Belle Isle Residents Association

Opposed to Casinos? Here's What You Can Do

2012-01-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

The board of the Belle Isle Residents Association was the first neighborhood board to come out against casinos in Miami, and did so unanimously.

If you too are opposed to casinos, here are some specific suggestions from NoCasinos.org for things you can do to oppose additional casino gambling:

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NO CASINOS PETITION
1 We are collecting signatures and contact information of supporters statewide.
2 Here is the link to the petition page on the NoCasinos.org website: http://nocasinos.org/petition/
3 What You Can Do
Click on the petition link above, complete the petition and submit it. If you wish to volunteer and receive
emails fill in the boxes and submit.
Forward this link to your contact list, ask friends to sign the petition and forward it to their lists.
Add the link to your Facebook page and Twitter page.

FACEBOOK PAGE
1 Here is the link to our new Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NoCasinosFlorida
2 What You Can Do
Log on and "like" our page.
Ask your Facebook friends to "like" the page too.

OUR MESSAGE - Part One
1 Casino supporters don't want us to compare Florida to Nevada, here's why:
NEVADA Is Number One
#1 Unemployment Rate
#1 Foreclosure Rate
#1 Violent Crime Rate
#1 Robbery Rate
#1 Automobile Theft Rate
#1 Personal Bankruptcy Rate

2 Read the Politifacts article that confirms these statistics.
http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2011/dec/16/florida-chamber-commerce/fl-chamber-ceo-says-nevada-no-1-unemployment-forec/

2012-01-19T17:14:00.006-05:00

List of Directors 2006-Present

(To be considered for membership on the Belle Isle Residents Board of Directors, please click on: Board Membership )

Board of Directors Elected 2012 (Terms expire January, 2014)

Charles Urstadt (16 Island)
Nancy Beckham (20 Island)
Jean-Francois Lejeune with wife Astrid Rotemberg as Sub (20 Island)

Board of Directors Elected 2011 (Terms expire January, 2013)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
David Leeds (20 Island)
Monica Tracy (5 Island)

(Previous Boards:)

_________________________________________________

FROM 2011:

Board of Directors Elected 2011 (Terms expire January, 2013)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
David Leeds (20 Island)
Monica Tracy (5 Island)

Board of Directors Elected 2010 (Terms expire January, 2012)

Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Jean-Francois Le Jeune with wife Astrid Rotemberg as Sub (20 Island Avenue)

(Previous Boards:)

_________________________________________________

FROM 2010:

Board of Directors Elected 2010 (Terms expire January, 2012)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Jean-Francois Le Jeune with Astrid Rotemberg as Sub (wife) 20 Island Avenue

Board of Directors Elected 2009 (Terms expire January, 2011)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Gail Limburg (9 Island)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

__________________________________________________
FROM 2009:

Board of Directors Elected 2009 (Terms expire January, 2011)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Gail Limburg (9 Island)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

Carried over from prior year (Terms expire January, 2010)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Rosemary Ravinal (11 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

__________________________________________________
FROM 2008:

Board of Directors Elected 2008 (Terms expire January, 2010)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Rosemary Ravinal (11 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

Carried over from prior year (Terms expire January, 2009)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

__________________________________________________
FROM 2007:

Board of Directors Elected 2007 (Terms expire January, 2009)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island)
Howard Farber (16 Island) [resigned]
Josh Fisher (9 Island)
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island)

Carried over from prior year (Terms expire January, 2008)

Barbara Gillman (16 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way)
Toby Maxwell (9 Island)
Renee Savary (5 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

__________________________________________________
FROM 2006:

Board of Directors (Elected 2006)

Herb Frank, President (10 Venetian Way)
Josh Fisher , Vice-President (9 Island Ave)
Sandy Money, Secretary (3 Island Ave)
Keith Hark, Treasurer (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank, Director (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Gillman, Director (16 Island Ave)
Nancy Liebman, Director (9 Island Ave)
Toby Maxwell, Director (9 Island Ave)
Renee Savary, Director (5 Island Ave)
Irene Sperber, Director (11 Island Ave)
Michael Walrath, Director (20 Island Ave)

Terms expire January, 2008:
Hark, Gillman, Maxwell, Savary, Sperber, Walrath

Terms expire January, 2007:
H. Frank, B.Frank, Fisher, Money, Liebman

Belle Isle Residents Association Annual Meeting

2012-01-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

Belle Isle Residents Association Annual Meeting

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Join us for Wine at 6:00PM

Followed by the Annual Meeting at 7:00PM

20 Island Avenue Meeting Room (Belle Plaza)

ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Miami Beach officials will be on hand to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects, answer your questions and hear your comments on issues that affect our neighborhood.

To be added to our e-mail list or to apply to serve on the Belle Isle Residents Association Board, please send an email to bod@belle-isle-residents.org or call Scott Diffenderfer at 305-458-3334.

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Project update/community information

· Miami Beach Community Resource & Outreach Team – Lynn Bernstein

· Belle Isle Park update/input from residents – Parks Department

· Project Updates – Richard Saltryck, Public Works

· Collins Canal seawall & Dade Blvd. shared use bike path

· Restriping of Dade Blvd./Venetian Way and effects on traffic

· Miami Beach/Miami-Dade County construction timeline on Venetian Way

· Proposed West Avenue Bridge Update

· Venetian Way Bridge Refurbishment/Replacement – Herb Frank

· Destination Casino Bill Opposition Update – Sandy Money/Herb Frank

· Other projects and questions from residents

3. Upcoming Events affecting Venetian Way

· American Fencing Conference – Jan. 23-27, 2012 – Bus Traffic

· IMG Miami Marathon – Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 – Road Closures/Race Logistics – Whitney Murphy

· Miami International Boat Show – Feb. 16-20, 2012 – Bus, Boat Traffic

4. Treasurer’s Report

5. President’s Report and all other questions from residents

6. Approval of the Minutes from the January 2011 Annual Meeting

7. Nominating Committee

· Board of Directors Slate for 2012 & Election of new Board Members

8. New Business

9. Adjourn

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE FOR THE BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

2012-01-06T11:17:00.000-05:00

The meeting will take place Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 7:00pm at 20 Island Avenue (Belle Plaza) in the Board Room. Join us for wine at 6:00pm followed by the Annual Meeting at 7:00pm.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

We will have City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County officials present to answer your questions and hear your comments on issues that affect our neighborhood including:

Proposed Construction of the West Avenue Bridge over the Collins Canal
Venetian Causeway Construction Update
Venetian Causeway Bridge Replacement Plans
Shared Bike Path on Dade Blvd.
31 Venetian Way New Construction Project Update

The complete agenda will be posted in all buildings and on our website www.belle-isle-residents.blogspot.com 48 hours prior to the meeting. If you have a topic you would like to discuss, please send an email to bod@belle-isle-residents.org prior to January 12 and we will try to address it at the meeting.

If you would like to be added to our e-mail list or wish to apply to serve on the Belle Isle Residents Association Board, please send an email to bod@belle-isle-residents.org or call Scott Diffenderfer at305-458-3334.

Thank you and Happy New Year,

Scott Diffenderfer

President, Belle Isle Residents Association

Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 105

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Office: 305.938.1870

Cell: 305.458.3334

Fax: 305.402.0155

www.scottdiff.com

Rally to Oppose Casinos

2011-12-14T07:05:00.000-05:00

A HUGE TURN OUT WILL SEND A MESSAGE!!!

COME TO THE RALLY TO OPPOSE CASINOS IN FLORIDA

Rally with us at Miami Beach City Hall one hour before the

Mayor and Commissioners vote on the gambling issue.

RALLY ON MIAMI BEACH

Wednesday, December 14 at 4:30pm

Miami Beach City Hall – 1700 Convention Center Drive

Speakers: Dan Gelber, Norman Braman and more

Come out and bring friends.

Learn why casino gambling is so bad for Miami and Miami Beach.

MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEETING

Commission will Vote on the Issue of Destination Casinos

Wednesday, December 14 at 5:30pm

Miami Beach City Hall

Belle Isle Residents Association Opposes Destination Casino Bill

2011-12-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Belle Isle Resident,

After much discussion and consideration, the Board of Directors of the Belle Isle Residents Association has voted to oppose expansion of gaming in Miami Dade County. The vast majority of our board feels that the negative effects of gambling in our community, including the social implications, potential crime and damage to our reputation as a cultural destination, will far outweigh any increase in tax revenue that casinos may bring.

