HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-91-0380E
12
J--91-498
5/9/91
S Q
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENTS), APPROVING,
IN PRINCIPLE, "COMMON VISION", THE ATTACHED
REPORT OF THE NORTHEAST TASK FORCE DATED
APRIL, 1991.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. "Common Vision", the attached report of the
Northeast Task Force, dated April, 1991, is hereby approved in
principle, presented to the City Commission this date.
Section 2. This Resolution shall become effective
immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of , 1991.
XAVIER UAREZ, MAYOR
a
,TY HIRAI
CITY CLERK
PREPARED BY:
i
PAMELA PRIDE-CHAVIES
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND CORRECTNESS:
J GE-L. 7FRNANDEZ
C Y ATTO EY
PPC/ebg/gmb/M2277
CON IN"D
CITY COMMSSION
Km- TING OF
MAY 9 1991
91- 1180
0N1k.-
COMMON VISION
A REPORT OF THE NORTHEAST TASK FORCE
MIAMI, FLORIDA
APRIL 1991
9! --- 38Q
n
AM�°� UpG°�C�G3 EA�(S-T��DL�
ICE TASK FORCE
P.O. BOX 370832
MIAMI9 FL. 33137-0832
April 19, 1991
Mayor and Members
City of Miami
3500 Pan American
Miami FL 33133
of the City Commission
Drive
RE: NORTHEAST TASK FORCE COMMON VISION REPORT
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Commission:
We are proud to present to you the following, our "Common Vision"
report. The final recommendations contained herein represent the
unified vision of the many community groups that make up Northeast
Miami. These include the area's many concerned citizens in Miami's
Upper Eastside neighborhoods: Edgewater, Magnolia Park, Bay Point,
Buena Vista East, Brentwood, Morningside, Lemon City, Bayside,
Belle Meade, Belle Meade Island and Shorecrest (see map on page 9) ;
the Greater Biscayne Boulevard Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast
Umbrella Group, the Northeast Sub -Council for Crime Prevention, the
Northeast Improvement Association and the Design District. -Close
coordination between these parties was sought, in order to ensure
that our report is truly a "common vision".
In presenting this report to the City, the Task Force asks that the
City Commission join in this new partnership between the residents
and the businesses of Northeast Miami, and share in our mutual
commitment to the revitalization of our area. By helping us to
accomplish the goals set out in this report, we hope to reinforce
the pride and sense of community that is an integral part of life
in Miami's "Upper Eastside".
Northeast Task Force
4. 1-- 380
I-dk�
E;
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pane
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A) Goals and Recommendations .................. 2
II. INTRODUCTION
A) The Northeast .............................. 8
B) The Northeast Task Force ................... 9
III. BRINGING BACK THE NORTHEAST
A) Prerequisites to Revitalization
1) Crime Prevention and Safety............ 12
2) Zoning and Code Enforcement............ 16
3) Public Relations/Communications........ 19
B) Revitalization of the Northeast
1) Economic Development ................... 21
2) Beautification ................... I...... 25
IV. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
A) Implementation .............................. 29
B) Summary ..................................... 30
List of Illustrations
Fig.
1
City of Miami Map ................................
8
Fig.
2
Upper Eastside Neighborhoods Map .................
9
Fig.
a
3
Scattered Site Housing Development ...............
24
Fig.
4
Right -of -Way Tree Plantings ......................
26
Fig.
5
Median Beautification Plan... ....................
27
0
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMY
N
91--- 380
CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY
GOALS:
1. ENACT A NUISANCE ABATEMENT ORDINANCE TO ELIMINATE DRUG
SALES AND PROSTITUTION FROM THE AREA'S MAJOR
THOROUGHFARES AND NEIGHBORHOODS
2. ESTABLISH AN INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE IN THE
COMMUNITY
3. UNIFY NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME PREVENTION TO WORK TOWARDS
COMMON GOALS
4. SEEK INCREASED ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS THROUGH THE
STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Target perceived havens of criminal activity in motels and
other buildings and seek the closure of those buildings through
adoption and aggressive enforcement of a nuisance abatement
ordinance.
b) Network all community crime fighting groups, using the tuio
Police mini -stations as a focal point.
c) Coordinate with the N.E. Sub -Council and other Crime
Prevention groups on activities such as the provision of decoy
police patrol vehicles to be placed throughout the neighborhoods,
staffing of the Citizen's Crime Patrol Car program with volunteer
drivers, and the solicitation of $10,000 for the area's two Police
Ministations (Edgewater, Biscayne Boulevard)
d) Maintain close relations with the State Attorney's Office to
ensure vigorous prosecution of targeted offenders; seek to have an
Assistant State Attorney assigned specifically to this project.
e) Institute and maintain an active court watch program.
f) Attempt to discourage the use of public telephones for illegal
activities, perhaps by changing to rotary style and by blocking out
incoming calls.
g) Obtain better lighting of public areas to discourage illegal
activity and follow-up on the repair of inoperative lighting.
h) Assist Police Department in securing available grant monies,
such as the Justice Department's "Crack Focus" grant.
K
91 -- 380
ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT
GOALS:
1. IDENTIFY WAYS TO ENSURE GREATER COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING
REGULATIONS
2. ADOPT NEW ORDINANCES TO CORRECT IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS NOT
ADDRESSED BY EXISTING REGULATIONS
3. MONITOR AND REGULATE THE PLACEMENT ACTIVITIES OF SOCIAL
SERVICE AGENCIES.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Implement and enforce the appropriate signage regulations
pertaining to properties for sale, political campaigns, and
commercial businesses.
b) Improve the aesthetics of vacant lots and buildings through
aggressive, but focused, Code enforcement' and the development of
stricter regulations; use vendors selected from a bid pool to clean
vacant lots in order to expedite the enforcement process.
c) Implement and enforce existing lien regulations, proceeding to
foreclosure when code violations are excessive and unpaid, and
extend responsibility to include enforcement against
tenant/violators'.
d) Enforce parking laws to prevent tenant/customer parking on
swales, lawns, and curbs.
e) Discourage loitering along Biscayne Boulevard.
f) Work to establish a closer relationship with the Code
Enforcement Division/Director in order to develop mechanisms for
the timely processing of Code violation complaints.
g) Enforce the moratorium on social service agencies in the
Northeast.
h) Monitor and regulate the use of Northeast area hotels and
residential properties for temporary housing by social service
agencies. This could be accomplished through the establishment of
a citizens, review committee.
i) Require local representation of absentee owners and landlords
to facilitate communication with property owners concerning code
enforcement problems.
3
yl- 380
1-2
11-1
PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS
GOALS:
1. ESTABLISH A CENTRALIZED SOURCE OF INFORMATION PERTAINING
TO ONGOING ACTIVITIES IN MIAMI'S UPPER EASTSIDE
2. INSTILL A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND PRIDE IN THE AREA'S
RESIDENTS, MERCHANTS, AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
3. CREATE AN AWARENESS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA OF
OUR COMMUNITY, EMPHASIZING WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE
REPRESENT
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Publish calendars, brochures, newsletters, and other materials
promoting the residential neighborhoods and the business community
of Miami's Upper Eastside.
b) Place neighborhood signs containing the City of Miami logo and
welcoming travelers to each of the neighborhoods at the appropriate
locations along Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 2nd Avenue.
c) Nang banners on existing utility poles, already set up fdr
this, along Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 2nd Avenue. These will
display a common logo for the Northeast, and read "REDISCOVER
MIAMI'S UPPER EASTSIDE"
d) Organize the neighbors and
events such as monthly picnics
Upper Eastside parks.
the merchants in jointly held
and fund-raisers in the various
4
.41 _. 38-0
E-1
GOALS:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. UPGRADE THE AREA'S HOUSING STOCK AND PROMOTE GREATER
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
2. PROVIDE FOR THE BETTER USE OF COMMERCIAL AND
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THEIR
INCOME AND TAX GENERATING POTENTIAL
3. IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF THE AREA'S INFRASTRUCTURE
4. PROMOTE A HEALTHY
COMMERCIAL AREAS
RECOMMENDATIONS:
BUSINESS CLIMATE IN EXISTING
a) Secure a commitment from local banks to invest in our
neighborhoods and our businesses, as stipulated in the Community
Reinvestment Act.
b) Pursue housing projects such as the proposed 10 unit Medium
Income Housing Development under the City's Scattered Site Housing
Program.
c) Pursue business site revitalization projects such as the
Morningside Plaza Retail Development as a cooperative effort among
owners and private developers, taking advantage of available
government funding.
d) Promote the use of certain motels on Biscayne Boulevard for
uses such as offices, restaurants, or retail shops; seek to improve
utilization of warehouses and vacant properties in the Northeast.
e) Coordinate with the City and County Public Works Departments,
and the State Department of Transportation on identifying those
physical facilities that are in need of upgrade, and pursue the
improvement of such.
5
U
C7
GOALS:
BEAUTIFICATION
1. UPGRADE THE APPEARANCE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY.
2. UPGRADE THE APPEARANCE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FRONTING ON
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD.
3. PROMOTE SPECIAL FEATURES SUCH AS PUBLIC ART, HISTORIC
RESOURCES, MONUMENTS, AND FOUNTAINS.
RECOMMENDATIONS;
a) Implement a facade program on a block by block basis along
Biscayne Boulevard, in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the
commercial properties fronting on Biscayne Boulevard.
b) Seek a State of Florida Highway Beautification Grant as a
means of realizing the comprehensive beautification of Biscayne
Boulevard through appropriate landscape designs.
c) Install curbs, gutters and sidewalks, where missing or in .a
state of disrepair, along Biscayne Boulevard, N.E. 2nd Avenue, N.E,.
62nd Street (Martin Luther King Boulevard) and N.E. 79th Street.
d) Pursue the installation of gateways, monuments, murals,
outdoor sculptures, and other feature elements at key intersections
along the Boulevard.
e) Encourage the creation of public works of art.
f) Officially declare Biscayne Boulevard as the Historic Gateway
into the City of Miami, and adopt an exterior painting ordinance
requiring standards of maintenance.
6
Io
y_I- 380
XI. INTRODUCTION
4.1- 380
The Northeast
The Northeast section of the City of Miami extends approximately 5
miles along Biscayne Bay. It includes ten percent of the City's
area and population, but fifty percent of the City's residential
waterfront. The area is a truly harmonious and balanced multi-
ethnic community; 1990 census data shows that of the 31,000
residents, thirty-one percent are Latin, forty-one percent Non -
Latin Black, twenty-six percent Non -Latin White and two percent
Asian. Within the area neighborhoods are found numerous historic
homes, including the city's first historic district.
The area is underutilized, however, and is far from its full
potential in terms of business vitality and real estate value. In
some areas of the Northeast, blight is so severe that passersby on
Biscayne Boulevard have no clue that they are a stone's throw away
from beautiful, quiet, residential neighborhoods. This blight also
discourages them from patronizing local businesses. Residents and
business owners believe that their government is returning an
i n a d e q u a t e
s proportion of their
J
w W tax revenues to
W W = o them in the form of
services, programs
Nw Ts sT = _ ! }NORT" MAY and support, and
Sr
CAUSEWAY that blight in the
"IN TI
area negatively
""" It impacts commerce
Nw 6A ST' {; and quality of
I life.
