GO Bond Miami Beach Update
Big changes are coming to North Beach, Miami Beach. As many of you know, the Miami Beach GO Bond was approved by voters in November 2018. This means that 57 projects throughout the city, totaling $439 million in capital improvements, will see fruition/have funding. Of these numerous projects, 12 are specific to North Beach, in addition to 16 city-wide projects that include enhancements in our beloved neighborhood. Funding for these projects is spread over four tranches, ending in 2028.
Miami Beach G.O. Bond Overview
The projects will benefit Miami Beach residents, business owners, financial investors and community leaders. Every resilience-raising initiative/effort will be made for the past, present and future of the city. Projects will increase environmental resilience owing to the impact of climate change on the barrier islands in the form of rising sea levels and stormwater flooding, economic resilience to maintain the financial stability of the neighbors that allowed the GO Bond to be passed, and the societal resilience that crafts a sense of community. Additional benefits include FEMA upgrading the city’s Community Rating to Class 5, which allows for a 25 percent premium flood insurance discount.
Tranche 1 projects will receive the largest amount of funding at $150 million out of the $439 million designated for capital improvements. Projects include the Bayshore Community Park (formally the Par 3) bordering Miami Beach High, as well as initial funding of the 72 nd Street Community complex in North Beach, Miami Beach. The North Shore Park & Youth Center spans 17 acres and consists of a sports complex of 12 newly renovated tennis courts and two fully lit baseball fields. Inside, it boasts an indoor gymnasium, computer lab, dance room, game room, teen room, and auditorium with a sound system for teens, adults and senior citizens to enjoy services and programming. A newly installed sustainable cool roof and a generator will allow the center to function as a city-designated Emergency Operations Activation (EOA) Center in the event of a power outage, and security cameras, lighting and new playground equipment will also be installed. Two additional baseball fields and a jogging path circling the park premises are in the works. Both fields will have artificial turf.
Crespi Park and Stillwater Park
The famously dog-friendly North Beach parks are getting a quick sprucing up by fall thanks to the bond. Stillwater Park and Crespi Park each are comprised of a basketball court, playground, an expansive green space and a covered pavilion. The pavilions and restroom facilities will receive flooring improvements and a new coat of paint. Also slated for upgrades are the high-security perimeter fence structures so they can be more durable and secure. Smart lighting fixtures will also be installed to prevent loitering and trespassing. Residents who favor Crespi Park will delight in a brand-new walking and jogging path.
North Beach Oceanside Park Beachwalk
This will be the last leg of the city’s vision to have a continuous pathway along the beach throughout the entire city. Upon completion, there will be an eight-mile-long beachwalk system to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Improvements to the North Beach Oceanside Park Beachwalk will include an upgraded method of transportation for humans and hatchlings alike. This will be great given the active lifestyle of many in North Beach and surrounding neighborhoods like Bal Harbour and Surfside, who are able to unite at the beachwalk.
Neighborhood tree plantings in Normandy Isle
One of the many benefits of the GO Bond is the effort to bring back the urban tree canopy with well-funded reforestation efforts. One hundred and one new trees will bring new life to the city’s green infrastructure. They will also bring much-appreciated shade and lushness back to Normandy Isle. Check out this city website that shows the specific locations of all of the trees, levels of energy conserved, levels of stormwater filtered, levels of air quality improved and levels of carbon dioxide removed directly related to the trees planted.
Street and sidewalk improvements
Twenty-five percent of the street and sidewalk will be resurfaced and deteriorating sidewalks will be renewed. The goal is to smooth and restore the majority of roads to increase urban resiliency and reduce the consequences of climate-related deterioration. These improvements increase public safety for drivers and provide walkers a smoother path to enjoy the exquisite views of North Beach during morning or evening strolls.
72 nd Community Complex
Fifty-four million dollars of the GO Bond has been allocated to the 72nd Community Complex – the bond’s largest project. For Tranche 1, more than $10 million has been set aside for the 72 nd Street Community Complex. Construction is scheduled to start by 2022, when the balance of the project will be funded. The 72 nd St Community Complex will include an aquatic center, library/media center, a 600-space garage, and an activated liner. Through careful research, it was concluded that a main electrical line running across the site may be moved, allowing for the complex’s design to be stretched across the three-acre site. Additionally, in a July 2009 meeting, the city commission allocated an additional $10 million from the 71st Street Town Center Garage fund to this project. The aquatic center will attract local and global athletes with an Olympic size competition pool and a 25-meter short course/warm up pool, especially in the winter.
For the most recent updates, go to the G.O. Miami Beach website Program Progress Report that is updated daily.
The real estate experts at Urban Resource always have the inside scoop on what’s happening in North Beach, Miami Beach, to help your condo or home sell faster. Let us know if you have any questions about the GO Bond and how it will impact your specific neighborhood. Reach out to today!
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