BEACHWALK WORKING GROUP

Beachwalk Working Group Members:
  • Chair:  Alicia A. Casanova
  • Projects: Beachwalk Design, Safety, Signage, Surveillance Cameras, Vehicle Deterrent Bollards, Forestation
  • Members:   Charlotte Tomic, Jorge Pante, Susana Sontoro, Alexis Delgado, Patricia Agnello, Ana Martell,  Lily Stoyonskski, Larnett Glenn, Dr. Manny Corrales.
All MBNA Executive Board Members will be involved as needed.
MBNA'S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE BEACHWALK 
The MBNA advocated for years for the creation of a continuous Beachwalk extending from 1st to 81st street.  Through the years, we've been prioritizing SAFETY on the Beachwalk since this multi-modal paved path has been extremely popular for all users who enjoy this amenity.  The MBNA is concerned about the speeding bicycles, including electric bikes/scooters/mopeds, that are sharing this path with pedestrians.  The MBNA continues to advocate for:
​~ No motorized vehicles of any type, at any time. THIS HAS TO BE ENFORCED CONTINUOUSLY!
~ Stay right SAFETY SIGNAGE and center 4" striping markings to help regulate flow in the narrow 15' wide sections of the Beachwalk.
~ Police surveillance and enforcement is needed throughout the day and night.
~ Retractable safety BOLLARDS are needed at every entryway to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering. These are essential for the safety of users.
~ Installation of 24/7 Surveillance cameras need to be installed throughout the entire stretch of the Beachwalk.
~ CMB's Smoking Ban on Beaches and Parks, that was approved in 2022, needs to extend to include the Beachwalk. 
~ New "Beach Pedestrian Path" east of the dunes is urgently needed to offer an alternative to pedestrians; (see options below.)
~ New concrete garden stools on beach entry areas that don't have seating sections.
The MBNA is advocating for a new "BEACH PEDESTRIAN PATH"
The MBNA is very concerned about the safety of our City's beautiful Beachwalk due to speeding bicycles and electric vehicles sharing this amenity with pedestrians.  In order to improve safety, the Beachwalk Working Group is advocating for the implementation of a Pilot Program for a new "BEACH PEDESTRIAN PATH" to be placed East of the dunes directly on the beach.  This path can be made of compacted pea rock gravel and sand, or Mobi-Mats. This beach path will offer an alternative to pedestrians that don't feel safe walking next to speeding cyclists. It will also be an option for pedestrians during busy use times where there's overcrowding on the Beachwalk, especially in the narrow 15' sections.
​
THANK YOU TO MAYOR MEINER and COMMISSIONERS Fernandez, Bhatt and Dominguez for sponsoring this item.  Thank you to all our CMB Commissioners for unanimously approving for the Study to proceed.  We're optimistic that once all the hurdles are crossed, the City will be able to proceed with the creation of this important amenity that will provide a safe alternative for all pedestrians.
During the October  14, 2024 TPBPF Committee Meeting, they unanimously passed a motion to draft an LTC to have them "experiment with installation of alternative temporary paths (blue mats) from 15th-36th Streets & Ocean Terrace, specifically for pedestrians, to test out whether a permanent path, like Bal Harbor's, would improve foot and bicycle/e-mobility traffick."

Allthough the MBNA is in full support of this Pilot Program, we understand that it's controversial and may not adhere to certain State requirements. 

