rickell association news - brickell homeowners association · from the president by ernesto cuesta...

BHA representatives liked what they saw in May whenCommissioner Marc Sarnoff shared renderings forthe 1814 Brickell Avenue site that he secured for a

new neighborhood park. The design plans include those items highest on resi-

dents’ wish list: a playground area, a dog area and a quietarea. The raised central lawn and water feature, keystone-clad steps and formal treatment were welcomed additionalfeatures, befitting the Brickell setting, neighbors agreed.

There was less agreement on fundraising thefinal dollars needed for construction, and forongoing maintenance and control. The Com-missioner would like to see a resident-controlledand funded authority created for the park. Butforking up funds for ongoing maintenance whenalready paying high property taxes and not see-ing an equitable return in City services or qual-ity, was hard for some residents to envision.Everyone did agree, however, that they didn’twant the City of Miami to be the caretaker oftheir new park.

NEWSBrickellHomeownersAssociationVOL. XX NO. 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE BRICKELL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. SUMMER 2010

BRICKELL HOMEOWNERSASSOCIATION is comprisedof condominium associationmembers and associate mem-bers representing some17,500 residents along theBrickell corridor and on Brick-ell Key from the Miami Riverto the Rickenbacker Causewayand from Biscayne Bay to I-95.The purpose of BHA is to com-municate common interestsmore effectively and mobilizesupport on important issuesrelating to the quality of lifein our neighborhood.

www.brickellhomeowners.com

I N S I D EFrom the President: 20 Years

and CountingPage 2

Brickell Roadways: Who’s in Charge?

Page 7

The Photographic RecordPage 9

Getting to Know BHA Officers2

New Law to Help in CollectingDelinquent Condo Fees

Page 14

Crackdown on Lawn BlowersPage 15

Brickell Neighborhood Everyday Services Directory

Page 16

Design plans for Brickell Avenue’snew park get thumbs-up

Continued on page 4

Disturbing views of Brickell

Brickell resident and business owner Charles Tavares walks the Brickell areadaily, his preferred method over vehicular travel. The walk isn’t alwayspleasant, however. In fact, it can be downright disturbing as he walks on

poorly maintained and often dangerous sidewalks and roadways. This Brickellresident of 25+ years, who is also a BHA rep and board member of Brickell AreaAssociation, wonders “Why are our streets and sidewalks so poorly maintainedwhen Brickell is Miami's premier location?” In an effort to get attention fromfolks who could make it better, he has taken some walks with camera in hand.

Scary SidewalksHe doesn’t have to look hard to find sidewalks cracked, broken and danger-

ous, sometimes with sizeable chunks of broken concrete Continued on page 6

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff sharespark plans witih neighbors.

BRICKELL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION2

From the President By Ernesto Cuesta20 Years: Next steps as we try to fill big shoes

BHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Big shoes to fill. A hard act to fol-low. Difícil de igualar.Expressions we’re all familiar

with. And ones I am particularlyfeeling these days, perhaps more sothan anyone in the Brickell neigh-borhood. Brickell HomeownersAssociation is celebrating its 20thanniversary this year, and I am itsthird president. This is my first col-umn to you.

Following Tory Jacobs is tough.He fulfilled his volunteer post aspresident of BHA with an unwaver-ing dedication and sense of service.Tory brought vision and diplomacyto the table whenever tacklingneighborhood concerns. He provid-ed leadership and perseverance tomake positive things happen, and

just as important, stop thingsthat would have a negativeimpact on our neighborhood.He always did it with grace andpatience.

I told Tory and the Boardwhen elected that I will do mybest to continue on the path heforged on behalf of Brickell res-idents. Our Board is grateful tohave his advice as our Chairmanof the Board as we continue to fightfor what Brickell residents are due,given our considerable financialcontributions to the City of Miami.

We are still guided by the adagethat has underpinned BHA’sapproach to its advocacy work: Inunity there is strength. La uniónhace la fuerza. This was the guiding

principle established by Tory andour first pro bono General Counsel,Henry Taylor, 20 years ago whenHenry drafted the corporate docu-ments for our organization.

And I believe it too. One of our strategies for gather-

ing strength is unifying with ourbusiness counterparts, the Brickell

Continued on next page

OFFICERSErnesto CuestaTHE METROPOLITANPresident

Larry ImberTHE PALACE1st Vice President

Santiago EchemendiaTWO TEQUESTA POINT2nd Vice President

Eduardo del RioBRICKELL TOWNHOUSETreasurer

Gail FeldmanBRISTOL TOWERSecretary

T. Sinclair (Tory) JacobsBRICKELL 25Chairman

DIRECTORSGuillermo Undiano AguilarBRICKELL PARK

Astrid AnnexyBRICKELL BAY CLUB

Blanche P. Back BRICKELL BISCAYNE

Herbert BaileyBRICKELL FOREST

Michael BasantaTHE EMERALD AT BRICKELL

Marguerite BeatyTHE PALACE

Jose Maria Carneiro daCunhaSANTA MARIA

Timothy CzerniecTWO TEQUESTA POINT

Fred Drasner FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCES

William FitchBRICKELL ON THE RIVER

Luis GameroTHE ATLANTIS ON BRICKELL

Louis GonzalezST. LOUIS

Sergio Garcia GranadaBRICKELL EAST

Steve Greenberg BRICKELL HARBOUR

Bruce Higley2000 BRICKELL

Carl Hochheiser25 BAY TOWER

Susan KingBRICKELL WOODS

Darryle LipskyNEO VERTIKA

Stephen OwensTHREE TEQUESTA POINT

Elier PerezTHE IMPERIAL AT BRICKELL

Juan Carlos SagredaBRICKELL PLACE PHASE I

Mac SeligmanBRICKELL TOWNHOUSE

Xavier SuarezBRICKELL 25

Maria VeizagaSOLARIS AT BRICKELL BAY

Scott Weisner VILLA REGINA

Yvonne YeomansonHOUSES OF BRICKELL

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSDonna CandrevaHOTEL URBANO ON BRICKELL

