4/21/2026 SoBe West Community Meeting - Summary Notes

Written By Wesley Combs

SOBE WEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING SUMMARY

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent community meeting on Tuesday April 21, 2026. Despite a last-minute schedule change, we had a strong turnout and covered several important topics impacting our neighborhood. Special thanks to those in attendance:

  • Over 125 community residents;

  • Elected officials: MB Mayor Meiner, MB Commissioners Tanya Bhatt, Alex Fernandez, Joe Magazine, and Monica Mateo-Salinas, Miami-Dade Commissioner Vicki Lopez;

  • MB city staff (including CIP - Capitol Improvement Projects); and

  • Developer David Martin and the Terra Team.

We want to recognize the Waverly Condominium for hosting the meeting and local business Ceviche House for providing light bites. Together we can make a difference!

WEST AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATE (MB Commissioner Alex Fernandez provided this update)

West Avenue Project: Progress & What to Expect

Phase 2 is actively underway, with major work happening along Lincoln Road, Bay Road, and 16th Street. Crews are installing large underground drainage systems designed to significantly reduce flooding in our area.

What’s causing delays?
Unexpected underground connections from older buildings—many dating back decades—require additional permitting and coordination with regulatory agencies. While frustrating, this step is necessary to ensure the long-term integrity of the system.

What’s improving?

  • Bi-weekly updates (Zoom + in-person walk throughs);

  • Real-time alerts via the neighborhood WhatsApp group (now ~2,000 residents); and

  • Greater coordination between residents, contractors, and city officials.

Looking ahead to Phase 3 (14th to 8th Street):

  • Planning and permitting begin this summer;

  • Lessons learned from Phase 2 will help reduce disruptions; and

  • Focus on better traffic flow, communication, and construction phasing.

Minimizing Construction Impact

We hear your concerns about traffic, parking, and accessibility.

One promising solution under consideration:

  • Using private vacant lots (like the former Epicure site) for construction staging instead of taking up resident parking.

City leaders are actively working on strategies to reduce disruption as the project progresses.

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE(MB Mayor Steven Meiner provided this update)

Water Taxi Expanding

The water taxi continues to be a success, with growing ridership.

Plans in motion:

  • Expanded routes (including south of 5th and more north/south stops);

  • Extended service hours; and

  • Exploring parking partnerships on the mainland.

If you haven’t tried it yet, now is a great time.

Public Safety & Quality of Life

  • Spring Break was a major success: no significant incidents;

  • Major crime is down approximately 20%; and

  • Homelessness has dropped 60% over the past 3 years.

Ongoing issue: Noise from modified mufflers
→ Enforcement is increasing, with more citations being issued than ever before.

LIVE LOCAL ACT (SoBe West Board President Tim Carr provided this update)

What It Means for Our Neighborhood

A state law known as the Live Local Act allows developers to bypass some local zoning rules to build workforce housing.

Why this matters:

  • Several high-rise projects (up to 31 stories) are being proposed along Alton Road; and

  • Potential impacts on traffic, infrastructure, and neighborhood character.

What the City is doing:

  • Advocating for “smart growth” instead of over development;

  • Identifying alternative areas for workforce housing; and

  • Carefully reviewing proposals before approval.

How you can help:
Your voice matters—continue sharing feedback with city officials and attending meetings.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Health & Wellness Initiative

We’re launching our first Resident Fitness Social as part of our health initiative:

📅 May 2 | 12:00 PM
📍 Miami Beach Fit CrossFit (930 Alton Road)

  • Free classes and demonstrations;

  • 20% off memberships for attendees; and

  • Bring-a-friend perks for current members.

All fitness levels welcome—this is about community, not competition.

📣 Stay Connected

  • Join the neighborhood WhatsApp group for real-time updates;

  • Attend bi-weekly project meetings (Zoom + on-site); and

  • Reach out to your commissioners with concerns or ideas.

Closing Thought

While construction and growth bring challenges, they also bring opportunity. Thanks to strong community involvement, we are seeing more transparency, better communication, and real progress toward long-term improvements in our neighborhood.

We appreciate your continued engagement and support.

Wesley Combs
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