At this point we neither oppose nor endorse any specific proposal for a destination resort, but we strongly believe that our local leaders and the state legislature should oppose the Destination Casino bill pending in Tallahassee.

There are several upcoming opportunities for you to learn more about gambling and let our elected officials know how you feel about the issue:

· Community meeting with Mayor Bower, 6:00 PM Wed., Dec. 7, Botanical Garden

· City Commission Workshop, 4PM, Friday, Dec. 9, Convention Center Hall C, Room 134

· Gambling with our Future? A forum presented by Urban Environment League of Greater Miami, December 10am to 12pm, The Light Box Theatre at Goldman Warehouse: 404 NW 26 Street (2 blocks west of Wynwood Walls on 26^thStreet)

o Moderators: Albert Harum-Alvarez and Gregory Bush. Topics include:

§ Downtown: A Legacy Worth Protecting Intro by Greg Bush

§ Jobs & Revenue? Video Introduction of Genting Proposal

§ Panel (1 hour)

· Dr. Chuck Bohl, Director UM Graduate Program in Real Estate Development & Urbanism

· Jorge Hernandez, Architect, VP Dade Heritage Trust

· Katy Sorenson, President, The Good Government Initiative

· Dan Gelber, Former State Senator from Miami Beach, Head of NO CASINOS – S FL.

§ Interview with Norman Braman, Businessman & Activist

§ Audience Q&A

· Chamber of Commerce "Gaming Forum", 5:30PM-7:30PM Tuesday, Dec. 13, Convention Center Hall D. If you plan to attend this meeting, it is advisable to click on this link to register for this event to secure a seat:http://www.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/EventPage.jsp?ccid=166&eventid=5683. Once you click on the link, on the right hand side under EVENT OPTIONS click on Register online. It is a simple form to complete and and then print off the Order Confirmation.

· Miami Beach City Commission discussion item, after 5PM, Wed., Dec. 14, city commission chambers. Residents should e-mail the mayor and commissioners on this matter: MayorBower@miamibeachfl.gov, Deede@miamibeachfl.gov, Ed@miamibeachfl.gov, Jerry@miamibeachfl.gov, Jonah@miamibeachfl.gov, Michael@miamibeachfl.gov, Jorge@miamibeachfl.gov

For additional information about gambling, please visit the No Casinos Coalition website atwww.commonsensemiami.com.

If you do not wish to receive email from the Belle Isle Residents Association, please respond to this email with the word REMOVE in the subject field. If someone has forwarded this to you and you would like to be added to our email list, please send me an email with your name, home address and email.

Thank you on behalf of the Belle Isle Residents Association Board of Directors.

Scott Diffenderfer

President, Belle Isle Residents Association

Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 105

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Office: 305.938.1870

Cell: 305.458.3334

Fax: 305.402.0155

www.scottdiff.com

Miami Beach Candidates Forum Tuesday, 10/11 (cosponsored by the Belle Isle Residents Association)

2011-10-06T17:19:00.003-04:00

PRESENTS:

THE ULTIMATE CANDIDATES FORUM

Tuesday, October 11th, 7 to 9:30

COLONY THEATRE 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Hear what the Miami Beach Candidates have to say

about the issues that matter most to YOU!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

OPEN BAR FROM 7 to 8 PM

Complimentary cocktails provided by Ultimat Vodka

Sponsors

Atlantic l Pacific Management • Belle Isle Residents Association • Fashion Images, Inc.

Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association • Green Monkey • Jonathan W. Segal, P.A.

Lakeview Homeowners Association • Lower North Bay Road Homeowners Association

Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A. • Miami Beach CDC – Flamingo Neighborhood

Miami Design Preservation League • Nautilus Area Homeowners Association

Palm-Hibiscus-Star Islands Association • Shop.com • South of Fifth Neighborhood Association

Sunset Harbour Neighborhood Association • Sunset Islands 3&4 Property Owners Association

The Brits of ONE Sothebys • Venetian Islands Homeowners Association

Venetian Causeway Neighborhood Alliance

R.S.V.P. to: ABETTERMIAMIBEACH@GMAIL.COM

For sponsorship information, contact: Andrew Resnick –AndrewResnick21@gmail.com

Thanks to: Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, ECOMB & Surfrider Foundation for promoting this event

Forward questions for the candidates to: Debra Leibowitz –Beachbuzz@att.net or Sol Genet – SBGenet@gmail.com

Come Join us at the After Party in the Well!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-BetterMiamiBeach/168084635219?ref=ts

Traffic Delays: President Obama will be in Miami Beach on Monday, June 13th, 2011

2011-06-11T17:59:00.002-04:00

From Miami Beach PD:
Expect traffic delays on Monday, June 13, late afternoon.
Please seek alternate routes and avoid Alton Road from 43 to 63 streets and the Julia Tuttle Causeway after 4:00 p.m. 'til about 6:30 p.m.

Also, no parking along Alton Road from 43 to 63 streets from noon until 7:00 p.m.

Commission Report on Belle Isle Flooding (video)

2011-06-06T22:17:00.001-04:00

Below is a 12-minute video on the Belle Isle flooding, taken from the June 1, 2011 Miami Beach City Commission meeting. It contains a report given by Miami Beach CIP Director Fernando Vazquez on the status of the Belle Isle flooding repair, along with BIRA president Scott Diffenderfer's response.

Click the play button below to start the video (might take a moment to get going). If your browser doesn't appear to show the full image, just click "Launch in external player" below.

Launch in external player

Courses Offered By The Florida Condominium Ombudsman's Office

2011-05-18T15:51:00.000-04:00

CONDOMINIUM COURSES 2011

Florida's Condominium Ombudsman's Office

Condominium Courses

The State of Florida Condominium Ombudsman's Office is introducing a new year in the series of Condominium Courses to be offered quarterly in partnership with the City of Miami Beach Community Resource and Outreach Team.

2011 COURSE SCHEDULE:

March 31, 2011 - Serving on a Board of Directors
June 9, 2011 - Condominium Meetings
September 22, 2011 - Condominium Rules and Obligations
December 8, 2011 - Basic Condominium Finances

***All classes will be held at the Miami Beach Regional Library, 227 22^ndStreet, 1^st Floor Meeting Room from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information or to sign up for participation in the Condominium Course Series, please contact Lynn W. Bernstein, City of Miami Beach Community Outreach Coordinator, 305.673.7010, email lynnbernstein@miamibeachfl.gov

To request this material in accessible format, sign language interpreters, information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodations to review any document or participate in any city sponsored proceeding, please contact 305.604.2489 (voice), or 305.673.7218 (TTY) five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Services).

Water Reclamation Project Community Meeting Notice

2011-05-16T12:22:00.000-04:00

Ameresco Water Reclamation Project Community Meeting Notice

Click here for informative flyer.

COMMUNITY MEETING TO DISCUSS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS

May 25, 2011

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Miami Beach Golf Club

Community Room

2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach

For more information contact:

MIAMIBEACH

Lynn W. Bernstein, Community Resource and Outreach Team

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7000 x6178 / cell: 786-229-3972

lynnbernstein@miamibeachfl.gov

Meeting: City's Major Event Plan for Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-11T07:23:00.000-04:00

Can't go South on I-95 from the Tuttle most of this weekend

2011-03-03T16:54:00.001-05:00

Thursday, March 3 through Saturday, March 5

Southbound I-95 Exit Closed from Westbound I-195 (Julia Tuttle)

The southbound I-95 exit ramp from westbound I-195 is scheduled to be closed Thursday night from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday-Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11:45 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for the installation of concrete pavement.

Drivers will be detoured to head north on I-95, exit at NW 62 Street and go west to continue south on I-95.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

2011-03-03T16:34:00.001-05:00

On Friday, March 4, 2011, after 1:00 p.m., President Barack Obama will be attending a reception at the Fontainebleau Hotel, located at 4441 Collins Avenue, followed by a reception at a private home on Pine Tree Drive.

There will intermittent street closures as the Presidential motorcade travels on 41 Street, Collins Avenue, and Pine Tree Drive. All streets will reopen as soon as the motorcade completely arrives at its destination. Expect more congestion than normal in the surrounding area. Use Alton Road as an alternate.

Note: Large vehicles will not be permitted to stop in front of the Fontainebleau or on Pine Tree Drive during the President’s visit.

Marine Crime Prevention Symposium

2011-01-25T18:46:00.000-05:00

Community Affairs Unit Advisory

The Miami Beach Police Department invites you to our Marine Crime Prevention Symposium!

