
11
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
DRAFT
y" Publications oriented toward real estate Investment trusts, developers,
property management, etc.
y" Trade and professional association membership mailing lists.
It is suggested that (40) recruitment not be limited to South Florida or the Miami-Dade area.
Often entities from outside the area can bring a broad range of experience and may not have
"built in perceptions" of North Beach and Miami Beach that may be prevalent in the local
development community.
Definina aDDroDriate methods for solicitation based on the Darticulars. In defining how to
recruit or solicit interest, there is a range of options. These are:
Public Relations - Creating Awareness within the industry specific, general business and
professional communities that increases the receptiveness and effectiveness of all marketing
efforts. Public Relations programs typically include press releases and other forms of outreach
for which "out of pocket costs (non-labor) is minimized or non-existent. -
Direct Marketing - A well-developed, pro-active method with a singular purpose. That purpose
is response. Since the targets are defined, convincing, specific messages addressing their
concems with the relevant benefits and advantages are delivered in a highly efficient method.
There are several methods of communications to reach the identified groups, including
submitting news releases to trade newsletters and editorial staffs, direct mail, and targeted e-
mail campaigns.
Classified Advertising - Generally associated with press and trade publications. today also
includes most forms of intemet advertising. Classified advertising should be carefully placed to
be effective and because of cost factors. Advertising through the sponsoring group's site or
related sites is an additional opportunity that could be successful, but unlike other forms of
outreach, it is dependent upon the entity that one would want to solicit finding the solicitor.
(41) Recruitment efforts for North Beach sites at this time should focus on public
relations, direct mall, select trade journal advertising, and posting on the development
corporation's web site.
The developer/Investor recruitment should be coordinated and orchestrated by a local
development corporation. Efforts that involve publicly owned land should be joint efforts.
Those that involve no publicly held land could be partnered.
Consistent execution of a Drocess. . Given the need for reinvestment, (42) multiple
solicitations for multiple properties are envisioned. (43) There needs to be a reasonable
allocation of resources to develop materials and perform the needed services.
Resources need to be both fiscal In nature as well "manpower" oriented. It must be
systematized, performed regularly, targeted, timed, and niche focused. (44) Standard,
uniform marketing materials should be part of the package as well as those that can be
modified for Individual targeted recruitment efforts.
12
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
Targeted recruitment activity should include, but not necessarily be limited to:
A. Additional hotel operations that are affordable and family oriented and, thus,
differentiated from other Miami Beach mass and efforts;
B, Restaurants and related food service establishments;
C. Convenience anchor for the Nonnandy Isles commercial area;
D. Development Interests for slte"speclflc activity defined In this strategy and
others called for In the developing plan for North Beach.
It is noted that "affordability" should be a key marketing element stressed for this and all other
recruitment activity defined for North Beach.
......t..".. ap.e.t'e a.t..
In addition to the defined eight blocks of residential sites along the area in the northern part of
the study area, west of Collins, (45) there are several other strategic sites or components of
the strategy for which reinvestment activity should focus. These are:
v' The Carillon Hotel;
v' "72nd Street" parcel and area southwest of the parcel between the parcel and the
Byron Carlyle Theater;
v' Sites In Normandy Isles for a prospective convenience anchor; and
v' Supennarket expansion or replacement opportunities, new competitor.
Discussion of three of these has been to some extent, or could be linked together.
The following are suggestions for those sites or activities, exclusive of The Carillon. (46) For
the Carillon, conversion of the structures and site to a family oriented hotel would be
significant, Fostering the Implementation of the currently proposed plan for the site, In
concept, should be made a priority by both the community-based development
organization and the City of Miami Beach. The Carillon's regeneration as a hotel will assist
with stimulating the commercial community and the critical mass of reasonable hotel rooms in
North Beach. It is probably the best known structure in the area; its continued "non-functioning"
may be viewed by investment and development interests as being indicative of the larger "North
Beach perceived problems."
'7r Street" site. Probably more attention has been paid to the "72M Street" site than any
other parcel of land in the area. This is a result of public ownership, a recent RFP for
development of the parcel, the most recent RFQ, and its strategic location one block from the
ocean and abutting the ocean front park to the east and open space to the west.
