State of Florida, County and City Commissioners and their aides, as well as key department heads, are regular participants in BHA meetings so that they can address residents’ concerns as they arise. The BHA has been successful in fighting for quality of life issues, and where we have not met with decided victory, we have kept vigilant so BHA views are continually in front of and on the minds of governmental staffers and elected officials. Often when dealing with governmental officials, timetables that initially seem like a matter of weeks easily become a matter of months and years.
2023
January
Successfully led the quarterly Brickell Trash Clean Up initiative, rallying the community to come together and positively impact keeping our neighborhood clean and vibrant. Advocacy for a Special Election at Miami City Hall
Promoted and encouraged voter participation and registration, emphasizing the significance of every individual's voice in shaping the future of our city.
Partnered with OCI ( Office of Capital Improvements) to host a community meeting, providing updates and insights on the progress of the four essential projects in Brickell: Brickell Avenue, Brickell Bay Drive, Brickell Key, and Mary Brickell Village.
February
Successfully hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum for the D2 Special Election, allowing the community to engage with the candidates and make informed decisions.
Organized a productive and insightful Community Walkthrough with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and Commissioner Eileen Higgins. During this walkthrough, we effectively highlighted and addressed the main issues concerning Brickell Avenue and 8th Street, ensuring that our concerns were heard and prioritized.
Held a highly enjoyable and beneficial Social Hour for Networking, allowing members of the community to connect, share ideas, and foster meaningful relationships.
March
Held an informative community meeting about the findings at 77 SE 5th Street with guest speaker William Pestels, who shared the significance of the findings at 77 SE 5th Street. The meeting successfully rallied community members to take action, resulting in a strong presence at the upcoming HEPB Board Meeting on April 4th..
We hosted a membership meeting centered around schools and education, marking a significant milestone for Brickell as we celebrated the opening of Mater Brickell. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss pertinent educational topics and engage in enriching conversations.
We organized a lively Social Hour focusing on networking and voter registration. This event created a platform for community members to establish meaningful connections and promote civic engagement.
April
Held an online webinar that focused on Senate Bill 4-D and the impacts of changes in law. The session shed light on the changes in law and their impact on the community, fostering a better understanding of this legislation.
We celebrated Earth Day with a large community trash cleanup that brought in over 100 residents. This collective effort demonstrated our commitment to preserving and protecting our environment.
Held the 1/3 Lunch and Learn on tackling condo and construction projects
May
Advocated for an increase in police patrol with Commissioner Covo and Chief Morales.
Advocated for better maintenance of the parks, specifically 1814 Brickell Park.
June
We hosted a successful hurricane panel at Novotel Hotel.
Hosted a Lunch and Learn: Hurricane Preparedness
Hosted a webinar on the changes in law compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code requirements.
July
Hosted community meeting with Florida State Representative - District 113 Vicki L. Lopez and Senator Jennifer Bradley to discuss the recent changes in the law.
We celebrated Earth Day community trash cleanup, which brought in over 100 residents. This collective effort demonstrated our commitment to preserving and protecting our environment.
Hosted, organized and sponsored BHA Summer Movie at CMX with Commissioner Higgins
August
Organized and hosted a Coffee and Community event to introduce our new Police Commander to the Brickell community. This event provided an opportunity for community members to meet and engage with the Commander, fostering stronger relationships and enhancing community-police collaboration.
Held a special event at Sexy Fish exclusively for Board Presidents, providing them with valuable insights on the escalating costs associated with luxury condominiums. This event offered a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing to empower Board Presidents in navigating this complex landscape.
September
Conducted a Lunch and Learn session focused on highlighting construction projects. This informative session offered participants a closer look at various construction initiatives in the community, fostering a better understanding of their impact and benefits.
Hosted an event on International Intercostal Clean Up Day, bringing together community members to actively contribute to the preservation of our natural surroundings. This collective effort showcased our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Continued the 2/3 session for Construction Projects, building on the previous Lunch and Learn event. This session provided further insights and strategies for effectively managing construction projects in our community.
October
Organized and hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum specifically for District 2. This event allowed community members to engage directly with candidates, fostering an informed electorate and facilitating essential discussions on local issues.
Hosting a community webinar focused on Condo Terminations, addressing key concerns, and providing information to community members regarding this complex topic. This webinar aims to empower residents with knowledge and understanding.
Preparing for our much-anticipated 2nd Annual Not So Spooky Celebration, a family-friendly event that celebrates the spirit of the season in a fun and safe environment.