When: Saturday January 29th, 2011

Where: Marine Patrol Headquarters
1790 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach Florida

Time: 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.

► Miami Beach Officers and Detectives will be presenting. Learn about up-to-date crime prevention tips on how to better secure your boats, jet-skis, and other valuable marine equipment.

► Local vendors will be on scene to show you how to protect your marine equipment from thieves. Learn about alarms, GPS trackers, lock systems, cameras and lighting. These items will make your marine equipment “hard targets” for thieves.

Please RSVP to; glassomewint@miamibeachfl.gov

Board Members Elected At January 2011 Annual Meeting

2011-01-13T13:49:00.017-05:00

(To be considered for membership on the Belle Isle Residents Board of Directors, please click on: Board Membership )

Board of Directors Elected 2011 (Terms expire January, 2013)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
David Leeds (20 Island)
Monica Tracy (5 Island)

Board of Directors Elected 2010 (Terms expire January, 2012)

Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Jean-Francois Le Jeune with wife Astrid Rotemberg as Sub (20 Island Avenue)

__________________________________________________
FROM 2010:

Board of Directors Elected 2010 (Terms expire January, 2012)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Jean-Francois Le Jeune with Astrid Rotemberg as Sub (wife) 20 Island Avenue

Board of Directors Elected 2009 (Terms expire January, 2011)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Gail Limburg (9 Island)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

__________________________________________________
FROM 2009:

Board of Directors Elected 2009 (Terms expire January, 2011)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Gail Limburg (9 Island)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

Carried over from prior year (Terms expire January, 2010)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Rosemary Ravinal (11 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

__________________________________________________
FROM 2008:

Board of Directors Elected 2008 (Terms expire January, 2010)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Rosemary Ravinal (11 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

Carried over from prior year (Terms expire January, 2009)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

__________________________________________________
FROM 2007:

Board of Directors Elected 2007 (Terms expire January, 2009)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island)
Howard Farber (16 Island) [resigned]
Josh Fisher (9 Island)
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island)

Carried over from prior year (Terms expire January, 2008)

Barbara Gillman (16 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way)
Toby Maxwell (9 Island)
Renee Savary (5 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

Detailed Agenda For Annual Meeting, January 12th

2011-01-07T22:23:00.004-05:00

Belle Isle Residents Association Meeting Notice

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 – 7:00PM

20 Island Avenue Meeting Room (Belle Plaza)

ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Miami Beach Miami Beach officials will be on hand to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects, answer your questions and hear your comments on issues that affect our neighborhood.

If you would like to be added to our e-mail list or wish to apply to serve on the Belle Isle Residents Association Board, please send an email to bod@belle-isle-residents.org or call Scott Diffenderfer at 305-458-3334.

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Updates on Projects/Community Information and Questions from Residents

· Lynn Bernstein, Community Resource and Outreach Team

· Capital Improvement Projects – Update on flooding/outflow pipe replacement

· Public Works

· Miami Beach Police Department

· Miami Beach Parks Department

· Venetian Causeway Beautification and Bridge Refurbishment

· Miami Marathon – January 30, 2011

· Proposed Miami Beach Air Show – July 4, 2012

· Additional Projects/Questions

3. President’s Report

4. Treasurer’s Report

5. Approval of the Minutes from the January 2010 Annual Meeting

6. Nominating Committee

· Board of Directors Slate for 2011

· Election of the Members to the Board

7. New Business

8. Adjourn

Date Announced: ANNUAL MEETING

2010-12-11T12:28:00.003-05:00

SAVE THE DATE

BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 7:00pm

20 Island Avenue (Belle Plaza) Board Room

ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

We will have City of Miami Beach officials present to answer your questions and hear your comments on issues that affect our neighborhood.

The complete agenda will be posted in all buildings and on our website in early January.

www.belle-isle-residents.blogspot.com

Venetian Islands Security Meeting (THURSDAY, NOT WEDNESDAY)

2010-11-30T12:40:00.005-05:00

Title:	Venetian Islands Security Meeting
When:	Thu Dec 2 5pm – 6pm (EST)
Where:	Miami Beach City Hall, City Manager's Large Conf Rm 4th Floor

America Recycles Day, 11/21/10 - in Miami Beach

2010-11-19T12:00:00.001-05:00

Orchid Lecture Nov 20 MB Botanical Garden

2010-11-19T11:51:00.002-05:00

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Presents:

Orchid Mania

Lecture & Demonstration

Guest Speaker

Alex Lamazares, The Orchid Doctor

Saturday, November 20

10AM to Noon

Free & Open to the Public

Orchids & Plant Sale

Vanilla orchid on palm tree at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Known for his lively and authoritative lectures on the care and feeding of orchids, Lamazares represents Orchidmania, a South Florida organization that raises money for HIV prevention and AIDS relief for small groups around the world and maintains a permanent collection of rare and endangered orchid species.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

2000 Convention Center Drive

Miami Beach, FL 33139

www.mbgarden.org

UEL DINNER TOMORROW! Will Mega-Ad-Towers dominate the City of Miami's skyline??

2010-11-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE TO RSVP FOR THE DINNER!

Economics vs Visual Pollution: Mega Ad Towers and Public Media in Miami-Dade's Future

The recent proposal for mega media towers raise questions about
the public process, economic benefits and limits of signage in our area.

Speakers:
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez
Eston "Dusty" Melton, Consultant
Mark Siffin City Square/Mega Tower Developer
Moderator: Gregory Bush

The Rusty Pelican on Virginia Key
$25 – Dinner 6:30 pm (tax & tip included)
Program only at 7:00 pm FREE!

Use Paypal at: www.urbanenvironmentleague.blogspot.com or
bring a check or cash
RSVP A MUST: uelinfo@bellsouth.net - Phone: 786-472-0011

Skyscraper-Height Electronic Billboards Near Arsht Center? Noted Anti-Billboard Pollution Attorney to Speak Friday, 11/12

2010-11-11T14:09:00.003-05:00

These mega-tower billboards were approved by the Miami Commission. More details from July at:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/20/1739637/two-towering-signs-on-fast-track.html

http://belleisleblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/29/1752294/miami-commission-approves-skyscraper.html

Join Miami on the Move as we host
Bill Brinton,
Prominent Jacksonville Lawyer, Expert on Zoning and Billboards, and Board Member of Scenic America to discuss the recently approved 40+ story electronic "Media Towers" by developer Mark Siffin

Dear Miami on the Move Members and Friends:

Bill Brinton, a tireless fighter for sane billboard policy in Florida and around the country, has kindly agreed to talk to us about the two uber giant mega electronic billboards that are slated to be built atop the Adrienne Arsht Center's new garage complex. He will discuss the fine points of billboard law, the appropriate approval process and/or the lack thereof, and his organization Scenic America, founded to limit billboard pollution in our cities and along our highways. For those interested, Bill will stay afterward to discuss how to start a local Scenic America chapter.

Please join us for this important meeting that will take place Friday, November 12th, 8AM-9:30AM.

NOTE THAT WE'LL BE MEETING AT A NEW LOCATION - THE LATIN CAFE 2000 AT BISCAYNE & 25TH. Breakfast will be available for purchase.

RSVP here!

Where:       Latin Cafe 2000
                      2501 Biscayne Blvd (25th Street)
          Miami, FL 33137
                       (305) 576-3838

When:        Friday, November 12th, 8AM-9:30AM

Parking:    Plentiful and Free Behind the Restaurant

RSVP:       Click Here

Please join us. It will be great to see you again.

Attempted Repair of Belle Isle Stormwater Drainage System Starts 10/25

2010-10-23T12:03:00.001-04:00

Let's all hope it works this time!! Message from City below.

MIAMIBEACH

Lynn W. Bernstein, Community Resource and Outreach Team

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7000 x6178 / cell: 786-229-3972

lynnbernstein@miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

Finally, the Venetian Causeway Streetscape WILL Start (Message from the VCNA)

2010-10-15T14:12:00.005-04:00

MESSAGE FROM THE VENETIAN CAUSEWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE:

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY TO BE CHANGED DRAMATICALLY!

Finally, the Venetian Causeway Streetscape WILL Start

Miami-Dade County within a few weeks will start its oft-delayed $8 million “Venetian Causeway Streetscape Project.” Hear from the County Project Manager and Contractor responsible for this project:

TUESDAY, October 19

at 7:00 p.m.