Joseph L. CombsIMMANUEL LUTHERANCHURCH

Edgardo De FortunaFORTUNE INTERNATIONAL

Eugene MichelleST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Robert B. Green1550 BRICKELL APARTMENTS

Tibor HolloFLORIDA EAST COAST REALTY

Joseph HooperFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Rabbi Chaim LipskarTHE SHUL OF DOWNTOWN/THE SHUL OF BRICKELL

Arthur MurphyCMC MANAGEMENT

Alan OjedaRILEA GROUP

Randy OlenBRICKELL AREA ASSOCIATION

Fernando PerezBRICKELL MAIN STREET, LLLP(MARY BRICKELL VILLAGE)

Millie RaphaelBETH DAVID CONGREGATION

Florencia RotembergJW MARRIOTT HOTEL MIAMI____________

Ron SmithDEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

Santiago EchemendiaGENERAL COUNSEL

Natalie BrownCOMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Josie GulliksenASST. COMMUNICATIONS DIR.& ADVERTISING MGR.

Ernesto Cuesta on the balcony of The Metropolitan

SUMMER 2010 3

Area Association, on the many mat-ters we share of common interest.We have long had a strong coopera-tive spirit between our two organi-zations, but now we are creating aplan for coming together in force toimprove the quality of life for ourcommunity.

Business and residential life areuniquely intertwined in our Brickellneighborhood from the Miami Riv-er south to 26th Road, and from thebay to I-95. The reason is simple:residents and business people (whomake Brickell “home” during theirworking life), both want the samethings. We want to co-exist in safetyand security. We want clean, wel-

coming streets and sidewalks forboth walkers and drivers. We wantthe beauty of our environment, bothnatural and manmade, to shinethrough. We want quality, responsiveservice from our City government.

Given the size and clout of theBrickell community, not to mentiontax dollars far beyond those paid byany other area of Miami, you wouldnot think it would be so difficult toachieve these basic expectations.Both of our organizations have beenworking to achieve a standard befit-ting the Brickell name for 20+ years.Brickell Area Association has beenworking at it even longer than BHA,by a couple of years.

While there is good news to cel-ebrate that I hope you will readabout in this issue—like the beauti-ful design for a park at 1814 Brick-ell Avenue—our work is cut out forus. Menuda tarea la que nos espera.

Fortunately, I have the help ofthe BHA Executive Committee(meet two of them on page 12), theExecutive Committee of BrickellArea Association, and our Boardmembers and volunteers. And weare up to the task before us.

I welcome your comments andsuggestions for ways we can makeour neighborhood and BHA better.Please do not hesitate to email me [email protected].•

From the President continued

BHA News is published by the Brickell Homeowners Association to keep neighbors, public officials and others in thecommunity informed of the activities and concerns of its residents. Advertising is accepted on a space-availablebasis, and BHA reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising. For advertising information or other details,reserve your space at the BHA website (www.brickellhomeowners.com) or write to Communications DirectorNatalie Brown at [email protected]. Editorial material and suggestions are also welcome for con-sideration. Editor: Natalie Brown; Assistant Editor: Josie Gulliksen. Please note BHA’s new mailing address: P.O.Box 45-2403 • Miami, FL 33245-2403


New Park for Brickell continued from page 1

At just under one acre, the $2.6million lot was purchased earlierthis year after CommissionerSarnoff secured $2 million in impactfees that should have gone to theBrickell area. Donors, led by TiborHollo and family’s $250,000 contri-bution, raised the bulk of theremainder.

The Commissioner is still work-ing on fundraising for construction,pegged at $600,000 to $900,000depending on the choice of certainfeatures, and welcomes your call ifyou are so inclined. He is also look-

ing ahead to assure the park is tak-en care of properly with the com-munity at the helm. Heunderstands, however, how resi-dents who pay considerable proper-ty taxes might feel like they’ve paidenough.

“There are no two ways aboutit,” he told BHA Board members.“Without Brickell, the City of Mia-mi couldn’t exist. District 2 pays78% of the tax revenue to the Cityof Miami, but four other commis-sioners can put their hands on yourmoney.”

Nevertheless, he said he believesthe best solution in our cash-strapped city is to follow the exam-ple of cities like New York with abody entrusted and self-funded forongoing park maintenance.

In tandem with fundraising, thenext step is presentation of “asbuilt” plans, he said.

Enea Garden Design, Inc., thepark designers who also designedthe new entrance to Simpson Parkat South Miami Avenue and Broad-way (15th Road), shared theirdesigns here. The trees detailed in

SUMMER 2010 5

the plan include an existing oaktree, and the addition of a live oak,two royal poincianas, bald cypresslining the central lawn and silvertrumpet trees along the front.Weaver’s bamboo and wild coffee isproposed around the park’s rearand side perimeters. Designers callfor eucalyptus wood playgroundequipment and a stainless steel trel-lis structure to provide the founda-tion for chalice vines bordering thepicnic area. •

See the plans in full color andgreater detail on the BHA website:www.brickellhomeowners.com.