=
1�MW120
INw T IT
!
ST 1
1
•-
JULIA TUTTLE
CAUSEWAY
r
W
!,VENETIANCAUSEWAY
•''
MI-10FAAAGLIER
I j' IIN40,
Che
SW III ST
�)
•
.
i r
«I
coKAL WAY
'
iA
w
w
Z
IIICK[NZACK[Z -
CAUSEWAY
!
GRAND AV[
-'�'•
VIRGINIA KC
POINCIANA AV[
4 aNN[II
KEY
NAKO[[ AV[
_
City of Miami
8
From a governmental
s t a n d p o i n t,
underutilization
means that the area
is capable of
generating more
revenue in terms of
real estate and
sales taxes. This
Report contains the
Task Force's
recommendations and
goals, which we are
submitting as a
proposed blueprint
for revitalization
efforts.
J z-
da 0
The Northeast Task Force
The Northeast Task Force was created by an act of the Miami City
Commission on July 27, 1989. Members from both the residential and
business communities were appointed to the Task Force, thereby
bringing together representatives of the following Northeast
neighborhoods and community groups: the shorecrest, Belle Meade
Island, Belle Meade, Bayside, Lemon City, Morningside, Brentwood,
Buena Vista East, Bay Point, Magnolia Park and Edgewater
neighborhoods, the
BELLE MEADE
ISLAND
ODE
BAYS DE
LEMON CITY
i1
!� p
MORNINGS IDE
I
�- BRENTWOOD i
�== BUENA VISTA EAST
BAY POINT
MAGNOLIA PARK
Aw
_W
ALI
-� EDGEWATER
•:. •• '� — : ,, NE 17 STREET
Upper Eastaide Neighborhoods
9
Greater Biscayne
Boulevard Chamber of
Commerce, The Northeast
Sub -Council for Crime
Prevention, The
Northeast Improvement
Association, the
Northeast Umbrella
Group, The Miami Design
District, and concerned
citizens.
The Task Force focused
upon the geographic ar.ea
bounded by N.E. 17th
Street on the south,
N.E. 87th Street (the
City limits) on the
north; from Biscayne Bay
on the east to the
F.E.C. Railroad and N.E.
2nd Avenue on the west
(see map) ; this area
represents neighborhoods
and groups from both
sides of Biscayne
Boulevard. The final
recommendations herein
were consolidated and
p r e s e n t e d t o
representatives of these
key groups for review.
Close coordination
between these parties
was sought, in order to
ensure that this Report
is truly a "common
vision" representing the
goals of the residential
and business communities
of Northeast Miami.
13
9 :1-- Is, 0
The Task Force perceived that the successful revitalization of the
Northeast should focus on improving both the commercial corridor
along Biscayne Boulevard as well as the surrounding neighborhoods.
Towards this end, the Task Force divided itself into six (6)
committees: Crime Prevention and Safety, Zoning and Code
Enforcement, Public Relations/Communications, Economic Development,
Beautification, and Funding/Implementation. Each committee
conducted extensive research in order to study the current social
and economic conditions of the northeast, to consider alternatives
for revitalization of the area and to formulate its proposals. The
members worked very closely with the Planning Department of the
City of Miami and drew upon the expertise of the committee members
and the many resources available in the area. The report before you
is the result of 18 months of regular meetings amongst individual
committee members, as well as the Task Force as a whole.
The Task Force agreed that where appropriate, certain committees
would become action -oriented, while still working to formulate
goals and recommendations for future actions. The success of those
projects that have already been undertaken and accomplished are
described in this report.
The goals and recommendations of the Task Force, as well as its
activities undertaken to date, have been outlined in the preceding
Executive summary section which has been provided for the reader's
ease of reference. The section that follows contains the reports of
the individual committees, setting forth their purpose, the goals
that they have established, and the recommendations they present
for the Commission's consideration.
10
I Ct
91 " 3SO
0 0
XXX. BRXMGxMG BACK THE MORTBRAST
91--- 380
l �
r]
PREREQUISITES TO REVITALIZATION OF THE NORTHEAST:
1) CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT
Background
Public safety concerns are perhaps the most pressing issue facing
the residents and merchants of Northeast Miami. Efforts to upgrade
the area and maintain a reasonable quality of life are hampered by
perceptions of crime. In recent years, major thoroughfares such as
Biscayne Boulevard, N.E. 2nd Avenue and N.E. 79th Street have been
plagued with open solicitation for prostitution, drug sales, and
muggings. The fact that this degree of open criminal activity anc,
neighborhood blight exists in a potentially beautiful stretch of
bayfront neighborhoods evidences a lack of commitment by the City.
Clearly an insufficient level of City services have been allocated
to the area.
A substantial, concerted allocation of City services is necessary
to eliminate existing crime and blight. During the tenure of the
Task Force, regular sweeps, increased enforcement and prosecution
efforts, and the construction of the new Biscayne Boulevard Police
mini -station located in Legion Park have resulted in a reduction Qf
crime. Even with these positive changes, the perception of the arga
as a criminal haven lingers on, threatening to undermine the
efforts of the Task Force to engender a renaissance for the area
through a coordinated set of programs. Currently, an armed
patrolman might be reluctant to walk certain streets in the area
alone. For commerce to thrive these same streets must be safe for
unsuspecting visitors to walk alone at night. In order to reverse
these perceptions, the Task Force recommends a concerted effort by
the Police Department to visibly promote an image of safe streets.
Area residents and businesses have demonstrated their willingness
to take part in crime fighting efforts. For many years, citizens,
crime fighting efforts in the area have been organized, with
several groups and homeowners associations meeting regularly to
promote crime awareness and prevention. For example, the Northeast
Sub -Council for Crime Prevention and the Greater Biscayne Boulevard
Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Miami Police
Department and the individual neighborhood associations, support
active crime prevention and public safety programs, and the
Edgewater Mini -Station operates as a model of close ties between
the police and the local citizenry.
The creation of the Task Force represents a bringing together of a
number of resources. The Crime and Safety Committee took advantage
of this opportunity to develop a consensus on the nature of the
crime problem in our area, and how it could best be solved. Such is
the magnitude and immediacy of the crime problem, not just in
Northeast Miami but throughout the City and County as well, that it
12
1b
9 1— 3 N 0
0
11
was felt that the Committee should take an active, "hands-on"
approach, in addition to considering long-term strategies for
combatting crime.
Therefore, short-term courses of action were developed and in
several cases have already been implemented, as described in
greater detail below. At the same time, medium -term and long-term
goals for future actions were also established. It is expected that
these will provide guidance to the various groups and individuals
involved in the fight against crime, and will help them in
coordinating their activities. These too are discussed below.
Goals
The residents of Northeast Miami constantly face pressure from the
criminal element. The most visible of the criminal activities, and
ones that contribute most greatly to the perception of crime in the
area, are prostitution and drug sales. The effects of these crimes
extend beyond Biscayne Boulevard, pervading our neighborhoods and
our homes. The Task Force has determined that this type of crime
can be discouraged if property holders harboring such crime face
effective economic sanctions. For this reason, a primary goal of
the Task Force is to ENACT A NUISANCE ABATEMENT ORDINANCE TO
ELIMINATE DRUG SALES AND PROSTITUTION FROM THE AREA'S MAJOR
THOROUGHFARES AND NEIGHBORHOODS.
Residents feel safe, and better able to cope with the criminal
element, when they know they can easily summon the services of our
Police Department. This close contact is fostered by the ability of
the Police to be aware of and respond to situations. At the same
time a visible police presence in the Community acts as
to the criminal element and underscores a perception o
the minds of visitors. For these reasons, the Task Force
a second goal the need to ESTABLISH AN INCREASED POLICE
THE COMYWITY.
a deterrent
f safety in
has set as
PRESENCE IN
Much of the fight against crime is conducted by neighbor working
with neighbor, a cooperation which fortunately extends across
neighborhood boundaries in the Northeast. The more closely these
neighbors and the groups that they have formed are linked with each
other, the more effective their fight against crime becomes. The
Task Force feels it is imperative that we UNIFY NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME
PREVENTION EFFORTS, TO WORK TOWARDS COMMON GOALS.
Together, the local crime prevention groups and the Police
Department can have a great impact on crime in our area. The fight
against crime at the street level must be supplemented by fair, but
tough, treatment of criminals in our court system. These same
groups must work closely with prosecutors to ensure the threat of
punishment is real and effective. The Task Force therefore
considers it paramount that we SEEK INCREASED ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
13
I)
�1 - 80
El
Recommendations
Specific actions will be required to address the concerns mentioned
above, if we are to achieve our goals. Primary of the Task Force's
objectives on crime is to target perceived havens of drug sales,
prostitution and other criminal activity in motels and other
buildings. By seeking closure of those buildings identified as
specific sources of crime related activities, businesses are
provided with a strong economic incentive to shun the obvious
criminal element as patrons. This can be accomplished through the
adoption of a nuisance abatement ordinance, and subsequent
aggressive enforcement efforts.
In order to eliminate problems with drugs and prostitution,
specific individuals will also have to be targeted. Once the
residents make it clear that we are serious about reclaiming the
streets for our own use and enjoyment, criminals will think twice
about establishing a home base in the area. To do this, we will
have to maintain a close relationship with the State Attorney's
office to ensure vigorous prosecution of targeted offenders.
Having an Assistant State Attorney assigned specifically to this
project will greatly enhance this effort'. For our part, we can
reinforce these prosecution efforts if we work to institute and
maintain an active court watch program.
A high profile police presence is necessary to ensure safety for
business patrons and residents. Of equal importance is the image
of safety which is projected by a high -profile police presence.
The Task Force recommends that patrolmen on foot and on horseback
be present and visible around -the -clock, with particular emphasis
on business hours presence (8:00 A.M.-12:00 Midnight).
An important aspect of crime prevention is establishing regular
communications between individuals involved in the various crime
fighting groups already active in the area. To do this we will
network all community crime fighting groups, using the Police mini -
stations at Edgewater and Legion Park as a focal point. Area
groups and residents can pursue strategies such as providing
"decoy" police patrol vehicles throughout the neighborhoods,
staffing the Citizen's Crime Patrol Cars with volunteer drivers,
and distributing information and maintaining communications with
computer and communications equipment at the two Police Mini. -
stations.
Maintaining close ties between the citizens' groups and the Miami
Police Department is extremely important. Regular meetings with
Police officials, such as those held by the Northeast Sub -Council,
will help keep residents apprised of the state of affairs in our
area, as well as allowing our residents the access to the
Department that effective crime fighting requires. This close
relationship will help the Police keep abreast of the major crime
problems as perceived by the residents and businessmen, and
14
/El
S i.--- 380
identify sources of crime. Such a working relationship will also
provide community assistance to the Police and other City officials
in identifying and obtaining available grant monies that can be
used to fight crime, such as the U.S. Justice Department's "Crack
Focus" grant program.
Other specific measures should be implemented as a deterrence to
crime: public telephones are often used as a loitering point for
muggers, or as a communications center for drug dealers and pimps.
To combat this, perhaps the phones should be removed, changed to
rotary style, to slow the process and prevent access to digital
beepers, and set the phones up so as to block incoming calls.
Better lighting of public areas, and better maintenance of sucr.,
lighting, deters criminals and improves the security and perception
of safety of our homes and.businesses.