1000 Venetian Way, lobby (on Biscayne Island)

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE

vcna@bellsouth.net for questions and information

LEARN ABOUT THE NEW THINGS HAPPENING ON OUR HISTORIC ROADWAY, MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND ENJOY SOME FOOD AND SOCIAL TIME AT OUR 2010 ANNUAL MEETING!

Addressing solely Venetian Way, the one street running through all the Venetian Islands, from the West drawbridge to the East drawbridge, this Project will:

· Add needed drainage

· Put in sidewalks and gutters

· Include “traffic calming” devices (traffic islands)

· Redo the landscaping

Of necessity, there will be traffic disturbances

Hear from the Project Manager for the County and private Contractor responsible for this important Venetian Islands project and its schedule, staging, anticipated traffic issues; raise any questions you may have; and meet your neighbors.

If you are not a current member, please consider joining by completing this form (click), which will allow you to vote at our annual meeting. Also, please let your neighbors know.

THE ABOVE IS FROM THE VENETIAN CAUSEWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE.

Very High Tides This Week

2010-10-06T12:10:00.000-04:00

From: Rodriguez, Nannette
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 11:27 AM
To: City Wide
Subject: Very High Tides

We will experience very high tides this week causing temporary accumulation of water in low lying areas during high tide. In some areas where the tide has reached the top of the seawall, high winds may be causing water to overtop the seawall. Water will subside with the lowering of the tide. The highest tide is expected on Friday at around 10:00 a.m. with the new moon. Very high tides are a natural occurrence that we experience every spring and fall.

MIAMIBEACH

Nannette Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305.673.7575 | Fax: 786.394.4149 | www.miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

Traffic Advisory - DAYTIME - Port of Miami Tunnel Project

2010-09-20T15:20:00.001-04:00

TRAFFIC ADVISORY - Port of Miami Tunnel Project

WEEK OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

This week, Monday through Wednesday

September 20 - 22

9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

As part of the Port of Miami Tunnel Project, the right westbound lane on MacArthur Causeway will be closed between the exit ramp of Parrot Jungle Trail and the east end of the MacArthur Causeway Bridge.

Two travel lanes will be kept open.

Please note that this work was originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 16.

For more information about the Port of Miami Tunnel Project, log ontowww.portofmiamitunnel.com

Miami Beach Capital Improvements Office releases causeway water main project details

2010-08-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY WATER MAIN

IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Construction of the Venetian Causeway Water main Improvement Project is anticipated to begin August 30, 2010. The work for the Venetian Causeway Water main Improvement Project is estimated to be completed by late November. Weather and other unforeseen circumstances may alter the anticipated schedule.

Scope of Work:

The work will consist of water main improvements. The work will take place between West San Marino Drive to East Rivo Alto Drive.

Maintenance of Traffic:

Throughout construction the contractor will strive to minimize impacts to area commuters and residents. The illustration below demonstrates a typical road closure during the improvements.

Pedestrian Impacts:

Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction; however, for safety purposes, the contractor may close sections of sidewalk and crosswalks at certain times while the work is underway. In such cases alternate pedestrian routes will be provided with proper signage.

Impacts During Construction:

Although the contractor strives to minimize all impacts associated with construction; motorists, businesses and pedestrians may experience one or more of the following inconveniences:

· Periods of dust and noise

· Pedestrian and vehicular traffic impacts

· Construction crews and equipment within work zone and adjacent neighborhood

· Storage of materials on site

· Only minimal water service interruptions are anticipated during improvements

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OFFICE

Direct: 305.673.7000 Ext. 6122

Office: 305.673.7071

Fax: 305.673.7073

Mobile: 305.216.6238

RobertoRodriguez2@miamibeachfl.gov

Contractor Contact Information:

Ric-Man International, Inc.

Yami Fernandez, P.I.O.

1210 Washington Avenue,

Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Phone: (305) 535-1743

Fax: (305) 535-1745
Email: yfernandez@ric-man.us
Office Hours: 8:00AM to 5:00PM

PRESIDENT OBAMA VISIT

2010-08-17T11:51:00.006-04:00

08/17/10

Neighborhood Advisory

PRESIDENT OBAMA VISIT

“On Wednesday, August 18, 2010, President B. Obama will be attending a fundraiser at the Fontainebleau Hotel located at 4441 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. It is anticipated that the Presidents arrival will be after 4 p.m. Residents and visitors should be aware that there will intermittent street closures on 41st as the Presidential motorcade crosses from the Causeway to Collins Avenue and vice versa. 41st Street will reopen as soon as the motorcade has completely cleared the street.

Residents and visitors should also expect more congestion then normal on Collins Avenue from 41st to 46th Street throughout the day due to the set up for this event. Large vehicles will not be allowed to stop in front of the Fontainebleau during the President’s visit.

An alternative to avoid this area are Alton Road and Pinetree Drive.

Design Review Board Meeting Tuesday, July 6

2010-07-05T12:23:00.004-04:00

Design Review Board Meeting Revision of Proposal for New Rental Buildings at 31 Venetian Way

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 – 8:30AM

City Hall, 3rd Floor in Commission Chambers

The architect of the proposed project at 31 Venetian Way will be presenting a significantly revised version of the project to the neighborhood residents prior to their final presentation to the Design Review Board on July 6. As you know, the owner is planning to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with two new 5 story buildings. The proposal has been in front of residents and the Design Review Board several times over the past year.

This will be the final presentation to the City of Miami Beach Design Review Board. If you have an opinion you would like to express regarding the design of this project, this is your last opportunity.

Scott Diffenderfer

President, Belle Isle Residents Association

Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 105

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Office: 305.938.1870

Cell: 305.458.3334

Fax: 305.402.0155

31 Venetian Way Project Revision Presentation

2010-06-20T09:45:00.005-04:00

Dear Belle Isle Residents,

The architect of the proposed project at 31 Venetian Way will be presenting a significantly revised version of the project to neighborhood residents prior to their final presentation to the Design Review Board on July 6.

As you know, the owner is planning to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with two new 5 story buildings.

The proposal has been in front of residents and the Design Review Board several times over the past year. This will be the last presentation to residents before the project is presented to the City of Miami Beach Design Review Board on July 6.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:00 pm at 20 Island Avenue on the first floor. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For more information, please call Scott Diffenderfer at 305-458-3334.

Thank you,

Scott Diffenderfer

President, Belle Isle Residents Association

Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 105

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Office: 305.938.1870

Cell: 305.458.3334

Fax: 305.402.0155

South Beach Local - Important Changes for Belle Isle

2010-06-16T16:28:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, June 27th, several changes will be made to the South Beach Local. The biggest change for Belle Isle is that:

Half the buses from Belle Isle will now go directly to Collins Park (the library and Bass Museum) via Dade Blvd and 17th St. (Convention Center, City Hall, Macy's, Lincoln Road, Gleason Theatre, Holocaust Museum, The Botanical Gardens, our voting place, and the beach). The buses will then continue down Washington Ave, before coming back up West Avenue. These are the places most people want to take the Local to, and this is a tremendous improvement in our service (previously, we had to change at Publix to do go to these places).
As before, half the buses--the ones that don't now go directly to Collins Park--will go directly to Publix, but now those buses continue down West Avenue after leaving Publix. As before, everyone gets off the bus at Publix, so one has to catch the next bus going down West to access The Whole Foods Market, the 5th & Alton Mall and other destinations on West and Lower Alton Road.

Other important changes include an expansion of the Collins Park portion of the route, for better access to the library and museum, better access to the Social Security office and the Regal Theater (both on the West Avenue branch), and more convenient stops at the 5th and Alton mall.

This is all part of Miami-Dade Transit's semi-annual route change, for which a brochure has been published. The portion relevant to Belle Isle is copied below, the entire route map can be found at http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/pdfs/misc/bus_service_adjustments_june_27_2010.pdf

Tunnel Project – what can be done to minimize negative impact on Venetian Way

2010-06-15T06:19:00.001-04:00

7:00 pm, Thursday, June 17, 2010, Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Representatives of Florida Dept of Transportation, Miami Dade County Causeway administration, Cities of Miami Beach and Miami Commissioners plus County Commissioners, and other county and city representatives will be here to answer questions and share plans to protect our residential neighborhood.

Please attend this very important meeting.

Meeting sponsored by Venetian Islands Homeowners Assn, Venetian Causeway Neighborhood Alliance, and Belle Isle Residents Assn

Presentation for Updated Proposal for New Rental Buildings at 31 Venetian Way

2010-05-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

Presentation for Updated Proposal for New Rental Buildings

at 31 Venetian Way

The architect of the proposed project at 31 Venetian Way will be presenting the latest version of the project to neighborhood residents before their final presentation to the Design Review Board in July.