13
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
This past year, the City of Miami Beach solicited interests for development of the parcel. The
Request for Proposals or RFP included mandated parking. The successful proposer proposed
several uses on the parcel, including substantial parking. The other uses included a movie
theater, a "black box" or performance theater, a supermarket, and some additional ancillary
retail activity. During the review process, changes in the industry resulted in a failure to have
firm commitments from a movie chain. The "black box. required a subsidy. After extended
negotiations, the City broke off negotiations with the development interest. The initial RFP
process has been replaced by the City with a Request For Qualifications or RFQ.
The current process prOVides the opportunity to perhaps examine the site again to
indicate or provide criteria for its future development.
First, it is recognized that public input meetings have indicated support for an expanded
supermarket in the community. Demand projections indicate that there is sufficient demand to
warrant an expanded supermarket, but that the construction of a new modem supermarket that
would be at a different location than the current supermarket would likely result in the closure of
the existing supermarket and other smaller markets in the area that satisfy demand at present.
Thus, from an overall community perspective, the fundamental issue is what is the best general
location for a supermarket. There are potentially three options. One of these options is the
current site. The second would be at the 7200 Street site, while the third would be in Normandy
Isles commercial core. Of the three options, the easiest to accomplish is the 72nd Street site.
Development on that parcel for such a use would be relatively easy, affording a traditional
suburban supermarket layout in a relatively urban setting.
While potentially the easiest to accomplish, it is by far not the best site for a supermarket from a
community development or investment perspective. One reason for this not being an
advantageous site is that a supermarket is not likely to provide an anchor for the mixed-use
area to the southwest of this site, between it and the Byron Carlyle. It is assumed that the
Byron Carlyle has a reasonable chance of being converted to a cultural facility. Activity on the
7200 Street site should bolster that focus. Convenience retail is not synergistic with the cultural
facility and is thus unlikely to have spin-off patronage that can stimulate reinvestment in the area
between the 7200 Street site and the Byron Carlyle.
A second major reason that this is not the most advantageous site is its lack of synergism with
major clusters of other convenience activity. Normandy Isles has the largest viable collection of
convenience retail and related services at present. Yet, this area is also in need of
strengthening. The best method for strengthening the commercial activity in that area is to
provide a new anchor. For all convenience retail, the best traditional anchor tenant is a
supermarket. Thus, from a strategic development standpoint, a Normandy Isles location would
be preferred.
There are some potential sites in that area for a supermarket that are strategically
advantageous from a community investment perspective, However, all will require negotiated
agreements between multiple property owners for their participation and inclusion in the project
or acquisition of parcels and structures.
14
DRAFT
(47) The 12nd Street parcel owned by
the City should be viewed as one
parcel within a larger redevelopment
area and site that spans from It over to
the Byron Carlyle. In selecting the
developer Interest for the parcel, (48)
consideration should be given to
viewing the site and development
within this larger context and to the
developer's ability to execute
development of the 72rtd Street parcel
and the contiguous parcels. (49) The
City should develop schematic
concepts that would help to show
options for the redevelopment of that
area with the 72nd Street parcel being
an Initial or part of an initial phase.
(SO) Design of the site should give
consideration to the proximity to the
water, the long term relationship to the
area to the southwest and the linkage
to an open space network to the east
and west. When approaching the 120d
Street parcel In this manner, the parcel
becomes an Incentive for additional
Investment, including but not limited to
regional serving office and entertainment
related activity.
Sites in Normandv Isles for a
Drosoective convenience anchor. (51)
There are several areas within
Normandy Isles that could benefit from
redevelopment and foster general
commercial reinvestment through the
recruitment of an anchor tenant, such as
a supermarket. At least two of those
areas are defined in the Illustration to
the right.
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
Strateg ic
Site 2
As previously noted, property
assemblage would be required.
However, such assemblage does not
necessarily Involve public
condemnation or even acquisition, or
necessarily acquisition by others.
Current property owners may be
interested in equity positions In a project obtained through their holdings,
15
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
Furthermore, leadership in
solicitation and .pack-
aging" of proposals for
development of the sites
should be the purview of
the community-based
development corporation.
