HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Upper Eastside Master Plan-Commissioner SarnoffTJ P P I 1
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Prepared By:
CITY OF MIAMI
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
February 1999
(Final Draft)
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UPPER EASTSIDE
MASTER PLAN
Prepared By:
CITY OF MIAivII
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
February 1999
(Planning Advisory Board Workshop Edition)
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
THE UPPER EASTSIDE
MASTER PLAN
JOE CAROLLO, MAYOR
J.L. PLUMMER, CHAIRMAN/COMMISSIONER
ARTHUR E. TEELE, COMMISSIONER
WILFREDO "WILLY" GORT, COMMISSIONER
TOMAS REGALADO, COMMISSIONER
JOE SANCHEZ, COMMISSIONER
DONALD WARSHAW, CITY MANAGER
PREPARED BY:
City of Miami
Planning. Department
Dena Bianchino, Assistant City Manager
Ana Gelabert-Sanchez, Director
Lourdes Slazyk, Assistant Director
Clark Turner, Section Chief -Community Planning
Gregory Gay, Community Planner -Project Manager
Sarah Eaton, Historic Preservation Officer
Gary Leuschner, Real Estate Specialist —
Francisco Garcia, Land Development Specialist
Olga Garcia, Computer Graphics Specialist
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
EASTWARD HO' 6
1. What is Eastward Ho?
2. Why Eastward Ho?
3. Eastward Ho! Study Area
INTRODUCTION TO THE UPPER EASTSIDE 9
1. Introduction
2. Plan Objectives
3. Upper Eastside Master Plan Process
THE UPPER EASTSIDE: EXISTING CONDITIONS 11
1. Regional Viewpoint
2. Community Viewpoint
3. From Regional to the Next Door Neighbor
4. Brief History of the Upper Eastside
5. Description of the Upper Eastside
6. Issues of the Upper Eastside/Biscayne Boulevard
THE UPPER EASTSIDE: MASTER PLAN 20
THE UPPER EASTSIDE: CHARRETTE PHASE 20
.1. THE PROCESS -)0
HISTORIC/PRESERVATION '73
Historic Districts
Preservation Incentives
3. HOUSING/NEIGHBORHOOD EN}LANCEMENT �7
Residential Guidelines/Maintenance Standards
Multifamily Development
4, COMIMI.JNITY IMAGE/URBAN DESIGN 30
Design Guidelines
Goals & Objectives
Site Design Standards
5. COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION 36
Commercial Revitalization Recommendations
6. T AFFICTTReNSPORTATTON 45
Biscayne Boulevard Enhancement Study
Traffic Calming
7. BOULEVARDS & PARKWAYS 47
Streetscape
Major Corridors
8. PARKS/OPEN SPACE . 53
Parks Sr. Recreation
THE UPPER EASTSIDE: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 56
1. UPPER EASTSIDE ACTION PLAN 56
2. COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC & MARKET STRATEGY PLAN 64
3. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS 64
THE UPPER EASTSIDE CHARRETTE TEAM & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 65
APPENDIX
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since the ]ate 1980's, the residents and property owners of the Upper Eastside area have been trying to capture the
attention of local govemment officials, private enterprise, and investors to recognize this community as an area of
revitalization and redevelopment opportunities.
On March 28, 1996, Mr. Jack Luft, former director of the City of Miami's Department of Community Planning &
Revitalization (CPR), convened the residents and property owners of the Upper Eastside to initiate developing a
master plan for the future development of Biscayne Boulevard and the adjacent communities. After numerous
neighborhood meetings, a community charrette was held in August 1996. The entire Upper Eastside community
was invited to participate and give their input. This study is the result of the charrette and supplemental community
and neighborhood meetings.
Numerous studies have been conducted prior to this latest initiative, and the past advancements toward revitalizing
the Upper Eastside are encouraging.
• Two historic districts have been established, and numerous homes have been restored to their original
condition. Areas east of Biscayne Boulevard are being re -populated by individuals looking to take advantage
of purchasing a medium or large home close to downtown Miami and Miami Beach at low, affordable prices. —
• The Design District is experience a resurgence of activities with the numerous investment made by Craig and
Scott Robbins of Dacra Realty. Dacra is most known for their involvement in the revitalization of the Art Deco
District of South Miami Beach (South Beach).
• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has recently focused their highway rebuilding efforts on the
southern end of Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 38' Street to NE 121" Street. The area of critical concern is
within the Miami city limits.
• There are a number of old motels along Biscayne Boulevard, which offers a great opportunities for new
construction and adaptive reuse for residential, commercial, and mixed use structures.
• The Biscayne Plaza, a 12= acre, shoppinziservice center built in 1954, presents an opportunity to develop an
urban activity center with region implications similar to Cocowalk, combined with neighborhood services for
local residents and workers.
it is within this context that the City of Miami, along with numerous agencies and organizations interested in the
- redevelopment of the area, begin to create a working master plan and action program that identifies the priorities
and the visions of the area so that by the year 2005,
"...Miami's Upper Eastside area will once again become the gateway to the City, a vibrant, cultural, and
historic significant community with an identity that reflects the pride of the residents and property owners, and host
to a variety of amenities including, arts, history, entertainment, and shopping/service facilities for visitors and
residents."
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
The Upper Eastside Master Plan is a compilation of recommendations and action plans set forth by the residents and
properry owners focused on: enhancing retail opportunities; attracting and retaining businesses and jobs; continuina
existing housing revitalization and new development; improving the Upper Eastside/Biscayne Boulevard's image;
streamlining planning, preservation, zoning and design procedures; and improving transportation and parking; and
work to establish/develop Bisccr ne's Little River Walk,' a premier urban entertainment center.
Among the many issues cited by the residents and property owners of this community, six recurring subjects
emerged.
Traffic/Transportation: The traffic along Biscayne Boulevard can be a bear at tunes, especially during morning and
evening rush hour. This highway has been forced to handle traffic volumes for which it was not designed for. The
lanes are narrow and the turning lanes don't meet the required widths. Some of the adjacent neighborhoods have
closed many of their street which had access to Biscayne Boulevard. This has resulted in dead end street off of the
boulevard. There is not enough parking in the right locations.
Historic Preservation: Historic designation has been key to the stabilization of the neighborhoods east of the
boulevard. Further promotion of this can have a positive impact on the residential areas of the Upper Eastside.
Commercial Revitalization: During the post World War II era; Biscayne Boulevard was one of Miami's mainstreet.
Numerous motels lined the boulevard which provided affordable rooming facilities along a main access route to the
City. As the area has evolved, the future outlook on these motels became blink because they did not provide
necessary services to the adjacent neighborhoods. Some of the motels are unique in architecture and style, and
could be revitalized under an adaptive reuse program.
Housing/Neighborhood Enhancements: Affordable single and multifamily housing has become a major issue in the
areas west of the boulevard. The creation of housing design revitalization standards and maintenance guidelines can
help to bring stability to this area.
Community Image/urban Design: Miami's Upper Eastside present day image is one of rundown motels, drug
trafficking, and prostitution. From Biscayne Boulevard, visitors get a distorted view of a community which rivals
Miami Shores, but lacks a true identity. Urban design guidelines, which include neighborhood gateways and
uniform commercial facade designs, can help to provide a positive image of the boulevard and its adjacent
neighborhoods.
Parks/Open Space: The maintenance and supervision of the Upper Eastside parks have become lax due to repeated
cutbacks in the City park's budget. Other cities have began instituting neighborhood groups to monitor to
maintenance and supervision of public parks. The west and north areas are in great need of park facilities. Funds
from the Metro -Dade County's newly initiated.parks bond can be used to address these and other improvements for
City parks.
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
EASTWARD HO!
What Is Eastward Ho?
Historical Background
First there were the oceanfront developments along AIA and the ocean -access neighborhoods to the west. Dixie
Highway was a two-lane ribbon alongside Henry Flagler's railroad. The frequent trains brought the conveniences of
the northern seaboard cities to South Florida's mostly seasonal residents. Condominiums, hotels and motels sprang
from the sandy soil almost overnight. A growing service trades industry, beckoned farm and industrial workers
everywhere to a fresh start and a lucrative lifestyle in Florida's subtropical paradise.
In the 1950s, newcomers enjoyed the proximity of the beach from the mile -or -so wide corridor running between
Miami and West Palm Beach roughly bounded by what is now the Florida East Coast (FEC) and Chesapeake
Coast (CSX)rail lines. Then, its frame or concrete and stucco houses on small lots were affordable and
Seaboard u���.
attractive to median income families.
As tourism grew, along with successive waves of US retirees and immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin
America, the service trades expanded greatly in the 1960s. Through the '70s and '80s an upwardly mobile and
automobile -owning population abandoned the closeness of the urban core neighborhoods for modern, more
spacious developments further west. For the most part, the core neighborhoods left behind have struggled to sustain
a viable tax base and minimal quality of life.
Present and Future
Approaching the millennium, western suburban sprawl and economic downturns have worsened conditions in the
eastern urban corridor. By 2020, the population in South Florida is forecast to grow to nearly 6 million people will
be competing for the space and resources now claimed by 4.3 million.
The 42 member Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida made it clear in their October 1995 report
that the key issues relating to urban sprawl are no longer debatable. The playing field that is now slanted toward
growth in western suburbs must be leveled by providing incentives and removing disincentives in the east. What is
left of the Everglades must be preserved and rehabilitated. The eastern urban core must be redeveloped without
disrupting the existing quality of life in the region_ Thus, the birth of the initiative: Eastward Ho!
The Florida Departrnent of Community Affairs (DCA) is serving as the lead agency for Eastward Ho! It has
contracted with the South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning
Council (TCRPC) to quickly gather existing records and generate an inventory of housing, businesses,
infrastructure, public services, available land parcels and their permitted uses within the eastern corridor under
current zoning- and land use regulations. The database will be made available to developers and financiers. The
Phase One study -- including the proposed boundaries of the Eastward Ho! corridor -- was completed in June, 1996.
Planners examined successful redevelopment projects in the region and, most important, obstacles to
redevelopment. They have also offered a blueprint for a new form of intergovernmental coordination and
partnerships that could cut through red tape, end run bureaucratic blockages and make approvals happen in record
time.
Eastward Ho! is intended to be the engine to promote mixed -use development; help governments fund new and
expanded infrastructure, stimulate infill development/ redevelopment. encourage moderately higher urban densities,
increase varieties of housing and improve housing affordability in the tri-county region.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
6 City Clerk
There is a "Let's make it happen!" spirit su rounding Eastward Ho! The SFRPC staff has solicited comments and
support from elected officials, general public, other public agencies, and private sector development and financial
communities. Council staff has surveyed and met with planning directors and others at 50 affected Eastward Ho!
corridor local governments in the tri-count) region.
Next, an educational campaign is being launched to help inform the business community, local governments,
neighborhoods, media and nonprofit organizations about the initiative. Also completed is a series of regional forums
on Eastward Ho! to bring about a community -based consensus on actions for incentives and an infil] strategy.
Included in the Phase One study is an overview of things that have been done to encourage the revitalization of the
urban corridor. Council staff has highlighted recent redevelopment projects such as Minter Park in Boca Raton, Old
School Square in Delray Beach, Harrison Street in Hollywood and Regal Trace in Fort Lauderdale, and Bayside and
St. Hugh Oak Village in Miami among many others.
An assessment of other efforts and initiatives that could be coordinated with and possibly complement the Eastward
Ho! Initiative are also included, such as the Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida, the Council's
Southeast Florida Vision 2025 Project, the Army Corps of Engineers Restudy of the Central and South Florida
Flood Control District, local government evaluation and appraisal efforts, the high occupancy vehicle lane project
on 1-95 and the South Dade Corridor tudy.
Why Eastward Ho?
Congestion and other urban pressures have created a westward movement of population which has over time
resulted in what we know today as he suburbs. Over the past eighty years public policy and market conditions have
encouraged this westward movement, often to the detriment of the older eastern urban core. Given the tremendous
population growth that is projected for the next decade it is unrealistic to presume that westward movement in
Southeast Florida can be completely halted or reversed. Rather, the objective of eastern urban restoration should be
to capture a greater percentage of that projected growth than is now anticipated.
The cost of inefficient, sprawling development has an impact on al] taxpayers; businesses, suburban and urban
residents, agriculture and the natural environment. It uses up vacant land more quickly, limiting the ability to
preserve environmentally sensitive lands, prirne agricultural land, and water resources. Other effects of development
that are not well connected to our existing urban core include: more miles of road to be built and maintained; -more
miles of water, wastewater, and stormwater pipes to be laid and maintained; more miles of telephone, electric, gas,
and cable lines; •longer journeys to reach school, work, and shopping; and •longer routes for school buses and
garbage trucks.
Every public dollar spent is a decision made. Meeting the needs of expanding growth areas rather than encouraging
growth in developed areas us s money that could be spent on maintaining and upgrading existing public facilities
and services such as schools, harks, libraries, public landscaping, sidewalks, public transit,yor public art.
In order to manage growth v, ell, it is necessary to provide a diverse an -ay of housing and land development options
for current and future regional populations. Building housing that is well -located, safe, attractive, and convenient to
public transit, schools and stores can go a long way toward improving the quality of life throughout Southeast
Florida.
Western growth has an impact on lands that recharge our underground aquifers and affects the region's ability to
sustain an affordable and high quality water supply. Suburban development consumes water in locations where it
could be used for agriculture or for the Everglades, Florida Bay and existing wetland and upland habitats. The
destruction of habitats for endangered species has an adverse effect on the quality of life in the region.--- -7
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record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
The ultimate goal of Eastward Ho! is to create sustainable communities in Southeast Florida that use resources to
meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations. Sustainable
communities seek improved public health and a better quality of life for all residents by limiting waste, preventing
pollution, maximizing conservation, promoting efficiency, and developing local resources to enhance the local
economy. (Governor's Commission, 1995)
Eastward Ho! Study Area
The Eastward Ho! study area is divided into two parts -- a corridor of land between Southeast Florida's two
railroads, the FEC and the CSX, beginning in southern Miami -Dade County and extending north into St. Lucie
County, including major seaports; airports, and downtowns. Tne second part of the study area is a larger study area
just outside this corridor. The Eastward Ho! study area includes the lands lying east to US 1 and west to the
Palmetto Expressway, the Florida Turnpike, State Road 7 and Military Trail.
In order to facilitate data collection efforts, the Eastward Ho! study area boundaries were drawn along US Census
Bureau boundaries. These boundaries provide statistical data related to our population and economy. Census facts
can also be subdivided into census block groups, making it possible to identify, and then include or exclude,
portions of selected census tracts from the study area on the basis of demographic and socio-economic factors.
Census block group analysis may be useful in local area analysis and development strategies.
This page and all contents prepared by the South Florida Regional
Planning Council.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
INTRODUCTION TO THE UPPER EASTSIDE
Mcmi
City limits,
N, Z. S1 S
N.£. S<S
—�
-.- - _ N. i. 35 S
There are over 200 businesses in the Upper Eastside area. Of
that there are approximately 120 businesses along Biscayne Boulevard. About 20% of these businesses along the
boulevard are the hotels and motels which date back to the late 1930's through the mid-1950's. Most of these have
outlived their usefulness as tourist destinations because of the I-95 bypass and the development of other tourist
destinations in South Beach, Coconut Grove, and downtown Miami.
