HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnalysisANALYSIS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
DR. MARTIN LuTiii R KING. JR. BOULEVARD
S CREES'SC AI'E BEAUTIFICATION MASTER PLAN & FACADE STANDARDS
CASE NO. 2005-
The Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Boulevard Streetscape Beautification Master Plan & Facade
Standards referred as the MLK Boulevard Streetscape Plan and Facade Standards provides a vision
for the beautification and economic development of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Commercial Corridor from Biscayne Boulevard to 37th Avenue that will serve to protect the culture,
beautify and enhance the historically significance, and the bright future of the corridor. This phase of
the project will address streetscape beautification and facade standards from I-95 to NW 17th Avenue
(Miami City Limits). The plan provides a direction for the beautification of the street right of way
and establishes facade standards and guidelines for private development. The plan is the result of a
planning process which began in March of 2004 with a planning study and followed by the
establishment of the MLK Ad -Hoc Council to provide community input. From October 2004 to
February 2005, the MLK Ad -Hoc Council held a series of meetings where the residents, merchants
and investors were able to participate and make recommendations about the future of the corridor
and review the draft plan. The plan was presented to PAB on June 29, 2005 for ordinance
amendment, and July 20, 2005 for adoption of plan in principle.
Based on a comprehensive review of the attached proposal the City makes the following findings:
1. It is found that the proposed Planning Study reinforces and enhances the unique character and
opportunities of MLK Boulevard right of way has because of its existing businesses. It
recommends additional right of way improvements including landscaping, lighting, street
furniture, sidewalk improvements, and streetscape beautification of the roadway.
2. It was found that the plan recommends right of way improvements which make the roadway
more attractive, will facilitate the increase of pedestrian activity along the sidewalks and public
open spaces, will create safe pedestrian crossing at major intersections, and will improve off-
street parking conditions. These actions by the public sector are anticipated to attract private
investments and promote economic revitalization.
3. It was found that the plan promotes the merging of existing commercial development and
mixes of new uses which are expected to attract new commercial and residential development
creating a unique and culturally significant community in the City of Miami.
4. It was found that the proposed facade standards will improve the visual character of the
existing and future buildings by enhancing the appearance of the storefronts and commercial
buildings, and will contribute to improve the overall appearance of MLK Boulevard.
Based on the analysis and findings incorporated above, the Planning Department recommends
approval, in principle, of the proposed Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Streetscape
Beautification Master Plan & Facade Standards. Additionally by amending SD-1 Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Commercial District, it is believed that the inclusion of the streetscape improvements and
facade standards from this plan will serve well as a tool for guiding the City of Miami in regulating
existing commercial properties and new development, enhance community character, and the
continued economic vitality throughout this significant commercial corridor,