C7Z - Fund $1.05m for Washington Ave Sidewalks

Resolutions - C7 Z

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends accepting the favorable recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (”FERC”), at its March 26, 2025 meeting, directing the Administration to proceed with sidewalk improvements on Washington Avenue from Lincoln Road to 15th Street, east and west sidewalks, using brick pavers, in the estimated amount of $1.05 Million, funded under the General Obligation (GO) Bond funds and incorporate input from the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID).

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On June 26, 2024, at the request of Commissioner Kristen Rosen-Gonzalez, co-sponsored by Commissioners Joseph Magazine, David Suarez, Alex Fernandez, and Tanya Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission (”City Commission“) approved referral item C4C, to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (”FERC“) meeting, to discuss beautifying Washington Avenue by enhancing lighting and streetscaping.

There had been similar requests brought up for discussion by City Commission members at the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee (”PSNQLC“) and FERC meetings to enhance lighting on South Beach, however, neither request turned into favorable recommendations to the City Commission for approval, due to costs for installation and maintenance exceeding $1 Million.

On September 20, 2024, FERC members were provided sidewalk and lighting updates along Washington Avenue. Public Works presented two proposals for wrap-around lights on median trees for the east and west sidewalks, including maintenance costs for a period of one year after installation. The breakdown for these costs were:

• • Washington Avenue from 5th Street to 17th Street (median trees): $272,532 • Washington Avenue from 5th Street to 17th Street (east and west sidewalks): $1,195,950

Public Works reiterated at Committee that funding for the proposed wrap-around lights had yet to be identified. There was also a discussion about the $10 Million GO Bond fund as part of the Washington Avenue Corridor Project. Said funding, would be used to invest in capital improvements, permanent lighting and landscaping along Washington Avenue. However, since wrap-around lights are considered temporary fixtures, they would not be eligible for GO Bond

funding.

Discussions at Committee continued, and focused on how to reenergize Washington Avenue in the short and long terms, using GO Bond funds. There were discussions regarding the need to have the Washington Avenue BID be involved in these efforts along with the City, subsequently, the Washington Avenue BID has been engaged on the topic. FERC members made a favorable recommendation to move the item to the October 30, 2024, City Commission meeting for approval to proceed with the installation of wrap-around lights on median trees on Washington Avenue, from 5th Street to 17th Street, in the approximate amount of $273,000. FERC members also requested for the Administration to come back to the November 8, 2024, FERC meeting to provide cost estimates for sidewalk repairs/replacement and cost for the replacement of lighting fixtures along Washington Avenue.

On November 8, 2024, FERC members discussed the total cost for in-kind replacement of grey sidewalk and permanent light fixtures estimated at $1,537,000, to be funded through the GO Bond. Committee members expressed a desire to upgrade the sidewalk materials from what was originally presented, since there was enough money allocated within the GO Bond project. Direction was given for staff to come back to the January 24, 2025, FERC meeting, with an updated cost and plan for upgraded sidewalk materials. On January 24, 2025, FERC members were presented with an exposed shell specialty concrete option to be considered. The discussion continued and concluded with a motion to return to the March 26, 2025, FERC meeting with an additional 3-4 recommendations for specialty sidewalks.

ANALYSIS

Sidewalks

The Administration obtained three (3) additional estimates from several contractors for alternative sidewalk improvements along Washington Avenue between 5th and 17th streets to include Americans with Disability Act (”ADA”) compliance and other factors not previously included.

The following were five (5) options presented, not including yearly maintenance fees estimated at 5%:

1) Red concrete sidewalk ($1,418,381.68) 2) Exposed shell specialty concrete sidewalk ($2,217,430) 3) Stamped specialty sidewalks ($1,893,612) 4) Paver bricks ($9,418,541) 5) Red and grey concrete sidewalk ($2,506,410)

REGULAR RED CONCRETE SIDEWALK Pros:  Affordable: generally, the most cost-effective option  Smooth Surface: even and uniform, making it accessible for all users (e.g., wheelchairs, strollers)  Low Maintenance: easy to clean and does not require much upkeep beyond sealing (if necessary) Cons:  Prone to Cracking: susceptible to cracks over time due to ground movement or weathering  Appearance: Color may fade over time, difference in color between existing red concrete and new red concrete when repairs are made

EXPOSED SHELL CONCRETE SIDEWALK Pros:  Aesthetic Appeal: features embedded shells for a natural, decorative, and coastal-inspired look  Durability: the embedded shells can increase surface hardness and resilience

 Slip Resistance: textured surface provides good traction, especially in wet conditions  Unique Appearance: no two installations are identical due to the variation in shell patterns  Eco-Friendly: often uses reclaimed or recycled shells, which is environmentally friendly Cons:  Higher Cost: typically, more expensive due to materials and specialized labor  Rough Texture: less comfortable for bare feet compared to smooth surfaces  Maintenance: dirt and debris can accumulate in textured areas, requiring regular cleaning  Repair Challenges: matching the shell pattern during repairs can be difficult, making patches visible  Prone to Cracking: susceptible to cracks over time due to ground movement or weathering  Appearance: color may fade over time