See more plan details including the descriptive legends not included above online atwww.brickellhomeowners.com. Drawings courtesy of Enea Garden Designs, Inc.

left for months. Forget about wheel-chair travel on many sidewalks inthe Brickell area. Poorly spaced util-ity poles, boxes for utilities andparking payments, news racks andlarge advertising panels block pas-sage with seemingly no prohibition.

Sanctioned SidewalkGraffiti

When navigating these side-walks you can’t help but noticemany are liberally marked up by

various utility companies with noregard (and apparently no limits) onthe visual blight they are creatingwith their handy codes. You’ve seenthe marks. Every shade of neonspray paint depicting crude, crypticarrows, lines, letters and shapes…allmeaningful to the utility companies,but graffiti to those who have tolook at it marring their path. Thisisn’t sidewalk chalk that washesaway quickly. This paint sticksaround. In many spots the utility-

taggers seem to bevying to getnoticed with somepatches sportingas many as six dif-ferent colors. Fan-cy pavers don’teven deter them.They spray deco-rative stoneworkjust as quickly asasphalt or con-crete, marking

their territory like dogs staking theirclaim on our neighborhood, liberallyblemishing our paths so we can’thelp but take notice.

Neglected SwalesAnd then right next to the side-

walks are swales—the small patchesof what should be green public rightof ways. Overgrown, weedy swaleswith litter and debris are a commonsight, especially where constructionprojects stalled or never began.Swales are the responsibility of theadjacent property owner. It wouldbe up to the City’s Code Enforce-ment to take action if the propertyowners are not maintaining them.

Frequent FloodingAnd then there’s the flooding.

Streets and sidewalks get over-whelmed in a typical South Floridathunderstorm. BHA has been askedto be patient, and promised that theflooding at Brickell Avenue andCoral Way (12th Street) will befixed when the Brickell Avenue


“Disturbing Views of Brickell” continued from front page

1025 Kane Concourse • Suite 215Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154-2118

Phone 305.867.2245 x123 • Fax 305.867.2246www.apmanagement.net

Managing over 3,000 units in Brickell & Downtown

Outstanding Financials • Excellent Customer Service

Managing in Miami Dade since 1980

Bike Paths Miami-Dade County / City of Miami

Bus Shelters & Benches City of Miami

Bus Stops Miami-Dade County

Median Maintenance City of Miami – Dept. of Public Works

Road Signs Miami-Dade County• Must meet FDOT specifications on

federal/state roads, Brickell Avenueand US 41.

Sidewalks FDOT on Brickell Avenue and US 41 City of Miami on City streets such as 25th Road

Signalization Miami-Dade County• FDOT must concur on any signals

added on Brickell and US 41

Speeding–Enforcement City of Miami Police Dept.

Speeding–Setting Limits FDOT on Brickell Avenue and US 41 / City of Miami on City streets

Streetscape Plan City of Miami• Capital Improvement Projects is the

department overseeing contractorshired for the construction

• Plan had to meet with FDOT regulations, and secure approvals.

Swales Property owners are responsible for the swales adjacent to their property.

SUMMER 2010 7

repaving project gets underway. But that’s not the only prob-

lem area. Southeast First Avenueunder the People Mover is oftenreduced to one lane when there’sheavy rain. Around Mary Brick-ell Village, street flooding easilygushes over sidewalks on typicalrainy summer afternoons.

Who You Gonna Call?Many of these areas are not

under City of Miami control,Commissioner Marc Sarnoffreminds us. In fact, the FloridaDepartment of Transportationand Miami-Dade County are incharge of the roads and side-walks of the main Brickell thor-oughfares that are part of theU.S. Highway system. But theCity is responsible for some ele-ments of these State and Federalroads. It’s complicated, so wecreated a chart of who is incharge of what. With so manyoverlapping agencies, it’s notsurprising that problems linger.The average person wouldn’tknow where to call to report aproblem!

The Photographic Record byCharles Tavares and his photoson the next page tell the storybetter than the words of this arti-cle. The full-color, large photosshow every dismal detail of theproblems, so we put severaldozen of his shots online atwww.brickellhomeowners.com.We urge you to take a gander ofthe Brickell area up close and notfor comfort. •

Brickell Avenue is also U.S. Highway 1, a Federal highway, managed bythe State, namely, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT),which must adhere to federal guidelines. Southeast 7th and 8thStreets going west from Brickell Avenue share a similar duality asthese are also U.S. 41. Whichever entity is responsible for the road isalso responsible for the sidewalks.

At the same time, locally, Miami-Dade County plays a major role withoverall responsibility for transit functions, which, in our neighbor-hood, includes signalization and public transportation routes, but notthe shelters and benches. The City of Miami also has some jurisdictionand responsibilities for our neighborhood roads. The table belowdelineates which entities have jurisdiction over what.

Brickell Area RoadwaysWho’s In Charge? (Who can effect change?)

On the Web: brickellhomeowners.com

for the latest news,

links, listings


FDOT looks at turning hazard at 26th Road and Brickell

BHA’s efforts to improve the 26thRoad northbound turn to Brick-

ell Avenue continue. The FloridaDepartment of Transportation pro-vided BHA the following emailresponse as a result of their prom-ised “review...to determine of geo-metric improvements are possible,”as reported in the last BHA News.