N 9.� Introduction
N £. 79 S
The Upper Eastside is one of the best-known of Miami's
developed coastal communities. It is a community comprised
of several distinct residential neighborhoods which includes
Morningside, Bay Point, Belle Meade and Belle Meade
Island, Shorecrest, Bayside, and others. The boundaries of
the area are Biscayne Bay on the east, the FEC Railroad on
the west, Interstate Route]95 (approx. N.E. 38th Street) on
the south, and the City Limits (approx. N.E. 87th Street) on
the north. The district is bisected by the Biscayne Boulevard
(U.S.-1) and N.E. 79th Street strip commercial corridors.
Biscayne Boulevard was once the major gateway to Miami
for travelers from the north, and was viewed by tourists as an
affordable alternative to the more expensive
accommodations on Miami Beach. Some Art Deco,
Streamline Modem, and 1950's-styled motels still line the
Boulevard, decades after I-95 replaced U.S. 1 as the major
route of travel for visitors. Over the years, a number of
"would have been historic" motels have been demolished,
converted to transient rooming houses or apartments, or used
as one night stands for prostitutes and their customers who
now frequent the area. Drug trafficking and other criminal
activities are perceived to be prevalent, and other businesses
such as Club Madonna, also known as the "Pussycat
Theater" and the numerous liquor stores along the Boulevard
are also perceived to be contributors to the decline of
legitimate business in the area.
The Morningside and Bayside neighborhoods have been
designated as historic districts by the City of Miami. Some of
the homes and commercial buildings outside of these historic
districts might also qualify for historic designation.
The Upper Eastside is an area ideally suited for redevelopment. The existing, character of the community is one that
can be redesigned to create an urban environment similar to other noteworthy roadways such as, Los Olas
Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami's very own Coral Way (Southwest 22nd Street), if redevelopment is carefully
fitted to market. However, there are some significant obstacles to the revitalization of the area, which must be
overcome if a viable plan is to be developed and implemented.
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Plan Objectives
This study, and the Plan that will arise from it, is aimed at improving the overall health and livability of the Upper
Eastside area in the following general ways:
] _ Reduce the level of crime, drug acti�ty-annprostitution in the area.
2. Reduce volumes and/or speeds of vehicular traffic on Biscayne Boulevard and adjacent streets: and return the streets to a more pedestrian -
friendly environment.
3. Establish pedestrian -oriented commercial areas along Biscayne Boulevard with small retail businesses such as antique shops, health food
stores, sidewalk cafes and the like.
4. Expand the commercial viability of Biscayne Shopping Plaza while taking steps to reduce its negative impact on the surrounding
community.
Expand and improve the supply of mixed -use development along Biscayne Boulevard.
6. Review public policies, zoning ordinance, historic preservation regulations, and develop guidelines for housing, especially with regard to
the areas west of Biscayne Boulevard.
7. Establish an appearance and maintenance code for commercial and residential properties.
8. Improve the means for landscape enhancement for both private properties and public parks and transportation right-of-ways.
9. Encouragement of preservation and increase the number of parks, green space, and recreational facilities for youth and adults
The Upper Eastside Master Plan Process
The Upper Eastside Master Plan (UPESMP) was initiated by the City of Miami's Department of Community
Planning and Revitalization (CPR) assisted by the City's Upper Eastside NET Office, at the request of the Greater
Biscayne Chamber of Commerce and several homeowner associations of the Upper Eastside The Greater Biscayne
Chamber of Commerce and the Upper Eastside NET Office provided oversight and_organizational assistance. The
preliminary work for the charrette involved research by the neighborhood planner, meetings with members of the
Greater Biscayne Chamber of Commerce and with the presidents/representatives of the homeowner associations,
and numerous discussions with individual community leaders and property owners.
In August 1996, a group of concerned residents, community leaders and business owners gathered at the American
Legion Post with the City of Miami's Department of Community Planning and Revitalization charrette team to
sketch the outlines of the Upper Eastside Master Plan. The charrette was an interactive process with public
participation addressing historical perspectives, problems and issues, opportunities, and plan objectives.
The charrette initiated the first phase in development of the UPESMP and this report summarizes that phase.
Subsequent work will include: (i) preparation of a draft final report on proposed recommendations/actions for
presentation to the Upper Eastside communiry; (2) preparation of the Comprehensive Economic and Market
Strategy Plan by the Chesapeake Group, (3) a final presentation of the plan and recommendations to the Upper
Eastside community for review and approval, and (4) presentations to the Ciry of Miami Planning Advisory Board
and City Commission for official approval.
The Upper Eastside Charrette was a three day, intense planning exercise involving the charrette team together with
neighborhood residents, property owners, and business owners/operators. The first day was spent on historical and
existing conditions perspectives, and public input on the most pressing issues of the Upper Eastside community.
Day two involved hands-on participation by members of the community in identifying problems and seeking
solutions. Several groups made field trips by van to different parts of the communiry as the sketch -planning
progressed. All ideas were put on paper, the drawings, ideas, and suggestion were organized into a legible summary
presentation. The third day, the community members were presented with a summation of the charrette, with ideas,
proposals, and recommendations.
The Chesapeake Group, Inc., an economic consulting firm, was engaged to conduct a comprehensive economic and
strategy plan. as a part of the UPESMP. The objective of the study is to address commercial revitalization strategies,
infrastructure improvements and quality of life issues that can be achieved while maintaining and enhancing the
character of the Upper Eastside. Some topics of primary concern include, but are not limited to, Commercial
RevitalizationHotel-Motel Adaptive Reuse Strategies along Biscayne Boulevard, Parking and Traffic Circulation,
Housing Opportunities in Eaton Park/Biscayne West area, and overall community character and design. This study
is estimated to take approximately three to six months to complete.
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THE UPPER EASTSIDE: EXISTING CONDITIONS
Regional Viewpoint
The Upper Eastside community, has long been known as "The Gateway to the City of Miami," with Biscayne
Boulevard as its Main Street. But the Boulevard was supplanted by Interstate-95, a high volume superhighway, built
in the late 1950's through the early 1960's. As more travelers used this superhighway, Biscayne Boulevard became
an alternative transportation corridor from North Dade to downtown Miami, and the community has suffered
because of it. The commercial, office, and hotel/motel functions have declined over the past thirty -plus years,
bypassed by potential customers and tourists. Biscayne Boulevard is now a Main Street only for local traffic and for
commuters avoiding congestion on the Interstate between downtown Miami and North Dade County.
The Upper Eastside community seeks development of an urban destination activity center. While some areas of
Miami have been inundated with daily visitors, the Upper Eastside is considered as ripe for potential revitalization
and future redevelopment. The residents and property owners of the area would like the Upper Eastside to become
one of the urban region's destinations, with restaurants, a cinema and franchise retail and, at the same time,
maintaining or improving the level of neighborhood commercial, retail and services.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has recently focused its effort on the rebuilding of Biscayne
Boulevard from NE 20th Street to NE 123rd Street. A number of studies have been done on the Boulevard with
numerous suggestions on how to make it better. In addition to detailed studies of Boulevard reconstruction through
the Upper Eastside, this highway master plan will include traffic reconfiguration of NE 79th Street and NE 82nd
Street (Little River Parkway) from Biscayne Boulevard to Biscayne Bay.
Community Viewpoint
The Upper Eastside is a well known and developed community. The area evolved as an upscale neighborhood
during the 1920's and 1930's, and included one the first "subdivisions" platted in Dade County with ail the
infrastructure amenities including street lighting, water, and sewer. The neighborhood was home to many of the
• area's most prominent citizens.
The best known neighborhoods of the Upper Eastside community are the Momingside and Bayside Historic
Districts. These neighborhoods feature well landscaped vehicular parkways as an added amenity..The other
neighborhoods include: Shorecrest, Biscayne Harbor/Haynesworth Village, Biscayne Plaza, Belle Meade and Belle
Meade Island; Palm Bay, Legion Park, Biscayne W est Paim Grove, Eaton Park, Bay Point, and Magnolia Park.
Other areas also include several spoil islands which are located in Biscayne Bay, Legion and Morningside Parks
which are located along the bayfront. The houses within the entire Upper Eastside area exhibit a full range of
architectural designs including Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, Mission and other vernacular structures.
Young professionals are purchasing property and moving to the Upper Eastside area for numerous reasons. Some
are relocating from South Beach; others desire the close proximity to the downtown and beach areas, bayfront
location, residential stability, and overall exclusive ambiance. With the presence of crime prevention groups, law
enforcement activities along the Boulevard, and rigorous code enforcement, the Upper Eastside area is becoming an
even more desirable place to live.
The area west of Biscayne Boulevard has become problematic over the past several years. It is perceived that the
people involved in crime, drugs, and prostitution activities originate from this area. Many of the area's single family
homes have been rented out, or converted into multifamily housing. A majority of the houses west of the Boulevard
mirror the houses east of the Boulevard from an architectural perspective.
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
From Regional to the Next Door Neighbor
This master plan attempts to treat all topics with an understanding of all three scales of concern, from regional, to
community, to the street. For example, cut -through traffic is addressed with traffic calming suggestions which
mitigate cut -through traffic on a given street without relegating the problem to a neighboring street. The CEMSP
will address commercial revitalization strategies, infrastructure improvements and quality of life issues while
enhancing the character of the Upper Eastside. The plan proposes identifying the needs of residents by improving
the neighborhood level commercial retail and services, while creating and developing an urban destination or
activity center to stimulate the visitation of a new customer base and/or possible tourist attraction.
The character of public space and private property received the greatest concern from property owners in close
proximity: the control of regional traffic on one's street, the control of building scale and quality on adjacent lots to
one's own, are examples of issues that offer daily quality of life and long term investment value. This is the scale at
which a community's character is established. It is at this scale that most of this master plan's recommendations are
made, with specific design proposals as well as regulatory refinements which include building and landscape detail.
The ultimate goal of this master plan is to help establish a mixed use and mixed income, beautiful, historical and
valuable community viewed throughout the region as "the Gateway to the City of Miami." This should be seen as a
goal to serve the residents and business owners of the Upper Eastside, and also as an absolute necessity for the
quality of life in this part of South Florida. The future of the Upper Eastside can and should —viewed as approaching
the ideals of a livable urban community.
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12
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Brief History Of The Upper Eastside
The heart of today's Upper Eastside encompassed the early pioneer settlement of Lemon City. Established around
1839, Lemon City was the first pioneer community in North Dade, and for a time, was as important as Coconut
Grove in early Miami history. Lemon City developed around today's N.E. 6I st Street, then known as Lemon
Avenue, on Biscayne Bay; where a small commercial dock was located. The community soon boasted a post office,
a dry goods store, a two story hotel, and approximately 80 residences in the surrounding area.
The arrival of the railroad to Miami in 1896 marked the end of an era for this pioneer settlement. Before the railroad
arrived, the community's importance to the Miami area was marked by its docks. Now the train would bring much
needed supplies to Miami. The train also drew people away from Lemon City to Miami, and the new Lemon City
Depot drew business further west toward N.E. 2nd Avenue.
The residential areas around Lemon City continued to develop, however, as entrepreneurs platted small parcels of
land along Biscayne Bay. The Elmira neighborhood was subdivided in 1909 on today's N.E. 68th Street by
migrants from Elmira, New. York. This was soon followed by Magnolia Park just north of N.E. 36th Street in 1914,
and the Acadia subdivision in 1915.
The Upper Ea,tside was also home to a number of bayfront estates including the Tee House Plantation in today's
Legion Park, the Fred Miller estate on the site of the Palm Bay Club, the Prescott Estate on N.E. list Street, Villa
Florence, and Rockland.
In 1925, Lemon City and the surrounding communities were engulfed by Miami as the city expanded northward
during the land speculation boom. This period witnessed the development of Bay Shore (now known as
Morningside), one of Miami's best planned subdivisions. Bay Shore spanned both sides of Biscayne Boulevard
between N.E. 55th Terrace and N.E. 60th Street and was envisioned as an exclusive residential community.
At the same time the Washington Place subdivision was created on N.E. 7lst and N.E. 72nd Streets in 1925. The
area north of N.E. 79th Street known as Shorecrest and Biscayne Heights also wimessed their early development at
this time.
Although much of the Upper Eastside was first developed during the boom years of the mid 1920's, the greatest
building expansion did not occur until the period between the mid 1930's and World War II. This new building
activity resulted in the construction of new houses within existing subdivisions, as well as the creation of new ones,
such as Belle Meade.
The architectural development of the Upper Eastside parallels that which occurred throughout Miami. The houses
construe ted here reflect the diversity, cjiirection, and taste of individual residents, as well as the architectural
eclecticism prevalent in the early twentieth century. The earlier buildings in the area are primarily Frame
Vernacslar, with many examples of early bungalows and other frame construction. Houses built in the 1920's are
genera ly Mediterranean Revival in style, while structures built in the 1930's and 1940's are frequently Art Deco.
The area also features a number of excellent examples of other architectural styles, including Mission, Streamline
Moderne, as well as Masonry Vernacular.
The most ambitions individual development project in Miami's early history had a dramatic impact on the shape of
the Upper Eastside, namely the creation of Biscayne Boulevard. Biscayne Boulevard was conceived during the
Boom and was completed in a post -bust depression. Built at a cost exceeding S16,000,000, the development cut a
wide, new highway through the ciry's oldest residential neighborhoods to create a new "main street" for Miami.
This "Fifth Avenue of the South" was envisioned as a complete shopping center for Miami with careful provisions
made for design, beauty, and comfort_
In 1925, there was no major highway to connect downtown Miami with developments to the north. Miami's
bayfront street terminated at N.E. 13th Street. Narrow N.E. 2nd Avenue was the only direct route between the
13
downtown and N.F. 55th Street, where the Federal Highway began. Federal Highway was the major north -south
route that connected South Florida with Jacksonville and points to the north. Hugh Anderson conceived the vision
of a magnificent Boulevard linking downtown Miarni with his new community in Miami Shores. This Boulevard
would extend north from the Royal Palm Hotel gardens and would connect with the Federal Highway.
By July 1925, one of the greatest buying sprees in the history of American real estate began. Anderson purchased
not only the right-of-way for the Boulevard, but also the property on both sides. Only by controlling these additional
lots could the cost of construction be recovered and a profit made. Construction of the new thoroughfare was started
in December 1925, the dedication took place on Armistice Day 1926. The Boulevard was opened for through traffic
from downtown Miami to N.E. 55th Street in March 1927. The construction of Biscayne Boulevard was the last
major development project of the Boom.
Although the southern part of the Boulevard would contain the major commercial development, the part within
today's Upper Eastside was envisioned for a different type of development, known as Miami Plaza. The area
between N.E. 40th and N.E. 50th Street had been owned by Charles Deering and was the largest remaining
undeveloped tracts fronting on Biscayne Bay. This estate contained one of the largest stands of tropical growth in
the country and was an almost impenetrable tropical jungle.
Miami Plaza was envisioned as an exclusive residential, apartment, and hotel community. While the majority of
Biscayne Boulevard would be 100 feet in width, the section through Miami Plaza contained a 180 foot stretch with
landscaped medians in the center. Miami Plaza became a victim of the Hurricane of 1926, however, and the
resulting economic collapse. Development did not resume until 1940, when Bay Point was created.
Description of the Upper Eastside
r I saLIA PARK
N.E?7S
N 7. 5
AYNE HARBOR/
YNSWORTH VILLAGE
LLE
EADE ISLAND
IPPEJ? EASSDE
NEGHBDRHOODS
- - North
- Central
- - SpUtn
The boundaries for the Upper Eastside area are as follow:
• City Limits (NE 87th Street) to.the north
• Interstate 195 (NE 38h Street) to the south
• Biscayne Bay (including the spoil islands) to the east
• FEC Railroad right-of-way to the west
For this study, the description for the Upper Eastside has
been divided into three sections; North, Central, and South.
