3.20 Community Meeting Summary
We had another productive SoBe West Community Meeting last night, where we discussed the following topics:
Traffic: Short and Long-Term Solutions., moderated by Mayor Meiner.
Safe Street Initiatives, moderated by Commissioner Magazine.
Special thanks to the Mayor, City Manager, Asst. City Manager, Parking, CIP, FDOT, County, Commissioner Dominguez, Commissioner Magazine, City Staff, MBPD, and the Palm/Hibiscus & Venetian Island Neighborhood Association for their active participation.
With everyone’s collaborative efforts here are some exciting highlights that came out of this meeting for local residents & businesses benefit:
Short Term Gains
The City agreed to delay infrastructure construction on Alton Rd from Michigan to the Julia Tuttle until 2027. This will provide relief while our neighborhood is dealing with our own road closures.
The stoplight at Lincoln & West Avenue will be switched next week to a blinking light during the ongoing West Ave construction.
4-way stop signs are being installed at 14th & West Ave (Update: installation now complete!)
Stoplight adjustments to be made at Lincoln Rd & Alton Rd
Lighting improvements to Lincoln Court between Lincoln Rd & 17th St.
Director of Transportation Jose Gonzalez and team are looking to convert some West Avenue street parking to freight loading zones by day and resident parking by night. The advantage of this approach is to remove the numerous service vehicles double parking on West Avenue and to make pedestrian crossings safer.
CIP, Lauren Firtel, FDOT, & Consultants commit to greater resident communication for all construction projects impacting local residents and businesses.
Mid Term Gain
Raise West Ave pedestrian crosswalk by Floridian Condo to Canopy Park
Concerns from residents expressed about delivery trucks in middle lane posing danger to pedestrians crossing. Magazine agreed and suggested exploring a future solution with trees to prevent parking.
As it relates to Special Events traffic, we discussed:
City needs to balance tourism with residents quality of life
More shuttles requested during events
The Ferry service was a success during Art Basel, the City is planning on increasing the service this year and will issue and RFP for a permanent water taxi operator.
