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06-27-1989 Downtown Revitalization Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION WORKSHOP TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 1989 The Downtown Revitalization Workshop of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on Tuesday, June 27, 1989 at the C. Lawton McCall Community Center commencing at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor Courtney Herb Spahn Spero Canton Stephen Loffredo Marty Stofik Also present: Elly F. Johnson William F. Fann Mayor Courtney thanked everybody for attending the meeting $nd asked Ms. Pat Dahne to proceed with the presentation. Ms. Dahne asked the board members that were present to Introduce themselves. Those present are as follows: Pat Dahne William Perry Katie Saiow Donald Saltzburg Alfred Tirelia Also present Barbara Witte, Project Manager Richard Howard, Business Assoc. President Ms. Witte presented a slide show regarding downtown revitalization In Miami Shores and around the country. Ms. Saiow stated that the malls present the biggest competition and that Miami Shores can learn alot about what to do to attract customers. She said downtown needs to be more pedestrian friendly. Mr. Loffredo discussed shade trees and the closing of side streets to make a pedestrian plaza. Ms. Stofik discussed the problem of crossing NE 2nd Avenue and landscaping down the side streets. Mr. Canton spoke about lighting and colors for downtown. He also spoke about widening the sidewalks and narrowing the street. Mr. Loffredo stated that he was opposed to a median In the middle of 2nd Avenue. Mr. Johnson stated that any changes will need to be approved by Metro Dade and the Board will need to have a plan to present to the County. Ms. Saiow stated that a master plan Is needed. Ms. Witte spoke about promotion and developing a unified promotion for downtown. Mr. Perry spoke about economic restructuring. He said a better match between businesses and residents Is needed. Mr. Perry spoke about a survey that is being developed and about the different types of businesses that are currently downtown. He said Building and Zoning Is very Important downtown and that close cooperation with the Zoning Department at Village Hall is needed. Mr. Perry stated that with early communication new businesses can be helped to succeed. Mr. Loffredo stated that the Village doesn't enforce their codes enough. Mr. Canton suggested a packet for prospective new businesses on how to open a new business in Miami Shores. He said it would contain procedures and a course of events of what a person should do to open a business. Ms. Stofik asked whether Ms. Witte could be notified when a permit Is granted for a downtown property. Mr. Johnson stated that his staff has been Instructed to notify Downtown Revitalization when a permit Is given. Mr. Canton suggested an ordinance that requires new businesses to comply with the style of business for downtown. Ms. Stofik stated that there are areas in downtown that are In violation of Miami Shores codes and Code Enforcement needs to work with The Downtown Revitalization Board. Mr. Johnson stated that he would arrange to have a code enforcement officer work with the Board and walk downtown to view the situation. Ms. Stofik asked about recruitment of new business. Mr. Perry replied that stabilization of what Is currently downtown Is necessary first. Detailed discussion ensued between the Council and Mr. Fann regarding the new tenant In the bakery downtown. The discussion revolved around her type of business and code enforcement. Ms. Witte stated that the Downtown Revitalization Board Is going to need new and up -dated codes in order to Improve downtown. Mr. Canton stated that when a business moves out a lower quality business with less appeal to Miami Shores residents moves In. Mr. Perry suggested that prospective businesses go through the Zoning Board before they can open. He went on to say that Miami Shores needs a Special District Code to prevent undesirable businesses downtown. Mr. Spahn suggested that the Board look at a few Special District Codes from different cities and bring their Ideas to the Council for a Miami Shores code. Mr. Loffredo suggested that the Board streamline existing codes from other cities and bring the results to the Council quickly. Mr. Canton asked that a report be given to the Council from the Code Enforcement sweep of downtown. Ms. Stofik suggested soliciting people to purchase downtown buildings where the current owners are not willing to cooperate with the Downtown Revitalization Board. Ms. Dahne stated that what the Board Is looking for Is support from the Council In continuing their projects.. Mr. Terrell Chambers, a Miami Shores Resident, suggested signs letting people know about 15 minute free parking. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.. Attest: Elly F. Johnson Village Clerk By: Sti" 4 Scott W. Davis Deputy Village Clerk