14
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
BISCAYNE
P _AZA
North
V' 1
SHORECREST
BISC DYNE HARBOR/
AY SWORTH VILLAGE
The north section of the Upper Eastside is bounded by the Little River Inlet east of the Boulevard, NE 77th Street
west of the Boulevard, the FEC Right -of Way, the ciry limits at NE 87th Street; and Biscayne Bay, this area is
primarily commercial, with some multifamily residential in the area west of Biscayne Boulevard, and mainly single
family residential from Biscayne Boulevard to the bay. There are some pockets of multifamily residential east of
Biscayne Boulevard. The Boulevard and NE 79th Street are the primary commercial corridors. Institutions such as
the Immigration and Naturalization Service offices and the Biscayne Plaza Shopping Center are regional
destinations within the community. Low-rise, multifamily residences along the waterfront, marine sales and service
center; and a major office building are also in the north section of the Upper Eastside.
The concerns articulated for this area include:
• Rebuilding of Biscayne Boulevard
• Need for traffic reconfiguration on NE 79th Street and NE 82nd Street (Little River Parkway) from the
Boulevard to the bay
• Need for traffic calming techniques (other than street closures)
• Beautification of its public places, including its roads and parks.
• Need for additional trees and landscaping on public and private properties
• The lack of park and recreational facilities for children and adolescents
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
LLE
EADE ISLAND
Central
The central section of the tipper Eastside is bounded by the Little River Inlet, FEC Right -of V✓av, Biscayne Bay,
NE 61st Street east of the Boulevard, and NE 55 Terrace west of the Boulevard. It is characterized as a residential
area with a struggling commercial corridor through the center and an decayed industrial district to the west. The
area east of the Boulevard is mostly single-family residences with a concentrated area of multifamily residences.
This area also includes the Bayside Historic district and the Cushman School. The area west of the Boulevard is
mostly duplexes and low rise multifamily residences. Because of the residential zoning for the west area, it is
unfortunate that a number houses that were built for single family and duplexes residential uses have been converted
to rooming houses and multi -room efficiencies. The west area needs a uniform physical character, by way of
establishing design guidelines or obtaining a historic district designation. The numerous hotels motels along the
Boulevard are considered a liability to the community. Some of these iiabi]ities can be made as asset by convening
some of the hotels/motels structures to other neighborhood oriented commercial/retail uses, e.g. storefronts,
restaurants, office space, arts and antiques showrooms, etc. The Legion Park and the American Legion Post are two
under-utilized facilities within this area.
The concerns articulated for this area include:
• Rebuilding of Biscayne Boulevard
• Improvement of its corridors to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles without widening for vehicles
• Additional street tree planting and landscaping
• Concentration of commercial uses at or near major crossroads
• Hotel/motel use, adaptive reuse, conversion, and/or demolition
• Need for a community center, activities for Legion Park
• Need for traffic calming techniques, other than street closures
• Need for mixed use'multifami]y residences along Biscayne Boulevard, rentals or condos
• Need for traffic reconfiguration of NE 61st Street and NE 62nd Street (M. L.. King Boulevard), from NE 4th
Court to Biscayne Boulevard
• Identification of uses for the warehouse district on NE 4th Court. between NE 61st Street and NE 73th Street
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MORNINGSIDE
BAY POINT
South
The south section of the Upper Eastside is bounded by NE 6lst Street east Boulevard, NE 55th Terrace west of the
Boulevard, the FEC Right -of Way, Biscayne Bay, and Interstate-195!SR-112, and is widely considered the most
desirable area of the community. This area is mainly commercial/offices in character west of the Boulevard, and
residential in character east of the Boulevard, with single family residences on medium and large lots. There is a
small concentration of low rise multifamily residences near the waterfront. The south section is known for a number
of significant institutions e.g. WPLG Channel 10, IVAX Corporation, the Police Museum, Bay Point Residences,
the Bay Shore Lutheran Church, and the Momingside Historical District. The southern end of this area abuts the
Miami Design District, an area which is making a comeback. As in the other areas of the Upper Eastside, regionally
based traffic between downtown Miami and North Dade cause stress not only for Biscayne Boulevard but also for
local streets used as shortcuts. Because of this, the Morningside neighborhood has constructed a number of
temporary and permanent street closures, and are presently seeking approval for guard -gates. The Bay Point
Residences is a private, gated community. ✓
The concerns articulated for this area include:
• Rebuilding of Biscayne Boulevard.
• Traffic reconfiguration of Biscayne Boulevard and Federal Highway.
Terrace
• Concentration of commercial uses at or near major crossroads
• Hotel/motel use, adaptive reuse, conversion, andior demolition
• Need for traffic calming techniques. other than street closures
• Preservation of historic trees, landscape, and structures
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between NE 54th Street and NE 55th
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Issues Of The Upper Eastside
On the first day of the charrette, concerned residents, community leaders and business owners were given an
opportunity to ventilate their concerns about the future of the Upper Eastside. Their issues were written on tablets
and displayed during the entire charrette. The following is the information recorded from the first session:
Commercial Revitalization
• Need stores along blvd.
• Grocery - another Publix or Winn Dixie
• Bakery
• Small bookstore
• Restaurants - family type
• Farmers market
• Mixed use - apts. over retail (Biscayne Chamber bldg.)
• Biscayne Shopping Plaza - landscaping
• Landscape vacant lots on Blvd.
• Make green space usable
• Cultural festivals
• Americans with Disabilities Act - permit process is difficult
Community Design
• 50's theme - hotels/motels
• River as amenity
• Community centers
• Watertower - (art by Romero Britto?)
• Banners - art
• Rails w/ttails
• Eastward Ho! - eastward development
• Art in Public Places - traditional
• 4th Court warehouse district
• Metrorail station
Environmental Design
The Little River as amenity
• IMAGE
• Nature trails (urban)
Hqusing
• Security west of Blvd.
• Lofts - creative living spaces
Historic Preservation
• Laurel Motel - adaptive re -use
• Homes west of Blvd.
18
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Traffic; Transportation
• Traffic is too fast
• Landscaping of Blvd. - medians
• Traffic calming - Bavfront area
• Narrowing the Blvd.
• Encourage walking,bicycling
• Mass transit
• Too many buses - pollution
• Easement along 79 St. (North side)
• Biscayne Blvd. (West side)
• Westbound 79/82 St. Make 82 like it used to be.
• Bicycle lanes on Blvd.
• Street closures west of Blvd.
• Metrorail north - FEC
• Nature trail - pedestrian
Infrastructure
• Garbage - illegal dumps
• Designated dumpsites
• Curbside trash pickup
Biscayne Boulevard Issues
• Primary anchor is 79th street shopping center.
• Theme is "Welcome to Miami" - this is "Miami grown up".
• Keep (Little) River in mind as development potential (from the bridge west).
• Undesirable: old motels. If you have mixed use, sustainable development —shops on ground, residential above
will help displace motels.
• NE 50-55 Street. Ivax, Bay Point, good image. Stops • at Bay Point wall. Wall of motels. Change to
residential/office use. Convert dead-end stubs to plazas; parking to augment adjacent commercial uses.
• NE 55-63 Street. Zone of opportunity. Lots of evil pockets there. The Cushman school is a big green spot. Big-
time redevelopment needed. What we'd like is mixed -use —mostly residential but with some low -impact
commercial. Need basic neighborhood services. Lots are too shallow to allow economic development. 61 St. is
Lemon (City) Avenue
• NE 63-67 Street. More motels. Drugs. Banyan Bay, Legion Park & Hall. Historic Lemon City. Need farmers
market on Saturdays. This is the social center of the neighborhood. Legion Hal] should be renovated as
community center if can be worked out with owners.
• NE 67-72 Street. Stardust (bad), Jenny's Flowers (good). Only worthwhile restaurant on Blvd. (Rita's). Amoco
station. Need restaurant/entertainment (restaurant as singular doesn't work). Need critical mass of dining,
entertainment, nightlife --cluster. 71 St. is problematic through connection - leads us into industrial zone, close
it.
• NE 72-77 Street. Beginning of Belie Meade. Vagabond Motel. Photo shop @ 75th Street. Do away with all
chain -link fences. Need the lights installed on new bridge.
• Over bridge to 79th Street. Need to restore 79 and 81 Streets to the way they were.
• Roads in 79 Street shopping center are owned by City. Make narrower, landscape, keep parallel parking.
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THE UPPER EASTSIDE: MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan illustrates the conclusions reached during the charrette, including input from the local chamber of
commerce and the numerous homeowner associations. The overall goal is the enhancement of a mixed use, mixed
income, beautiful and valuable community located at the heart of metropolitan Miami.
A series of recommendations, including the following topics, is described in the report sections that follow:
• Regulations
• Infrastructure Improvements
• Design projects
• Provide detailed urban design plans for specifically for Biscayne Boulevard, the 79th/82nd Street corridor, and
the area west of the Boulevard.
• Develop specific designs for park improvements in the Upper Eastside.
• Prepare plans streetscape designs and engineering for each of the corridors, following the recommendations of
this report.
• Implement recommended neighborhood street improvements, including traffic calming designs for specific
locations in the neighborhoods, landscape plans for augmented street planting, and the addition of a bicycle
path network on designated street.
• Study the replacement of the overhead utilities underground.
• Develop specific design for landscape improvement of public parks , recreational areas, spoil islands, and open
space.
THE UPPER EASTSIDE: CHARRETTE PHASE
THE PROCESS
A charrette is an intense; planning forum and exercise which involves community leaders, residents and property
owners, community planners, architects; realtors, and others providing technical assistance and input for an area in
need of new or ideals of improvement. These ideals will be evaluated and recommendations made for short term
and long term area revitalization and development.
The Upper Eastside Charrette was a three day, intense planning exercise with several residents, property owners,
and a few business owners of the community. The first day was the introduction of City CPR staff, a historical
perspective, existing conditions perspective, and the overall issues of the Upper Eastside community. Day two
involved the a hands-on participation by members of the community in identifying problems and seeking solutions.
Several groups made trips to different parts of the community. All ideas were put on paper, and the charrette team
stayed at the post to reduce the drawings, ideas, and suggestion to a more legible presentation. The third day, the
community returned to the post and were presented an oral summation of the charrette, with ideas, proposals, and
recommendations.
20
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
wh
UPPER EASTSIDE NET,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
PLANNING & REVITALIZATION (CPR)
and the
GREATER BISCAYNE
CHAMBEP, OF COMMERCE
wh::
THE UPPER EASTSIDEIBISCAYNE
BOULEVARD CHARRETIE
wh
,t
AUGUST 2 • 4, 1996
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THE AMERICAN LEGION POST
LOCATED AT 6445 N.E. 7 AVENUE
Dr
For additional information, call (305) 795.2330 or (305) 416-1435
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Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
21
Name
1. William Jones
2. Barbara Case
3. Michael C. Alexander, V.P.
4. Ann Carlton
5. Margaret R. Tynan
6. Sal Patronaggio
7. Peggy Richard
8. Joseph Hyatt•
9. Charles A. Jones
10. William E. Hopper
11. Gerald Armstrong
12. Pedro H. Ordenes
13. Robert A. Flanders
14. Jennifer Bell Achiri
15. Rose LeGette
16. Bob Grill
17. Helen Grill
18. Vi Jacobson
19. F. Perrotti
20. Nick W. Stieglitz, Jr.
21. Gloria N. Romero
22. William Robertson
23. Patrick Slattern
24_ Lazaro Barreiro
25. Peggy Richard
26. William Jones
27. Charles Jones
28. Stanley Prevost
29. Elena B. Dapena
30. Carol Thomas
31. Angelina C. Mathis
32. B:^.t Pickard
33. Ethel Johnson
34. Officer Richard Gentry
35. Bear Smirnoff
36. Kim Cohen
37. Christopher Morson
38. Christine Cabral
39. Monique Taylor
40. Ulrich Michel
41. Carolyn Incitier
42. Oscar Resek
43. Jack Press
44. Corinne Duroure
45. Rod Pickard
CHARRETTE PARTICIPANTS
Group Name
NET Office NRO
Belle Meade Home Owner
Greater Biscayne Chamber of Commerce
Greater Biscayne Chamber of Commerce &
Shorecrest Homeowner
BMHOA
San Remo Apartments
Morningside Resident
Dade Central Community Mental Health
Belle Meade Homeowner
Morningside Civic Association
GTR Biscayne
MK Centennial .
Palm Bay Property Owners Assoc.
Eastern Video Corporation
Biscayne West American Legion
Greater Biscayne Chamber ✓
Belle Meade Resident
Shorecrest
Biscayne Boulevard Restaurant Owner
Law & Economics Center
DEEDCO
Greater Biscayne Chamber of Commerce
Belle Meade HOA
Bayside Resident's Assoc.
Morningside Resident
NRO
Belle Meade
Biscayne West
Belle Meade Island
Biscayne West
Opa Locka / Biscayne West
Bay Point
9190 Biscayne Blvd.
NET Office
Big Bear Intl.
.Bay Point
Shorecrest HOA
Shorecrest Resident
Haynesworth Village
Palm Grove
Representative Beryl Roberts -Burke Office
Shorecrest HOA
Bay point
Palm Bay
Bay Point
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Miami ~�' '
Cty limits/
r "/auviuu ,itiCfg4
N.Efit Sr
USHMAN SCHOOL
N E 87 ST
BAYS/DE
N MORNINSIDE
N. EA sr
W. FLANDERS
r7
CEM M. ) N.EJE
In 1982, the City of Miami adopted an ordinance to
encourage the preservation of Miami historic and
architectural heritage. The ordinance provides an orderly
and equitable way to balance and defend both private
property rights and the community's right to protect its
architectural and cultural heritage. The ordinance provides
a mechanism to designate historic site, historic districts,
and archeological zones. It also serves to rewlate proposed
future .changes to designated properties. The Historic
Preservation Ordinance is currently the mot effective
means of encouraging the preservation of historic sites and
districts within the City.
The Historic Preservation Ordinance provides a process by
which architecturally or historically significant buildings
and neighborhoods can be officially designated as
important elements in Miami's heritage. Designation may
be initiated by the Historic and Environmental Preservation
Board or requested by a property owner or neighborhood
association. The Board evaluates the property to determine
its conformance to the established criteria for designation
and is responsible for approving or denying historic
designation.
The ordinance establishes a systematic design review
process to ensure that proposed physical changes to
designated properties are appropriate and sensitive to their
historic character This review process is designed to inform
owners of available benefits and to assist them in
developing appropriate plans and designs. Properties
designated under the ordinance cannot be altered, added to,
or demolished without prior approval by the Historic and
Environmental Preservation Board or Preservation Officer.
Review is triggered by the building permit process and
insures that proposed changes to a property are in keeping with its historic character. The Board does not have the
authority to deny the demolition of historic sites, however, but can delay the action for up to six months.
HOUSE
HSIJRC /AIfON
le PotenoaI Hsnric
Preservation Area
Erosang Fistoric
Pre servaton District
• Erosona F3smric Stes
The Upper Eastside has been in the forefront of historic preservation activities within the City of Miami, and
contains more designated properties than any -other neighborhood. Morningside, Miami's first historic district, was
designated in 1984, and Bayside was designated in 1991. Two individual properties have also been designated as
historic sites: the Cushman School and the Walter Flanders House at 452 N.E. 39th Street.
