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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Public Comments Submitted Online for the September 26, 2024 Second Budget HearingPublic Comments Report for the September 26, 2024, Second Budget Hearing Second Budget Hearing of the Miami City Commission - September 26, 2024 September 26, 2024 5:51 PM MDT Public Comment motero@miamigov.com First Last Street Nam Nam Addre e e ss 680 NE 64 Willi Arth STRE am ur ET #APH 3 Agend a Item Public Comment BH. BH - Would like the Commission to consider funding a proposed Greenbelt from Baywood Park to BUDG Morningside Park so that pedestrians and bicyclists in the Bayside neighborhood can avoid dangerous ET Biscayne Blvd. I have already provided Chairwoman King the proposed greenbelt map... would like the HEART 2024/25 budget to provide funding resources dedicated to the planning of this greenbelt. NG BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro ve Annua Ama 50 Budge The work that the DDA under the leadership of Commissioner Reyes to improve the conditions of the Kabb Bisca t FY Urban Core of downtown Miami has been tremendous and noticeable. I am in favor of the DDA budget Solh ani Blvd '25 - and I thank all the staff for their professionalism and dedication in bettering our quality of life! Downt own Devel opme nt Author ity BH. BH - 2111 Victo Lope BUDG The city should approve this budget specifically for initiative to help homeless civilians and arts/ culture sw 24 ria z ET activations for the locals in downtown st HEAR! NG lani Sltve 151 BH. 1 The September 23 article on the Miami DDA paints an inaccurate picture of the work being done ira SE #1662 downtown that I see every day as a proud resident. Each morning, as I stroll through the vibrant 1st 5 streets, I can't help but notice the dedicated DDA team in their bright orange and teal shirts, bustling Street Discus about with purpose. They greet visitors with warm smiles, offering directions and guidance, making Unit sion - everyone feel welcome in our beautiful city. Beyond just providing assistance, this incredible team is 5, Public hard at work pressure cleaning the sidewalks, picking up litter, and ensuring our downtown area Miam Comm remains a shining example of urban charm. Their commitment to maintaining a dean and inviting i, FL ent - environment is evident, and it genuinely enhances our community's appeal. This daily dedication 3313 Miltag makes all the difference, transforming our streets into pleasant pathways for everyone to enjoy. Are 1 e there stilt areas for improvement? Absolutely. But I firmly believe that investing more —rather than less Rate, —is key to fostering the change we want to see. White I may not relish the thought of increasing my Final taxes, I find immense value in the benefits that come with it. Clean streets, vibrant public spaces, and 16735 Submittal -Public Comments Submitted Online for the September 26, 2024 Second Budget Hearing First Last Street Agend Nam Nam Addre Public Comment a Item e e ss 701 Brick ell Ave Susa Mato Apt n s 731 Miam i, FL 3313 1 Geor Sciar ge rino 1010 SW 2nd Aven ue, Miam i FL 3313 0 Budge an increased police presence all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable community. For me, the t FY added dollars on my tax bill are a small price to pay for the tangible improvements the Miami DDA '25 brings. It's about investing in the future of our downtown, ensuring it remains a lively, welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. The work they do is essential, and! am grateful for their unwavering commitment to making our city shine. BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro ve Annua Budge t FY '25 - Downt own Devel opme nt Author ity BH. BH - BUDG ET HEART NG The DDA has a important impact in the community Public Comment: Dear Commissioners,' appreciate your efforts to keep rates stable, but! believe broader attention is needed for public improvements in downtown and Brickell, particularly as our community continues to grow. I'd like to make a number of suggestions that! request be incorporated into this year's budget and overall city planning. First, I'd like to suggest adding more crosswalks on SW 2nd Avenue and throughout Brickell, with better lighting, sound displays for the visually impaired, and traffic cameras to enhance safety. The corridor between 11th and 12th Streets on SW 2nd Avenue would especially benefit from a mid -block, pedestrian -only crosswalk, as the Mercedes-Benz plans for the area show a mid -block paseo. Also, the current Downtown Development Authority (DDA) map does not reflect this area.' believe it's critical for the DDA to update its map and incorporate this part of Brickell into its plans, especially as tourists and new businesses often rely on the DDA for guidance. Excluding this area creates confusion and fails to make full use of the space we have in Brickell and downtown, missing an opportunity to enhance connectivity and development in these key areas. Additionally, 10th Avenue, where a new school is almost completed in Brickell, often has issues with speeding and traffic violations. 1 recommend adding a stoplight, stop signs, or raised paved crosswalks to enhance safety and improve the overall appearance and functionality of this increasingly busy area. In addition to safety, stylish landscaping, public art, and improvements to the Underline areas in Brickell—especially between 2nd and 3rd Avenues —would be beneficial. Investing in better lighting, enhancing the riverwalk, creating pocket parks, and converting the parking lot under 1-95 into a park would further enrich the neighborhood. 