November & December
Organized and hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum specifically for District 2. This event allowed community members to engage directly with candidates, fostering an informed electorate and facilitating essential local discussion.
Hosting a community webinar focused on Condo Terminations, addressing key concerns, and providing information to community members regarding this complex topic. This webinar aims to empower residents with knowledge and understanding.
Preparing for our much-anticipated 2nd Annual Not So Spooky Celebration, a family-friendly event that celebrates the spirit of the season in a fun and safe environment.
2022
Requesting Permanent Police resources from Chief Morales. November 2022
Request for Future Notice for Public Right of Way Construction Projects. October 2022
Successfully sought the replacement of the broken cross walks on 17th and 24th and Brickell Avenue. The crosswalks were replaced in October 2022
Collaboration with Commissioner Higgins to support the funding of two new micro playgrounds - renderings to be shown in December 2022
Ongoing monitoring of the archeological site located at 77 SE 5th Street. Here is a meeting we hosted in February 2022.
Ongoing collaboration with Brickell Commander Ellington on a monthly and weekly basis. The Ultra Festival was well policed in March 2022.
Ongoing monitoring and communication of the Mary Brickell Village Drainage Project
Ongoing reporting and following up of the low flying Helicopter Tours
Collaborating with Code Compliance to identify, report, and raise awareness on Noise related issues
Identifying and monitoring worn off crosswalks and reporting to various departments
Advocacy for the continuation of the Underline
Advocacy and awareness on the development of Una Residences
Supported the Miami Impaired Driving Enforcement Project and Speed/Aggressive Driving Enforcement Saturation Patrol Project. January 2022
Creation, implementation, and ongoing Monthly Trash Clean Ups in collaboration with First Miami Presbyterian Church and neighbors
Advocacy on redistricting of D2
2021
Advocacy on Noise pollution | Riverside shut down after ongoing violations
Collaboration with Commissioner Higgins to support the funding of two new micro playgrounds
Scooter Infrastructure Advocacy
Partnership and Collaboration with the Underline
Southside Park redevelopment
Collaboration with Commissioner Russell on vaccine roll out for the elderly in our community
Collaboration with Miami PD on safety related issues
Monitoring the Army Corps of Engineers Seawall Study
Advocacy on the development of Una Residences
Complimentary programs and education for Board and Property Managers
2021 9th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
2020
Superbowl Advocacy and Representation of the Brickell neighborhood. Issues such as noise, traffic and tourism were a topics that were discussed by BHA Representatives and City Officials. 2020
FDOT Brickell Avenue Bridge Updates and Monitoring. 2020
Ongoing COVID-19 updates and coverage.2020
Advocacy for a rezoning of the play-space at the end of 25th Road. 2020
Southside Park redevelopment awareness and updates. 2020
Biscayne Bay Pollution Advocacy. 2020
Monitoring of Army Corps of Engineers Seawall Study. 2020
Advocacy on the 5G takeover. 2020
Brickell Avenue beautification advocacy. 2020
Updates and monitoring of Legislative Law changes and updates
Launch of Urban Core Community Coalition. 2020
Advocacy on the development of Una Residences.2020,2019.
Advocacy of City budget for the NET office. 2020
Free ongoing programs and education for Boards and Property Managers
Mayor Francis Suarez vetos Babylon Zoning Development, August 2019. Commissioner Hardemon and Ken Russell uphold the veto, September 2019.
Removal of Ultra from Virgina Key, May 2019.
Advocated for added school options in the Brickell community with two developments in the works in 2019: Expansion of Southside Elementary to K-8 and addition of public upper school; and a new K-12 charter, Brickell Mater Prep.
Saw the successful transfer of control of residential Brickell Avenue from State-controlled FDOT to local control by City of Miami.
Convinced FDOT to change the danger flashing yellow pedestrian beacon at 18th and Brickell to a pedestrian-activated red light.
A new park for Brickell was opened at 1814 Brickell Avenue. The land was purchased and developed into a park with the efforts of Commissioner Marc Sarnoff who pledged to find more green space for Brickell when he took office in 2007.
Finally convinced FDOT to lower the speed limit on Brickell Avenue from 40 mph to 35 mph after construction is completed on the rehabilitation project in 2012. Efforts to maintain all of Brickell at 30 mph continues.
Secured new modern light poles for ALL of Brickell Avenue as part of the Brickell Avenue resurfacing and rehabilitation project.