Achievements
As part of its commitment to help fight crime, the Crime Prevention
and Safety Committee of the Task Force has already been active in
helping to implement some of the above mentioned recommendations.
We are proud to note the following successes:
k
* Helped the Police receive a financial aid grant from tfie
Department of Justice for the City's "anti -crack" program
($400,000).
* Drafted and presented for administrative review and
approval the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance; this was
approved by the City Commission upon first reading on
April 11, 1991.
* Worked with the State Attorney's office on getting
stiffer sentences and jail time for prostitutes. The
State Attorney accomplished this by assigning an
Assistant State Attorney specifically to the project. A
"top -ten" list of most active prostitutes was created,
and individual cases were monitored as they went through
the court system. The Assistant State Attorney
communicated diligently with neighborhood groups to
coordinate Court watch efforts. In this way, citizens'
concerns were effectively communicated to the sentencing
judges.
* Worked closely with the Biscayne Boulevard Chamber to
obtain construction of a new Police Mini Station in
Legion Park and subsequently coordinated with the
Northeast Sub -Council to obtain $10,000 from the Law
Enforcement Trust Fund to provide computer equipment for
the Edgewater and Biscayne Boulevard Mini -stations.
is
Iq
'w
i
41 380
E-1
2) ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Background
The Zoning and Code Enforcement Committee was established to deal
with two issues that are of major concern to the Northeast. The
first of these is the lack of aggressive Code enforcement. In both
the residential and commercial sectors, such enforcement must focus
upon those zoning violations which have the most deleterious effect
upon the area. As an example, a zoning enforcement sweep was
requested and obtained in 1988-89 because of a proliferation of
illegal multiple family homes and other violations which enhanced
the reality and appearance of blight in the area. Instead of
focusing upon that objective, the code enforcement sweep resulted
in thousands of citations for items such as failure to produce a
permit for iron bars installed years earlier by a prior owner.
In addition, the current operation of the zoning enforcement system
shows an ineffectiveness in its ability to handle Code violations.
Part of this problem is caused by circumstances such as absentee
property owners who are not responsive to code enforcement efforts,
and tenant violators who face no liability for violations.
The second concern identified by the Task Force is the
proliferation of businesses and residences along Biscayne Boulevard
that do not serve the market opportunities presented by the
surrounding neighborhoods. The popular image of the Boulevard is
one of run down properties, dilapidated motels, marginal
businesses, and buildings no longer suitable for their intended
uses. This picture is often compounded by the presence of hookers,
drug sales, and other elements of the criminal society.
These problems are compounded by the presence of rampant zoning
violations and a disproportionately large number of halfway houses,
treatment centers and other social service housing of temporary
residents. Many of these temporary residents are housed in area
motels, and many of these motels are the location of numerous
police call -outs and arrests. Unfortunately, as a result of these
factors, this popular image is not always far from the truth.
This perception of blight often obscures other realities of our
community: nicely maintained homes, thriving businesses, and
neighbor helping neighbor. There are just too many law-abiding
residents and legitimate business persons with a stake in the area
for us to allow negative perceptions to overtake reality. We see
the area as our home or our place of work, and intend to restore it
to its former glory. With support from government agencies as
outlined in this Report, the successes, past, present, and future,
of the Task Force and its various committees will ensure this.
16
2,0
11,
Goals
The proper application of zoning principles, along with strict Code
enforcement, a
The majority
remedied this
Boulevard, 25
to house needy
These agencies
:e primary tools in effecting changes in our area.
)f the problems we have identified herein can be
way. As an example: many of the motels along the
.n total, are being used by various social agencies
persons
include
as the Red Cross or the
the State of Florida
Services, and various D
for whom they have assumed responsibility.
both private non-profit organizations such
Catholic Relief Organizations, as well as
Department of Health and Rehabilitative
ade County agencies.
While certainly no one is denying the need for the appropriate care
and treatment of society's less fortunate individuals, overloading
an area with facilities such as halfway houses, treatment centers,
ACLF's, and shelters creates a variety of problems. The resulting
environment is not healthy for either the individuals so placed or
the area's permanent residents and businesses. The problems
generated by the social service locations are illustrated by the
large number of police call -outs and arrests. While the impact
this has on permanent residents, families and businesses is
obvious, at the same time this indicates a poisoned environment for
those placed in these temporary facilities such as fragile families
with dependant children, recovering drug addicts and the elderly.
The Northeast shoulders more than its fair share of the burden for
social service facilities, and is thus not fully capable of
absorbing their temporary residents into the overall framework. As
this hurts both the area and the facilities themselves, a prime
goal of the Task Force is TO MONITOR AND REGULATE THE PLACEMENT
ACTIVITIES OF SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES.
Another serious concern is the extent to which the existing single
family housing stock is being converted, legally or otherwise, to
multi -family housing. This can involve illegal garage conversions
(so-called "mother-in-law" quarters) or the internal sectioning off
of houses themselves. More often than not, such activities do not
provide the required health, sanitary, and cooking facilities.
Compounding the health aspect is the fact that as densities in
these homes and neighborhoods increase; the capability of the City
to provide the necessary levels of service (Police, Fire, Solid
Waste, Sewage, Potable Water, etc.) suffers.
obvious visual blight results from the failure to properly regulate
the use of land along the Boulevard and other commercial areas.
Lack of parking for businesses leads to
using swales, lawns, and curbs to park,
deterioration. Loitering in front of
motels, is not only visually unattractive
for criminal elements. The aesthetics of
the Beautification section of this rep
function of strict regulation and Code en
17
customers and employees
quickly leading to their
businesses, particularly
but can serve as a cover
signage is dealt with in
ort, but is obviously a
forcement. Finally, vacant
9 I_. 3so
El
El
lots and buildings not only detract from the area's natural beauty,
but can become dumping grounds and havens for criminal activity. In
the many cases of absentee property owners, requirements for a
local contact would make such owners more accessible and more
responsive to code enforcement problems.
In many cases, the laws and regulations required to remedy these
situations are already in force. However, they are ineffective if
not aggressively and conscientiously enforced. An important goal of
the Task Force then hecomes to IDENTIFY WAYS TO ENSURE GREATER
COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS. In those instances, however,
where City officials do not have the proper tools to remedy
identified problems, we must work to implement the required
measures. A corollary goal is therefore to ADOPT NEW ORDINANCES TO
CORRECT PROBLEMS NOT ADDRESSED BY EXISTING REGULATIONS.
Recommendations
The problem of social service placement is large and far beyond the
scope of the Task Force, requiring cooperation between private
agencies and agencies of the State, County and municipalities
within Dade County. The Task Force suggests that a sparser
concentration of social service residents will benefit both those
in need as well as those who live near such locations. The Tagk
Force therefore recommends that the City of Miami and Dade County
take a lead role in addressing this problem. Until a solution is
found to the problem of flooding the Northeast with social service
residential facilities, no new licenses for such facilities in the
Northeast should be issued or renewed without the specific approval
of the Miami City Commission. The use of area hotels for temporary
housing should be forbidden. Attrition will reduce the problem in
the Northeast and the need to accommodate new temporary residents
will force the immediate search for alternative locations.
In order to better regulate the other problems of visible blight
specifically cited above, it is recommended that the City: 1) adopt
an ordinance discouraging loitering near motels fronting on the
Boulevard, and 2) implement and enforce the appropriate signage
regulations pertaining to properties for sale, political campaigns,
and commercial businesses.
However, to be fully effective, all regulations require aggressive
enforcement and the assignment of more zoning. inspectors to the
area. In many cases, though, the legal procedures for addressing
Code violators can hamper the enforcement process and delay the
time it takes to bring violations into compliance. For example, the
aesthetics of vacant lots and buildings could be greatly improved
through aggressive but focused Code enforcement. In order to do
this, stricter regulations and more sophisticated procedures are
required to expedite the enforcement process. As an example the
City should use vendors, selected from a bid pool, to clean vacant
lots.
Is
y:l.--- 380
Stricter lien regulations should be implemented and enforced to
supplement existing regulations, for example, the City should
become more aggressive in proceeding to foreclosure when code
violations are excessive and unpaid. Tougher parking laws would
likewise prevent tenant, customer, and employee parking on swales,
lawns, and curbs, thereby preserving the intended functions of
those facilities.
Finally, the residents and businessmen in the Northeast will need
to develop a close rapport with our City officials, in order to
develop mutually agreeable solutions to our problems. We must work
to establish a closer relationship with the Code Enforcement
Division, so that we can develop better mechanisms for the timely
processing of Code violations. We recommend that a citizen's review
committee be established, in order to oversee the institutionalized
placement of persons in the area by the various social agencies. In
this regard, and as an immediate stop -gap measure, we strongly urge
that the City reinstate and enforce the moracorium placed on
halfway houses in the Upper Eastside.
3) PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Goals
The Public Relations/Communications Committee was established with
two purposes in mind. First was to create a program to help
publicize the Northeast area - what it is, our many natural and
human resources, our problems and opportunities, and our
aspirations for future growth and development. This publicity would
not only be for the benefit of City officials and the general
public, but would also serve to bolster the pride of the area's
inhabitants. An important goal of the Task Force, therefore, is to
INSTILL A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND PRIDE IN THE AREA'S RESIDENTS,
J0RCZWWS, AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS.
secondly, it was recognized that all information regarding the Task
Force should be disseminated and controlled by one central source.
This would help avoid confusion and best keep the general public,
through the media, informed of our activities. It became a goal of
the Task Force, therefore, to ESTABLISH A CENTRALIZED SOURCE OF
.INPIORKATION PERTAINING TO ON -GOING ACTIVITIES IN htIAMI'S UPPER
EASTSIDE.
In undertaking these efforts, the Committee's intention is to
establish and promote an identity for the Northeast. The area's
geography, its cultural diversity, its historic forms, and its
natural beauty all add to the our uniqueness. It is with the utmost
pride that we now consider ourselves Miami's "Upper Eastside". We
will work to ensure that the area's unique architectural styles
receive protective zoning designations, and that the historical
19
significance of the neighborhoods is preserved. we will work to
take advantage of the fact that the Northeast sits at the
crossroads of South Florida, and has traditionally served as a
gateway to the city. These are a l l positive factors and will be
utilized to promote to the area's revitalization, as well as
helping to fulfill our goal to CREATE AN AWARENESS OF OUR
CO1►lMUNITY, EMPHASIZING WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE REPRESENT.
Recommendations
The Committee proposes to undertake basic but important public
relations activities, such as the publishing of calendars,
brochures, newsletters, and other materials, in order to promote
the residential neighborhoods and the business community of Miami's
Upper Eastside.
Beyond this, several proposals will help to reinforce the strong
community identity we hope to create and foster. For example, we
will seek the placement of neighborhood signs, containing the City
of Miami logo, to welcome travelers to each of the area
neighborhoods. These should be placed at the appropriate locations
along Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 2nd Avenue. In addition, we plan
to hang banners on existing utility poles, which are already set up
for this, along those same two thoroughfares. These will display'a
common logo for the Northeast, and read "REDISCOVER MIAMI'S UPPER
EASTSIDE"
Finally, to instill pride in our community, we plan to organize the
neighbors and the merchants in jointly held events, such as monthly
picnics and fund-raisers, in the various Upper Eastside parks.
