‘Beach Walk talk’
Citizens share differing views at Town Hall meeting
By Bari Auerbach

The issue of whether or not an oceanfront Beach Walk would be a desirable community amenity was recently the topic of discussion as citizens for and against the concept packed a Town Hall meeting sponsored by the Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust.

Trust president Herbert Abramson welcomed all in attendance, noting, “This meeting [was scheduled] to bring to you the facts concerning the proposed Beach Walk; and try to inform residents of Sunny Isles Beach about planning stage proposals…It’s important for all of us - and particularly the City Commission [to get] your input.”

Explaining the purpose of the Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust, Abramson said, “We are a 501C3 non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of being the catalyst for desired projects that will enhance the lifestyle and quality of life for all of us in Sunny Isles Beach…We’ve [spearheaded] projects such as the landscaping of Collins Avenue medians; we have proposed a bike path; a chamber of commerce or marketing council; a theater of the performing arts; and this Beach Walk…the Trust is composed of dedicated people who have donated and lent their skills and time for these purposes gratuitously.”

Talking Points
During the Town Hall meeting, many residents who live in condominiums on the east side of Collins Avenue voiced opposition to the Beach Walk. Those speaking in favor of the Beach Walk were primarily residents of Winston Towers on the west side of Collins Avenue.

A majority of residents present at the meeting who live on the east side of Collins Avenue have joined the recently formed Sunny Isles Beach Coalition of Concerned Citizens led by president Alexander Fusco – not to be confused with the previously established Sunny Isles Beach Citizens’ Coalition, represented by president Henry Kay.

“We formed the Sunny Isles Beach Coalition of Concerned Citizens [because] we have not been heard in the past,” Fusco said. “We intend to be organized. There are presently 1,500 dues paying members…We’re looking for members not just from the east side but from the west as well. More and more of our unit owners are becoming primary residents in Sunny Isles Beach.”

The following synopsis includes excerpts from speakers’ presentations regarding the proposed Beach Walk:

City Manager Christopher Russo
“Let me try to put things into perspective [regarding the Beach Walk] process and cost issues,” Russo said, “First of all, the [Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust] has had three meetings [about the Beach Walk]; and the only assistance from the city directly was to have the city’s landscape artist [Bill O’Leary] do some conceptual drawings for them…That has been the extent of it.

“This is the very beginning of this process. At some point, the Trust has to make a recommendation to the City Commission [as to] whether or not they want to go forward with this project…At that point, the City Commission has to make a decision to buy into it…And then - make a decision [as to] whether or not they want to vote and accept it and move forward directly or whether or not they want to have a referendum on the issue…In either case, what the next step would be, once the City Commission receives this project, is for us to do a real set of plans for this that have the details in it and then get a professional cost estimate through the efforts of both our consulting landscape architect and our capital projects director. Then we would have the facts on specifically what we’re talking about to be proposed - and then the City Commission can make an ultimate decision.

“At the point we have the real cost estimate, then we can go to ‘the other side of the coin.’ How much money do we have for this project? The city has a certain amount of funds in what’s called a bonus enhancement program – which is monies that have to be used for beach enhancement purposes…By the time this would come before [the City Commission] maybe there would be one half to three quarters of a million dollars [available in the bonus enhancement program to be used for the Beach Walk]. The Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) has roughly about a $250,000 grant floating around that can be used…We could [also] apply to the county’s ‘Millennium’ bond issue for funding…[This would] certainly be based on what the real cost estimate [of the Beach Walk] is…We would have to make up the difference one way or the other - either through additional grants, funding or bonding for it…We can’t determine this until we get some real numbers.”

Regarding permitting aspects, Russo noted, “This process would require permitting and permission from the Miami-Dade County Department of Parks and Recreation; the Miami-Dade County Commission; Department of Environmental Resource Management, the Army Corps of Engineers and probably the Department of Environmental Protection.”

Bill O’Leary, landscape architect
Bill O’Leary, the landscape architect retained by the City of Sunny Isles Beach for numerous beautification projects, explained, “This so-called [Beach Walk] plan is very conceptual…there is nothing cast in stone. It is proposed as a Beach Walk – [with parameters being] the Thunderbird [as the] northern limit and the Tropicana to the south. It’s intended to be a meandering walkway path/pedestrian area made out of crushed shells or a material similar to that…We cannot go and start introducing things like concrete on the beach itself.

