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VOTE YES #54 For A Better North Beach

Premier Guide Miami

unnamed-114On November 02, 2015, an important press conference was held in North Beach by community activists, longstanding residents, local businessmen and Developer, Sandor Scher, regarding the Vote Yes #54 campaign (www.ForABetterNorthBeach.com). The main objective of the gathering was to educate and raise awareness about the current circumstances of the dilapidated historic district of Ocean Terrace and Upper Collins Avenue in North Beach before the polls open, Tuesday, November 3rd.

The panelists discussed the dire need and optimistic plans for improvements in Ocean Terrace, a once-thriving section of North Beach between 73rd and 75th streets, which has since fallen into disrepair.

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Some key topics of discussion during the press conference included:

 

  • ·         Creation of over 230 new parking spaces while reducing traffic. Currently there are limited parking spaces in this area.
  • ·         This area will stay a derelict district if improvements aren’t made and the Vote Yes #54 campaign does not pass. There is no “Plan B” for a better tomorrow for the Ocean Terrace neighborhood.
  • ·         Ocean Terrance is currently classified as a state certified high risk crime district. Since the 1980’s crime has dramatically increased in this area, resulting in a progressively rapid decline of business longevity and development (their customers fear parking only a few blocks away just to walk to the stores).
  • ·         There are squatters and drug addicts living in the neglected and condemned buildings.
  • ·         Within the community, there has been a negative and false stance on these development plans and the panelists were shocked how no one from the media has asked any local residents about their perspectives on a brighter North Beach.
  • ·         They are not looking to build more residential buildings and hotel rooms, however they are just looking to increase the size of each existing room which will decrease the numbers rather than inflate the population.
  • ·         Creation of 400 new jobs – specifically to local residents to help improve their quality of living.
  • ·         Restoration and preservation of historic buildings: the panelists are all for historic preservation of the buildings, however they want to stress how every other area in Miami Beach has been revitalized except for this district. If this is passed, the significant historic building facades will remain, and the entire project will be under the restrictions and oversight of the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board.
  • ·         Developer, Sandor Scher is an expert in revitalizing historic districts and buildings including Soho Beach House – which is why his company was specifically hired for this potential project.

 

The following community activists participated in the panel discussion during the press conference: 

 

  • ·         Margueritte Ramos, Normandie Sud Homeowners Association, President, and Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on North Beach Panel Member
  • ·         Mickey Minagorri, Normandy Shores HOA, Past President
  • ·         Carol Housen, North Beach Development Corporation, President & St. Tropez Resident
  • ·         Rick Kendle, North Beach Development Corporation, Board Member, Environmental Attorney
  • ·         Richard Hull, Normandy Shores HOA President
  • ·         Ted Berman, Biscayne Point HOA, President, Past Planning Board Member
  • ·         Michael Rotbart, Biscayne Point HOA Board Member
  • ·         Dr. Ron Loring, Normandy Shores HOA
  • ·         Steven Hurtz, Normandy Shores HOA
  • ·         Joe Holdstrin, Owner of Goldstein’s Deli
  • ·         Brian Goldstein, Owner  Goldstein’s Deli
  • ·         Ana Kasdin, Philanthropist, Educator, Realtor

 

“I encourage Miami Beach voters to vote YES on Ocean Terrace. The developers have worked diligently and successfully to ensure community concerns were addressed. This was an open and very public endeavor, with overwhelming community support from North Beach residents and organizations, the most impacted constituents. There will be no large outdoor entertainment establishments, strict noise restrictions, and no package liquor stores. There will be about 230 new parking spaces added to the area where there are zero parking spaces on the properties today,” says Joy Malakoff, Miami Beach City Commissioner. “Contrary to the misinformation being spread, this project will result in a decrease both in traffic and density compared to what is permissible today, as verified by professional, independent studies. These agreements are contained in a restrictive covenant which runs with the property. In addition, the important historic building facades will remain, and the entire project will be under the restrictions and oversight of the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board once this ballot question passes.  Please vote YES to help responsibly and sensitively revitalize North Beach.”

 

For more information, visit www.ForABetterNorthBeach.com.

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