Committee endorses pilot use of vacant city retail for short‑term art/photography pop‑ups; Anchor Shops lease advances

The committee approved a two‑part approach to activate long‑vacant retail on city property. First, it asked administration to implement a short‑term vacant‑space utilization program for art, photography and nonprofit activations on city‑owned ground‑floor retail (monthly or shorter pop‑up terms were discussed). Staff said the spaces are built out and could be available quickly under short‑term agreements subject to standard insurance and hold‑harmless terms. The committee asked that the program prioritize artists, cultural nonprofits and flexible short residencies and return with draft temporary‑use agreements and operating rules.

Second, the committee approved forwarding to the Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA) a proposed lease with Vita Brothers LLC (Shaving District) for approximately 1,590–1,750 square feet in the Anchor Shops and Garage area at 116th Street. Staff said the tenant will pay market rent and perform the buildout; the city will reconfigure the large space into the smaller leased footprint. The proposed tenant pledged discounted services for seniors and some workforce‑training interactions with high school students. The committee voted to recommend the lease terms to the RDA.

Ending: Commissioners said short‑term activation can make retail more marketable and reduce visible vacancy while staff pursues longer‑term leases; staff will prepare temporary agreements and return with RDA lease documentation for final approval.