We therefore recommend for the City to look into a much simpler and more economical option, such as the "DuPont Plantex Ground Grid" ​(see video below).  This honeycomb grid can be filled with both sand and pearock (gravel) and will result in a more natural, more durable and more economic pedestrian path.
Existing Pedestrian Path in Surfside:
We also support the option of SAND COLORED MOBI-MATS if those are deemed acceptable:
The video below, taken from a condo at Akoya, shows a sand path east of the dunes created by utility vehicles.  If that same section was compacted, it would encourage pedestrians to walk on it.  This is an idea of how the MBNA envisions a new pathway would look like, except with tighter compacted sand.
An area like this one on 32nd street should be turned into a walkable 8'-10' wide compacted sand BEACH PEDESTRIAN PATH.
Compacted sand already exists in South Beach areas.  See video below.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION REGARDING DESIRED "BEACH PEDESTRIAN PATH"
THANK YOU!  We appreciate the favorable recommendation from the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) at their March 20, 2024 meting. We know they've moved the item to the Commission to pursue creating a compacted sand path east of the dunes for pedestrians (as opposed to bicyclists) which would include permitting and approvals through the State Coastal Construction Line Program (Florida Statute 62B-33 Ch. 161 Beach and Shore Preservation).  The item is sponsored by Mayor Meiner and co-sponsored by Commissioners Fernandez and Bhatt.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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The MBNA has read the COMMISSION MEMORANDUM dated April 3, 2024 regarding pursuing a pedestrian only path (see below.) We understand there are complex and bureaucratic challenges ahead but we urge our Mayor and Commissioners to continue pursuing this goal which we feel will be an extremely beneficial asset to our City.
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MEINER:
Beachwalk Pedestrian Safety:  "I am actively working on my initiative to expand the Beachwalk by creating a pedestrian only path on the hard-pack sand. This is in addition to the current Beachwalk configuration with the intent of creating a pedestrian only option to minimize the interaction between bicyclists and pedestrians on the Beachwalk (Read more here). Embracing such initiatives aligns with our commitment to creating a vibrant and secure community."
RESOLUTION RE PROHIBITION OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES  
The MBNA supports the September 15, 2024 RESOLUTION (by Commissioners Bhatt and Dominguez) pertaining to motorized means of transportation being prohibited on the Beachwalk and other sectors of Miami Beach:
BEACH REFORESTATION PROJECT INFORMATION and MBNA's position:
Information from City on "BEACHWALK REFORESTATION"
AUGUST 26, 2024 
CITY'S STATEMENT:
What's Happening?  The medium to large trees will create canopy in areas where it is needed most in areas of the Beachwalk with low canopy. The palette will include native and Florida-friendly species which are resilient to saltwater spray, inundation, and well-adapted to the harsh environment in which they will be planted. The diverse plant palette is selected with consideration for coastal fortification and restoration.

An additional consideration for the project includes preserving the historic viewshed of the Beachwalk and using these needed trees to fill spaces that have been identified as gaps and under the threat of extreme heat. Minimizing conflict and impact to the ocean view from private properties through the Beachwalk was a strategic priority during the surveying process of potential tree installation locations.

These new trees will be a resilient addition to Miami Beach’s renowned Beachwalk, enhancing aesthetics while also incorporating environmental, health, and economic benefits.
CURRENT SPECIES OF TREES AND AMOUNTS BEING PROPOSED:
The MBNA has expressed numerous concerns regarding the Beachwalk Reforestation Project; (see document below with feedback submitted to City.)  In response, we've been informed that Community Outreach will be taking place in September before this project  moves forward.
8/26/24 FEEDBACK TO THE CITY FROM MBNA'S EXECUTIVE BOARD:
The MBNA supports the planting of SEAGRAPES, PALMS and BUTTONWOOD trees ONLY in sections of the Beachwalk that do NOT block the views of low-rise Condominiums.  These should also be spread out so as not to block the ocean views of Beachwalk users.

​In areas where "Seagrapes" are planted, regularly scheduled power washing of the brick pavers must take place. The "Buttonwood" trees seems appropriate for coastal plantings, but these take a long time to grow and eventually are expected to grow to 25' tall and wide.  The "Gumbo Limbo" can grow quickly to reach 25 to 50 feet so they will block ocean views from condo units and/or Beachwalk users if not placed correctly. 