23
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
There are numerous structures and residences which qualify for historic preservation status. The Morningside
Historic District is one of the best known historic districts in South Florida. The district is located between NE 55th
Street to NE 60th Street, and from Biscayne Bay to Biscayne Boulevard. The neighborhood area features well
landscaped vehicular parkways as an added amenity. The area also includes several spoil islands which are located
in Biscayne Bay, and Legion and Morningside Parks which is located along the bayfront . The houses within the
entire Upper Eastside area express a full range of architectural designs including Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco,
Mission and other vernacular structures. Another best known historic district is Bayside. Just a few blocks north of
Momingside, Bayside has similar architectural styles and amenities. Although Momingside and Bayside are best
known and most highlighted historical districts, there are other pockets of houses and commercial building which
may qualify as future historical districts. The Upper Eastside can be known as the "N.E.T. Area of Historical
Districts."
Preservation Incentives
Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
Historic Preservation property tax exemption. The purpose of this legislation is to encourage preservation by
"freezing" ad valorem taxes at the rate they were assessed before improvements are made. This "freezing" is
accomplished by removing from the assessment the incremental value added by the authorized improvements. The
City of Miami has and will continue to study the feasibility of implementation of this program through the Historic
and Environmental Preservation Office.
The Historic Home Ownership Assistance Act
This Federal legislation provides an incentive to individuals to restore and preserve historic homes by providing an
income tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenditures to historic homes. Approval of this legislation is pending.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
This federally funded program provides funds for local activities which improve the quality of life in blighted
neighborhoods, and provides expansion of economic opp0L1u11i1ies for persons of low to moderate inCVIL.e. The City
of Miami's CDBG Program is required to be implemented within the physical boundaries of eight neighborhood
target areas identified as needing economic development, revitalization, housing and infrastructure improvements.
To be eligible for CDBG funding, federal policies require that each activity (1) benefit low or moderate income
persons, (2) aid in the prevention of slum or blight, and (3) meet other community development needs having a
threat to the health and welfare of the community. Funds can be used for acquiring real property, interim assistance
activities, economic development activities, assisting private for profit entities, historic preservation, the finance or
subsidizing of construction of new permanent residences, rehabilitation of public or private property, and code
enforcement. This program is available through the City of Miami Community Development Office, and is only
available in the West Biscayne/Palm Grove community, which is within the Edison/Little River Community
Development Target Area.
24
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Florida Enterprise Zone Program
The Corrununiry Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP) provides an incentive (50% tax credit) to encourage
Florida corporations to make donations toward community development and low income housing projects, The tax
credit is easy for a business to receive. Corporations located anywhere in Florida that make donations to approved
community development projects may receive a tax credit equal to 50 percent of the value of the donation. This
program is conducted through the Florida Department of Commerce in Tallahassee, Florida: (850) 488-9357.
Historic Preservation Grants - In - Aid
Locally designated historic properties may be eligible for Historic Preservation Grants -In -Aid. Eligibility of these
properties increase if they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This program is available to not -for -
profit organizations, units of the county or units of local governments, and departments or agencies of the state
including State Universities. This program is available through the Department of State, Bureau of Historic
Preservation in the Division of Historical Resources, Tallahassee, Florida: (850) 487-2333.Investment Tax Credit
For Low Income Housing
This legislation provides for an investment tax credit for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of qualifying
units of low income housing. There is a 9% tax credit per year for 10 years for each unit of low income housing
acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated without other Federal subsidies and a 4% tax credit for 10 years for units
involving Federal subsidies or tax-exempt bonds. This
program is available through the Department of State, Bureau of Historic Preservation in the
Division of Historical Resources, Tallahassee, Florida: (850) 487-2333
Easement Prorams
An easement is a partial interest in real property, through donation or purchase, recorded in the deed, protecting the
identifying elements of the interior/exterior or space around the property deemed important to be preserved. An
easement program enables a tax-exempt, charitable organization -or public agency to protect buildings or land
against potential adverse development or changes by acquiring partial interests in such properties. This program
protects a property without burdening an organization with the costs associated with full ownership. The property
becomes in a real sense a public/private partnership. Types of easements vary from Scenic or Open Space
Easements to Exterior or Facade Easements, to interior Easements. Easements can also restrict uses of a property,
preventing a residential site from becoming commercial, or undeveloped land from incompatible intensive uses.
Easements ultimately have federal tax incentives allowing owners to take a charitable contribution deduction for
federal income, estate and gift tax purposes for the value of the easement. State easement programs vary and one
should consult with a lawyer before setting up any easement program.
Revolving Fund
A revolving fund, normally administered by a non-profit or government agency, establishes a monetary basis on
which property can be bought, improved, maintained, and sold outright. Revolving fund monies are subsequently
returned and reused. The funds act to create a new economic and social force -in the community.
25
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Potential Historic Residential District
There are several pockets of houses and structures which presently qualify for historic designation throughout the
entire Upper Eastside area. There are also some area which are adjacent to existing historic districts where future
expansion of the district maybe recommended. These areas need to be researched for architectural and historical
significance. A report should be submitted to the Historical & Environmental Preservation Board for review,
approval and/or designation.
The map below illustrates an area known as Biscayne West. This area is bounded by NE 61' Street, NE 71s` Street,
NE 01 Court, and Biscayne Boulevard. This area contains a large number of single and multifamily homes that
were built prior to 1950. The photo is an example of a housing style in the area. With the proper guidance and an
organized homeowners/tenant association, this area could qualify to be one of the next historic neighborhood of the
Upper Eastside. The area called Palm Grove, just north of NE 71' Street, may also qualify in the near future.
r
L_ •.- •;7i YE'%ramri : i
u =I 9fi+Y
� I I L,i '4 1 /
I , I� .. ;, ? I ; /
i
I I y,l, LI IOLVI ;.J a.,,,
• i{, litry)" /i'f �L `• ` '
N▪ ig
1104-▪ 61
11110.105
Other areas of potential historic districts are located in the Shorecrest, Belle Meade, Eaton Park area, and the area
south of Morningside. The maps below illustrate these areas.
SHORECREST
BELLE MEADE
26
MORNINGSIDE SOUTH
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
HOUSING/NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT
Introduction
There are eleven distinct neighborhoods that comprise the Upper Eastside area. While they all share common ties,
they each have distinct characteristics and individual concerns.
The southern three neighborhoods of Magnolia Park, Bay Point and Morningside tend to have higher incomes,
higher assessed property values, and are predominately white. The zoning in these neighborhoods, with the
exception of Magnolia Park, is uniformly single family.
The central neighborhoods of Bayside, Biscayne WestrPalm Grove, Legion Park, Eaton Park and Belie Meade, are
not as homogeneous as their neighbors to the south and are very diverse ethnically and racially. The properties in
this part of the Upper Eastside are also very diverse, ranging from high density multi -family buildings to single
family structures. Concentrations of high income exist along the bayfront and riverfront.
The nn err+ n iohh- rhoodc f Biscayne Harbor,•Sh o tand B: Plaza 1. _
rth_.� e.y . e e sc ,.. ete.,.,,s , Biscayne . �� are similar in composition to the
central neighborhoods but lack the significant presence of upper income concentrations along the waterfront. The
northwest area is mostly medium -to -high density and commercial zoning (approximately 45% of the land use within
the northern neighborhoods) one of the highest concentration of medium -to -high density all the Upper Eastside
neighborhoods.
It should be noted that the Upper Eastside of the City of Miami has made enormous strides to improve the quality of
life in the area. The goals of this planning charrette will include providing a course for future strides in the area of
quality of life issues. This means that many of the root causes of neighborhood blight will need to be addressed over
a long period of time to see substantial and sustainable improvements.
This element of the Master Plan will examine the issues surrounding the general conditions of housing and their
impacts on neighborhood enhancement. The issues surrounding housing are not evenly distributed throughout the
area. The most significant concentrations of need for housing improvements and neighborhood enhancements exist
in the northwest area of Shorecrest_ south area of Biscayne West, and the area adjacent to Eaton Park.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
General Conditions
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61Sr.
N. E. 87 ST. The boundaries for the Upper Eastside
neighborhood are; Biscayne Bay to the east, the
FEC Tract to the west, 1-195 (approx. N.E. 38th
Street) to the south, and the city limits
(approximately N.E. 87th Street) to the north.
N. E. 79 ST.
RESTAURANT 1
ENTERTAINMENT
HISTORIC
DI STRJ CTS
HOUSING/ NEIGHBORHOOD
ENHANCEMENT
Districts
New thru Street
Proposed specialty shops/
supermarket/ restaurant site
In fill opportunity
Park way
The land use characteristics east of Biscayne
Boulevard are; single family homes with some
high density multifamily housing and a small
band of moderate density housing abutting the
Boulevard. The area east of the Boulevard in the
Upper Eastside has little commercial intrusion
from the Boulevard, with the exception of 79th
street.
West of Biscayne the dominant housing structure
is single family; however, many of these
structures have been converted to duplex and
medium density multifamily housing. Apartment
and converted transient housing (motels) are
more common occurrences west of Biscayne, and
commercial intrusion is more common with the
light industrial use along NE 4th Court.
The structural conditions of the residences and
commercial buildings range from very good to
good for structures east of the Boulevard, and
good to poor for structures west of the Boulevard.
The inuastruarare conditions are good to fair
throughout the neighborhood. There are
numerous infrastructure improvements which
have recently been made by Miami -Dade Water
and Sewer Authority, Florida Power and Light,
and Florida Department of Transportation. Major
street improvements are being planned for
Biscayne Blvd .with preliniir,ary planning for
these already in process.
Biscayne Boulevard's future as a major arterial roadway will need to consider the impacts on the adjacent
neighborhoods and the businesses along the corridor. The increasing volume of traffic, the high speeds of traffic
during off peak hours, street closures and narrow turning lanes are but a few of the issues"requiring immediate
attention. There are numerous social problems throughout the neighborhood, especially along Biscayne Boulevard
and the area west of the Boulevard. These social problems range from prostitution, robberies and muggings, to
drug trafficking and drug use
The only significant area of inconsistent land use is the industrial area along NE 4th Court which is directly across
from an area with duplex/multifamily housing as its land use. This industrial area 'also acts as a buffer to the
railroad tracks directly behind the warehouses_ The area west of the Boulevard has experienced the greatest decline
in population; it has the largest percentage of deteriorated structures; the greatest number of low income residents;
and the highest level of unemployment in the neighborhood.
28
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Housing Issues
• Affordable Housing (an unresolved issue is what level of affordability is being addressed).
• Less renters and transients housing. More home ownership
• Overcrowding (an acute problem in the area west of Biscayne Boulevard). See City of Miami code housing
section.
• Lack of a neighborhood appearance code. See next section on design standards and guidelines.
• Absentee landlord/ownership (an acute problem in the area west of Biscayne Boulevard).
• Upgrading of substandard multifamily housing. Restoration of historically significant multifamily housing.
New multifamily housing for low and moderate, working professionals.
• Stringent code enforcement.
• Promotional programs to attract individuals to the community.
• Incentive programs for developers to bring. in new multifamily housings and mired use projects to the area.
• Increased home ownership including condominium and cooperatives; new housing subsidies for low and
moderate income individuals and families.
29
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
COMMUNITY IMAGE/URBAN DESIGN
Plan of action
The Upper Eastside area encompasses approximately 71,000,000 square feet, or 1,630 acres of land The area is
made up of distinct districts varying greatly in the character of their development, as well as their physical
condition. The uneven development undergone thus far by the diverse districts has resulted in a loosely arranged
tapestry of insular enclaves.
Some residential districts have recently been invigorated by a strong current of gentrification; others, however have
failed to capitalize from this occurrence, largely due to the fragmentation created by existing infrastructure
limitations and the absence of strong linking elements. The significant revitalization thus far experienced by some
residential districts coupled with the forthcoming enhancement of the Biscayne Boulevard corridor currently being
planned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as well as the presence of organized community
support in the area make for an auspicious set of circumstances for implementation of this development master plan.
The planning charrette and public concerns generated a clear consensus setting forth the urban design issues to be
addressed by this document. Three salient points emerged:
1. The status quo of miscornmunication and factionalism must be challenged and substituted by a well
orchestrated grassroots effort toward the revitalization of the Upper Eastside community.
2. A reorganization of land -use regulations in the area is necessary in order to replace the existing patchwork of
complicated zoning and land use designations with an integrated, organic and holistic set of regulations.
3. Creation of design guidelines and standards that will direct future development in the area safety, security and
strengthening the quality of life for the Upper Eastside.
Statement of Intent
The Upper Eastside will be transformed into a healthy, cohesive community, the proud gateway to the city from the
north. It will become this through:
• Encouraging redevelopment of strategic properties with building types and uses that will improve the visual
quality and security of open spaces for the enjoyment of all.
• Encouraging the improvement of existing structures with building features and uses that better capitalize on the
strategic opportunities offered to the community by its privileged regional location.
• Develop special zoning district (SD) regulations to supplement existing zoning with a more precise and
coherent set of site -design guidelines and architectural standards designed to bring about specific results
including the desired shape to public spaces and visual harmony among buildings.
• Providing linking elements to eliminate gaps in the fabric of the community and endow it with unity and
cohesion.
• Eliminating physical barriers to pedestrian circulation, facilitating traffic flow.
• Reducing crime -through the invigoration of community pride and vigilance.
30
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
• Designing the anticipated development along Biscayne Boulevard in a configuration that provides a proper
transition between communities to the south and to the north as well as to serve as the needed shared corridor
to link neighborhoods to the east and to the west.
• Correcting the physical relationship between commercial buildings and the streets on which they are located
and achieving better integration between commercial and residential districts.
Urban Design Guidelines
MMomi
City limits
PALM
GROVE
BISCAY14E
WEST
EATON
PARK
N E87 S.
tgRm i , 1 . SHORECREST
7+ter - EE$.ES
» ~—mT
-'-" Igi11114WIIII
N. E. 79 S.
.141111
ii r1�= .
'Inman ma
242GEEPIEll
BELLE MEADE &
BELLE MEADE
ISLAND
BAYSIDE
•
N-E.a1 SI
MOR!4INSIDE
BAY POINT
MAGNOLIA PARK
E.
SO I
LI
COMMUNITY DESIGN
Improved -Reserve
O Stable -Reinforce
Irregular -improve
":„.) UnsteoctyStaba¢e
...: wholesale -Industrial
❑ listoric District
• Major Intersections
i C onrurnrp; Assets
G Community Gateways
The physical appearance of the residential and
commercial areas is part of the neighborhood
aesthetic and urban design. Among the aesthetic
and urban design problems and needs are the visual
confusion due to competing design elements
including signage, building materials, colors,
awnings, unsightly facades, and the generally poor
appearance of some buildings in the area.
• Need to improve the appearance of building
facades within commercial and residential
areas. -
• Need to provide visual amenities such as
murals and ceramic tile plaques, decorative
iron and woodwork, stained glass, tile and
pavers.
• Improvement of the quality of signage along
commercial corridors.
• Gateways to the neighborhood at key locations.
• Lack of sufficient pedestrian amenities
including street furniture and inadequate
weather protection for pedestrians. Need street
beautification and improvements projects.
• Lack of sufficient landscaping along major
corridors and within private property.
pickup of trash and litter in
commercial and residential areas; improvement right-of-way and swale area maintenance, and for vacant lot
clearance.
• The need to improve neighborhood
maintenance including commercial facade
maintenance,
• Organize commerce around "critical Mass" commercial areas, i.e.; N.E. 54th Street, Publix/Eckerd Drugs,
N.E. 6I st-62nd Streets, Biscayne Shopping Plaza.