Achievements
The Committee has already taken an active role in pursuing these
recommendations. Our proudest achievement has been the 1991
Calendar depicting each of Miami's Upper Eastside neighborhoods.
This includes a map and brief description of the area's
neighborhoods, advertisements, and notices of important events and
phone numbers. It is truly a "tour de force", and can still be
obtained through the Task Force.
In addition, several monthly picnics have already been held in
different Upper Eastside Parks. These have brought together people
from the various neighborhoods and given them an opportunity to get
acquainted with their neighbors. Finally, a Trash -and -Treasures
fund-raiser was held to help raise money for miscellaneous expenses
incurred by ongoing Task Force activities, as well as representing
a further strengthening of community ties.
20
C�
{
REVITALIZATION OF THE NORTHEAST:
4) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Background
The Economic Development Committee was formed to study the economic
opportunities available to Northeast Miami. These opportunities
stem from the area's many resources and advantages, primary of
which are its outstanding location and the character of its
neighborhoods. Almost five miles of shoreline along Biscayne Bay
support a variety of thriving residential neighborhoods, each proud
of its ethnic diversity. To a degree almost astonishing to visitors
from the outside, Upper Eastside neighborhoods are the site of many
historic, well -maintained homes.
Unfortunately, other neighborhoods in the area are crime -ridden,
blighted and crammed with several families living in single family
homes. Additionally, the influx and placement of indigents and
others in hotels converted to adult congregate living facilities
has created a condition of general squalor in and around some areas
of Biscayne Boulevard. We perceive this policy of placing an excess
number of problem people in the area as misguided and an affront to
the efforts of the citizens and the City to improve the community..
On a more positive note, the Task Force perceives that the area is
ripe for economic revitalization. Certain areas of the business
community are currently strong while other areas are blighted, with
buildings standing empty and in decay. Such a rejuvenation of the
entire business community and of all of the nearby neighborhoods
would reap large economic rewards to the City, County and State in
the form of increased property and sales tax revenues.
Locational factors are responsible for a diverse business community
centered along Biscayne Boulevard and several of the major arteries
that transverse it. With its proximity to downtown, the Port, the
Airport, the Beach and access to I-95, the area provides
convenience for a business and residential location. If the
neighborhoods are encouraged to thrive, local business will stand
to receive further benefit.
The committee's efforts, while focused on the potential economic
development of the area, also considered the delicate balance
between promoting commerce and growth while maintaining the quality
of life that the area's residents enjoy. Although development and
growth is encouraged, a plethora of high-rise offices and
condominiums could overrun the historic neighborhood character of
the area and overburden existing facilities and available services.
The goals and recommendations contained herein, therefore, are
sensitive to this issue and address the question of economic
development at a manageable scale.
21
M
El
Goals
The Task Force perceives that the Biscayne Boulevard commercial
strip functions primarily as a service center oriented to, and
largely dependent upon, the surrounding neighborhoods. It was thus
felt that economic development efforts should concentrate on the
improvement of the area's neighborhoods which, if successful,
should help bolster the businesses serving them.
This approach would also make further economic sense, in that a
continual upgrading of the area's residential properties would lead
to increased tax revenues for the city. Asking property owners to
make relatively minor and inexpensive site specific improvements,
such as better property maintenance and upkeep, is not an
unreasonable request. An advantage here is the rather sound housing
stock of the area. Developed mostly in the 19201s, 19301s, 1940's
and 195o's, the structural soundness of the homes has for the most
part been maintained. Some of the homes, however, are now reaching
the point where major rehabilitation, or in a few cases demolition,
will have to be undertaken. In a few neighborhoods this may need
to be considered on an area wide basis. one goal of the Task Force
is therefore to UPGRADE THH AREA'S HOUSING STOCK AND PROMOTE
GREATER HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES.
The area's bayfront setting offers close proximity to Downtown
Miami, as well as to other important facilities and attractions
such as Miami Beach, the Port of Miami, and Miami International
Airport. The area is crossed by several key roadways that allow it
to take advantage of this proximity: two causeways linking it to
the Beach (79th Street and the Julia Tuttle), several State Roads
such as SR 112 (the Airport Expressway), SR 944 (54th St.), SR 934
( the 79 th and 82nd St. paired roadways) , N.E. 2nd Ave. and Biscayne
Boulevard itself (US-1/SR 5) . Three interstates also feed the area
either directly or indirectly: I-95, I-195, and I-395. This roadway
network serves as a link to the greater Metropolitan Dade County
area, creating excellent opportunities for residential development
or re -development by providing access to job markets. Since these
links to the Metro area are so critical, a second goal would be to
IMPROVE THE COIIIDITIOK OF THE AREA'S INTFRASTRUGTURE.
By the same token, due to this accessibility the area stands to
benefit from greater business development and in the process become
a job market itself. The Task Force views the ultimate scenario as
a local business community, both retail and office/service
oriented, supported by the area's residents but also accessible to
workers and shoppers from the "outside". The Northeast could
develop as somewhat of an economic node, playing a more important
role in the South Florida economy, and still be a place within
which the area's residents themselves could live, shop, and work.
For the present, this ambitious vision must serve as a longer range
prospect for the area's economic development . In the short term, we
22
Z b
91-- 380
must work to maximize the existing potential of our business
community, bringing about the necessary successes in order to
reinforce the strategy we have set forth for the overall
improvement of our area. Such a strategy opts for strong Police and
Code enforcement, coupled with intensive beautification efforts, to
"Clean up" the area, followed by the careful pursuit of appropriate
economic development opportunities, in order to establish an
enhanced economic base. To do this will require that we PROMOTE A
MEAL77 Y BUSINESS CLIMATE IN EXISTING COW4WRCIAL AREAS.
The Northeast area comprises approximately 10 percent of the total
land area of the City of Miami, but, more importantly, comprises
nearly 50 percent of its total residential waterfront. Obviously,
not only the the Northeast, but the City itself would stand to gain
from the overall improvement of the area. Perhaps the greatest
gains would be realized through revitalization of those
neighborhoods which have a historic single-family character, and
for the more blighted areas more intensive development and use of
commercial and multi -family residential properties, particularly
those so zoned but currently vacant or otherwise underdeveloped, to
encourage redevelopment-.
One key advantage of the Northeast is its current zoning, but here
a delicate balance must be respected or the neighborhood character
of the area will be lost. A sizable percentage of the Northeast,
under the City's recent revisions of its zoning Ordinance, is zoned
for high-rise residential and commercial development. The use of
this zoning potential must be closely monitored, and should perhaps
be reevaluated in light of this Report, to ensure that a balance
between development potential and the quality of life is
maintained. With this caveat in mind, another critical goal is to
PROVIDE FOR THE BETTER USE OF COMMC AL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
IN ORDER TO PRESERVE TEN NRIGBBORHOOD CHARACTER OF THS AREA WAILS
INC E SING THEIR INCH AND TAX GMEE ATING F I'EMTIAL .
Recommendations
The above goals call for both physical improvements as well as the
formation of mechanisms to promote our aims. At the site specific level,
several projects could be implemented; for example, the proposed to unit
Medium Income Housing Development, to be undertaken as part of the
City's Scattered Site Housing Program. Another example is the
Morningside Plaza Retail Development, which would be a cooperative
effort among owners and private developers taking advantage of available
government funding for upgrading the facades, and for installing
curbing, sidewalks, a courtyard and parking areas.
The integrity of the infrastructure components serving both existing and
future development will be a critical factor, therefore coordination
between the City and County Public Works Departments, and the State
Department of Transportation, must be assured to identify those physical
facilities that are in need of upgrade, and pursue their improvement.
23
27
y1-. 380
i
Realizing the maximium tax potential of the land uses in r_he Northeast_
_ will play an important part in the area's overall development.
Coincidentally, some of the most underutilized properties are also the
ones that create some of the worst problems for the area. A pressing
need exists to both eliminate these problems and to maximize tax
revenues, and it is
felt that: one way
to accomplish these
goals is to change
the use of certain
motels on Biscayne
Boulevard to
alternative retail
uses such as
o f f i c e s,
restaurants, or
retail shops. At
the same time, the
T a s k F o r c e
recommends better
utilization of
warehouses and
vacant properties
in Northeast Miami.
`�
Finally, the
sH -
_
appropriate means
RIF
for fostering
e c o n o m i c
I
development must be
- I
-
sought. This will
bring together the
-
available financial
_
resources and the
local resources in
•"
the best position
to administer such.
o,Moll--4
A first step in
,• �
ro ''''��•�3r�' - li
this regard would
,tom, ;�•
be to secure a
committment from
local banks to
Scattered Site Housing Development
invest in our
neighborhoods and
our businesses, as
stipulated in the Community Reinvestment Act. An advisory board made up
of representatives from the area's neighborhoods and
business community,
could be established to facilitate this process
and carry out the
economic revitalization of the Northeast.
91.- `180
5) BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Background
The perceptions one has of an area are often formed by the initial
impressions one receives. visual harmony, cleanliness, well -maintained
properties and landscaping all contribute to positive impressions on the
Part of outsiders, as well as positive attitudes on the part of the
area's inhabitants. The Beautification Committee was formed in order to
foster pride in our community by promoting its beautification.
Goals
The efforts of the Committee have concentrated on Biscayne Boulevard
proper, moreso than on the surrounding neighborhoods, for several
reasons: 1) such an approach recognizes the Boulevard's historic
importance as the gateway to Downtown Miami, and as a link between the
many and diverse neighborhoods of Northeast Miami; 2) it was felt that
the beautification of the neighborhoods is best left upto the individual
resident/homeowner's associations, while the beautification of the
Boulevard itself would better represent the spirit of cooperation
engendered by the Task Force. Two critical goals for the area,
therefore, are to UPGRADE TH$ APPEARANCE OF TER PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY,
and to UPGRADE THR APPEARANCE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FRONTING ON BX.SCAYNE
BOULEVARD.
The inspiration for our beautification efforts comes from the New World
Design for Biscayne Boulevard conceived by Brazilian artist and designer
Roberto Burle-Marx. We strongly believe the design elements of this
plan, developed so far for the portion of the Boulevard between the
Miami River and N.E. 18th Street, should be continued northward to the
City limits at N.E. 87th Street. This would unify this important
thouroughfare by providing a cohesive, well -planned design concept for
its entire length. At the same time, additional improvements should be
undertaken to work in conjunction with Mr. Burle-Marx' themes without
necessarily using the exact same design elements. It is therefore a
third goal of the Task Force to PROMOTE SPECIAL FEATURES SUCH AS PUBLIC
ART, HISTORIC RESOURCES, MO.NVJMTS, AND FOUNTAINS.
As a final note, all landscaping efforts should consider the need to
conserve both energy and water, and to provide landscaping that is
appropriate from an aesthetic standpoint with the flavor of the area. We
therefore recommend that landscaping themes take advantage of existing
elements and that any new projects should be xeriscopic and consist of
native plant matter. These factors should not pertain just to large
scale landscaping efforts, but should extend to individual landscaping
done on specific properties. We will work much more closely with the
City's Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments on these
issues, both on specific projects and on overall educational efforts for
the benefit of our zesidents and businesses.