“The land [The Beach Walk could] be built on - if it’s built - is not city or private property – it’s actually state lands in the jurisdiction of state and county environmental agencies. The entire concept is merely a meandering pathway with the introduction of some palm trees so it is not a totally stark, uninviting area. And the palm trees [would be] placed in such a fashion where there is a very substantial separation between them. [They would be] coconut palms because they’re one of the few palms that can survive in that environment…[The palms would be] placed between 50 and 80 feet apart so there would be no blocking of views of the water of any kind. But we want to introduce [palm trees] because there’s a need to create some kind of shade and an inviting area to the walkway itself. At the base of some of these palms, [there could be] some very low plants growing no higher than three feet in select areas.”

“There are obviously some areas where there isn’t sufficient beach…you can’t put [the Beach Walk] where you don’t have the physical room…It’s my understanding that some of the eastern borders of condos are not in a straight line…It may be that some areas behind some buildings just can’t accommodate it - but we haven’t completed the study.”

O’Leary reiterated, “Again - the whole idea is that the pedestrian has the ability to walk in this area on a surface where they don’t sink into the sand itself; and to create a very pleasant walkway and environment…[The Beach Walk would be] placed as close to the eastern edge of property lines as possible - so we’re not going to go way out towards the beach itself…[This is] a very simple concept that we think will enhance the area…The width [of the Beach Walk] would probably be eight feet wide so people could pass each other and not create a problem. We haven’t established a budget yet at this point. It’s a very simple concept from a landscape and design standpoint.”

Maryann Eicke, Plaza of the Americas resident
“I would ask that we ‘kill’ this program…I tried to keep an open mind - but we are not Bal Harbour - they have a much wider [beach] area…I think the most valuable thing we have is the beach and I really don’t want to see that change. I spoke with a lot of residents who voiced their concern about this and they said they didn’t want it. I want to preserve our beaches.”

Irving Turetsky, Winston Towers resident
“I am currently the president of the Winston Towers master complex comprising all seven buildings. At our last meeting it was suggested we have the Beach Walk - and I myself am in favor of it.”

Gil Dezer, developer of Trump Grande Ocean Resort & Residences
“Speaking as a land owner in Sunny Isles Beach, I’d like to thank [the Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust] for a job well done. [They’ve] put a lot of effort into what they’ve shown us…[Now] we should start talking about the facts.

“The landscape architect mentioned [the Beach Walk would be] made of shards of seashells and it’s going to be a meandering path on the border of the property line…The shards of seashells are going to turn into ‘missiles’ come the next hurricane which will go flying all over the place and cost another fortune to replace…We’re not allowed to have lights because turtles in the mating season go towards the light - so this path at night wouldn’t be lit, which is a security issue. Although I appreciate everyone putting their time and effort into this - I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Gloria Taft, Winston Towers resident
“A [Beach Walk] would provide us with the safest and healthiest environment for walking because it is free from traffic, noise and pollution that we see along Collins Avenue and other side streets. A Beach Walk would the safest venue for everyone to achieve physical fitness through brisk walking, running and jogging. This would provide us with a clean, safe surface where the beauty of the ocean and cool ocean breeze can be enjoyed.”

Henry Kay, president of SIB Citizens’ Coalition
“The use of the beach must be unrestricted - it can’t be restricted to one group or another. Beautification is very significant because whether it’s your property or mine, beautification brings everyone’s property to a greater value…There have been close to 2,000 signatures on petitions signed by people in favor of the Beach Walk.”

Montgomery Bannerman, Oceania resident
“[My] field of expertise is designing networks and structures that will survive natural catastrophes. I don’t see how this Beach Walk will improve the aesthetics or property values of our community…I see it exhibiting none of the attributes indicating it would survive a hurricane like Francis or [one stronger than] that…It will be costly to implement and…once it’s in we can’t get rid of it and we’re stuck with the maintenance bills. It does nothing for us and just creates a long term liability.”

Harvey Bush, Oceania resident
“My wife and I are very much against this project. We want to thank the Mayor and Commissioners for everything they’ve done to make the city so beautiful…We are in the best city; we have the best beach; and there is no reason in the world to disturb this wonderful, natural beauty. Why put in a man-made structure like the Beach Walk? We are fearful of the filth and crime the Beach Walk [could] bring, We’re very fearful of the future cost of the security, [maintenance], repairs and replacements [needed due to] hurricanes. There is also no reason in the world there should be an issue that causes the kind of division between people who live on the beach and people who don’t…Please don’t divide the beach and please don’t divide us.”

