Posted on Mon, Jun. 18, 2007

Improve Miami with incentives

As a Miami native, I have sadly watched this decay of a one-time dynamic area.

I love my city and want it to get its ''glow'' back! Miami and particularly the central downtown area should be ''The City'' everyone is talking about -- a place where people want to shop, dine, relax and visit.

Here are a few suggestions:

Incentives should be given to landlords and tenants to renovate.

Macy's should update. An inviting anchor store will bring in customers.

How about another anchor store?

Developers should make a pledge and contribute in some way to the revitalization of Flagler Street before they are given permits to build.

Landlords, tenants, employees, workmen, builders, etc. need to abide and comply with all building, zoning and code regulations, which need to be enforced.

Hold litterbugs accountable -- stiff fines should result. We are not a Third World country.

Adequate public bathroom facilities, waste cans, regular cleaning crews, police presence, etc., should be available and highly visible.

Public parking needs to be more available and more affordable. Shuttle service should be offered from The Flagler Street Shops to and from Bayside.

The cruise ships, airlines and local hotels should do a media blitz inviting their guests and passengers to ``Downtown's Flagler Street Festival Shops and Boardwalk.''

Art galleries should be welcomed along Flagler. The downtown area should become a destination for arts patrons and visitors.

Downtown Miami has always been known as ''The Jewelry District.'' Massive advertising and public relations should make downtown Miami a destination for those potential shoppers.

Alisa Stein

Miami

Downtown Macy's should take charge

Macy's Florida Chairman Julie Greiner said ''we can do better'' in the store, but she will not take a renovation plan to the Macy's board of directors until downtown leaders commit to cleaning up the area, making it safer and improving parking [June 30].

A couple of years ago I went to the Macy's in downtown Miami to buy a business suit. I couldn't find any I liked. I asked a store clerk and was told to go to the Macy's in Dadeland -- their selection was much greater, etc. So I ended up going to Dadeland and buying a suit at some other mall retailer. I have not gone back to Macy's downtown since.

I hate malls -- hate 'em. I would much prefer to shop in downtown Miami, in department stores or specialty retailers, or in local neighborhood stores. I agree with much of what Julie Greiner says, but at the same time Macy's could show some civic leadership and do its part now -- and be a catalyst for change.

Tim Lomas

Miami

Macy's started something 'long overdue'

I have just read ''Fallout over Flagler'' [July 18] -- so much truth in such little space! The Macy's executive has started something long overdue.

Back in the 1930s, I was a high-school student at Tampa Jesuit. At the time we were often given prizes -- a trip to downtown Miami! Boy, did we look forward to it!

Time went by: WWII, Tulane University in New Orleans, Paris, Philadelphia, etc., and in the '90s, back to Miami. What a contrast to the ''old'' downtown Miami I knew -- a total mess, shameful!

Let's hope the words in Business Monday come to fruition. And let's not forget Mayor Manny Diaz and company -- aren't they accountable? Now . . . Lights, Camera, Action!

Juan Silverio

Key Biscayne

There is no incentive for businesses to move

From 1999-2001, I owned a building down the street from the courthouse. It was a photo shoot location that drew people from South Beach who were tired of paying very high rents, restrictive parking, etc.

I was a trustee on the Miami Chamber of Commerce at the time and also attended all the CRA meetings. Although there were grants to PAC in spite of it being years behind then, there was absolutely no incentive to bring over the modeling agencies, shops and restaurants etc.

Needless to say, the people from South Beach lost interest in moving. The Miami Police, to their credit, did everything they could to watch out for crime. But Miami's downtown will never be regarded as safe nor will it ever thrive after 5 p.m. unless someone wakes up and realizes clubs, and strip joints and the accompanying crime that goes with it does not attract the people with whom Miami should wish to be associated.

Janet Vernell

North Miami Beach

Put the Marlins stadium in Central Business District

For the past five to 10 years, it seems that Miami has set out to make this Central Business District a true center to visit/work/play. In the time that I have been working in downtown, the past two years, I have realized the value of the AA Arena and the performing arts center being in the CBD and specifically in the Metro-Mover's route. I believe it is all happening!

The only critical part of this development is that the city continues to push forward with the initiatives to complete the transformation of the CBD: Make the Marlins stadium be inside the CBD, create the street-friendly feel that visitors and residents demand for their tax dollars, and make sure the Miami Police Department is part of the equation.

Audley Bosch

Coral Gables

Other turnaround cities offer lessons for Miami

Why don't Miami officials study what happened with the turnaround of other cities such as Philadelphia, which was in a worse shape than our current downtown Miami. The technique by Rudy Giulliani in Times Square would be great for Miami restaurants, shops and stores.