1 support a tax increase to fund these improvements, as long as it does not negatively impact single -home owners. 1 also appreciate the opportunity to provide public comment, as City Halt is largely inaccessible for many residents. It is not connected to our city's main Metro transit routes, making it difficult for people to attend meetings and engage with civic issues. I Executive Summary Geor Sciar 1010 BH. Public Comment Dear Commissioners, Thank you for keeping rates stable. As our community grows, ge rino SW BH - it's important to focus on public improvements in downtown and Brickell. 1 have several suggestions I'd 2nd BUDG like to see included in this year's budget and city planning. First, improving pedestrian safety in Brickell Aven ET should be a priority. Please add more crosswalks on SW 2nd Avenue and throughout the area, with ue, HEART better lighting and sound signals for the visually impaired. Installing traffic cameras can also enhance Miam NG safety. Specifically, a mid -block pedestrian crosswalk between 11th and 12th Streets on SW 2nd i FL Avenue would be very helpful, especially since plans for the area include a mid -block paseo. At 10th 3313 Street and SW 2nd Avenue, near the new school, pedestrians have been hit or nearly hit because of 0 speeding and traffic violations. Adding a stoplight, stop signs, or raised crosswalks would greatly improve safety in this busy area. Please update the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) map to include this part of Brickell. Leaving it out causes confusion and underuse. Updating the map wilt help tourists and new businesses, and improve connectivity and development. Expanding local transportation is also important. Extending electric buggy access to this part of Brickell would give residents and visitors a convenient, eco-friendly option. Improving waste management along SW 1st to First Last Street Nam Nam Addre e e ss Mona rc at met Hect Men 201 or dez se 2 ave Miam i, FL 36 Can Wolf NE dice son 1st Street Agend a Item Public Comment 4th Avenues is essential. I often see large furniture left on public and for long periods. Better garbage dean -up would keep our public spaces dean and attractive. Beautifying our public spaces would greatly enhance our community. Investing in landscaping, public art, and improving the Underline areas —especially between 2nd and 3rd Avenues —would be very beneficial. Enhancing the riverwalk, creating pocket parks, and turning the parking lot under 1-95 into a park would enrich the neighborhood. I support a tax increase to fund these improvements, as long as it doesn't negatively affect single -home owners. Investing in our community wilt bring long-term benefits for everyone. Finally, thank you for allowing me to comment. However, City Hall's current location is hard to reach for many residents because it's not connected to main Metro routes. Moving City Haft downtown would make it a central gathering point, allowing more residents to participate and be heard. Thank you for considering these suggestions. Sincerely, George Public Improvements Summary: - Enhance Pedestrian Safety in Brickell. Add more crosswalks on SW 2nd Avenue and throughout Brickell. Improve lighting and install sound signals for the visually impaired. Install traffic cameras for increased safety. - Add a mid -block pedestrian crosswalk between 11th and 12th Streets on SW 2nd Avenue. - Improve Safety Near the New School on 10th Street and SW 2nd Avenue. Address speeding and traffic violations. Note incidents of pedestrians being hit or nearly hit. Install a stoplight, stop signs, or raised paved crosswalks. - Update the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Map. Include this part of Brickell to reduce confusion and better guide tourists and new businesses. - Expand Electric Buggy Access. Extend electric buggy services to this part of Brickell to improve local transportation options. - Improve Waste Management, especially along SW 1st to 4th Avenues in Brickell. Implement better garbage dean -up services in these areas. Address the issue of large furniture items left on public and. - Beautify and Enhance Public Spaces. Invest in landscaping and public art in new areas. Improve the Underline areas, especially between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. - Enhance the riverwalk and create pocket parks. Convert the parking lot under 1-95 into a park. - Support for Funding Improvements. Support a tax increase to fund these projects, provided it doesn't negatively impact single -home owners. - Relocate City Haft Downtown. Move City Haft downtown to improve accessibility via public transit and encourage greater civic engagement. BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro ve Annua Budge t FY Please approve Final Budget '25 - Downt own Devel opme nt Author ity BH. 1 #1662 On behalf of myself and my many downtown friends and colleagues, I would like to express my 5 immense gratitude to the DDA for the vast improvement in the safety and cleanliness of the streets we Discus frequent, East Flagler Street and NE 1st Street, due to the installation of CCTV cameras and the sion - Downtown Enhancement Team. An example of the improvement to the downtown streets I have Public mentioned, my colleagues and I now walk freely between our two places of work, a block apart. Up Comm until about a year and a half ago, at times 1 would