Miami Beach approves redevelopment plan for 1250 West Avenue; developer to buy Bikini Hostel, fund BayWalk work and tenant aid

The Miami Beach City Commission on June 27 approved a package of land-use changes and a development agreement that clears the way for redevelopment at 1250 West Avenue, including a developer-funded purchase and demolition of the Bikini Hostel and conditions tying temporary and permanent certificates of occupancy to BayWalk construction and other public benefits.

The approvals include second-reading Land Development Regulation and comprehensive-plan amendments and a development agreement that require the developer to acquire the hostel property, relocate its residents outside the city, demolish the structure and provide public benefits that the commission and administration said are intended to address public-safety and neighborhood impacts.

Why it matters: The site is an active flashpoint in Sunset Harbor and West Avenue neighborhoods; residents and business owners told the commission the hostel and nearby activity have harmed safety, property values and commerce. The redevelopment resolves a long-vacant, blighted parcel but will also terminate an existing condominium association at 1250 West (Bay Garden Manor) and requires buyouts or state-sanctioned termination of remaining unit owners.

Key details and conditions - Purchase and relocation: The development agreement requires the purchaser to buy the Bikini Hostel parcel and relocate the people living there outside the city…