25
29
91-w 380
U
Recommendations
In order to impart a more
aesthetically pleasing
character to the Boulevard,
we will have to ensure that
both the public and private
sectors take an active role
in providing property
upgrades. often, this can be
accomplished by the two
sectors working hand -in -hand.
A prime example of this would
be the implementation of a
facade program on a block -by -
block basis along
Biscayne Boulevard, in order
to enhance the aesthetic
appeal of the commercial
properties fronting on
Biscayne Boulevard.
A second example of this
cooperation would be to
officially declare Biscayne
Boulevard as the Historic
Gateway into the City of
Miami, and adopt an exterior
painting ordinance requiring
standards of maintenance.
kz,Vv"
Right -of -Way Tree Plantings
A third step would be to promote the area's beautification through the
use of appropriate landscaping improvements. Matching funds are
available through the State of Florida Highway Beautification Grant
program, Federal Urban Forestry Grant program and Small Business
Administration grants for plant materials. It would benefit the
Northeast to seek these as a means of realizing the comprehensive
beautification of Biscayne Boulevard. We suggest that the stretch of
roadway between 36th and 39th Streets be undertaken as a demonstration
of this program.
Further beautification could be accomplished through the use of artistic
features, both large and small scale. To do this would require that we
pursue the installation of gateways, monuments, murals, outdoor
sculptures, and other feature elements at key intersections along the
Boulevard. Appropriate locations and features, for example, would be a
mural on the East wall of the I-95 overpass between N.E. 36th and 39th
Streets, a monument or outdoor sculpture in the landscaped wedges
between Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 4th Court, at the curve just north
of 54th Street, and a fountain in the landscaped median opposite the
entrance to the Bay Point neighborhood.
26
1.
-2d
3SO
E31
. `� •,,.,w � -ems�+ .44
Median Beautification Plan
27
To encourage the creation of
such public works of art will
require that we take
advantage of the locally
available resources, such as
the talents of the Bakehouse
Art Complex, the Dade County
"Art in Public Places"
program, art grants available
t h r o u g h p r i v a 'L e
organizations, and art
competitions sponsored by the
neighborhood groups and/or
businesses.
Finally, we must ensure that
the area's infrastructure is
able to meet the needs of the
existing area businesses, as
well as the development we
hope to attract. A specific
'recommendation in this regard
is to install curbs, gutters
and sidewalks, where missing
or in a state of disrepair,
along Biscayne Boulevard,
N.E. 2nd Avenue, N.E. 62nd
Street (Martin Luther King
Boulevard) and N.E. 79th
Street.
3!
:1j 380
_e x
IV. XMPLEMMTATION STRATEGXBS
3L
E2
U
6) FMING/IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Implementation
When the City created the Northeast Task Force, there was hope that
substantial City revenues would be committed to revitalization of the
Northeast. At that time, the figure of one million dollars annually was
suggested for Task Force programs. After formation of the Task Force, we
were told that no funds were available from the City for projects
undertaken or recommended by the Task Force. An inadaquate level of
economic support from the City would not be commensurate with the amount
due to the Northeast, based upon the area's tax base and thus the amount
of tax revenue generated by the Northeast.
Strong City support for revitalization of the Northeast would represent
an investment in the area which would pay large dividends. Healthy
business properties and safer, more beautiful neighborhoods would lead
to greater property values and increased commerce, thence increased real
estate, sales and hotel tax revenues. Clearly the Northeast can no
longer be ignored, since the City, the County and the State stand to
benefit greatly by lending support to the area's revitalization efforts.
The Task Force recognizes that the neighborhoods and the businesses in
the Northeast must look beyond reliance solely upon City funding. The
area has already turned its energies to self-help. Additionally, the
Task Force recognizes that other sources stand to benefit from
revitalization of this area. with this in mind, we have identified
County, State, Federal and private funding sources which we hope will
help us accomplish the goals we have set forth.
The Task Force has already been involved in several successful projects
this past year. In pursuit of these, a variety of sources of economic
support were utilized. For example, the Task Force assisted with the
successful effort to obtain a $400,000 "Crack Focus" grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice, obtained monetary support from twenty-two private
businesses to help underwrite the printing costs of the first annual
"Miami's Upper Eastside" calendar, and aided in efforts to beautify and
furnish the new Police Mini Station at 6500 Biscayne Boulevard.
In this Report, the Task Force recommends a variety of activities that
must be undertaken, and identifies potential sources of funding to help
in this task. By so doing, the groundwork for the next stage of the
Task Force's mission, i.e., implementation of these projects, has been
laid. However, there will be an enormous time commitment necessary to
pursue these available financial resources. As a body, the Task Force
is, and intends to remain, in a position to oversee and coordinate the
political and economic activities of the various community groups
throughout the Northeast. However, this can not be done alone, and the
assistance of other key players must be fostered.
29
t
3.3
9 380
0
From its inception, the Task Force was set up as an unincorporated
association, essentially existing as an arm of. the City. The Task Force
is able to accomplish much in its current capacity; however, it is not
eligible for nor prepared to administer grant funding, which is normally
allocated to a professionally -staffed Community Based Organization
("CBO") . Additionally, while the Task Force include3 talented volunteers
with a variety of backgrounds, there is a limit to the time commitments
volunteers can make and specialized expertise is needed to successfully
implement many of the projects outlined in this Report. The City,
however, employs experts in each of the areas studied by the Task Force,
and is in a better position to bring this expertise to bear as we
attempt to capitalize on our opportunities.
There are several options available to assist the Task Force in
achieving the goals expressed in this Report. On the one hand, new
talent could be brought in through the creation of a private agency or
the hiring of outside consultants. However, this would be expensive and
would divert scarce funding which could be better applied directly to
community projects, and would likely result in an unecessary duplication
of effort.
Alternatively, existing resources already familiar and involved with the
area's needs could be utilized. There are currently three community -
based organizations operating within the boundaries of the- Upper
Easts ide . To have these groups work in conjunction with City staff would
clearly represent a joining of forces between the Northeast area and the
City itself. The Northeast Task Force therefore recommends that these
three CBO's, the Greater Biscayne Boulevard Chamber, the Wynwood
Community Economic Development Corporation and the Haitian Task Force,
be encouraged to undertake programs identified in this Report and to
work together in helping revitalize the Upper Eastside.
So that these revitalization efforts can be most fully realized, the
Task Force recommends that the Miami City Commission create a companion
llrnm ili n4- rv44-iv 4-- UIV% 4Mn Il Mn "4- 4-1— .-a--lei—4-14--A 4,—
t
summary
11
The City's commitment to the revitalization of the Northeast has been
demonstrated by the creation of the Task Force and by its support for
Task Force projects. That commitment must now. be replenished, by
allocating funds and assigning skilled persons, in an effort to
implement the programs described in this Report. Assistance must also
be rendered by County, State and Federal agencies due to the scope of
the problems faced in our area. These problems, such as drug sales,
prostitution, robberies, compounded by the homeless situation, threaten
to turn the Northeast into a battleground as we struggle to cope.
30
3Y
v
Yet, despite these problems, the Upper Eastside is ripe for
revitalization, and the neighbors and businesses have demonstrated a
willingness to work toward this goal. The creation of the Northeast Task
Force has benefitted the area tremendously by bringing together a group
of people representing a diversity of backgrounds and interests, but
with a common goal and stake in the improvement of the area. Miami's
Upper Eastside, a collection of historic neighborhoods stretching for
almost five miles along some of the most spectacular shoreline in the
City, deserves strong support for its revitalization efforts.
The Task Force's immediate charge has been accomplished through the
preparation of this report. However, there is much more work to be done,
and the Task Force members will actively pursue the opportunities we
have identified. The work of the individuals and organizations that have
contributed to the Task: Force effort over the course of the past 18
months has just begun. The residents and the businesses of the Northeast
now seek to capitalize on the cohesiveness and unity that has been
fostered. We look forward to the City's commitment and assistance as we
continue our efforts to achieve the goals and implement the
recommendations of this report.
NORTHEAST TASK FORCE MEMBERS:
Chairpersons:
Douglas Broeker...... Funding/Implementation Committee
Judy Clark........... Economic Development Committee
Liz Kristin.......... Zoning and Code Enforcement Committee
Juan Crespi.......... Beautification Committee
Janet Grigsby........ Public Relations/Communications Committee
Bob Grill............ Crime Prevention & Safety Committee
Committee Members:
Elena Dapena Stewart Merkin David D'Anthony
Neil Robertson Vi Jacobsen Maureen Joseph
Armando Rodriguez Dr. Macy Sezzin Mary Wade
Technical assistance provided by:
John Lefley.... Planning, Building & Zoning Dept., City of Miami
Bob Lordi...... Chairman, Northeast Subcouncil for Crime Prevention
31
3.5
91..- 380
El
El
NORTIKAST TASK FORCE - PROPOSED PROJWCTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDING VEHICLES
FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF MIAMI'S UPPER BASTSIDE
GOAL FUNDING/IMPLE ENTATION
CRIME AND SAFETY
Nuisance Abatement City Ordinance
Networking Civic Assn City funding to N.E.Sub-
Crime committees Council, Ci vi c Ass ' n funds
High Profile Police Presence U.S. Dep't of Justice
and Enforcement grants, more City funds
Increased Sentences for State Attorney, Neighborhood
Punishable Crimes Courtwatch program
Better Lighting/Maintenance FPL, F.D.O.T
Change Public Phones Southern Bell, City Ordinance
ZONING AND CODS ENFORCENENT
Signage Restrictions City Enforcement, privately
Improve Vacant Lots
C. Assess and Foreclose Liens
D. Enforce Parking Regulations
E. Prohibit Loitering Near Motels
III. PUBLIC .RELATIOMS
A. Calendar
B. Brochures:
bid cleanup
ordinance, _: ty enforcement,
privately bid cleanup
financed by fines
City Attorney's Office
Police Department
ordinance, enforcement
Local businesses (advertising)
1. Business Directory City, Greater Biscayne Blvd.
Chamber of Commerce
2. Business and Neighborhood City (Dept. of Development),
Source Guides Beacon Council, DDA
C. Upper Eastside Banners City, Beacon Council, DDA
D. Neighborhood Signs State Highway Grant or Civic
Association Funding
32
3(
' 4W
9
U
IV. ECONOMIC DEVSLOPAIM4T
A. Upgrade Housing:
1. Medium Income Housing City of Miami Scattered
Development Site Housing Program
2. "Banyan Bay" Style Private investment
Apartment Complex
3. Property Upgrades Banks/Community °einves tmen t
and Rehabilitation Act, CBOIs, City of Miami
(Dept. of Housing and
conservation) .
B. Upgrade Commercial Properties:
1. Biscayne Boulevard Facades HUD/CBOs, County, Private
2. Commercial Revitalization Private, with County and
e.g. Morningside Plaza Federal Assistance (improve
curbing & paving)
3. Change Land Uses; Seek Better City Planning, City Dept. of
Land Utilization Development
C. Improve Infrastructure:
1. Streets
a. Biscayne Blvd., N.E. 2nd Federal, State, County
Ave. , N. E. 79 th and 82nd St.
b. N.E. 54 th and 62nd Streets Ci t:y
2. Bridges: U.S. 1/Li tt:le River Federal
V. BSADTIFICATIOM
A. Foliage along Boulevard
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Site foliage
Side Street Foliage
Outdoor Art
Historic Designations
State Highway
Beautification Grant
Pri va to (Tropical Flowering
Tree Society, Palm Society)
Private (Civic Associations,
Residents) .