As you know, the owner is planning to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with two new 5 story buildings.

The proposal has been in front of residents and the DRB several times over the past year. This is your opportunity to see the latest incarnation of the project.

The meeting will take place on Monday, May 17^th at 7:00 pm at 20 Island Avenue on the first floor. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

You can see the staff report on the project at the City of Miami Beach website at http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/planning/default.aspx?id=33280. Just click on 4. DRB File No. 22347, 31 Venetian Way – Belle Isle Apartments.

For more information, please call Scott Diffenderfer at 305-458-3334.

Westbound Julia Tuttle One Lane Closed

2010-04-27T17:19:00.002-04:00

From: Rodriguez, Nannette

Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 4:15 PM
To: City Wide
Subject: Westbound Julia Tuttle One Lane Closed

I-195 westbound (Julia Tuttle) right lane is currently closed for work from Alton to mid-causeway. Alton Road and 41 Street are currently also backed up. Call 5-1-1 for updates.

MIAMIBEACH

Nannette Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305.673.7575 | Fax: 786.394.4149 | www.miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

MacArthur Delays Thursday Due To President Obama's Visit

2010-04-14T16:15:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, April 15, 2010 there will be intermittent traffic delays between 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm on the MacArthur Causeway due to President Obama’s South Florida visit.

South Beach Local

2010-03-02T12:59:00.005-05:00

Most residents have seen the flyer, but for your handy reference, here it is. If you'd prefer a PDF, it can be found HERE (click this link).

Venetian Causeway Clean-Up Tomorrow, February 20 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

2010-02-19T14:10:00.001-05:00

Venetian Causeway Shoreline Clean-Up

Venetian Causeway Cleanup
February 20: 9 am to 12 Noon

Click Here For More Info & to Register

______________________________________________________________________________

MiaGreen Expo & Conference

Click on the link below for more info
www.MiaGreen.com
________________________________________________________________________

And keep your eyes open for the
Grand Opening, in February 2010
of the

MIAMI BEACH CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
ECOMB's new headquarters and future Environmental Education Center

For more info on ECOMB and our upcoming events, please visit our web site at
www.ecomb.org

Wishing you and Happy New Year!

Luiz Rodrigues
Executive Director
ECOMB, Inc.

Educating People, Engaging Our Community & Effecting Environmental Change!

Results of 2010 Board Election at Annual Meeting in January

2010-02-16T17:18:00.003-05:00

As always, the official list of members on the board is at:

http://www.belle-isle-residents.org/2007/03/2007-board-of-directors.html

which is updated each year.

At the 2010 annual meeting, the following board was elected:

(To be considered for membership on the Belle Isle Residents Board of Directors, please click on: Board Membership )

Board of Directors Elected 2010 (Terms expire January, 2012)

David Ballard (6 Farrey Lane)
Barbara Cowen (3 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way) [Treasurer]
Jean-Francois Le Jeune with Astrid Rotemberg as Sub (wife) 20 Island Avenue

Board of Directors Elected 2009 (Terms expire January, 2011)

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island) [President]
Josh Fisher (9 Island) [Vice-President]
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Gail Limburg (9 Island)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island) [Secretary]

FREE H1N1 FLU SHOTS THIS THURSDAY 3-8 P.M.

2010-01-12T21:32:00.006-05:00

FREE H1N1 FLU SHOTS

Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the Miami Beach Convention Center

The Miami-Dade County Health Department and the City of Miami Beach have joined forces to provide free H1N1 Flu vaccinations to the community.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall C, Ballroom C125-126

1901 Convention Center Drive

Vaccinations are FREE and available to the public. The public is encouraged to bring a completed registration form to the event. To download the form, please visit http://www.dadehealth.org.

For more information,http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=55534

Leonor Hernandez, Aide to Commissioner Wolfson

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7030 / Fax: 305-673-7096 / www.miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

95 EXPRESS LANE CLOSURES UPDATE

2010-01-11T17:55:00.003-05:00

95 EXPRESS LANE CLOSURES UPDATE

January 11 – January 17, 2010

Electronic Toll Collection in the southbound express lanes begins

5:30 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2010

The Southbound I-95 flyover ramp to eastbound I-195/Julia Tuttle Causeway will remain closed continuously until 5:00 a.m., Friday, January 15.

During this closure, motorists will be detoured as follows:

· Exit southbound I-95 at NW 8^th Street

· Turn left (east) on NW 8^th Street and proceed underneath I-95

· Turn left (north) on NW 3^rd Avenue

· Proceed straight to get on to northbound I-95

· Exit Northbound I-95 at eastbound I-195

Please note that NW 79^th Street Causeway and I-395/McArthur Causeway also serve as alternate eastbound routes to Miami Beach.

Travel lanes on I-95 will be closed nightly, at various locations between NW 186^th Street/Miami Gardens Drive and I-395/S.R. 836 for project-related work, 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday. At least one lane will remain open in each direction; however, entrance and exit ramps might be closed at various times and locations. Specific closures anticipated for this week are as follows:

Northbound I-95 will be closed at I-195/S.R. 112, from 11:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 13, until 5:00 a.m., Thursday, January 14. (If necessary this closure will be rescheduled for Thursday or Friday). During this closure, motorists will be detoured as follows:

· Exit northbound I-95 to eastbound I-195

· Exit eastbound I-95 at North Miami Avenue

· Turn left (north) on North Miami Avenue and proceed underneath I-195

· Turn left (west) to get onto westbound S.R. 112

· Stay in the right lane and follow the signs to get back onto northbound I-95

The north and southbound express lanes and one inside local lane in each direction will be closed from 11:00 p.m., until 5:00 a.m., nightly, as necessary, through Saturday morning, January 16. Access to the northbound express lanes from NW 39^th Street and the eastbound I-195/S.R. 112 flyover and access to southbound express lanes from the Golden Glades Interchange Park-and-Ride lot will be also closed. Motorists can use the local lanes during this closure.

I-195/S.R. 112 will be closed nightly in both directions approaching I-95, from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., through Sunday morning, January 17. Motorists will be detoured as follows:

Eastbound I-195/S.R. 112

· Exit onto southbound I-95

· Exit southbound I-95 at NW 8^th Street

· Turn left (east) onto NW 8^th Street and proceed underneath I-95

· Turn left (north) onto NW 3^rd Avenue and proceed to the northbound I-95 on ramp

· Follow northbound I-95 to the eastbound I-195 exit ramp

Westbound I-195/S.R. 112

· Exit westbound S.R. 112 onto northbound I-95

· Exit northbound I-95 at NW 62^nd Street

· Turn left (west) on NW 62^nd Street, proceed underneath I-95

· Turn left (south) to get onto southbound I-95

· Follow southbound I-95 to the westbound S.R. 112 ramp

The ramp from westbound I-195/S.R. 112 to southbound I-95 will be closed nightly, as necessary, 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., through Sunday morning, January 17. During this closure, motorists will be detoured as follows:

· Exit I-195 to northbound I-95

· Exit I-95 at NW 62^nd Street

· Turn left (west) underneath I-95

· Turn left (south) to get onto southbound I-95

The ramp from eastbound I-195/S.R. 112 to northbound I-95 will be closed, as necessary, from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., through Sunday morning, January 17. During this closure, motorists will be detoured as follows:

· Exit I-195 to southbound I-95

· Exit I-95 at NW 8^th Street

· Turn left (east) underneath I-95

· Turn left (north) on NW 3^rd Avenue and proceed to northbound I-95

On-going closures:

NW 35^th Street will remain closed in both directions at I-95 until further notice. Motorists will be detoured to NW 32^nd Street to cross underneath I-95.

Please note that this schedule is tentative and could change because of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The speed limit through the construction area is reduced to 50 mph. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive, or log on to www.fl511.com for real-time traffic and lane closure information. For additional questions regarding these closures please contact Tish Burgher directly at 305-216-3617.

Annual Meeting - January 13, 2010

2010-01-08T18:00:00.003-05:00

Belle Isle Residents Association
Meeting Notice
January 13, 2010
20 Island Avenue Meeting Room (Belle Plaza)

6:00 PM – Meeting with Architect for Proposed New Construction for Rental Apartments at 31 Venetian Way

Residents are welcome to join this meeting to see the revised proposal for new rental apartments to replace the existing buildings at 31 Venetian Way. The architect has revised this project again after hearing our concerns previously. Two sets of plans for the proposed projects are available at the front desk of 20 Island Avenue where you can view them anytime.

