Welcome to West Avenue Neighborhood Association (WAvNA)
Image: view of West Avenue from above Belle Island. Credit William Mathisen, KW Property Management
JOIN US FOR A WAvNA HAPPY HOUR
When: April 5 @ 6PM - 7.30PM
Where: Whitman's, 959 West Ave
Meet the new WAvNA board along with City Officials who are friends of West Avenue. Enjoy complimentary sliders, beer, and wine from our new neighbor, Whitman's. Find out more about the Phase II project and share your views of our neighborhood so that we can help amplify concerns and share successes with City officials and residents alike.
Some highlights from the Commission meeting included:
Referral to Land Use, to eliminate parking requirements for Citizens Hotel on Alton Road. Passed 7-0, but this is just to approve a referral to discuss this item further. In April, the Commission will vote on an ordinance. (C4C)
Referral, to allow ambient entertainment citywide as-of-right. Passed 5-2, voting “no” Commissioners Rosen-Gonzalez and Samuelian. But this is just to approve a referral to discuss this item further. In April, the Commission will vote on an ordinance. (C4D)
First reading of an ordinance to remove all exceptions of 2 AM alcohol service on West Avenue & Alton Road did not pass. Instead, it was deferred because a new court decision requires we re-work the ordinance. This may require 5 of 7 votes to succeed. (R5N)
Review the proposed permanent loss of 279 parking spaces in the West Avenue Phase II neighborhood as the result of the West Avenue Improvement Project. Passed 7-0, to have the Parking Department study new ways to retain some of the 279 parking spaces. (R7F)
Elevation of the P-24 parking lot at 1671 West Avenue. Voted not to raise the elevation of the parking lot. (R7G)
Update on the West Avenue Project, R9F South Florida Water Management District issues – West Avenue Phase II Improvement Project. Passed a Resolution to have the city lower the proposed road elevation when next to low lying private property. (R9E)
Proposal to add two towers at 710 Alton Road, and to increase maximum allowable F.A.R. and height (from 75 FT to 200 FT). A referral to discuss this further passed 7-0. Click here to view the video of the developers proposal. (R9T)
During the meeting, several West Avenue residents testified on behalf of the West Avenue Neighborhood Phase II Renovation project. Afterwards, Alina Hudak, City Manager, asked for ongoing meetings with local residents Tim Carr, Stephan Ginez, & Bernie Sandoval. The purpose of these meetings is to work more collaboratively on a regular basis to help expedite the Phase II renovation process.
The first meeting took place on 3/16 with Alina Hudak, City Manager; Lester Sola, Assistant City Manager; Jose Gomez, PW Director; David Martinez, CIP Director; and Kevin Pulido, Neighborhood Affairs Manager.
Ongoing Construction at the Bikini Hostel
According to the City, the Bikini Hotel has violated their renovation permit.
Specifically, the following was noted with regard to UNPERMITTED work:
Installation of a wood veneer siding on the north and west elevations of the building, facing 13th Street and West Avenue.
The installation of a concrete wall and what appears to be a bar counter within the carport area on the west side of the site.
Additional concrete bar apparatus within the courtyard area.
The amount of wood deck installed within the courtyard exceeds that which has been approved.
Miami Beach Building officials have issued a stop work order for the property. Additional violations were issued by Code Compliance for modifying the building and property without Design Review Approval. As a result of WAvNA’s persistence, the GC is now working with the City of Miami Beach to address all of the violations and remove the unpermitted walls, counters, bars, exterior siding and decks. Special thanks to Planning Director, Tom Mooney; Building Director Ana Salgueiro, and Commissioners Samuelian and Fernandez for their assistance!
A REMINDER: Quality of Life (QoL)
Use the following contact information to report Quality of Life concerns in our neighborhood.
Loud Music Violations - Call Code Compliance 305-604-2489
Loud Group Noise - Call MBPD Non-Emergency Number 305-673-7900
Building Renovation Concerns/Violations - Call Code/Building Department 305-604-2489
Lastly, if you add the city of Miami Beach App to your phone you can upload a photo, address, & location to REPORT a Concern, such as construction without permits, graffiti on public property, homeless activity, parking enforcement, private property issues, & street and roadway issues.
Breakfast Club: Meet the Expert Alina Hudak, City Manager is the guest speaker at the next Breakfast Club. The meeting will take place on Tuesday March 22 at 8:30 AM at C.A.O Bakery, 1420 Alton Rd. You are encouraged to join the discussion!
