Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Miami Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in development with high priority
530 Meridian Avenue affordable housing transfer
The county wants to take over the 34-unit building with homeless-housing covenants; commissioners pushed back, wanting the housing for Miami Beach residents and questioning giving up the reversionary right.
Kith Storefront Renovation and Pedestrian Walk-Up Window
A proposed ice cream walk-up window on 20th Street sparked concerns because the sidewalk is less than six feet wide, which could cause lines to block pedestrians and bicyclists heading to the beach.
Resiliency and Home Elevation Challenges
Property owners across Miami Beach are elevating their homes to combat sea level rise and severe flooding. However, raising houses creates unexpected design conflicts, such as steep driveways, safety hazards when backing onto busy arterial roads like Alton Road, and compliance issues with local zoning codes.
Redevelopment of Normandy Isles Contributing Buildings at 141-145 South Shore Drive
Two small 1953 apartment buildings will be demolished to make way for a modern four-story multifamily building with 14 units.
Emergency Terrazzo Removal and Hotel Restoration at Collins Avenue Hotels
Emergency shoring and foundation work at the Raleigh, Richmond, and South Seas hotels required removing historic terrazzo flooring, which will be carefully replicated.
Multi-Family Infill Development at 935 2nd Street
Residents expressed strong concerns about a new three-story multi-family building proposed on a narrow vacant lot at 935 2nd Street, citing impacts on light, air, privacy, and parking.
Wolfsonian Arts District Expansion and Code Amendments
The Wolfsonian museum is planning a major expansion backed by voter-approved cultural bond funds. To make it happen, the board approved code changes to eliminate parking requirements for museums in the district and allow multi-story rooftop additions.
West Avenue Neighborhood Improvements Public Outreach
Commissioners argued over whether spending roughly $1 million on an outside public relations consultant for the long-running West Avenue construction project is necessary or redundant.
Short-Term to Long-Term Rental Conversion Incentives
The city is exploring financial incentive programs, potentially using North Beach CRA funds, to encourage landlords to convert short-term rental properties into long-term residential leases.
Bank Redevelopment and Pedestrian Safety on Alton Road
Bank of America is replacing its 1974 building and dangerous drive-through lanes with a modern, smaller one-story building, continuous sidewalks, and a public mosaic mural.
San Juan Hotel Redevelopment and Expansion
The owners of the historic San Juan Hotel are moving forward with a major project that restores the Collins Avenue frontage while adding a brand-new five-story building and main hotel drop-off on James Avenue. The plan eliminates previous rooftop variances and relocates loading operations to help ease traffic congestion on Collins Avenue.
West Avenue Redevelopment and Baywalk Expansion
Terra Group is building a stunning 28-story luxury tower at 1250 West Avenue, replacing the old Bikini Hostel. The project includes major public benefits like new over-water baywalk connections and lush landscaping along West Avenue.
Unpermitted Home Additions and Variance Legalization at 3010 Alton Road
The property owner and neighbors clashed heavily over after-the-fact variances for artificial turf, lot coverage, and unit size. Neighbors testified about flooding and unpermitted construction, while the owner cited medical needs and neighbor harassment.
W Hotel Proposed Seating Expansion & Traffic Impacts
W Hotel owners proposed a major interior and exterior renovation, including expanded outdoor lounge space and a new VIP valet drop-off. Neighbors from Roney Palace strongly objected due to severe existing traffic congestion and chronic late-night noise.
Delano Hotel Conditional Use Permit & Sound Management
The newly restored Delano Hotel is seeking permission to operate multiple restaurant, pool, and entertainment venues. Nearby neighbors and the Ritz-Carlton raised serious concerns about potential noise impacts from nightclub-grade outdoor speakers and live entertainment.
North Beach Redevelopment and Hotel Infill at 6945 Abbott Avenue
A developer is replacing an older apartment-hotel with a modern 48-unit boutique hotel featuring a ground-floor cafe and public paseo. While some neighbors worry about construction impacts and drop-off traffic, supporters highlight the project's upscale design and neighborhood revitalization.