Dade County (Art in Public
Places, School Board), private
art groups
city
Exterior Painting Ordinance City
33
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM,,:1991
�I,OIS "a f
TO Cesar Odio DATE April 4, 1991 FILE
City Manager
SUBACT
Report of the North East
Task Force
FROM REFERENCES
Xavier L. Suarez ENCLOSURE54/04/91/ML
Mayor.
Please place the report of the North East Task Force on the
agenda for May 9th after 6:00 p.m.
cc: commissioners
9_1
91- 380
,,
i
i6
t
Y
S
7-1
RED MCOVER
UPP A T � �) h
NE TASK FEE
P.O. BOX 370832
MIAMI, FL. 33137-0832
April 19, 1991
Mayor and Members of the City Commission
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami FL 33133
RE: NORTHEAST TASK FORCE COMMON VISION REPORT
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Commission:
We are proud to present to you the following, our,Common vision"
report. The final recommendations contained herein represent the
unified vision of the many community groups that make up Northeast
Miami. These include the area's many concerned citizens in Miami's
Upper Eastside neighborhoods: Edgewater, Magnolia Park, Bay Point,
Buena Vista East, Brentwood, Morningside, Lemon City, Bayside,
Belle Meade, Belle Meade Island and Shorecrest (see map on page 9);
the Greater Biscayne Boulevard Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast
Umbrella Group, the Northeast Sub -council for Crime Prevention, the
Northeast Improvement Association and the Design District. Close
coordination between these parties was sought, in order to ensure
that our report is truly a "common vision".
In presenting this report to the City, the Task Force asks that the
City Commission join in this new partnership between the residents
and the businesses of Northeast Miami, and share in our mutual
commitment to the revitalization of our area. By helping us to
accomplish the goals set out in this report, we hope to reinforce
the pride and sense of community that is an integral part of life
in Miami's "Upper Eastside".
Northeast Task Force
91.- 380
bt SGOSSr0,rJ
91 _. ISO •1
Y
��SiS 1
3
r � 1
1
r
4
�s
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Page
A) Goals and Recommendations .................. 2
II. INTRODUCTION
A) The Northeast .............................. 8
B) The Northeast Task Force ................... 9
III. BRINGING BACK THE NORTHEAST
A) Prerequisites to Revitalization
1) Crime Prevention and Safety............ 12
2) Zoning and Code Enforcement............ 16
3) Public Relations/Communications........ 19
B) Revitalization of the Northeast
1) Economic Development ................... 21
2) Beautification ......................... 25
IV. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
A) Implementation .............................. 29
B) Summary ..................................... 30
List of Illustrations
Fig. 1 City of Miami Map ................................ 8
Fig. 2 Upper Eastside Neighborhoods Map ................. 9
Fig. 3 Scattered Site Housing Development ............... 24
Fig. 4 Right -of -Way Tree Plantings ...................... 26
Fig. 5 Median Beautification Plan ....................... 27
91-- 380
91-- 380•I
r
r
1
r. EXECUTIVE SUM AFY
91- 380
�� �t.) 35r ari
CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY
GOALS:
1. ENACT A NUISANCE ABATEMENT ORDINANCE TO ELIMINATE DRUG
SALES AND PROSTITUTION FROM THE AREA'S MAJOR
THOROUGHFARES AND NEIGHBORHOODS
2. ESTABLISH AN INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE IN THE
COMMUNITY
3. UNIFY NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME PREVENTION TO WORK TOWARDS
COMMON GOALS
4. SEER INCREASED ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS THROUGH THE
STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Target perceived havens of criminal activity in motels and
other buildings and seek the closure of those buildings through
adoption and aggressive enforcement of a nuisance abatement
ordinance.
b) Network all community crime fighting groups, using the two
Police mini -stations as a focal point.
c) Coordinate with the N.E. Sub -Council and other Crime
Prevention groups on activities such as the provision of decoy
police patrol vehicles to be placed throughout the neighborhoods,
staffing of the Citizen's Crime Patrol Car program with volunteer
drivers, and the solicitation of $10,000 for the area's two Police
Ministations (Edgewater, Biscayne Boulevard)
d) Maintain close relations with the State Attorney's Office to
ensure vigorous prosecution of targeted offenders; seek to have an
Assistant State Attorney assigned specifically to this project.
e) Institute and maintain an active court watch program.
f) Attempt to discourage the use of public telephones for illegal
activities, perhaps by changing to rotary style and by blocking out
incoming calls.
g) Obtain better lighting of public areas to discourage illegal
activity and follow-up on the repair.of inoperative lighting.
h) Assist Police Department in securing available grant monies,
such as the Justice Department's "Crack Focus" grant.
2
91.-- 389
be Scv s s, 00-J
91--- 380•1
ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT
GOALS:
1. IDENTIFY WAYS TO ENSURE GREATER COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING
REGULATIONS
-_
2. ADOPT NEW ORDINANCES TO CORRECT IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS NOT
ADDRESSED BY EXISTING REGULATIONS
3. MONITOR AND REGULATE THE PLACEMENT ACTIVITIES OF SOCIAL
SERVICE AGENCIES.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a.) Implement and enforce the appropriate signage regulations
pertaining to properties for sale, political campaigns, and
commercial businesses.
b) Improve the aesthetics of vacant lots and buildings through
but focused, Code and the development of
aggressive, enforcement
stricter regulations; use vendors selected from a bid pool to clean
_
vacant lots in order to expedite the enforcement process.
c) Implement and enforce existing lien regulations, proceeding to
_
foreclosure when code violations are excessive and unpaid, and
extend responsibility to include enforcement against
tenant/violators.
d) Enforce parking laws to prevent tenant/customer parking on
swales, lawns, and curbs.
e) Discourage loitering along Biscayne Boulevard.
f) Work to establish a closer relationship with the Code
Enforcernent Division/Director in order to develop mechanisms for
the timely processing of Code violation complaints.
g) Enforce the moratorium on social service agencies in the
Northeast.
h) Monitor and regulate the use of Northeast area hotels and
residential properties for, temporary housing by social service
agencies. This could be accomplished through the establishment of
a citizens, review committee.
i) Require local representation of absentee owners and landlords
_
to facilitate communication with property owners concerning code
enforcement problems.
3
b(Sc c)ss(0'j
91--' 380.1
PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS
GOALS:
1. ESTABLISH A CENTRALIZED SOURCE OF INFORMATION PERTAINING
TO ON -GOING ACTIVITIES IN MIAMI'S UPPER EASTSIDE
2. INSTILL A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND PRIDE IN THE AREA'S
" RESIDENTS, MERCHANTS, AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
3. CREATE AN AWARENESS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA OF
OUR COMMUNITY, EMPHASIZING WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE
REPRESENT
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Publish calendars, brochures, newsletters, and other materials
promoting the residential neighborhoods and the business community
'
of Miami's Upper Eastside.
b) Place neighborhood signs containing the City of Miami logo and
welcoming travelers to each of the neighborhoods at the appropriate
locations along Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 2nd Avenue.
c) Hang banners on existing utility poles, already set up for
this, along Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 2nd Avenue. These will
a common logo for the Northeast, and. read "REDISCOVER
Nodisplay
MIAMI'S UPPER EASTSIDE"
d) Organize the neighbors and the merchants in jointly held
No
events such as monthly picnics and fund-raisers in the various
Upper Eastside
parks.
10
go
d
91 380
�( SCO J T(or)
91--- 380.1
4
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOALS:
1..
UPGRADE THE
AREA'S HOUSING STOCK
AND PROMOTE GREATER
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
2.
PROVIDE FOR
THE BETTER USE OF
COMMERCIAL AND
RESIDENTIAL
PROPERTIES IN ORDER TO
MAXIMIZE THEIR
INCOME AND TAX GENERATING POTENTIAL
3.
IMPROVE THE
CONDITION OF THE AREA'S
INFRASTRUCTURE
4.
PROMOTE A
HEALTHY BUSINESS CLIMATE
IN EXISTING
COMMERCIAL AREAS
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Secure a commitment from local banks to invest in our
neighborhoods and our businesses, as stipulated in the Community
Reinvestment Act.
b) Pursue housing projects such as the proposed to unit Medium
Income Housing Development under the City's Scattered Site Housing
Program.
c) Pursue business site revitalization projects such as the
1W
Morningside Plaza Retail Development as a cooperative effort among
owners and private developers, taking advantage of available
government funding.
d) Promote
the use of certain motels on Biscayne Boulevard for
uses such as offices, restaurants, or retail shops; seek to improve
utilization of warehouses and vacant properties in the Northeast.
e) Coordinate with the City and County Public works Departments,
and the State Department of Transportation on identifying those
physical facilities that are in need of upgrade, and pursue the
improvement of such.
5
9]- 380
be SCL) S 71 0,J
91--- 380.1
BEAUTIFICATION
GOALS:
1. UPGRADE THE APPEARANCE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY.
2. UPGRADE THE APPEARANCE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FRONTING ON
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD.
3. PROMOTE SPECIAL FEATURES SUCH AS PUBLIC ART, HISTORIC
RESOURCES, MONUMENTS, AND FOUNTAINS.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Implement a facade program on a block by block basis along
Biscayne Boulevard, in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the
commercial properties fronting on Biscayne Boulevard.
b) Seek a State of Florida Highway Beautification Grant as a
f
means of realizing the comprehensive beautification of Biscayne
Boulevard through appropriate landscape designs.
c) Install curbs, gutters and sidewalks, where missing or in a
state of disrepair, along Biscayne Boulevard, N.E. 2nd Avenue, N.E.
'
62nd Street (Martin Luther King Boulevard) and N.E. 79th Street.
d) Pursue the installation of gateways, monuments, murals,
outdoor sculptures, and other feature elements at key intersections
along the Boulevard.
e) Encourage the creation of public works of art.
f) Officially declare Biscayne Boulevard as the Historic Gateway
into the City of Miami, and adopt an exterior painting ordinance
requiring standards of maintenance.
C
91_ 389
�t Scc�3sto,J
kC�
k%i 2
rte
kx
k
x
- r: ,
'���iif YcS
ela
0�
♦W
The Northeast
The Northeast section of the City of Miami extends approximately 5
miles along Biscayne Bay. It includes ten percent of the City's
area and population, but fifty percent of the City's residential
waterfront. The area is a truly harmonious and balanced multi-
ethnic community; 1990 census data shows that of the 31,000
residents, thirty-one percent are Latin, forty-one percent Non -
Latin Black, twenty-six percent Non -Latin White and two percent
Asian. within the area neighborhoods are found numerous historic
homes, including the City's first historic district.
The area is underutilized, however, and is far from its full
potential in terms of business vitality and real estate value. In
some areas of the Northeast, blight is so severe that passersby on
Biscayne Boulevard have no clue that they are a stone's throw away
from beautiful, quiet, residential neighborhoods. This blight also
discourages them from patronizing local businesses. Residents and
business owners believe that their government is returning an
i n a d e q u a t e
Q proportion of their
tax revenues to
W ; them in the form of
s�
�__ _ services, programs
NW T9 ST = _ (NORM RAY and support, and
;CAUSEWAY that blight in the
NW TI ST
area negatively
NW 62 ST
impacts commerce
NW 54 STI t
�Nw and quality of
1 T t i m
NW !6 ST
;_- life.
