Reso 2008-1261 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable City Commission May 14, 2008 Page 2 5. The traffic congestion on Collins A venue is caused by development, with lane closures reducing lanes, and not by emergencies as these are few and far between. When development is completed, traffic will return to a normal flow. The issue is about getting grant funding and that is why there is a "perceived" need for a full-time bridge. 6. The serpentine design of the bridge will induce accidents even at low speeds. 7. Congestion is up on Collins A venue, yet fatalities are down; therefore, there is no need for a bridge. 8. High-rise condominiums east of Collins A venue cause these problems because there IS no transportation plan. 9. Need to be assured that construction of this bridge will not have a negative impact on the ecology of the canal. In addition, two (2) economic issues where raised. Mr. Jack Cohen indicated that if the City were to purchase properties currently in foreclosure, directly north from the Porto Bellagio easement, this may be more acceptable to the Winston Towers residents, as the City could then have a straight line bridge and can possibly build a community center on the remnant parcel with the center being used by Winston Towers Residents. Additionally, a Board Member stated that as a barge will not be able to traverse under the proposed bridge, the City needs to address the issue of repairing the seawall. Our Consultant Engineer will work on the issues that were raised relative to noise pollution, hydrocarbon emissions, ecology of the canal, safety design features of the serpentine configuration, how traffic calming devices can pretty much ensure that this bridge will be used mostly by area residents, and accessible for seawall repair. In addition, I am offering a revised resolution which is more focused. I am asking for the authority to commence the process of amending the City's Comprehensive Plan to provide for a full-time vehicular/pedestrian bridge. I know this is not a popular recommendation, but my job is not to be popular; it is to protect the life and property within the corporate limits of Sunny Isles Beach. And, if the ability to enter and leave a typical urban neighborhood is not a life safety issue, then I don't know what is. AJS/iw/pw Attachment cc: Fred Maas, Chief of Police Hans Ottinot, City Attorney Ramon Soria, Marlin Engineering Edwin Mojena, Marlin Engineering Jack Luft, Luft Consulting, Inc. Jack Cohen, Winston Towers Commission - Mtg with Winston Towers Residents 05-08 Memo Final