7:00 PM – Belle Isle Residents Association Annual Meeting

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Approval of minutes from January 21, 2009 Annual Meeting

3. President’s Report – Scott Diffenderfer

4. Treasurer’s Report – Keith Hark

5. Approval of the Minutes from the January 21, 2009 Annual Meeting

6. Nominating Committee – Irene Sperber, Chair

Board of Directors Slate for 2010
Election of the Members to the Board

7. Updates on Projects and Questions from Residents

Pump Station and Flooding Issues – Capital Improvements Office
Venetian Causeway upcoming Streetscape and Bridge
Project – Capital Improvements Office
Parks Department
Police
South Beach Local – Josh Fisher

8. New Business

9. Adjourn

Venetian Causeway Streetscape Project Delayed, Again

2010-01-08T17:50:00.004-05:00

News from the Venetian Causeway Neighborhood Alliance:

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY STREETSCAPE PROJECT DELAYED BY BID PROTEST

Things don't always work out as planned, and then there is the Venetian Causeway Streetscape Project. Intended to start in the Fall of 2009, this beautification and traffic slowing construction project by Miami-Dade County for the Venetian Way has been delayed, again, this time by bidding issues.

The proposed award to Ric-Man International, Inc. is now being challenged (the formal word is "protested" as in "bid protest") by Budget Construction Company. If the protest is resolved quickly, it is possible work could start in February. If not, we are looking at March or April 2010 as the earliest start date, because the protest has to find its way to the crowded agenda of the Board of County Commissioners.

When the initial bids came in late June 2009, Budget was the apparent low bidder, with a base bid a little over $6, 857,000, which was slightly under the base contract's estimated amount of $6,895,000. Ric-Man's base bid, the next lowest, was for $7,008,000. Following standard procedures, county staff reviewed the record of the low bidder in performing on prior county contracts. Budget's prior history was found deficient on several accounts (for those of you interested in a longer version, at the bottom is the County's summary of Budget's history of performance deficiencies).

Based on staff's findings, and its recommendation to pass over Budget, the County Manager in mid December 2009 decided, finally, to award the contract to Ric-Man and not Budget. Budget, however, filed a timely bid protest. It presently is scheduled for hearing on January 13, 2010.

If the protest is promptly settled somehow, work could start as early as February, 2010. If it is not settled, and the matter goes all the way through the process, the protest has to go to the Board of County Commissioners. They are unlikely to hear the matter until late February, and more likely March, with work in all likelihood not commencing until a month later.

Below is the County's summary of the reasons for not awarding to Budget:

The project was advertised on May 20, 2009, and on June 29, 2009 ten (10) engineering contractor firms proffered bids for the referenced project. The apparent lowest bidder, Budget Construction Co., Inc., (Budget) was deemed "Not Responsible." Budget was "Terminated for Default- by the Water PWD could not affirmatively determine Budget's capabilities to effectively execute the work that is needed for this project.

ING Miami Marathon - January 31

2010-01-04T14:52:00.002-05:00

(It's that time again!)

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Important Information about Runners Coming through your Neighborhood:

About the ING Miami Marathon:
The ING Miami Marathon is one of the largest running/walking marathons in Florida with participants coming from all 50 states and over 40 countries. Since 2003, the weekend has generated over $130 million for our local economy. Race weekend includes a free Health & Fitness Expo, 5k run/walk (3.1 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a full marathon (26.2 miles).

When: Where:
Sunday, January 31, 2010 Runners Start & finish in Downtown Miami. The 26.2 mile race
Wheelchair Start: 6:05 a.m. goes through Miami Beach, Brickell, the Grove and Downtown.
Runner Start: 6:15 a.m.

Charity:
The ING Miami Marathon Weekend provides a medium for numerous charities to raise funds. Some of these charities include: the Community Partnership for Homeless, PANCAN, Team WorldVision, Team in Training, Chai Lifeline, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, & Christina’s Kidz.

Area Details for:
Miami Beach Area

Closest Water Stations:
Mile 3 (MacArthur Cswy & Terminal Isle)
Mile 4 (Alton Rd & 2 St.)
Mile 5 (Ocean Drive & 8 St)
Mile 6 (Washington Ave & 16 St)
Mile 7 (Dade Blvd. & Prairie)

Spectator Cheer Zone:
ING Cheer Zone (Omni Station-NE 15th St. & Biscayne Blvd)

Arrival first/last runner/walker into your general area:
6:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.

Major Roadway Closure Affecting Your Area:
-Traffic Eastbound MacArthur Causeway (one lane open only)
-Alton Rd. (between 5 St. & South Pointe Drive)
-Venetian Cswy (westbound)

*All intersections throughout will be adhering to intermittent traffic flow as directed by Miami Dade County Police Dept, City of Miami Police Dept and Miami Beach Police Dept. The flow of traffic will be guided through during pockets/gaps between runner packs, however, understand that during the earlier miles and earlier portion of the race the runners are more closely together.

Please Plan Ahead & Expect Some Short Delays.
Help us make the 8th annual ING Miami Marathon, the best marathon ever!

If you have any questions or concerns please call 305-278-8668 or visit www.ingmiamimarathon.com

Next Meeting of the BIRA Board

2009-11-09T17:09:00.002-05:00

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 8th, at 6PM at the 20 Island Avenue Conference Room. Details to follow. All are welcome to attend.

Auto Burglary Subject Arrested

2009-10-08T15:37:00.001-04:00

10/08/09

Auto Burglary Subject Arrested

Vincent Sansberg 04/27/91

On 10/02/09 during the early morning hours, eight vehicles were burglarized in the Rivo Alto and Dilido island neighborhoods. During one of the burglaries the above subject was recorded on a home surveillance system, breaking into multiple vehicles. Working with the surveillance video and latent finger print, Auto theft detectives were able to identify Sansberg as a suspect. During a thorough interview Sansberg confessed to committing all of the burglaries and was charged with,8 counts of auto burglary, 2 counts of burglary (Curtilage) and 2 counts of Trespass (Curtilage).

In order to deter this type of crime, we recommend that residents follow these suggestions:

Do not leave your vehicle unlocked.
Do not leave anything of value where it can be seen.
When parking your vehicle at home, do not leave items (such purse, laptops, etc.,) in the vehicle overnight.
Park in well lit areas when possible.

The Police Department’s overall goal is to control, reduce and minimize criminal behavior through education and proactive enforcement efforts. If you do observe something suspicious, even if it seems trivial, please call the non-emergency number at (305) 673-7901.

MIAMI BEACH

Bruce Songdahl, Master Police Officer

POLICE DEPARTMENT, Community Affairs Unit

1100 Washington Avenue

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tel: 305-673-7776 Ext.5297/ Fax: 305-604-2155 / www.miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY TO BE TORN UP!

2009-09-04T16:23:00.003-04:00

The VENETIAN CAUSEWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Says:

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY
TO BE TORN UP!

Well, not really, but we did want to get your attention.

Miami-Dade County will soon start its $8,000,000 “Venetian Causeway Streetscape Project.” Hear from County officials responsible for this and other pending projects affecting our neighborhood:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
at 7:00 p.m.

1000 Venetian Way, lobby (on Biscayne Island)

VENETIAN CAUSEWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FUTHER INFORMATON:

https://www.bigtent.com/groups/vcna

LEARN ABOUT THE NEW THINGS HAPPENING ON OUR HISTORIC ROADWAY, MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND ENJOY SOME FOOD AND SOCIAL TIME AT OUR 2009 ANNUAL MEETING!

Venetian Causeway Streetscape Improvements - Public Meeting on Thursday, July 23

2009-07-22T12:06:00.003-04:00

From: Alison Soule <ASoule@communikatz.com>

Date: Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Subject: Venetian Causeway Streetscape Improvements - Public Meeting on Thursday, July 23

The next Venetian Causeway Streetscape Improvement community meeting will be Thursday, July 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.

Please forward this to others you think would be interested in attending this meeting.

Contact Ali Soule, 305-573-4455, for more information. Thanks!

Ali Soule

Communikatz, Inc.

305-573-4455, Ext. 19, Fax 305-573-4466

4141 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 101D

Miami, FL 33137-3537

asoule@communikatz.com

Police Advisory - Traffic Closures on Pinetree and Dade BLVD.

