June Membership Meeting Recap
On June 2nd, we hosted our monthly membership meeting at Toscana Divino. The room was full of board members, property managers, associate members, and city elected leaders. During our meeting, we received an update from Commander Ellington, Nora from Commissioner Higgins office, Commissioner Russell, and the Department of Public Works. Our newest Chair of Condominiums and Construction, Jason R. de Cruz gave us a recap of the takeaways from the 88 page bill on SB 4-D, you can find a recap here.
Commander Ellington Updates:
Homelessness is not a crime but aggressive panhandling can be reported. If you see an issue or if a homeless person needs help please contact the police department to report them. Commander Ellington and her team will offer services to the individual and do their best to help them. Individuals are allowed to decline services.
Bicycles are being stolen from condominiums, and garages, and other areas of easy access. Commander Ellington reminded us to always lock up your belongings and report all illegal activities to the police department.
The Miami PD is working on a detail to get reckless drivers off our streets, you can see the news story here. So far the Brickell PD has issued 500 + tickets in our neighborhood.
A resident inquired about Dog Poop down S Miami Avenue and 13th Street and the Commander was not aware of the issue but added it to her agenda and follow up item.
To report loud music please call (305) 579-6111 or the after-hours hotline outside of normal business hours (786) 457-0995
To report illegal water activities please call (305) 579-6111
Commissioner Ken Russell
For decades the City of Miami has envisioned a 5-mile waterfront trail that will connect along Biscayne Bay from Margaret Place Park in Edgewater around Brickell Key and eventually to Brickell Bay Drive in Brickell. However, there are a few private businesses that have prevented the public use of their baywalk. Commissioner Russell is working with these entities to open up the baywalk and ensure the use for all.
Allen Morris Brickell Park is still closed and the membership has asked Commissioner Russell to open it back up. Commissioner Russell stated that he will look into it and get back to us.
Over 100 water pumps have been installed to help prevent flooding. Over the weekend, the pumps were not enough to contain the flooding.
Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Urban Core Projects
The Downtown Micro-mobility Network broke ground in May 2021. The project is bringing protected bike lanes to Downtown Miami's busiest streets. The final system will include a variety of protection elements such as concrete curbs, planters, and other unique barriers to keep residents safe. We look forward to the project's completion by Fall 2022. The network is part of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's bike master plan which will eventually connect to the the Venetian Causeway and Brickell in the effort to make our county cyclist and pedestrian friendly.
There are two green spaces coming to downtown: the Downtown Dog Spot and the Brickell Micro Playground. We obtained the funding to design and create the long-envisioned Dog Spot underneath the First Street Metromover station and a children’s playground in the space next to the 5th street Metromover station. Additional green space will transform the way our parents, children, and pets interact with their neighbors and surroundings. Both spaces will have a range of safety features, interactive equipment, and seating to socialize. Stay tuned for community meetings this Summer to learn about the designs and project timelines. The Dog Spot is set to break ground in Fall 2022.
Pedestrian Safety
With the growth of Brickell & Downtown pedestrian safety is more important as we evolve out of our cars. The pedestrian scramble on 8th Street and Brickell Avenue was envisioned by the Miami Dade Transportation Planning Organization and implemented by FDOT to enhance and prioritize pedestrian safety and mobility at the intersection.
8th Street and Brickell Bay Drive: Miami Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works recommended improvements to include modifying the left turn phasing to protected left turn. These improvements were presented to the TPO for funding and granted the approvals to begin the design/procurement process.
Hector Badia, Assistant Director of the Office of Capital Improvements
The repavement of the roads on (SE 11TH ST and Brickell Plaza) and (SW 11TH ST and S. Miami Ave) is not yet completed.
The crosswalks on Brickell Ave and 17 and 24th are not part of the sidewalk restoration plan and they will be repaired in a future project.
The Brickell Homeowners Association thanks our members for their attendance and engagement. A special thanks to Commissioner Higgins, Commander Ellington, Commissioner Ken Russell, Toscana Divino, Jason Rogers-da Cruz, and the Siegfried | Rivera team.