We all know how terrible it is to park downtown. Compare that to downtown Phoenix, for example -- free parking after 5 p.m. on Friday and for the whole day Saturday and Sunday.

The Herald should write about cities that made a turnaround: Boston, Philadelphia, Manhattan and how it happened, incentives, laws, etc.

Philippe Saint-Cyr

Kendall

Downtown's story is both happy and sad

It is not often that I feel happy and sad at the same time. I am elated at the fact that for the first time in many years, this discussion may be the catalyst to accelerate the process of real change in the historic center of downtown. On the other hand, I am saddened at the fact that while pointing out the painful reality of our ''third-world'' appearance, the coverage so far overlooks some of the significant positive changes that have begun to take place.

Like any recovering addict, sometimes you have to hit bottom in order to initiate the process of recovery. It starts by admitting the truth. Macy's Florida CEO Julie Greiner did a wonderful job of pointing out the harsh truth that the current status of the ''core area of downtown Miami'' is unacceptable. Let us all hope that the dialogue continues, and the talk becomes the walk on a path to recovery. But nothing of significance will happen unless we as a community arrive at the conclusion that revitalizing the historic center is what we all really want.

No one will disagree for now, but when actual priorities are set and budgets are proposed, will government actually follow through and take the necessary steps to transform downtown from third-world to world-class? What we need is the will to make it happen.

My family has a major stake in what happens at the ''core'' of downtown Miami. We own La Epoca Department Store, which has been in existence in downtown Miami since 1965. We also own the historic old Walgreen's Building as well as some land in the Park West area. One and a half years ago, we renovated the Walgreen's Building at 200 E. Flagler St. and moved our store there. It looks very updated and trendy. It is a 25,000-square-foot boutique department store that carries similar brands to the most fashion-forward stores in South Beach. Our store is going to be featured in an upcoming article in the main retail publication of our industry, Women's Wear Daily. The article was inspired by our success in being able to sell premium merchandise in a nontraditional area.

Yet little attention has been given by our community to what we are currently achieving by ourselves, with our own private resources and against the odds of being surrounded by ''less than optimal conditions'' in the historic center.

What is significant (and I think newsworthy) is the fact that the transformation has begun. And that it is taking hold, as our ability to sell better merchandise continues to grow. Every day new customers, especially locals, discover our store.

The reality is that fundamental ingredients are here. There is no doubt that tens of thousands of residential units will be finished in the next couple of years and those units will be occupied by potential customers of Flagler Street and the surrounding areas. What surprised us is that the market for better merchandise is currently bigger now than we had expected. Recent Downtown Development Authority demographic studies corroborate our experience.

But our store will only achieve its potential and truly thrive if we are part of a larger and better whole. To that end, the private sector needs to accelerate the process of closing obsolete and outdated stores and replacing them with better quality retailers. The public sector needs to provide basic municipal services at first-rate standards.

What should happen here is no different than what has happened throughout the United States. From Savannah, Ga., to Denver, Colo., this country is full of examples of city centers that have become vibrant after years of neglect. It is time for all of us in this community, especially government, to recognize the status quo is unacceptable.

From the store that John Burdine founded on Miami Avenue and Flagler Street, to the nationally televised Orange Bowl Parades, to Jackie Gleason celebrating coming to Miami on Flagler Street, to immigrants experiencing their first cup of American coffee at the old Walgreen's soda counter, to watching James Bond movies at the Olympia Theater, or even celebrating our home team victories, we all have roots that somehow trace back to downtown Miami.

Let us all work together to make the historic center of Miami the truly great place it needs to be.

Tony Alonso

President, La Epoca Department Stores

Thanks for addressing downtown's challenges

Thank you very much for the balanced coverage in the cover story on downtown's challenges and future.

Since I became Chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, I have worked with my board, the executive director and DDA staff to create a vision that addresses the issues that are preventing our downtown from reaching its full potential.

Before the Macy's executive expressed her concerns, we were taking it to the streets to document needs in the areas of policing, code enforcement, transportation, clean streets and sidewalks, boosted after-hours restaurant and entertainment business and a host of other issues that will create a downtown worthy of the great City of Miami.

It was very interesting to read the views -- positive and negative -- from a wide range of downtown stakeholders. I was very pleased that people have a firm grasp of clean and safe issues that will prime the pump for a downtown renaissance that many are already investing in.

Again, I thank you for publishing a lengthy article that focuses on the citywide issue of downtown Miami.

Joe Sanchez

DDA Chairman
Vice Chairman of the Miami City Commission

Tell me what makes Miami 'world-class'?