FDOT identified possible improve-ments which might or might not besufficient. BHA is asking the Miami-Dade County planners and Com-missioner Carlos Gimenez toconsider the dire need for a saferconfiguration when they undertakethe bigger project in that area lead-ing to the Rickenbacker toll booths.

Presently only one lane is permittedto make the left turn onto BrickellAvenue when heading east on 26thRoad, however vehicles in the nextlane over regularly make the turn.The legally turning car is frequentlycut off or caught off-guard, andaccidents have occurred. •

From: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];[email protected]: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:34:13 -0400Subject: SE 26 Road at Brickell Avenue. Eastbound Left Turn Movement. CTP 2010-02-0011

District Traffic Operations Office1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Room 6206AMiami, Florida 33172-5800Telephone (305) 470-5335

June 28, 2010

Ms. Blanche BackBrickell Biscayne 150 SE 25 Road, 14JMiami, Florida 33129

SUBJECT: Section 87030, State Road 5 / Brickell Avenue at SE 26 Road. Request to evaluatethe eastbound left turn movement conducted from the through lane adjacent to the left turn lane.CTP 2010-02-0011

This is a follow-up to the Department’s letter on February 17, 2010 regarding the subject matter.The Department completed its evaluations and has identified some improvements which includedmodification to the existing median at the eastbound approach, installation of a crosswalk withpedestrian features at the east leg and pavement markings.

Currently, Miami Dade County Public Works Department has an improvement project in thedesign phase along SE 26 Road between North Miami Avenue and Rickenbacker Causeway TollPlaza. Our office is in the process of coordinating with the county to include our proposedimprovements in their project. Design plans are at 90% level and their tentative date for begin-ning of construction is November 2010. Once we have their acceptance and more information isavailable, we will let you know.

Thank you for your time and patience. For questions and comments, please contact our office.

Sincerely,

Khalil MaaroufTraffic Operations

SUMMER 2010 9

The Photographic Record: “Why?”By Charles Tavares

Ijust cannot believe how much and for how long we’ve been neg-lected and our voices not heard! But finally, I believe, we have thescale of residents and voters to not implore for our taxes to be put

to work for our community, but to demand it and see that we have thebest community possible with our tax dollars.

On the July 4th weekend I was in a couple of other neighbor-hoods, like the Roads and Coconut Grove, where the parks are per-fectly cared for, the sidewalks are perfectly finished. Even inAllapattah, considered a working class district, the sidewalks were inbetter shape than many areas of Brickell.

I think it’s time for a “Brickell Petition” among residents, demand-ing clean streets, graffiti free and safe sidewalks, and flooding solu-tions. A plan is needed for flooding not only on Coral Way andBrickell Avenue, but also at Southwest Eighth Street, Miami Avenueand 10th, Brickell Bay Plaza, Mary Brickell Village, etc.

Take a look. I think you’ll want to join me in this effort to makeour voices heard. •

Charles Tavares has lived in the Brickell area formore than 25 years and is currently a resident ofEmerald at Brickell, which his company starteddeveloping back in 1998. He is a vice president andBoard member at his condominium, and a Boardmember of Brickell Area Association and BHA. Hismotivation in pointing out what’s wrong in hopes ofseeing improvement: “I love Brickell!”

Sidewalk disrepair and unsightly markings arecommon and dangerous in the Brickell areafrom the financial district (top), to side streetsand residential areas of Brickell.


Brickell Bay Drive and 12th Street


p These few blocks shown above on the north side of Southeast 8th Street from Brickell Key could be a decent stro residents and business people coming from the tony island, but the rampant markings by utilities all over the sidewgreatly diminish any aesthetic value of the path.

Graffiti anyone? Do we find this spray paint less offensive than what taggers leave on the sides of walls? It’s all oveBrickell sidewalks. Is it a sign of the times where our growing residential base means new energy, telecommunicatiowater and sewage infrastructure needs? Or, a sign of convenient disregard of the aesthetics of our neighborhood?

u This hole on Brickell Avenue and 14th Street has all the characteristics of a dangerous pothole, but looks suspicmanmade, with machine-cut sides and a peculiar pipe or hardware of some sort at the bottom that was perhaps the vation for the hole. (Is it our friends at one of the utilities or sewer folks leaving their marks for Brickell?) I took th ture after I saw a lady trip because of the pothole as she was crossing and was looking for incoming traffic. She a

broke her ankle! This on Brickell Avenue, in front of one of our most iconic buildings, the Espirito Sa

Brickell and 6th Street

SUMMER 2010 11

ll for walk

er ons,

Flooding in our neighborhood, we’retold, is due to the tremendousgrowth in the Brickell area, and sys-tems not equipped to manage thevolume. Probably could have/shouldhave been considered as major devel-opment projects were approved bythe City and the correspondingimpact fees ended up elsewhere.

ciously e moti-

his pic- almost

anto!”p This City of Miami vehicle is not detered by the “No

Parking” sign, and seems to be exempt from tickets.


www.TheContinentalGroupInc.comwww.TheContinentalTh C ti t llGroupInc.comlG I

Secretary Gail Feldman

It wasn’t Philly’s cold weatherthat spurred Philadelphia nativeGail Feldman to move to Miami;

it was potholes.“My husband Steve has always

been a builder and in real estate andwhen our brand new car fell intoone too many potholes, we pickedup and moved to Florida,” Gail said.

That was in July of 2000. Theyimmediately became Bristol Towerresidents, the only home they’veknown for the past 10 years.

“We recognized when we firstmoved here that it had a very specialfeeling,” she said. “We fell in lovewith the duality of a neighborhoodand urban downtown feel.”