Again had to advocate for an accessible polling location in 2010-11 when Brickell residents were moved to Jose Marti Park. An agreement was struck to move the polling location back to UTD Towers in the heart of residential Brickell.
Advocated for the re-landscaping of 15th Road, Broadway, in cooperation with The Rilea Group, and to have a traffic circle installed to improve this unsafe intersection with challenging site lines.
Brickell Avenue Streetscape Plan, was originally conceived and launched by BHA, although several inadequacies in workmanship and design flaws continue to be pursued for improvement.
Successfully held 18 Candidates Forums to give all Brickell residents an opportunity to hear from and address candidates for offices that impact our neighborhood. The October 2009 Forum filled the Museum of Science auditorium with interested residents and candidates.
Persuaded the City to remove the bus benches with advertising panels that stuck out into the sidewalks and were an aesthetic eyesore to our residential neighborhood.
The grouped news racks that were a visual blight collecting trash and offering predominantly non-desirable advertising circulars, were finally removed, overcoming the City’s shoddy attempt at advertising revenue at the cost of community aesthetics.
Thwarted a plan without public input by Metro-Dade Transportation to relocate the Greyhound Bus Terminal to the Brickell area. (2003)
Doggie poop signs installed on Brickell in response to Brickell neighbors’ complaints, BHA articles and request to NET.
Canine Courtesy enforcement and education program launched and funded by BHA in 2008, reinstituted in 2009.
Re-landscaping and planting of SE 25th Road, in cooperation with the developers of The Metropolitan which included benches in mini-park by the bay, underground irrigation, new trees and sod. (ca. 2000)
Advocated for relief from odors from Virginia Key Sewage Treatment Plant, for several years; following the proposed development of Virginia Key. (2009).
Stopped the owner of 1900 Brickell Avenue, a single family residence, from opening commercial establishments at the location, although a new owner continues the same battles with Brickell neighbors despite being in violation of the City’s original granted exceptions. The first prevailed in establishing a doctor’s office, then he wanted a health clinic and a spa which the City denied. He tried to pave over the front yard for a parking lot, and did pretty well do that, erect large, commercial signs and change the original use granted by City covenant. The new owner is in violation of the original variances and waivers and did not put in the promised new trees and landscaping. (1996 and ongoing).
Worked on re-establishing shoreline debris cleaned up by County vessel.
Successfully advocated for exempting condominium associations from commercial garbage supplemental fee, which condos were charged by the City of Miami in its financial crisis. The refund garnered for BHA Condo Associations was in excess of $25,000. (1998)
BHA leaders have been active participants in the Airplane Noise Abatement Task Force for years, working to eliminate the gross noise pollution that has become a major concern for Brickell residents as well as for many homeowners countywide by advocating for flight pattern and pilot procedures changes.
Involved with committee that worked on getting athletic fields on Virginia Key, and for the protection and renewal of Simpson and Alice Wainwright Parks.
Sponsor educational seminars with for property managers and residents.
Brickell Avenue beautification in cooperation with Bristol Tower developer (1996).
Successfully advocated for the relocation of UTD Union meetings at the residential tower, which clogged streets, destroyed median plantings and disrupted the neighborhood ambiance (1994).
Patrolling, signage and enforcement of liter-causing fishermen along Brickell Bay Drive.
Removal of homeless encampment under Rickenbacker Causeway.
Graffiti removal in cooperation with City of Miami whereby BHA reps alert upon first site (ongoing).
Persuaded the County to pass an ordinance outlawing noisy jet ski launches on the north side of Rickenbacker Causeway (1990)
Successful in winning prohibition of advertising lightpole banners on Brickell Avenue from 15th to 25th Roads. (2001)
Arranged for polling site to be moved from north of the Miami River to the Sheraton Brickell Point when it first opened, and subsequently, when it was razed, to Fire Station 4 instead of Jose Marti Park as first decided by the County Elections Dept. (ca. 1990 and again 2005)
Advocated and got Emergency Rescue at Fire Station #4. (ca. 1992)
Successfully took the lead against the building of a memorial for immigrants lost at sea which would have been a traffic hazard at the southwest corner of 26th Road and Brickell Avenue.
Supported the redevelopment of the blighted surrounding area to create Mary Brickell Village.
BHA has built up relationships over the years with the City and County so that whenever anything comes up affecting the Brickell neighborhood, they ask for our input. When a developer or other private interest approaches the City, they often direct them to the BHA first for input on their concept or desire.