pay to valet park twice per day, at my two places of ent - employment downtown, due to reticence of waking around downtown. Since the DDA created the Miltag Dedicated Homeless Outreach Program, I pay to park once per day, instead of twice per day, because e 1 feel safe to walk around downtown. I enjoy seeing the helpers in orange uniforms cleaning the streets Rate, and offering a friendly greeting; their presence makes me and my colleagues feel safe and not alone Final on the streets. Thank you so very much DDA for the incredible enhancements to our downtown. Budge Downtown Miami has changed more for the good in the past two years than in the past 50 years t FY thanks to the concerted efforts of the DDA. '25 First Last Street Agend Nam Nam Addre a Item e e ss BH. 4 #1645 168 1 SE Appro 1ST ve STRE Final ET, MiLLag Mich Hun 4TH e FY elle g FLOO '25 - R, Downt MIAM own I, FL DeveL 3313 opme 1 nt Author ity Public Comment I've noticed a significant improvement in the streets around the DDA, with more businesses coming to Life and creating a vibrant environment. Downtown Miami is becoming an increasingly attractive place, offering more options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This growth makes it a fantastic hub for events Like those we host at FitmGate Miami, where we showcase emerging creative talents. Recently, we hosted MSNBC's Advance Screening of From Russia with Lev at the Sitverspot Cinema in Downtown Miami, attracting attendees from as far as Northern and Central Florida (OrLando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and more cities over 2+ hour drives away). As Miami continues to expand, support for the arts and the development of the downtown area wilt not only increase Local economic revenue but also enhance the quality of Life by maintaining and promoting cultural vibrancy. Major events Like Art Basel further highlight how the arts can make Miami an international destination, drawing people in and making the city an even more dynamic and creative space. BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro 1210 ve NE 100 Annua St Budge Am Palm Miam t FY I support the DDA new Initiative and proposed budget increase. As a small business owner these y a i programs wilt help us. Thank you Christina Crespi and DDA. - Shore '25 Downt s FL own 3313 DeveL 8 opme nt Author ity BH. 4 #1645 1 Appro ve 244 Final Bisca MiLtag Crist Palo yne e FY ina mo Blvd '25 - #390 Downt 9 own DeveL opme nt Author ity Ana BH. 668 BH - Mira NE BUDG nda 70 ET Street HEART NG I am writing to express my strong support as a Downtown resident to approve the DDA budget. The services provided by DDA towards beautification, cleanliness, micromobitity, safety and security in our area are valuable and worth a negligible increase of under $10 per household per year. You cannot do more with Less and I support the continued efforts of the DDA towards even more improvements within our footprint. I am a resident of Bayside Historic District on Biscayne Bay, a manatee protection zone and aquatic preserve. We need more enforcement of manatee speed zones, Littering on the mangrove islands and disturbance of the rookery. Also, we have had an iLtegal. water taxi drop off and pick up clients off of our Baywood Park. Therefore, I would Like the budget to include more Marine Patrol Officers. Also, since traffic on Biscayne Blvd in our area has increase exponentially, I would Like the City of Miami to invest in a Light rail. system, using the Bright Line and/or a trolley to the Metrorait Budget dollars need to help us get cars off the road. First Last Street Agend Nam Nam Addre Public Comment a Item e e ss BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro ve Annua Dani Card Flaele Budge For over 7 years I've ran my business in Downtown Miami. The DDA's impact has be huge! This years FY el enas g budget should be approved and be considered as a positive proposal for the downtown neighborhood. r st '25 - Downt own Devel opme nt Author ity BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro 1465 Ve Dear Committee, Please continue to fund arts programming in the Downtown area. Without these Annua NW funds our organization will not be able to continue to provide vibrant programming jeopardizing the Della 111th Buda heartbeat and culture of the city that is expected by residents and tourists alike. Ask yourself, what Dan street g would Downtown Miami be without Art Basel and the Miami Fitm Festival (one of our partners), a Cam Miam t bringing in thousands of dollars to the area annually and those are only 2 reasons to continue all arts era '255 - i funding. Thank you for your time and consideration. With gratitude, Dana DeltaCamera Director, Arts Downt 3316 Accelerator Inc Developing local film talent to accelerate their careers. Wwwartsaccelerator.org 786- own 7 285-9243 Devel opme nt Author ity BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro 444 ve Brick Annua ell l City Theatre thanks you for your ongoing support of its artists and audiences. I urge you to approve Glad Ram Ave, BFdYge the budget that includes arts and culture funding. These investments are essential for downtown ys irez Miam '25 - Miami's vibrancy, attracting tourism, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs. A thriving arts scene strengthens our economy white fostering a more connected and inclusive community. i, FL Downt 3313 own 1 Devel opme nt Author ity Jean Blac 6830 BH. 5 As you review the 2024-25 budget, we extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support