‘Quotes of Note’
By Bari Auerbach

Putting proactive words into action, Sunny Isles Beach city officials, concerned citizens and business owners are working together to make the city an even better place to live, work and play. Here are just some recent “notable, quotable” statements highlighting productive initiatives, positive change and continued progress...

“It is my pleasure and privilege as Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, to report to you, the citizens of our wonderful city, that the state of the city’s financial condition is very secure and strong.” Mayor Norman S. Edelcup
Mayor Edelcup’s optimistic observation about “prosperity” in Sunny Isles Beach is evidenced by a $1 billion tax base increase (reaching $4.8 billion). While property values are on the rise, residents still benefit from one of the lowest tax rates in Miami-Dade: $2.95 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value.

“It takes time to get everything done...We definitely don’t want to close Rascal House until we are ready to build the new building.” Jason Starkman, owner
If the sign that used to display catchy sayings was still up in front of the Rascal House, it might feature this quote from Mayor Norman S. Edelcup referencing the renaissance taking place in the city: “Things change!” The site of the landmark restaurant is slated for redevelopment and may soon feature a new residential complex and gourmet market. But for at least the next year, everyone can still enjoy the famous deli food and one-of-a-kind ambiance that have kept customers coming from all over the world since 1954.
“I think we are a ‘Riviera’ - and we’ll expand what we have…This is the beginning of what Sunny Isles Beach is really all about.” Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler
To promote an upscale image for Sunny Isles Beach, the City Commission voted in favor of a new city slogan: “Florida’s Riviera.” And now, good news about the city’s renaissance will be spreading even faster thanks to a partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. The GMCVB is an internationally recognized entity with links to various marketing groups and international travelers that can amplify the city’s identity as a preferred tourist destination to potential tourists and business people.

Marketing initiatives for the city also include the creation of a video highlighting the enviable attributes of “Florida’s Riviera”; and a book entitled “From Sandbar to Sophistication: The Story of Sunny Isles Beach” by historian/author Seth Bramson.

The book is scheduled for publication in March, shortly before the city celebrates its 10th anniversary since incorporating in 1997.

Just recently, listeners across the country heard all about the Sunny Isles Beach success story when Bramson was a guest, along with Mayor Edelcup and Sen. Gwen Margolis, on the nationally syndicated “Travel Today” radio show hosted by Peter Greenberg broadcasting from Acqualina.

“Thank you members of the City Commission] for your understanding of the need for Sunny Isles Beach to have a school.” Bob Welsh, Chair of Education/Schools Committee

At the Feb. 15 City Commission meeting, the team constructing the new Miami-Dade Public School coming to Sunny Isles Beach presented a status report, noting the school is expected to open on schedule by August, 2008.

The school will feature pre-K through 8th grade classrooms, an administration building, dual purpose auditorium/cafeteria, media center, music, art and theater rooms and a computer lab. Physical education facilities will be expanded into the active park located adjacent to the school on North Bay Road; and a four-story garage will accommodate approximately 135 parking spaces.

“The more parks and beach accesses there are - the more valuable [homes will be].”
Cliff Schulman, land use attorney

Enhancing Sunny Isles Beach with more open green space has become one of the City Commission’s major goals. Resolutions were recently approved naming four city parks...The park at 17200 Collins Avenue was officially christened “Town Center Park”; the park at 215 191st Terrace will be known as “Golden Shores Park”; the park coming to 19200 Collins Avenue will be named “Heritage Park” in honor of the city’s historical legacy; and the active park coming to North Bay Road, featuring a little league baseball field, will take flight as “Pelican Park.” The city has also purchased a one acre site for a park at the southwest corner of Sunny Isles Boulevard.

“We want to avoid sign pollution.” Commissioner Danny Iglesias

A “sign of the times” highlighting change for the better in Sunny Isles Beach is the city’s commitment to ensure businesses have upscale, uniform signage. Regulations were created based in part on model sign ordinances adopted by Coral Springs and Weston. At the Feb. 16 City Commission meeting, it was noted merchants will be allowed to utilize 20 percent of window space for signage inclusive of the use of monitors for video marketing presentations.

New signs will also soon be making a “grand entrance” to designate the entrances to Pier Park, Town Center Park, and Sen. Gwen Margolis Park plus various communities including Arlen House, Winston Towers, and Golden Shores.
“We have little tolerance [for unsafe buildings] and will take an aggressive approach to cleaning up the city...We want to make Sunny Isles Beach a luxury community and have to take these steps to pursue what’s necessary for unsafe structures or abandoned buildings to be either fixed up or torn down.” Mayor Norman S. Edelcup
In the wake of Hurricane Wilma, Sunny Isles Beach adopted stricter codes pertaining to damaged and dilapidated structures in the city. “We’re sending a strong message to owners that they need to keep properties in tip top shape,” Mayor Edelcup said. “The city [with assistance from building official Clay Parker] will be enforcing its ordinances to make those buildings either come into compliance or come down.”

With the goal to secure construction sites and create safe windows and balcony railings in condominiums that sustained hurricane damage, the city has also instituted fines if necessary steps to come into compliance are not taken within specified time frames. In certain cases, fines will be waived if valid reasons for non-compliance can be provided.