31
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
DISTRICT
•
Morningside
DISTRICT..,:
OUNDt RIE
N. 61st Street
E. Biscayne Bay
S. Lake Road (50)
FEC tracks
CONDITION
VARIED
Vert/ good
to
very poor
ZONING
MIXED
R-1
PR
C-1
0
;SPECIAL
Historic
Designation
SD-9
SD-9
COMMTJNITY,
yP IENIS7.i8
Biscayne Bay
Momingside
Park
Biscayne
Boulevard
FEC Tracks
Bay Point
N. Lake Road (50)
E. Biscayne Bay
S. 40th Street,
FEC tracks
VARIED
Very good
to
very poor
MIXED
R-1
C-1
SD-9
Sabal Lake
Biscayne Bay
Momingside
Park
Biscayne
BouIevard-
FEC Tracks
Magnolia Park
N. 40th Street
E. Biscayne Bay
S. 36th Street
FEC tracks
VARIED MIXED
Marginally R-1
good to R-3
marginally PR
poor C-1
SD-9
Sabal Lake
Biscayne Bay
Momingside
Park
Biscayne
Boulevard
FEC Tracks
Eaton Park
VARIED
N. 64th Street
E. Biscayne Blvd. Marginally
S. 55th Terrace poor to very
FEC tracks poor
MIXED
PR
R-1
R-3
0
C-1
C-2
Biscayne West
N. 77th Street
E. Biscayne Blvd.
S. 64th Street
FEC tracks
VARIED
Marginally
poor to very
poor
MIXED
R-2
R-3
0
C-1
C-2
SD-12
SD-9
SD-9
SD-9
Eaton Park
Biscayne
Boulevard
FEC Tracks
Eaton Park
Biscayne
Boulevard
FEC Tracks
Momingside
Elem.
Biscayne Plaza
N. 83RD Street
E. Biscayne Blvd.
S. 77th Street
FEC tracks
VARIED
Marginally
poor to very
poor
MIXED
R-3
O
C-1
C-2
SD-9
Little River
Biscayne
Boulevard
FEC Tracks
32
Goals, Objectives And Policies
Make Area Safe
• Correct security difficulties and resolve related image issues.
• Correct zoning and land use errors.
• Generate pride of neighborhood and encourage surveillance of neighborhood streets.
• Discourage visitors from exposing themselves to risk.
• Architecturally define clear edges between public and private realms.
Direct Redevelopment
• Control scale, intensity and appearance of new development.
• Improve the visual character and increase utility of public spaces.
• Maintain and reinforce stable neighborhoods.
• Stabilize and improve unstable areas.
• Encourage long term ownership and owner -occupancy of buildings.
Revitalize commercial areas
• Promote infill development and encourage mixed use.
• Establish design standards for pedestrian oriented storefronts.
• Provide enhanced street furniture and fixtures.
• Discourage high speed traffic through implementation of calming devices.
• Clearly mark pedestrian crossings.
• Implement unified signage program throughout the community.
• Implement effective parking strategy.
Design Vision
In the effort to restructure and revitalize the Upper Eastside community, it is proposed that integration and
coherence can be accomplished through a unified design vision. This vision shall be translated into a set of design
and development standards and guidelines which will make up a community appearance code.
Existing Conditions
The Upper Eastside has, at present, a building stock of considerable age and character and an infrastructure
configuration which, although partially altered, remains clearly linear in layout and maintains a discernible
hierarchy. These are the anchoring points which new development must observe and.be designed to reinforce.
Linking Strategies
As mentioned previously the greatest challenge to overcome in order to achieve the integration of the community, is
the present lack of interaction between its component neighborhoods and particularly between the neighborhoods
and the commercial corridor. The success of the planned commercial revitalization of Biscayne Boulevard will
depend largely on the support of the abutting neighborhoods. For this reason it is imperative that the interaction of
neighborhoods and the corridor be facilitated and reinforced through linking strategies.
33
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Prototypes
Commercial and residential prototypes of different scales and intensities should be designed and developed so as to
integrate well with the existing fabric while reinforcing it. A coherent palette of architectural details, sensitive
massing and scaling and connecting features to be used throughout the project area will accomplish the desired
strengthening of character and result in the emergence of a new identity based on existing structures.
Site Design Standards
• Zoning Designations
Although the current zoning regulations define a set of development rights for property owners that must be largely
accepted, through overlays and special districts it is possible to ensure that such development is of desirable quality
and is compatible with the vision of the master plan as well as beneficial to the community.
• Permitted Uses
A careful analysis of the uses presently allowed, their interaction and their effect on the community in general and
neighboring areas in particular will yield a clear picture of what combinations prove successful and which uses
should be promoted. These different combinations can be encouraged and facilitated through special districts and
zoning overlays and will yield different nodes of commercial activity ranging from local to regional appeal
throughout the Boulevard.
• Design Standards
A study will be conducted to study and catalogue the salient architectural features of the buildings in the different
neighborhoods in order to sift out those elements that endow each area with a unique character and scale. These
elements will then be used as guides when composing the code standards which will regulate future development.
Below are listed a proposed set of categories for which criteria will be established that will guide the planning,
building and zoning reviewers in their evaluation of future proposals.
Aschitecttiral Standards Street Standards
• General Standards
• Building Walls
• Garden Walls And Fences
• Characteristic Design Features
• Roofs And Gutters
• Openings, Articulations
• Gateway Structure Details
• illustrated Building Examples
• Fixtures
• Furniture
• Pavers
• Special Conditions
34
• Areas / Sub -Districts
Sa't
i o vJ i/
t`t
- Ky
Oita
PrZ�C tt-D t � Sari:
R_E_5t7.+�t�d�
• Linkaees
01
v- -
4-j
nw o
l—
J joa +r.+ Coo - c Z S1rcWT
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
1111-4 F-17_44-t
" i iL
35
COMMFRCL4L REVITALIZATION
During the charrette there were a number of issues expressed by the residents and property owners of the Upper
Eastside that they considered to be key to the redevelopment of the entire Upper Eastside community. One of the
main issues centered around commercial revitalization. It is no secret that the residents and property owners of the
Upper Eastside would like to enjoy similar goods, services, and quality of life that other areas of Miami and Miami
Beach presently enjoy. The intent of this plan is to develop a character for the commercial areas along Biscayne
Boulevard. Based upon the following analysis, the Upper Eastside community presently has five shopping areas:
1. Area 1 - Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 37th Street to NE 55th Terrace. This area is a mixture high density and
low -density office buildings, a television news studio, discount clothing stores, a grocery store and a drug store,
a gas station, a few motels, and a few specialty shops.
2. Area 2 - Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 60th Street to NE 77th Street. This area is mostly small to medium
motels, two gas stations, a few specialty shops and restaurants, and some small offices.
3. Area 3 - Northeast 79th Street, from the F.E.C. railroad right-of-way to Biscayne Bay. This area is a mixture of
small offices and retail storefronts, a few specialty shops, a marine sales and services center, one prominent
restaurant and several fast-food restaurants.
Area 4 - Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 80th Street to NE 87th Street. This area is a mixture of auto service
stores, a gas station, a mid -rise office building, a few small offices, a few motels, one prominent restaurant and
a few fast-food restaurants, and a few specialty shops.
5. Area 5 - Northeast 4`" Court, from NE 61" Street to NE 79' Street. This area is on the east edge of the Lemon
City Industrial Park. While the east side of NE 4th Court is residential, the west side is warehouses of light
industrial shops, small manufacturing shops, and other liberal commercial uses. Though the FEC Railroad
right-of-way is to the rear of these properties, there is no function between the two exist at the present.
6. The Biscayne Shopping Plaza, at NE 79th Street and Biscayne Boulevard. This center serves as a regional
discount retail center with office facilities. The offices are presently occupied by law and immigration firms
which desire a Location adjacent to the Immigration and Naturalization Services Building across NE 79th Street.
From a local perspective, areas 1 and 2 tend to serve the neighborhoods that are adjacent to them, whereas areas 3
and 4 seem to attract a more regional clientele. There is an area outside of the master plan's study area, Biscayne
Boulevard, north of NE 87th Street, which should be considered during the development and implementation of this
plan. While this master plan may not address this area specifically, there exist commercial retail centers that have
had and will continue to play a major role in the commercial revitalization of Area 4 along Biscayne Boulevard.
The commercial warehousing district along NE 4th Court is an area in great need of revitalization. There are
numerous vacant structures and properties in this area. Although the area is not located on a major traffic corridor,
and presently possesses a more industrial image, it is zoned liberal commercial. This area can be suitable for
commercial establishments desiring a location near Biscayne Boulevard, without the numerous zoning restrictions.
Some parts of the Upper Eastside community are seen as dangerous, drug infested, "prostitutes -on parade" -types of
area. That image is reinforced by the Pussycat Theater (now Club Madonna) and the numerous hotels/motels along
the Boulevard.
The Upper Eastside community lacks a range of strong local stores, and is weak in the quality of supermarkets.
Regionally, there is a probably sufficient demand for one more quality market in this area of Miami. The region is
also lacking in moderate -priced shopping and entertainment.
36
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Commercial Revitalization Map
Miami
City limits/
1 • i 01111: •
••'"41.11 • 1 : : ;
\ • • • •
11 • rInTil
"+"717-+-••=••-•Tirpir7r5M1,,,,
+•-• I I 01 • I -lull. '7=1
UI
b1111(11111I++1111(1111.+Iti+M++.11111.111:1,-;17T7
E.E,./1)\:\7/F.:_7;
111;,EP... •••/-ip. '•:" fbstaurarrtst Entertainment
'
=T. 717717'77-` iff o j
• ,
:E • Multifamily Feadentiali Commercial
;le
4
N. E 87 Sr
Anchod Lthan Activity
79 a Shopping Center
Fedevelopment along
Little Fiver Canal (view)
N. E 79 Sl-
C.)
•-•+.
"Th
! 16444 es CDC.-+'
Ellii::11'::
MI ...4 ,•::-='-..4."---•-.---7--.
----11 Mir ----
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t---..- -1.„ ',\ ,.:,...... , \ A
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Facade Improvements
Adaptive reu into
\Atiolesale/ Factory-I-bine aippfy/
Rrmishing/ Designers Showroom
N E 54 a
N. E 35 Sr
Farmer Market
Community Center
Motel Fe-u
C OM M EFC (AL FEVIIALIZAIION AND
B<IS1TNG COM M ERC IAL AFEAS
Festficted Commercial
-E.:. Liberal Commercial
Office
37
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Area 1 - Biscayne Boulevard. from NE 37th Street to NE 55th Terrace
Existing Conditions/Recommendations
1. The NE 38th Street intersection lacks a destination. (gateway to the Design District)
2. The office vacancy level is moderately high. New IVAX Corporate Headquarters
3. Good streetscape from NE 38th Street to NE 50th Terrace, weak streetscape from NE 50th Terrace to NE 55th
Terrace.
4. The hotels/motels on the east side of the Boulevard have been perceptually linked to the negative image of the
community. (adaptive reuse)
5. A new freestanding Eckerd's Drugstore.
6. A small, heavily utilized Publix Grocery. Building is dated, although a relatively new facade was built in the
late 1980's. Former Eckerd's site is vacant; possible Publix expansion.
7. Dated commercial and office storefronts with limited or no access to rear parking.
8. Gas station needs to be redesigned to improve vehicular accessibility.
9. A few multifamily residences, small offices, and a private school north of NE 55th Terrace
10. One motel on the west side of the Boulevard. (possible reuse as a bed & breakfast)
Area 2 - Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 60th Street to NE 77th Street
Existing Conditions/Recommendations
1. There are too many hotels/motels for the legitimate market in this area. The number of dated hotels/motels on
both sides of the Boulevard have been perceptually linked to the negative image of the community. (possible
adaptive reuse or redevelopment sites)
2. Several small and dated commercial and office storefronts. (facade improvements)
3. Two fairly new/remodeled gas stations.
4. Lack of parking to support existing businesses. (parking pockets on barricaded streets)
5. A number of vacant properties.
6. Lack of family oriented eating establishments.
7. Lack of family oriented entertainment establishments.
8. Lack of retail organization.
9. Lack of waterfront commercial activities. (Little River inlet)
10. Lack of weekend cultural festivals/flea market in Legion Park.
11. Lack of pedestrian oriented streetscape.
Area 3 - Northeast 79th Street, from the F.E.C. railroad right-of-way to Biscayne Bay
Existing Conditions/Recommendations
1. A number of vacant properties.
2. Several small and dated commercial and office storefronts. (facade improvements)
3. Lack of parking to support existing businesses. (parking pockets on barricaded streets)
4. Lack of retail organization.
5. Lack of pedestrian oriented streetscape. -
Area 4 - Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 80th Street to NE 87th Street
Existing Conditions/Recommendations
1. A number of vacant structures and properties
2. Lack of retail organization-
3. Lack of parking to support existing businesses. (parking pockets on barricaded streets)
4. Several small and dated commercial and office storefronts with limited or no access to rear parking. (facade
improvements)
5. Several automotive service stores. Submitted into the public
6. Lack of pedestrian oriented streetscape. record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
38 City Clerk
Area 5 - Northeast 4' Court, from NE 6151 Street to NE 79" Street
Existing ConditionsRecommendations
1. The area, although regularly used by commuters as a bypass to traffic congestion on Biscayne Boulevard and
other local north -south traffic corridors, is poorly used.
2. A number of vacant structures and properties
3. The area lacks a new identity, specialty niches.
4. The area lacks pedestrian oriented streetscape.
5. Several dated commercial and industrial storefronts with limited or no access to parking. (facade
• improvements)
6. Because of its proximity to an industrial park and a residential community, this area can be used as a storage
center for local businesses, and or light manufacturing shops, antique repair shops, or retail store for historic
home furnishing and refurbishing.
The Biscayne Shopping_ Plaza
Existing Conditions/Recommendations
1. The center serves a small area of less than 2 miles, providing some local neighborhood and regional
conveniences. There is a relatively high rate of commercial business turnover. -
2. The center has a very old facade, dated storefronts. (major commercial facade improvement)
3. The center is conveniently accessible from Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 79th Street. Ample parking and
good interior traffic circulation.
4. Tne center lacks streetscape amenities, which includes lighting, sigrtage, security systems, trees and
landscaping.
5. The center lacks an anchor: (A major retailer and a movie theater/entertainment/activity center)
6. The center needs a new identity, specialty niches.
7. The center needs to service a larger regional based as well as the local neighborhoods.
Commercial Revitalization Recommendations
1. Redevelopment of the Biscayne Shopping Plaza, including retail reorganization, establishment of an anchor
store - major moderate retailer (Ross or Marshal]) and a movie theater/entertainment/activity center (similar to
Cocowalk, but on a smaller scale) and retention of local neighborhood services. Suggest motel on adjacent site
as a proposed conversion to a fitness center. (Bally's or Living. Well)
2. Redevelopment of the two properties along Biscayne Boulevard, on the south side of the Little River: the Little
River Public Market (next to the Discount Auto store), and a riverside restaurant along north terrace which will
be a part of the adaptive reuse conversion of the Gold Dust Motel to the Biscayne Boulevard Business
Assistance Center.
3. A proposed adaptive reuse of the hotels/motels on the Boulevard. There are numerous older, yet significant
hotels and motels along the Boulevard which can be converted from their present use to other commercial uses
which would promote a positive community identirv=and.apedestrian friendly environment.
The proposed establishment of the Commercial Redevelopment Zones (CRZ). These zones are an effort to
concentrate commercial, restaurant, and entertainment related activities into small pocket areas along the
Boulevard. These zones are strategically planned to center around three major intersections which serve as
major access route to the zones. The three CRZ proposed in areas along the Boulevard are
• CRZ-1 centers around N.E. 54th Street and spans from N.E. =0th Street to N.E. 55th Terrace.