2009-07-22T12:03:00.003-04:00

Dear Middle District Residents, HOA's and Crime Watch Groups,

During the week of July 28^th, The Miami Beach Police and Fire Department in conjunction with Mt Sinai Hospital, will be partaking in a Regional Full Scale Exercise that will involve shots fired within in a building. The area affected will be on Pinetree Drive within Dade Blvd and 41 Street. Street closures will be intermittent and kept to a minimum. Please note this is a FULLY CONTROLLED scenario based situation inside of a building.

In order to make this exercise as realistic as possible for the participants, the date, time and location cannot be released at this time.

It is recommended that you avoid Pinetree Drive / Dade Blvd during the week of July 28th in order to minimize traffic delays due to intermittent traffic closures.

Master Officer Bruce Songdahl

NRO Middle District.

MIAMI BEACH

Bruce Songdahl, Master Police Officer

POLICE DEPARTMENT, Community Affairs Unit

1100 Washington Avenue

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Tel: 305-673-7776 Ext.5297/ Fax: 305-604-2155 / www.miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

San Marco Homeowners Group 2009 Initiatives

2009-06-08T07:22:00.005-04:00

From: Roger Simon
Date: Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Subject: San Marco Homeowners Group 2009 Initiatives

This e-mail will be forwarded to all appropriate Venetian Causeway associations and groups in both Miami Beach and Miami. Our goal will be to get at least 65% of all homeowners, condo owners and renters within these areas to agree to the following items.

1. Tolls. We would like to get the County to increase the toll on weekends and nights and during the season. This will help to both improve the safety, and lessen traffic, in the neighborhoods, as well as increase the budget for the County authority.

2. Speed Limit. Reduce the speed limit back to 25 miles per hour after the Causeway project is complete. Again, this is to improve the safety in the neighborhoods.

3. Dog waste. Join in the Miami Beach initiative to have signs throughout the Causeway, its parks and eyebrows, reminding dog owners that the law requires that they clean up after their dogs. If possible, have waste containers and bags affixed to the signs for easy access and use.

4. Parking. No parking on the Causeway between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This would be to improve the safety for walkers and residents.

We will also be contacting Mayors, Commissioners and various jogging and bicycle clubs who enjoy the islands to discuss their support of these initiatives.

Once we obtain sufficient support for these initiatives, we can present them to the County Mayor and other appropriate parties. I hope to do this by year-end.

Thank you.

Roger Simon

SMHOG

Huge Rainstorm in Miami

2009-06-06T12:40:00.002-04:00

If you're there, you already know. Check out these great photos by ace photographer Irene Sperber. (Click on any photo for a somewhat larger version.)

IMPORTANT: Detailed Information on Causeway Closing, Starting May 1st

2009-04-30T20:30:00.016-04:00

Esther Calas, P.E., Director
Public Works Department
111 NW First Street, Suite 1610
Miami, Florida 33128
Phone: (305) 375-2960
Fax: (305) 375-3070
ecalas@miamidade.gov

"Delivering Excellence Every Day"

Pursuant to the issues that have been raised regarding the Venetian Bridges Rehabilitation Project, specifically the East Bascule bridge closure, please note that the Public Works Department (PWD) must close the East Bascule bridge for 30 days for the following reasons:

1. There are approximately 4000 bolts that must be replaced. These bolts provide the connections for the structural steel members that hold up the bridge. There are numerous structural members that will also be completely removed and replaced due to their deteriorated condition. It is unsafe and impossible to do this work while anyone is on the bridge.

2. The existing bridge paint has to be removed and the bridge has to be repainted in order to remove existing rust and provide protection from future corrosion. Extensive enclosure measures are required for this painting effort and it is required to have the bridge in an “up” position while this painting work is done.

3. The bridge closure needs to occur from May 1 to May 31 since Hurricane season begins June 1 and we cannot close the bridge after that date.

As to the question of notice, it should be noted that during the past year, two publicly advertised meetings (via newspaper and mail) were held; one on June19, 2008 and the other on April 16, 2009. All the key players tied to the construction project, including the County and both Cities, were present to discuss and answer all of the resident concerns. PWD presented photos of the rusty bolts and faulty platforms supporting the bridge. Additionally, fact sheets providing project information were hand-delivered on April 13 and April 14, 2009 to mailboxes, and the tollbooth attendants handed out the fact sheet to motorists.

As to the use of a temporary bridge, it should be noted that although a temporary bridge was previously used for the East Bascule bridge, the reason that it was not used this time is that this closure is much shorter than the previous closure when it underwent major repairs approximately 10 years ago. This closure will be for 30 days while the previous closure was for over 6 months.

As to the pedestrian and bicycle concerns, PWD had analyzed the option of directing bicyclists to the Julia Tuttle Causeway and MacArthur Causeway. The former is a limited access Interstate Highway (I-195) which prohibits pedestrians and bicyclists, so it cannot be used. Furthermore, it is not recommended to use safety cones to route pedestrians or bicyclists to the MacArthur Causeway since it is a high speed six-lane divided highway with no sidewalks along the linear segment between Jungle Island on Watson Island and the Star Island Bridge. The nearest pedestrian accessible causeway connection between Miami and Miami Beach is the Kennedy Causeway from NE 79 Street in Miami to 71 Street in Miami Beach. However, since that facility is approximately four miles away, pedestrians and bicyclists who would normally walk across the length of the Venetian Causeway may use Metrobus to be transported between Miami and Miami Beach. Once the bridge closure goes into effect, Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) will be providing circulator bus routes on the east and west side of the Venetian Causeway’s bridge closure. The circulator bus will take commuters to the Omni bus station in Miami or the Lincoln Road bus station in Miami Beach. Once at either transfer point, a transfer is available to a Miami-bound bus route or to a Miami Beach-bound bus route. The Metrobus routes that will provide this service are C, M, S, K and the Night Owl.

As to the possible West Bascule bridge malfunction, it should be noted this bridge is relatively new and in good operating condition; however, in the event of a malfunction of the operating system of the bridge, it can be operated manually. The East Bascule bridge is not currently used by barges or large vessels because it does not have the needed draft or horizontal clearance. The vessels that will be diverted from the East to the West Bascule Bridge will be jet skis, pleasure craft, etc. and it is anticipated that the West Bascule bridge can handle this additional traffic.

As to access for emergency vehicles, the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach Fire Departments have worked out an agreement, as follows:

1. The City of Miami Beach Fire Department (MBFD) will provide coverage for Belle Island during this time period.

2. The City of Miami Fire Department (MFD) will provide the primary response of Fire and Rescue services for the islands of Dilido, Rivo Alto and San Marino during this time period. MFD will handle all Fire-Rescue incidents during the construction timeframe.

3. In case there is a malfunction of the West Bascule Bridge, temporarily eliminating land based Fire Rescue response from the City of Miami Fire Department to this area, MBFD has staged a reserve engine on the Northwest corner of the intersection on the Venetian Causeway and W. Rivo Alto Drive. A MBFD reserve suburban has also been placed on the West side of the East Bascule bridge with all necessary equipment secured in place. Please see attached the city of Miami Beach Fire Department’s memorandum with respect to this issue.

4. All calls for assistance received by the City of Miami Beach 911 from the residents on any of the three islands will be handled by the City of Miami Beach Communications Operator. The City of Miami Beach Communications Operator will obtain all of the necessary information (i.e. name of caller, address, chief complaint, PAI) and handle the call in its entirety prior to transferring the information to the City of Miami Fire Alarm Office. Once the information is relayed (as a mutual aid request) from the MBFD Dispatcher/CO to the City of Miami Fire Alarm Office, the City of Miami will dispatch the appropriate resource(s) depending on the nature of the medical request from the caller.

If you have any further questions, please let us know.

Thank you,

Venetian Causeway Will Be Closed To Traffic For "One Month" - Important Meeting

2009-04-14T08:28:00.003-04:00

The East Bridge will be closed for one month (that's the schedule, at least).

The County will be running an important information meeting THIS THURSDAY at the Botanical Gardens.

From: Cotarelo, Antonio (PWD)
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 4:30 PM
Subject: FW: Bridge Project

Ms. Bisno,

The Venetian Bridges Rehabilitation project will be issued a Notice to Proceed on April 13, 2009. A Community Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33109, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The meeting is to provide project specifics including, construction schedule and the closure of the east bascule bridge, which will require a detour to the MacArthur Causeway. A meeting prior to the start of construction was not feasible due to the upcoming religious holidays. A project Fact Sheet with project details and an invitation letter to the residents regarding the April 16 meeting will be distributed this week.