Wages so low multiple families are forced to live together. Housing, taxes, insurance so expensive that home ownership is unaffordable to much of the population. A downtown nobody takes their family to, in fear for their lives. Corruption in government so rampant that The Miami Herald could run a daily column. No. 1 in the country in road rage. Many high school students can't read on their grade level. So many young people killing each other that it's old news.

World class. What world?

Bob Shultz

Miami Springs

Just look to Chicago, New York for models

One need not go to Europe to see that Miami's downtown is not world-class.

One need only look to cities such as Chicago and New York. These are cities whose downtowns are destinations rather than anxiety points between destinations.

But those are also cities that are historic and with historical visionaries leading them. Miami must be challenged to mature in its vision and its leadership.

Tony Rogers

Palmetto Bay

Tancredo was right; Miami is third-world

About the Parisian who loved ''Miami,'' was she aware that Miami and Miami Beach are two separate and distinct cities, founded differently, with different city governments? Miami Beach is clean and fairly safe and fixed its dilapidated downtown decades ago. Miami, on the other hand, put an aerial railroad over its original downtown (now a dark and gloomy shambles) and proceeded to move businesses across the river to the once-residential Brickell area.

As a native of Hollywood, I used to be taken by my parents for special treats to Biscayne Boulevard, Burdine's, the Orange Bowl parade and the aquarium in the old Prinz Valdemar (this would go back to the '40s). Now I go out of my way to avoid downtown Miami, even if I have to drive along A1A in Miami Beach and cross the Rickenbacker Causeway to get to Coral Gables, for example. Meanwhile, everyone I grew up with who once lived in Miami, all have moved away.

Funny, but no one seems to be mentioning the 800-pound gorilla, that is, Mr. [U.S. Rep. Tom] Tancredo. Come on, folks, when he called Miami a third-world country last year, he was talking about downtown Miami. What he saw is how others see Miami, like it or not.

Good luck to anyone trying to reclaim downtown Miami, but let's hope they try.

J. Lukach

Plantation

Business Monday story offers helpful guidelines

I thought the cover story was an accurate portrayal of where things are at, the potential and the issues and problems confronting downtown.

The coverage points the way for responsible leadership and establishes a scorecard by which both the public and private sectors can be judged.

Neisen O. Kasdin

Shareholder, Akerman Senterfitt
Downtown Development Authority board member
Chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's
committee on downtown

The citizens are to blame, not downtown businesses

One of the main reasons the downtown area is dirty is the citizens -- people drop paper goods and other trash on the street or sidewalks. Please do not fault the business places, especially Macy's, the brightest star of all.

I always have an enjoyable time when I visit Macy's to shop or just look. The employees are gracious and helpful to customers. The downtown businesses should be given a pat on the back for being in the area.

Marjorie McKinsey

Miami

City can't be fixed until it's safe

OOOOOH BOY, did you hit the nail on the head.

I'm a transplant from New York who has lived in downtown Miami for more than three years. My jaw drops every night when I see all the stores closing their doors, as the vagrants take over. It reminds me of pre-Rudy Giuliani days. But that's what Rudy recognized, that you can't rejuvenate a city until it's safe. Rudy put cops on the street walking the beat, which changed the city.

Here's my slogan for reform in downtown Miami to bring customers and people walking the streets actually shopping and enjoying downtown Miami: ``You won't fill the seats until you put the cops on the beat.''

Chris Ambrose

Miami

Improve public transportation

One glaringly obvious thing that could help revitalize downtown Miami is a legitimate form of public transportation.

An expanded Metrorail would shrink the city, giving more people easier access to all that the city has to offer. More people obviously means more customers and an expanded market for local businesses.

Ian Wolf

Coconut Grove

Parking is unreasonable and stench is unbearable

I live fairly close to the Dade/Broward line. Every weekend, my 17-year-old daughter and I go to Broward to have brunch, see a movie and go shopping. Two weeks ago, we decided to go to downtown Miami and get re-acquainted.

We spent an hour and a half trying to find reasonable parking. Finally, we saw someone backing out of a city parking lot. But after several minutes of trying to get the machine to accept money or a debit card, we said the hell with it and headed back to Oakwood Plaza in Hollywood, where we enjoyed free parking and had a great meal at Friday's.

Last weekend we tried again. When we got there, we encountered dirty streets and urine-smelling street people asking for money. Cars were double parked and the cops patrolling the streets just don't seem to see them.

Is any one in charge of this town? And why are all these businesses not required to maintain a clean and healthy environment? Note to Macy's: We expect more from a national chain, please hire someone to monitor the bathrooms -- the urine stench hits you like a ton of bricks when you walk in through those doors.