• CRZ-2 centers around N.E. 62nd Street (Martin L. Kine. Jr. Boulevard.) and spans from N.E. 60th Street to N.E. 64th Street
• CRZ-3 centers around N.E. 71st Street and spans from N.E. 6Sth Street to N.E. 74th Street.
39
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
A proposed mixed use commercial/multifamily development or multifamily housing development. This area
along the Boulevard, from N.E. 64th Street to N.E. 6Sth Street, and from N.E. 74th Street to N.E. 77th Street, is
presently zoned C-1 Restricted Commercial which allows residential uses up to R-4 high -density multifamily
residential. This area should be analyzed and evaluated for possible mixed use or multifamily residential use. A
special zoning overlay can be proposed to provide guidelines as to the type of residential development allowed.
Low to medium density multifamily (townhouse or PUD type) housing is recommended for this area, allowing
10-25 units per net acre, with a maximum height of 30 feet for the area east of the Boulevard, and 50 feet for
the area west of the Boulevard. Additionally, there have been numerous suggestions and requests for additional
landscaping and green space within this area.
A proposed mixed use office/multifamily development or multifamily housing development. This area along
the Boulevard, from N.E. 55th Terrace to N.E. 60th Street, is presently zoned 0 - Office which allows
residential use up to R-4 high -density multifamily residential. This area should be analyzed and evaluated for
possible mixed use or multifamily residential use. A special zoning overlay can be proposed to provide
guidelines as to the type of residential development allowed. Additionally, there have been numerous
suggestions and requests for additional landscaping and green space within this area.
7. A proposed adaptive reuse of the 4th Court warehousing district into a wholesale/factory home supplies and
furnishing center with designer showrooms. This will complement and enhance the existing and proposed
historic districts and will serve as a supplier to the present and future residences and properry owners in need of
items to restore/maintain their homes.
8. Proposed weekend festivals and flea markets at Legion Park. This will encourage park utilization.
9. Maintain the American Legion Post as a community center for the Upper Eastside.
10. Promotion of the City's Commercial Facade Improvement Program throughout the Upper Eastside.
The methods of addressing commercial revitalization and other commercial development and redevelopment
strategies will be addressed in detail in the Comprehensive Economic and Marketing Strategy Plan (CEMSP)
section of this master plan.
40
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
BISCAYNE. BOULEVARD HOTELS AND MOTELS
(as of September 1, 1998)
NAME
1. Vagabond Sunshine Motel
2. Gold Dust Motel
3. Davis Motel
4. Paraclete Motel
5. Executive Inn Motel
6. Economy Suites Motel
7. South Pacific Motel
8. Shalimar Motel
9. Sinbad Motel
10. Royal Motel
11. Bayside Motel
12. New Deal Motel
13. Best Value Motel
14. Budget Inn Motel
15. Travelers Motel
16. Laurel Motel
17. Waldorf Motel
18. Seven Seas Motel
19. Star Dust Motel
20. King Motel
21. Miami Regency Inn
22. Camelot Inn
23. Saturn Motel
24. Manson Hotel
25. Carl's El Padre Motel
ADDRESS
7301 Biscayne Boulevard
7700 Biscayne Boulevard
6500-6580 Biscayne Boulevard
7350 Biscayne Boulevard
7422 Biscayne Boulevard
6320 Biscayne Boulevard
-_ 6300 Biscayne Boulevard
6200 Biscayne Boulevard
6150 Biscayne Boulevard
7411 Biscayne Boulevard
5101-5125 Biscayne Boulevard
5061-5075 Biscayne Boulevard
5255 Biscayne Boulevard
5201-5215 Biscayne Boulevard
5501 Biscayne Boulevard
5445 Biscayne Boulevard
5305 Biscayne Boulevard
5920 Biscayne Boulevard
6730 Biscayne Boulevard
7150 Biscayne Boulevard
8425 Biscayne Boulevard
7126 Biscayne Boulevard
6999 Biscayne Boulevard
6789 Biscayne Boulevard
5950 Biscayne Boulevard
Total # Units
# UNITS
50
60
45
22
13
22
25
50,
78
25
45-51
32
68
41
12
23
21
45
55
19
18
19
18
22
10
788
TOP FIVE MOTELS
The area planner recommends these motels -remain as is, or under new lodging operations.
1. Bayside Motel
2. Vagabond Motel
3. Seven Seas Motel
4. Davis Motel
5. King Mote]
Maintain Existing Operations
Maintain Existing Operations
Bed & Breakfast Operation
Bed & Breakfast Operation
Bed & Breakfast Operation
41
SUGGESTED HOTEL/MOTEL FRANCHISES
The area planner recommends these hotel/motel franchises for the Biscayne Boulevard Hotel/Motel market.
Days Inn
Hampton Inn
Best Western
Comfort Inn
Howard Johnson
Econo Lodge
Quality Inn
La Quinta Inn
Courtyard Marroitt
Motel 6
Ramada Inn
SUGGESTED CONVERSION PROJECTS
The area planner recommends these motels should be converted to an alternative commercial/residential use.
1. Gold Dust Motel
2. Laurel Motel
3. Waldorf Motel
4. Economy Suites Motel
5. Shalimar Motel
6. South Pacific Motel
42
Business Assistance Center
Retail/Office Space
Retail/Office Space
Mixed Use Commercial/Multifamily
Mixed Use Commercial/Multifamily
Mixed Use Commercial/Multifamily
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
LIST OF OCCUPIED STORE SPACE AT THE BISCAYNE SHOPPING_PLA_ZA
(as of September 1,1998)
Name
1. Smart & Final
2. Perfumania
3. Radio Shack
4. Payless Shoesource
5. Payless Kids
6. Mac Frugal's
7. Three Sisters
8. Eagles Fashion Club
9. Everything in Store
10. Baskin Robbins
11. Biscayne Plaza Beauty Supply
12. Romi
13. Only a $1.00
14. Lafer Jewelers
15. J & C Bags
16. Hour Photo
17. Sizes Unlimited
18. - 5 Discount
19. Sneaker Outlet
20. Cool J's Sport Center
21. Subway
22. Biscayne Plaza Cafeteria
23. Dunkin Donuts
24. McDonalds
25. Biscayne Plaza Cleaners
26. Biscayne Plaza Wash Bowl Laundry
Type of Business
Food/Supplies/Bus iness/Home
Fragrance and Scents
Electronics
Shoes
Children's Shoes
Bargains and Closeout Items
Women's Clothes
Men's and Women's Clothes
Women's Clothes
Ice Cream Shop
Beauty Supply Shop
Men's Clothes
Bargains and Closeout Items
Jewelry Store
Accessories
Photo Development
Women's Clothes
Bargains and Closeout Items
Shoes
Sport Apparel
Fast Food Restaurant
Restaurant
Fast Food Restaurant
Fast Food Restaurant
Cleaners
Laundry Mat
LIST OF OCCUPLEDOFFICE SPACE AT THE-BISCAYNESHOPPING PLAZA
1. Weiner & Steingold
2. Virgio Travel
3. Lawyer Abogado
4. David Novda
5. Biscayne Haircutters
6. ABC Services
7. International Legal Services
8. Tomas Rodriguez
9. Officina De Immigration
Law Office/Immigration
Travel Agency
Law Office
Law Office/Irnntigration
Hairstylist
Immigration
Immigration
Immigration
Immigration
The Biscayne Boulevard Shopping Plaza, managed by Terranova Management, is a regional commercial center on
approximately 12.5 acres, A site this large can and should service two clienteles at the same time:
• The commercial and service center needs of the Upper Eastside/Greater Biscayne area which includes Little
Haiti, North Bay Village, El Portal, and Miami Shores.
• An entertainment/activity center for the entire northeast region of Dade County, (from 36th Street to 135th
Street, and from 1-95 to Biscayne Bay) and other areas of Dade County.
43
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.I on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
LIST OF BUSINESSES ACROSS FROM BISCAYNE SHOPPING PLAZA
N.E. 79TH STREET
(as ofSepternber 1, 1998)
Name
1. Dollar Bills
2. Rent -A -Center
3. One Price $7.00
4. USA Mini Mart
5. Home Mart Furniture
6. Goodwill Store
Name
Type of Business
Bargains and Closeout Items
Furniture and Electronics
Clothing Store
24 Hour Store/Gas Station
Furniture
Secondhand Merchandise
LIST OF BUSLNESSES ACROSS FROM BISCAYNE SHOPPING PLAZA
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD
(as of September 1, 1998)
Pawn Shop
China Palace
Cafe Chin Fung
Pearle Vision Center
Biscayne Law & Medical Center
.r,
-7•-:�: .a.— ---
Type of Business
Bargains and Trade
Restaurant
Restaurant
Optical Center
Professional Services
TRAFFIC/TRANSPORTATION
l''
rt�m..t , n
n'--f�;1 onto rrm'f//�, •./
7.1,.E-.=
DUSI1NG 1RAFRC
CONDITIONS
*--+ Tra ffic
:Traffic Ro b le m Area
3. As a component to the community.
As a part of the master plan, traffic and transportation
has become and will continue to be one of the major
key elements of the revitalization and redevelopment of
the Upper Eastside community. Traffic and
transportation, as with other elements of planning in
urban areas, is closely related to Other issues. The
traffic and transportation elements of this plan must
address not only traffic and safety issues, but must also
coordinate with and support other elements of the plan,
such as security and preservation of neighborhoods,
development of community commercial zones,
revitalization of regional commercial districts, and
should include landscaping on a human scale.
The master plan elements for traffic and transportation
take an integrated approach to guiding the future of
traffic configurations and transportation efforts in the
Upper Eastside by supporting the other elements of this
plan. The overall goal of the traffic and transportation
element of the plan is to create a small town, urban
village -like character, and development a future vision
of the Upper Eastside, as it relates to local and regional
functions of transportation, for example:
As a component of the commercial revitalization
element, circulation and parking are critical tools
to redirect commercial development and define the
scale, pattern, and character of the commercial
district.
As a component to the housing and neighborhood
enhancement element, the volume and speed of
vehicular traffic, the ability to use non -motorized
pedestrian
modes of transportation, and the
character of the street are used to:
• redefine residential areas.
• urban form
neighborhoods connected by multiple streets,
• help redirect traffic to support the
revitalization and redevelopment of other
neighborhoods.
maintain an • integrated
of
image/urban design element, the structure/street relationship and the
organization of other elements related to the street (lighting, furniture, signage, etc.) is instrumental to the
development of the overall character of the Upper Eastside area.
As a component of the parks/open space element, the streets provide one of the most significant opportunities
for landscaping as the street are the primary system of public transportation for the entire Upper Eastside.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
45 City Clerk
Traffic/Transportation Map
Miami
City limit
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TRAFFIC/ TRANSPORTATION
— Major Arterial
-+ Neighborhood Access
Local Traffic Zones
Existing Traffic Barriers
t Proposed Traffic Barriers
— Proposed Bikeway Routes
• • Future Light Rail Transit
1 ■ Eliminate Arterial Transit
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
BOULEVARDS & PARKWAYS
Streetscape
The streetscape, usually defined by the public right-of-way, is a major factor in shaping our urban landscape.
Streetscapes - and the manner in which architecture and open space are used with them - define what we call the
public realm. Codes and ordinances do not address the public streetscape beyond the right-of-way line, but can
strongly influence the character of the public realm.
This master plan will address the following aspects of streetscape improvements:
1. Ways to improve the visual quality of streetscape through planting.
2. Alternatives for street configuration to create a pedestrian -friendly environment while facilitating vehicular,
pedestrian, and bikeway circulation.
3. Enhancement of view corridors and scenic corridors---- ------ -
Kea7s.
Morn!
Oty imts
E.$OPPLNG
PLAZA
MA fl Llt7HE'R
KING BOQ?LEV
xE.61St
LITTLE ?LIVER PARKMAY
xL>9A.
saONJECT verve
s sCAYNE NOtA.EVARa
LE:more CITY PARKWAY
BOULEVARDS & PARKWAYS
General Recommendations
Prepare a Streetscape Master Plan which
identifies a palette of street trees and
palms to be planted in various
neighborhoods based on existing piants,
maintenance requirements, and feedback
from neighborhood representatives/City
staff. The plan would analyze:
1. Coordination of private development
street tree requirements with
proposed planting in the right-of-
ways.
2. Thematic plant communities, such as
tropical fruit and flowering trees, to
create a system of neighborhood
identification, historical significance
and cultural image of the Upper
Eastside.
3. Establishment of a hierarchy to
prioritize streetscape/street tree
planting for the Upper Eastside and
each neighborhood.
4. Feasibility of relocating overhead
electric lines underground.
5. Recommendations for bike paths,
streetscape furniture, and signage.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
47 Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Proposed Traffic/Transportation Streetscape Projects
1. Biscayne Boulevard Streetscape Project (a part of FDOT's rebuilding of Biscayne Boulevard, from NE 20th
Street to NE 123rd Street).
2. Little River Parkway Streetscape Project
3. Northeast 79th Street (proposed Shorecrest Parkway) Streetscape Project.
Major Corridors
ivi is m
City limits •
.-
2
N. E. 82
N. E. 79 ST.. __
•
— •
- /
•
N. E. 62
N. E. 61 ST.
N. E. 54ST.' -
-- '
•
••••.-N. E. 38 ST.
N. E 36 ST.
N E. 87 ST.
48
Based on the findings of this planning process;
nine major corridors were identified as potential
streetscape sites. These were defined as the
corridors having the greatest need, and
potentially having the most beneficial impacts for
streetscape -improvements.
1. Biscayne Boulevard
2. Federal Highway
3. Northeast 38th Street
4. Northeast 54th Street
5, Northeast 61st Street
6. Northeast 62nd Street (M.L. King, Jr.
Boulevard)
7. Northeast 79th Street
8. Northeast 82nd Street (Little River Parkway)
9. Northeast 10th Avenue
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Biscayne Boulevard
Existing Conditions
1. The primary north -south corridor with major impacts throughout the Upper Eastside community
2. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limit potential planting in the swale areas.
3. Identified as a major commercial/office district for the community.
4. Not pedestrian -friendly. Minimum sidewalks and no bikeway/paths. Bus stops within driving lanes.
5. Major intersections: NE 54th Street, NE 61 st-62nd Street, NE 79th Street, and NE 82nd Street.
Recommendations
1. Reconstruct street to allow for expanded sidewalk, bikeway, additional planting in the swale areas, and paver design for
sidewalk cafes where feasible.
2. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
3. Reconstruct street to allow for new center medians from NE 50th Terrace to NE 87th Street, with turning lanes at major
intersections only.
4. Make extensive streetscape improvements in commercial districts including expanded sidewalks, parking reconfiguration
and planting improvements.
5. Define major intersections with planting islands, new signage, a gateway feature for the Design District at NE 38th Street,
and a gateway feature for the various neighborhoods along the Boulevard.
Federal Highway
Existing Conditions
1. A secondary north -south corridor with minor impact to the community.
Service road for businesses along Biscayne Boulevard between NE 38th Street and NE 54th Street.
3. Serves as a bypass for Biscayne Boulevard traffic overflow.
4. Runs parallel to, the Florida East Coast railroad right-of-way.
5. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limits potential planting in the swale areas.