The MBNA is urging the City to meet with property owners to explain exactly how these plantings being proposed will impact them.
September 1, 2024
​VIDEOS and PHOTOS demonstrating several tree species being proposed that do not provide expected shade:
​June, 2022:
​VIDEO of 79th to 87th street showing new tree plantings: 
SEPTEMBER, 2024:
​Follow up VIDEO of 79th to 87th street showing no tree growth and no shade provided by trees that were planted just TWO YEARS ago:
EXAMPLES of "SEAGRAPES" that provide ample shade:
EXAMPLES of silver and green "BUTTONWOOD TREES":
SECURITY CAMERA'S ON THE BEACHWALK
THE MBNA would like to see these concrete stools installed throughout the Beachwalk:
CONCRETE GARDEN STOOLS
Beachwalk users would certainly welcome these concrete stools that have been installed on the new Indian Creek Drive walking path.  ​(Starting in March 2024, the MBNA will be advocating for these stools to be installed throughout the Beachwalk.)

HISTORICAL SECTION

October 16, 2023
DISCUSSION REGARDING BEACHWALK PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND INSTALLATION OF BOLLARDS AND SIGNAGE CAUTIONING BICYCLISTS TO SLOW DOWN (MEMORANDUM from City Manager Alina Hudak)
​
ANALYSIS:
The existing modified beachwalk safety pilot program from 15 Street to 24 Street has received generally positive feedback from users including support from the Mid-Beach Neighborhood Association (“MBNA”). As a result of the current modified pilot’s effectiveness, and as part of the ongoing Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2024 budget process, the City Administration is recommending an operating budget enhancement in the amount of $200,000 to implement the static signage and pavement marking improvements throughout the 7-mile long beachwalk on a permanent basis. 
CONCLUSION:
The current modified beachwalk safety pilot program from 15 Street to 24 Street, consisting of a white-painted solid line along the centerline of the beachwalk with directional arrows and symbols/signs in both directions guiding all users to keep to their right while traveling on the beachwalk, has received positive feedback from users. As such, the City Administration recommended a FY 2024 operating budget enhancement to implement the safety improvements throughout the 7-mile long beachwalk on a permanent basis. Installation of solar-powered electronic speed feedback devices at strategic locations throughout the beachwalk could supplement the static signage and pavement marking improvements and further promote safety for beachwalk users. At this time, however, the approved FY 2024 budget enhancement does not include funding for the purchase and installation of electronic devices along the beachwalk.
Enforcement of No Motorized Rides
​In furtherance of ongoing City initiatives on the beachwalk, the Police Department continues to have a proactive daily officer presence throughout the beachwalk utilizing overlapping departmental resources. Since May 2022, the Police Department has staffed a daily beachwalk overtime detail consisting of a dedicated officer to proactively address public safety concerns and violations. In addition to the dedicated officer on overtime, the Police Department has also conducted Tactical Response to Area Concerns (“TRAC”) initiatives, which encompass sections of the beachwalk within the affected TRACs. These TRAC details involve multiple police resources from Patrol Operations, Redevelopment Agency (“RDA”), and Homeless Resource Officers (“HRO”) depending on the area and focus of the initiative.
CMB "Code Compliance" Violations
We have been informed that Code Compliance has been meeting with reps from properties that are not complying with the City's ordinances.  Below are the number of violations that have been issued to properties along Indian Creek Drive and Collins avenue between 24th and 63rd streets for shrub encroachment on the Beachwalk, failure to install address signage facing the Beachwalk, lack of property maintenance, speeding cyclists, short term rentals, etc. (see graphs below).
Additional CMB Parks & Recreation "PARK RANGERS" are needed throughout the Beachwalk to enforce the NO MOTORIZED VEHICLE rules!
The MBNA has been advocating for more police presence throughout the Beachwalk to enforce existing rules.  "PARK RANGERS" from the City's Parks & Recreation Dept. have been observed enforcing rules, mainly on the North Beach sections.  The MBNA is requesting for additional Rangers to patrol the MidBeach sections as well.
These existing rules must be enforced:
  • No motorized vehicles.  This includes electric bikes, scooters, etc. (more signs are needed)
  • Bikes must Slow Down and yield to pedestrians (more signs are needed)
  • No Smoking (new igns are needed)
MIAMI BEACH BANS CIGARETTE SMOKING AT PUBLIC BEACHES AND PARKS
LANDSCAPING MUST BE MAINTAINED and SAFETY MUST BE PRIORITIZED
Per Miami Beach's Code of Ordinance, property owners are required to maintain landscaping behind their properties.  Shrubs and landscaping must be trimmed and cannot encroach the concrete borders of the Beachwalk.  Warnings and Notice of Violations are being issued daily.
  • MBNA's Beachwalk Working Group has been working closely with City Staff to make sure that this important amenity is safe and well maintained throughout the entire stretch. Shrubs and weeds cannot invade the 18" concrete borders. It is each property owner's responsibility to maintain their landscaping behind their properties and the City's responsibility to maintain theirs.  