Io
_3
/
w z
"
INW)
IF 4RI !
T ST_
I
=I I �'
NW 1 I I i
;'YENETIAN
�,�
--I': ; 11 ,
I i�
( ISW ( I ST ��
'JULIA TUTTLE
CAUSEWAY
W
!
. CAUSEWAY u
y
',wcgRl 0
"aqr DR '`'�P CIV
From a governmental
s t a n d p o i n t ,
underutilization
means that the area
1S capable of
generating more
II ! SW I, STI I I
SW 16 ST
revenue in terms of
'
real estate and
CORAL WAY`
sales taxes. This
RICKENBACKER ; `
Report contains the
81R0 AVE
CAUSEWAY
4, -= %
Task For c e ' s
GRAND AVE
I
f..i -�"" VIRGINIA KEY
recommendations and
POINCIANA AVE
lr•
4 DINNER KEY f�
goals, which we are
NARDEE AVE
submitting as. a
proposed blueprint
for revitalization
City
of Miami
efforts.
8
91_- 380
�( 540s7(0,.j
91- 38o .1
The Northeast Task Force
The Northeast Task Force was created by an act of the Miami City
Commission on July 27, 1989. Members from both the residential and
business communities were appointed to the Task Force, thereby
bringing together representatives of the following Northeast
neighborhoods and community groups: the Shorecrest, Belle Meade
Island, Belle Meade, Bayside, Lemon City, Morningside, Brentwood,
Buena Vista East, Bay Point, Magnolia Park and Edgewater
neighborhoods, the
NE 87 STRUT
�u ^ ' " ®_ � SHORECREST
, T .._..-- r= ivy M�
BELLE MEADE
ISLAND
--.__ BELLE MEADE
W � •
om BAYSIDE
1!-_tts, — —
_r LEMON CITY
47
MORNINGSIDE
—�"� ,•�- +.•• -' BREN[WOOD i
-.5 -3
BUENA VISTA EAST
];•a' BAY POINT
- J LL ]rLL
MAGNOLIA PARK
`ae _ aJ tnoc
- -- -
_
EDGEWATER'
saw iL `e. a c • JNE 17 SIREI lCu
/
Upper Eastside Neighborhoods
Greater Biscayne
Boulevard Chamber of
Commerce, The Northeast
Sub -Council for Crime
Prevention, The
Northeast Improvement
Association, the
Northeast Umbrella
Group, The Miami Design
District, and concerned
citizens.
The Task Force focused
upon the geographic area
bounded by N.E. 17 th
Street on the south,
N.E. 87th Street (the
City limits) on the
north; from Biscayne Bay
on the east to the
F.E.C. Railroad and N.E.
end Avenue on the west
(see map); this area
represents neighborhoods
and groups from both
sides of Biscayne
Boulevard. The final
recommendations herein
were consolidated and
p r e s e n t e d t o
representatives of these
key groups for review.
Close coordination
between these parties
was sought, in order to
ensure that this Report
is truly a "common
vision" representing the
goals of the residential
anr] r-nmmunities
b! sGo3T(Or1
W
AA
The Task Force perceived that the successful revitalization of the
Northeast should focus on improving both the commprcial corridor
along Biscayne Boulevard as well as the surrounding neighborhoods.
Towards this end, the Task Force divided itself into six (6)
committees: Crime Prevention and Safety, Zoning and Code
Enforcement, Public Relations/Communications, Economic Development,
Beautification, and Funding/Implementation. Each committee
conducted extensive research in order to study the current social
and economic conditions of the northeast, to consider alternatives
for revitalization of the area and to formulate its proposals. The
members worked very closely with the Planning Department of the
City of Miami and drew upon the expertise of the committee members
and the many resources available in the area. The report before you
is the result of 18 months of regular meetings amongst individual
committee members, as well as the Task Force as a whole.
The Task Force agreed that where appropriate, certain committees
WI!
would become action -oriented, while still working to formulate
goals and recommendations for future actions. The success of those
projects that have already been undertaken and accomplished are
described in this report.
The goals and recommendations of the Task Force, as well as its
activities undertaken to date, have been outlined in the preceding
Executive summary section which has been provided for the reader's
ease of reference. The section that follows contains the reports of
the individual committees, setting forth their purpose, the goals
W,
that they have established, and the recommendations they present
for the Commission's consideration.
W.
i■�r
10
91. 380
�( SCO ) Tt orJ
91-- Lis 9•i
:0
w
III. BRINGING EAC1C THE ROMMEAST
91- 380
be 5Cv 3 71 Oj
x
AINT
ki
PREREQUISITES TO REVITALIZATION OF THE NORTHEAST:
1) CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT -
xy
}
t
� Background
r � t
Public safety concerns are perhaps the most pressing issue facing
„s the residents and merchants of Northeast Miami. Efforts to upgrade
the area and maintain a reasonable quality of life are hampered by
perceptions of crime. In recent years, major thoroughfares such as
Biscayne Boulevard, N.E. 2nd Avenue and N.E. 79th Street have been
plagued with open solicitation for prostitution, drug sales, and
muggings. The fact that this degree of open criminal activity and
neighborhood blight exists in a potentially beautiful stretch of
bayfront neighborhoods evidences a lack of commitment by the City.
Clearly an insufficient level of City services have been allocated
to the area.
A substantial,
1 concerted allocation of City services is necessary
to eliminate existing crime and blight. During the tenure of the
Task Force, regular sweeps, increased enforcement and prosecution
1W efforts, and the construction of the new Biscayne Boulevard Police
mini -station located in Legion Park have resulted in a reduction of
crime. Even with these positive changes, the perception of the area
as a criminal haven lingers on, threatening to undermine the
efforts of the Task Force to engender a renaissance for the area
through a coordinated set of programs. Currently, an armed
patrolman might be reluctant to walk certain streets in the area
alone. For commerce to thrive these same streets must be safe for
unsuspecting visitors to walk alone at night. In order to reverse
these perceptions, the Task Force recommends a concerted effort by
the Police Department to visibly promote an image of safe streets.
Area residents and businesses have demonstrated their willingness
to take part in crime fighting efforts. For many years, citizens,
crime fighting efforts in the area have been organized, with
- several groups and homeowners associations meeting regularly to
promote crime awareness and prevention. For example, the Northeast
sub -Council for Crime Prevention and the Greater Biscayne Boulevard
r Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Miami Police
4, Department and the individual neighborhood associations, support
active crime prevention and public safety programs, and the
Edgewater Mini -Station operates as a model of close ties between
the police and the local citizenry.
} The creation of the Task Force represents a bringing together of a
number of resources. The Crime and Safety Committee took advantage
y of this opportunity to develop a consensus on the nature of the
jr
�.
crime problem in our area, and how it could best be solved. Such is
�`s{fir the magnitude and immediacy of the crime problem, not just in
On
4" Northeast Miami but throughout the City and County as well, that it
12
380
be SCO s s(0,J
91___ 389.1
was felt that the Committee should take an active, "hands - on"
approach, in addition to considering long-term strategies for
combatting crime.
Therefore, short-term courses of action were developed and in
several cases have already been implemented, as described in
greater detail below. At the same time, medium -term and long-term
goals for future actions were also established. It is expected that
these will provide guidance to the various groups and individuals
1p involved in the fight against crime, and will help them in
coordinating their activities. These too are discussed below.
1p
Goals
The residents of Northeast Miami constantly face pressure from the
criminal element. The most visible of the criminal activities, and
ones that contribute most greatly to the perception of crime in the
area, are prostitution and drug sales. The effects of these crimes
extend beyond Biscayne Boulevard, pervading our neighborhoods and
our homes. The Task Force has determined that this type of crime
can be discouraged if property holders harboring such crime face
effective economic sanctions. For this reason, a primary goal of
the Task Force is to ENACT A NUISANCE ABATEMENT ORDINANCE TO
ELIMINATE DRUG SALES AND PROSTITUTION FROM THE AREA'S MAJOR
W,
THOROUGHFARES AND NEIGHBORHOODS.
Residents feel safe, and better able to cope with the criminal
element, when they know they can easily summon the services of our
1W1 Police Department. This close contact is fostered by the ability of
the Police to be aware of and respond to situations. At the same
time a visible police presence in the Community acts as a deterrent
to the criminal element and underscores a perception of safety in
the minds of visitors. For these reasons, the Task Force has set as
a second goal the need to ESTABLISH AN INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE IN
THE COMMUNITY.
Much of the fight against crime is conducted by neighbor working
with neighbor, a cooperation which fortunately extends across
neighborhood boundaries in the Northeast. The more closely these
neighbors and the groups that they have formed are linked with each
other, the more effective their fight against crime becomes. The
i Task Force feels it is imperative that we UNIFY NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME
PREVENTION EFFORTS, TO WORK TOWARDS COMMON GOALS.
Together, the local crime prevention groups and the Police
Department can have a great impact on crime in our area. The fight
against crime at the street level must be supplemented by fair, but
tough, treatment of criminals in our court system. These same
groups must work closely with prosecutors to ensure the threat of
punishment is real and effective. The Task Force therefore
considers it paramount that we SEEK INCREASED ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
13
91_ � 380
'*b( sco 3 T(OrJ
91--- 3 8 0.1
W
Recommendations
W
Specific actions will be required to address the concerns mentioned
above, if we are to achieve our goals. Primary of the Task Force's
objectives on crime is to target perceived havens of drug sales,
prostitution and other criminal activity in motels and other_
buildings. By seeking closure of those buildings identified as
specific sources of crime related activities, businesses are
provided with a strong economic incentive to shun the obvious
criminal element as patrons. This can be accomplished through the
adoption of a nuisance abatement ordinance, and subsequent
aggressive enforcement efforts.
In order to eliminate problems with drugs and prostitution,
specific individuals will also have to be targeted. Once the
r.esidents make it clear that we are serious about reclaiming the
streets for our own use and enjoyment, criminals will think twice
about establishing a home base in the area. To do this, we will
have to maintain a close relationship with the State Attorney's
Office to ensure vigorous prosecution of targeted offenders.
Having an Assistant State Attorney assigned specifically to this
pr..oject will greatly enhance this effort. For our part, we can
reinforce these prosecution efforts if we work to institute and
maintain an active court watch program.
A high profile police presence is necessary to ensure safety for
business patrons and residents. Of equal importance is the image
of safety which is projected by a high -profile police presence.
The Task Force recommends that patrolmen on foot and on horseback
be present and visible around -the -clock, with particular emphasis
on business hours presence (8:00 A.M.-12:00 Midnight).
An important aspect, of crime prevention is establishing regular
communications between individuals involved in the various crime
fighting groups already active in the area. To do this we will
network all community crime fighting groups, using the Police mini -
stations at Edgewater and Legion Park as a focal point. Area
groups and residents can pursue strategies such as providing
"decoy" police patrol vehicles throughout the neighborhoods,
staffing the Citizen's Crime Patrol Cars with volunteer drivers,
and distributing information and maintaining communications with
computer and communications equipment at the two Police Mini -
stations.