Three years ago, following a 23-year career as a magazine publisher,first in the tourism industry and lat-er with regional lifestyle magazinesfor luxury brands like Chanel and

Bulgari, Gail decided toretireand volunteer onBristol Tower’s Board ofDirectors.She felt herbuilding was losing itsluster, so rather than sitback and complain, shedecided to do somethingabout it. She is proud tosay that the building isnow back and restoredto its former glory.

“I’m very fond ofthe Brickell area andconsider it the ParkAvenue of Florida, sonaturally, I want ourbuilding to shine andthe street to live up to its potential,”she said.

One person who was instrumen-tal in helping her accomplish hergoals at Bristol Tower was herneighbor Claudia Bruce, formerBHA president and neighborhood

advocate, who she credits with help-ing her quickly and swiftly resolvemany of the issues she faced. BHA’sGeneral Counsel Mel Frankelapproached her about gettinginvolved with BHA. She now servesas secretary, an ideal post for her

Getting to Know BHA Officers by Josie Gulliksen

Steve and Gail Feldman in their Bristol Tower apartment.

SUMMER 2010 13

since she studied radio and televi-sion prior to entering the publishingworld. She is comfortable serving onBHA’s Executive Committee tack-ling and resolving issues.

When she’s not busy working onthe two boards, she enjoys spendingtime with her grandchildren. Sheraised three children – two boys anda girl – while working in publishingand says she enjoyed her dual careerof publishing and motherhood.She’s grandmother to five kids, a setof twins and a set of triplets. Oneson works in development with hisfather and spent time volunteeringin Haiti following the devastatingearthquake.

Gail also makes time for somehobbies, particularly tennis andyoga. There’s no other place she’drather live and play than Brickell.

“It’s a great location, very cen-tralized. Everything we need is near-by and it’s nice that we’ve seen itgrow with retail and restaurants,”she said. •

Treasurer Eddy del Rio

For years Eduardo “Eddy” delRio had been receiving theBHA News at his home in

Brickell Townhouse, where he’sbeen a resident for nine years andwhere long-time BHA Board mem-ber and neighborhood advocateMac Seligman also resides.

He first volunteered in 2008 tohelp BHA with the Voter Registra-tion drive in conjunction withDowntown Miami Partnership. Thegoal was to increase the number ofregistered voters in the Brickell area,especially with so many new resi-dents moving into the Brickell andDowntown neighborhoods. Afterthat, Eddy's regular attendance atCity of Miami events on behalf ofthe BHA had a positive impact onBrickell residents.

Eddy said his involvement fueled

an interest inbecoming partof the BHAboard and tak-ing on more of aleadership role.With his finan-cial background,he was a naturalchoice to takeover as Treasur-er when ErnestoCuesta becamepresident in ear-ly 2010. Astreasurer, hesaid, “My goalsare to keepthings running as smoothly asErnesto did and get more condosinvolved in our organization to cre-ate a tighter-knit community.” Healso hopes to entice his fellow offi-cers in hosting community eventsand fundraisers to create awarenessof the benefits of BHA, and perhapsimplement a monthly property man-ager’s breakfast meeting hosted by alocal business.

Eddy’s roots in Brickell dateback to his childhood. Born andraised in Miami, a ChristopherColumbus High School graduate,and growing up in the nearby CoralGate neighborhood, he was a regu-lar visitor to Brickell Townhousewhere his grandparents lived. Herecalls those days with fond memo-ries.

“My grandparents lived inBrickell from the 1980s to 1998 so Ifeel like I was raised in the Brickellarea,” he said. “I spent a lot of timeat the building with them, enjoyingthe pool, so consequently, I feel astrong emotional attachment to thebuilding.”

Now living on Brickell with hiswife Rebecca, his ties to Brickellhave come full circle, especially nowthat they are expecting their firstchild, a boy, in September.

“Now that I’m going to be afather, it feels even more like homehere. I know it’s safe and I can walkaround and enjoy the scenery,” hesaid. “It’s comfortable to be able towalk anywhere, and we appreciatethe growing sense of community somany people are creating. I evenlove walking and visiting arearestaurants and hotels and enjoyingwhat they offer residents.”

Eddy’s 9-to-5 life for the past 15years has been in the financialindustry where he makes a livingworking at FT Trade Financial help-ing clients with financial planning,money management and cash flow.He helps businesses with their day-to-day needs and works on groupbenefits for condominium associa-tions as well.

When he’s not busy working – athis profession or in the community –he enjoys golf and running. He sayshe strives to one day be as fast as hispredecessor Ernesto, whose fast fin-ishing times have placed him tops atmost of the races he enters. For thetime being though, he plans to keeprunning his personal, professionaland volunteer life with all the samepassion and enthusiasm. •

Eddy del Rio in front of his Brickell Townhouse home.


DDA shares vision for a pedes-trian-friendly, inviting South Mia-mi Avenue streetscape

In June representatives from Downtown Develop-ment Authority presented neighbors with impres-sive ideas for streetscape improvements along SouthMiami Avenue around Mary Brickell Village. Thegoal is to give priority to pedestrians, bikers andpublic transportation in the “Brickell Village Cen-ter.” The concept plans include renovating SouthMiami Avenue with improved walkways and side-walks, street trees for shading, lighting, benches,trash receptacles and landscaping. Easier connectivi-ty from the two sides of the street and with otherstreets in the area is also an identified need.