SUDermarket eXDans/on
or reD/aeement ODDor.
tune/ties and new com-
Detitor, At the current
time, the existing Publix is
in a monopolistic position,
having been the only
supermarket in North Strategic Sites
Beach, having stores to
the south and recently
announced investment to the north, and being the proposed entity associated with the previously
noted terminated RFP process for the 7200 Street site.
(52) Recruitment of Interest by an alternative supermarket - one other than Publlx -
would stimulate willingness on the part of Publlx to address creative design and site
alternatives that they may not being willing to address without sueh perceived
competition. When competition or perception of competition is created, the entity in .control"
shifts from the "monopoly" to the community, In so doing, serious options for redevelopment,
either at the existing Publix's site or in Normandy Isles, could progress.
Addl".".' ......,..".
Much of the implementation activity indicated falls under the purview of a community-based
development corporation. While the role in the process is indicated in the strategy near the
appropriate suggestions, there are additional roles in a development process for such an
economic development arm. The three additional potential roles are:
A. Involvement with property assemblage;
B. Creation of.shell buildings"; and
C. Financing,
It is noted that creating shell buildings, bearing the risk of a developer/investor but causing
direct investment, will depend upon fiscal resources and technical abilities or assistance. The
technical capacity can be obtained through joint ventures with experience or contractual
relationships.
16
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A. Foundation For The Future
&41411'1...' ...411.. ...~...
There are a host of funding sources that can be employed in both financing and funding of
development activity. The resources include those employed by Miami Beach at present and
some additional alternatives not presently available in North Beach. The former include
COBG funds and revenues from visitor-based activity. The latter Include the development of a
Community Development Corporation, Community Development Bank, and a "Social
Capital Fund,"
(53) Of the new sources, the "Social Capital Fund" should be given the highest priority.
The Social Capital Fund would be Identical to any traditional "mutual fund," with a few
critical exceptions, The fund would be established by and as part of any traditional
brokerage. Money is Invested, not "given" to the fund, It can be removed by the
individual Investors, However, unlike other funds, a proportion of the earned income is
"given" to a designated 501(c)(3) organization that would Invest the money In economic
and community development activity. The Investor would get an annual tax deduction
for the contribution.
While the direct funds reinvested would be lower than in a traditional fund, the total "retum" is
only marginally different because of the accrued tax benefit.
In the illustration that follows, a "capitalization" of $10 million is used. These funds could come
from individual investors, corporate interests, pension funds, private pension resources, unions,
etc. The illustration assumes an annual return of 10%. This figure is conservative, well below
returns recorded in the recent past by managed funds. Assurning only a 10% return, $500,000
would be earmarked for the non-profit, with the tax benefit of the contribution accruing, and the
other one-half would be reinvested. Capital would continue to accumulate, but the "gift" amount
would hold constant. Thus, the proportion of the return, but not the actual dollar amount
"granted" to the non-profit of the total resources and earned income would diminish
annually. The cap of dollars could be "set" from the onset, so that returns greater than
10%, if achieved, would resort in greater capital accumulation, not "grants,"
(54) The new resources could be used for a variety of purposes Including but not limited
to any and all that follow:
~ Direct capital expenditures for infrastructure and buildings;
~ Repayment of floated bonds for buildings, parking, Infrastructure, etc.;
~ Administrative costs for the organization; and
~ Marketing and other direct outlays toward community reinvestment.
The illustration depicting the funding flow to and from the Social Capital Fund follows on the
next page.
17
DRAFT
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Building A Foundation For The Future
Social Capital Fund
Capltallzatlonl
Resources
(ex.: $1 OM)'
Annual Return
(ex,: 10% or
$1 M)"
501 (c)(3)
Tax Deduction
(ex.: $500,000)'"
Reinvested
Return
(ex.: $500,000)
ED r.lated
organization
ED r.lated
activity
.Consldered mlnlmallnlt!al capitalization amount. Amount capitalized grows annually based on reinvestment.
"Return estimates likely to be understated Significantly. Dollar amount CQuld be capped or percentage.
"'*Reaource. ayallable for community and economic development activity
18