  • We're concerned with the safety of this popular amenity. During peak hours, the 15' wide Beachwalk sections are not wide enough to accommodate the large number of multimodal users.  ​
  • MBNA Members have also repeatedly expressed our concerns about motorized vehicles/bikes observed on the Beachwalk, speeding bikes and lack of Police presence and enforcement. 
  • We will continue to work together with City Officials to find a solution that provides a safer environment for pedestrians that are taking risks navigating between speeding cyclists and unauthorized electric vehicles.
REQUIRED PROPERTY SIGNAGE for East facing gate! 
​Beginning April 1, 2022, as determined by Ordinance No. 2021-4454, all property owners with access to the Beachwalk must prominently display their correct street address number on the easternmost perimeter structure facing the Beachwalk.  In order to have uniformity on our Beachwalk, we designed a beach theme and found a company that can create these code-compliant signs for all our MBNA Members, and other communities that request it, at a very reasonable price. If you would like to order your Condo or Hotel sign for your Beachwalk facing gate, please complete the order form below. Cost for the full color, reflective, 18” X 24” aluminum sign is only $60.00 (plus $5.25 tax and $15.00 shipping).   
  • ​For more information on the sign, call Fabio at 305-968-2978 or email him at: [email protected]
  • For more information on the Ordinance,  send an email to Dexter Peralta, the Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator, at: [email protected]
HISTORICAL SECTION:
Although there has been great improvement in private properties enhancing their landscaping and removing shrubs and foliage that encroach the Beachwalk, there is still work to be done.  Below are photos depicting areas that need to be trimmed so that the 18" concrete side borders can be used by pedestrians that are concerned about getting hit by bicyclists, especially in the narrowest sections of our Beachwalk.
October 22, 2022 (private properties)
October 22, 2022 (City owned property)
July 24, 2022
​Photos from 37th & 38th Street demonstrating shrub encroachment sections on the 18" concrete borders and poorly maintained landscaping.
JUNE 25, 2022​
​Photos from 25th thru 42nd Street demonstrating shrub encroachment sections on the 18" concrete borders, poorly maintained landscaping, and abandoned construction debris. ​(Scroll down to view narrated videos.)
​JUNE 25, 2022
VIDEOS from 27th thru 42nd Street demonstrating shrub encroachment sections on the 18" concrete borders, poorly maintained landscaping, and abandoned construction debris in certain areas. ​
27th Street:
29th Street:
30th Street:
32nd Street:
41st Street:
42nd Street:
Pilot Program safety line as of May 13, 2022:
Continuous bike/pedestrian pavement markings and signage are essential for the success of the Pilot Program.  The MBNA urges City Staff to install continuous signs and bike/pedestrian pavement markings to clearly define sections and guide users; (see samples below.)
February 13, 2022 by The Setai (21st to 22nd St)
March 28, 2022 (by The Lowe's Hotel on 16th Street)
BEACHWALK ACCESS PATH by 57 Ocean Condo
​The MBNA followed up with resident concerns about the closing of the access to the Beachwalk by the 57 Ocean Condominium.  Below is City's response with information explaining why the access is now open from sunrise to sunset.
MBNA Video explaining the situation:
(Thank you Esteban Porcelli, MBNA Board Member, for creating this self-explanatory video.)
Slides presented by the City at the Nov. 3, 2021 MBNA Meeting:
October, 2021 ​
September, 2021:
SPEEDING CYCLIST HITS PEDESTRIAN ON THE BEACHWALK
Too many near misses are seen daily! 
Pedestrian hit by bicycle on October 20, 2021. ​ 
(See Mr. Colcord's Facebook posting below)
ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE BEACHWALK THAT TOOK PLACE IN MAY, 2021.
Below is a sad testimonial from one of our Residents after a speeding bicyclist ran over her; (shared here with her permission). She ended up at Mount Sinai Hospital with a head concussion.  Thanks to her good health; (she walks 6-7 miles a day), her injuries weren't tragic.
August 28, 2021:  groups of speeding cyclists on the Beachwalk
WE NEED PROTECTED BIKE LANES THROUGHOUT OUR CITY!
Protected northbound and southbound bike lanes on both Collins Ave. and Indian Creek Drive are needed since they will certainly reduce the large number of cyclists currently riding (and speeding) on the Beachwalk.  We're also advocating for a new NORTHBOUND bicycle lane to be added to the Collins Ave.  project from 26th thru 44th street that is currently in the planning stages. 
24/7 VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
We're looking forward to the installation of Video Surveillance Cameras throughout the entire stretch of the Beachwalk.
SEA GRAPE TRIMMINGS
MBNA has expressed our concerns about the excessive trimming currently being done to the Sea Grapes adjacent to the Beachwalk.  (See videos below)
REST BENCHES AND SHADE TREES ARE NEEDED
 Two new benches were donated and placed behind Allison Park (53rd street.)  We are advocating for additional benches to be placed at the long sections of the Beachwalk where there is no street access. 