Charles Tavares participated in the DDA’s stake-holder meeting and reported that he was impressedwith this positive step to improve the Brickell area.Unfortunately, funding has not yet been securedfrom the City or County to make the vision a reali-ty. BHA will continue to monitor the plan’s progressand provide any input sought. •

Strategies for collecting delinquent fees gets boostwith new Florida law

When BHA Board membersmet in May, they dis-cussed a financial issue of

concern for a number of condoassociations: collection of mainte-nance fees. This was on the eve,however, of the enactment of a newFlorida law that gives associations amuch more powerful means for col-lecting from renters in units ownedby people behind in their fees.

Effective July 1, 2010, the “Dis-tressed Condominium Relief Act”gives condo associations the right todemand renters in units delinquentin their maintenance fees to pay rentdirectly to the association ratherthan to the owners of the unit.

Some renters will be caught offguard, having enjoyed the poshamenities of their new digs unawarethat their owners hadn’t been pay-ing their fair share for those privi-

leges to the association. They willhave to give the association themonthly funds to cover mainte-nance. Legal specialists have said thelaw isn’t clear whether the renter isresponsible for the fee just goingforward from July 1, or catching upon unpaid months as well.

Condo representatives alsoshared some of their other creativemethods for collecting fees. (Thesemethods have not been evaluatedfor legal considerations, and are notnecessarily sanctioned by the pro-gram’s discussion leaders from Kane& Co.). These ideas included updat-ing key fobs to necessitate an officevisit by the renter giving manage-ment an opportunity to advise themof the delinquency and/or limit theiraccess to amenities; not allowingnew rentals until owners are cur-rent; and foreclosing on delinquent

units as quickly as possible.Another topic of discussion

focused on associations’ internalcontrols. Monte Kane and JeffDucker of Kane & Company sharedthe “fraud triangle,” which is a sim-ple but powerful schema for evalu-ating fraud risk, whether it’s for acondo association, business or othertype of organization. Evaluatingeach of the three components canhelp associations evaluate and avoidrisk •

Courtesy Kane & Company, P.A.

SUMMER 2010 15

BHA applauds NET Administra-tor Liza Walton and the NET

office for their response to those

who illegally blow lawn and trashdebris to the streets. The letterbelow in response to numerous

complaints was sent to all propertyowners and building managers inJune. •

22 June 2010

Brickell Property ManagerBrickell AvenueMiami, FL 33129

RE: Landscaping on Brickell

Dear Property Managers:

The City of Miami NET office has received numerous complaints from residents regarding thelitter, grass and leaves that are being blown onto the street by landscapers on Brickell Avenue.Although blowers are timesaving and handy in keeping a particular property clean; they areoften misused. The blowing of debris onto the street makes our historic Brickell Avenue lookunkempt. In addition, it is unpleasant for families and pedestrians trying enjoy the sidewalksof the Avenue, as passing cars often displace the litter and clippings back onto the sidewalk. .

The City of Miami Ordinance number 10128 generally states that property owners shall beresponsible for keeping the sidewalk and other public rights-of-way clear of all trash and litter,and shall maintain their property in a clean, mowed, cut and litter-free manner, including side-walks, grass strips, swale area or rights-of-way up to the edge of the pavement of any publicstreet. Sweepings shall be picked up and NOT swept (or blown) in the gutter. Any person violat-ing this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a civil infraction, and may be fined up to $500.

The City of Miami is notifying all Brickell property managers to please work with their landscap-ing companies to make sure that debris is not being blown onto the public right of way. CodeEnforcement is going to begin strict enforcement of this ordinance—which results in a citationof the property being mailed to the President of the Condominium Association.

Please post this letter and educate your landscaping company of this ordinance. Feel free tocontact me should you have any questions, or if you would like to set up a time for me topresent this information to your board.

Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to working with you in creating a cleaner andmore pleasant Brickell environment.

Sincerely,

Liza Gallardo WaltonAdministrator, Coconut Grove and BrickellCity of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET)

Attachment

CC: William Ortiz, Supervisor Code Enforcement SouthJeffery Giordano, Brickell Area NRO, Miami Police Department

Miami cracking down on landscape blowers who pollute our streets

PHARMACIES

Mortar and Pestle, The BoutiquePharmacy The Shops at Mary Brickell Village901 S. Miami Avenue, #143Miami, FL 33130305-373-9100Gift shop and apothecary with compli-mentary delivery to home or office. Outof state and international prescriptionsaccepted, all major insurances accepted.

Walgreens200 SW 13 Street305-854-6340 Miami, FL 33130Open 24 hours, pharmacy drive-thru,online orderingwww.walgreens.com

DRY CLEANING

BK Cleaners120 SW 13 StreetMiami, FL 33130305-854-3035Open M-F 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 8a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Delivery and pick up available

Eco-Lav1451 S. Miami Avenue, Ste. EMiami, FL 33130305-381-4446Open M-F 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.to 6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.ecolav.net • Free pick-up anddeliveryA green dry cleaning experience offer-ing degradable bags and hangers and aclean-room designed plant to minimizedust and other particles

Mario’s Dry Cleaning & LaundryBrickell Key • 645 Brickell Key DriveMiami, FL 33131305-374-5211M-F 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to5 p.m.; Closed SundaysPick up and delivery available

Oxxo Care Cleaners The Shops at Mary Brickell Village901 S. Miami Avenue, #145Miami, FL 33130www.oxxousa.com • 305-350-7997Pick-up and delivery. A 24 hour, 7-days-per-week operation

GROCERY STORES

Publix The Shops at Mary Brickell Village901 S. Miami Avenue • Miami, FL 33130305-358-1574

134 SW 13 Street • Miami, FL 33130305-860-2280

Miami River Location: 311 SW 7 StreetMiami, FL 33130 • 305-860-9477


In the Neighborhood...Everyday Services Close to Home

FITNESS CENTERS & SPAS

Beauty Full Day Spa The Shops at Mary Brickell Village901 S. Miami AvenueMiami, FL 33130305-377-1330Professional nail salon for manicuresand pedicures

LA Fitness Signature Club The Shops at Mary Brickell Village901 S. Miami AvenueMiami, FL 33130786-718-1750M-Th 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. 5 a.m. to 10p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.www.lafitness.comAmenities and classes including aerobics,belly dancing, cardio, step, yoga andcycling.