of the kwelt South #1645 arts, which play a vital role in the vibrancy of downtown Miami. Through coltaboARTive's partnership Font west 2 with InterContinental Miami and the Miami Downtown Development Authority, we have been able to 45th Appro significantly enhance the cultural offerings for both residents and visitors. Our weekly Monday night Lane, ve events not only enrich the community but also generate over $54,000 in economic impact, white #9 Annua offering vital career development opportunities for the talented visual artists who call Miami home. Miam l Thank you for championing the Arts and Culture community in Miami -Dade. Together, we are making a First Last Street Agend Nam Nam Addre Public Comment a Item e e ss i FL Budge lasting difference. With appreciation, Jean Blackwell Font Executive Director, Artist & Co -Founder 3315 t FY coltaboARTive 5 '25 - Downt own Devel opme nt Author ity BH. 5 As the Co-founder and Executive Director of FitmGate Miami, one of Florida's premier media nonprofit #1645 organizations, I'm proud to be based in the heart of Downtown Miami. My mother and I also own the 2 4th Floor in the historic Huntington Building, a cherished landmark in the area. As a cultural leader and Appro curator, I am deeply appreciative of the exceptional work the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) 4 - ve does to uplift arts and culture in our city. They understand that arts and culture are the very essence of 168 Annua a vibrant community, and they actively distribute grants for creative activations, legacy support, and SE l provide ongoing marketing assistance to engage residents. This is especially felt this year, since all Alex 1st Budge Florida non profit lost our funding due to the veto by Governor De Santis. As property owners, we've Dilia ande St, t FY witnessed remarkable transformations in the neighborhood. The revitalization of Flagler Street and the na Miam '25 - surrounding areas, including SE 1st Street and NE 2nd Avenue, has been astounding. Today, our i, FL Downt streets are filled with thriving small businesses —shops, pharmacies, yoga and pitates studios, hair 3313 own salons, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars —creating a safer, cleaner, and more dynamic environment. 1 Devel This progress is a testament to the efforts of the DDA's small but dedicated team and their outstanding opme board of directors. White the work continues, as it always does in a growing city, it's crucial that we nt support these initiatives rather than hinder them with unfounded criticisms. Progress thrives on Author collaboration, not on counterproductive opposition. I encourage everyone to participate in DDA ity meetings, whether in person or via Zoom, to truly appreciate the immense progress being made. BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro 325 ve S. Annua Bisca l Clair Taka yne Budge e mats Blvd., t FY As a Downtown Resident, I'm in full support of the great work the DDA is doing for the community. Mar u Miam '25 - a i, FL Downt 3312 own 7 Devel opme nt Author ity Juan Zaldi 220 BH. 5 Arts funding is vital for stimulating economic development, enriching the cultural fabric, and positioning Carl var Merid #1645 Downtown Miami as a vibrant, innovative urban hub. Arts funding is crucial for Downtown Miami for os ian 2 several reasons: 1. **Cultural and Economic Revitalization**: Arts funding helps fuel cultural activities Ave Appro that draw tourists and residents to Downtown Miami, enhancing its economic vitality. This boosts local Miam ve businesses like restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. 2. **Community Engagement**: Public arts Annua projects funded in Downtown Miami contribute to creating inclusive community spaces, fostering a Beac l sense of identity and pride among residents, and encouraging community engagement. 3. **Creative h FL Budge Economy Growth**: By supporting artists and cultural organizations, arts funding helps to develop 3313 t FY Miami's creative economy. This sector includes not only artists but also jobs in design, media, 9 '25 - technology, and events that are integral to urban growth. 4. **Attracting Talent**: A vibrant arts scene Downt makes Miami more appealing to creative professionals and companies. This attracts diverse talent and own fosters innovation, helping the city remain competitive on a global scale. 5. **Social Cohesion and Devel Diversity**: Downtown Miami is a melting pot of cultures. Arts funding allows for the celebration of this opme diversity through performances, festivals, and public art that reflect the city's rich multicultural heritage. nt 6. **Urban Aesthetics and Tourism**: Public art and cultural venues enhance the urban landscape, First Last Street Agend Nam Nam Addre Public Comment a Item e e ss Elliot Mas on Judit Cabr h era 1408 Brick ell Bay Drive, Miam Florid a 3313 1 Author making Downtown Miami a more attractive destination for both locals and tourists. Iconic art ity installations and cultural. events draw significant foot traffic to the area. 7. **Addressing Social. Issues**: Art can be a powerful tool to address social justice issues. Through funded projects, artists can raise awareness about key challenges affecting Miami, such as affordable housing, immigration, and environmental. sustainability, prompting civic dialogue and action. BH. BH - BUDG ET HEART NG N/A BH. 5 #1645 2 Appro ve 19 W Annua Flagle l r St Budge Miam t FY N/A i FL '25 - 3313 Downt 0 own Devel opme nt Author ity End of Report