Antonio J. Cotarelo, P.E.
Assistant Director, Construction & Maintenance
Public Works Department
Ph: (305) 375-1918
Fax: (305) 375-2547

(Click on poster for larger version - pdf)

Next Meeting of Residents Association

2009-04-14T08:16:00.001-04:00

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15th, at 6PM in the 3 Island Avenue Card Room. All are welcome to attend.

Please Follow The Leash Law!!

2009-04-14T08:15:00.002-04:00

Click on the image for a full poster.

Great Park Photos From Irene Sperber

2009-04-14T07:59:00.002-04:00

Click on an image for a higher-resolution version.

Letter About Proposed Development at 31 Venetian Way

2009-04-14T07:51:00.001-04:00

The Association recently sent a letter to the owners of the property at 31 Venetian Way, concerning their proposed development.

Please read the letter, found HERE.

Minutes, February 24, 2009

2009-04-14T07:41:00.000-04:00

Click HERE for minutes.

Minutes, January 21, 2009, Regular Meeting

2009-04-14T07:20:00.000-04:00

Click HERE for minutes.

Minutes, January 21, 2009, Annual Meeting

2009-04-14T07:02:00.002-04:00

Click HERE for minutes.

Help Protect the Character of Belle Isle

2009-02-18T10:03:00.004-05:00

Attention Residents: Help Protect the Character of Belle Isle

Tell the Developer What You Think About His Proposal to Build a 5-Story Steel and Glass Building at 31 Venetian Way

Tuesday, Feb 24@7:00pm

The owner of the rental apartments at 31 Venetian Way is proposing to demolish the four existing 3-story rental apartment buildings and replace them a massive 5-story luxury rental apartment building.

The Board of Directors of the Belle Isle Residents Association voted unanimously to oppose this project as proposed because we feel strongly that it is the wrong project for our neighborhood for many reasons including:

The project is completely out of scale and not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, which consists of humble smaller buildings and single family homes;

The proposed building is 5 stories tall with architectural features that add additional height on the roof. It is the length of two football fields and forms an imposing wall of steel and glass almost the entire length of the property along the bay, Venetian Way and abutting the single family homes on Farrey Lane;

The proposed increased size in the building area will add an additional 59 apartment units to the lot, bringing the total to 179;

The building as proposed is designed to the maximum height, maximum density and maximum number of units allowed in the neighborhood while providing minimum setback with no green space and the minimum amount of required parking;

The required "view corridor" as proposed contains a bridge of apartments, boxing in the view to the bay;

All new buildings require a baywalk that is accessible to the public. The plans for this project are unclear as to the design and access.

At the first Design Review Board hearing, the developer was told to meet with the residents so that we can voice our concerns. Now is your chance to have your voice heard.

The developer and his attorney will present their project at BIRA's meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24^th at 7:00pm at 20 Island Avenue on the first floor. All residents are invited to see the developer's proposal and share their views.

Flooding Problem Fixed

2009-01-22T22:33:00.012-05:00

From: Saul Gross
To: Fred Beckman

Fred

Thanks for the thorough explanation

I'm sure the folks on Belle Isle will be pleased to know they have one less issue to worry about.

Cheers

Commissioner Gross
------------------------------------------------
From: "Beckmann, Fred"

Commissioner,

The problem of bay water and/or stormwater flowing out onto the street from the stormwater manhole on the east side of the Venetian Causeway at Belle Isle has been solved.

Below is a recap of the issue and the implemented solution:

When CIP initially observed the recirculation of water at the east manhole Control Structure 3 (CS-3) at high tide, it commenced a comprehensive investigation of the stormwater system, with the design Engineer of Record (EOR). The new stormwater system is comprised of a pump station, three (3) wells, numerous stormwater structures, and 24" stormwater piping throughout Belle Isle. As and interim measure, to alleviate the storm and bay water recirculation, tidal backflow prevention valves were installed by the City at each of the three (3) outfalls located at the east and west ends of Belle Isle, and at Farrey Lane.

Initially, the EOR attributed the recirculation of storm and bay water at CS-3 to the restricted flow to the bay, created by the new 24-inch pipe, that was reduced to the existing 8-inch outfall pipe at CS-3, and potential barnacle build-up inside the existing outfall pipe. At the request of the EOR, the City, a). conducted an inspection and verification of the actual clear inside diameter of the existing pipe at the east outfall, and provided the data required for calculations; b). installed pressure gauges and flow meters at each well to monitor the pressure and the flows, and to verify that the wells were receiving the intended design flows.

Readings were taken at each well, and it was determined that the wells were not receiving the required design flows. A comprehensive technical memoranda was issued buy the EOR indicated that there was insufficient head pressure at the wells. Inadequate head pressure allowed all the storm and bay water in the system to by-pass the wells to the CS-3, where it flowed onto the Causeway.

The EOR was directed by the City to provide a corrective measure, while meeting the initial stormwater design intent. A device was designed to be placed inside the CS-3. This device would reduce the 24-inch diameter pipe to a 7-inch diameter opening at the CS-3, thereby creating the necessary head pressure required to force storm and bay water into the three (3) wells, and eliminate the recirculation at CS-3. Additionally, new hydraulic calculations were submitted to the City Engineer for approval. As a result, it was agreed that the pump station would be operated with one pump, while utilizing the second pump as an alternate. The pump floats were also adjusted as part of the design modifications.

The fabrication and installation of the device, including modifications to the stormwater system were completed in December 2008. Final tests were conducted on January 15th; the results proved that there was no recirculation of storm or bay water at CS-3.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

MIAMIBEACH

Fred H. Beckmann, P.E., INTERIM CIP DIRECTOR

OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
777 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305.673.7071 / Fax: 786.394.5472 / www.miamibeachfl.gov

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

From: Saul Gross
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:31 PM
To: Middaugh, Bob
Subject: Engineered valve to stop back flow of bay at high tide

Bob

I had understood from Fred that the City had retained an engineering firm to design and construct an engineered valve to stop back flow from the bay into storm water drainage out falls during high tide.

Can you update me as to the status of this project which affects many of the City's neighborhoods. The issue came up this evening at the Belle Isle HOA meeting.

Thanks

Commissioner Gross

Palm Disease Management Workshop

2009-01-21T17:03:00.001-05:00

Prevention, Detection and Management of New Palm Diseases

Thursday,

January 29, 2009

8:45 am – 11:00 am

UF IFAS Miami-Dade County

Extension

18710 SW 288 Street,

Homestead, FL 33030

Barbara McAdam/Program Assistant

FYN/Florida Yards & Neighborhoods

Miami-Dade County Extension/Consumer Services Depart.

18710 S.W. 288th Street Homestead, Fl. 33030

(305) 248-3311 ext. 245

Annual Meeting: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 20 Island Ave.

2009-01-13T09:28:00.005-05:00

ATTN: BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS!!!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND
A GENERAL MEETING OF
THE BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Open discussion with M. B. Commissioners

GET THE LATEST UPDATES ON:

ISLAND AVE. NORTH - SAFETY
PLANNED BEAUTIFICATION OF VENETIAN CAUSEWAY.
BELLE ISLE PARK
BAY WATER FLOODING
CANDIDATES FOR THE BIRA BOARD
THE STANDARD’S ACTIVITIES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009 7:00PM
20 ISLAND AVENUE
MEETING ROOM

-------

1. Welcome and Introductions

M.B. Commissioners Comments - Q & A
Lynn Bernstein – Community Coordinator

2. Approval of the Minutes from the February 6, 2008 Meeting.

3. Presidents Report: Scott Diffenderfer

4. Nominating Committee – Irene Sperber, Chair
Board of Directors Slate for the year 2009. Election of the Members to the Board.

5. Update on the following projects:

Belle Isle Park—Mr. John Oldenburg
Venetian Causeway—Bridges, Beautification & Tolls
Barbara Bisno, President, VCNA
Safety on Island Ave North
Bruce Songdahl, M.B. Police Department
Bay Water Backup
Fernando Vazquez, Director, M. B. Engineering
Contributions and use of BIRA funds
Keith Hark, BIRA Treasurer
The Standard - Activity Update
Helena Blatt & Martin Kreidet

6. New Business

7. Adjourn Meeting

M B City Contact Phone Numbers:
Miami Beach Government --- 305 604 2489
Noise Code Enforcement----- 305 673 7901
Parking Concerns, Hotline--- 305 673 9453
Moored Boat Concerns------- 305 673 7959
Litter/Sanitation--- --------- 305 673 7616