Terry R. Martinez

North Miami Beach

Homeless are aggressive and hurt city's image

I have been working and now living in the downtown Miami area for seven years now. This place really is a mess. It is not safe at night. My car was stolen right in front of work two years ago. All my co-workers at one point or another have had issues with their cars being broken into.

The homeless are everywhere begging for money. They even get aggressive at times. This sets a very negative image with visiting tourists and locals alike.

Another issue: There is very little night life. After 5:00 p.m. all the eating establishments close.

If the above issues are addressed and a real plan established to combat these issues, downtown Miami could be as nice as Cocowalk or South Beach.

Ariel Velazquez

Miami

New resident hopes to see improvements

I am one of downtown Miami's newest residents, the type of guy who will play a role in changing the area's demographics in a positive way.

I first arrived in Miami in 2001 as a wide-eyed kid from the Midwest (Cleveland) to attend the University of Miami. I graduated in '04 and opted to stay in Miami to start my career rather than to head to the business centers of New York, Boston or Chicago.

I just moved in last week to 1800 Biscayne Plaza. I am excited to have Bin 18, a wine bar, on the ground floor of my building, and a sushi restaurant will soon open. But I am annoyed by the bum approaching my car at every red light, and it's pathetic to see bums sleeping a block from the shiny new performing arts center.

I'm looking forward to the city continuing to mature with me.

Michael J. Sommers

Miami

Downtown Miami is home to many great establishments

I think downtown Miami is great! Sure, there are some problems on which to work, but the area is a pulsating mix of exciting places and people. Today, there are ''chain'' restaurants, like Starbucks, mixed with local mom-and-pops like (my favorite) the Latin House. Shopping in the area can be fun, too. I love the unexpected treasures one can find.

I'm so proud of the renovated Gusman Theater, too. Thank goodness city leaders sought to preserve it. It is one of the most beautiful places to watch a show.

I have many great memories of Downtown Miami, like the Orange Bowl Parade, attending the opening of Bicentennial Park and playing softball in Bayfront Park.

But with recent renovations and new construction, it's nice to know there will be plenty of exciting things still to be experienced.

Scott Galvin

North Miami

Downtown should focus more on local residents

The city needs to work with the merchants and create a thriving downtown with not only shops and restaurants but also green spaces for condo dwellers and lunchtime workers.

With that said, I feel that downtown does have a lot to offer. I visit Macy's, Marshall's, Ross, Starbucks, Cafe Poz, La Loggia, Churchill's Barber, the museum and many other establishments. There are places to get your photos done, salons, spas, great tailors, great shoe repair shops and dry cleaners. Merchants need to market to the business community better than they currently do.

Many Macy's shoppers say that the store has a very limited selection compared to others. I see no reason why our Macy's should not be the equivalent of the Macy's on Herald Square in New York.

Restaurants need to offer faster service to the workforce. On the weekends, the city should think of reducing parking fees, as that may draw locals. Even weekdays, city garages should offer validation for people who shop downtown.

Businesses need to work together and creatively. For example, when the film festival is playing at Gusman or events are happening at the Carnival Center, why do the few restaurants close? They should offer pre-theater dinner and even do park and ride.

They could also hire security and better light surrounding areas. Just hosing down their store fronts would help. As far as the homeless, I see the same faces each day and most are harmless. That is part of urban life in all big cities.

Tom M. Marchesani

Doral

More maintenance is needed

All the new sidewalk pavers and new lighting improvements aren't worth a thing if they are not maintained. We need to take a page from the maintenance program in Paris that provides pressure cleaning of the sidewalks on a regular basis.

Given a helping hand, the advent of the expected new wave of residents in the downtown area could resurrect Flagler Street to rival Miracle Mile in Coral Gables and Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale.

Sidewalk restaurants and cafes, bookstores and other infrastructure will follow the new downtown population, if we make an effort to clean up our city.

Mickey Myers

Coral Gables

Corruption, crime, homeless and zoning are main problems

There are a number of deficiencies that need to be addressed:

There appear to be no zoning restrictions to signage or the layout of advertisements for businesses. This makes the area look run-down.

There are hardly any police officers on foot, leaving anyone walking around the downtown area feeling vulnerable.

There are a great number of homeless/panhandlers intimidating residents and visitors and making them unwilling to walk the streets.

Due to government corruption, the number of anchor stores willing to commit to the area is small.

Bram J. Gechtman

Miami Beach

Downtown after dark looks like Gotham City

My ideas: Better lighting (downtown at night looks like a set from a Batman movie). Redo sidewalks, put some trees in. Get businesses to stay open at night. Increase police presence. Improve roads.

Turn it into a destination instead of a place of employment. After 7 p.m. it's a ghost town!

Rafael Borrero

Surfside