BHA members showed up in force for a morning of major announcements and meaningful progress for our neighborhood.
BHA’s latest Breakfast Briefing brought a standing room crowd to DUA Miami. The size of the audience was matched by the significance of the announcements. From major funding for Brickell’s waterfront and public parks to new traffic, safety, and enforcement initiatives, the morning delivered important developments for our neighborhood.
Residents, community leaders, and business members heard directly from Miami Dade County Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez, City of Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo, and City of Miami Commissioner and Miami Downtown Development Authority Chairman Ralph Rosado.
Here are the major announcements and what they mean for Brickell.
A major investment in Brickell’s waterfront and public spaces
Commissioner Rosado opened with news received only hours earlier. The Miami Downtown Development Authority had secured more than $1 million through the Florida Inland Navigation District grant program for the Baywalk near Pérez Art Museum Miami, connecting toward the former Miami Herald site.
“The DDA led the charge with the City in putting that together,” Commissioner Rosado said. “We think it’s possibly our biggest grant yet.”
He also reported that funding has been secured for five parks in Greater Downtown, including four in Brickell: Brickell Park, Miami Circle, Fort Dallas Park, and Brickell Flatiron Park.
Additional updates included a new Traffic Control Unit deploying police officers and public service aides at some of the neighborhood’s most difficult intersections during rush hour, including the Brickell Avenue Bridge. The DDA is also supporting cleanup efforts along the bay.
Getting the Brickell Avenue Bridge traffic program right
Commissioner Pardo discussed the City’s “white glove” traffic management program on the Brickell Avenue Bridge. The initiative is being coordinated with the City of Miami Police Department before potentially expanding to other parts of Miami.
“We want to make sure we get it right,” Commissioner Pardo said.
Residents also raised concerns about illegal short term rentals and the need for stronger enforcement. A resident and former chair of the City’s Code Enforcement Board described years of enforcement challenges and discussed an earlier request for a dedicated task force.
Commissioner Pardo invited the resident to participate in a publicly noticed meeting with Commissioner Escalona, City staff, and community members to help identify a path forward.
“It’s safe, but it’s not ready”
Commissioner Pardo also shared his concerns about the proposed $450 million general obligation bond.
While agreeing that Miami’s fire stations and police facilities require investment, he questioned whether the proposal had received sufficient financial review. He noted that the bond could add an estimated $120 to $130 annually to property tax bills, had not been reviewed by the City’s Finance and Audit Committee, and might overlook opportunities for public private partnerships.
He also raised concerns that the proposed oversight committee would not begin its work until after the bond had been issued.
“Yes, it’s safe,” Commissioner Pardo said, “but it’s not ready.”
County and City leaders working together for Brickell
Commissioner Lopez, a Brickell resident for 11 years, addressed a common question about responsibility for cleaning Biscayne Bay.
She explained that Miami Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management oversees environmental compliance but does not conduct routine shoreline cleanups. Protecting the bay therefore requires cooperation among government agencies, community organizations, residents, and businesses.
Commissioner Lopez thanked everyone who participated in the International Coastal Cleanup and emphasized the importance of coordination among County and City officials.
“Your commissioners are not working in a vacuum,” she said. “We’re working together.”
Construction safety following the Brickell Bay Drive incident
Commissioner Lopez also addressed the recent construction rig collapse near Jade on Brickell Bay.
According to the update shared during the briefing, the rig lost its balance while being moved following heavy rain. Although no one was seriously injured, the site was red tagged, OSHA responded, and work could not resume until the County approved an appropriate safety plan. That plan was expected to include a street closure during similar operations.
“Why does it have to happen before you demand safety plans from developers?” Commissioner Lopez asked.
She said she is considering legislation that would require such plans before comparable operations take place.
During the question and answer period, residents also raised concerns about 30 day condominium rentals involving occupants who may not undergo background checks. Commissioner Lopez encouraged condominium boards to take a more active role and said she would bring the issue to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
She also urged BHA to establish a strong relationship with the next state representative for District 113 so Brickell’s priorities remain represented in Tallahassee.
Referendum 3: BHA urges a NO vote on the Virginia Key marina proposal
BHA leadership urged residents to vote NO on Referendum 3 concerning the Virginia Key marina.
After meeting separately with the current operator and proposed developer, BHA concluded that the proposal does not provide a fair deal for Miami taxpayers.
“This deal on the table is not a good deal,” BHA leadership told attendees, calling on the City to begin a new, competitive procurement process.
BHA also invited current marina operator Aabad Melwani to address residents directly and share his perspective. We thank him for participating in the community discussion.
The proposal concerns approximately 27.6 acres of City owned waterfront. It includes an initial 45 year lease and renewal options that could extend the agreement to 75 years.
Read BHA leadership’s full position on the Virginia Key marina referendum.
Celebrating the legacy of Mary Brickell
The morning concluded with a look at the history behind the neighborhood we call home.
While introducing the Mary Brickell Foundation, a speaker reflected on the speed of development and the importance of protecting Miami’s historic identity.
“Pieces of the sky are disappearing,” the speaker said, pointing to preservation victories involving the Miami Marine Stadium and Olympia Theater as reminders that history helps keep Miamians connected to their city.
“Brickell is Brickell because of you.”
Historian and author Cesar Becerra, president of the Mary Brickell Foundation, discussed the life and legacy of Mary Brickell. Mary and William Brickell settled in the area in 1871. Becerra described Mary Brickell’s role in establishing an early trading post, business, banking, and real estate in the growing community.
“This is a very bright, shiny city,” Becerra said, “but we have a really interesting history.”
To commemorate the 105th anniversary of Mary Brickell’s passing, the Foundation plans to hold a 37 day celebration beginning January 13 and continuing through her birthday on February 20. Approximately one quarter of the planned events are expected to take place in Brickell. A complete calendar will be announced soon.
We thank Cesar Becerra, Executive Director Kate Gaucher, Elena, and the Mary Brickell Foundation team for joining us.
Thank you to our supporters
BHA’s Breakfast Briefing was made possible through the generous support of Mueller & Associates and CBT Builders.
We extend our thanks to Helmut Mueller and Josh Alvarez for their continued commitment to bringing the Brickell community together.
Two ways to make your voice heard
Help shape BHA’s new website
A new BHA website is on the way, and we want it to reflect what Brickell residents need most.
Share your ideas for the new BHA website.
Take the Community Sentiment Questionnaire
The City of Miami Police Department has asked BHA to help connect residents with its Community Sentiment Questionnaire.
Complete the Community Sentiment Questionnaire.
Brickell’s voice is strongest when we participate
For more than three decades, the Brickell Homeowners Association has worked to represent residents and strengthen the neighborhood we share.
Mornings like this demonstrate why that work matters. They give residents direct access to decision makers, create space for meaningful questions, and help ensure that Brickell’s priorities are heard.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the next BHA Breakfast Briefing.