The City has assured us that they are prioritizing shade trees  on the Beachwalk.  Sea grapes on the protected dunes need to be pruned at the bottom to encourage top growth so they can provide much needed shade, especially in areas north of 47th street. 
THE MBNA WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
1.  Police/Patrol enforcement throughout the entire stretch of Beachwalk.
2. Street numbers on ALL paved circular areas.
3. Installation of concrete rest benches in sections without street access paths; (46th thru 53rd streets and 59th thru 63rd streets.)
4. Installation of small address aluminum signs facing Beachwalk behind all Hotels and Condos so that Beachwalk users can identify their location, especially in case of an emergency.
5.  Completion of Video Surveillance cameras.
6.  Enforcement of proper trimming and maintenance of both CMB and private property foliage/shrubs that are encumbering the Beachwalk, resulting in narrower open stretches, especially within the 15' wide sections. 
7.  Installation of vehicle deterrent bollards.
HISTORICAL SECTION:
September, 2021
24th thru 30th Street opened on April 2, 2021  
2/16/21 access to Beachwalk on 25th Street:
Photos taken on February 8, 2021, with views from 41st to 43rd street:
The original projected completion date for the Beachwalk Project was originally on February 13, 2021 (as seen in GO Bond Project Status Report below.) The new projected completion date is June, 2021.
4/21/21  - 41-42nd street circles:
Information on Final Phase of Beachwalk:
53rd thru 64th Street Section was open on December 18, 2019.
Below are the responses submitted via email:
Signs need to be placed in locations that are visible.  Many of them are facing in the wrong direction and/or too far to be seen.
These signs are either too tall or placed too far from the Beachwalk which makes them very difficult to see:
We're advocating for "Block Signage" throughout:

Beachwalk Phase I - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

June 13, 2019

Email: [email protected]

Midbeach neighborhood association, inc.