Concerns for the future character & the preservation of vital elements of our city - A letter from Herb Sosa

November 15, 2011
 
Esteemed Miami Beach Mayor and Commissioners –
 
I am writing you today as the Chairman of the City of Miami Beach’s Historic Preservation Board, a lifelong preservationist, property owner & resident of Miami Beach, to express some serious concerns I and many others in our community have as to the future character & preservation of vital elements of our city.  More specifically, we have recently witnessed projects affecting the character and integrity of many of our Historic Districts, specifically projects overseen by county & state agencies that I am very concerned about, and I urge your participation, support and involvement to assure our communities needs, quality of life, uniqueness and character is paramount in any/all decisions going forward.
 
Here are some of my immediate concerns:
 
Venetian Causeway bridges:
                There is an FDOT RFP out for a study of the condition of the Venetian Causeway for possible replacement.  As you may be aware, there are 3 levels of local & federal designation/protection of this magnificent collection of bridges that must be respected & considered for any work done – I am concerned that this process may not be followed or overlooked.
 
Improvements to Dade Boulevard:
                Recent discussions of improvements to the roadway, addition of walkway paths, landscaping and a bike path have recently been presented to the H.P. board.  I am very concerned that the character and usage of this area is being overextended and taxed by too many things in too small & a congested area.  Cramming a bike path along what is already a high speed dangerous road is in my opinion, a huge mistake.  Not to mention that I remember a previous plan to bring back a more natural experience for pedestrians & motorists alike, that I believe is being ignored or simply not considered.
 
Improvements to Collins Avenue:
                The upcoming work/improvements to the state roadway, sidewalks, drainage, turn lanes & lighting of course, are always welcome.  My concern here again is the total lack of consideration & engagement with the city & proper channels when working within a nationally & locally designated Historic District. H.P. board was presented with what can only be described as a generic suburban plan, with minimal detailing and consideration to the actual conditions, historic buildings & surroundings, etc.
 
Improvements to Meridian Avenue:
                Again, the improvements to drainage, roadway, sidewalks, crosswalks & landscaping are always welcome, especially in this much needed & traveled roadway.  The issue here was the rubber stamp design that has resulted in intersection crosswalks that do not allow for natural flow of pedestrians, and now, after the fact, a study is being done and appropriate reconstruction & modifications will be done.  The taxpayers pay the first time.  Now the taxpayers will have to pay again to correct a mistake that could have been avoided with communication & interaction with the city, boards & residents.
 
PineTree Drive:
                Our majestic Australian Pines – many of which are nearly 100 years old, date back to John Collins and predate everything built around them, have outlived their 50+ year expectancy and are in danger of falling from decay & years of neglect, and a plan for their future is and must be considered now.  This is a sad and documented fact on one of our more iconic and historically designated roadways.  The unfortunate situation is that the state lists Australian Pines (not from Australia and not a pinetree) as non-native invasive plants and does not allow their replanting.  There are several communities right here in Florida that have successfully lobbied to have them used/replanted…I believe that the urban setting they are currently in does not allow for wild growth of them and qualifies us to seek a variance – but this must come from YOU – the commission.
 
You may think these issues are trivial or not high on anyone’s priority list, but remember this is what most thought of our Art Deco buildings just 4 decades ago, and now look at what they and their beauty and uniqueness have done for our city and its revenue.  I urge you to think about the last time you traveled to another city.  What was your experience as a pedestrian…as a driver… a tourist?  Did you take pictures of a beautiful bridge, roadway, buildings, tree-lined streets, sculptures & public art or maybe a lovely bench or lamp post?

Esthetics, our unique character & locale are all factors that must be considered when designing within our city & its protected districts.  We hold private developers to high standards & review.  We must insist that our city and its visual beauty be protected and prioritized as paramount to any and all major projects planned within our shores.  This will ensure our cities ongoing value, beauty and marketability.  Not only do major projects - Gehry’s New World Symphony, Stern Library, Isozaki museum, Herzog & de Meuron parking structure, Lapidus’ Lincoln Road… & our 13 historic districts - put our city on the global map and a destination for millions, but attention and a high standard to details like our design sensitivity with roadways, public furniture, lighting, signage, maintenance, preservation & sanitation, must be everyones priority and goal ongoing. Please help me achieve this with your political & personal commmitment and support for Miami Beach excellence in design, esthetics & quality of life issues - we will all benefit from this philosphy and practice.
 
Respectfully,
Herb Sosa