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Historic Preservation Board approves Flamingo Park 'Slow Streets 2' with compromise on bollards and protections
Summary
After lengthy debate and dozens of public commenters, the Historic Preservation Board approved the Slow Streets 2 design for Jefferson Avenue and 13th Street, limiting taller vertical bollards to bike-lane entry/exit points and allowing lower-profile devices (e.g., Zikla 'armadillos') at curb extensions.
The Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board on Dec. 16 approved the Flamingo Park "Slow Streets 2" project (Jefferson Avenue and 13th Street) after extended presentations, technical Q&A and vigorous public comment.
Transportation Director Jose Gonzalez and staff described the project as an evolution of an earlier pandemic pilot, intended to create safer, low-stress streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. Key elements include a parking-protected two-way cycle track on Jefferson Avenue from 6th to 11th Street, painted curb extensions and traffic-calming cushions on 13th Street, and devices to prevent vehicle intrusion into bike facilities.
A focal point of the hearing was the protective device proposed along bulb-outs and curb extensions: staff presented the K71 bollard (white, 8-foot spacing) as the preferred, highly visible vertical device; opponents called the proposed density (staff showed plan counts that totalled roughly 521 bollards along the corridor) excessive for a residential historic district.
Resident and board member concerns were raised repeatedly. Board member Mitch objected to the visual clutter and the number of bollards, calling the plan "excessive" and urging renderings or field tests. Public commenters split: some residents and transit experts urged swift implementation for safety, while others called the design intrusive and requested alternatives.
Staff clarified that federal guidance requires a vertical protective element at certain bike-lane entry/exit points and driveway crossings; they also said K71 is a chosen device but not mandatory. Designers and consultants explained tradeoffs: large bollards are more visible and durable, while armadillos (lower-profile, bolted devices) are less visually intrusive but may need more frequent replacement in heavy-impact locations.
The board coalesced around a compromise motion that passed: higher vertical bollards only at bike-lane entry/exit points and driveway crossings where a physical vertical deterrent is necessary, and lower-profile devices (e.g., Zikla armadillos or similar ≤10 inches) on curb extensions and bulb-outs. Transportation staff agreed to test alternatives and return with field demonstrations or renderings as follow-up as needed. The board also approved the paint color and maintenance expectations for the painted curb extensions.
The board's motion balances immediate safety needs — enabling the city to declare bike lanes "open" once required protections are in place — with sensitivity to the Flamingo Park historic district's appearance. Staff emphasized ongoing maintenance and budgeting for repainting and device replacement as part of implementation.
Next steps include installation of the approved interim devices, continued outreach with neighborhood stakeholders, and a possible field pilot to compare device performance and aesthetics before permanent construction.