6. Little or no streetscape.
7. Little or no pedestrian sidewalk/amenities.
8. No bikeway/path.
9. Major intersection: NE 54th Street and NE 39th Street
Recommendations
1. Reconfigure street to allow for sidewalk; bikeway, planting improvements, and future Metrorail line.
2. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
3. Define major intersections with planting islands, new signage, and a gateway feature for the Design District at NE 39th
Street.
Northeast 38th Street
Existing Conditions
1. Serves as an east bound exit ramp for I-195 to Biscayne Boulevard.
2. The entrance to the Design District from Biscayne Boulevard.
3. There is a mixture of land uses ranging from multifamily residential alone the exit ramp, to commercial along the
Boulevard. and into the Design District.
4. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limits potential planting in the swale areas.
5. No bikeway/path.
6. Major intersections Biscayne Boulevard and Federal Highway.
49
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Recommendations
1. Co -designation of NE 38th Street as Designer's Way.
2. Define major intersections with planting islands, new signaee, and a gateway feature for the Design District from NE 38th
Street and Biscayne Boulevard to NE 39th Street and Federal Highway.
3. Relocate overhead utiliry lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
4. Expand sidewalk at opposite sides of the street to create mini -plazas with planting and kiosks. Connect with concrete paver
crosswalks.
Northeast 54th Street
Existing Conditions
.A secondary east -west corridor with minor impacts to the community
2. Allows access to and from I-95 expressway, the Little Haiti, and Model City communities to the west.
3. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limits potential planting in the swale areas.
4. No bikeway/path.
5. Major commercial district
6. Major intersections: Biscayne Boulevard and Federal Highway.
Recommendations
1. Reconfigure street to allow improved vehicular access to NE 4th Court/Federal Highway, Biscayne Boulevard, and NE 55th
Terrace.(A streetscape traffic circle)
2. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
3. Expand sidewalk at opposite sides of the street to create mini-pla7at with planting and kiosks. Connect with concrete paver
crosswalks.
4. Make extensive streetscape improvements in commercial districts including expanded sidewalks, parking reconfiguration
and planting improvements.
5. Define major intersections with planting islands and new sienage.
Northeast 61st-62nd Street
Existing Conditions
1. A primary east -west corridor with major impacts to the community.
2. Major access to and from I-95 expressway, the Little Haiti, and Model City communities to the west
3. Northeast 61st Street is one way eastbound from NE 2nd Avenue to Biscayne Boulevard.
4. Northeast 62nd Street is one way westbound from Biscayne Boulevard to NE 2nd Avenue.
5. There is a mixture of land uses ranging from multifamily residential and light industrial alone Northeast 61st and 62nd
Street, to commercial along the Boulevard.
6. Major intersection: Biscayne Boulevard
Recommendations
1. Co -designation of NE 61st Street as "Historic Lemon City Parkway". (N.E. 62nd Street will remain MLK Boulevard)
2. Reconfigure street to allow for expanded sidewalk, bikeway; addition planting in the swale areas, and paver designs for
sidewalk cafes where feasible.
3. Expand sidewalk at opposite sides of the street to create mini -plazas with planting and kiosks. Connect with concrete paver
crosswalks.
4. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
5. Make extensive streetscape improvements in commercial districts including expanded sidewalks, parking reconfiguration
and planting improvements.
6. Define major intersections with planting islands and new signage.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Northeast 79th Street/John F. Kennedy (JFK) Causeway
Existins Conditions
1. A primary eastbound corridor with major impacts to the community,
2. Major access to and from 1-95 expressway, the Lirle Haiti, and Model City communities to the west- and JFK Causeway to
the beaches
3. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limits potential planting in the swale areas.
4. Identified as a major commercial/office district for the community.
5. Not pedestrian friendly. Minimum sidewalks and no bikeway/paths. Bus stops within driving lanes.
6. Little or no streetscape
i.. Three lanes eastbound and one lane westbound with on -street parking and turning lanes where feasible.
8. Major intersection: Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. iOth Avenue
Recommendations
1. Publicize the co -designation of NE 79th Street as "John F. Kennedy Causeway".
2. Reconfigure street to allow for expanded sidewalk, bikeway. addition planting in the swale areas, and paver designs for
sidewalk cafes where feasible.
3. Reconfigure street to allow for new median improvements from the Boulevard to the bay.
4. Expand sidewalk at opposite sides of the street to create mini -plazas with planting and kiosks. Connect with concrete paver
crosswalks.
5. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
6. Make extensive streetscape improvements in commercial districts including expanded sidewalks, parking reconfiguration
and planting improvements.
7. Define major intersections with planting islands, new signage, and a gateway feature for the Shorecrest and Biscayne
Harbor neighborhoods at NE l Oth Avenue.
8. Re -engineer street from high volume, three lanes eastbound/one lane westbound, transit corridor to a two-way, five lane
(center tum lane) commercial street, with no on -street parking.
Northeast 82nd Street
Existing Conditions
1. A primary westbound corridor with major impacts to the community,
2. Major access to I-95 expressway. the Little Haiti, and Model City communities to the west
3. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limits potential planting in the swale areas.
4. Identified as a single and multifamily residential district with a commercial district alone the Boulevard and major cross
streets. (NE 2nd Avenue and Miami Avenue)
5. Not pedestrian friendly. Minimum sidewalks and no bikeway/paths. Bus stops within driving lanes. A vehicular speedway.
6. Little or no streetscape.
7. Two and three lanes westbound with on -street parking and turning lanes where feasible.
8. Major intersection: Biscayne Boulevard
Recornmendations
1. Reconfigure street to allow for expanded sidewalk, bikeway, addition planting in the swale areas.
2. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
3. Make extensive streetscape improvements in residential districts including expanded sidewalks and planting improvements.
4. Define major intersections with planting islands, new signage, and a gateway feature for the Shorecrest neighborhood.
5. Re -engineer street from high volume transit corridor to a two-way residential street.
51
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Northeast loth Avenue
Existing. Conditions
1. A neighborhood north -south corridor used as a primary connector with major impacts to the community.
2. Major access to Biscayne Boulevard via N.E. 82nd Street connector, N.E. 79th Street (JFK) Causeway to the beaches, only
north -south connector east of Biscayne Boulevard between the Miami Shores and Shorecrest communities.
3. Overhead utility lines create an unsightly image, and limits potential planting in the swale areas.
4. Identified as a single residential district with a commercial district along N.E. 79th Street.
5. Not pedestrian friendly. Minimum sidewalks and no bikeway/paths. Bus stops within driving lanes. A vehicular speedway.
6. Little or no streetscape.
7. Major intersection: Biscayne Boulevard and N.E. 79th Street.
Recommendations
1. Co -designation of N.E. loth Avenue as Shorecrest Drive.
2. Reconstruct street to allow for expanded sidewalk, bikeway, addition planting in the swale areas.
3. Relocate overhead utility lines underground to improve visual character and allow for large canopy tree planting.
4. Make extensive strectscapc improvcments in residential districts including expanded sidewalks and planting improvements.
5. Define major intersections with planting islands, new signagc, and a gateway feature for the Shorecrest neighborhood.
6. Re -engineer street from high volume transit corridor by adding neighborhood traffic circle to slow down local traffic and
deter cut -through traffic
52
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
PARKS/OPEN SPACE
Parks And Recreation
Parks and open spaces, like streetscapes, are an integral component of our urban fabric. As such, they are a direct
reflection of our social and cultural weil-being. They provide an essential need in community building bringing us
together to play, and to know each other.
A successful park system offers a diverse set of recreational opportunities allowing for various kinds of recreation
which serve all members of the community. Many municipalities advocate well -programmed parks that provide
activities to encourage young people to get off the street and thereby reduce neighborhood crime.
As heard often during the charrette, crime, drugs and prostitution are the major concerns of the Upper Eastside
community. With a combined effort of community and city agencies, parks and recreational programs can be
utilized to reduce many of these community problems. Given the ever -tightening squeeze on municipal budgets, it
.. is vital that neighborhoods residents become active.in..`taking back'... their parks In fact, neighborhood associations
should be encouraged to plan and program activities, and to assist in monitoring and maintaining their parks. The
City cannot do it alone; there need to be closer public/private partnerships in the care of neighborhood parks and
open spaces. �7
(,ti ka,7i Ctr, :1 ` :.,, °,tom /
The Parks Bond Issue
A county -wide bond issue for parks, called Safe Neighborhoods Parks Act of 1996, was passed during the
November 1996 election. The Parks and Recreation Departments throughout Dade County and its municipalities are
formulating proposals for critical park needs (staffing, new facilities and playgrounds; park furniture, programs).
Presently, the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department has prepared a budget proposal for roughly S20
million for its park program There are many recommendations made in this proposal for the Upper Eastside parks.
Parks and Recreation Recommendations
Park Design
Certain design principles are important in park design:
I. They should be well -lit, with emphasis on installing vandal/bullet-proof fixtures.
2. Dense foliage should be removed from the. perimeter to facilitate easier visual monitoring without eliminating
shaded areas
3. High walls -or barriers should he removed or made transparent,
4. Areas should be designed for use of children of different age croups.
5. Seating areas should be designed close to tot -lots for comfortable parental monitoring.
6 Use of playground play structures which incorporate thc principle of "integrated play'' (as opposed to the old
playground concept of spreading playground equipment helter-skelter throughout the park.)
7 Equipment should be designed with long -terra maintenance, safety and handicapped accessibility in mind (an
important factor given shrinking parks budgets and potential for litigation.)
53
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Parks Maintenance
1. Native, drought -tolerant vegetation should be planted to reduce maintenance and conserve resources.
2. Allow some areas to become more "naturalized."
3. Plant design should utilize "xeriscape" principles, which reduce demand on municipal water supplies.
4 lrriaation systems can be designed in accordance with "xeriscape" principles; and lerovided with rairiIaronnd
moisture sensors to eliminate over -watering.
5. A]1 parks should have a maintenance specification prepared for their specific needs.
Special Park Districts
A relatively old concept in regional park management, known as Special Park Districts (SPD), is also wining
momennsrn. These are independent districts which have their own tax base, elected boards of directors, and
considerable public involvement. These districts are created out of citizens desire to control the delivery of park and
recreation services apart from other services.
SPD's have shown they can reduce overhead costs while improving the overall efficiency, response time, and
economics for park and recreation services. Some distinct advantages are:
1. Their independence allows SPD's to act "more boldly" than park and recreation departments in legislative
matters.
2. They can focus full attention on fulfilling public. recreational needs.
3. They can move into the private community for private funding drives.
4. They enjoy more active community involvement.
In 1988, a S225 million park bond issue for the East Bay Regional District, created in 1934, was passed (a 2.'3
majority was required) indicating substantial approval for the SPD and its program and services. In 1996, a similar
bond issue was passed in Dade County. .Approximately S20 million frorn the bond issue have been earmarked for
the City of Miami Parks Department for redevelopment and expansion of park lands in the City- limits The creation
of SPD should be studied to effectively allow the public to assist master plan and manage the City-wide park system
based on successful model around the country.
54
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Proposed Parks/Open Space Public Projects
irt3EnEs
rial.-;m716€66E563,
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42
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North Area
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PARKS & OPEN SPACES
General
1. The Upper Eastside Banner Project (sponsored by the
Upper Eastside Neighborhood Associations, and local
corporations.
2. Upper Eastside Neighborhood Gateway Project (a design
competition of entry ways for the neighborhoods abutting
Biscayne Boulevard
3. Rails with Trails bikeway project.
4. City of Miami Gateway Project (landscape entry features
from Miami Shores, and the beach areas)
1. identify property to be acquired for use as a park and recreation site in the Shorecrest neighborhood.
2. Biscayne Shopping Plaza landscape improvements
3. Little River park designation.
Central Area
I. Belle Meade Riverside park designation.
2. Identify property to be acquired for use as a park and recreation site in the Biscayne West neighborhood.
3. Little River Public Market (a proposed open air market at Biscayne Boulevard, on the southeast side of the river).
4. Pedestrian gateway for Legion Park from Biscayne Boulevard.
5. Canoe, kayak, paddle boat, jetskiing, and picnic activities on picnic islands between Legion and Morningside Parks.
6. Old Pump House restoration (Bikeway Headquarters).
7. Eaton Park improvements
South Area
1. Mural project on Biscayne Boulevard at the I-195 overpass (a ceramic mural depicting the evolution of Biscayne
Boulevard, or something related to Miami history).
2. Design District Gateway Project (a gateway design competition for the Desien District entry from Bisca ne Boulevard.
55
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
THE UPPER EASTSIDE: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation of this master plan is probably the most critical element of this entire process. Organization
will be the key component to achieve the level of development this master plan can provide.
So far, the homeowner associations and neighborhood organizations have been the most active in providing
guidance and assistance in the development of the plan. The commercial property owners and business owners have
not been as involved in this planning process, which is unfortunate due to this plan has a Greater impact on the
properties along and adjacent to Biscayne Boulevard.
UPPER EASTSIDE ACTION PLAN
The Upper Eastside Action Plan is a list of proposed initiatives to assist in the potential redevelopment and future
development of the community. These initiatives have been divided into three phases:
Phase One
Reconstruction of Biscayne Boulevard w/center medians
Lighting (pedestrian and utilitarian)
Street Furniture in commercial zones
Landscaping, Decorative Pavers, etc.
Other Streets Improvements
Phase Two
Facade Improvements/Cleanup & Sanitation Project
Rezoning
Small Business Development Districts Designation
Security Program for Commercial Areas/Neighborhood Crimewatch
Creation/Recreation of the Biscayne Boulevard Chamber of Commerce
Phase Three
Commercial Redevelopment Zones
Hotel/Motel Adaptive Reuse
Residential Development along the Boulevard
Residential Redevelopment west of the Boulevard
Other Community Projects
56
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Community Assessment Map
Miami
City limits
gmenEt%
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
1HIt6If:16.'
it
Fthi IfCIl:If^i!'I�
ziars
T•
__- N.E.36S1—
I .1
N. E. 61 Si
N. E. 5-4 sr
N.E.87S
N. E. 79 ST.
UPPER EASISDE
C 0 MM UNIT( ASEESEMENT
City of Miami Gateways
O Neighborfiood Gateways
4.• Traffic
Traffic Ro b le m Area
R.tential Fisioric Reservation Area
Areas of Fbtential B,ulevard Multifamily
Fedev. orAdaptive Fesdential Feuse
Areas of Huulevard Commercial Fedev.
OrAdaptive Commercial Feuse
57
Phase One - Traffic Improvements
The following project activities should be initiated and completed within a three to five year span.
• Phase One will involve the implementation and construction of the new Biscayne Boulevard, to be completed
in phases over a three to five year period_ This involves the widening of Biscayne Boulevard from its present
sixty-six (66) right-of-way to a minimum of seventy-five (75) right-of-way and the introduction of landscaped
medians with turning lanes at various streets. Other features should include: additional landscaping, brick paver
crossings at major intersections, decorative lighting, and decorative street furniture in the CRZ areas.
• Phase One will also involve the adaptive reuse and restoration of all commercial structures within the CRZ
areas. This part of the project should be coordinated with the improvements along Biscayne Boulevard for
minimal business disruption. Additionally, new parkin; lots should be in place to support the transportation
improvements on Biscayne Boulevard and the new business being developed along the Boulevard.
• With the prospects of new businesses coming to this revitalized community, residential redevelopment, historic
preservation, and restoration will hopefully become a reality during the three to five year time span and
complete the improvements for the community.