Phillip Chernoff, Winston Towers resident
“My main concern is health. I was a walker and when I gave it up a year and a half ago I had a severe heart attack - severe enough that I almost died. My doctor said, ‘Walk a mile a day before you drive the car.’ I’ve been wanting to have this Beach Walk for health [reasons]. This is essentially a matter of health and convenience for those who cannot walk elsewhere.”

George Newman, Winston Towers resident
“I am in favor of the [Beach Walk]. I have participated in walking…there is a lot of pleasure [derived] from walking and I hope [those in favor of the Beach Walk] win out.”

Jack Cohen, Winston Towers 700 president
“As we are all aware, there is a conflict between the homeowners on the east side and west side of Collins Avenue, with many different petitions being circulated. I propose for this issue to be resolved democratically and the [Beach Walk] project be put on the ballot and be taken to a vote at the time of the next city election. Let the homeowners and the tax payers decide it. The majority will prevail. I heard rumors this project will cost between $6-8 million dollars to build.”

Casey Gabor, Winston Towers resident
“Before these buildings you could jog on Collins and other streets – today you can’t…The beach is a public property belonging to everyone…Bal Harbour has a Beach Walk…we went to the police and [obtained] the report [from] Bal Harbour and they say there is no more crime.”

Ron Singer, Ocean II president
“I think we should look at the beach first…there is no beach at all. When was the last time you walked on it? How many feet from the dunes to where the water is? The people from the west are welcome but we don’t want to add a Beach Walk to our beach - there are already beach access [points].”

Murray Gold, Winston Towers 700 vice president
“As the former executive director of the Hotel Association of Miami Beach, I had 160 hotels under my jurisdiction. The people have to vote and the majority rules. We are all one family in Sunny Isles Beach…These people in business are hurting…they need business and tourism. Miami Beach and towns along Collins have built Beach Walks…There is no more or no less crime…There should be a vote. The people need access to enjoy the beach…it doesn’t matter which side [they live on]. I’m in favor of the Beach Walk.”

Ida Wallman, Winston Towers resident
“[A Beach Walk] would make it easier for wheelchairs, baby carriages and people with canes who are handicapped. Anything that helps the handicapped should be considered because we are citizens of Sunny Isles Beach too.”

Marsha Greenstein, Ocean II resident
“I like to walk but I do not want a Beach Walk…I think maybe we should take this money and build a facility with a walking track inside where people with wheelchairs and who are handicapped don’t have the problem of getting down to the beach.”

Michael Kessler, Millennium president
“We should not let this disintegrate into a class struggle because that’s not the idea from either side. I think we should all be open minded to the potential benefits and potential negative effects of the Beach Walk. I travel extensively and train athletes in rehabilitation. Health and exercise is one of my special fields. A crushed shell type of Beach Walk is not much more conducive to walking or running…We have rehab patients walk in sand…It’s a positive and healthy way to walk slower and more carefully. If we work together, we may find better uses for our time, money and effort. Let’s get together on something we can perhaps agree more on that would have a great benefit to our community.”

Irving Diamond, Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade president
“Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade’s 423 members are on record saying we wholeheartedly support the creation of the proposed Beach Walk,” Diamond wrote in a letter read out loud by Joe Masters during the Town Hall meeting. “At our last [Concerned Citizens] meeting, many members signed the petition for the Beach Walk and continue to do so. Furthermore, at last meeting of the Winston Towers complex association, the board voted unanimously to support the proposed Beach Walk. It would be a most welcome addition to our ‘City of Sun and Sea.’”

Hal Rosenstein, Oceania resident
“It’s my understanding that the Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust wants to emulate the Beach Walks of Bal Harbour and Surfside. There is a big difference between the proposed walk of Sunny Isles Beach compared to those communities. In Bal Harbour and Surfside, the dunes create a natural barrier between the walk and the beach. In Sunny Isles Beach, as far as I know, there will be no natural barrier…Last night, I saw pictures of buildings in Bal Harbour that have put up chain link fences with barbed wire to keep out undesirables. Do we want that in our community?”

Alexander Fusco, president of SIB Coalition of Concerned Citizens
“The limited resources that would be used for this Beach Walk should be really concentrated on something that benefits the entire community…The most important thing about the beach is that it shouldn’t have anything man-made east of the dunes…I hope the Winston Towers people consider our feelings and fears so that they won’t divide the city - east against west. [The Sunny Isles Beach Coalition of Concerned Citizens is] not going away. We will be organized and thousands strong; and we will oppose anything that is going to be a detriment to our quality of life - and to our property values.”

Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas
“For six and a half years, this Police Department has served the east, west, north and south sides of Sunny Isles Beach – we are ‘a-political.’ It is not my position nor the Police Department’s position to speculate or make conjecture…I can assure you whichever way the decision goes - whether [the Beach Walk is] built or not built, the Police Department’s position will be only to carry out the desires of both the city officials and the citizens and to protect them whether it’s built or not built.”

Brian Flynn, Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management
“We don’t necessarily have to have a Beach Walk running through the middle of the beach. The other thing I want to point out is…in Sunny Isles the beach is your biggest asset and I’m glad to see the concern. Let’s not make this a polarizing issue. There is a middle ground. I think things can be done that will benefit the beach; aesthetically enhance it; make it more usable for everybody; and help keep the beach there - which is what I think everybody here wants.

“[DERM] administers the beach erosion control program for the county - including Sunny Isles Beach…What we’re looking at is strictly what would be best for the beach in terms of beach erosion control. We’re a strong advocate of having some sort of beach vegetation…If you look at areas in central Florida hit by hurricanes, the areas that had dunes in front of them fared a lot better than areas that didn’t…That’s one of the reasons why in the 1980’s we constructed the dune projects on Miami Beach…We did a dune vegetation project on Key Biscayne…When we had areas where the beach control line was way out from the seawall, we worked with the private property owners, decided where and how it would best work in that area - and it turned out to be a beautiful project. So don’t let the fact that there’s a property line sticking 50 or 60 feet out from the seawall deter you from considering options that you might have.”

Mercedes Cantrell, Sands Pointe president
“I have spent hours putting together pictures…The first picture you see is Bal Harbour - it depicts how wide their beach is…They have a great big span of beach - which we do not have. The second picture shows you the compressed coral rock and the seashells. I don’t know how anybody thinks anybody with a wheelchair can actually get on this stuff - it hurts your feet [if you’re barefoot] - you have to put tennis shoes on.

“Carlton Terrace in Bal Harbour has the chain link fence and barb wire fence to protect their property. They either have a big concrete wall or fences anywhere from six to ten feet at most of the condos there - I don’t want this for my place…Every one of our condos [in Sunny Isles Beach] is going to have to spend a small fortune to fence our property in to keep [out] all these people we don’t want on our property.”

Showing another picture, Cantrel said, “This is the front of Sands Pointe…The water edge is right up to our fence after a storm. What would have happened to that [Beach Walk]? Where do you plan to put it?” Other photos shown by Cantrel depicted the water encroachment at the Newport Beach Resort going right up to the property line.

Kathy Schultz, Oceania resident
“I’ve worked with the turtles over the years. Currently, I’m one of the people who helps with the hatchery and all the tracking and handling of the nests…The [turtles – an endangered species] lay their nests three feet down in the sand between the tide lines to the dunes - and by building a path, especially something solid they cant dig into, you’re detracting [from] a large part of [the turtles’] beach.
“By natural erosion, the turtles have smaller and smaller places where they can nest. Lighting also messes with them terribly because of the disorientation…We live on a barrier island that is a live, moving piece of sand…When the winds blow and sands move, it will be constantly chewed out and we’ll be putting [the Beach Walk] back again.”

Diane Collins, Oceania resident
“There are only a few places people can go to get peace of mind - and that is in the purity of nature…We know enough not to ‘mess with mother nature.’ I propose we start to look at what it is that people really want…To be able to have a nice place to walk; to have access to the beach…Maybe it means taking the money and building a private beach club for the city of Sunny Isles Beach; and to further develop existing parks that really don’t have much usefulness. Maybe that would be good for the handicapped and elderly…Make walkways, pathways and gardens in a place where you can see the beach and leave the beach in its purity…I implore everyone to work together to create something of beauty that can work for everyone.”

Susan Kruger, Oceania resident
“The beach belongs to the state - the beach is available to everybody. I think the Beach Walk is something that is dividing not the beach - but the people who live here; and in that respect, I think it has to be re-thought...The name of our city is ‘Sunny Isles Beach’ because the beach is what brought us here. Our pristine beach is our calling card. Why fix what’s not broken?”

A date has yet to be determined as to when the Beach Walk issue may come before the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission for further review.

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