Maintaining close ties between the citizens' groups and the Miami
Police Department is extremely important. Regular meetings with
Police officials, such as those held by the Northeast Sub -Council,
will help keep residents apprised of the state of affairs in our
area, as well as allowing our residents the access to the
Department that effective crime fighting requires. This close
relationship Trill help the Police keep abreast of the major crime
problems as perceived by the residents and businessmen, and
14
1
91-. 380
�1 5G`! J St 0,J
91 1:3 8 9 • !
A
identify sources of crime. Such a working relationship will also
provide community assistance to the Police and other City officials
in identifying and obtaining available grant monies that can be
used to fight crime, such as the U.S. Justice Department's "Crack
Op
Focus" grant program.
Other specific measures should be implemented as a deterrence to
crime: public telephones are often used as a loitering point for
muggers, or as a communications center for drug dealers and pimps.
To combat this, perhaps the phones should be removed, changed to
rotary style, to slow the process and prevent access to digital
beepers, and set the phones up so as to block incoming calls.
Better lighting of public areas, and better maintenance of such
lighting, deters criminals and improves the security and perception
I
of safety of our homes and businesses.
Achievements
W.
As part of its commitment to help fight crime, the Crime Prevention
and Safety Committee of the Task Force has already been active in
helping to implement some of the above mentioned recommendations.
W
We are proud to note the following successes:
* Helped the Police receive a financial aid grant from the
Department of Justice for the City's "anti -crack" program
($400,000).
W,
* Drafted and presented for administrative review and
approval the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance; this was
approved by the City Commission upon first reading on
+
April 11, 1991.
* Worked with the State Attorney's Office on getting
stiffer sentences and jail time for prostitutes. The
IWI
State Attorney accomplished this by assigning an
Assistant State Attorney specifically to the project. A
"top -ten" list of most active prostitutes was created,
and individual cases were monitored as they went through
the court system. The Assistant State Attorney
communicated diligently with neighborhood groups to
coordinate Court watch efforts. In this way, citizens'
'
concerns were effectively communicated to the sentencing
judges.
* Worked closely with the Biscayne Boulevard Chamber to
obtain construction of a new Police Mini Station in
Legion Park and subsequently coordinated with the
Northeast Sub -Council to obtain $10,000 from the Law
Enforcement Trust. Fund to provide computer equipment for
the Edgewater and Biscayne Boulevard Mini -stations.
25
91- 380
�( scv 3 71 J,,)
91__. 380.1
D
2) ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Background
The Zoning and Code Enforcement Committee was established to deal
with two issues that are of major concern to the Northeast. The
first of these is the lack of aggressive Code enforcement. In both
the residential and commercial sectors, such enforcement must focus
upon those zoning violations which have the most deleterious effect
upon the area. As an example, a zoning enforcement sweep was
requested and obtained in 1988-89 because of a proliferation of
illegal multiple family homes and other violations which enhanced
the reality and appearance of blight in the area. Instead of
focusing upon that objective, the code enforcement sweep resulted
in thousands of citations for items such as failure to produce a
permit for iron bars installed years earlier by a prior owner.
In addition, the current operation of the zoning enforcement system
shows an ineffectiveness in its ability to handle Code violations.
Part of this problem is caused by circumstances such as absentee
property owners who are not responsive to code enforcement efforts,
and tenant violators who face no liability for violations.
The second concern identified by the Task Force is the
proliferation of businesses and residences along Biscayne Boulevard
that do not serve the market opportunities presented by the
surrounding neighborhoods. The popular image of the Boulevard is
one of run down properties, dilapidated motels, marginal
businesses, and buildings no longer suitable for their intended
uses. This picture is often compounded by the presence of hookers,
drug sales, and other elements of the criminal society.
These problems are compounded by the presence of rampant zoning
violations and a disproportionately large number of halfway houses,
treatment centers and other social service housing of temporary
residents. Many of these temporary residents are housed in area
motels, and many of these motels are the location of numerous
police call -outs and arrests. Unfortunately, as a result of these
factors, this popular image is not always far from the truth.
This perception of blight often obscures other realities of our
IV, community: nicely maintained homes, thriving businesses, and
neighbor helping neighbor. There are just too many law-abiding
residents and legitimate business persons with a stake in the area
IV for us to allow negative perceptions to overtake reality. We see
the area as our home or our place of work, and intend to restore it
to its former glory. With support from government agencies as
outlined in this Report, the successes, past, present, and future,
of the Task Force and its various committees will ensure this.
16
911_ 980
91--- 380.1
Goals
The proper application of zoning principles, along with strict Code
enforcement, are primary tools in effecting changes in our area.
The majority of the problems we have identified herein can be
remedied this way. As an example: many of the motels along the
Boulevard, 25 in total, are being used by various social agencies
to house needy persons for whom they have assumed responsibility.
These agencies include both private non-profit organizations such
as the Red Cross or the Catholic Relief Organizations, as well as
the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative
Services, and various Dade County agencies.
While certainly no one is denying the need for the appropriate care
and treatment of society's less fortunate individuals, overloading
an area with facilities such as halfway houses, treatment centers,
ACLF's, and shelters creates a variety of problems. The resulting
environment is not healthy for either the individuals so placed or
the residents and businesses. The problems
area's permanent
generated by the social service locations are illustrated by the
large number of police call -outs and arrests. while the impact
this has on permanent residents, families and businesses is
obvious, at the same time this indicates a poisoned environment for
those placed in these temporary facilities such as fragile families
with dependant children, recovering drug addicts and the elderly.
The Northeast shoulders more than its fair share of the burden for
social service facilities, and is thus not fully capable of
absorbing their temporary residents into the overall framework. As
this hurts both the area and the facilities themselves, a prime
goal of the Task Force is TO MONXTOR AND REGVLATE TSE PLACE MU
ACTIVITIES OP SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES.
Another serious concern is the extent to which the existing single
family housing stock is being converted, legally or otherwise, to
multi -family housing. This can involve illegal garage conversions
(so-called "mother-in-law" quarters) or the internal sectioning off
of houses themselves. More often than not, such activities do not
provide the required health, sanitary, and cooking facilities.
i
Compounding the health aspect is the fact that as densities in
these homes and neighborhoods increase, the capability of the City
to provide the necessary levels of service (Police, Fire, Solid
Waste, Sewage, Potable Water, etc.) suffers.
Obvious visual blight results from the
the use of land along the Boulevard
Lack of parking for businesses leads
failure to properly regulate
and other commercial areas.
to
using swales, lawns, and curbs to park,
deterioration. Loitering in front of
motels, is not only visually unattractive
for criminal elements. The aesthetics of
the Beautification section of this rep
function of strict regulation and Code en
17
customers and employees
quickly leading to their
businesses, particularly
but can serve as a cover
signage is dealt with in
Olt, but is obviously a
forcement. Finally, vacant
380
b(SCL)ssra,.j
9�_- 380•i
-
lots and buildings not only detract from the area's natural beauty,
but can become dumping grounds and havens for criminal activity. In
the many cases of absentee property owners, requirements for a
local contact would make such owners more accessible and more
responsive to code enforcement problems.
In many cases, the laws and regulations required to remedy these
situations are already in force. However, they are ineffective if
not aggressively and conscientiously enforced. An important goal of
the Task Force then becomes to IDENTIFY NAYS TO ENSURE GREATER
COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS. In those instances, however,
where City officials do not have the proper tools to remedy
identified problems, we must work to implement the required
measures. A corollary goal is therefore to ADOPT NEW ORDINANCES TO
CORRECT PROBLffiW NOT ADDRESSED BY EXISTING REGULATIONS.
Recommendations
The problem of social service placement is large and far beyond the
scope of the Task Force, requiring cooperation between private
agencies and agencies of the State, County and municipalities
within Dade County. The Task Force suggests that a sparser
concentration of social service residents will benefit both those
in need as well as those who live near such locations. The Task
Force therefore recommends that the City of Miami and Dade County
take a lead role in addressing this problem. Until a solution is
found to the problem of flooding the Northeast with social service
residential facilities, no new licenses for such facilities in the
Northeast should be issued or renewed without the specific approval
of the Miami City Commission. The use of area hotels for temporary
housing should be forbidden. Attrition will reduce the problem in
the Northeast and the need to accommodate new temporary residents
will force the immediate search for alternative locations.
In order to better regulate the other problems of visible blight
specifically cited above, it is recommended that the City: 1.) adopt
an ordinance discouraging loitering near motels fronting on the
Boulevard, and 2) implement and enforce the appropriate signage
-
regulations pertaining to properties for sale, political campaigns,
and commercial businesses.
However, to be fully effective, all regulations require aggressive
enforcement and the assignment of more zoning. inspectors to the
_
area. In many cases, though, the legal procedures for addressing
Code violators can hamper the enforcement process and delay the
time it takes to bring violations into compliance. For example, the
aesthetics of vacant lots and buildings could be greatly improved
through aggressive but focused Code enforcement. In order to do
this, stricter regulations and more sophisticated procedures are
required to expedite the enforcement process. As an example the
City should use vendors, selected from a bid pool, to clean vacant
lots.
18
91--1 389
be 5cv 3 5(0,j
91-.. 980•1
a
•
0
NP
r
f
Stricter lien regulations should be implemented and enforced to
supplement existing regulations, for example, the City should
become more aggressive in proceeding to foreclosure when code
vie:)Iations are excessive and unpaid. Tougher parking laws would
1..ewise prevent tenant, customer, and employee parking on swales,
and curbs, thereby preseivinc the intended functions of
t r;ose facilities.
Finally, the residents and businessmen in the Northeast will need
to develop a close rapport with our City officials, in order to
develop mutually agreeable solutions to our problems. We must work
to establish a closer relationship with the Code Enforcement
Division, so that we can develop better mechanisms for the timely
processing of Code violations. We recommend that a citizen's review
committee be established, in order to oversee the institutionalized
placement of persons in the area by the various social agencies. In
this regard, and as an immediate stop -gap measure, we strongly urge
that the City reinstate and enforce the moratorium placed on
halfway houses in the Upper Eastside.
3) PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS _ COMMITTEE REPORT
Goals
The Public Relations/Communications Committee was established with
two purposes in mind. First was to create a program to help
owl publicize the Northeast area - what it is, our many natural and
human resources, our problems and opportunities, and our
aspirations for future growth and development. This publicity would
owl not only be for the benefit of City officials and the general
public, but would also serve to bolster the pride of the area's
inhabitants. An important goal of the Task Force, therefore, is to
INSTILL A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND PRIDE IN THIS AREA'S RESIDENTS,
hIERCHANTS, AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS.
Secondly, it was recognized that all information regarding the Task
Force should be disseminated and controlled by one central source.
This would help avoid confusion and best keep the general public,
through the media, informed of our activities. It became a goal of
the Task Force, therefore, to ESTABLISH A CENTRALIZED SOURCE OF
XDFORMATION PERTAINING TO ON -GOING ACTIVITIES IN MIAMI'S UPPER
EASTSIDE.
In undertaking these efforts, the Committee's intention is to
establish and promote an identity for the Northeast. The area's
geography, its cultural diversity, its historic forms, and its
natural beauty all add to the our uniqueness. It is with the utmost
pride that we now consider ourselves Miami's "Upper Eastside". We
will work to ensure that the area's unique architectural styles
receive protective zoning designations, and that the historical
19
�1.- 380
b(Sc,oss(0►j