1250 West Avenue and the Bikini Hostel

We learned some important news this week that we would like to pass along to you.

Bikini Hostel Agreement

We understand a new agreement was reached in recent days between the developer of 1250 West Ave, Michael Stern, and the Muskat brothers for the purchase and sale of the Bikini Hostel. 

The shelter operation at the Bikini Hostel started in late November last year with 50 beds. The current setup is 150 beds and could reach 250 beds under the present capacity of the Hostel.

As of now, the City does not have a solution to resolve the situation with the Bikini Hostel being used as a homeless shelter in our neighborhood. This use has created a number of issues for our residents, including the current cost of the police officer stationed in front of the Bikini of ~$35,000 a month.

Update on 1250 West Avenue Development

We also learned on Tuesday that an agreement was reached between the developer of 1250 and its direct neighbor to the South, Bayview Terrace 1228 West Avenue. We understand that their condo board determined to support the Developer’s proposal, concluding that a building “as of right” would have a more negative impact to their residents than the current proposal.

We understand that the Developer is seeking to reach a similar agreement with Monad Terrace, its immediate neighbor to the north. SoBe West believes this should be a condition imposed by the City no matter the circumstances.  It is also important that the Developer continues to have dialogue with the Board of the Waverly.  Bayview Terrace, Monad Terrace, & Waverly are the closest, most impacted condos adjacent to this development.  

Throughout the course of the Developer’s conversations with the City, affected Condo Boards and residents, the height of the proposed development has been reduced from the original proposal at 420 feet, a second proposal at 380 feet, to the current proposal at 330 feet.  City Management has approved 300 feet in its review of the project.  As a point of reference, The Waverly is 335 feet, and the center tower of the Flamingo is also taller than the proposed development.

Commission Update

The Commission yesterday, Thursday 24 April, and addressed Zoning Rule for the 1250 West Ave redevelopment & Bikini Hostel, which passed 7-0.  At the next Commission meeting on 21 May, the development agreement will be addressed.  The goal of the SoBe West Board, in collaboration with Commissioners, City Staffs, and resident input is to maximize the Public Benefits and minimize the impact on the affected neighbors.  

In general, the SoBe West Board supports some of the current proposed Public Benefits, namely the purchase of the Bikini Hostel, the closing of its operations, turning the Bikini Hostel land over to the City, and completion of the Bay Walk for our residents.  We appreciate the Mayor and City Commission as this process moves forward negotiating the best possible Public benefits for our neighborhoods benefit.  

We appreciate all the parties that contributed to this effort and intend to facilitate more opportunities for our residents to give feedback as the process continues.  

Regards, 
SoBe West Board