Commissioner David Suarez is dead-set to increase heights and density in our city’s historic districts, and he’s orchestrated a series of attacks to silence any of those who oppose his plans. I won’t be silenced. Our quality of life is too important.
Suarez’s proposed “cure” for Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue – just build more, taller, bigger, and more luxurious. Voters are scratching their heads, as it’s a complete 180 from what he pitched us all when he first ran for office two years ago… but, not shocking to those who know him.
His persistent push for one of the largest upzonings in our city’s history is problematic for a number of reasons. But the main issue is our infrastructure. We can’t assume that building 210 market rate (aka luxury) apartments is not going to have impacts – on our historic neighborhood, on parking, on sewage, on flooding.
Here is just one of the buildings that Suarez is pushing for, to replace the historic one-story building at the corner of 16th and Washington Avenue as well as demolishing a two-story Henry Hohauser Art Deco structure on the site, which has been neglected by the property owner for years.
If elected, I will not support this 50% increase in height on the west side of Washington Avenue. I will not support hi-rises on Lincoln Road.
Smear Campaigns
David is so obsessed with his vision to upzone Washington Ave and Lincoln Road that he has launched multiple smear campaigns against anyone who opposes him – including me.
My Group 1 competitors, in the meantime, have been silent. One in particular – Brian Ehrlich – even pocketed thousands from LLCs connected with the property owner of the proposed upzoning (see: “Miami Beach in Focus” Political Committee financial reporting).
What will happen if Brian is elected? It’s going to be tough to say ‘no’ to various upzonings when your campaign contributors come knocking for their “return on investment.”
Our Zoning Crisis Needs True Leadership – Not Distractions
Suarez’s distraction tactics have been one of the primary sources of our current zoning crisis. While he focuses on his manufactured crisis about the “Standard Hotel upzoning” (which had no increase in allowable height and is technically not an upzoning), he is pushing through drastic zoning measures that could permanently alter our skyline and impact our quality of life for years to come.
Don’t be distracted! Vote Daniel Ciraldo for Miami Beach Commission Group 1, ballot #132.