STAMPED CONCRETE SIDEWALK Pros:  Customizable Designs: can mimic the appearance of stone, brick, tile, or wood, offering a high-end look  Wide Range of Colors: can be stained or dyed to achieve nearly any color scheme  Durability: seamless construction provides greater resistance to shifting and settling than loose pavers  Increased Property Value: enhances curb appeal and can make the property more attractive Cons:  Cost: more expensive than regular concrete, though usually less than exposed shell concrete  Maintenance: requires regular resealing to maintain its appearance and prevent damage  Risk of Cracking: like regular concrete, stamped concrete is prone to cracking; cracks are harder to repair without visible seams  Skilled Labor Needed: installation requires experienced contractors to achieve the desired pattern and finish  Appearance: color may fade over time

PAVER BRICKS Pros:  Durability: made from high-quality materials like concrete, which are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions  Slip Resistance: many of their pavers have a textured surface, providing better traction and reducing the risk of slipping, especially in wet conditions  Eco-Friendly: some paver bricks feature permeable designs, which allow water to pass through, reducing stormwater runoff and helping with drainage Cons:  Higher Cost: can be more expensive compared to other paver styles  Installation Complexity: paver bricks are relatively heavy which can make installation more labor-intensive and require additional tools or help  Risk of Cracking: although durable, concrete pavers can crack under extreme pressure or impact, especially if they are not maintained properly  High Maintenance: proper installation is critical to ensure longevity. Poor installation can lead to shifting or settling over time, which will require repairs  Appearance: difficult to find similar replacement pavers for repairs after a few years

RED & GREY CONCRETE SIDEWALK Pros:  Visual Appeal: a red and grey patterned sidewalk adds a bold, stylish touch to outdoor spaces. it can enhance the curb appeal and make the sidewalk a focal point.



Increased Aesthetic Value: the contrast between the red and grey can create depth and texture, giving the sidewalk an upscale, professional appearance that can elevate the overall design of the area. Durability: both red and grey concrete are durable and provide long-lasting solutions, ensuring that the patterned sidewalk will withstand heavy foot traffic and the elements.



Cons:  Cost and Labor: patterned concrete often requires more complex work, which can increase both material and labor costs. More detailed patterns might also take longer to install  Complex Maintenance: if the concrete start to stain, crack, or fade, the difficult pattern could make repairs more challenging and expensive  Cleaning Difficulties: depending on the pattern’s complexity, cleaning between the different sections or grooves in the design could be more time-consuming and challenging compared to a simple uniform sidewalk  Prone to Cracking: susceptible to cracks over time due to ground movement or weathering

Regular Red Concrete Exposed Shell Concrete Stamped Concrete Paver Bricks Red & Grey Concrete

Feature

Cost Low Medium-High Medium Very High Medium-High

Unique, Coastal Look Highly Customizable Unique Moderate/ Stylish

Aesthetic Appeal Basic

Durability High High High Moderate Moderate

Moderate - High

High

Slip Resistance High High Moderate-High

Maintenance Low Moderate Moderate Very High Low-Medium

Repair Difficulty Easy Difficult Moderate Difficult Moderate

REGULAR RED CONCRETE SIDEWALK

EXPOSED SHELL CONCRETE SIDEWALK

STAMPED CONCRETE SIDEWALK

PAVER BRICKS

MIX RED & GREY

Additionally, a study was conducted by Calvin, Giordano and Associates, showing the different sidewalk options for Ocean Drive for design consideration (Attachment B).

Lighting

The cost to replace the Pedestrian Light Fixtures remains at an estimated: $650,000 (LED, 4K Acorn light fixtures).

UPDATE

On March 26, 2025 FERC members had a short discussion regarding the different sidewalk material options that had been provided to date by the Administration, including the brick paver option presented at a public meeting for Ocean Drive, for lighting and sidewalk improvements. Discussions continued with the recommendation to have the Administration meet with the Washington Avenue BID to have them select three (3) brick paver design options that would be presented to Commission members. Once at Commission, Commission members could select a final option. The Administration also suggested to have the Washington Avenue BID provide their feedback on other enhancements they would like to see on Washington Avenue.

A motion was made by FERC members to move the item to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation, directing the Administration to proceed with sidewalk improvements on Washington Avenue from Lincoln Road to 15h Street, east and west sidewalks, using brick pavers, to be funded under the GO Bond funds, and incorporate input from the Washington Avenue BID.

Using the design created by Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. that incorporates pavers, a construction estimate has been developed in the amount of $1.05 Million.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The estimated cost for sidewalk improvements on Washington Avenue, from Lincoln Road to 15th Street, east and west sidewalks is: $1.05 Million funded under the GO Bond Funds appropriated for Washington Avenue Improvements.

CONCLUSION The Administration recommends accepting the favorable recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (”FERC”), at its March 26, 2025 meeting, directing the Administration to proceed with sidewalk improvements on Washington Avenue from Lincoln Road to 15th Street, east and west sidewalks, using brick pavers, funded under the GO Bond funds and incorporate input from the Washington Avenue BID.

Applicable Area South Beach

Department

Public Works

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez

Co-sponsor(s)

Commissioner Joseph Magazine

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Implement Sidewalk Improv, Washington Av from Linc to 15 St. (KRG/JM) PW

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)

Deferred on 5/21/2025 - C7 O