ocean drive improvements on the way

The City Commission voted to accept a conceptual 10 Point Proposal put forth by Commissioner Ricky Arriola that prioritizes the recommendations of the Ocean Drive Task Force “to reinvigorate the area and make it a safer, more welcoming environment.” While the additional police officers and enhanced lighting recommendations have already been approved, other highlights include: Moving tables and umbrellas to the west part of the sidewalk next to buildings to ensure a more open pathway, removing the “gauntlet” that currently exists; mitigation of noise from speakers; increased penalties for “hawking” or “aggressive solicitation” by bar and restaurant personnel; a ban on street vendors and promoters; and establishment of a Business Improvement District to raise funds to pay for items such as additional security and sanitation personnel, an executive director to ensure businesses comply with City Code, and marketing.
 
The Mayor and Commissioners stressed that items in the plan will need to be fleshed out and come back to the Commission and public for comment. Among the items that need refinement is the recommendation to prohibit new “chain” retail from Ocean Drive with the definition of what constitutes a “chain” still a work in progress. (Current businesses would be grandfathered in.) The Mayor’s proposal to roll back hours for serving alcohol from 5 am to 2 am did not receive Commission support earlier in the summer but was placed on the November ballot as a straw poll (nonbinding). As a result of the passage of the 10 Point Proposal those results will not count. (The poll will still appear on the ballot as it is too late to remove it.)