Aug. 25 - Sept. 7, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 11
Letter to the Editor
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Commissioner Jerry Libbin (left) and Mike Burke
Addressed to Commissioner Libbin; I think it was about 18 months ago that you and I went for a walk along Bay Road and West Avenue to check on rights-ofway designated for the Baywalk. It wasn’t that easy, was it? In fact, some people were even chasing the neighbors off completed sections at that time. Fortunately, things changed after the Lincoln West residents took note, and we were on our way. While most people are now aware of the Baywalk concept, many are not. In addition, many of the historical details of this amenity have never been fully explained to the public due to underlying litigation. Thus, it is important that we remind residents about the rights-of-way granted to pedestrians on Biscayne Bay from Lincoln Rd. to the South Pointe Pier by waterfront property owners about 10 years ago. These exchanges or easements were in return for the city’s permission to build condos out of scale and compatibility with the neighborhoods. Thus, for example, the Flamingo and the Waverly are much larger and different in design from nearby structures. With the settlement of litigation with the Flamingo in Dec of 2009, came pedestrian access to over 1600 linear feet of frontage on the bay. This win, combined with an earlier one over the Waverly that year, clarified the vision of the Baywalk, as an operating amenity; especially as a walkway between Lincoln Rd and the MacArthur Causeway. Citizens now realize that the Baywalk is a right, not a gift granted by soft-hearted developers. It has taken the city 10 years to assert that right over obdurate corporate interests. The city has taken some action in addi-
tion to suing developers for access. Last June, a Baywalk charette was held at the Botanical Gardens. It was a packed house. Also, at the behest of former Commissioner Saul Gross, the Beach Committee was renamed the Waterfront Protection Committee and given purview over the Baywalk. Another Commissioner at the time, Victor Diaz, was equally supportive of the Baywalk, and kept the administration’s feet to the fire by insisting upon regular reports at Commission meetings. I hope that the present Commission continues to be officially vigilant in pursuing the completion of the Baywalk. Developers are already behind schedule in building sections behind the Mondrian and submitting plans for construction behind the Flamingo. Perhaps they think the city will fall asleep at the wheel for another ten years. I hope not, and I know that you are on our side. In closing, I would like to request that the city follow through on our request for a public service spot on channel 77, explaining the Baywalk concept and progress thus far. Another charette would also be nice. Why not put that on T.V.? Regarding our questions about permit applications to the State and County pertaining to waterfront impacts, the City has invited us to file a Public Information Request! (How’s that for cooperation?) Perhaps you could help us follow up on these items. Keep up the good work Jerry, and help us stay on top of this project. It’s clear that we have our work cut out for us. Thanks. Sincerely, Mike Burke
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