Spa at Conrad Miami1395 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-503-6533www.conradhotels1.hilton.com10 treatment rooms and personalizedtherapies for skin and body. Choosefrom a variety of massages, facials andinnovative skin treatments.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental500 Brickell Key DriveMiami, FL 33131305-913-8332www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/spaMiami’s only five-star spa features 17rooms where a variety of Orientalthemed treatments are available.

The Sports Club/LAAt the Four Seasons Hotel & Tower1441 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-533-1199M-Th 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri 5 a.m. to 10p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.www.mpsportsclub.com/clubs/miamiOffers personalized five-star service withgroup exercise and mind/body pro-grams, yoga and pilates studios, cardio-vascular and weight training options.100 weekly classes. (See ad on back cov-er with summer offer.)

Viceroy Spa Miami485 Brickell Avenue305-503-0369Miami, FL 33131www.viceroymiami.com/spaTen spa treatment rooms, heat andwater therapy circuits, sauna and steamrooms, wellness classes.

SALONS

Baccara SalonBrickell Harbour Building200 SW 15 RoadMiami, FL 33129305-860-5800Specializing in manicures, pedicures,haircuts and coloring, styling. Conve-niently located on the ground level ofthe Brickell Harbour Condo; convenientparking.

Boca Tanning Salon1390 Brickell Avenue • Miami, FL 33131305-381-7826Miami, FL 33131Sun. & Mon. 8 a.m. to midnight; Tues.-Sat. Open 24 hourswww.bocatanningclub.com/brickellLaydown beds in varying degrees forlight or deep tanning as well as a spraytanning booth.

SUMMER 2010 17


Tony Chan’s Water Club is the upscale Downtown

Chinese favorite with romantic waterfront views

where delicious Peking duck and other dishes are

as fresh as home cooking. n Watch chefs through

the kitchen’s floor-to-ceiling windows or at the sushi

bar. Full-service bar, extensive wine list.

Located in the Grand DoubleTree Hotel1717 North Bayshore Drive • Miami 33132

www.tonychans.com • 305.374.8888

“The Best Chinese this side ofShanghai”

This directory was compiled from research conducted on foot and online. We apologize for any errors or omissions. Please advise the editor of any changes or corrections via email at [email protected].


Carol Ann’s Beauty SalonInside Four Ambassadors825 Brickell Bay DriveMiami, FL 33131305-358-7909Specializing in inexpensivemanicures/pedicures, haircuts, stylingand updos

EuroFlair SalonBrickell Key 601 Brickell Key DriveMiami, FL 33131305-577-0939Services include haircuts, nail services,manicures, pedicures and waxing

Jean-Claude Biguine777 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 107Miami, FL 33131305-372-80031200 Brickell Bay DriveMiami, FL 33131786-866-2798www.biguine.comSpecializing in styling, cutting and color-ing, specialty line of personalized hairproducts available

Patrice Bourgier Coiffure Salon64 SW 10 StreetMiami, FL 33130305-374-4247Specializing in hair, skin, nail and bodytreatments

Rik Rak SalonInside Four Seasons Hotel1435 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-381-3981www.rikrak.comSpecializing in hair, nail and skin careand offering specific high-end productsfor each

Roberto Giordano Salon & Spa1061 SE 1 AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-400-6663www.robertogiordano.usSpecializing in nail, skin and haircare,waxing, body treatments, massages andteeth whitening

Spa & Nail Fever The Shops at Mary Brickell Village900 S. Miami Avenue, Ste. 232Miami, FL 33130305-379-4949Manicures, pedicures, waxing, facialsand reflexology offered

Toni & Guy HairdressingThe Shops at Mary Brickell Village900 S. Miami AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-349-4969www.toniandguy.comSpecializing in all types of hair andlengths as well as non-traditional, avantgarde cuts

Trini in Private941 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131786-220-7796www.triniinprivate.comFrench hair salon and spa with innova-tive trend bar where customized sham-poo is tailor-made for each customer

Uni K. WaxThe Shops at Mary Brickell Village900 S. Miami AvenueMiami, FL 33130305-329-3155www.unikwax.comBody and facial waxing for men andwomen with specialty all-inclusive pack-ages available

LIQUOR STORES

Aficionado’s Cigars & LiquorLocated inside The Club at Brickell BayCondo building.1200 Brickell Bay Drive, Ste. 105Miami, FL 33131M–W 12 to 10 p.m.; Thurs.–Sat. 12 p.m.to 1 a.m.; Sun. 12 a.m. to 8 p.m.786-427-6165Wine tastings every other Thursday,home and boat delivery

Gato Tuerto476 SW 8 StreetMiami, FL 33130M-Thurs., Sun. 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Fri. andSat. 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.305-854-8576Delivery available