Other Traffic Improvement Projects
Vehicular traffic along N.E. 79th Street and N.E. 82nd Street, from the bay to the F.E.C. right-of-way has become a
nuisance to the residents, property owners, and pedestrians who travel through the area. For the residents, N.E. 82nd
Street (Little River Parkway) has become a speedway for commuters corning from Miami Beach and North Bay
Village. This has split the neighborhood of Shorecrest into two separate areas, resulting in decrease in property
value, decrease in home ownership, and an increase in vacancies along the street. Additionally, this parkway raises
several safety issues for pedestrians who may walkiride along this high speed trafficway.
• Northeast 79th Street should be re -engineered, from Biscayne Bay to Biscayne Boulevard. as a five lane, two-
way major commercial corridor with two lanes each for east and westbound traffic, with a center turn lane. A
parking study must also be conducted to provide adequate off-street parking for the businesses along N.E. 79th
Street. Temporary street closures along the north side of N.E. 79th Street should be made permanent.
• Northeast 82nd Street (Little River Parkway) also should be re -engineered, from N.E. 79th Street to Biscayne
Boulevard, as a two lane. two-way residential street with one Zane going east and one west and street side
— __ parking available to the residents of the neighborhood. The temporary street closure at N.E. I lth Avenue and
82nd Street should be relocated permanently to N.E. 11th Avenue and 79th Street. This will create a cul-de-sac
with a small neighborhood park for residents.
58
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Phase Two - Community Image Improvement Initiatives
The following activities should occur in tandem with traffic improvements along Biscayne Boulevard.
Man.
C iy4 b
—r-
•
• CI, OM, u,-.-..
N.prcw.weo G.-rv,
tbon... la Ga-+, ieca Irani
• .Aesthetic Improvements - The Miami Gateway Project.
A Chamber of Commerce -like organization, along with ocher
civic or neighborhood organizations and associations, should
be responsible for the identification of funding sources for
community improvements, via the Upper Eastside NET
office. These organizations will be responsible for developing
an identity for the community as the 'northeast gateway' to
the City of Miami. Funding sources may also be identified for
the upkeep, cleaning, and maintenance of commercial and
residential properties within the community.
• Biscayne Boulevard Small Business Developrnent:District
A Chamber of Commerce -like organization, a community
development corporation (CDC), or community
redevelopment agency (CRA) should be the lead organization
in establishing the Small Business Development District
(SBDD). The purpose of the SBDD is to redefine the type of
commercial activities conducted on the Boulevard and to take
advantage of the existing hotels and motels which can be
readapted for commercial and retail use within the
commercial redevelopment zones. Hotel/motel property
owners should be encouraged to provide retail, showroom,
and office space at a rate equal to or lower than the suburban
warehousing districts of north, west and south Dade County.
This will help attract new entrepreneurs to the community.
• Security
The City of Miami Police Department should be encouraged to increase its visibility and effectiveness within
the commercial and residential areas of the community.
• Parking - Programming & Development
Along with the new businesses that will be moving into the community, there will be a need for better parking.
Parking for the existing commercial establishment is already at a premium. There will need to be a coordinated
effort between the community and the Miami Parking System to provide areas for metered off-street parking.
Additionally, there will need to be a coordinated effort between the neighborhood crimewatch groups and the
City of Miami Police Department concerning automobile towing and the removal illegally parked vehicles in
the residential fringe areas adjacent to the business districts.
59
Subm- itted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
• Community Design Guidelines & Maintenance Standards
To ensure compliance by future developers, property owners, business owners, and the residents of the
community, community design guidelines should be developed and presented to the community for input and
adoption for all new developments, and future modification/restoration projects. Additionally, maintenance
standards should be developed and instituted for all commercial and residential properties.
• Group Signage Program
All transportation sgnage should be grouped together to reduce the amount of sgnage within the right-of-way.
• Neighborhood Gateway Project
Several years ago, the Palm Bay condominiums located on N.E. 69th Street, east of Biscayne Boulevard,
decided to do a landscaping project on the Boulevard. This project served several purposes; (I) a landmark to
the commuters traveling the Boulevard, (2) advertisement for the condominium, and (3) beautification of a
vacant parcel of property. It also indirectly serves as a gateway to one of the Upper Eastside historical
neighborhood called Bayside. Another neighborhood which has a well landscaped gateway is Bay Point. After
viewing these projects, and responding to the community's request for more- iandsc-aping and green space along
the Boulevard, a Neighborhood Gateway Project should be instituted as a way to beautify the Boulevard and
assist in creating identities for each neighborhood in the Upper Eastside NET area.
60
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Phase Three- Commercial Redevelopment Initiatives
The following activities should occur within a one to three year time span.
• Phase Two involves the establishment of the Commercial Redevelopment Zones (CRZ). These zones are an
effort to concentrate commercial related activities into small pocket areas along the Boulevard. There are also
numerous older, yet significant hotel and motel along the Boulevard which can be converted from their
presence use to other commercial uses which would promote a positive community identity and a pedestrian
friendly environment.
• Three CRZ's are proposed in areas along the Boulevard. These zones are strategically planned to center around
three major intersections which will serve as major access route to the zones. CRZ One centers around N.E.
62nd Street (Martin L. King, Jr. Boulevard.) and spans from N.E. 60L" Street to N.E. 64" Street. CRZ Two
centers around N.E. 71" Street and spans from N.E. 67' Street to N.E. 74' Street. CRZ Three centers around
treet and c
• The areas along the Boulevard,
should be analyzed and evalu
multifamily (townhouse or,
with a maximum height
Boulevard. Additionally,
\ green space within this area.
Size m N.E. 55" Terrace.
from N.E. 64" Street to N.E. 67" Street and N.E. 73`d Street to N.E. 77' Street,
for possibie rezoning for multifamily residential use. Low to medium density
using is recommended for this area, allowing 10-25 units per net acre;
'the area east of the Boulevard, and 50 feet for the area west of the
e been numerous suggestions and requests for additional landscaping and
• The area west of Biscayne Boulevard has been perceived for numerous years to be the problem area of the
Upper Ea is side. This area is ounded by N.E. 59" Street to the south,- N.E. 77' Street to the north, N.E.
Court to the west, and Biscayne Boulevard to the east. This area is divided into two sub -areas called Biscayne
West and Eaton Park. Biscayne West has been in a major decline for several years due to high immigration and
lack of home ownership. The zoning is suitable for future infil] development, with the exception of some
properties zoned 0 - Office located west of the SD-9 zoning district along Biscayne Boulevard, from N.E. 64"
Street to N.E. 69`h Street. This area is in great need of a major redevelopment project and restoration of several
homes that reflect a significant architectural period. A historic preservation district is proposed for the area
from N.E. 69' Street to N.E. 77' Street. This will hopefully encourage restoration of some of the older and
m e atstnct. A redevelopment district is proposed for the Eaton
om N.E. 59" Street to N.E. 63" Street. Low to medium density multifamily (townhouse or PUD type) housing
is recommended for this area which is zoned R-3 residential, allowing 10-25 units per net acre with a maximum
height of 30 feet. Mixed use development is a preferred option in the area along N.E. 61" Street and N.E. 62'd
Street, between the Boulevard and the F.E.C. right-of-wa`.
• Phase Three also involves the identification and proposed methods of acquisition of properties, alone Biscayne
Boulevard for the Neighborhood Gateway Project. The neighborhoods identified for this project are:
Shorecrest, Biscayne Harbor, Belle Meade and Belle Meade Island, Biscayne West, Morningside, and Eaton
Park.
• Phase Three will also involve additional planning, implementation, and identification of financing for other
physical improvements.
61
Miami
City limits.
.
_I N. E. 61. SL
N. E. 54 SL
_
_17
N.E.87ST.
N. E. 79 SL
Areas of Boulevard Commercial Fdevelopment
or Adaptive Commercial Fuse
Areas of Fbtential epulevard Multifamily
Fvitali273tion or Adaptive FsidentiaI Fuse
N. E. 36 Si
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
62
Potential Development/Redevelopment
Miami
City limits •
•
= f
FOIE 11AL
REDEvafDRAEN
■ Commercial
F�s;dential
N. E. 35S
7
-.ems,
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Some areas of Potential Development/Redevelopment of the
Upper Eastside are:
Biscayne Boulevard CommerciaUHotel/Motel District. This
is an area which should be designated as commercial
redevelopment zones for adaptive reuse of the old hotels and
motels for small business development centers.
• Vacant properties along Biscayne Boulevard. These areas
should be designated for multifamily residential housing
and/or commercial redevelopment within the CRZ areas.
• Biscayne Boulevard/79th Street Intersection. Prime location
for an Urban Entertainment Activity Center.
• 79th Street Shopping Plaza. The shopping center is in need
of a major facade improvement, retail reorganization,
landscaping, and traffic circulation improvements.
• Little River Inlet. This area is best suited for riverfront
restaurants, cafes, other similar water related commercial
activities in the area adjacent to Biscayne Boulevard.
• The Pussycat Theater/Club Madonna. This entertainment
center has been reengineered to provide tasteful adult
entertainment. The community has not fully accepted this
activity occurring in their neighborhood and still feels that it
should be a family oriented entertainment center.
The American Legion Post Site. This site is presently for sale
and is a prime location for high -density multifamily
residential housing, or can be retained as a community
center.
• Legion Park Redevelopment. This park, which is located at
the center of the community , should be considered the civic community center for the Upper Eastside. The
park needs a gateway entry feature for pedestrian access. A weekend flea market and other types of community
festivals should be held here.
• Eaton Park Neighborhood. This is an area which is in great need of total residential redevelopment and/or
historic preservation. This area adjacent to the historic Morningside residential district. A redevelopment
district designation is recommended.
• Warehouse district along'E. 4th Court. This area, although partially occupied, provides very little service to
the Upper Eastside neighborhood. Because of its proximity to the F.E.C. railway, an alternative land use is not
known at this time. There have been suggestion of developing this area as a storag.e center and/or a commerce
center for historic preservation/restoration wholesalers and distributors.
• Palm Grove/Biscayne West Neighborhood. There are a few houses west of Biscayne Boulevard that are similar
in architectural design and significance to those houses east of Biscayne Boulevard which have been designated
historic. A historic district is recommended for this area.
63
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC & MARKET STRATEGY PLAN
The City of Miami engaged the professional services of a qualified and experienced economic planning firm for the
planning, and preparation of studies for the Comprehensive Economic and Marketing Strategy Plan for the Upper
Eastside Neighborhood.
The Upper Eastside Comprehensive Economic and Marketing Strategy Plan (CEMSP) is a part of the Upper
Eastside Master Plan. The primary objective of the study is to address commercial revitalization strategies,
infrastructure improvements and quality of life issues while maintaining and enhancing the character of the Upper
Eastside. Some topics of primary concern include, but are not limited to, Commercial Revitalization/Hotel-Motel
Adaptive Reuse Strategies along Biscayne Boulevard, Parking and Traffic Circulation, Housing Opportunities in
Eaton Park/Biscayne West area, and overall community character and design.
The professional services agreement scope of services focus on economic development initiatives to include
innovative financing strategies as well as implementation strategies for reconunendations in the UPESMP. In
addition, the consultant engaged in significant citizen participation which involve focus groups for the discussion of
goals and objectives of the Plan. -
End products includes the CEMSP document which will be included in the UPES1vfP. The UPESMP is intended to
be adopted in concept by the Miami City Commission. There is also interest in publication of a popularized
illustrative executive summary intended for wide distribution.
The economic planning firm selected for the execution of the CEMSP is The Chesapeake Group; Howard S. Kohn,
President. See the Comprehensive Economic and Marketing Strategy Plan presented by Howard Kohn of the
Chesapeake Group and Susan Ackley of Ackley Advertisement.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has conducted a SR-5/Biscayne Boulevard Enhancement Study
Project Concept Summary Report on the rebuilding and enhancement of Biscayne Boulevard, the primary traffic
corridor of the Upper Eastside community.
This draft study, conducted by MK Centennial Engineering, Inc. - an engineering firm, provided the information
necessary to determine the type, design and location of improvements, information to improve capacity with
minimal right-of-way acquisition, enhance multimoda] connections, improve safety, access management and
upgrade aesthetic and pedestrianfeatures. It is assumed that the roadway and pedestrian enhancement will have a
positive impact on the abutting businesses and residential neighborhoods providing a catalyst for much needed
economic improvement. This approach will also be used to develop a project approach and to expedite the FDOT
PD&E Study for Biscayne Boulevard.
Another opportunity to improve the usage and significance of Biscayne Boulevard is to have the corridor
designated a Florida Scenic highway. This is a program developed to preserve, maintain, protect, and enhance
Florida's outstanding cultural, historical, archaeological, recreational, natural and scenic resources. The designation
of a scenic highway can benefit a community in several areas: (1) Conununity Recognition, (2) Community Vision,
(3) Economic Development/Tourism, and (4) Partnering. Regardless of the desired benefits, a Florida Scenic
Highway designation reco°nizes the significance of a corridor's intrinsic resources and protects these resources for
future generations to enjoy. _
The community expects the Biscayne Boulevard project to be a high priority. Other highway projects expected to
follow are the re -engineering of NE 79th Street from I-95 to Biscayne Bay, and NE 82nd Street (Little River
Parkway) from Biscayne Bay to the FEC Railroad right-of-way.
64
THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
UPPER EASTSIDE CHARRETTE TEAM
Jack Luft, Former Director
Clark Turner, Chief -Community Planning Division
Gregory Gay, Project Manager
Gary Leuschner
Francisco Garcia
Sarah Eaton
Jose Casanova, R.A.
Susan Cambridge
Neyda Galvez, Upper Eastside N.E.T.
Joan Schultz, Upper Eastside N.E.T.
ADDITIONAL CITY STAFF SUPPORT
Urban Design/Land Development
Transportation
Community Development
Housing & Development
Urban Design/Land Development
Historic Preservation
Commercial Revitalization
Quality of Life
Code Enforcement
Community Relations
Anna Gelaben-Sanchez, Neyda Galvez, Fred Fernandez Administrators, Upper Eastside N.E.T. Office
Ciry of Miami
Enrique Nunez, A.S.L.A.
Van Woods.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS •
Landscape Architecture/Urban Design
Ciry of Miami
Ciry Photographer
Ciry of Miami
Michael Alexander, Herb Harper, Gregg Adams The Greater Biscayne Chamber of Commerce
Rosalyn Brunson, Steve Hagen
Harlan Woodard, R.A.
Gloria Moreno Rosa, Bernice Butler
Frank Zeinali, Jose Munos, Pedro Ordenes
Jose Abreu, Maria Porrata
Nick Stieglitz, Jr., P.A.
Howard Kohn, President
Prizrn Architects, Inc.
DEEDCO, Inc.
M.K. Centennial, Inc.
Florida Department of Transportation, District Six
The Bay Point Homeowners Association
The Bayside Horn d-Whers Association
The Belle Meade Homeowners Association
The Belle Meade Island Homeowners Association
The Biscayne Harbor Homeowners Association
The Biscayne West Homeowners Association
The Haynesworth Village Homeowners Association
The Morningside Civic Association
The Palm Bay Towers & Condominiums
The Palm Grove Homeowners Association
The Shorecrest Homeowners Association
The American Legion Post No. 29
Law & Economics Center
University of Miami
The Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
65
APPENDIX
The Miami City Code, Chapter 23.1, Historic Preservation
The Miami Ciry Code, Chapter 26, Housing Standard
Biscayne Boulevard Transportation Enhancement Study, Section 4
A Toolbox of Traffic Calming Techniques
Greater Biscayne Chamber of Commerce meetings
Homeowner Association Presidents meeting
Charrette Agenda
List of Participants for Charrette
The Charrette Team/Acknowledgment
Submitted into the public
record in connection with
item PZ.1 on 06-26-08
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
66