“Get Out and Get Active!” Sylvia Flores, Administrative Assistant to Director, CHS

The city’s Cultural and Human Services Department, led by director Susan Simpson, is always planning something enriching and fun for everyone. Just some of the winter/spring season activities include the following programs:

Recreational basketball for children ages 5 through 16; recreational cheerleading for ages 5 through 14; “Kidokinetics” - a sports program tailored for toddlers; and for older residents, Tai Chi, is offered to adults (anyone over the age of 18) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Government Center; and a Walking Club that meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Samson Oceanfront Park.
“I commend our Police Department for doing an excellent job monitoring our traffic and enforcing the law.” Commissioner Gerry Goodman
The City Commission’s goal to improve traffic conditions is being supported by the Traffic and Safety Committee of the Mayor’s Advisory Council. The Committee meets monthly at Government Center to discuss traffic conditions with representatives from the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department and agencies such as the Department of Transportation.
At a City Commission workshop held on Feb. 15, preliminary sub-regional transportation plans were presented for coastal barrier islands from the Miami-Dade county line to South Beach. Based on studies of travel, short and long-term solutions to help alleviate traffic congestion are being developed. Plans include consolidating Metro bus routes for more efficiency; and encouraging more motorists to utilize public transportation.
Comm. Danny Iglesias, an engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation, was also recently pleased to announce that in an effort to enhance roadway configurations on Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard, FDOT has approved the allocation of $3 million. FODT has also agreed to provide “local fund reimbursement” so that improvements can coincide with construction work being done by developers.
“This [ordinance will help] protect the general public against accidental falls into the water that can lead to injury or even death.” Commissioner Roslyn Brezin
Agreeing its better not to wait for accidents to happen, last year the City Commission passed an ordinance requiring commercial marina owners and operators within city limits to install and maintain a safety fence or railing lining the perimeter of all docks located adjacent to a walkway.
“The city is cognizant of what is best for the people and we’re working with developers to see what improvements can be made - not just for a [particular] site – but for a better city for all residents.” Mayor Norman S. Edelcup
From more parks and green space – to beach access points, streetscape enhancements and art in public places, zoning codes established by the city help ensure developers give back to Sunny Isles Beach in aesthetically pleasing ways. Examples of “win-win” windows of opportunity for mutually beneficial benefits include the city’s new Town Center Park – created as a result of transfer of development rights (TDR’s); and a million dollar donation to the city’s new public school slated to open in 2008.
“Even with the turn-down of the housing market, Sunny Isles Beach continues to move along and continues to grow.” Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler

Luxurious new properties are perpetually on the rise in Sunny Isles Beach, along with the city’s tax base. And now, beyond the transformation taking place on the east side of Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard will soon have an upscale image as well thanks to desirable new developments recently approved by the City Commission.

In an article featured in South Florida CEO, Mayor Edelcup notes, "Our philosophy has been to build tall and skinny buildings with wide view corridors...We believe this approach is better than having short and squat buildings that block the ocean views. This approach is working well for us."

“Remember, property can be replaced and vehicles can be fixed but NO ONE, NO ONE, can replace a lost life. Call the police and be a GOOD WITNESS!!” Police Chief Fred Maas

Police Chief Fred Maas routinely writes columns in the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper advocating citizen involvement in crime prevention programs. Since the Police Department became operational, crime statistics have dropped dramatically thanks in part to community policing outreach initiatives and according to Chief Maas, “The unequivocal devotion given by my command staff at the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department...I will assure you that you will not find a more dedicated, hard working, caring and loyal support staff than currently in place.”

“I think people won’t just contemplate moving to Sunny Isles Beach – they’ll aspire to live here.” City Manager John Szerlag

Sharing his “10-year prophecy” for the city, City Manager John Szerlag noted, “I envision Sunny Isles Beach being completely built-out with development on the west side of Collins compatible with development on the east side of Collins and in line with the community’s demographics. I’m sure there will be a strong infrastructure in place…the school will be open; park land will be developed; and a culture of responsive professionalism will continue to thrive at Government Center.”

“It’s the equivalent of owning everything on Fifth Avenue from 52nd to 57th Street.” Donald J. Trump

You don’t have to be an “apprentice” to know that when Donald J. Trump invests in real estate, he knows what he’s doing! Recognizing the potential of Sunny Isles Beach early on, Trump partnered with the Dezer family to build the luxurious Trump developments on the east side of Collins Avenue. “With virtually no remaining prime oceanfront property in Florida, there is no doubt that these [towers] are going to be a great success,” Trump said.

“This Commission, with heart and soul, has opened its ears to the minds and wishes of Sunny Isles Beach citizens.” Henry Kay, resident
“I congratulate [this Commission] on the sincerity and depth in which you’ve put into trying to make this city the best to live in.” Herb Abramson, resident

The Sunny Isles Beach City Commission has earned praise for “putting the people first” from appreciative residents. At regular City Commission meetings held at Government Center, residents have the opportunity to express their viewpoints on issues relating to the good and welfare of the community.

In keeping with the Commission’s desire for resident involvement, Comm. Gerry Goodman has noted, “With the ongoing support and help from you, our resident citizens, we shall succeed in making this city everything we want it to be.” Comm. Roslyn Brezin added, “We have an excellent staff to work with at Government Center… It starts with citizen requests. Make your needs known.”

One of Mayor Edelcup’s most notable quotes sums up the sentiments of his colleagues at Government Center: “On behalf of your City Commission, Police Department, City Staff and myself, we pledge our continued loyalty and dedication to the citizens of Sunny Isles Beach. By working together, we will continue to raise the quality of life for the residents in our community and to make our city known throughout the world as Sunny Isles Beach – Florida’s Riviera.”

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