PET CARE(786) 999-4172www.furrypaws.comA full service dog walk-ing and pet sitting com-pany, specializing in thehealth, fitness and socialization of your pet

BANKSBanco Santander1401 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 200Miami, FL 33131305-539-5900www.pb-santander.comPrivate banking

Bank Atlantic1101 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-755-9997www.bankatlantic.comPersonal and business banking

Bank of America701 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-347-5007www.bankofamerica.comPersonal, small business, corporate andinstitutional banking

BB&T (took over Colonial Bank)1200 Brickell Avenue, 10th FloorMiami, FL 33131305-523-3400

501 Brickell Key Drive, Ste. 100Miami, FL 33131305-374-1100www.bbt.comPersonal and business banking

Eastern National Bank799 Brickell Plaza, Ste. 802Miami, FL 33131305-995-5800www.enbfl.comPersonal and business banking

Helm Bank USA999 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 100Miami,FL 33131305-379-3456www.helmbankusa.comFull-service commercial bank

Everyday Services Directory continued

SUMMER 2010 19

HSBC Bank USAInside Four Seasons Hotel1441 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-539-4936www.us.hsbc.comPersonal and private banking

International Finance Bank801 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 2400Miami, FL 33131305-648-8800www.intlfinancebank.comPersonal, business, international privateand corporate banking

Northern Trust700 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-372-1000www.northerntrust.comPersonal and institutional banking

Ocean Bank1000 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 1200Miami, FL 33131305-381-8555www.oceanbank.comPersonal and commercial banking

Pacific National Bank1390 Brickell Avenue, Ste 500Miami, FL 33131305-539-7500www.pnb.comPersonal and corporate banking

Regions BankThe Shops at Mary Brickell Village901 S. Miami Avenue, Ste. 210Miami, FL 33131305-536-1558www.regions.comPersonal, small business and commercialbanking

Sabadell United Bank (formerly Mellon Bank)1399 SW 1 AvenueMiami, FL 33130305-371-3571www.sabadellunited.comPersonal, financial, international andcommercial banking

SunTrust Bank777 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33131405-577-5244www.suntrust.comPersonal, business, corporate and insti-tutional banking

Totalbank1395 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-789-3900www.totalbank.comPersonal, business and internationalbanking

US Century Bank848 Brickell Avenue, Ste. 100Miami, FL 33131305-403-7455www.uscentury.comPersonal, business, international andglobal banking

Union Credit Bank1150 South Miami Ave.Miami, FL 33130305-398-9000www.ucbmiami.comPersonal, small business, commercial andinstitutional banking

Wachovia1395 Brickell AvenueMiami, FL 33131305-789-3900www.wachovia.comPersonal, small business, corporate andinstitutional banking

The City of Miami NET office is gen-erally residents’ first line of contactin resolving neighborhood concerns.

The NET office will contact theappropriate City department on yourbehalf, if it is a City of Miami mat-

ter, or direct you to the rightresource to resolve your issue.

Coral Way NET & Downtown NETAdministrator Liza Walton

(305) [email protected]

City of Miami PoliceResource Officer Jeff Giordano


Resource Officer Ariel Saud(305) 491-2645

[email protected] Ethyl Jones

[email protected]

City of Miami CommissionerDistrict 2: Marc Sarnoff


Miami-Dade County CommissionerDistrict 7: Carlos A. Gimenez


Miami-Dade County CommissionerDistrict 5: Bruno Barreiro


Miami-Dade Public Schools Board-Dist. 3: Dr. Martin Karp


Florida SenateDist. 39: Sen. Larcenia J. BullardTallahassee (850) 487-5127

Miami (305) [email protected]

Dist. 35: Senator Dan GelberTallahassee (850) 487-5121

Miami (305) [email protected]

Florida House of Representatives Dist. 107: Rep. Luis Garcia, Jr.Tallahassee (850) 488-9930

Miami (305) [email protected]. House of Representatives

Dist. 18: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-LehtinenD.C. (202) 225-3931Miami (305) 688-2285

U.S. SenateSenator Bill NelsonD.C. (202) 224-5274

Coral Gables (305) 536-5999

Senator George LeMieux D.C. (202) 224-3041Miami: (305) 418-8553

I MPOR TAN T COMMUN I T Y CON TAC T S

BRICKELL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION • P.O. BOX 45-2403 • MIAMI, FL 33245-2403

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age at time of entry. Not applicable inRhode Island. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes begins on July 9, 2010 at12:00 am EST and ends on September 3, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. Additional Restrictionsapply. Visit our Facebook page for the Official Rules.

The Finest Sports and Fitness Complex in the World

Visit The Sports Club/LA on Facebookand sign up for the

Sometimes the right friend can change everything.

Here’s what you’ll get when you visit the Summer of Health 2010 on Facebook:� Live webcasts with our panel of experts – where you can get answers to your health and fitness questions each week.

� Invitations to weekly events: from outdoor Yoga and Zumba, to Running Clubs, and Stroller Strides.

� Daily access to Fitness, Yoga, Nutrition and Beauty experts.

� E-mails each week chalk full of tips, advice, related articles, and videos.

� Guest Passes to our Club so you can experience in person all that we have to offer.

� And best of all, the chance to win a 1-year Membership.*

If you are not on Facebook we can still be friends…visit www.thesportsclubla.com.

New York • Boston • San Francisco • Washington, DC • Los AngelesFour Seasons Tower, 1441 Brickell Avenue, Miami

800.310.6474

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